Happy Anniversary, Pookus.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
And they lived happily ever after...
Here's a shout out to my Prince Charming. My Knight in Shining Armor. After 9 years of marital bliss, you still are my hero. You are still "kind of a big deal." I couldn't ask for a more gallant, thoughtful, special man to go on this journey with. You are a fantastic hubby and an excellent father.
Sledding 101
Rule one: don't crash into the concrete wall.
EVER.
or the big pole.
What Christmas vacay would be complete without a little sledding action? Ian and I packed up Jack, sled, and various layers of Under Armor and Gortex and off we headed to Silver Lake (the local sledding hill. Zac, Olivia, Mamaw and Papaw met us there. As we stood at the top of the hill before our first run, we all commented on the ominous concrete wall at the bottom. Surely, it was far enough out there that no one would hit it, right? Well, you will never guess who hit it on her first run. Yeppers. Me. It looked much more dramatic that it actually was. I just laid at the bottom of the hill laughing hysterically.
After a couple runs with Daddy, Jack decided that he would be brave enough to go by himself. Ian stayed at the bottom of the hill to catch Jack so he would not be introduced to the wall in the same way I had. Jack would go down about halfway down the hill and somehow his sled would get all turned around and he would end up going down backwards. Eventually he decided to just cut the crap and to go down backwards in the first place. That little guy has no fear. He is 100% little boy and so eager to just get in there and experience everything life has to offer. All was well until the last run of the day (it is always that last run.) Papaw had made his way down the hill to help Ian catch the runaway sleds. As Jack made his zig-zaggy way down the hill, he took a quick turn the opposite direction from which Papaw was expecting and ran right into a big pole! Fortunately, Papaw made it there just in time to slow Jack down a bit, so it was more scary than anything. He hit his little leg and got a respectable bruise. But wouldn't you know, he wanted to do one more run to show that he wasn't scared of sledding. What a trooper!
So...lesson learned. Don't go sledding without a little first aide kit and lots of band-aids. (Band-aids fix everything, don't they.)
Any other near death experiences with sledding out there?
Friday, December 26, 2008
Ho! Ho! Ho!
I just love Christmas. This year ranks up there with one of the best ever.
This was the first year that Jackson started to "get" the whole Santa thing. Much to his joy, Daddy pulled a "Red Rider BB Gun" from A Christmas Story and got him a Nerf gun. I was not too excited, but Jack couldn't put the thing down all day!
We had a nice quiet day at home. The snow was so thick, we couldn't leave the house and NO ONE was complaining about that. What a joy it was just to spend the day with the family. In the evening we headed over to Zac's for some ham (thanks, T.) It was a fantastic day.
My favorite memory was watching Jackson open his presents. After he opened each one (except the socks) he would exclaim, "This is the best present ever!" Another favorite had to be Jack showing what a giving little guy he is. I explained to him that there was a family in the neighborhood that wasn't going to have much of a Christmas this year and what could we do to help? After asking some questions about the kids (and especially a little boy his age) he offered up one of his most cherished toys. It made me so proud to see that he had understood a bit about the meaning of the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Eve was spent at my grandparents. Throughout this year, I have been constantly reminded of their short time left here on this earth. On Christmas Eve, I saw that frailty even more and cherished every moment I had with them. I hope to be able to spend more time with them this coming year so I can soak up every little moment I can have with them.
I have to confess, I just love my cutie husband. He got me a space heater and a food processor. On the surface, it would seem that this is akin to getting a vacuum for Valentine's Day. That would be true if it wasn't for the fact that I have wanted both of these little items for a very long time. The space heater is for my craft room...anyone who has been trying to scrapbook in said room past midnight knows what I mean. And the food processor...well he happened to get me what he calls "The Hit Man" of food processors. It rocks! Thanks, E., for helping him choose one.
Woohoo! I was searching the house yesterday for things I could slice, dice or grate. I couldn't get enough!
With all the snow, Jack and Ian spent a good deal of time "shoving" the snow with their "snow shovers." Jack loves getting out there to help his daddy. Ian loves it too. Jack's definition of helping Daddy usually involves Jack playing in the snow while Ian shovels the driveway. I have to give props to the little guy this time around. He shoveled the porch and the stairs and did a pretty decent job.
All and all, the best part of yesterday was just spending time with the boys. I just love my boys and they make me feel so special. The Lord has blessed me with the best.
This was the first year that Jackson started to "get" the whole Santa thing. Much to his joy, Daddy pulled a "Red Rider BB Gun" from A Christmas Story and got him a Nerf gun. I was not too excited, but Jack couldn't put the thing down all day!
We had a nice quiet day at home. The snow was so thick, we couldn't leave the house and NO ONE was complaining about that. What a joy it was just to spend the day with the family. In the evening we headed over to Zac's for some ham (thanks, T.) It was a fantastic day.
