Happy New Year!!!!!

I hope all of you are out there having a good time with friends and family bringing in the new year.
I know my family and I will be havin' some fun.
We are having a party at my friend Monica's house. (if you live in the area, you are welcome to come)
We are ditchin' the kids after a while and my oldest gets to babysit.
I love having a teenager!!!!
Be safe out there on the road if you are travelin'.
I hope you have fun too!

Tasty Tuesday: Homemade Oreo's with Chocolate filling

Okay, I realize that I skipped last week... but come on.... It was Christmas.

Homemade Oreo Cookies with Chocolate Filling

Cookie:
2 boxes Duncan Hines Devils Food Cake mix ( yes, it must be Duncan Hines)
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil


Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
Scoop cookie dough into 1 inch to 1 and 1/2 inch balls. ( I use my Pampered Chef Small scoop, it is perfect)
Bake cookies 350 degrees for 10 minutes.


Filling/frosting:
1 bar cream cheese softened
1 cube butter softened
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups or one box of Powered sugar
4 tbsp Coco powder (I like Hershey's the best)
Mix all ingredients until smooth.

Take one cookie and slather enough filling/frosting to taste top with another cookie.

These are a chocolate lovers dream.
Enjoy.
Sorry, I know the picture is not great. I didn't notice it until after they were all gone. Now I have to make some more.
So sad for me.

Crazy day to me, probably boring to you.

Wow, Emma slept all night!!!!
I stayed up late reading the 3rd Twilight book. Eclipse. Way better the second time!
8:05am....I wake up to the dumb old dog barking at the front door.
Jeff is gone to work...so I am Totally freakin' out!!!!
I peeked through the window and I see Jeff... what the heck!?
He said they work offered him a vacation day.YAY for me!!!!
Jeff and I went straight back to bed. I was stressed over some stuff so it took me a while to get back to sleep.
9:12am...Just as I drifted off....my mom called.
She said they weren't sure if they were going to come for another visit. What the heck!!!?
She is gonna call me back.
10:30am rolls around, I am still in bed with Jeff just watching TV with Emma, and my mom calls again.... they are coming. Yay for me!
Dad has to be up here for work, so mom is gonna tag along. We decide to meet in Reno, we needed food anyway.
It was fun.
Got home and unloaded the van around 7:30pm and decided it would be fun to watch Momma Mia on our monster TV. 37inches!!!!!
Okay, Not going back to the small one (27inch) ever again....maybe in my room.
And I am not watching Momma Mia again unless it is set on sing-a-long. That was so fun.
All of us just singing along.
Mom and Dad are off at the hotel, Jeff is watching a DVR'd movie...way funny. "Beer for My Horses" with Toby Keith....I might just buy it for him for his birthday.
I still have Christmas to take down and a mountain of groceries to put away.
That will wait until tomorrow.
How was your day?
Anthing exciting or was it as boring as mine?

Still Sick and reading twilight again

I hate this.
But I am stubborn and I don't want to go to the doctor, so he can tell me to get plenty of rest, it is just a head cold.
I already know that. But you try and get rest in this house.
My head hurts so bad, I just want to lay down. I do not want to talk on the phone.
My ear is so sensitive right now, that any yelling hurts my ears and makes my head hurt.
So talking on the phone just kills me....I mean, it is right in my ear.
I have some antibiotics I have been taking those, and I do feel better today than I did yesterday. So if you call and I don't answer, it is not you...it is me.
I like email.
Reading does not hurt.... just noise.
And no... the voices in my head don't count.

I have also started reading the twilight books again . I saw the first movie like 4 times, so I kinda skipped that book and started with New Moon. I am sorry to all those die hard Edward fans, but I still like Jacob the best.
I am excited to read the next 2 books again.
If I can, the boys are bored and I might just lose my mind before I can.

After Christmas Blues

Anyone else got it?
I got it bad.
I think it is because this year was so weird.
No family, just us this year.
So weird.
And partly because...I get it now.
My mom used to get so grumpy right before Christmas.
And now I know why....
I worked my tail off to get ready for it.
I cooked, and baked, and cleaned, and shopped, and wrapped, and planned, and cleaned and shopped some more... and all for what......30 minutes (we stretched it out this year) for pure happiness.
Well, now I know why my mom still worked that hard every year.....
It was totally worth it.
I have the best Christmas memories.
All thanks to my Mom, and now my kids will have the same.

