Last night had some good and some not soooo good events.
The not so good: (because I always take the bad news first)…

The GOOD!

So, we celebrated last night because Amanda thought I wasn’t showing enough excitement and I reminded her I show my happiness on the inside… but I was very excited because she has literally lost sleep about that College Algebra class and this is her SR year and she is going to college in the afternoons and the college classes count as two HS grades and she has a 4.0 average and is up for Valedictorian and if she were to make a B she wouldn’t get to wear the cool white gown with all those cords… (how’s that for a run-on sentence?)

I let each kid (including Matt but not including Iz because she was already in bed but woke up I think because she knew she missed out so I may let her open something small today to make up for my oversight…) open a small gift selected out of the stack by me to celebrate Amandamas. Amanda opened the movie Wallee. She was happy. Bailey opened camo gloves and houseshoes from Old Navy… he was less than thrilled but sweet. Emelia opened “my first cookbook by Paula Deen.” She is ready to start cooking asap. Matt opened a t that says “ho ho ho” from ON too. It was great fun. I heart Christmas.

There was a strange additon to my nativity scene.  I went back to look at the bloggy tour of homes picture to make sure it hadn’t been there all along… It had not.  Can you find the intruder?

Here’s Princess.  She is the sweetest dog ever.  We rescued her from the doggie shelter and she is oh so happy to be out of puppy prison.  She’s full grown (maybe 3-4 years old they said).  She is a corgi mix with possibly some chihuahua.  She’s calm and sweet and loves to snuggle. 

Aw, isn’t she sweet????

I decided to particpate in the bloggy christmas tour this year.  Not that I have any amazing decor or anything, but just because it’s fun to see everyone’s decorations.  I love seeing how people decorate!  The other day I mentioned how cute my hair girl Jill’s house was decorated and even showed pics I took with my phone!

Here’s a wreath.  It’s new.  I think it’s pretty.

Our stockings, I need a fireplace to hang them on.  Matt’s mom made all of these and they are all special and gorgeous!

The tree.

One of the nativity scenes.  Matt especially likes these.  I do too!

My favorite decor of all!  The kiddos!  This is our Christms card pic this year.

 When Amanda prepared the potatoes for baking this morning before church I asked her to make double so we could have twice baked potatoes tomorrow.  So we’ll have that with baked chicken and veggies.

Tuesday I’m going to make Haley’s empanadas because I haven’t made them in foreva!  They are tasty!

Wednesday we’ll have sloppy joes because I told Matt we’d have them last week and made spaghetti instead.  He hasn’t forgotten.

Thursday I am going to make a big pot of stew because the weather is going to be really cold all week and it will be warm and yummy…

and Friday we’ll order pizza from Mazzios.

1. What is bothering/stressing you out right this minute? Is this problem something you can solve on your own? Or will you simply have to ride the wave and see how it turns out? In the meantime, how are you coping with the stress – how do you unwind?

I’d rather not say… but I have been a little irritated all day.  I don’t have any specific issues causing the irritation, just lots of little things.  I think maybe it’s just too many activities with not enough sleep.  I cope well and try to keep a cheerful disposition, I unwind by reading or blogging.

2. When was the last time you made a compromise with someone? Tell us about it. How did that compromise turn out?

My life is a compromise.  It works out fine.  LOL!

3. What modern day convenience would you be willing to give up forever? Why would you give up that particular convenience and how would you give it up?

I would gladly give up PPV sport events.  I know… always the giver.

4. If you found yourself locked inside a public restroom stall, what would you do? Climb over the door? Or crawl under the door? Tell us about the worst public restroom experience you’ve ever had.

I would probably bust out before touching the floor or scaling the wall.    How funny!  I can’t really  remember any bad restroom experiences except a trip to the mall when Iz was a baby.  It smelled terrible in the Dillard’s restroom and a woman was sitting on the toidy breastfeeding her baby.  I was sicked out.  I always just went to a dressing room if I needed to nurse while shopping.

Here’s a pic of Izzy and mom and dad’s dog (mojo) yesterday….

And one of the cake Emelia made…

Have you ever been to New Jersey? If so, have you visited Morey’s Piers? This is a great place to vacation if you find yourself in New Jersey.  A Jersey Shore beach Vacation is such a fun way to spend your vacation time. I mean, really, who doesn’t love a family beach vacation? Our time spent on the beach was unforgettable and I can’t wait to do it again. At Morey’s Piers there are many special offers like…    their website is the place to find hotels & motels in Wildwood.  Morey’s Piers is a staple among New Jersey attractions with its amusement park rides and many other boardwalk attractions, announces its annual holiday sale. The sale runs December 1 through January 9 and customers can saved nearly 40% on a Season Pass to both waterparks. So many special offers to choose from. Not to mention other Jersey Shore and Wildwood hotels to check out while you’re there. Gift Cards are available and can be applied to any purchase at any Morey’s Piers ticket booth, Guest Services or Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters Waterparks. I’ve never visited Morey’s Piers but think it sounds like so much fun.  If I’m ever in New Jersey I will definitely check out Morey’s Piers. Have you ever been there?

