We had sloppy joe's last night for dinner and they were goooooood! I have several cookbooks in my cupboard above the stove, just ask my husband. It drives him nuts! Not only cookbooks but pieces of paper that I've either printed recipes on or written recipes on. They're always sticking out and falling out all over the place. But there are certain books and recipes that I turn to over and over again. One of those being my ward cookbook. And, lucky me, I just got a new one! Can't wait to dive into it and find new treasures. The sloppy joe recipe I'm about to share is from the old one, however. It's a gem, I tell you. Hope you love it as much as we do.
1 lb hamburger
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. green pepper
1/4 c. chopped celery
1 can tomato soup
1/4 c. ketchup
1 T. vinegar
1 T. sugar
1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
Brown hamburger with onions, peppers, and celery. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 15-20 minutes. Serve on your favorite bun.
We like to put shredded cheese on it as well. This recipe freezes really well. Enjoy!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Favorite Gifts
Have you ever seen this? It's the Playskool Busy Ball Popper. B got it for Christmas but the other kids like it more than he does. It's hysterical. Even Anthony and I have fun with it.
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| "YES! I got a earth ball!" She asked for one and Santa delivered. |
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| One of C's favorites, although I'm pretty sure B's car stroller is his very favorite. |
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| See what I mean? |
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| A had asked for Lulu but was content with a walking kitty, which she also asked for. |
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| Lanie, American Girl Doll. |
My favorite gift of 2010
Leading up to Christmas and beyond
This is our tree this year. Nothing fancy but we love it. My mom and dad have started a tradition of giving each child a new ornament each year. Sometimes it ends up being a set of ornaments. Our tree is filling up more and more each year. Up until this year, we have used small Christmas-y stuffed animals as fillers for the tree where needed. Each year we seemed to use less and less. They weren't my favorite so I can definitely say that I was happy to not have to use them this year. (Last year we only used the stuffed animals since C was such a Curious George. We didn't want to take any chances.) We love each and every ornament on our tree.
I've made gingerbread men a few times before but I really think I need to make more of an effort to make them every year. The girls had so much fun decorating them..... and eating them too. They are delicious! The recipe I use is the recipe that Anthony's grandmother (whom I never had the privilege of meeting) used. Everyone that tries them says they are the some of the best they've ever tried. Chewy, not hard... just the way I like 'em! As much as I'd love to share the recipe with you, I just don't know how Anthony's family would feel about that. It feels almost wrong to share this one. Sorry, you'll just have to let me bake you some ;)
We were able to go to three different family parties. It's complicated. At one of them, the kids do the nativity scene. K was asked to be Mary this year, a role she was more than excited to take. H (angel) and A (shepherd) got to choose from the costume box and B was asked to be baby Jesus. Ha ha! I had to laugh when my aunt asked. We only see most of this side once a year.... at the Christmas party, so I knew she had no idea that she was asking my 9-month old, 25-pound monster to be the baby Jesus. I informed her that he would probably break the prop but she assured me that it would be fine.
I'm pretty sure this is the biggest baby Jesus in history! Notice his feet hanging off the edge.... Ha!
Christmas Eve..... Santa had to have some cookies and the reindeer need carrots. The kids really wanted to leave 9 carrots, one for each reindeer, but I assured them that the reindeer don't need that much all at once. Normally that would not have sufficed but it did. I don't ask questions, I'm just grateful to not have wasted 9 carrots. Don't mind the weirdy in the background.
Look! Santa Claus made it to our house! (The tricycle is C's, the car is B's. C was pretty sure that he needed B's car on Christmas morning.)
I hope Santa was as good to you as he was to us. My favorite? Scroll down...
Not this but this is cool too. Santa left a note after eating all the goodies.
Here it is! A new can opener, YES! I can make dinner again. But this wasn't from Santa. It was from a relative. And actually it wasn't my favorite gift. I'll post the real favorite in a separate post. It's precious!
I've made gingerbread men a few times before but I really think I need to make more of an effort to make them every year. The girls had so much fun decorating them..... and eating them too. They are delicious! The recipe I use is the recipe that Anthony's grandmother (whom I never had the privilege of meeting) used. Everyone that tries them says they are the some of the best they've ever tried. Chewy, not hard... just the way I like 'em! As much as I'd love to share the recipe with you, I just don't know how Anthony's family would feel about that. It feels almost wrong to share this one. Sorry, you'll just have to let me bake you some ;)
I'm pretty sure this is the biggest baby Jesus in history! Notice his feet hanging off the edge.... Ha!