I still wish it could have lasted longer.
There was so much on my to do list... now there is nothing but the normal everyday stuff.
And the taking down of Christmas.
Which I never like to do until January 1st.
And I don't wanna!
I don't want to change my blog, I don't want to put away the Christmas music, or put away the Christmas movies, or put away my Christmas decorations.
Why can't Christmas be a little longer?
I know.
Because life goes on.

I am enjoying my Christmas presents.
Jeff is not too happy. Because he only bought one of my presents.
I bought the rest.
I know, I know... but he just isn't very good at it. He almost never gets what I want. And then he gets what he wants to get me and then it is just stuff I have to take back.
He is a good sport...most of the time.
On my Christmas list this year all I wanted was ....
1. New boots (I don't need the really expensive kind. Just so they work and keep my feet warm and dry when I have to walk around in the snow)
2. New Slippers (I have hard would floors)
3. A new nightgown - (thanks Mom)
4. Socks - (yes I like socks)
5. Perfume - nothin' expensive- Shania Twain at WalMart - (Jeff was there when I picked it out)
6. Movie - Momma Mia (thank you Jeff)
7. 1 lbs box of See's Candy - my choice (thanks Mom)
8. A Cricut font - (not that I have much time to play with it)

I do have to give Jeff kudos... he did try to buy me something else as a surprise..but the ding dong (no offense honey) waited until Christmas Eve and they were all out.
But, I got all I wanted for Christmas and Jeff was just happy I was happy.
What did you get for Christmas?
Which is your favorite?

Sick

I am sick.
I didn't even turn on my computer yesterday....I KNOW!
I feel like my head is going to explode.
3 Tylenol doesn't even work.
My ears hurt and my sinus...oh man.
So I will post something interesting tomorrow.

P.S. I hate Christmas Break...it is stupid. Oh and Video games...yuck!

Merry Christmas!!!!

I told myself and Jeff, I wouldn't be back on to post until Friday, but I was checking other stuff.
We had the best time last night at the Jensen's!!!
Thanks Ben and Kim. Dinner was good, dessert was okay.(I made dessert) but we had a lot of fun.
The Kids had an even better time. Played and Played.
We were suppose to watch The Nativity when we got home... but it never happened. After present exchange and Christmas PJ's I was done.
Before we started wrapping we decided to so most of the prep work for Christmas dinner. That took way longer than it was suppose to.
You would think that spending most of the night on Tuesday night, wrapping presents would have been enough.
Nope, Jeff and I were up until 4am.
Yes, 4am.
Emma got up and decided she didn't want to go back to bed. She was little enough, I mean she doesn't even know who Santa is.. so we let her play with some of her toys.
But after 2am she still wouldn't go to bed. We tried wrapping around her, but she just kept getting in the way. She was wanting to help.
The morning was crazy and I hope I got a picture of everyone opening their presents.
No one's Christmas was a great as mine...okay, well maybe yours.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Last Christmas...

Last Christmas I was in Sacramento, having a jolly good time!!!
My mom and Dad's visit was less than 24 hours. It totally sucked.
But there is talk of visiting next week and bringing some siblings and nephews with them. YAY!!!!
That would be cool.
This year, we will be here. A little sad? yes.
We are going to my friend, Kim's house for dinner. That will be fun. We are gonna teach them a card game. Hand and Foot! And the boys will play.
Tonight we do our Christmas PJ's. I was not brave this year and I didn't make any. No thank you. I couldn't even make Emma stocking this year. My attempt was sad.
SOOO much to do. Still. Cleaning is my goal right now.
And if I am sitting here, NO ONE else is cleaning either.
So I must go.
I hope you all have a happy day and a very Merry Christmas!

Or it's just not Christmas!!!

I have to have noise in the back ground or else I can hear myself think...(scary)

I like to listen to these movies while I am doing Christmas things. I often stop and watch. But I usually don't have time to watch them all the way through.

I have quite a few favorite and "Must See, or it's just not Christmas" movies.

Here is my list.

10 Favorite movies and "A must see or it's just not Christmas" are:

(and not in any special order)

"Merry Christmas...God Bless us, everyone"

"I'm dreaming of a White Christmas"

"Every time a bells rings, and angel gets his wings"

" I believe in Santa Claus"

"I believe"

(I just love this one)

"You'll shoot your eye out kid"

" It's Nipply out there"

" I'm not Santa"

"your a mean one, Mr Grinch"

what's your favorite?

