Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

We are living in tumultuous times. As 2008 comes to a close, we hope and pray that 2009 will be filled with better times, and that our lives will be enriched with faith and love as we more fully rely upon our Savior.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Some images from our very white Christmas. Kind of unusual for our area...This is what turns an otherwise dreary winter landscape into a beautiful "Winter Wonderland." Now I would trade this any day for a little "Mele Kalikimaka", but this runs a close second. .

Swirly-Twirly Christmas Dresses

Girls in Christmas dresses that swirl and twirl around like a dancer on a stage, are a one of a few of my favorite things. I tried to put this to the "Favorite things" lyrics, but I'm not feeling that creative today. In this case, Ladybug, is the swirly twirly Christmas dress girl. She loves how her new dress flares out and swirls around her as she turns around and around the room and collapses onto the floor in a dizzy spell.

The Christmas Stranger

The Christmas Stranger author unknown  
At Christmas time there was a man who looked so out of place, As people rushed about him at a hurried pace. He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere, The shopping center Santa Claus, with children gathered near. The mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro, Some with smiles and some with frowns and some too tired to go. They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way, To fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day. The music from a stereo was playing loud and clear, Of Santa Claus, and snowmen and a funny-nosed reindeer. He heard the people talk about the good times on the way, Of parties, fun, and food galore, and the gifts exchanged that day. "I'd like to know what's going on," the man was heard to say There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way. And would you tell me who this is, all dressed in red and white? And why are children asking HIM about a special night?" The answer came in disbelief, "I can't believe my ear! I can't believe you do not know that Christmas time is here. The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys. When they're asleep on Christmas Eve, he leaves them books and toys." "The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus, so sly. The children love his joyful laugh and the twinkle in his eye. His gift-packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer As he flies quickly through the air, while darting here and there." The children learn of Santa Claus while they are still quite small When Christmas comes, he is the most IMPORTANT one of all!" The stranger hung his head in same, he closed a nail-pierced hand. His body shook in disbelief, He did not understand. A shadow crossed his stricken face, his voice was low, but clear. "After all these years, they still don't know." And Jesus shed a tear...

I hope and pray that as we go about our celebrating the next two days, that we remember the true meaning of Christmas and keep Christ in our celebrations. Love, L

Truly Decadent!

I received this beautiful chocolate fruit cup as a gift from our Administrator at school for Christmas. The white and dark chocolate cup is filled with rasberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes and a creamy chocolate mousse. I took one look at it and thought to myself, "That is just too beautiful to eat!" A true piece of art to be enjoyed, shared and savored...To be eaten on nothing less than the finest of china. I will immortalize it here and share it with all my blogging friends. Then, I will take my first bite letting all the flavors combine in a burst of fruity chocolate decadence on my tongue. I will savor each bite until it is gone, and when I want to enjoy it again, I will come here and savor it once more.

Micron's Christmas Gift

We were so lucky to receive our Christmas gift from Micron one month early. Meaning that the gift will come in January. It is the much coveted and highly sought after gift of the year: "pay cut". (So nice of them to let us know right before Christmas...) I actually am quite grateful for this gift as it means that we weren't part of the layoff group. It means we still have money with which to take care of our family. It means we have to make cuts ourselves. It means we have to reaffirm what is most important in our lives. Thank you, Micron

Look what I have to put up with!

I just wanted a quick "couple photo" you know the kind where you hold the camera out and away from you, eye ball to see if it looks centered on your faces, then click... Alas, it was not to be for me. I mean, look what I have to put up with...(gotta love that guy!)

So I decided that if I kissed him, his face would be preoccupied. But, for some unexplainable reason, he has rabbit ears. Hmmm. Who could that be? Our house is never serious!

My NEW Sneaks and a math equation? (I am Thankful!)

Old running shoes + sore feet = new running shoes = happy runner

TaVaci Performing Arts

Ladybug had her Christmas performance on Saturday. She was sad that her Grandma was sick and her Aunt and Uncle weren't able to make it. I guess they had this that and the other thing to do. But, she was excited and surprised that a friend from school and her mom came. That meant a lot! The easiest thing you can do to show children that you love them is to give them your time. This always helps put us in the Christmas Spirit. Here are some pics...

