Not Me Monday 12/22

This is my year end edition of Not Me's...a little trip down memory lane.
A final farewell to some of my not so great moments in 2008.

I did not start a kitchen remodel with one budget and then end up spending 4x that amount...cause that would mean...well I guess that would mean that I have a REALLY AWESOME kitchen.

During the same kitchen remodel, I did not actually have a come to Jesus meeting with my ceiling...knowing of course that such a great and Awesome God would have no time for such idle things. But if I did not do that, then I would have missed an AWESOME work of God in me during the meeting with the ceiling and Jesus...and believe me...I was there.

I did not act a fool when my oldest boy played baseball this season. Cause I am one of those sit quietly-mind my own business-never give the ref my point of view-and I never ever raise my voice....honestly, I am all those and love it. I am actually the mom who will even cheer loud and proud for your kid, if you are one of those that I am not.

I did not cry this year when I realized that my baby girl is growing up. I thought for sure that she would stay tiny and toddler like since I asked so nicely, but no she is 5 going on 15 and even though I am sad that my littlest one's littleness is fleeting, I am so proud of the lady I know she will become.

I did not witness this exchange between Big Daddy and the Beez while trying to get the kids in bed:
"Beez, don't make me come back there and close your door" (she was crying about having to go to bed)
(through sobs and tears) "I don't have a door Daddy"
While remodeling the house, we replaced their doors, so technically she HAS a door, but it isn't hung yet, because we are going to replace her floor also(after the new year)...nothing like a guilt trip for Dad.

I did not almost loose my pants during a boat-turned-swim race while chaperoning at church camp this summer. While everyone was yelling at me to get out of the lake and tag the next teams hand...there I stayed in the mere 18 inches of water, trying to get my black yoga pants from my ankles to waist. Of course, if my partner would have rowed better, we would have never ended up IN the lake instead of skimming along on its surface.

I did not wash my favorite cell phone in the washing machine. Cause when you love something you take care of it. Of course, if I never washed it, then I wouldn't be the proud owner of an iphone...not me.

I did not just get done wrapping 60+ gifts...and I am still not done.

I did not sneak one more gift under the tree that my hubby is totally not expecting.

I am not blogging right now instead of getting ready for our Christmas Party on Wednesday night....because I HAVE NO TIME!!!!

Tea for Two

Quite possibly the best picture of Micah...EVER!!!! This was of course from the Mother-Daughter Tea that we attended last weekend. Isn't she ADORABLE!!!! More to come as I can get them uploaded, but I just couldn't wait on this one.
This photo make my case for investing in a really great camera...a girl can dream right???

Dashing through the snow...

Well, here I am again....just barely. We have been so busy the past two weeks, I have not had the chance to take a breathe, let alone put pen to paper here on the blog.

The kids are through with school....THANK YOU LORD!!!! I need a break, and with family coming in and out over the next three weeks, it couldn't come soon enough.

Here is what you missed. The Beez, my M-I-L, my grandmother and myself all attended a Mother-Daughter Tea last weekend. It was divine. It was held at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast and the three course tasting was marvelous.

The same weekend, the family participated in our annual church Christmas Celebration. More on that when i can get the video downloaded. But to be sure, it was something truly special. It was the Beez's first program, and I was so proud of her singing her heart out....and so was she!!!

I also tackled our bedroom, and believe me tackle is the only way to describe it. I spent all of Monday in my bedroom cleaning from top to bottom and everywhere in between. I was actually very proud of myself, because nothing got stashed away, everything was put in its proper place, and I am happy to say, it has stayed that way.

It was also our 13th anniversary this past Wednesday. It usually sneaks up on us, and this year was no different. I did wake up to a message on my bathroom mirror from my beloved...I need to buy him a tube of Bonnie Bell dollar lipstick so that he will leave my Lancome alone, but who am I to regulate love notes on a bathroom mirror???

I really need to dish on my gift from my love, but I do not have the time to do it right now. Just know this, I washed my Katana II in the washing machine a few months back...it was horrible cause I LOVED THAT PHONE...and my husband has been saying that until our contract was up I would just have to suffer through with an ancient phone from years ago. He has really been laying it on thick...you know me not being able to take care of nice things and all....and it was all for show because guess what he bought me for my anniversary???? Are you ready??? I got an iPhone....yep, little ole me is now the proud owner of an iPhone. I have no idea what to do with it, but I own it!!!

Yippee!!!

Gotta run.