Happy Christmas!!!!

The humbug is gone. I took 2 Christmas cookies and went to bed. I feel tons better...
The best thing is my mom coming for a Christmas visit. Well, my Dad too.
It just isn't Christmas with out my Mom.
It made me think about Christmas and what it means for me to feel like Christmas.
here is my list:
My haves:
Christmas music - my CD I make and the family one we all chose our favorite and my brother puts it on a CD anf we all have to try and figure out who picked what.
Christmas sugar cookies the way mom makes it.
Christmas Tree hunting - cutting it down with hot chocolate after.
Progressive Diner with the whole family
Christmas decorations - my santa's and my charlie brown tree
Christmas Star - The homeamde star that matching my ornaments
Christmas lights - lights ont the house, and seeing lights around the neighborhood.
A visit from Santa
Christmas shopping
Christmas deliveries
Christmas cards
I know there is more, but I just looked at the clock andmy parents said they would be here about 4 pm. EEK!!!

But the things I have yet to do:
A hug from my mom - today yay!!!!
Christmas dinner - ham and cheesy potatoes.
Christmas treats - homemade oreo's and pecan sandies

What is one your "it isn't Christmas until we..." list?

I love having 2 blogs. I can say what I want and only my close friends and family can read it.
I have written the change in attitude on my other blog. If you would like to read it, and can't send me an email and I will put you on the list.
I did talk to a friend, who made me feel better this morning, thanks Kim.

Bah, Humbug.

Yep, I caught the Humbug.
No, I really don't want to talk about... but I will.
Just to share the bug.


I am:
Confused and hurt about something - same old same old
Completely irritated at the boys - I hate vacation.
So tired - I can't even tell you.
Homesick - I want to cry.
Stressed - about money ... I heard some news today, about work and what might happen because Jeff is a state employee. Stupid Arnold.
And stressed about getting all my Christmas stuff done. I can see the end of the tunnel....
I just found out the boys all want Star wars guys for Christmas. WHAT THE HECK!
I don't want to take anything back and I don't want to buy anything else. I hope they won't be sad.
Now, I understand why my Mom was so cranky around Christmas.
The only thing cheering me up is my new candle. Cachet candle - White Christmas. (see my friend Danielle's blog)
And the fact that Jeff is home, cranky and willing to yell at the boys and keep them in line.
Anyone else caught the "humbug"?

**edited** We had a blast at the Dodges. We played the Newly Wed Game. Jeff and I were losing for a LONG while, but we kicked butt in the end.
I always leave a party like that thinking..."why did I say that?" or "why can't I be funnier?"
Or "I am such a dork, they won't be asking me back anytime soon."
I am still, hours later, shaking my head..."that was dumb...."
I really hate that.
Jaquelle doesn't blog much...but I wanted to say Thank You... it was so much fun. Thanks for making me play.

Christmas Past

I thought it would be fun, to show some old pictures of Christmas past.

I have already scrapbooked these pictures, so I am posting my scrapbook LO's.

Plus, nothing exciting happened today.

I made cookie dough, the boys made a mess, I made them clean it up.

See, nothing exciting.

Here you go. Scrappbook pages of Christmas past.

Just a bit more SNOW!

Today we woke to it snowing.

My boys walked to the bus stop while it was snowing and blowing on them.

They were not happy about me making them go to school anyway.

Here is a picture from this morning.

The sun has come out since then, but it is still blowing.

Flash Back Friday: Christmas time

This is of me on my very first Christmas.

My Grandma was awesome, I think I have mentioned her before.

She had four sons and then had 3 Grandsons before me.

She was excited for a little grand daughter.

Did you see the size of my head?

(It's empty now, I swear!)
I remember that blanket. I wish I could find the picture that had my first teddy bear in it.

I got it that Christmas. I still have that bear some where too.

I love what old pictures can do. You know your mind can't remember everything. I love that pictures were invented for that very purpose. To remember the past. Even if the past was just minutes or years ago.

Just thought it was cool.

More SNOW ramblings.

