Good news! Izzy has taken to sleeping in the bedroom with Emelia rather than in my bedroom!  Do you know what this means??? It means I get to read in bed WITH the lamp on!  Woohoo!  She has been sleeping in there several nights and is sleeping well.   I looked in on the girls last night on my way to bed and caught this shot.  (I was so happy the flash didn’t wake them up.)  When I showed the pic to Emelia today she said, “no wonder I woke up with a neck ache .” 

I got a new comforter set that I love!!! Don’t you love a great sale?  I had my eye on it at JCPenney.  It is American Living brand and was pretty expensive ($500).  After several coupons and savings offers and 70% off it was only $100.00!  It is beautiful.  I ran in yesterday to return something and saw the throw pillows that coordinate.  They were regularly priced $50 and I got both for $14.  Here’s some pics…

I saw on the website the King sheets are marked down from $150 to $36!  They are sold out online so I am hoping to check out the store tomorrow.  I have two more coupons so it would only be about $25.00. 

I’ve been putting this off for a while… like since may 06.  I had an exam and then ultrasound that revealed some ovarian cysts… I was supposed to schedule a follow-up ultrasound to determine if they were changing.  I forgot.  Anyway I finally made the appointment and saw the dr.  She said it was a “normal examination.”  She did schedule another ultrasound next week to make sure but said she didn’t feel any problems.  I’m healed. Yay.  It occured to me sitting in that office, watching the pregnant women come and go, that it’s a lot more fun when you are going to hear your baby’s heartbeat or see their little face on the ultrasound machine rather than just see your silly parts.  Ugh.  Not that I’m wanting another baby.  Nope. 

Today was Izzy’s first extended school day.  She will now go from 11:30 until 3:30.  Four whole hours!  It makes a big difference and I think it will be great for her to have more time with her teachers and therapists everyday.  She had a great day today and is about ready to go to bed now.

Matt was supposed to return to work tomorrow.  We’ve both been sick for several days.  The days off he had already used were from last year, so he had about 160 hours for this new year.  He has decided to use three more days and go back Monday.  He’s been working so much overtime lately I know he needs the break.  That’s all I’m sayin’ about that…

I made pizzas again tonight.  That sauce recipe I posted was the bomb!  It made the pizzas ten times better.  Seriously!  You should give it a try.  Matt suggested I open a pizzaria.  LOL  … I did good to get four made.  There are two left. 

My sweet brother Mike brought me a carryout order from my favorite (Victoria’s Pasta Shop).  I was very surprised when he arrived with it this afternoon.  I had planned to begin my starvation diet tomorrow, but I guess it will begin after my Victoria’s lasagna roll breakfast. 

Speaking of food (like usual)…. mom and I went to Cheesecake Factory yesterday.  It was better than ever!  We stopped at the mall and checked out some stuff…. got a new calendar etc.  It was a fun outing. 

With a full tummy I’m going to close and watch the biggest loser.  Wow!  These people have a lot of weight to lose.  Should be interesting to watch.  Inspiring too. 

 What is the most important truth/lesson you feel God taught you in 2008? How will that truth change your life in 2009?

Wow… just one? There have been so many life lessons over the past year.  I think the biggest lesson is that God is part of the big and small things that happen in life and to always be aware of the whispers and the shouts that are coming my way… and not only “be aware…,” but take those bits of information and use them.  The devil tries to steal those nuggets of wisdom before they become an active part of life, my goal is to hold on tight to God’s wisdom and keep the enemy under foot! 

 

 

 Old Christmas Cards…

I opened this over at Susan’s and now I am obligated…as are you! (When Susan says I am obligated, I take it seriously )…

50 random things about you! If you opened this, FILL IT OUT! Learn 50 things about your friends and let them learn 50 things about you!
1.Do you like cheese? All kinds! Yum!

2.Have you ever smoked? Nope.

3. Do you own a gun? Yes. Several. (well, matt does…)

4. Do you like listening to Christmas music? Yes I heart Christmas music!

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Nah!

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I’m a weiner snob, only kosher beef ones.

7. Favorite Christmas song for all time? “where are you Christmas?” from the Grinch.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? coke & sonic ice.

9. Can you do push ups? sure!

10. Who is your favorite Grey’s Anatomy Character? Don’t watch it.

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? wedding ring.

12. Favorite hobby?  blogging.

13. Do you eat “exotic” foods? not really.

14. Do you have A.D.D.? No

15. What one trait do you hate about yourself? I can be impulsive… that’s annoying.

16. Middle Name? Ann

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? “I need to close this and finish after picking Izzy up from school.”  “I need to run by store and get lightbulbs.”  “Write sexy lingerie post.”

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Bath & body stuff at Victoria’s secret, frame at pottery barn, and Paula Deen cookie for santa plate and cocoa pot from Dillards.

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? coke, coke & coke.

20. Current worry right now? No worries.

21. Current hate? fruit. ick.

22. Favorite place to be? On the go.

23. How will you bring in the New Year? Probably sleeping.

24. Where would you like to go? Back to Disneyworld.

25. Name three people who will complete this? I have NO idea!!

26. Do you own flip flops? tons.

27. What shirt are you wearing? thermal with ivory sweater over it.  It’s cold.

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? no.

29. Can you whistle? sorta.

30. Favorite color? white and variations of white.

31. Would you be a pirate? Never

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don’t sing in the shower

33. Favorite girl’s name? Amanda Emelia & Isabelle

34. Favorite boy’s name? John Bailey

35. What’s in your pocket right now? nothing

36. Last thing that made you laugh? Watching Little People Big World… they were laying out all this fake snow and it got messy if wet and they showed their dog with it all stuck on it’s feet.  It was funny to me….