I am so happy that my wrapping “station” is working so well.  I have the tape that goes on my wrist and the paper cutter.  It all works so well.  I love having it convenient so I can wrap anytime I have a minute.  I am ready for Christmas!

I think personalized books make the best gift EVER! I recieved a personalized book for Isabelle called ”Isabelle and the Unicorn” Personalized Children’s Book.  In this fairy tale book, our young reader awakens to find a magical unicorn named Misty. Misty befriends the child and takes her on a mystical journey filled with fun and beauty.. I love the book, and the illustrations.  Isabelle loves it too.  It makes it extra special that the story refers to her name all through the book.

I also liked the option to put a personal note to the recipient (Isabelle) of the book.  The message I included on her book was no surprise if you know me!  It says “believe.” Mark 11:24.

I have enjoyed reading the book to Isabelle and sent it to school with her so she could read it with her teacher Melanie and with Michelle.  They thought it was super cute too.

Frecklebox.com also has personalized coloring books, posters and growth charts.  Lots of cool stuff.  Kids love seeing their name on things.  These things make perfect gifts for the children in your lives.  So if you’re looking for a unique yet thoughtful gift, you should defintely check out the gifts they have to personalize.  So many cute things!

1.  Decorating the tree… Izzy was SO proud of her little ornament she made at school.  I knelt beside the tree and she reached up to hang her ornament and then smiled a really happy proud smile!  She worked hard on her Christmas projects and loved when I showed them off!

2.  Finding cute BELIEVE ornaments!!!

3. more believe ornaments!

4.  Looking at the pretty lights on the tree!

5.  Izzy’s new stroller!!! 

Lots of favorite things this week… like lunch with my sweet nieces (toni & candace), lunch at TED’s with my friend Miki, Great school days for Izzy!, lunch time outings with my terrific brother, wonderful improvements with Izzy’s feet from her new AFO’s this week!  Just lots of good stuff.  God is good!

How do you like your grilled cheese?
With real butter & tomato soup
Where did you go on your last vacation?
Orlando… Disneyworld…
Who are your godparents?
Don’t have any.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Happy!
Where are you at noon everyday?
Getting Izzy ready for school.
How many speeding tickets have you gotten?
a few.
Never been to… las vegas strip
What is your favorite movie?
Several… love the old ones like beaches & steel magnolias.
What is the last thing you said out loud?
Bring me your Thursday folder (said to Emelia)…

What do you think of the IPHONE?
I want one..

What do you think of winter?
love, Love, LOVE IT!!

What do you do for relaxation?
Play on the computer or read.

Where did you get your couch from?
Mathis Brothers

Do you use a plan book?
Yes… and the calendar on my blackberry.

At what age do you plan on having kids?
I’m finished “having kids.”
When was the last time you swam?
in August?
What do you order at Subway?
6 in. Italian BMT on the cheese bread with pickles, black olives, mayo and italian dressing… salt & pepper.
Do you keep your closets organized?
I try to.  It’s a hiding place right now for Christmas presents waiting for wrapping.

How do you make headaches go away?
prayer and/or aleve.
Have you owned a beta before? What was his name?
Yes.  Can’t remember name though.
If you moved out of state where would you go?
I dunno.  I loved Florida but had a bad hair day every day I was there.  Had great hair in Colorado…  Maybe Texas?

How old is your best friend?
Really OLD

Did you attend pre-school?
no.

What do your shower curtains look like?
The hall bathrooms says “believe” all over it… the one in our room is pale purple.

Did you have an imaginary friend as a child?
no.

How do you make your eggs?
scrambled. 2 egg whites, one whole egg.
Where do you wash your clothes?
In the washer.

Which parent do you look most like?
maybe dad?

Who are the neighbors who live to the right of you?
We have new neighbors who just bought the house… they have cute but annoying dogs who get out and bark at us a lot.

What are your thoughts on Tom Cruise?
I don’t really have any.

What is the next vehicle you wish to buy?
Something a little smaller and maybe better gas mileage.
Do you pay bills online or by mail?
online.
What would be the best gift someone could get you right now?
A fossil watch!
What is something stressful you will deal with next week?

