Christmas time is here

As I start this post, it is just minutes from being December.
December!!!!
Can you believe it?
It went way to fast. It was just Christmas, wasn't it?
So as I look at the calender and the many things going on this month, I am planning on filling the other days with other things.
Things that are tradition in our family.
Like -
Our Tree. The first Saturday of December we go and get our tree. This year we are cutting it down fresh from the mountain. (since it is only a $10 cutting permit)
Passing out a Christmas CD. I did it a few years ago and I really liked it a lot better then baking a ton of cookies. This year I want to do it early so anyone I give it out to will be able to enjoy it longer. (biggest fear - they will hate all the songs I have chosen)
Taking family pictures for our Christmas card. My awesome friend Jana is going to take our picture this year. She is a really good photographer.
Wrapping presents. My goal is to get the gifts wrapped almost as soon as I get them into the house. I wrapped five-ever last year. I don't wanna bother this year.
A Christmas party. I was thinking of having a party this year. Just a few problems. I hate this house (no matter how hard I clean, it never looks clean enough) and everyone we know works with Jeff and has a different schedule. So who would be able to come to my party?! When would I do it?
Matthew's birthday - He will be 13 and I have to do something fun.
Christmas baking - I have to make the traditional cookies. It just wouldn't be Christmas with out it.
Christmas crafting - I have things I need to sew or make. A whole list of things. If I ever get time to do them.
So much more to do this month.
I have to finish shopping, too. EEK!

What do you do in December?

why?

Just a few thoughts that are rolling around in my head....

why do boys HAVE to wrestle?
why do boys HAVE be so loud?
why aren't there more hours in the day?
why does it take so long to cook dinner, but it only takes a few minutes to eat it and put it away?
why does one persons opinion of you matter?
why can't I be as pretty as my sisters?
why did the skinny gene skip me?
why do I have to live so flippin' far away from my mom?
why can't this house stay warm?
why does Christmas seem so far away one minute and then it is breathing on your neck the next minute?
why is there never enough money but always too many bills?
why does my back hurt so bad?
why do I feel like I got run over by a truck? (being sick is stupid.)

If you have the answers to any of these questions...please leave a note.

Blog, blog-blog...blog

Yes, I like to blog.
Sometimes when I talk about my blog, I get a weird look from those who don't blog.
It is okay.
I am wierd.
But there are a few things I LOVE about blogging.

1. I can say what ever I want.
2. I can say what I want and edit it.
3. I can say what I want, edit it, and then DELETE it too.

So for those of you who were on before and saw my blog, I am sure you have noticed that there is a post missing. I just couldn't drag myself into the muck. I am going to rise above and be the bigger person...ha ha ha...no pun intended.

And for those who don't know what I am talking about and are dying to know. You can email me. I might tell ya. I feel better now that I have talked about it. Thank you for listening.

Okay, I may be crazy....

Today, as I was trying to keep my eyes open, Jeff walked in the door and I finally got to tell him all about the Twilight party and the movie.
I guess my review was really convincing because Jeff went straight over to the theater as soon as the doors were open and bought tickets for the latest showing tonight.
It was so much better the second time.
So good!!!!!
The best part was Jeff LOVING it as much as I did!!!!
It really is a good date movie.
Even if you are not into the book.

SO good!

I loved the movie.
I just loved it.
I love the people, I wentto the party with. (although bitter sweet, it was a farewell Dana/Twilight party)
I just love the people I stood in the freezing cold with.
I just loved the people I got to sit with.
I loved it all.
I just loved the whole night.

I wanna go again.

Twilight is tonight!

Need I say more!

I am so excited!!!!!!!

Wholy cow!

I am so freaking excited!!!

Tomorrow is the movie.

I can't believe I am actually excited.

I mean, if you check back a month in posts.

I was asking if I should read the books!

Now I have read them all and have become obsessed.

Don't worry, I will change my blog. It won't always be twilight stuff.

It was just for fun until the movie came out.

I will be way too busy to post tomorrow.

I will have to post on Friday, if I can stay awake that long.

WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!

Yeah baby!!!!

