We ran out of Christmas wrapping paper, so I did what any frugal and crafty mom would do... I reached for the nearest catalog and tore out all the pages with Christmas sheets on them and wrapped the remaining gifts in those. It took some splicing but no one even noticed on Christmas Eve that it wasn't wrapping paper...
We have a tradition that, on Christmas Eve, we drive around looking at Christmas lights. This year hubby wanted to shake things up a little. He decided that only Santa gifts are on Christmas day so he wanted us to open family gifts on Christmas Eve. This lead to bumping our light seeking excursion back to the 23rd (his birthday- we celebrated that the night before with dinner at the Melting Pot-a fondue restaurant- and seeing I am Legend- which was really nice for a zombie type movie- it actually had a God affirming message, which pleasantly surprised me, but I digress...).
Then we went to our old firestation and got out so the kids could play on all the things they had set up (just like Tay used to when he was a babe).
Even Dad and Tay got in on the action:
Proof I was there (A comment about my outfit- I did say to dh before we left, "I realize I look like a hobo, but we won't be getting out of the car..." Uh hum. Well, I was wrong... It was really cold in my house that day hence the sweatshirt and fuzzy socks paired with the nice skirt and dressy shoes.):
Then we came upon this street that seemed like it was a part of that movie where the neighbors compete over their Christmas decor:
This is a close up of one of the houses:
There were even carollers with electric guitars and mics on one front yard:
I wanted to show the cute canvases I had the kids make for their parents. We attached ribbons to the back for hanging. I figured it was ok to post since all of their faces are covered except my daughter and my friend's son. The kids loved them. (They are supposed to be reindeer faces in case you couldn't tell.)
Maybe tomorrow I will have time to blog about Christmas.
Every year our tiny city has a Christmas parade with floats and cars full of people throwing candy. We never miss it because we get so much candy that we eat on it all year long. This year it was on December 15th. Tay is "too old" for such nonsense so he went to a friend's house. Dad was there but we have no proof since he was the photographer.
Here is Tristie catching candy:
Here is Tabby- under my sweater- after getting hit with some candy (by our own church's float, no less):
Here she is hiding when more people threw candy:
Here they are (with me) plugging their ears when the fire engine came through:
Here we are picking up candy:
Here we are throwing the excess back at the kids on the float (we decided it was better to give than receive-lol)- they were wanting candy too and had thrown all they had, and we had plenty to share:
Our booty:
We always divide it into multiple "types" and bag it. Keep in mind this is only the candy- we also got stuffed animals, dozens of mardi gras beads, 5 toothbrushes and 5 tubes of toothpaste, lip balm, and other toys.
It was lots of fun (except for getting smacked in the face with hard candy). All the pics are clickable if you want to see better.
Hubby got some speaker buffers for his car doors. The girls thought they looked like hats and danced while I sang, "Putting on the Ritz" (ok, Tristie danced while Tabby cried- she had just gotten in trouble for something). I just thought it was too cute not to post.
I got my paintings done and delivered them (and even got paid for two of them) before Christmas, so I had a few extra dollars for gifts.
This is for a high school band member from her mom:
This is for her brother, a football fan:
These two are for a woman's niece and nephew for Christmas:
I finished these as always at the cost of the gifts for my family, who will understand if I finish their gifts late.
Today was my last day! I had a rough couple of days there.
1) I had some health issues that popped up and messed up my sleep. I am a 10 hour a night girl and I have been getting 2-3.
2) One of the health issues involved me inhaling some rice, which does not dissolve that fast in the lungs I have found. Fortunately I do this a lot, so I know that even when I can feel the food in my lungs and it causes severe asthmatic reactions for several days, there is no point in going to the doctor, because food does dissolve, even in your lungs. I have asthma anyway, so this just made it worse and I had to go back on my steriod inhaler, which I was supposed to be totally weaned from.
3) This stomach virus won't go away (I had it weeks ago, but still have a very sensitive stomach), so yesterday at school, I vomitted in the trash while changing diapers and I can't eat much without feeling sick again.
4) I got no Christmas presents done by my deadline (today).
5) I am having money issues also, mostly because I quit my job before Christmas.
6) The woman who had been taking all of my shifts can no longer do so, because her car broke down, and so I have to work tomorrow night.
7) My hubby is mad at me because I said I had mailed something, but I hadn't. I feel like a heel, not for forgetting to mail it, but for lying to avoid a fight. So he is pretty much not speaking to me. I don't know what to say since he is right to be mad.
8) I have to spend all day tomorrow painting to fulfill orders, so I cannot even enjoy my first day home.
I think I'll go to bed and see how things are tomorrow.
http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=132
I want the ABC gingerbread men cookie cutters (already been chewed), the heart and daisy egg molds, the dino utensils for nephew, the salt and playtime shakers, the How to Keep your Husband apron, and the candle carver. I have always related to that Nancy Griffith song, where she wants to run into the 5 and Dime and fill up her basket with "unnecessary plastic objects).