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas, I wish I could sit around the fire and chat with you all face to face, both family and friends that keep in touch via this blog...you all mean the world to me.

Until that time, be safe, laugh a lot, and Praise the One we Celebrate this Season.

April

Quick Christmas Quiz

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, whatever works for the given present.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real, it is too much fun to go and pick it out and chop it down
3. When do you put up the tree? As close to Thanksgiving as possible
4. When do you take the tree down? It depends, usually before New Years though
5. Do you like eggnog? Heck NO!!!!! A glass of wine will do me just fine.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Cabbage Patch doll
7. Favorite gift received as an adult? Last year we got a kitchen makeover
8. Easiest person to buy for? Usually my sister KC, but my husband is pretty easy too
9. Do You have a nativity scene? Yes, my grandmother made one when she was in her 70's, it is BEAUTIFUL. It is large, and it is on the DO NOT TOUCH list at our house
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I am a mailer, but this year it has been so HARD getting my kids to cooperate for the picture....I am definitely a picture sender
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? We got a snow ball maker one year...HELLO we LIVE IN MISSISSIPPI!!!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? With Big Daddy as my hubby there is only one answer to this question....Charlie Brown Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? As soon as possible, but it usually around September or October.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Plead the fifth
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Shrimp at my grandmothers on the night of Christmas
16. Lights on the tree? HUH? Who does not put lights on their tree?
17. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy, and Christmas Carol by NewSong
18. Travel for Christmas or stay home? Always at home...I DO NOT TRAVEL ON CHRISTMAS!!!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yep
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A Star with lights
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Pj's on Christmas eve, everything else in the morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The big stink about saying "Merry Christmas"
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? We only cook a big meal on Thanksgiving..so whatever I can get my hands on will do.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Tresor perfume, and a Spotted Pony Long Sleeve T-shirt

100

I make my own rules. I grabbed this 100 list off of and I am suppose to just highlight those that I have done...but it would be so much more fun to give a little play by play right????

1. Started your own blog...hello you are reading this aren't you

2. Slept under the stars...many times...one of my fave spots was O'Neill Park in Trabuco Canyon CA...our dog Barney even had his own tree that HE could climb....good times were had by all. After years of camping there, our family ended up moving with just a few miles of the place.

3. Played in a band..you should be thankful the answer is NO!!!

4. Visited Hawaii...Yes, three times. Oahu twice, once with family, the other with my senior class...and Maui, the trip of trip with three best girlfriends after our sophomore year at BIOLA University.

5. Watched a meteor shower...many times, my brother and I use to sleep out in the back yard during them when we were kids. Just last year, we took our kids to the Lake to see one. Poor Beez, every time we said, "oh, look at that one." it was gone and she was too late...in the end she caught on and just stared out into the vast horizon and she did finally see some herself.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity...yes, and been blessed because of it.

7. Been to DisneyWorld...in 2005 when Katrina hit the Gulf. We partied on, while all our friends and neighbors had no power for a week. It was turned on about 12 hours before we got home.

8. Climbed a mountain...hiking yes, but like Everest, than no.

9. Held a praying mantis...yep

10. Sang a solo...yes, BUT be glad you were not there

12. Visited Paris, no but I did live in Perris California.

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea...not while on the sea, but I have watched one from the rocky cliffs of Oregon overlooking the sea and also from the shore in SoCal

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch, if cooking is an art, than yes

15. Adopted a child, nope but I could see myself doing it

16. Had food poisoning, yes, while on a date...not fun.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty, get back with me in May, we hope to go to the Big Apple in April

18. Grown your own vegetables, yes see this post

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France, Mona who???

20. Slept in an overnight train, don't think so, but possible when I was a child

21. Had a pillow fight...yes, but I ban them in my house

22. Hitchhiked, surprisingly, yes

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill, heck yeah, maybe i will tell the kids I am taking one tomorrow!!!!