He looks really scary here!! YAY!!!! I love it!!!!

But wear is Jacob!?

Tasty Tuesday: Italian Chicken

This is such an easy recipe. And so good. Zero prep time, too.

Italian Chicken

4 - frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 - cube butter or margarine

1 cube of cream cheese - softened

1 Italian dressing season packet

1 can cream of chicken soup

In crock pot, add chicken, butter or margarine, and season packet.

Cover, and cook 4 to 5 hours in crock pot.

(this is when I allow the cream cheese to soften)

Remove chicken from crock pot, cut into small bite size pieces.

In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and cream of chicken soup.

Add creamed mixture to juice in crock pot. Mix well.

Add in chicken and mix well.

Serve over rice.

So easy and very good.

We have this one at least twice a month.

It is a family favorite.

I finished it.

I...am at a loss of words.
(warning: boring history of my life)
Anyone who really knows me, knows that I really couldn't read until 9th grade.
I could read the words, but half of the comprehension was lost. Not because I didn't know what it meant, but because of the learning disabilities I had.
I could read and read, and not really comprehend what I was reading. My mind was so focused on the words that I didn't input it into my brain the meaning of what I read.
One of my teachers in the 9th grade told me to get a book that looked interesting. She could tell I loved any stories about love. (most girls at that age are in love with being in love)
I found a book and read it very quickly and I even absorbed every word. I can even tell you now what it was about. (I won't bore you even more, but it was called Julie.)
Yes, I do have a point. (I do feel this blog is, in part, my journal, my diary, my confidant)
I have read MANY love stories through out these MANY years. Some, to be very honest, "Smut". (those were read in my rebellion years.) Most were stories of Love.
I LOVE to read. I read everything I can. I tried the thick instructional and self motivating books, I lose my train of thought just thinking about them. Tee hee.
If there is a good story, I am there.
Okay, now my point....
THIS WAS A GREAT STORY!!!!
I am tearing up. (I am goober, I know).*sniff
Did I mention, I sometimes get emotionally involved with my books? Well I do.
This series of books...wow.
I flirty and giddy with Jeff with the first one "Twilight". I remembered what it felt like to fall in love with Jeff. (Although, when I met Jeff it was like our spirits were just reuniting, but it is the same feeling).
I got depressed and sullen as I read the second one, "New Moon". (Team Jacob!!!)
I laughed and was happy and sarcastic with third one, " Eclipse". (Team Jacob!!!)
This forth one which took almost a whole week to read. (so not liek me to take so long) I just had so much to do. And then I was too tired at night to read. I tried to read but I feel asleep.
I will not spoil it for anyone who hasn't read them yet.
I was thrilled, and scared, and WAY shocked at all the things that happened in the forth book, "Breaking Dawn". I loved the end. A perfect love story ending.
I just want to read them again. (I can't Jeff is reading the first one... I KNOW!!!! Cool huh.)
I am grateful for good books.
And for Stephanie Meyers and for her imagination.
She has taking me on the best trip to Forks, Washington.
A trip I will never forget and always treasure.

Side note:
Jeff and I have been fighting for time to read. The boys have witnessed this exchange and are now fighting for time to read. Sammy was trying to read Harry Potter. How cute is that? But being the freak of nature that I am, I have a special bond with the HP books. (I have marked the pages, highlighted and wrote notes in the margins.) They are not allowed to touch those books. I will have to get all of them on paperback soon.
I do need more books for them to get into. I guess we will check out the library. There is always Santa.
Being a reader by example for your kids, really works.
Now if only it worked on cleaning.....

I am reading.

Yep, I am still reading.
It has been slow going because I have so much going on and ...oh yeah, I have 5 kids.
Plus by the end of the day, I am so tired from all the crap... I mean...stuff I had to do, I fall asleep reading it.
I will be back soon to annoy you like crazy.

Nancy Heffner ...You're my hero.