My favorite memory was watching Jackson open his presents. After he opened each one (except the socks) he would exclaim, "This is the best present ever!" Another favorite had to be Jack showing what a giving little guy he is. I explained to him that there was a family in the neighborhood that wasn't going to have much of a Christmas this year and what could we do to help? After asking some questions about the kids (and especially a little boy his age) he offered up one of his most cherished toys. It made me so proud to see that he had understood a bit about the meaning of the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Eve was spent at my grandparents. Throughout this year, I have been constantly reminded of their short time left here on this earth. On Christmas Eve, I saw that frailty even more and cherished every moment I had with them. I hope to be able to spend more time with them this coming year so I can soak up every little moment I can have with them.
I have to confess, I just love my cutie husband. He got me a space heater and a food processor. On the surface, it would seem that this is akin to getting a vacuum for Valentine's Day. That would be true if it wasn't for the fact that I have wanted both of these little items for a very long time. The space heater is for my craft room...anyone who has been trying to scrapbook in said room past midnight knows what I mean. And the food processor...well he happened to get me what he calls "The Hit Man" of food processors. It rocks! Thanks, E., for helping him choose one.
Woohoo! I was searching the house yesterday for things I could slice, dice or grate. I couldn't get enough!
With all the snow, Jack and Ian spent a good deal of time "shoving" the snow with their "snow shovers." Jack loves getting out there to help his daddy. Ian loves it too. Jack's definition of helping Daddy usually involves Jack playing in the snow while Ian shovels the driveway. I have to give props to the little guy this time around. He shoveled the porch and the stairs and did a pretty decent job.
All and all, the best part of yesterday was just spending time with the boys. I just love my boys and they make me feel so special. The Lord has blessed me with the best.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Do They Know Its Christmas?
This year Ian has brought to my attention his favorite genre of Christmas song: The Guilt Christmas song! I have never really noticed these before, but WOW! They are all over the place! Here's our top 3 list:
1. The Christmas Shoes. Really, can you get more tearful than a song about a boy trying to buy his mom a pretty pair of shoes so she can look her best when meeting Jesus? If you can make it through this song without crying like a kid who just fell off his bike, then YOU HAVE NO SOUL!
2. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon. While I loved John Lennon much more when he was a quarter of the Beatles, this song will give you more guilt than the guy in the wheelchair ringing the Salvation Army bell. I don't really love this song, but the hippie lyrics do bring on the guilt about that donut I had this morning. (Some kids don't get donuts, see?)
3. Do They Know Its Christmas by Band Aide. None of us should be surprised that Bono was at the heart of this little doozy. How can you enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa when there are starving children in Ethiopia. This song comes in two sizes: the shorter "I may have asked for a validation at the store when I really didn't park at the Gateway" size and then the longer, more guilt ridden Italian Grandmother version. When I hear the opening strains of this song, I always hope for the free-parking-in-the-future version, but once in a while KOSY will sneak in the grandma version and I have too much guilt to change the station. I really should just stew in the fact that I was lucky enough to not have to "roast rocks by an open fire" for our Christmas Eve treat.
Wow...maybe I am the one with no soul! What are your favorite guilty Christmas songs?
1. The Christmas Shoes. Really, can you get more tearful than a song about a boy trying to buy his mom a pretty pair of shoes so she can look her best when meeting Jesus? If you can make it through this song without crying like a kid who just fell off his bike, then YOU HAVE NO SOUL!
2. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon. While I loved John Lennon much more when he was a quarter of the Beatles, this song will give you more guilt than the guy in the wheelchair ringing the Salvation Army bell. I don't really love this song, but the hippie lyrics do bring on the guilt about that donut I had this morning. (Some kids don't get donuts, see?)
3. Do They Know Its Christmas by Band Aide. None of us should be surprised that Bono was at the heart of this little doozy. How can you enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa when there are starving children in Ethiopia. This song comes in two sizes: the shorter "I may have asked for a validation at the store when I really didn't park at the Gateway" size and then the longer, more guilt ridden Italian Grandmother version. When I hear the opening strains of this song, I always hope for the free-parking-in-the-future version, but once in a while KOSY will sneak in the grandma version and I have too much guilt to change the station. I really should just stew in the fact that I was lucky enough to not have to "roast rocks by an open fire" for our Christmas Eve treat.
Wow...maybe I am the one with no soul! What are your favorite guilty Christmas songs?
Things you have done tag
Bold the items you have done:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
20. Slept on an train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Does this mean another country? I've been to Lehi...That counts, right?
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Tied a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a Bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible-The New Testiment and a lot of the Old....can I half bold?86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy
I tag Sherilyn, T, Suzanne, and Andria
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
20. Slept on an train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Does this mean another country? I've been to Lehi...That counts, right?
