2008 Awards

I was going to do a TOP TEN list of things that happened to us this year, but then I figured most of that was covered in my Christmas letter. Instead, I am posting our favorite 2008 pictures. What a year it was!!

Favorite Oldest Child

Silliest Brown Eyed Boy

Most Charasmatic 2 year old

Hottest couple


CrAZieSt family faces

Most fun with extended Family members

Friends I don't want to live without

Best Birthday Present (for the best MIL)

Longest Board (bored!) game
(TRANSFORMER RISK. I don't know if we'll ever play again!)

Memorable Mommy and Me moments

Longest Hotel Stay

Favorite McDonald's Happy Meal collection--

First house!

Biggest mess :(

Best NIGHT Hike

Most creative Christmas Present

Happiest Holiday

We hope everyone has a wonderful and SAFE New Year!

2009, Here we come...
Ready or not.

I cry the day that I take the tree down.... NOT

I LOVE Christmas... I really do, but once it's over, I am over it. Why keep the stockings hanging and the tree up when all it does is clutter your house? Maybe I am in a rush to take down Christmas because Aaron's birthday always gets overshadowed by the Holidays. Or maybe I turn into Ebeneezer Scrooge on the 26th. For me and my house, we clean Christmas up ASAP and look toward the new year....

So, no more Christmas music on my blog. No more red and green. No more nice guy. Not until next December, anyway.

And I really need to change my header pictures... I believe every single one was taken in 2007 (or before!) It's time to move on with my life and forget about Disneyland and why it's the happiest place on Earth.

I also need to change my blog title from "It's a Wonderful Life " to something else.. Any suggestions? I was thinking about "Life is Mediocre" but not so drab. Help.

Can you believe 2009 is just around the corner?
I need a MAJOR new year's resolution brain storming session.
For some reason, the goals I set for 2008 kinda didn't work out...

to the birthday boy

Today is another Sunday addition of people who inspire me. And it just so happens to be my husband's 32nd birthday. The stars have aligned.

The LAST thing Aaron wants on his birthday is a mushy tribute written on the blog. In fact, I'd bet his birthday wish is that my blog would get deleted entirely, but we all know THAT's not gonna happen. (However, I am writing this on Saturday and I will not spend a single minute of his birthday on the computer.. That's as much as I can sacrifice, honey!)


I just wanted to say that there isn't another person in this world who inspires me more than this hunka-hunka-burnin' love. For the past ten years, not a day has gone by where I haven't felt grateful for Aaron's example and friendship in my life. He is the most stable, BALANCED person I know. He does everything in stride, he never takes anything personally and if he's going do something, he's going to do it well.


Out of all the responsibilities he has, all the hats that he wears, there is NO QUESTION that being a husband and a father is most important to him. His family has always been his #1 priority. He is the best dad around. He's firm, bold, strict... and at the same time, he's playful, easy to relate to and completely hilarious. Can you name another Daddy that makes their kids pull their pants down during Simon Says? I didn't think so.

Knowing Aaron is a blessing.

Parenting with him is a thrill.

Being his wife is a privilege.

Christmas Favorites

Favorite time to wake up on Christmas morning: 8:30 am. Not so bad when the kids went to bed WAY before their bed time. Ben was asking to go to sleep on Christmas Eve at 3 pm... talk about being excited!

Favorite Christmas breakfast: Homemade cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate! and then lots of candy from our stockings. We are sugared OUT!

Favorite toy in Stocking: Whoopee cushion. No explanation necessary.

Favorite Christmas song played throughout the morning: The Chipmunks had the spotlight this year.

Favorite thing to wear ALL DAY: New pj's of course. Zack has a matching pair like Ben and Luke's, but he insisted on wearing his other Christmas jammies. I regret it already... the pictures would have been so much cuter!


Favorite things said on Christmas morning: I will give you all the candy in my stocking if you fight me! (apparently Ben has to bribe his little brothers...)


Zack's favorite present: Hulk hands... electronic ones that talk (or shall we say THREATEN) if you touch them. And This is his most recent "mean face"---


Luke's favorite present: A Star Wars video game. No, we don't have a Wii. We still do old-school-plug-into-your-TV games. I know, our kids are so underprivileged. We did also get a REAL game table... fooze ball/air hockey/pool table. The billiard table was made for midgits (just our kids' size!)


Ben's favorite present: Either his Star Wars Monopoloy game, his Grandeous coloring book or the 20 other Star Wars thing opened. Who can keep track. Last year we had a Transformers Christmas, this year, we took on another theme. Not pictured: Star wars shirts, underwear, toothbrushes, Star Wars Guess Who, flash cards, etc. etc. HOW DID SANTA KNOW THEY ARE SO OBSESSED???


