Wow-is Christmas really over?!

Sorry it's been so long since my last blog. I'll be doing my last extra work day for my friend's maternity leave this week. I'm so glad I don't usually work that many days. I'm tired and all of my extra projects are sitting around collecting dust because I have no time nor motivation to work on them.

We had a very fun Christmas at our house. Drew loved his presents. He was so excited to have fruit snacks in his stocking that he ate both packages within minutes and then a short while later threw them up. Ai Ai Ai! He got a cell phone from his grandma and grandpa. It has a little voice that asks "Do you want to play?" and he always answers enthusiatically, "Yes!" His other grandparents gave him the cutest little horse set with a stable, truck and horse trailer. I'm sure we will get lots of fun out of that one. Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Robert gave Drew a cement truck complete with power tools to take it apart and put it back together. He has been "fixing" everything in our house ever since.

I love reading everyone else's blogs and hearing your updates. It is so fun to see what everyone else is up to. We wish you all a happy new year! For those of you in the snowy places like we are--good luck!!! Those drifts sure make driving exciting don't they?!

Christmas Time

I love this time of year--the music, the parties, the good food, the presents (giving and getting), and family memories. The only thing I don't like this time of year is the crowds in the stores and the extra traffic in town. This year I am doing my Christmas routine a little differently. One of the hygienists in my office had a little baby girl a few weeks ago and I have been covering some of her days while she is home on maternity leave. That means I am working 4 days most weeks. I don't have a lot of time for the things that can cause holiday stress like finding the right gifts or giving goodies to neighbors, so I am going low key and keeping it simple this year. The fun is going to be more in the experiences than the stuff. I plan on enjoying every chance I get to have fun with my family and friends. I am really excited for a relaxing Christmas. I hope that all of you are enjoying the holidays and not too stressed out to enjoy them. Simplify--it's great!!!

I've been decorating a little at a time and I just finished. Drew redecorates the bottom 2 feet of the Christmas tree everytime he sees it (hence the pile of ornaments on the floor). My favorite is the banister by the stairs. I know it's nothing elaborate, but I think it turned out cute. Not too many decorations, but just enough to help us get in the Christmas spirit I think. The story behind the donkey: it was something I inherited from my mom. I remember her putting it on the Christmas tree when I was younger and I would search to find the donkey and then move it around to different places throughout the time the tree was up. Apparently Drew likes the donkey too--the tradition lives on.

Quirks? Hmmm

I think I've been tagged and I'm supposed to name 6 things that make me quirky. I have decided I am either not quirky or I just don't realize what might make me quirky. But I'll try to think of something. Here goes:

1) I never go to the doctor. Even if I've had a cough for two weeks and I am starting to wonder if it will ever go away. I just figure I'll live and if I ever feel like I'm dying maybe I'll go see someone.

2) I already mentioned this in my last post. I have very vivid dreams and I often remember small details of those dreams. I love to share them with anyone who will listen.

3) I love carmel corn. I would eat it several times a week if I didn't have a loud dietary conscience saying--cavities, fat and sugar buzz--in my ear. I have the best recipe for chewy, soft carmel corn if anyone wants it. It is the best with a large glass of milk.

4) I am not afraid to talk baby talk in public (with a baby to talk baby talk to of course). If there are kids around, I love to get down on their level and be a kid again. Even if that involves making silly animal noises or acting like a crazy person.

5) I've only kissed on guy. Dustin is my one and only. Lucky guy :) Ha Ha

6) I can't parallel park. I nearly failed that drive in driver's ed and I have avoided the situation ever since.

i MIGHT BE CRAZY!

Last night I had the weirdest dream. I have very detailed dreams. Dustin is always amazed (and probably bored) at the details I can remember. I won't bore you with the details but it involved Paris Hilton. She was the leader of a group that I was going to travel with. She sent us detailed instructions on what to pack. A few of the necessary items: a yoga mat, a formal dress, and an assortment of purses. ??????? As I was packing my bag (in my dream) I was thinking how stupid each item was. I don't know why Paris Hilton was in my dream. I don't like her. I don't follow her celeb news. I have little or no knowledge about Paris. I think I might be going crazy. Oh well, at least I have a cute little boy who I am sure wouldn't mind being crazy with me. Here are a few of his recently "crazy" toddler moments.

Who said food was for eating? (Not a toddler!) Who wouldn't love smearing mashed potatoes all over their head?! And absolutely no fear. He climbs into this window sill all the time. What he lacks in fear is made up for in his mother. I have several mini heart attacks everyday watching him place himself in dangerous situations. My goal as a mother right now: Keep my child alive long enough to be able to set other goals as a mother.

I Voted!!

Just a quick post to let you all know that I voted. Don't you think it's so awesome to live where we can cast a vote and participate in the choosing of our leaders. I'm not sure why, but I felt really excited about the chance to vote today. Maybe it's the chance to end this long, drawn out political campaign or maybe it's the realization that I am blessed to live in a democracy. Whatever it is--go and vote today!!!!

Tagged by Nancy (I think)

4 movies I could watch more than once:

1) Singin' in the Rain

2) Raising Helen

3) Music of the Heart

4) One Fine Day

4 t.v. shows I watch:

1) The Cosby Show

2) Reba

3) Army Wives

4) Law & Order

4 things I love about my husband:

1) He's a hard worker

2) He loves me

3) He helps me

4) He makes me laugh

4 places I've been (prepare to be impressed):

1) Brazil

2) San Diego

3) Glacier National Park

4) Phoenix (the Grand Canyon)

4 places I'd like to go:

1) Brazil (again, only this time to play instead of work)

2) Hawaii (or anywhere with pretty beaches)

3) East Coast

4) anywhere new!

4 things I look forward to next year:

1) Getting Drew potty trained (I hate diapers)

2) Getting more of my yard finished

3) Working on & accomplishing some of my many goals

4) ?????

4 people I tag (only if you want to):

1) Cassie

2) Heather B.

3) Jeanne

4) Cindy

Mary's Fan Club . . .

For the last several years I have looked forward to volleyball being a major part of my entertainment thanks to my little sis Mary. She plays libero on Rigby's team. They made it to the state tournament again this year-Go Rigby!!! They played well and we had a blast cheering them on. Mary you are my most favoritist volleyball player ever. Thanks for all your hard work and practice that make you so fun to watch!!!

Great Job Rigby!! Nice Work Mary!!!