Wuv, twue wuv...

You know it is true love when your husband offers you his "blankie" to sleep with because you know...yours has VOMIT on it. 3 year old vomit. That is vomit from a three year old, not vomit that is three years old...GROSS.

And I'll just leave you with that lovely thought.

The Best Laid Plans

The plan was to leave today for our trip to Indiana. We'll be spending Christmas there with my family. Unfortunately last night Will came down with a fever and a headache. He seems to feel a little better today so we are hoping to leave in the morning for our trip. It wasn't all bad. We've been able to have some downtime today and I probably won't have to pull an all-nighter to get us packed up for the trip. That definitely would have been the case if we had left this morning. Even with the downtime today, I still feel so worn down. I think the holiday season is taking a toll on me, at least that is a much better alternative to the thought that I might be coming down with whatever ails William.

Because we spend Christmas away from home, we open all of our presents before we leave (except for the ones from "you know who" (still no boomerang...I think we're going to have to pick something else that he asked for and blame any misunderstanding on the elves...they can be so irresponsible sometimes, you know). Don't worry the children will still have plenty of presents on Christmas morning from other family members! By the way, if any of you are looking for a CARS related toy for your children...this was a HUGE hit and is cheap. Seriously, HOURS of entertainment for everyone.

One of my favorite presents was this. I'll probably use it mostly for smoothies, but I'm in need of some good recipes. Anyone have suggestions?

I'm pretty sure I've entertained you enough for one evening, so I'm going to sign off for now, not sure how much if any I will be on the blog this week while we are gone.

Merry Christmas, friends! Have a blessed one...it would be hard not to when we have this to remember and be thankful for!

It's a Conspiracy

I think our six year old is outsmarting us. He has been asking about whether "you know who" is real. You DO know who, right? We're not talking about God here and "you know who" directly relates to Christmas. Are you with me? I'm trying to be covert in case anyone has children who might be reading over their shoulder or in case there are any adults out there that might be troubled by such talk of not believing in "you know who".

ANYWAY.

Richie has been asking questions for a couple of years now...yes, he's quite the skeptic. I think the "gig" is just about up. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. But, I also don't want to lie to him. So far I have been able to distract him when the crucial question is asked. You know...by saying things like, "Look there's a U.F.O.!" or by dropping heavy objects on his toe.

Kidding! I would never do that!

Mostly I just pretend like I don't hear him. Great alternative, I know.

Sorry, back to the conspiracy theory. I think Richie might be conspiring against us by asking for an obscure item from "you know who" as a test. I say this because it seems that only "you know who" could possibly locate said item. He could probably just have one of his "little helpers" whip one up in that stinkin' workshop.

Whatever!

Unfortunately, we mere mortal parents cannot seem to locate one even after searching high, low, far, and wide at every store in a 40 mile radius...even after enlisting a couple of friends to search their warehouses and pull some strings. What about online you say? Sure, as long as we don't mind paying $142.79 for shipping to get it here by Christmas.

What is the item? No, it is not a Wii. It's a boomerang. A boomerang. WHERE IN THE WORLD did he get it in his head to ask for a BOOMERANG???? We've never been to Australia. We haven't even dined at the The Outback recently.

Laws of mercy.

What to do, WHAT to do?

Tiny Talk Tuesday - Holiday Version

Hello there! It's been awhile. I've been a little busy...present shopping, gift wrapping, cookie baking, fudge making, goodie eating, party attending, credit card swiping, Christmas movie watching, carol singing and more.

I decided to resurface with this fun post! I have been meaning to participate in this activity for awhile now and have just not been able to get my stuff together. But guess what? This week, I did it!

Mary at Not Before 7 hosts Tiny Talk each Tuesday and just recently listed some fun questions to ask your children for a holiday version of Tiny Talk. So, here are my favorite answers to said questions...plus some video of my caroling cuties!

(FYI - the parts in parentheses are my commentary)

My favorite answers from Will (Age 3 yrs)

Why do we celebrate Christmas? Because it snows outside.