I saw this beautiful quilt made partially from repurposed materials. Isn't it pretty? They have a tote with this design too. If I was having a new baby, I would want this for their baby quilt.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8513068
I usually skim the magazines in the checkout line. I saw a article in People this month about people who give 50% or more of their income and live on less. I didn't have time to read the whole article, so I googled it and found the website I am now linking to on my site.
I was raised to give. I still give, but I don't give until it hurts. I truly believe that this is what the Bible calls us to do. I am resolving to get right and start giving. One of my resolutions for the new year is to have at least one event each month where I and my children give to those less fortunate (January's will be to go through all of our closets and storage and find warm winter adult and children's clothes/jackets, and to take them to the local homeless shelters).
I think my out loud ruminations may be having an effect on the children, because yesterday Tristyn was outside of the church working on a "fairy house" and I heard her talking to her sister about making a pile of berries for the "homeless fairies". I did a little dance.
The Place of H is hosting a giveaway for a doll carrier. Go on over and leave a comment to get entered into the drawing. Here's the linkypoo:
http://theplaceofh.blogspot.com/2007/12/vision-forum-giveaway.html
http://www.zazzle.com/keepers_at_home_gaurding_the_high_customized_shirt-235701555713109655
I don't wear a lot of ts with a message, but this is cute.
This one too:
http://www.zazzle.com/life_affords_no_greater_responsibility_no_grea_shirt-235220024981013806?ZCMP=ProductPageRecs2
I saw one of these on someone's blog and I thought how perfect for a tea drinker. That would never fail to make me smile...
http://www.bitsandpieces.com/%5EGifts+For+Her/08-W5833.html
Because of our setup, I spend lots of time with my daughters even though they are in a separate class. We are a small preschool and the 3's and 4's combine for lots of activities (at least one every day). I took these photos, but cropped out the other kids for their privacy. The other teachers tried to take my picture, but I hid my camera. They thought it was funny that I kept lying on the table helping the kids with their art projects. We only have 3 more days of school and then we are homeschooling full-time! I can't wait and neither can the kids!
Tristie
Tabby
Harps (the nephew)
I have one day to turn this into bows...
This, sadly, is all I have done...
At this point it is more about fulfilling an obligation, than making money. I do like to make bows, but not for pay. Hopefully I will get much more done tonight. I am selling them at the local mom's group (MUMS- moms uplifting, mentoring, and serving) meeting tomorrow. Note to self: next time say no!
I picked up a little more ribbon, and I found this super cute fabric at Hobby Lobby (click on the pic to see it better). Won't that be the most precious baby blanket for my new nephew due in February? The patchwork fabric is for the back and ruffle. I might skip the ruffle and just make a matching jumper. It was uber expensive, but I know it will be doubly loved and cherished because it will be made by Aunt Lala. I already have two half finished baby blankets to finish crocheting, but those cannot be touched until after the Christmas stuff is done.
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| You scored as Serenity (Firefly) You like to live your own way and don't enjoy when anyone but a friend tries to tell you should do different. Now if only the Reavers would quit trying to skin you.
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We went to the local tree farm and cut down our tree. Here is Taylor pretending to take a saw to his sisters.
Proof that I was there as well:
Tay sawing away...
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=211860.0
I am thinking of how to fashion a crochet hook to make these crochet friendly...
I saw this posted on Craftzine's blog and wanted to post it here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Microwave-Popcorn%3a-Home-made%2c-cheap-and-easy/
I actually do a cheaper and easier version myself. I only use popcorn (cheap bagged old style popcorn) and paper lunch sacks. I put in a couple of handfuls of popcorn, just enough to cover the bottom of the sack. I fold down the top several times (I don't use anything to keep it closed and it has never opened all the way). I pop it on high for 1.5 minutes and viola! Perfect popcorn. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold salt because it has no oil, so if salt is a must have, you can lightly spray with canola oil and then salt. Cheap, easy and healthy!
We went to the Scholastic Book Fair's Warehouse sale today and I got a bunch of things. I got gifts for all of my students and the girls' classmates (since we are working through the end of December's school schedule). I got a computer game, some workbooks, and some books for the girls for Christmas, some books for Tay, a doggy backpack and board book set for my nephew, plus a few books for me. Anyone can go. You can register on their site (google it) as a homeschooler and they don't require any id to get in. If you preregister, you get a $10 off $50 coupon (which we did use).
This is the event that preceded my resignation, and I think everyone has assumed that it is why I quit.
Tristie fell backwards off the swings and landed on the ground underneath. She cried and ran to me. I held her thinking it was just a normal fall until the other teacher told me there was blood on the back of their head. This picture was of the cut after it was washed but before they stapled it. You can't really tell, but there was a knot under it.