Thanks to Nancy, I have been deep in the last book from the twilight series "Breaking Dawn".
She saved the day. The book was no where to be borrowed or found here in this little town. She was already in Reno so I asked, almost begged if she could pick me up a copy.
I owe her a lot. My family on the other hand, will probably curse you....
I have avoided almost everything I could possible avoid.
Seriously, if you are on the fence about reading these books, get off your booty and go and get the first one.
Not only is the story really good, the characters are....what's the word I am looking for.... I had it... it was on the tip of my tongue... Crap, oh pardon my french.
Anyway, they are lovable and thrilling.
It is just one of the best stories I have read. I do read a lot. Yes, Katie can read. and most of the time spell.
Okay, there is my ADD side. It came out and I got side tracked.
I wanted to post before I got back into the book.
You may not hear from me until Friday.
Goodnight from Forks, Washington.
(If you are not a Twilight fan... you will not get it.)

A Monster in my house.

I finished my Book . Book 3 of the Twilight series.

I started this one on Staurday night!

I finished tonight, just before dinner and right after a monster of my own entered this house.

Someone Jeff works with asked if we wanted a 37 inch flat screen TV. For Free!

Well, of course, heck yeah we do! we like anything that is free.

But....

It was not flat screen and it was not what we had in mind.

It is HUGE!!!!!!

It of course it did not fit into our TV cabinet. The one that closes to cover the TV. I love this one. I was sad we would have to get rid of it. But I figured out a place for it in Emma' room.

Tonight we found one at Walmart for the stupid monster and after we put most of it together and moved everything else, we realized it was not going to hold the monster and we had to take the whole thing apart.

Now tomorrow..er.. I mean today, I get to move everything back into place and Jeff gets to move the monster in to the garage. Yep, exactly where I told him to put it when they first brought it in.

Seriously, we will need something made of solid wood to hold the sucker and I am not spending my meager Christmas Fund on a TV cabinet for it either.

Stupid Piece of Crap... oh, pardon my french.

Jeff's back is not getting worse, but it is not getting better.

He had a blessing when this first happened. It said he would be healed. He was 100% and now....?

I know, I know.... I will pray about it more.

I am desperate for Book 4. It is not open to borrow from anyone and it is all gone at my stupid little Walmart.

I am going to find the book store tomorrow and hopefully find it. I got the approval from Jeff.

See, I get all excited and happy when I read. He likes it.

I guess I should go to bed. My teeth are chattering. fromt he cold and exhaustion.

the Boys are home again tomorrw and we have a little town parade of Veterans Day, I am gonna take the boys just to have something to do.

So sad.

I can't even express how sad I am today.
I lost my wedding ring and I have no idea where it could be.
I only remember having it in Sacramento last weekend.
It was too big. And I know that I was taking a chance of losing it if I wore it on my ring finger.
I have been wearing it on my middle finger because it was too big.
It is the only jewelry Jeff has given me.
And it is the only thing I want to wear.
I am not much for jewelry anyway, but this ring he gave me.
This ring he saved for. This ring he gave his whole first pay check too. He wasn't working when we got engaged but he got a job right away.
It was not very expensive. I picked it out at Best for $299 plus tax and sizing. (They don't have those stores anymore, I know I am old.)
I have had that ring for 14 1/2 years
I doubt Jeff will be as upset as I am. He really wanted to get a "bigger" ring for me anyway. I just don't want to spend the money.
I want my ring.
What I can't get over is the fact that I didn't even realize it was missing until I was at church and I noticed another lady's ring. I went right to my finger...it was like slow motion. No joke.
Like I knew it wasn't there, but I had to look anyway.
It was not there.
So where did it fall off? I mean, wouldn't I notice it coming off?
I didn't feel it at all. I haven't felt it for days and I can't believe I didn't notice.
I am really upset with my self that I didn't even notice it was gone.
The only thing I wish I could take with me when I die.
And it is gone.
And I was gonna ask for Christmas to get it sized to fit.
It is just a thing right?
It's just a thing.