What is your favorite food/treat to eat at Christmas time? Sprinkles

What is the best part about Christmas? Uh…Uh…Uh…Uh…Uh…Uh…Christmas trees and presents?

What should daddy buy mommy for Christmas? Nothing, just a Little People Movie. (Yep! All I want for Christmas is a Little People Movie.)

My favorite Answers from Richie (Age 6yrs)

What would you like for Christmas? 10, 000 different Star Wars people (whoa)

Why do we give presents? Because when we are good and kind...not angry...not hating we give God love and that’s a gift. (Isn't that a beautiful answer? Made this Mama proud)

Why do we have a tree to decorate? Because it reminds us of the cradle that Jesus was born in…because the branches on the tree kind of look like the straw that was in the cradle. (Isn't he going to be good at answering essay questions he doesn't really know the answer to? Gets this from his Father ;-)

Why was there no room at the inn? Because so many people were traveling to their own homes where they were babies because the King sent them to their own places where they were born. And then Jophes (that is not a typo...he really calls him that ;-) and Mary had to go to the manger because there was no room in the inn.

What gifts did the wise men bring? Gold, Silver, Mark, and May (Wha??)

What food should we leave for Santa? Cookies, carrots, macaroni and cheese, and a bell with a note that says “This bell is for you Santa. It is from Will, Daddy, Mommy, and Richie."

8. How did Santa get so fat? I know! By eating so much cookies. He needs to be more healthy.

And now some some caroling cuties...

William singing "Jingle Bells" (don't you just love the little hop at the end?)



Another of Will (even though it isn't a Christmas song)




Finally, Richie singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

The Proper Pronunciation of My Name

I just had a sober realization. Some of you may not know how to pronounce my name (collective gasp). I was over at Tara's blog putting my vote in for her to use my name if her baby is a girl and realized that some of you out there in blogland might be mispronouncing my name as you read it. This troubled me so greatly that I felt the need to clear up any confusion IMMEDIATELY.

I'm not sure why it troubled me, because people have mispronounced my name all of my life. It is so common that many times I don't even correct the person. In fact, there was a lady at church who said my name wrong for YEARS before she realized her mistake. Another man has been mispronouncing it for just as long and still hasn't caught on. I always wonder if they don't NOTICE that everyone else says it differently???

Of course, my favorite mispronunciation memory (try saying that 10 times really fast) was on my first day of junior high when my name was listed on the roster as Alan. They forgot the "a" on the end and I had to explain to EVERY TEACHER for EVERY CLASS that I was not a girl named Alan. Yes siree, just the kind of nondescript entrance every girl wants for her first day of 7th grade. Good times. I'm not traumatized, either...not one bit.

But, I'm sure you can see why I might feel the need to clear up any misunderstanding here.

No?

Just humor me.

Are you ready?

(drumroll please)

My name is pronounced...

(uh-lay-nuh)

So, there you have it. Were you pronouncing it correctly in your head as you read it or no?

Fun and Random Christmas Questions (aka Christmas Meme)

Sweet Renee tagged me for this Meme. It looked like a lot of fun so I thought I would give it a whirl.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Mostly wrapping paper, but when I start to go cross eyed from all the wrapping, I don't hesitate to pull out the gift bags.

2. Real tree or artificial?
When we were first married I insisted on a real tree (mostly because I had never had one) and I loved it. However, the mess and expense of a real tree eventually calculated into the decision making and when we found a very real looking fake we quite effortlessly crossed over to the dark side. I think the last real tree we had went down in the history books. I was pregnant with Richie (in the sick part) and Rich trying to be sweet bought a tree, brought it home, and set it up as a surprise for me. Poor guy didn't know what hit him when I broke down claiming it smelled like kitty litter (it really did), and insisted , "either the tree goes, or I go!".