24. Built a snow fort....man, yes..angel, yes...fort...no

25. Held a lamb, yes

26. Gone skinny dipping, most memorable time was in the a fore mentioned Maui trip

27. Run a marathon...does shopping day after Thanksgiving count???

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice....no

29. Seen a total eclipse, yes

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset yes and every time I am astounded at the beauty the Lord gives daily

31. Hit a home run...no

32. Been on a cruise, no but hoping to on our 15 year anniversary

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person, yes with my Grammy and Pops...amazing memories

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors...no

35. Seen an Amish community, yes but not as close as I have wanted

36. Taught yourself a new language...I am the BIGGEST GRINGA you will ever meet

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied, yes

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person,no

39. Gone rock climbing, yes at Joshua Tree

40. Seen Michelangelo's David,no

41. Sung karaoke, once again, be glad you missed this one, but I do enjoy it with my daughter

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt, yes

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant, yes, ask my husband about that one

44. Visited Africa, no

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight, yes

46. Been transported in an ambulance,nope

47. Had your portrait painted,no

48. Gone deep sea fishing, yes and puked the whole time, they say that draws the fish in

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person,no

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris,no

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling, yes at Hanauma Bay in Oahu, at Catalina Island, and in Maui

52. Kissed in the rain, yes, its how I knew I loved the man I married

53. Played in the mud, yes

55. Been in a movie, no but my beloved was in Underseige

56. Visited the Great Wall of China,no

57. Started a business, not officially but I do make cakes and I use to run a daycare from our home

58. Taken a martial arts class, no

59. Visited Russia,no

60. Served at a soup kitchen, yes

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies, one of my greatest regrets(and funniest stories)...I sold Girl Scout Cookies fraudulently, I was NOT a GS...my sister and I just wanted to make some money.

62. Gone whale watching, yes it is AMAZING

63. Got flowers for no reason, yes

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp,no

67. Bounced a check, who??? ME???

68. Flown in a helicopter, nope

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy,yes but I wish someone would have saved my Corn on the Cob rider...it was like a car, but it was a cob of corn instead

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial, yes and the all the other great monuments and memorial in the D.C. and Virginia area

71. Eaten caviar, yes, I am not a fan though

72. Pieced a quilt, no but I hope to one day

73. Stood in Times Square, nope, but get back to me in May

74. Toured the Everglades, no

75. Been fired from a job, I don't think so

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London, no, but I have seen the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

77. Broken a bone, yes, my toe

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle, yes, not a good memory for me

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person, we went cross country 7 years ago, and that was one of our stops...breath taking

80. Published a book, I hope to one day, but not yet

81. Visited the Vatican,no

82. Bought a brand new car, never have and never will

83. Walked in Jerusalem, how beautiful that would be, but no

84. Had your picture in the newspaper, yes, we live in a small town, so a couple of times

85. Read the entire Bible, not ever from cover to cover, but yes, each book

86. Visited the White House, yes, but if you ever gave me three wishes, I would love to see the private quarters

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating, yes fish and and a dove

88. Had chicken pox, yes, I broke out the last day of sixth grade and I missed all of our end of the year parties

89. Saved someones life, I was a lifeguard in college, and I did run lead on a possible spinal injury recovery...oh yeah, I also did the Heimlich Maneuver on my niece when she was chocking on a starlite peppermint...that was really scary, but she chucked it across the room and was fine.

90. Sat on a jury, no, been called once, but did not serve

91. Met someone famous, heck I married a movie star, see

92. Joined a book club, I am my own book club

93. Lost a loved one, yes

94. Had a baby, had three via c-section, lost one in miscarriage, and one in a ruptured ectopic

95. Seen the Alamo in person, yes

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake, yes but it was really cold

97. Been involved in a lawsuit, yes but it was from a car accident, nothing too exciting

98. Owned a cell phone, owned one, washed one, lost one, need a new one

99. Been stung by a bee, yes

100. Read an entire book in one day, yes more than one

Blue...Blue...Blue...Come on Blue!!!!

This is the weather that is HOPEFULLY headed our way. The weather channel said last night that we could get 3-5 inches of SNOW but alas, it is 1pm and nothing but cold, wet, and dreary weather.
The schools have closed, which really shouldn't matter since we homeschool, but my friend had surgery this week, and her kids have been staying with us at night while she is in the hospital . And since they are not in school, my kids get a free day off too. Believe they are NOT complaining!
The Beez has been asking, "Mommy, when is the snow coming?" LIKE EVERY 10 MINUTES!!!
Please let it snow....PLEASE!!!!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday...Flashback Christmas 2004

This is all of my siblings, and their spouses and kids, on my Mom and Stepdads side with the exception of my sister Lisa and her family, and my sister Jaimee's husband, Andrew. In case you are wondering, I have 6 sisters and 4 brothers...more on that when it is not WORDLESS Wednesday.



Snake, Big Daddy, Laughing Momma, the Beez and Crack

Mom and Stepdad with 3 of my sisters and two of my brothers.

The grandest of them all...Pops and Grammy

Wacky pose with the g-kids.