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Tied a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a Bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible-The New Testiment and a lot of the Old....can I half bold?86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy
I tag Sherilyn, T, Suzanne, and Andria
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christmas Tag
Here we go....
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrap
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial with lots of Scentsy Christmas Tree billowing in the air
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually not too long after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day
5. Do you like eggnog? Um…yeah!!!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Mmmmm…Cabbage Patch Kids
7. Hardest person to buy for? Mom
8. Easiest person to buy for? Jack
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Of course. I have a weakness for Nativity Scenes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't remember.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Christmas Story or Polar Express
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Summer
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Regifting is fun…but I haven't done it.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Toffee
16. Lights on the tree? Yes
17. Favorite Christmas song? Changes every year, but this year I would have to go with Believe (Josh Groban), Santa Baby, and O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Heck yeah!
20. Angel on the tree-top or a star? I have an angel, but nothing on the top of the tree this year. I know, I suck.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? PJs Christmas eve and the rest christmas day.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The season is not long enough. Too much to do in not enough time.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Have to go with the Princess ornaments, although I really like my red and gold tree. I also can't wait to see the "Boy tree"
24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? turkey
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? World peace!
I tag anyone who is reading this.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrap
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial with lots of Scentsy Christmas Tree billowing in the air
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually not too long after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day
5. Do you like eggnog? Um…yeah!!!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Mmmmm…Cabbage Patch Kids
7. Hardest person to buy for? Mom
8. Easiest person to buy for? Jack
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Of course. I have a weakness for Nativity Scenes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't remember.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Christmas Story or Polar Express
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Summer
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Regifting is fun…but I haven't done it.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Toffee
16. Lights on the tree? Yes
17. Favorite Christmas song? Changes every year, but this year I would have to go with Believe (Josh Groban), Santa Baby, and O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Heck yeah!
20. Angel on the tree-top or a star? I have an angel, but nothing on the top of the tree this year. I know, I suck.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? PJs Christmas eve and the rest christmas day.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The season is not long enough. Too much to do in not enough time.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Have to go with the Princess ornaments, although I really like my red and gold tree. I also can't wait to see the "Boy tree"
24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? turkey
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? World peace!
I tag anyone who is reading this.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Grateful
I just love this time of year! It starts with mid September (Ian's birthday) and the fun doesn't stop until mid January (Jack's birthday!) Along with the crisp air, delicious apples, beautiful snow, there is a feeling of goodwill, generosity, and gratitude. I wish it could be all year!!! When I hear "Happy Holidays," I assume folks are talking about the last three months of the year and not trying to avoid a "Merry Christmas."
This year, Thanksgiving was a bit different for us. Jack got pretty sick on Wednesday...throwing up, fever, and eye infections. It kept us in the house from Wednesday through yesterday. Although it was sad that he was so sick, I have to confess it was so nice to just have time for the two of us for all that time. Ian was pretty occupado with the toy sale Friday and Saturday, so Jack and I hung out in the house. He is such a good boy. All he wanted to do was snuggle and have me play with his hair. We played Wii a bit, but mostly just relaxed and watched movies. He is really into Star Wars right now (Thank you, Ian and Sean) and loves to watch "The Clone Wars" with American (Anakin) Skywalker. He is also very into what he calls "technology" which means it has to plug into the wall to work. Jack has been such a tender blessing in our lives. I see so much of Ian in him.
This year, I am so thankful for so many things. My wonderful family...both immediate and extended. We have had a rollercoaster ride of health this year and is has done nothing but strengthened us. How amazing that we are an eternal unit. My husband is the best. I couldn't have asked for a better man. His heart is pure and he is one of those guys that will do anything for the well being of our family. I appreciate his leadership and his undying love.
This year, Thanksgiving was a bit different for us. Jack got pretty sick on Wednesday...throwing up, fever, and eye infections. It kept us in the house from Wednesday through yesterday. Although it was sad that he was so sick, I have to confess it was so nice to just have time for the two of us for all that time. Ian was pretty occupado with the toy sale Friday and Saturday, so Jack and I hung out in the house. He is such a good boy. All he wanted to do was snuggle and have me play with his hair. We played Wii a bit, but mostly just relaxed and watched movies. He is really into Star Wars right now (Thank you, Ian and Sean) and loves to watch "The Clone Wars" with American (Anakin) Skywalker. He is also very into what he calls "technology" which means it has to plug into the wall to work. Jack has been such a tender blessing in our lives. I see so much of Ian in him.
This year, I am so thankful for so many things. My wonderful family...both immediate and extended. We have had a rollercoaster ride of health this year and is has done nothing but strengthened us. How amazing that we are an eternal unit. My husband is the best. I couldn't have asked for a better man. His heart is pure and he is one of those guys that will do anything for the well being of our family. I appreciate his leadership and his undying love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