Christmas Eve..... Santa had to have some cookies and the reindeer need carrots. The kids really wanted to leave 9 carrots, one for each reindeer, but I assured them that the reindeer don't need that much all at once. Normally that would not have sufficed but it did. I don't ask questions, I'm just grateful to not have wasted 9 carrots. Don't mind the weirdy in the background.
Look! Santa Claus made it to our house! (The tricycle is C's, the car is B's. C was pretty sure that he needed B's car on Christmas morning.)
I hope Santa was as good to you as he was to us. My favorite? Scroll down...
Not this but this is cool too. Santa left a note after eating all the goodies.
Here it is! A new can opener, YES! I can make dinner again. But this wasn't from Santa. It was from a relative. And actually it wasn't my favorite gift. I'll post the real favorite in a separate post. It's precious!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas Angels
If you're like me, you never stopped believing in Santa. I was 12 and in the sixth grade before I realized that Santa wasn't the legendary figure I'd known since birth. Rather, he was a symbol of Christmas, a feeling and part of the Spirit of it all. Being as old as I was I had my share of friends that made fun of me for believing. They all "knew" years before I did. I never thought I'd truly "know" until I was grown and had a family of my own. In fact, I remember telling a friend of mine that when I had kids, I would wait up for Santa to come. If he didn't, I would have a stash of presents... just in case. That is truly how I thought I would find out.
There's just so much dissapointment, tragedy, and loneliness in the world and I didn't want to let go of such a fantasy as Santa Claus. What a representation of how Christ truly is. Think about it, a man that goes around spreading Christmas cheer, loves children so much that he would spend the entire year getting ready for one sleepless, exhausting night of traveling around the entire world to deliver presents to every boy and girl. A man that truly represents selflessness. He expects nothing in return. Only asking each boy and girl to be good. Is that not what Christ does for us, only on a much more spiritual level? He gave us the most selfless gift and expects nothing from us, only asking us to try our hardest to be like him. And yet, he knows that it is impossible. He only asks that we try.
In so many ways, Santa Claus is that example of selflessness and giving. I refuse to let go of that. Often times I hear of parents wanting to eliminate Santa Claus altogether from their children's view of Christmas. They are so afraid that believing in Santa Claus makes the holiday too commercialized and worldly. I suppose, if you let it be, that can be the case. However, I am definitely PRO-Santa! I think believing in a man such as Santa can be a great tool in learning about Jesus Christ and all that he represents. We try to incorporate that into our holiday as well. Have you ever read the book I Believe In Santa Claus? If not, I highly recommend it. Santa lives!! He may not "live" in the sense that we think of as children. Obviously, he doesn't slither down the chimney, ride in a big red sleigh, or have a reindeer with a nose that glows to help him find his way in the fog and dark. He lives! He lives through us, the parents, the neighbors, and anyone else that has selflessly given a gift. He even lives in our children. I see the light of Christ in my children's eyes far more often than I see it in anyone else. I also see the spirit of Santa Claus (another great representation of Jesus) in their willingness to serve and give during the holidays.
Now to the hard part of this post. It's never fun or easy to admit when things are rough. We all have trials in this life and we all battle demons. Some have lighter trials than others and sometimes life just isn't fair.
As I write this, I write so that others may know that the Spirit of Christmas lives, not so you will feel sorry for us. I really just want everyone to know that when all hope is lost, it really isn't.
2000
Anthony and I have been married now for 10 years. In those years, we've had financial difficulties. We started out as poor newlywed college students. We both had jobs but neither of us made much money. That first Christmas was a meager one. I don't remember the gifts but I remember that we both wrote a letter to each other and it was the most treasured of all the gifts.
2001
By the time our second Christmas rolled around, we had little K and I had quit my job to be a full time mom. Anthony worked hard as a framer (construction). He had moved up in pay and we had sufficient for our needs. At that time, we lived in a basement apartment. Christmas was fun that year. I surprised him with a set of golf clubs and he surprised me with a stroller and carseat combo for the baby. It was fun!
2002-2003
The third and fourth Christmases were unlike any I had known up to that point. We had moved to South Carolina with my parents who had moved out there for my dad's job. Anthony was working at Sear's about 30 hours per week, going to school full time, and he was also teaching early morning Seminary at the church (which was about 40 minutes away). We didn't see much of him at that time but between the student loans and his job, we were able to provide the kids with what they needed and get ourselves a little something too. Baby A had made her entrance into the family by that fourth year.