We have more snow.
Just a sprinkling.
So here goes my rambling.....
This town is small... but not too small.
I love this town for many reasons...here are a few:
I love that people go and get doughnuts and coffee at 6am and leave their car running in the parking lot.
I love that anytime you are at Wal-Mart, you will see someone you know.
I love that at anytime you wanna know about the weather, all you have to do is ask the cashiers at any store in town. Even though they have spent most of the day inside the store.
It is really funny to me, because they get all their info from the other costumers who heard it at another store.
Rumor after rumor.
Like today, we saw and heard lots of people at Wal-Mart preparing for this next storm that was fast approaching.
This was at 12:30 this afternoon.
I am still waiting... all prepared for the storm....
Not that I want the storm here.
I got my snow.
It can stick around for a while. I don't need it to snow everyday.
We are now being forced into buying snow tires.

I am worried about driving all over this town.... not that I have very many places to go.

I have no shame admitting this. We have to borrow the money from my parents to buy the snow tires. (to be paid fully back on the first) We did not plan on snow tires yet. Never until January is the snow like this. Snow tires..for Christmas....Merry Christmas to me.
Another rumor..... a bad one..... they are thinking it will snow enough for a snow day tomorrow.
Um... yeah.... no!
Please no! I need my one last half day. I earned it.
I planned and made 7 teacher gifts. They have to be given out. I wasted wrapping presents time on those suckers. I could have made a much better dinner tonight, and I could have worked on my cookie dough. Or even my sewing.
See.... there better NOT be a snow day.
I just checked out the window.... it is still snowing.....
Crap....I will keep you posted.

Cold, Busy and my "to do" list.

Jeff was home and grouchy....and I was crazy busy.
Tomorrow is another busy day.
But I will be back on Friday.
I will post pictures then.

I hope all of you are getting through and marking stuff off on your "to do" list.
I got to mark off:
Sew Emma's Christmas stocking - which I hate by the way and want to make a new one.
Take Christmas Card pictures with Jana. (she is Amazing)
Go to Nathan's Christmas Performance at school.
Get warm.
Order Christmas Cards online.
Address Christmas card labels.

I did more, but I won't bore you.
I need to sleep now, so I have energy to mark more stuff off my list tomorrow.
What did you get done today?

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Crumble

Last week at our Relief Society Christmas party, we had this delicious dessert.

It is better than pumkin pie and alot less work.

I don't have a picture... we ate it all too fast before I could get one. But I am making it on Christmas day for dessert so I will take a picture then and put the picture on the post.

Pumpkin Crumble

1 can Libby's Pumkin Pie Mix

1 Box Yellow cake mix

2/3 Carnation Evaporated Milk

2 large egg

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp Cinnamon

1 cube butter

Empty can of pumpkin into mixing bowl.

Add milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon.

Using mixer, mix very well.

Poor into deep 9x13 inch baking dish.

In seperate bowl, pour cake mix.

Melt cube of better. Pour melted butter into cake mix and mix with electric hand mixer until it crumbles.

Spread crumble evenly over top of pumpkin mix.

Bake in a 350 oven for 50 minutes.

Delicious if warm with ice cream.

Really good cold with whipped cream.

Yumm-ey just all by it's self.

Miracle Monday

I had to change it.
After this evening and the events that happened, a had to change it.

I have been praying for weeks, asking the Lord, to let me know who needs help this Christmas.
A true Christmas Miracle happened.
I talked to a lady a few days ago, and she mentioned that she hasn't gotten anything for her kids for Christmas, yet. She was waiting.
In this time and day, businesses are suffering. They have their own business.
Now, I am not sure if they have any money set aside or not for Christmas, I didn't want to pry. But I thought, one gift for each one of her kids is better than nothing.
I had a few things I was gonna take back, and a few things I was gonna save for a birthday present later this year.
NO problem. We don't need more stuff. I spent too much already.
It still wasn't enough for all the kids.
I asked my visiting teaching companion what we could do.
We decided to sent out an email to ask other ladies in our ward if they wanted/could help.
I called her back later and as I told her I sent the email, one of the ladies I emailed, called me.
Her mother sends her $100 every Christmas, and she can only spend it on someone else who needs it. She wants to help.
I know!!!!!!!
We are going shopping on Wednesday.
I am so excited.
The Christmas spirit of generosity and compassion is still out there.
It thrives every year. This year I got lucky enough to feel it and be a part of it.
It feels amazing..... you should try it!

Marvelous Monday

I think Monday is my favorite day of the week.