I hate Saturdays

Yes I do.
I hate that the boys are home all day. I hate that no matter how I reward or discipline they still make me crazy.
We have a rule at our house. No taking food unless you ask mom.
Not all food. Fruits are totally free game when ever you want. A glass of milk and sliced cheese too. Pretzels and fishy crackers (mostly known as Gold fish crackers), they can have a bowl or baggie full. They can have popcorn and even a cup of noodle soup.
If they ask they can have one granola bar and/or a fruit snack.
But Mom's snacks, and Dad's snacks for work are off limits.
Oreo cookies, bottle water and anything saved for bag lunches are on an ask only basis.
So why, do they do it any way.
They know they will be punished.
They know they will have the wrath of Mom.
They don't care.
They really just don't care.
Until after I have caught them. Then they try to say they are sorry.
I have to sit here and type for a minute. To calm down.
They just don't care.
I have taken privileges and even not purchased a few things. I have hidden food.
I have to hide food.
Maybe I am just a really bad mom.
I have the feeling I have screwed up some where.
I hate Saturdays, because this is what happens every Saturday.
My house, even though I am here, gets so bad. And then I make them clean it and they do it all over again.
This week I am so lucky. They have a FOUR FREAKIN' DAY WEEKEND!!!!!
Yep, I get to do this for a few days.
I have gotten no where in my book. I am waiting for a quiet moment that I don't have to be interrupted every five minutes.
Pray for Jeff, he is doing better.
But pray for me.
And For my kids. They may not survive this FOUR FREAKIN' DAY WEEKEND!!!!!!

Okay, what have I done.

I am in trouble.

Almost as soon as I finished book 2 of the twilight series, I ran to Walmart to get the 3rd one.

I didn't want to get in more trouble, so I didn't grab the 4th one. I might have to wait until I get to Reno. Or I will actually have to hit the book store here in town.

My life has become these books. Any time that I can get that does not require my immediate attention, such as Emma's room, or actually folding the laundry that is clean, and even all the dusting and organizing that desperately needs to be done. It just doesn't get done.

I don't even know why I am here. I need to get off this computer. I need to get inside that book.

Oh yeah, can you help me and say a prayer for Jeff. Ding dong, put his back out again. Not good.

Sorry, I am away in Forks, WA.

If You are not fans of the twilight series books then you will not get it.

I am currently deep in to the second book.

I also have my regular duties as a wife and a mother.

I am not feeling very good either.

I have been really busy and pretty much lost in Forks, WA.

I am kinda sad I am still in it.

I used to read a thick book like this one in a few days.

Yes, I have five kids.

But that never bothered me before.

Yes, I have a household to run.

But that never bothered me before either.

I guess this is what it feels like when you finally grow up.....

Ewwe..gross!

I don't like this.

Growing up is stupid.

I am Esme!!! and a "twilight"-olholic!!!

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Tasty Tuesday: Cheesy Potato Soup

Now, I know I missed last week. It was crazy busy!
So I am gonna give you two ways to cook this recipe.

This week we have rain.
Cold wet rain.
And nothing makes me feel better when it is raining (which I love by the way) is a nice bowl of warm creamy soup!
Katie's Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup (with ham or bacon)
Crock Pot Recipe -
10 small to medium potatoes peeled
2 cups Ham or bacon (just one package not 2 cups)
2 cups shredded cheese - cheddar is the best
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can chicken broth
1 can water (from the can of cream of chicken soup)

1 cup cup of milk
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion salt
1 cup diced carrots (optional)

Cut peeled potatoes into bit size chunks. Set aside.
In small pot on stove, melt butter add flour. Mix into paste and cook 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth, mix well with whisk. Pour in milk and Cream of Chicken soup, add water and stir until mixed well. Add Pepper, salt, parsley flakes and onion salt. Stir until mixed well.
Add potatoes, carrots to cream sauce.
Cook on high 3 hours
Add ham or bacon. cook another 1 to 2 hours.
Add cheese mix well until cheese is melted.
Serve with rolls or french bread.
*Side note - I sometimes use Sliced Sandwich ham instead of chunk ham. (Less expensive)

Katie's Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham or Bacon -

Stove top Recipe

10 small to medium boiled potatoes- skin on

2 cups Ham or bacon (just one package not 2 cups)

2 cups shredded cheese - cheddar is the best

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1 can chicken broth

1 can of water (from Cream of Chicken soup can)

1 cup of milk or cream

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp parsley flakes

1 tsp salt

1 tsp onion salt

1 cup diced cooked carrots (optional)

Dice and cook carrots until almost tender (optional)

Peeled potatoes and cut into bit size chunks. Set aside.