Christmas Questions

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends and family. Want to have some fun? Post the answers on your blog, too... 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Pretty wrapping paper

2. Real tree or Artificial? ARTIFICIAL 3. When do you put up the tree? December 1st

4. When do you take the tree down? December 27 5. Do you like eggnog? Yes especially Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice (really, there isn't any alcohol)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A rag doll my mom stitched by hand

7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad 8. Easiest person to buy for? My daughter

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes - I have a couple 10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail (sometimes even homemade cards!)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A fruit cake! 12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In the Fall

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Uh, Everything!

16. Lights on the tree? YES 17. Favorite Christmas song? Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes 20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star with three snowmen

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning (the kids get to open one gift on Christmas Eve - always new pjs)

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Busy Schedules which prevent staying home with family

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? SNOWMEN

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Anything I don't have to cook.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Wii Fit game & Country Music CD's 26. Who is most likely to respond to this? No one?

Christians Unite

I love this time of year! It doesn't matter which Christian religion you belong to, we all unite in our celebration of Jesus Christ. Whether Methodist, Baptist, Latter Day Saints, Catholic or the Seventh Day Adventists, We are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and exemplar. We put the theological differences aside and celebrate the birth and life of Him who came to earth to offer us redemption.

The Seventh Day Adventist church down the street put on a "Journey to Bethlehem" this weekend. Their costumes, creativity and the spirit with which it was given was wonderful. May the pictures help you to reflect on our Savior.

Flashback Friday the Ladybug Edition 2004

One busy day during the Christmas season, I found myself hurriedly running from one store to another with three children in tow. The frenzy of the season and all of its activities were bearing down and had left me tired and exhausted. On one of our last stops, I quickly pushed passed the aisle of Christmas decorations, despite the protests of my children, so that I could soon return home. At that moment, I realized that my daughter was missing. A sudden surge of panic came over me, but as I turned to look for her, I heard her call out to me.

“Oh, Mommy,” she exclaimed “Look!”

There was my daughter standing before a light-up yard nativity scene. In the midst of busy shoppers pushing passed, she slowly knelt before the Baby Jesus. The shoppers, still passing by, did not even notice one small girl kneeling before the manger. I reverently watched as she looked on lovingly at the Baby and spoke quiet words to Him. It was as though time stopped for me that night. While the crowds thronged on through the store, there was only a mother, with tears in her eyes, whose heart swelled with love for her daughter and her Savior, and a little girl who took the time to stop, remember and admire the precious Christ child.

When she was through, Ladybug rose to her feet and walked back to join me. As she slipped her hand in mine and we turned to walk away, I said a silent prayer of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for this wonderful gift of a daughter and this sacred Christmas experience. I was reminded of a scripture in Isaiah 11:6 “…and a little child shall lead them.” With all the wisdom of a six year old, Ladybug led me by the hand that night out of a busy store and into a more Christ filled Christmas.

Up on the house top...

Up on the house top reindeer pause (paws)...

Out jumps good ol' Santa Clause... Deck the halls with boughs of Holly (and lots of lights).

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer...(Mike's cold, his nose is red)

Oh Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining...(Well at least the lights are) (Those little lights aren't twinkling, Clark!)

I got to meet Glenn Beck!

Okay, so it was really just a book signing for the Christmas Sweater. It is #1 on the New York Times best seller list. I haven't read it yet as I am going to the Live Christmas Sweater show tonight. But it is supposed to be a really heart warming story of Christmas and love. (I think I better bring tissue tonight!) Kevin and I stood out in the cold for over an hour to get his autograph and shake his hand. I was even worried that they would run out of books before we got up to the front. They didn't run out for us, but I'm sure they did. The line was still long when we left.

Mr. Beck shook my hand and took the time to thank me for coming and asked me if I would be coming to his show tonight. Kevin took this picture. (Again, thank goodness for camera phones) Fun, fun!