I know, it should be Sunday. But Sunday's are a lot of work for me. It is no fun!

The boys are back to school, and it is just me and Emma for a while. YAY!!!!

But today is much better.

There is snow, beautiful snow, in my yard...and down my street...all over my town.

I am not sure if it will melt before Christmas, But I am happy it came now. It just needs to stop and clear up before family comes for Christmas.

Here are my pictures.

Down North Weatherlow (going towards Main Street.)
Down North Weatherlow (going towards the school)

Down my street (not a through street)

Front of the house for the corner of North Weatherlow and Arnold Street

(Right in front of my neighbors house)

My Van.

Jeff's Truck

One of my favorite things I love about when it snows like this.....I don't NEED to be anywhere. I spend less money and I use up less gas money.

Plus I get to stay home and do the things around the house that I need to do. And when I am done, I can sit and read a book... that almost never happens. but I can dream.

Late Night Snow photos

If finally started falling last night and slowly fell all night long and all day.

I think we got about 4 to 5 inches!!!

Not enough to call it a snow day tomorrow.

Here are a few late night pictures! (only because it finally stopped snowing and I didn't have to get my camera wet)

The white specks are snow!

My lights are white. Did I mention, I hate my camera?

Jeff's truck!

My van.

The boys are gonna fight over who gets the shovel the snow from the back of the van.

I am thrilled there is snow. It is so pretty and white.

But cold and wet and ...cold. It can be dangerous to drive in.

I know Mom, drive slow, stop early.

I am ....Christmas style!

I found this on someone blog. I changed it a bit.
and I didn't post it yesterday. 4 blog posts in one day....


I am - Santa's Helper.

I want – a new house under my tree!

I hear - "it's okay to be afraid" song on Noggin.

I never – stick to my Christmas budget.

I wonder – what Jeff is getting me for Christmas!

I always – decorate with Santa's.

I search – the perfect Christmas gift for my family.

I am not – in the mood to put up more Christmas lights.

I dance – around the house in my Christmas socks with the boys and Emma!

I sing – Christmas songs in the car...loud and proud!

I wish - had more money for Christmas

I dislike – when people are Scrooge-like and rude.

I rarely – finish my Christmas to do list.

I cry – at sappy Christmas movies.

I am not always – happy with the gift I receive!

I lose - sleep all December.

I fear – the boys will hate what Santa brought.

I'm confused - about fruitcake….

I need – more ornaments for my tree.

I should – be working on Christmas presents.

I dream - of a white Christmas this year.

I have – A wonderful life

I love – Eggnog milk shake from Jack in the Box! Yummy!

I tag – Amy, Aimee, Kasi, Kaci, Ashley, Danielle, Mary B. and Mary C., Franny, Kim, and Melinda!

SNOW!!!!!!

(I know...another post from me...did I mention I talk too much too!)

Some friends of mine came over last night and we were talking about how we wanted it to snow...well some of us anyway... and all it did was blow wind and get cold.

I got woken up this morning with Nathan shouting.... "hey look guys it snowed!!!!"

I got all excited and ran to look out the window.....

Okay, we maybe got 2 inches. which in this town only means that it will melt by lunch.

It is not even enough to make a little snowman..... or snowball.

I have just gotten word that we will be getting more...a lot more.

I am excited, but nervous. Why don't the storms come when Jeff is off work.

I hate having to be the one in charge when the power goes out.

And yes, I am more comfortable driving in the snow than I was before, but I have to go up and down a hill to get to church tomorrow. And my snow tires are not on. We didn't plan to need the tires until January.

Now I am freakin' out.

Here are a few pictures of this morning's snow.

Do I blog too much?

Someone commented on a post that she can't believe I blog so much.
I don't even know what to say. I am in no way offended or hurt by the comment.
I was just wondering.
I usually sit at the computer while I eat my breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I like to post. It is like my release for the day. I hate it when I don't post. Someday I plan to print up my Blog. As a history book of the year. I can't wait.
So I guess, if you all don't mind, I will go on posting everyday.

Believe it or not, I am crazy busy.
I do procrastinate on house work.
It looks great now, because I had some friends over last night to work on projects. Jeff is more paranoid about how the house looks and he cleaned most of it. I figure if you don't want to be my friend because my house is not perfect, then I don't really want you for a friend.