What is something in your home that you collect?
stuff that says “believe”

What did you do last night?
stamped christmas cards, helped bailey organize his room, and did laundry.
Who did you last see?
Izzy (sitting by me), Matt and Emelia.

How do you take your coffee?
I don’t.

What is the oldest thing in your fridge?
Pickles?

On your keyboard what key is wearing out from pressing it so much?
none of them yet
Where do you put your keys when you come home?
in my purse.

Where do you go for Thanksgiving?
matt’s mom’s house in Tulsa!

How old will u you be in 2010?
2 years older than I am now.
What actor/actress would you want to play in a movie?
Hmm. Rachel McAdams in The Notebook. Hello Noah Calhoun!!

How much cash is in your wallet?
$10. Emelia keeps taking my cash for the student gift store! Don’t usually keep cash.

Would you have a one night stand with your favorite movie star?
nah.
What color is your house?
gray.
If you were starving to death would you eat a pet?
ick. no.

Ever been to Alabama?
Yes. 
What kind of accent do you have?
I don’t have an accent.
What kind of alcoholic drinks are in your fridge right now?
none… there’s some cooking sherry in the pantry though.

First I have to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Julie!  Julie and I have been friends for about 14 years… since the births of her first child and my second.  Some of my favorite memories of Julie are running around with our babies in tow, cutting class at UCO to eat yummy food, hanging out and listening to music or watching movies… and Victoria’s! Yum!  I wish she lived in OKC rather than Dallas, we’d definitely be going to have lunch at Victoria’s to celebrate her birthday.  Julie and I are sharing a recipe blog now, which is fun.  I know we’ll be lifelong friends because we’ve been through so many things together.  Happy Birthday Julie.

I saw the “these are a few of my favorite things,” challenge and decided to play along on my sidebar… I enjoyed the thanksgiving challenge so this will be fun to pick out something about Christmas I heart every day.  If you want to play along visit Sheila at Gim’me memories!

Kat has passed along this special award.
I am to list five favorite things. I have so many favorite “things” that vary from day to day… but here are five for now:

~~~

coke with sonic ice (of course!

Christmas lights

keeping up with people on fb

my new cellphone

searching for a perfect present for the people I love.

~~~

I’d like to pass this along to YOU! If you leave a comment. (that’s what Kat did and it sounds good to me ).

Well, Izzy didn’t sleep AT ALL Monday night.  Not at all!  Did I mention she didn’t sleep?  Okay, just checking because she didn’t and as a result neither did Matt and I.  She wasn’t unhappy or anything so she’s fine, but thankfully she did sleep last night and so I plan to take her to school today.  I went to Jill’s yesterday for my hair do.  Had brown added in for the season, and had it trimmed.  I haven’t taken a picture of it yet.  I did, however, take a picture of her rotating tree which I loved!  I always hide the ornaments I don’t just love in the back but I think I would enjoy the rotating.  I know Izzy would!

Well, I’m going to start some spaghetti sauce for dinner tonight (yes it’s only 9 a.m., but it gets crazier as the day goes on!)  and then will take Izzy to school later and meet my brother in “town”…  I have to do a post on Orovo detox

One last thing..

I saw a bow technique on my friend OHAmanda’s blog so I tried it.  What do you think? (go look at her’s, she’s better at it and shows step by step how to)

Have a great Wednesday!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both! I love pretty paper and gift bags for the unwrappable )… but not for the kids, they are too nosey to not look in the bags!2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial this year, usually real.3. When do you put up the tree? the week after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? Day after Christmas.5. Do you like eggnog? ICK no!!!6. Favorite gift received as a child? baby alive7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, several. Matt likes them. It’s hard to find places to put them out though… too much Christmas stuff.8. Hardest person to buy for? My dad.  I have his gift already figured out!9. Easiest person to buy for? Emelia. She loves everything from dolls to clothes, from makeup to music. 10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? batteries. I begged and begged to open one little present before Christmas when I was little, my mom finally relented and I opened a package of batteries! Could have been worse like diet pills like Ephedrasil hardcore11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Grinch and Elf13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? After Thanksgiving.14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sweets of any kind and spinach dip!16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear. period.17. Favorite Christmas song? I’m enjoying “wintersong” album by Sarah McLachlan, and “I’ll be home for Christmas,” is my ringtone.18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? dasher dancer comet cupid donner blitzen prancer vixon rudolf ???20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Bear (boyd’s bear angel)21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both.22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? materialism, commercialism, discontentment.23. What I love most about Christmas? Seeing everyone, giving fun gifts, the pretty decorations …

TAG. YOU’RE IT.