Note to Self

When staying at a hotel, always make sure you check the alarm clock before going to bed to make sure that curious three-year old fingers have not turned on the alarm clock to go off at odd hours of the night! (I will look back on this some year and laugh, won't I?)

Santa Claus Came To Town

Merry Christmas, everyone! This house has been filled with excitement since turning the last day of the Advent calendar yesterday morning. Actually, Kyra was quite distraught that it was the last day to receive a piece of chocolate every morning and a new Littlest Pet Shop accessory.

We spent a quiet evening last night having a family movie night in anticipation of bedtime. Sadly, we were unable to make it to Christmas Eve service at our church because we got another snow storm yesterday and the roads were not ideal for driving. I'd say we have approximately three feet of snow in the back yard from all of the snowstorms we've had already this December.


Here are the kids last night in their traditional "Santa Jammies". I honestly don't know how much longer I'll be able to carry on the "matching" tradition because Ian is growing like a weed. In fact, I was lucky he didn't outgrow these before he wore them. Next year I may have to crack out the sewing machine.



Rich and I were amazingly up before the kids this morning but they weren't too far behind. They were so excited to glance down and see the presents beneath the tree! We "tried" to alternate opening presents, but it ended up being futile and in the end, it was pretty much a flurry of wrapping paper. It never ceases to amaze me how much time I spend wrapping compared to how little time it takes to come off.


After everything was open, it was time to play. Of course, there is always "some assembly required!" Thank goodness for handy husbands who patiently read through instructions all the while dealing with impatient children!



At last, everyone is happy and able to play until their hearts' content! In the meantime, Rich and I spent the day enjoying each other's company and watching our annual movie marathon.

We wish you all a blessed holiday!

In an effort to assist in the concept that giving of ourselves is better than receiving, we spent this morning at the local grocery store ringing bells for the Salvation Army. It's so easy to volunteer for and this location was great for us because it was indoors and the store offers babysitting so when Kyra had gotten her fill of ringing, I could check her in at the "Tot Spot" so we could finish our two-hour shift.

The Salvation Army volunteers were so excited to see Ian and Kyra participating. We each got a bell to ring and it was overwhelming to see how many people stopped to put a little something in the kettle. It's a little late this year, but if you and your family get the chance to take a shift next year, it's a worthwhile and fun time!

An Emotional Morning

I went to a memorial service this morning for a friend. It was more than a little overwhelming for me and there were many tears though I am confident that Ms. P is in heaven. If you can spare a prayer, please keep Ms. P's family in your thoughts and prayers especially in this holiday season.

Memories of Grandma

I have always loved baking around the holidays. Honestly, there is more sugar in my house this time of year than any other as I make oodles of different kinds of cookies for gifts as well as school and office celebrations. I've tried out a couple of new recipes this year, but there are some that are "standards" in my book and this is the only time of year I make them

Today, I broke out my Grandma's decadent chocolate chip cookie recipe. Beware - these are NOT for the calorie conscious! It reminds me why I only make them once a year because (a) my Kitchenaid really gets a workout from them and (b) they seem to call and beckon me at all hours.

I always loved to cook and bake with Grandma, so it is extra special for me this year that Kyra has taken such an interest in baking. Yes, I can usually get things done quicker without her, but these are truly moments that I am going to treasure in my heart for years to come. It's hard to believe Grandma went to meet the Lord almost nine years ago this month, but I know I'm keeping her memory with me by passing these recipes on and I'm praying that the sweet smell of these cookies reaches her up in heaven.

Angels We Have Heard on High

apparently were chocoholics! Today, Kyra and I were at Ian's school stuffing folders and she started singing but instead of "Gloria in Excelcis Deo", it is apparently "Oreo"s those angels were singing about! Gotta love what little ears hear!

Technical Delay

This week Rich is in Chicago. I personally think he should have packed his cold weather gear and gotten a ticket for tonight's game but he's way more practical than I am! So, I was left to watch 'da Bears by my lonesome. He called as Danielle Manning ran back the opening kickoff to celebrate and then I didn't hear from him until just before Robbie Gould went to kick the game-winning fieldgoal - or so I thought! No, he was calling to celebrate the win because he was watching the game on the live Chicago feed as opposed to the tape-dealyed NFL Network feed. Very anti-climactic!

SNOW DAY!!!!

There is nothing quite like the excitement of waking up and finding out school has been cancelled due to snow. Ian and Kyra were beside themselves (Iam because he didn't have to go to school and Kyra because Ian was going to stay home with her). We had a brief stint at the sledding hill down the street before we returned home. Ian his friend C had the "best snowball fight EVER!" and Kyra and I made some M&M cookies. It's just been a day that has brought a smile to my face and makes me glad to be a mom who gets to share little moments like this every day!

C'mon, people!

We live in WISCONSIN! Are we afraid of a little snow? Heck no!

I ventured out this morning to do my regular Monday grocery shopping for the week. Now, the meterologists are predicting a big snow storm that is supposed to begin sometime today and go through Wednesday morning. You would think by the way people were stocking their carts that the world as we know it is coming to an end! Now, I can't say that the prospect of 14+ inches of snow thrills me, but it's not scaring me one bit!

We Do Clean Up Nicely

Last night was Rich's holiday party for his office. In these difficult economic times for many, we are thankful for the blessing of an employer that values each and every employee and treats them very well. We had a fun time and we even won a gift certificate for another night out. But, my feet are done with heels for the year!

December Playlist

Another month gone by! Here's the last playlist for 2008 (with some holiday music for your moving pleasure!)

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - John Mellencamp
Forgive - Reliant K
The Old Man's Back In Town - Garth Brooks
Be My Escape - Reliant K
Little St. Nick - John Denver & The Muppets
Get The Sillies Out - Yo Gabba Gabba
Hey Hey - Superchick
God With Us - Mercy Me
How Far We've Come - Matchbox Twenty
Chugga Chugga Choo Choo - Choo Choo Soul
Last Cigarette - Bon Jovi
Bring 'Em Out - Hawk Nelson
Suddenly I See KT Tunstall
Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue
The Coffee Song - Ralph Covert
So Beautiful - Superchick
Just To See You Smile - Tim McGraw
Whisky Girl - Toby Keith