Aaron's favorite present: Either the three bottles of Gatorade his three boys gave him or the remote control Jeep his wife gave him. By the look on his face, I think he likes the Gatorade better.


Janet's favorite present: Hands down, without a doubt, it would be the HOMEMADE EARRINGS Ben and Luke made for me. It was a complete surprise to everyone. They were neatly wrapped in paper towels. Yes, I actually put dirty PAPERCLIPS through my ears. And I have never been so proud. (and if you can't tell, the earrings are a picture of me.. yellow face and blue hair...) These puppies will be in my jewelry box FOREVER.


Favorite Christmas so far: 2008.

We wish you a Merry Christmas...

and a happy New Year!!

Christmas Card 2008

And the letter:
I decided to scan it in because that's how I want it in my blog book. (Click on the images to enlarge.)

page 2.

Pictures with "Santa"

Our kids struggle with the Santa thing.. Well, I shouldn't say KIDS, I should say KID. Ben is the party-pooper in the family and has to think LOGICALLY. I hate it. After MUCH convincing (or lying, if you will) he's decided that Santa really does exist... but he doesn't want to sit on Santa's lap unless it's the REAL one... because all those guys at the mall are impostors. Last year, we didn't take pictures with Santa and it was devastating for the whole family :) This year, because we have Alvin, we thought we'd use a little Elf Magic.

Last week, ALVIN left a note for the boys saying that THE REAL Santa is coming to the Silverton Casino for one day... because I had heard from several people that they give you free pictures that he was a cute Santa. When the boys found the note, they were ecstatic. We loaded them up, took them to see Santa and came home with free photos. I thought they turned out great.


On the way home, Ben said, "You know... I just don't think that was the REAL Santa. His beard was too short and his glasses didn't look right. His face was skinny and his belly was puffy, but not really fat. And he just wasn't that nice to all the kids. I think the REAL Santa would be a lot more excited to see us than that guy was." I didn't know what to say but "Maybe Alvin the Elf LIES!" Aaron pinched me before the kids heard. So even though the pictures turned out cute, my theory is that FREE Santa's suck. But let's be honest, I don't think there is a Santa out there that could meet Ben's expectations... except maybe the real one who lives in the North Pole. When Reindeer's fly, kid.

The Elf on the Shelf

Our dear adopted Grandma, Bev Olson, sent my boys THE ELF ON THE SHELF. Have you heard of it? It's one of Santa's little helpers that is sent to your home to spy on your kids... to see if they are behaving. Each night he leaves your home and reports back to Santa at the North Pole. In the morning, he's hiding in a new spot in the house. The kids name him, can write notes to him and have to behave nicely ALL THE TIME because this freaky elf is watching.

My kids have loved having ALVIN at our house. They JUMP out of bed and RUN down the stairs to see where Alvin is hiding. It's great for the kids, but it kind of sucks for the parents, because we actually have to remember to move him. Seriously, it's like being the Toothfairy EVERY single night and I ain't a good Toothfairy.

If I don't move him AS SOON as they go to bed, then he remains in the same spot the next day. He was hiding in our Christmas tree for FIVE days. I told you I wasn't a good mom. One night, I was still loading the dishwasher when the kids ran upstairs to brush their teeth, and I thought it was high time he left the tree. I moved him on top of the fridge. A minute later, Ben ran down the stairs and FREAKED out when he realized that Alvin had finally moved. I told him he was already reporting to Santa and carefully steered him away from the fridge. Man, I love lying to my kids. On the way up the stairs, Ben said, "You know, Alvin might not be magic. Maybe someone is coming into our house and moving him for us. It wouldn't be that hard to stick him in a different spot and then say that he MAGICALLY appeared somewhere else." When I asked him WHO would come into our house just to move the Elf, he shrugged his shoulders and said, "I guess we lock our doors anyway." Hey. I wouldn't mind some stranger coming in our house to move the elf for us. It would make my job much easier.

Zack came to me today and said, "Mom, Luke hurt me and then I hurt Luke...and Alvin saw everything."

Me: "He's gonna tell Santa that you are fighting and not being very nice to each other."

Zack: "No, Alvin told me that he won't tell Santa."

Me: "Really?"

Zack: "Yeah, and he said that he was going to spank Luke's butt, too."

Me: "I didn't know Alvin talked to you."

Zack: "He doesn't talk. He only whispers."


I don't know what we'll do when Alvin returns to the North Pole on Dec. 24th. A part of our family will be missing......... a piece of my heart will be taken. I will have to find the most comfortable (invisible) place for him to hide until next year.

Thanks, Bev for sending us our Elf!
and for the crisp dollar bills in their Christmas cards...
I will make sure they buy ME something special for Christmas!

Chasing Penguins

I have had this song in my head for a couple of days.

I just realized the title of the song is not "Chasing Penguins."