In large pot on stove, melt butter add flour.

Mix into paste and cook 1 minute.

Pour in chicken broth, mix well with whisk.

Pour in milk and Cream of Chicken soup, add water and stir until mixed well.

Add Pepper, salt, parsley flakes and onion salt.

Stir until mixed well.Add potatoes, carrots and cream sauce to Crock pot.

Simmer 1 hour.

Add ham or bacon.

Simmer 15 minutes.

Add cheese and mix until cheese is melted.

Serve with rolls or french bread.

*Side note - I sometimes use Sliced Sandwich ham instead of chunk ham. (Less expensive)

Enjoy... I know I will today with Left overs.

Although I am kicking myself. I forgot to put in carrots last night when I made this for dinner.

Carrots are really so good in this soup.

Any ideas for what to post next week?

Any requests?

Happy Halloween Weekend!!!!!

I had so much fun this weekend.
I got to hang out with my brother and his wife and kids. Which I never get to do because they just moved back from Florida. They showed us their new house. And I am just in love with it.
I want to have a house like that one day.
It is just awesome. It still isn't ready yet, so they are living with my mom and dad.
My oldest brother moved in a few months ago, and so our visit was tight.
I still had fun.
It was raining and windy on Friday night, so my parents only got 850+ trick or treater's instead of the usually 950+

Mom and dad's House all lit up!

Mom and Jeff on the front porch. Waiting for Trick or treater's.
Some ghosts in the front yard. (dang it... Not all my picture truned out)

This one is inside on her dinning table. So cool.

Just to the side of her dinning table.

I finished my Book!!!!
Oh my heck!
I am hooked.
I just wish I had time to read the next one.
Maybe tonight.

We got a ton of errands done in Sacramento.
That is one thing I miss around here.

I got to see Mamma Mia this weekend. What a story.
First showing was sold out by the time I made it. I had set it up to have 4 other girls go with me and they all, but one, ended up not making it.
The one that did was all alone for a while. Her husband did come to her rescue and watched it with her.
Can you believe she didn't like it? I do understand her point about how it was kinda silly and that there is a point made in the movie that a man in a woman's life is not important.
Kinda.
While she was in the movie, not really enjoying it, I was out in my car trying not to cry. I was all alone.
My mom, who was suppose to come with me and couldn't for the first showing, came to the rescue and we got to see the next showing.
I LOVED IT!!!!!
I sang out loud and proud. I already knew most of the songs from being a fan of ABBA already.
My Mom and I sat there and just wanted them to play it again.
She is lucky and she gets to see it again with my sisters. I have to wait until December when they release it on DVD!!!!
I bought the sound track on the way home from Sacramento at the Sam's club in Reno!
My kids are gonna get so sick of hearing it!!! tee hee!

We got Emma's picture taken at Picture People in her Halloween costume. If you are already invited to my family blog you can go over there and see the runway model. If not, and you want to see her, email me and I will invite you.
She was so cute. She was a little witch in a costume my Mom made for my niece Mia years ago.
She had a hat that she kept taking off and on, pausing for a few seconds to get the shot.
We were in the front of the store and people walking by in the mall could see her at work.
There was even a few of them who had to stop in and really see her in action.
She is so cute!

This weekend was filled with so much, I am exhausted.
I did keep my walking going. I have been walking 1 to 2 miles a day for about two weeks. Sometimes Emma only lets me go a mile. I have to take her with me down to the track at the college. Today, I only got in a mile. but I kept it up while I was gone.
I feel so much better. I have more energy too.
I finally got an IPod. I dad let me use his IPod Shuffle for a while.
I can't figure out how to get my music on, and his off.
I will have to call him tomorrow and ask. But at least for now, I have something to listen to while I walk.
I still have a lot of putting away from the trip to do and I all I want to do is just READ MY BOOK!
So I will go and do that.... after....dishes... and laundry... and homework .....and ugh...maybe tomorrow.