Flashback Friday the TJ Edition

When TJ was 2 1/2 his daddy was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. TJ was so excited perched right on the edge of the font. When KT was done and had come up out of the water, TJ jumped up, tried to take off his shirt and said,

"I want to get 'BATHTIZED' now!"

I am Thankful for Traditions

This past Monday was the Micron Children's Christmas Party. In light of recent lay offs, Micron still went ahead with this party that has become a tradition in our family. Unfortunately, the boys don't really "dig" it anymore. So, does tradition go by the wayside when no one wants to do it anymore? When Ladybug gets too old, I don't know what KT and I will do without our mini corn dogs and tatter tots. TJ had to work, Miguel was embarrassed but Ladybug had a great time.

Games and prizes, bounce houses and the bungee jump:

Crazy Ladybug!

Miguel was avoiding the camera!

And No event is complete without the big man! (He's going to kill me for posting these) shh don't tell him.

A Country Girl

In my mind, I am a country singer. I have long beautiful hair, am cute and dance around on the stage with all the confidence in the world, (my voice is perfect too). I would look like this:

Source

 I would have the money to go with it! I would have tons of cute clothes, a huge house, a gorgeous, sporty car and everyone loves me. Now I know this unrealistic, remember it's in my mind. In reality, I could never sing that well or have the confidence to do it. So in light of that, the money that would go with it will never happen either. Not everyone loves me. That's a stretch! (I'm too opinionated)...Maybe I could really just be happy with the boots. I can do the boots. That's more realistic. I hereby am on a quest for the perfect pair of cowboy boots. They could look like this:

Source

I'll let you know when I find them. I'll be dancing around the living room in them and singing with the windows tightly closed. (I think I watch too much CMT)

I love this!

This is in honor of my dear husbands last calling. I could totally see this happening

The Lunch Bunch

TJ and a group of his friends have been making the rounds and going to each others homes for lunch on the weekdays. Some of the mom's have really been awesome and doing a big to do for them. Since I usually am at work when they come to my house, they scour the fridge for left overs or make sandwiches. I'm off of work this week and TJ asked if I would do something for lunch for his group of friends. I said "sure" and asked what some of the other moms had been doing. "Let's see," TJ said, "I've had carne asada, homemade sub sandwiches, little smokie hors d'oevers cooked in all it's different forms..." Ladybug promptly looked at me and said, "Oh mom, you can't compete." What confidence my children have in me! The gauntlet was thrown down, the challenge was made. I made up my mind then and there that I was going to do something special. Something other than PBJ or bologna and cheese. So here is what I did, I made tacos, beans, cowboy dip, homemade salsa with chips and chocolate chip cookies. A table cloth was placed on the table, everything was set, and some "mood" music was playing in the background. Thanks to dishnetwork and their Mexican CD channel, I think we kind of sounded like the On the Border restaurant. TJ had told me to expect 5 guys. As they all crowded into my small kitchen I thought the numbers didn't add up. As I counted I kept coming up with 10? (Well, that did include Nicole and myself). TJ said, "Well, it just kept growing, and there were people we wanted to invite and didn't 'cause there were too many." My huge spread of a lunch suddenly became meager offerings for this group of hungry young men. Here are some pics from the "Lunch Bunch"...

I would post pictures of the lunch bunch here if I could get them off of my SD card. Something is fishy and it wasn't lunch

A tree hugger?

I am a self proclaimed conservative conservationist. My KT says there is no such thing, but I beg to differ. I am tangible, you can touch me, I am real, and I am a conservative conservationist. (Good thing it's not his way or the highway or he'd be out the door!) Just kidding! I believe in conservative values as well as believe in shutting off the running water, recycling everything you can, use it up (even the last bit of toothpaste), leftovers - eat them! I use environmentally friendly cleaning products. They are safe for the environment, my home, my pets and, lastly, my family. And don't cut a tree down if you don't have to. Come on they are so dang beautiful! I have a too gorgeous tree in front of my house that probably should be cut down, but I am waiting until the roots become more dangerous. I think conservative conservationism is catching, like a virus, in our home. (I hope). Here is tree hugger TJ. (Pictures courtesy of my friend Angie. She is a fantastic photographer. I love that she caught the kids screwing off.)