37. Bed sheets as a child? White lace trimmed.

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? a dogbite

39. Do you love where you live? YES!!!!

40. How many TV’s do you have in your house? six .

41. Who is your loudest friend? miki!!

42. How many dogs do you have? 3 lady, rosa and princess… our new dog daughter!

43. Does someone have a crush on you? yes. Matt.

44. Do you get embarrassed easily? No

45. What is your favorite book? Next to various translations of the Bible, Redeeming love by Francine Rivers.

46. What is your favorite candy? Almond Roca or Skor…

47. Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince theme song? Most of them from years and years ago.

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Solace.  Sarah McLaughlan

49. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sleeping

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? No clear thoughts, just a desire to go back to sleep!

So… I made a brisket this weekend.  I marinated all night Friday night and then cooked it on a low temp all day Saturday.  We ate it with bbq sauce for dinner.  It was delicious!  I chopped it up after dinner and put several potatoes in the crock pot to cook all night, then before leaving for church put a layer of foil over the potatoes and then sat the container of beef on top covered all to warm during church.  We had bbq sandwiches and potatoes ready when we walked in for lunch.  It was great and so easy! 

Emelia sang her solo at church and honestly could not have done a better job!  She sang beautifully and articulated her words so well.  It was a heartfelt song and so sweet.  I was so proud of her. 

We had our dirty santa party at church in the evening.  I was with my friend Miki when we both purchased our dirty santa gifts.  I loved what she chose and what I chose.  By the time my number was up the beautiful snowman blanket was gone and couldn’t be taken, and so I took my present from Ruth because I could tell it wasn’t her “style.”  Someone took it from me and I ended up with a six pack of votives from partylite and a little heart votive holder.  It was all in good fun and I enjoyed it.  The best part was finding out who had my name all year long.  I had no idea and was so pleased to see that it was Sheila.  She really gave me some cool things, like this believe wall cling thingie.

The believe sign above it was a gift from Miki.  That came with a package of peanut butter fudgie wudgie which is my absolute new favorite!!!! I wish I had some right now!!!!

Look what came in the mail from my sweet bloggy friends Nancy and her daughter Lauren!  

Isn’t it a sweet ornament?  Thanks Nancy & Lauren!!!

Izzy brought home lots of goodies, this was her ornament from kindergarten…

Now, I just have a few more packages to wrap!

Merry Christmas eve… eve…eve…

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 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!

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.

How was your Sunday?  Saturday?  Mine were incredibly uneventful.  But, that’s a good thing.  Saturday I didn’t leave the house one time.  Not once!  I shopped for groceries Friday and just didn’t have to get anything.  I had french bread pizzas for lunch and ham sandwiches on the sourdough bread I bought Friday at Panera for dinner… had pork loin to put in the crockpot for dinner Sunday after church and let everyone hit the freezer for dinner.

We have a guest speaker this week at church… Sherlock Bally.  Pretty interesting.  He speaks about prophecy and is informative and entertaining at the same time.  I really enjoyed the day.

I had a ton of good coupons to different stores that all expired yesterday… and a great one that was for today only.  But I guess there is something to be said for not spending any money all weekend… even though I could have saved so much money by spending?  Oh well, tomorrow brings a new day and more coupons! I remember the days of cutting out coupons for disposable diapers.

Good News!  I got the kids pic for our Christmas cards and ordered them last night.  I’m really please with the picture and can’t decide if I should post it or not… what do you think?

I plan to make chicken spaghetti tomorrow night.  We’ll have salad and garlic toast.

I bought a huge bag of chicken breasts from Sams so we’ll probably have chicken a few times this week.

Maybe bbq chicken and baked potatoes Tuesday!  Sounds good.  I wish my family shared my love for bbq sauce and did you see that special on channel 13 about the taste test?  Bull’s Eye won blind test after blind test so I bought some.  It is good.  Mom makes delicious homemade bbq sauce but hasn’t lately.  Mom!  Make some!

Wednesday we’ll have burgers and fries.  health food.

Thursday french bread pizzas… and salad.

Friday I’m thinking about having carryout chinese food… or something like that.

They had this fudge at Sam’s Friday when I was shopping for food.  They were passing out samples.  It’s called fudgie wudgie.  I accepted a sample and I have to tell you it was like having a little piece of heaven right in my mouth.  I bought a pound.  I ate it all.  Well, not all… I shared it.  But it’s gone and now all I can think about is going back to Sam’s and buying more.  Sad but true.  Tis the season.

So I have mentioned at least twice, maybe even  three times what I remembered to be the worst Christmas present I received (as a child).  So on Black Friday mom and I were shopping.  I saw and tried on a pair of boots greatly reduced for early bird special at JCP.  Mom swooped in and paid for them happy to have a Christmas gift bought.  I didn’t object.  Until Sunday.  I got dressed in a brown long skirt that I had in the spring/summer months and wore really cute brown sandals.  It was like 40 degrees so those shoes were completely out of the question.  Knowing what a nice person my mom is I called her (at 9 a.m. as I was rushing out to church) and said, “my outfit today would be perfect with those brown boots.”  to which she replied, “do you want to wear them?” duh … “why, yes! I would love to wear them!.” She left them on the front porch on her way to church and I slipped them on and out I went.

I came home and put them back in the box, not saying goodbye… just til we meet again at Christmas and began shopping for auto insurance online.  Mom asked later in the day how the boots were and I said that I really like them and had packed them up to return to her for wrapping.  She said I could just keep them with one condition.  That I never mention that gift again from my childhood.  So… I won’t.  It’s as if it never happened.  Thanks mom. I heart you.