Auntie and Uncle

Aren't they cute?

Merry Christmas!!!

It Happened

"Mom I want to know if Santa is real and I don't want you to tell me yes, I want you to tell me the truth. I'm just too curious and I need to know... There's no way he could really fit up anyone's chimney and how could he possibly get a key that would unlock every door. I don't think he would really live in the north pole; it's too cold." Well, what do you say to all that? It's just a little sad having no children around who believe in Santa. They let go of the make believe, and I have to let go of a piece of their childhood. Isn't it amazing how the brain is able to process logic at exactly 8 years of age- like a magic transition? Seems like 8 would be a really good age to make an important decision of some kind =). And with the letting go of the childhood comes enjoying the progression into maturity. Wednesdays I spend the morning in Kelsey's class. Yesterday I was working with a group of kids. One girl talked about her coach losing his job because of the economy. This is too funny. Each child chimed in about the economy being bad- although I'm not sure any of them knew what that meant. Then the best part came. One sweet little guy said, "Yeah, the economy is really bad. It's because of global warming." I love it!

The High Heeled Drama

I bought some fabulous new boots that looked a lot like these. I was very proud of myself for finding my big want for the year at Ross for $24.99. When we got up to the bay area, I whipped them out to keep my legs and feet warm and toasty at church. Just the mere thought of putting them on tickled me! Then it happened. I carefully zipped on up so as not to snag my nylons.... and went to put on the second. There I sat staring at two beautiful black boots- both exactly the same. That's right, my steal of a deal was for 2 right feet. No wonder they were so cheap. Good thing I had a pair of black shoes in the car Tony reminded me of that would work or church would have been a pretty funny show!

C-R-I-C-K-E-T-S!

You may think these little suckers are cute. Here in the Inland Empire we haven't experienced much problem with pests. We have never seen a snake, skunk, or much of anything else in our neighborhood. We get a few desert water bugs at night in the summer, and about twice a year the ants come until we put out more bait and then they go away again. The spray takes care of the spiders. But oh the crickets. They love it here. Maybe a good thing because it feeds all the cute little lizards that run around everywhere- and entertain our dog. But the little nasty crickets! About one a week seems to make it inside the house when one of the doors is open and it just sits in the laundry room... making that cricket noise. I used to think that was a fun noise to hear camping. Now it just makes me grab the nearest shoe. Mind you, those suckers are fast and they hide well!

Elf dance- click me!

7 dirty little secrets

For Melanie:
1. Dessert is preferable to food. I literally have to force myself to eat right and put down the chocolate for a salad or sandwich. Honest truth is I'd replace all food with sweets if I could. It's always been an internal struggle for me: being fit vs. momentary bliss. The cruelties of life! "Wouldn't it be great if treats were good for you and the vegetables were the dessert?" -Kaiden

2. I'm scared of losing. Life has never been more perfect for me than it is right now. But, inside I'm scared of losing all that is good. My husband, my children, my home, my friends, even my little puppy doggy. Existing is a completely unvalidated fear. Chalk it up to one too many losses in the past, I guess.

3. Taking a back seat to Jerry Mc Guire, school completed me. I felt very insecure about myself until I had a degree in hand- like it magically validated my existence.

4. Sometimes I feel like I'm spinning wheels right now. I can't go to work, there's no one home all day but me, life is filled with mundane doctor appointments, volunteering at school, and cleaning. I really think I need something to do!

5. I feel fat. It doesn't matter how much weight I lose or gain I always think I'm too fat. It's been that way since I was 8 years old and the size of my jeans never made a difference. Even when my clothes are falling off, I'm trying to figure out how to solve my problem ares- the jury's still out on that.

6. Christmas is magical for me. I love it. The lights, pretty presents, smiles, music, trees, shopping, wrapping, treat making, love it all. I never outgrew that. It just got better with my own kids.

7. I love gardening and being outside but do you know what I let stop me? I don;t know either. I need to get my boodie out there and prune some foliage!

Turkey week

It was fun to take a trip up to see everyone. Highlights included Audie and Mel- not Bella and Edward (didn't care too much for that film, but the company was great). Lots of family, and some good friends. The big bonus for the kids? A trip to the Jelly Belly Factory. Oh yes, and Kelsey met her match in chess!

I just realized we didn't take pictures with Grandma Leslie. See what happens when you stay with someone? You think you have all the time in the world and then it's gone! I feel so bad.

Kids annuals

I don't know where the notion got into my head that I need to take annual pics of the kids, but I'm glad I do it- it's a good reminder and I always love looking back at how sweet they were. Here are this year's shots.

The train has left the station!

Do you ever feel like around the holidays things get so busy you don't get a chance to breathe? It's sort of like a train taking of for a long journey- you can't really stop it real quick if you need to, and there's no turning back. Now I have to post some catch up blogs. I worked with Kaid's class this week and I didn't take pictures- sorry, but we made the cutest little paper bag Indian vests for Thanksgiving. I was glad to be done with the Halloween parties- those were a lot more work than I remember from last year- one of those mom forgets the pain so she'll be willing to do it again things (like labor).

A few things we've been doing:
Went to another great football game with some family. Kelsey achieved her life goal and is finally taller than Aunt Maya! Met one of my favorite people and her lovely family for lunch one day. Suffered the nasty ear infection- still can't get over being a mom with and ear infection! I have more for ya, but you'll have to wait for the pictures!

The mommy isn't supposed to get the ear infection! I'm being a good girl and taking all my medicine. In the mean time I'm trying to ignore the laundry piled up and force myself to stay in bed. New appreciation has been established for my kids not wanting to stay in bed when they're sick. I'm tired, but laying down is tough stuff!

Baptism

Kaiden was baptized this weekend. It was very sweet. Aunt Lorilee, Aunt Maya, and Uncle Ron came up for the celebrations.

It goes by so fast

It was a beautiful and chilly morning. I woke up to this picture someone drew and put on my fridge for me. Then when the illustrator started crying in despair that I had chosen pants for him to wear, I just thought how sweet it is that the only thing he has to worry about is that he would prefer shorts today (as in this picture from Monday). But, alas, the weather is cooling down and I had to be the mean mom and pull the no card. My offer that he was welcome to wear a short sleeved shirt to school and then change into shorts after school didn't suffice. Can you believe how mean I am??? NO SHORTS?! The nerve of mothers!

Football Fans!

The biggest fans!

Football fun

Here are Kaiden's football pictures

The ultimate cheerleader

Isn't she just darling? The pictures have to be good to make it worth the 10+ hours every week we put into this! I finally got these developed. Enjoy!