3. When do you put up the tree?
It varies from year to year, but always AFTER Thankgiving.

4.When do you take the tree down?
After New Year's.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Blech!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Apparently I was an ungrateful child because nothing stands out to me.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, we have a really cool one that was passed down from Rich's parents. Also, we have three kid friendly ones that the boys play with.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My boys...anything Star Wars for Richie and anything Lightning McQueen for Will.

9. Hardest person to buy for?
Rich. He has a long list of things I will NEVER buy for him EVER again including a watch, wallet, and briefcase. Although, I did score a couple of years ago when I bought him a Video iPod. I'm very uninspired so far this year...sorry honey.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I can't think of anything, really. My Mom and Dad always shopped off of a wish list and Rich usually does a great job.

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
Mail, although I seriously considered emailing this year to save some moola. The price of postage (and my Christmas card list) is getting out of control. By the way, I took everyone's advice and used some of favorite picture bloopers (from this post) on our card. I have to say, you all were right, it might be my favorite one ever.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?
This is a toughie. Probably favorite one ever is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I remember getting to stay up late to watch it when it was on television when I was a kid. I also love It's A Wonderful Life, and The Santa Clause.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Late, usually. I really want to be an early shopper, but it never happens.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
If I had received this by email I would have deleted this question because I didn't want to answer it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Peanut Butter Fudge and (of course) mashed potatoes...but not together because that would be sick and wrong.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
CLEAR!

17. Favorite Christmas song?
A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Usually we travel.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
No, but I learned about a new one last year from Richie. His name is Blister.

20. Angel on the tree top, or a star?
Currently, a star. We have two stars and an angel.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Growing up we always opened them on Christmas Eve because we traveled to my Grandparent's house for Christmas Day. However, now we always opens on Christmas Day.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Being an adult. Christmas was so much more fun when I was a kid and had no responsibilities.

23. What I love most about Christmas?
The music, the lights, the FOOD, the Christmas cards, the joy in my children, the bells, all of the special things that are reserved for this time of year alone, and most importantly the celebration of the most precious gift of all.

Consider yourself tagged if you have not done this meme yet and would like to!

Sun Bees

Okay, I have to share what Will did today. It was the cutest thing ever (I'm really not being partial). I was sitting on the couch this morning (so unlike me, I know...not really...that is sarcasm for those of you don't know me so well...sorry moving on) and he comes over and starts clapping in the air. So I said, "Will, what are you doing?" And he said, "I'm catching sun bees". I thought he was talking about the sunbeams, but he was actually referring to the little dust particles that you see in the air (at least we do at my house) when the sun is shining through the window. He was trying to catch the little particles which (in case you didn't know) are apparently called sun bees. I love it...now and forevermore that is what they will be to me!

30 Things to Be Thankful For

In November, I posted this. And in the sidebar of my blog I kept a running list of things I was thankful for. I had such a fun time with this. I saw that Xandra made a post with her list to keep for posterity and I thought I would do the same. Also, I must say thanks to Leah for sharing the idea with me!

(drum roll please)

I'm Thankful For...

3 yr old speak
My smiling six year old soccer player
Crunchy Leaves
Stumbling upon a waterfall
My Striped Pajama Pants
My purse sized Bible
An Understanding Photographer
My Blankie
Ballroom Dancing with my Honey
A Free Saturday Morning
Our Small Group
NERTZ Crazed Friends
Pot Roast simmering in the Crock Pot
Meals in the freezer
Blogging
Cheap Babysitting
Family Fun
Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast
School Vacation
A Night Out w/out Kids
Cute Babies
Thanksgiving Dinner...YUM!
Thanksgiving Leftovers...YUM!
Christmas Music
Talking with a Friend
God's Strength in Me
The Library
Bedtime
Sweet boys
God's Peace in Me

Thank you, Lord for these blessings and MORE!

Doesn't Anyone Know What Christmas Is All About?

Yesterday afternoon, I snuggled on the couch with these two little guys (one on each side ;-) and this to watch a little afternoon movie.

Here's my favorite part...