2004
Year number 5 was a rough one. We had just moved back to Utah from South Carolina and although Anthony was able to get his old construction job back, we had a hard time keeping up with all the bills. Luckily, that year the only thing K had asked for was "books and a pack-hack" (backpack). My mom graciously provided a backpack along with some other fun things and by chance, a cousin of mine called me to let me know that she had ordered a set of books from QVC and wanted to know if we wanted to give them to K. PERFECT! Baby A was still so little that she didn't even know what was going on. My mom and dad provided her with a few little things too. That Christmas was not elaborate at all but it was fun. We were living in an apartment.
This was also the year that someone had snuck into our apartment and left a whole mess load of badly needed groceries. I can't tell you how hungry we were at that point! We opened our apartment door one night to find the grocery bags, full of groceries on our kitchen floor. I don't know how they got in, and I don't know who it was but we are forever grateful! Christmas Angels, I tell you. They also left a baby doll cradle for the girls.
2005
That next year, Anthony had just barely (and I mean barely, barely) started his own framing business and we had just bought a house (moved in December 5th).... same one we're in now. Business started out GREAT and Christmas was fun. Baby H had joined us by that time.
2006
The following year, things were still rockin' and rollin' with the business and we spent more on Christmas that year than we ever had (or have since). It wasn't extremely outlandish or anything but we had good one. We were even able to help someone out that needed it. Paying it forward from the year that we needed the help.
2007
After that, things took a turn for the worst and the business plummeted with the market. No one was building houses anymore and we went from a steady flow of income to absolutely nothing at all. It was horrible! That year for Christmas, we were able to scrape a few bucks together and have a great Christmas. There weren't a lot of presents that year but the kids didn't notice. They were just excited that Santa had come.
2008
Baby C made his entrance that year and, once again, things were tight. Still no job, just odd jobs here and there, hoping and waiting for the market to pick back up. It never did! Between the odd jobs and selling unwanted items here and there, we were able to scrape by and pay some of our bills. But what were we going to do about Christmas? A few Christmas Angels stepped in that year. A friend of mine from high school brought over a Christmas card with $250. I don't even know how she knew.... We hadn't been in touch for years! We also had some friends that brought us an envelope with some cash in it, claiming that someone had asked them to give it to us anonymously. We're pretty sure that it was from those friends themselves.
Not only that but twice that year, people left anonymous envelopes of cash on our porch. They did the whole doorbell ditching thing. One of them contained either $400 or $500. I don't remember, I just remember it was a pretty large amount. We still don't know who to thank for those. I'm sure it was someone in our ward but we'll never know for sure, I suppose. We were able to pay some more bills and Santa was able to come. Christmas would have been a no go that year without our Christmas Angels.
2009
This was the year that our wonderful ward stepped in. My Relief Society president called and insisted that the ward help us out last year. As hard as it was to accept the help, we knew that without this help, Santa would be a no-show. More Christmas Angels! Anthony was in the process of becoming an insurance agent at this point. He passed the test on December 15, 2009! What a blessing that was! And he was appointed March 1, 2010 after the two month training.
2010
It's always hardest to talk about NOW.... We've received help in the past and we will always be grateful for the help we've received. This year has been no exception to the struggles we've had. It's been another rough year but the thing is, I don't know that many outside our families know. That's what makes this year so different.
Anthony is doing great in his business as an insurance agent. He's hit every goal that Farm Bureau has set for him and beyond. But starting a business is hard. It costs a lot of money to keep it running and since he's not yet getting residuals, things have been pretty tight. He's absolutely LOOOOVING his new career and that's great!
We've known that this year would be tight for Christmas but we had no idea how tight it would become. And we certainly didn't expect anyone else to see a need to help us out with Christmas this year. We hadn't solicited for it. So, imagine my surprise when, just before Thanksgiving, my RS president calls once again and tells me that someone in the neighborhood wanted to help us out with Christmas. She didn't give me a name, only saying that they wanted to help and they wanted a list. Anthony was less than thrilled that he would have to accept help yet again but graciously accepted. After all, he realized that things were tight and not going to get any better before Christmas. What we didn't realize was that these people were going to provide everything that Santa would be bringing. We had only thought they were "helping". Turns out, Santa would have been a no-show if it hadn't been for them. Things have been much tighter than we had anticipated. They gave us more for the kids than we could have ever hoped for.