Flashback Friday . . .I remember when...

I'm going to start something new. I am calling it "Flashback Friday" and I am going to be recalling little events in the kids lives. I'm worried that if I don't get these little things written down, they'll be lost forever! My memory isn't what it used to be, I'm almost 40! I remember when...Miguel was in 2nd grade and finally losing his first tooth. (He always has done things in his own time). Anyway, back to my memory...I was listening in to a conversation between Miguel and TJ. I had my big "mommy ears" tuned into them. TJ was telling Miguel that when he loses his tooth the tooth fairy will come and he'll get money. Miguell replied, "Yeah, but I sure hope I don't lose my sweet tooth." That struck a funny bone with me, and Miguell did not lose his sweet tooth. In fact, I do believe he gained a few extra sweet teeth! Here is the toothiest picture I could find...(if you look real close, you can see one of his front teeth missing)

Miguel - June 30, 2001

A 2busy-ism

I'd like to share a 2busy-ism with you. Let it sink in, think about it...."When we strive for perfection and set unattainable standards, we lose touch with humanity." (It makes sense to me anyway.)

Thankful Thursday - Let me count...

What am I thankful for? Let me see, one, two, three, four, five of us! 

I've got mine. Do you have yours?

I bought my ticket to Twilight last Saturday. While it isn't the first showing (which is midnight), it is still the first day. It is a "Girls Afternoon Out". I'm even getting Ladybug out of school a few minutes early (gasp!). Despite holding the ticket, I was assured at the box office, that there would still be quite the line. At least I have a seat, just have to make sure it is next to my daughter...

Just released and Incredible!

Just released today is David Cook's debut album after American Idol. Now I lean toward country music, but I find him and his style irresistible. Kevin kind of likes him, too. I had to head out to Walmart after work today and pick this up for $9.88. Also released today: Loved these books! I think it appeals to me because I don't have any sisters, although these girls aren't sisters in the biological sense. It reminds me of my relationship with my girlfriends in High School. I miss those girls! I happened upon a great deal while Christmas shopping. Both movies and the 1st book for $21.76. Now that is a great deal when the 2nd movie by itself was selling for $19.99. Okay, I know, I am a little too excited about my bargains today. Sometimes while Christmas shopping it is fun to throw things in for yourself. I told Kevin he could wrap both items up for me...He just looked and me and rolled his eyes.

So Sad

Miguell didn't make it. They had five boys trying out for point guard and only two made the team. My short son, didn't make the cut. He isn't bitter. He says the boys who got the spots are nice kids (and tall). Miguel says, "I've still got church ball!" Maybe next year...he plans on trying out again. Can you feed miracle grow to kids? (Just kidding of course)

Basketball Try-Outs

My #2 son, Miguell is trying out for basketball. He loves the game, is quick on the court and has some skills, too. Biggest problem for this child is that he is vertically challenged! He has the short man disease. I'll take the blame at 5'3" myself. At a mere 5'2", he is toward over on the court by lesser players. He has been attending faithfully, open gym, conditioning and now try outs. In fact, he missed his own grandmother's memorial service because when we asked the coach, he said, "well, it is really important that he be here." Life goes one, and he went to try outs. Tonight we should find out if he made the team or not. I think this mom will be on a war path if he doesn't make the team after the sacrifice he made this weekend! GO GRIZ!

Thankful Thursday - Cleaning Products

I am thankful for fun easy cleaning products. In no way am I getting paid for endorsing these products. I just love them, love them, love them and wanted to tell you how grateful I am for these small and simple things. Here are three items I simply can't live without.

1. My Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for cleaning my stove, walls, trim, car and anything else I can think of.

2. My Swiffer Duster makes the quick dusting in between much easier and Nicole loves to help!

3. My broom by Real Simple with the handy duster in the handle for getting floor trim or the top of doors. Love it!