This is me - I am not perfectly tidy. I have ADD and short term memory. It does effect my life and relationships. I have a temper and say things I don't mean. I don't like confrontations and avoid them at all costs.
I am shy. I used to have a really hard time meeting people, but I am getting over that now.
I am very sarcastic. I am hardly ever serious. Sometimes even when you really need to be serious. I can't help it.
I am terrible at conversations. I talk over people, I interrupt them, I studder and I can't never remember words when I need too. you know....what's that word...?
I have a soft heart and I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. "Maybe she is just having a bad day"
My mothering skills need improving.
I am over weight, and really don't want to diet. I want to lose this weight but, have no real desire to exercise. I am sorry, but I like my food.
I am impulsive and stupid. No really, sometimes, I wonder what in the heck was I thinking.
I love my life right now.
I am happy.
I miss my family in Sacramento, but I am trying to not let it effect me.
Okay, so this is me. There si more wrong with me I am sure....but I can't remember them all.
If you still want to stick around...good....

Flash Back Friday: Christmas time

Okay, this is a picture of me. Christmas 1974

It was my first Christmas.

Okay not my real first, but I was not quite 2 months old my first real Christmas.

This was the first Christmas, I got to open presents.

I guess I got a little ride on pony.

I am not fond of these pictures. I look like a boy. (And not very cute either.)

I need to go and look for some more of me at Christmas....where are they?

If I have time and I find them today, I will post another Flash Back Friday picture.

#1 Favorite Christmas Movie

Have you ever seen Scrooge?

The musical.

It has Albert Finney as Ebenezer Scrooge.

I love the musical of this wonderful tale. It isn't Christmas with watching it a few times. the boys love to watch it with me and I can even get Jeff to watch it too.

I remember watching it with my mom and Dad. Well, mom listened as she prepared things for the Christmas season, and so mostly Dad and watched it. I really wanted to watch it with him this year. Bummer.

I highly recommend this movie.

Favorite song: Decemeber the 25th.... no wait

....Father Christmas....um no wait

....Happiness....no wait...

Thank You Very Much.....not wait...

I like life....

You know what I like all these sngs pretty much the same.

I wonder if I could find the sound track.

Non busy day..is that possible?

Today is one of those "I don't HAVE to leave the house" days.
I am so excited.
It is almost noon and I haven't gotten to the "busy work" around here.
It has been a slow start.
I usually start my day, get the boys off to school, make breakfast, clean up a little and then check my emails.
Last night, while I was at a church thing teaching a class (I will show you pictures of the class next post), Jeff calls and asks if I need a ride home (he dropped me off and carried in my boxes) and that he thinks our computer crashed.
WHAT THE FREAKIN' FRENCH TOAST!!!!!
SO I finish my class, get a ride home and ask if I can go out to eat with a very new and very awesome friend, and I apologized for hanging up on him before. I figured out that it didn't crash....
Nope, we just had a virus. "winwebsecurity" very bad.
I still went out to eat with the new awesome friend. We hit the Casino restaurant and chatted and talked until her husband called at 12:30am!!!!
After I got Emma back to sleep, and changed out of my very smokey clothes and sat at my precious Computer.
My life line.
My only real way out to the real world.
My outlet, my security blanket.
My addictive drug.
How would I blog? (I am serious)
I worked on it until 3:45 am.
I figured we could call tech support in the morning.
Jeff got the boys ready and I got to sleep in an extra hour.
Jeff worked on the computer with tech support and they fixed my baby.
So as I sit here, enjoying my drug... I am thinking about all the things I still have to do today, this week, and before Christmas.
This is where I need to freak out.
But I won't. I refuse to sink into despair.
I am going to trudge forward. make a small list for the day and conquer it.
what is on my list today, you ask?
1. Get Christmas lights ready for Jeff, so he can put them on the house.
2. Do regular chores. Yuck!
3. Finish inside lights in the house.
4. Shower and get dressed for the day.
5. Start on cards for a card swap due December 15th
6. Figure out dinner.
7. Homework with boys - yucky
8. Make dinner
9. Clean up Emma's room
10. Try not to fall asleep (since I only 3 1/2 hours sleep last night)

Okay, so off I go, wish me luck.
I am just so happy I don't have to go to Wal-Mart or leave the house.

Tasty Tuesday: Hot Chocolate

http://www.nesquik.com/parentskitchen/nesquik/

This is not a joke. this is how I make my hot chocolate.
This is how my mom made hot chocolate. and if it was around with my grandma, she probably used it too.