We found out a few weeks ago when they called to deliver the gifts. I won't divulge the names because I don't know how they would feel about that but I have to give credit where credit is due. So, I want to thank these mortal angels for their generosity and kindness. The time and money they've spent to make sure my kids have a wonderful Christmas will never be forgotten. And although I am unable to pay them back in money, I can promise to pay it forward someday when I am able. Anthony and I are forever grateful. After all, where would we be without these special people in our lives?
Are you seeing a trend here? All of these angels in our lives have been our Santa Claus! He truly does exist, he is a great representation of the Christmas Spirit. He expects nothing in return for his kindness.
Remember Jesus' birth this Christmas. He truly is the reason for the season! The gifts we receive are a representation of the gifts the three wise men brought to him in that lowly stable.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
There's just so much dissapointment, tragedy, and loneliness in the world and I didn't want to let go of such a fantasy as Santa Claus. What a representation of how Christ truly is. Think about it, a man that goes around spreading Christmas cheer, loves children so much that he would spend the entire year getting ready for one sleepless, exhausting night of traveling around the entire world to deliver presents to every boy and girl. A man that truly represents selflessness. He expects nothing in return. Only asking each boy and girl to be good. Is that not what Christ does for us, only on a much more spiritual level? He gave us the most selfless gift and expects nothing from us, only asking us to try our hardest to be like him. And yet, he knows that it is impossible. He only asks that we try.
In so many ways, Santa Claus is that example of selflessness and giving. I refuse to let go of that. Often times I hear of parents wanting to eliminate Santa Claus altogether from their children's view of Christmas. They are so afraid that believing in Santa Claus makes the holiday too commercialized and worldly. I suppose, if you let it be, that can be the case. However, I am definitely PRO-Santa! I think believing in a man such as Santa can be a great tool in learning about Jesus Christ and all that he represents. We try to incorporate that into our holiday as well. Have you ever read the book I Believe In Santa Claus? If not, I highly recommend it. Santa lives!! He may not "live" in the sense that we think of as children. Obviously, he doesn't slither down the chimney, ride in a big red sleigh, or have a reindeer with a nose that glows to help him find his way in the fog and dark. He lives! He lives through us, the parents, the neighbors, and anyone else that has selflessly given a gift. He even lives in our children. I see the light of Christ in my children's eyes far more often than I see it in anyone else. I also see the spirit of Santa Claus (another great representation of Jesus) in their willingness to serve and give during the holidays.
Now to the hard part of this post. It's never fun or easy to admit when things are rough. We all have trials in this life and we all battle demons. Some have lighter trials than others and sometimes life just isn't fair.
As I write this, I write so that others may know that the Spirit of Christmas lives, not so you will feel sorry for us. I really just want everyone to know that when all hope is lost, it really isn't.
2000
Anthony and I have been married now for 10 years. In those years, we've had financial difficulties. We started out as poor newlywed college students. We both had jobs but neither of us made much money. That first Christmas was a meager one. I don't remember the gifts but I remember that we both wrote a letter to each other and it was the most treasured of all the gifts.
2001
By the time our second Christmas rolled around, we had little K and I had quit my job to be a full time mom. Anthony worked hard as a framer (construction). He had moved up in pay and we had sufficient for our needs. At that time, we lived in a basement apartment. Christmas was fun that year. I surprised him with a set of golf clubs and he surprised me with a stroller and carseat combo for the baby. It was fun!
2002-2003
The third and fourth Christmases were unlike any I had known up to that point. We had moved to South Carolina with my parents who had moved out there for my dad's job. Anthony was working at Sear's about 30 hours per week, going to school full time, and he was also teaching early morning Seminary at the church (which was about 40 minutes away). We didn't see much of him at that time but between the student loans and his job, we were able to provide the kids with what they needed and get ourselves a little something too. Baby A had made her entrance into the family by that fourth year.
2004
Year number 5 was a rough one. We had just moved back to Utah from South Carolina and although Anthony was able to get his old construction job back, we had a hard time keeping up with all the bills. Luckily, that year the only thing K had asked for was "books and a pack-hack" (backpack). My mom graciously provided a backpack along with some other fun things and by chance, a cousin of mine called me to let me know that she had ordered a set of books from QVC and wanted to know if we wanted to give them to K. PERFECT! Baby A was still so little that she didn't even know what was going on. My mom and dad provided her with a few little things too. That Christmas was not elaborate at all but it was fun. We were living in an apartment.
This was also the year that someone had snuck into our apartment and left a whole mess load of badly needed groceries. I can't tell you how hungry we were at that point! We opened our apartment door one night to find the grocery bags, full of groceries on our kitchen floor. I don't know how they got in, and I don't know who it was but we are forever grateful! Christmas Angels, I tell you. They also left a baby doll cradle for the girls.