Here is the area that she fell on. See all the rocks. Dh took this picture with his cell after making me show him where she fell (he met us at the doctor's office and then we drove back to church).
This is the cloth I had been holding to her head on the way to the doctor's.
Here is her stapled head two days later, no swelling or redness, just a cut and a staple. It is a small cut, but a very deep one, hence the staple.
She gets it out in 5 more days.
I quit my MDO job today. I will be home fulltime homeschooling the little ones again with dh's blessing (and at his request). I don't think this means he is ok with me homeschooling them next year, but it is a baby step in that direction. My boss handled it fine, but I still have to tell the parents. I am only worried about one, the child with sensory issues. He is just now getting treatment and I hate to be a reason for setbacks. My other child with issues is not coming back. Her mom had a really interesting take on the situation. She said that once she got some "me time" all she wanted was more "me time" and it made her resent her dd when she didn't get it. She said that she didn't think getting "me time" was helping her to be a good mother. I told her that I totally understood. I thought it was such a profound thought on the same day I was to turn in my notice. Getting a "break" from my kids is not necessary, nor does it improve my mothering at all.
I cannot wait until it is over and my days are free! 2 more weeks!
Can I just share how he is constantly surprising me and blessing me with the smallest but most meaningful gestures? I had bought a huge jug of V8 juice months ago and never drank it. I love V8 juice, but for some reason I never ever felt like a glass. It was super irritating to my husband because I had insisted on buying it despite his doubts that I would ever drink it. He pointed it out weekly and started saying that he would never buy it for me again because it was a complete waste of money. I couldn't argue since he was right.
Yesterday he came home from the grocery store and told me he had a "gift" for me in the garage. I went out there and looked and there was a small case of single serving V8 cans. He said that way they wouldn't go bad in between me drinking them.
He constantly surprises and delights me.
I managed to tape the special on Ruth Bell Graham and spent all yesterday on and off watching it. What a beautiful woman and what an inspiration to wives and mothers everywhere. I think I am asking for a biography on her for Christmas from my mother.
So I have been sick with the stomach flu for the entire weekend (apparently it is worse for grown ups than it is for children, but at least I never missed the bucket) and my poor sweet hubby has had to assume my roles. And as usual he has shown me up. Aside from cleaning up after and caring for me, he has cleaned out the fridge, organized the cupboard, rearranged the cabinets, done three loads of dishes and put them away and done the grocery shopping. All the in the same time I would have had nothing done. Wow! It has really shown me how I could really knock some stuff out if I had his motivation. Unfortunately I am still sick and unable to chip in. I tried to go to the grocery store with him and got clammy and nausated just by getting dressed. I hope I get better soon, so I can repay him with some fabulous cooking and amazing homemaking this week!
http://www.bellamoviesite.com/
We saw this today. I loved it. I saw the ad on the Rebelution website and looked it up. It was playing in my town, so we dashed over to see it. I was very nervous it wouldn't be appropriate for the girls, but there was only one scene that I had to sheild their eyes during (there is plenty of warning in the movie that it is coming), and it wasn't a tenth as graphic as prime time crime shows. It has a strong pro-life message, but because of the way it is presented it will reach people of any and no religion (though the main character is clearly Catholic). There is no overt talk of abortion so I didn't have to explain what that means to my girls. I bawled my eyes out. The girl that sold me the tickets told me it was the best movie she had seen all year (she also answered my questions about how the movie would go over with the girls so I was comfortable taking them). I would have saved this movie for my birthday "date" with hubby, since I always get to pick a movie, but I knew that this small film would surely be gone by January.
All the talk of gossip around the net left me feeling convicted for venting a little here about family members, so I have removed anything I felt was inappropriate.
I am in constant need of reproach and I am thankful that God can use so many wonderful women's blogs to both inspire and convict me.
The carrot cakes iced just in time for the first taker...
My mother's beautiful Thanksgiving table:
Her centerpiece:
The handsome nephew showing off his favorite hat (one of his twin cousins' "tea party" hats):
My wonderful and handsome hubby with the lovely Tristie (who picked out her outfit):
And angry looking but also lovely Tabby (who also picked her outfit, changing from a skirt to jeans due to the cold):
My handsome Tay (who picked his outfit as well- despite the extremely cold temperature- he will only wear short sleeve shirts and only has 3 pair of jeans that he thinks "fit right" so he opted for a tee and shorts)-- I won't share the details of why he is covering his nose, because ladies are not amused by body humor:
My dashing father lounging in his rocking chair:
My handsome brother and equally beautiful sister in law, the parents to that bundle of joy in the tea party hat:
My lovely mother working busily in the kitchen while everyone else relaxes (what a better inspiration for me!):
And where am I? Behind the camera, of course, but mostly helping Mother and keeping her company.
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