Katie's Hot Chocolate

Serves 8
Half gallon milk (this is optional)
1 1/2 cups Nesquik chocolate milk power mix (I like it chocolate-ty) (this too is optional, can be adjusted to desired chocolate-ty-ness)
Pour milk in large pot on stove.
Mix in chocolate mix. Warm on low until desired temp.

Katie's Suggestions:

Stir with candy cane give a nice minty flavor
Hershey Kisses (milk or dark) or chocolate chips in the bottom of your mug. it melts slowly for more chocolate flavor. Yummy.
Marshmallows - chocolate swirls are the best.
I also use my crock pot to keep it warmer longer.

I know, it isn't much of a recipe, but this is how I make it.
The best part of dippy the buttered toast, is getting the butter into the Hot Chocolate.
So yummy!

Yummy Christmas Goodness!

I have posted before about a wonderful site.

Man, this girl is talented.

http://bakerella.blogspot.com/

Check out all this yummi-ness!!!!

I would never have the time to actually do this, but it looks fun.

very funny!

My sister sent me an email and I really laughed out loud.

Really funny.

here are some pcitures that were in the email.

My favorite!

Where's the SNOW!!??!

About 3 years ago. Tomorrow.
Jeff and I, with the help of my Dad and his Mom, loaded the rest of the stuff into our moving truck and moved us all the way up here. (Well, just our stuff. We were staying with my parents until Jeff graduated and after Christmas.)
Susanville, CA.
It is 4 hours from home. Sacramento is home.
It was cold and there was snow on the ground. Not much, but there was snow.

SO my question here today is:
WHERE'S ALL THE FREAKIN' SNOW?

I feared snow when I first moved here. It was so cold and ....well cold.
I was terrified to drive in it and luckily, I hardly did that year. The boys could ride the bus.
I had a good friend down the street, help me adjust to the snow. She was soooo nice, she even drove me around to get a few things. I was so scared to drive.

I remember the first time it snowed.
It was New Years Eve 2005. Jeff was up and getting ready for work....7am and he SHOUTED(goober) "It's SNOWING!"
You would think he was 8 years old. He was more excited than our boys.
(I need to find a picture. It was before my digital camera joined our family, so I probably scrap booked it already, I will find it and post it.)

We had so much fun that day. We played and played. I even video taped it. Took a million pictures. Drank gallons of Hot coco, and went through every pair of gloves we had. And it never got old.

But sadly, as I sit here at my computer, I can see outside my front window.
And there is NO SNOW!
It is as cold as if it had snowed.... okay, maybe not that cold, but REALLY freakin' cold.

It is just weird. It usually snows by now. Not a lot, but some.
Not even enough for a little snowman. But it is still there.
It would be nice to actually have a white Christmas.
My in-laws are coming for Christmas. It needs to be here.
I need SNOW!!! My sister said she would come to visit, but there isn't any snow!
I am begging......(think 5 year old nagging voice).
Pleeeasssseee!!!!!
I am not asking a lot...am I?
I WANT SNOW, DAMN IT!!!!!! Oops, pardon my french.
Come on already.
Pretty please with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Just just want snow for Christmas.

Christmas Tree Tradition

Every year we go and cut down a tree.
I have been doing it since I was a teenager. We would drive an hour to a Christmas tree farm and my Mom would take, what seemed like hours, picking out her 3 top favorites. And each year it was one of the kids turn to pick the final one.
My Dad joked the entire time, that mom was taking forever. When we returned Mom made hot chocolate and toast. Oh man, the best was dipping the hot, buttered toast into the hot chocolate. yummy!
Jeff and I joined my family for the first 2 years we were married. And as my sisters and brothers got married it turned out to be this big thing. Every first Saturday of December is when you HAVE to get your tree.
We would all meet at my parents house all bundled up (like it was cold and snowing). We would listen to Christmas music and sing the song my mom hated the most. Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby at the top of our lungs. Just to annoy her.
After 3 years the Christmas tree farm closed.
We were stuck looking for another place. We found a few but the families started to dwindle when the trees got further away and the cost became too much.
We started getting our tree in town and at Lowe's (the best place really, our trees lastest forever).
Since we have moved up here we have been cutting our tree down for a mere $10 tree cutting permit. yes, you read that right, $10 and it is only 30 minutes away.
The choices aren't as great as a tree farm, but it is the experience that matters to me.
So since yesterday was the 1st Saturday of December. We went. We left later than planned due to Jeff working and the boys not getting their chores done.
My whole house smells like the forest.
We are keeping the tradition.... I picked three favorites, this year it was Nathan's turn to pick the final one. Jeff complained it was taking for ever, and we returned home to have hot chocolate. No toast this year, we had frozen pizza instead. (No dipping. Gross!)