2005
That next year, Anthony had just barely (and I mean barely, barely) started his own framing business and we had just bought a house (moved in December 5th).... same one we're in now. Business started out GREAT and Christmas was fun. Baby H had joined us by that time.
2006
The following year, things were still rockin' and rollin' with the business and we spent more on Christmas that year than we ever had (or have since). It wasn't extremely outlandish or anything but we had good one. We were even able to help someone out that needed it. Paying it forward from the year that we needed the help.
2007
After that, things took a turn for the worst and the business plummeted with the market. No one was building houses anymore and we went from a steady flow of income to absolutely nothing at all. It was horrible! That year for Christmas, we were able to scrape a few bucks together and have a great Christmas. There weren't a lot of presents that year but the kids didn't notice. They were just excited that Santa had come.
2008
Baby C made his entrance that year and, once again, things were tight. Still no job, just odd jobs here and there, hoping and waiting for the market to pick back up. It never did! Between the odd jobs and selling unwanted items here and there, we were able to scrape by and pay some of our bills. But what were we going to do about Christmas? A few Christmas Angels stepped in that year. A friend of mine from high school brought over a Christmas card with $250. I don't even know how she knew.... We hadn't been in touch for years! We also had some friends that brought us an envelope with some cash in it, claiming that someone had asked them to give it to us anonymously. We're pretty sure that it was from those friends themselves.
Not only that but twice that year, people left anonymous envelopes of cash on our porch. They did the whole doorbell ditching thing. One of them contained either $400 or $500. I don't remember, I just remember it was a pretty large amount. We still don't know who to thank for those. I'm sure it was someone in our ward but we'll never know for sure, I suppose. We were able to pay some more bills and Santa was able to come. Christmas would have been a no go that year without our Christmas Angels.
2009
This was the year that our wonderful ward stepped in. My Relief Society president called and insisted that the ward help us out last year. As hard as it was to accept the help, we knew that without this help, Santa would be a no-show. More Christmas Angels! Anthony was in the process of becoming an insurance agent at this point. He passed the test on December 15, 2009! What a blessing that was! And he was appointed March 1, 2010 after the two month training.
2010
It's always hardest to talk about NOW.... We've received help in the past and we will always be grateful for the help we've received. This year has been no exception to the struggles we've had. It's been another rough year but the thing is, I don't know that many outside our families know. That's what makes this year so different.
Anthony is doing great in his business as an insurance agent. He's hit every goal that Farm Bureau has set for him and beyond. But starting a business is hard. It costs a lot of money to keep it running and since he's not yet getting residuals, things have been pretty tight. He's absolutely LOOOOVING his new career and that's great!
We've known that this year would be tight for Christmas but we had no idea how tight it would become. And we certainly didn't expect anyone else to see a need to help us out with Christmas this year. We hadn't solicited for it. So, imagine my surprise when, just before Thanksgiving, my RS president calls once again and tells me that someone in the neighborhood wanted to help us out with Christmas. She didn't give me a name, only saying that they wanted to help and they wanted a list. Anthony was less than thrilled that he would have to accept help yet again but graciously accepted. After all, he realized that things were tight and not going to get any better before Christmas. What we didn't realize was that these people were going to provide everything that Santa would be bringing. We had only thought they were "helping". Turns out, Santa would have been a no-show if it hadn't been for them. Things have been much tighter than we had anticipated. They gave us more for the kids than we could have ever hoped for.
We found out a few weeks ago when they called to deliver the gifts. I won't divulge the names because I don't know how they would feel about that but I have to give credit where credit is due. So, I want to thank these mortal angels for their generosity and kindness. The time and money they've spent to make sure my kids have a wonderful Christmas will never be forgotten. And although I am unable to pay them back in money, I can promise to pay it forward someday when I am able. Anthony and I are forever grateful. After all, where would we be without these special people in our lives?
Are you seeing a trend here? All of these angels in our lives have been our Santa Claus! He truly does exist, he is a great representation of the Christmas Spirit. He expects nothing in return for his kindness.
Remember Jesus' birth this Christmas. He truly is the reason for the season! The gifts we receive are a representation of the gifts the three wise men brought to him in that lowly stable.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Uh-oh
This happened on Thanksgiving but I have to post it, I just do. You may not find it to be as hilarious as we all did. We're easily amused. What can I say?
Meet my cousin, Spencer.... or at least meet his wedding ring, which is stuck in a 2-liter soda cap. It's brand new. He and his wife only got married in September. He just wanted to see if it would fit. It did! Perfectly. Maybe a little too perfectly.
Several people tried to get it out, including yours truly. It wouldn't budge. It took the expertise of another cousin of mine, Jordan. He was able to free the ring from the death grip of the cap.
His poor wife was not very amused. Can you blame her?
Meet my cousin, Spencer.... or at least meet his wedding ring, which is stuck in a 2-liter soda cap. It's brand new. He and his wife only got married in September. He just wanted to see if it would fit. It did! Perfectly. Maybe a little too perfectly.
Several people tried to get it out, including yours truly. It wouldn't budge. It took the expertise of another cousin of mine, Jordan. He was able to free the ring from the death grip of the cap.
Stray
THIS.... showed up on our doorstep one night about a week and a half ago, hungry and freezing. What was I supposed to do? Yep, we fed her (we're 99% sure it's a her). And now she's ours. UGH! I'm allergic but when the husband falls in love.... there's no turning back. 
The kids fell in love too, especially A. She's a kitty lover to the max. She's asked for one for years, then cries when she's reminded that Mommy is allergic. Amazingly, I haven't had any problems with her.... yet. But I'm also very careful to wash my hands after touching her. She started out being called Stray but now we call her Sissy.
Now, the question is, can Santa get away with not leaving a Furreal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin' Kitty Cat. This is the second year she's asked for one. She's not getting one but I'm hoping the real cat will make up for it. She's getting a Lulu's Walkin' Kitty, though. That's works, right? She asked for that too.
Now we just need to get Sissy used to her "big brother and sister" we call dogs. That oughtta go well. ;) Only one run in so far. Poor kitty!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
What to do when the "Tooth Fairy" can't find the tooth...
Loose teeth around here are a highly anticipated event that lasts a very very long time. My kids have been blessed cursed with my strong roots that just won't let go. Our teeth are loose for a quite a while before they decide to let go and give the permanent tooth a chance at some daylight. In fact, usually we have the shark syndrome where the permanent tooth shows up behind the loose one. We get to have rows of teeth like a shark for a few weeks.
Both K and A had to have their bottom two teeth pulled by the dentist. The rest just like to take their sweet time. I don't know what it is. Frustrating, that's what it is. They go for weeks trying to eat while avoiding the area with the offending tooth, and usually fighting some tears along the way because they bite wrong and it hurts. But the darn buggers just won't let go!
Finally, this tooth of little A's got the best of Anthony. He asked her if he could just tug on it a little and then he would be done. Instead, he yanked the thing right out. Poor little A! She cried but hey, that meant that the Tooth Fairy was coming... it's always so exciting around here.
Both K and A had to have their bottom two teeth pulled by the dentist. The rest just like to take their sweet time. I don't know what it is. Frustrating, that's what it is. They go for weeks trying to eat while avoiding the area with the offending tooth, and usually fighting some tears along the way because they bite wrong and it hurts. But the darn buggers just won't let go!
Finally, this tooth of little A's got the best of Anthony. He asked her if he could just tug on it a little and then he would be done. Instead, he yanked the thing right out. Poor little A! She cried but hey, that meant that the Tooth Fairy was coming... it's always so exciting around here.
Around here, the best Tooth Fairy is not of the female variety. I've tried, and I've failed. Every stinkin' time that I try, I wake the child up trying to reach under their pillow to find the tooth (placed either in a baggie or an envelope), and replace it with a dollar. Whose idea was that anyway? Why do they have to put it under their pillow? Wouldn't the top of a dresser be so much easier? I mean, really. Let's think about this, people. I've tried getting my girls to go for this method but they have been brainwashed to believe that there is no. other. way. The tooth goes under the pillow and there is no discussion.
So, after having to explain each time that "I was just checking to see if the Tooth Fairy has come yet," we decided that Anthony should have a go at it. He makes a much better Tooth Fairy than I. And so, the male Tooth Fairy was born!
Usually it's a no-fail process. It always goes off without a glitch at all but this particular night was different. K decided to let A sleep up on the top of the bunk bed with her, on the inside. We tried to get them to at least trade places but with no such luck. By the time Anthony went in to make the switch, the girls were in completely different places, the blankets were askew, it was pretty much a mess. Poor Anthony searched and searched the bed. In the meantime, I was wondering what was taking him so long. Turns out, he couldn't find the envelope with the tooth at all. It was MIA!