Another tradition I have when we get our tree, Jeff puts the lights ion the tree. (He is the master.) And then I let the boys play with the decorations and decorate however they want. Then after they have ALL gone to bed.
I stay up late and watch my favorite Christmas movie, Scrooge (the musical) and decorate it the way I want it.
It hasn't happened yet. I have to fix a few ornaments and make a few new ones. I was hoping to get that done today.
I can't wait to decorate my tree!!!!
*sigh...... the tree smells so good.

I love Christmas.

Okay, I know i went on and on about how much I love Halloween.
I can love them both, you know, just the same.
So, I was thinking what I love most about it and there isn't just one thing.
I love the Christmas music. It just makes me happy. I can never listen to it and be in a bad mood. I am having a hard day with the boys. (have I mentioned how much I hate Saturdays), and I am already cheering up from listening to my blog. The boys attitudes change for the better too. Just not right at this moment. I will give it time.
I love the parties. Dressing up and seeing everyone so jolly. (Even if the only party I am invited to is our Church party).
I really love the gift giving. I love to get things for my family and friends.
I really really love gift receiving. Okay, I am the only one to admit it. I love Christmas presents. I don't always go and buy my self things. So I wait for Christmas to get them. It is just funner that way. (yes funner is a real word...well in my house it is)
I love the decorations and traditions. I have a lot of decorations. Sometimes I don't put them all up. I love the time we take to go and pick out a tree and cut it down. I love the time we spend with each other. The hot chocolate when we get back.
I love the spirit of kindness. I can see and feel the difference. People are kinder and friendlier.
There are a millions more things about Christmas that I LOVE. But I am getting ready to go to cut down my tree. Lots to do to prepare. I still have to prepare the hot chocolate and get it int he crock pot so it is already warm when we get back.

What is you favorite part of this wonderful Holiday?

Flash Back Friday: Christmas time

Okay, this is me I think it is 1989.
(look how skinny I was)

This was a good Christmas.

I think I got a radio and a walkman, I think I got some clothes, and a few tapes.

Good times.

Christmas List

Jeff asked me what I wanted for christmas.
And I really didn't have to think hard about that one.
I told him....
I wanted:
House
a new car
a new camera
and money to shopping with.

But in the real world....
what i really want is:
A new book -
A new pair of PJ's or a night gown
A new pair of slippers
A new blanket to snuggle under
Some chirtmas socks
A box of See's candy - my personal fav's
A movie - Momma Mia
So I can sit around eating my candy, watching my movie or reading my book, in my blanket while I wear my nightgown, slippers and socks the day after Christmas.
What I want for Christmas is the perfect day off!
And maybe a Cricut font too.

What do you want for Christmas...dream world or real world?
I really want to know.

Tasty Tuesday: Raspberry Jello Pie

I made this for our post Turkey dinner.

It was sooo good. I didn't follow a recipe, I am sure there is one out there. I just made it up as I went along.

Raspberry Jello Pie

'Nilla Wafer Pie Crust (or you can make your own)

1 small box Raspberry Jello

1 cup water

2 small tubs of Cool Whip

Boil water. In a bowl mix water and jello. Stir 5 minutes. Let set 15 minutes (just on the counter). Fold in 1 small tub of Cool whip. Poor into pie tin.

Place in refrigerator for 4 to 5 hours or until set.

Spread 1 small tub of Cool Whip over top.

Serve.

You can make this a bar dessert, in a 9x13 in pan and just cut squares. You can use any flavor Jello. And even add fruit.

It is so good.

If you look at the picture. The nice red layer at the bottom is just Jello. Some of it settles to the bottom and makes it so pretty.

Cute Christmas Idea!!!!

This si a great idea for an advent calendar.

http://joysofhome.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-advent.html

I have one that has been in my family since I was a little girl. Check this out. I wonder if I could find the pattern and make newer one.