Well, if your kids are like mine, it would be such a devastating thing for the Tooth Fairy to not make it on the night they actually lost the tooth, but even more so for "her" to not take the tooth. I don't know why it is such a big deal but it is. So, what was I to do? I had to think fast, well as fast as I could think at 1:30 a.m. This is what I came up with, just tweaked my handwriting and came up with the most pixie-like name I could think of. Pretend it's great!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Christmas Around the World
One party down, a couple more to go! Don't you just love this time of year? The parties are always so much fun. I'm not sure if it's the party itself or the food involved that I love most. It's a toss up, I think.
Just wrapped up with Anthony's family party. I think it was a success, overall. The planning of it was maybe a little more dramatic than anyone would have wished for. No one could agree on whether or not there should be a theme, whether we should eat at a restaurant or at someone's home, or how to do the gift exchange. Should we go dollar store? Should we set a limit? Should we do homemade gifts? In the end, we opted for a theme (Christmas Around the World), a Chinese Buffet place for dinner and later meeting at my house for a program, and dollar store gifts (although some went a little higher). All I know is the less expensive the better for us!
It really turned out to be pretty fun. Each family (well, four out of seven) chose a country and did a little research to find out about the Christmas customs and traditions of that country. We learned about Germany (ours), Ecuador, Mexico, and Australia.
While researching for German traditions, I remembered a tradition my cousin had told us about a few years ago. She served her mission there and actually lived there as a young child for three years... military brat. She had told us about St. Nicholas coming on December 6 and leaving candy in the childrens' shoes. So, this year, we had our kids put their shoes in front of the fireplace... I had heard that he will actually come to the U.S. as well. There just aren't very many people here that know about it ;) When the kids woke up December 6th, lo and behold, there was candy in the shoes. Kind of weird, who wants to eat candy out of the stinky shoe? But it meant that they must have been good little kidlets. Otherwise, St. Nicholas' servant, whose name I can't recall at the moment, would have left them a switch. Hmmm, sometimes I think they could definitely use a few of those around here, especially for little C. But then I look into those big brown eyes when he says, "Sorry Mommy," and I just melt. Why does he have to have such big brown, beautiful eyes? They get me every time! The cute little STINK...
I think it's a tradition we'll keep up. Now the trick will be trying to remember every December 5th. It was fun to hear about all the traditions from around the world. Another one that I thought would be fun is one from Ecuador. It's not really a Christmas tradition, more a New Year tradition. My brother-in-law, who served his mission in Ecuador, said that they take a popular icon or something that represents the last year and make a BIG papier mache (sp?) model of it. Then they burn it! I can't remember if they do that on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. It would just be fun to try something similar to that. Maybe not quite as extravagant as theirs. He said one year, when the movie Titanic came out, they (the people, not him) made a gigantic ship about 50 feet tall and a whole block wide. HOLY COW! Can you imagine? Ours would have to be a much simpler version but it would be fun I think. What do you think? Have you ever thought of implementing someone else's traditions into your family?
Just wrapped up with Anthony's family party. I think it was a success, overall. The planning of it was maybe a little more dramatic than anyone would have wished for. No one could agree on whether or not there should be a theme, whether we should eat at a restaurant or at someone's home, or how to do the gift exchange. Should we go dollar store? Should we set a limit? Should we do homemade gifts? In the end, we opted for a theme (Christmas Around the World), a Chinese Buffet place for dinner and later meeting at my house for a program, and dollar store gifts (although some went a little higher). All I know is the less expensive the better for us!
It really turned out to be pretty fun. Each family (well, four out of seven) chose a country and did a little research to find out about the Christmas customs and traditions of that country. We learned about Germany (ours), Ecuador, Mexico, and Australia.
While researching for German traditions, I remembered a tradition my cousin had told us about a few years ago. She served her mission there and actually lived there as a young child for three years... military brat. She had told us about St. Nicholas coming on December 6 and leaving candy in the childrens' shoes. So, this year, we had our kids put their shoes in front of the fireplace... I had heard that he will actually come to the U.S. as well. There just aren't very many people here that know about it ;) When the kids woke up December 6th, lo and behold, there was candy in the shoes. Kind of weird, who wants to eat candy out of the stinky shoe? But it meant that they must have been good little kidlets. Otherwise, St. Nicholas' servant, whose name I can't recall at the moment, would have left them a switch. Hmmm, sometimes I think they could definitely use a few of those around here, especially for little C. But then I look into those big brown eyes when he says, "Sorry Mommy," and I just melt. Why does he have to have such big brown, beautiful eyes? They get me every time! The cute little STINK...
I think it's a tradition we'll keep up. Now the trick will be trying to remember every December 5th. It was fun to hear about all the traditions from around the world. Another one that I thought would be fun is one from Ecuador. It's not really a Christmas tradition, more a New Year tradition. My brother-in-law, who served his mission in Ecuador, said that they take a popular icon or something that represents the last year and make a BIG papier mache (sp?) model of it. Then they burn it! I can't remember if they do that on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. It would just be fun to try something similar to that. Maybe not quite as extravagant as theirs. He said one year, when the movie Titanic came out, they (the people, not him) made a gigantic ship about 50 feet tall and a whole block wide. HOLY COW! Can you imagine? Ours would have to be a much simpler version but it would be fun I think. What do you think? Have you ever thought of implementing someone else's traditions into your family?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Answered Prayers
What else is there to say? I will forever be grateful for all the miracles we've been blessed with this Christmas season. As much as we would love to be on the other end (giving instead of receiving), we feel blessed to have such wonderful and amazing people in our lives. Someday, when we are able, it will be our turn to pay it forward..... I can hardly wait!
Thank you to all the angels in our lives!!
Thank you to all the angels in our lives!!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Cheese, please!
Anthony and I have been married now for 10 years. It's so weird to say that because it still feels like he proposed (for the third time) only a year ago..... or so. By year 10, you feel like you pretty much know a person inside and out. I am no exception, I had him figured out long ago and he's introduced me to some things that he grew up with that I thought were kind of weird. And the opposite is also true. I've introduced him to some strange things from childhood as well.
Nothing too out of the ordinary, I suppose. Here's an example of our weirdness:
Anthony grew up putting evaporated milk, you know the kind in the can, on his oatmeal. I've tried it, but it just doesn't float my boat. On the other hand, I like to microwave my plain M&M's. Laugh it up, I know it's... shall we say different? but there's just something about the hard candy shell bursting open when I pop it in my mouth and having the melted chocolate coat my tongue. Mmmmm! Dang, I wish I had some now!! Plain M&M's are just blah any other way.
Well, the other night, as we were deciding what we should eat for our midnight snack (we have one at least 7 times a week :) he came back into the living room with none other than a big blob of melted cheese. No joke, after seeing that the cupboards and fridge were pretty much void of anything even remotely snack-ish, he chose a big blob of melted cheese. I gave him the "you're kind of a weirdy!" look and he asked if I'd ever tried it. Of course I have, melted on casseroles, nachos, burritos, etc. I've eaten melted cheese plenty of times! He insisted that I try it.... PLAIN! I reluctantly obliged. Can I just say, it is heaven! Holy cow!! I never knew eating plain old melted cheese could be that heavenly!
He proceeded to tell me that, growing up, his mom would get very upset at all of the kids because she would bring home a big brick of cheese and they would each cut a big chunk off and melt it in the microwave. There would be nothing left.
So now my question is, why didn't he tell me about this little piece of heaven earlier?
Nothing too out of the ordinary, I suppose. Here's an example of our weirdness:
Anthony grew up putting evaporated milk, you know the kind in the can, on his oatmeal. I've tried it, but it just doesn't float my boat. On the other hand, I like to microwave my plain M&M's. Laugh it up, I know it's... shall we say different? but there's just something about the hard candy shell bursting open when I pop it in my mouth and having the melted chocolate coat my tongue. Mmmmm! Dang, I wish I had some now!! Plain M&M's are just blah any other way.
Well, the other night, as we were deciding what we should eat for our midnight snack (we have one at least 7 times a week :) he came back into the living room with none other than a big blob of melted cheese. No joke, after seeing that the cupboards and fridge were pretty much void of anything even remotely snack-ish, he chose a big blob of melted cheese. I gave him the "you're kind of a weirdy!" look and he asked if I'd ever tried it. Of course I have, melted on casseroles, nachos, burritos, etc. I've eaten melted cheese plenty of times! He insisted that I try it.... PLAIN! I reluctantly obliged. Can I just say, it is heaven! Holy cow!! I never knew eating plain old melted cheese could be that heavenly!
He proceeded to tell me that, growing up, his mom would get very upset at all of the kids because she would bring home a big brick of cheese and they would each cut a big chunk off and melt it in the microwave. There would be nothing left.
So now my question is, why didn't he tell me about this little piece of heaven earlier?
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