I think I like my version better.

DecemBURRRR.

We just spent the last week in Salt Lake City. It was cold... but so worth it! We came home to snow on our driveway! Crazy! We missed the biggest snow storm Vegas has had in 30 years. bummer. But don't worry, we got plenty of powder. In fact, we had more than we could handle....

Believe it or not, I took a total of 7 pictures the entire week. But that doesn't mean we didn't have fun. Highlights of the trip were (in random order)

• The COUSIN party! All 26 kids decorating gingerbread men and exchanging presents
• Seeing Tim, Rach and baby Kennedy who flew in from Michigan
  
• The ALL ADULT party at my parents.. white elephants, delicious chile verde, and great conversation (which lasted until midnight..)
• watching Lilly and Anna's dance recital
  
• Breakfast with Val (as well as feeding the animals at the farm with lil Annie)
• sledding with the kids. oh, it was a GOOD time!
  
• Seeing BOLT in 3D.
• Being with my bestest girl friends (and staying up until 3 am.. we've gotta stop that!)
• eating at our fave places in Zion.
• playing Rook with my parents on their anniversary
  
• watching Glenn Beck's conversion story
• playing in the snow until our fingers fell off
• opening presents with oven mits on
• getting our hair done in Deb's salon
  
• meeting Coco and Jakey for shakes and fries
  
• sending out ALL my Christmas cards. It should arrive shortly, people
• making snickerdoodles
• Aaron's offer for a "free divorce" in my family's service auction
  
• being with some of our favorite people-- we miss you already!!
• Ben's new snowman joke-- What do you call a guy who never says yes? You guessed it a NO-Man.
  
• singing Christmas carols all the way home.
• checking my mail and reading all the cards! What a treat!
  

Things that weren't so great about the trip..

• the TEN hour drive up.. we hit a snow storm in Cedar.. so glad we had Jane (and boys) to share in the misery!
• Aaron's long plane delay... he waited for almost 3 hours on the runway. There is only ONE de-icing truck at the Vegas airport. go figure.
• the snowy roads... it seriously takes HOURS to go 10 miles. I do not like snow, Sam I am.
  
• Not being able to see the lights at temple square because of ANOTHER snow storm.
• Not being able to take a ski trip because it was SO friggin cold. We've totally turned into freezy-babies.
• Zack throwing up on Karlin's carpet... and all the way home.
  

Looks like the GOOD outweighs the BAD. Thanks for a MAW-volus time, Utahns. Until next time.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Today my parents celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary. They were married in the Calgary Alberta LDS temple. The night before they were married, it was 26 degrees below zero. The families drove up in three separate cars... and on the way two of the three cars broke down. The only remaining car was my dad's dad's old van... instead of seats, there was an old couch in the back... and twelve people piled into that van and drove to Alberta. When they arrived at the motel, my grandma (Roma) was sitting in the passengar's seat and said to her husband, "Fred-- you drove over a dead chicken! Back up!" He backed up and sure enough, Roma picked up a frozen stiff chicken. Everyone laughed.

The ceremony was special because it was a double wedding. My mom's brother was married in the same room just minutes before my parents were sealed. My mom was very close to her brother. He died only two short years after they were married.

That evening, their reception was held in Great Falls, MT at my mother's church. Poinsettas were their flower and they will always remind me of my parents and the love they have for each other.

They have been nothing but exemplary parents to me. They have taught me, by example, why it's so important to stick together through the good times and the bad. They have ten children, twenty-six and a half grandchildren, and so much LOVE for every one of us. And we are all so grateful to have them in our lives. Happy Anniversary Les and Bev! Here's to 38 years and forever more to go!

bubble baths

We were going to buy a house down the street from the house we now live in. After our offer was excepted, I just didn't feel right about it. Not because the price wasn't right or because it wasn't big enough for our family... but because it didn't have a BATHTUB in the master bathroom. It had a nice big shower, but no bathtub. This bothered me and I shared my "concerns" with Aaron several times. Eventually we decided that it would be worth it to make an offer on the house that we now live in. We had a wait an entire month... and it cost $38,000 more the the house without a bathtub.. but I was happy about the decision. And when mama is happy, the whole family is happy, right? Right.

Now, whenever I take a bath, my husband asks the same question: "How is your $38,000 bathtub?" And each time he asks, the prices of my bathtub gets higher. He rounded up to $40,000.. and then a week later it was $50,000. Yesterday he asked me how I liked my $60,000 bathtub. I just stuck out my tongue at him because we both know this house is not only much bigger than the other house, but it was the right decision for everyone.

Yesterday I took a wonderful, relaxing bath in my expensive tub. I locked the door and blasted my favorite Christmas music. I didn't have anything distracting me. So I was very puzzled when I got out of the tub to realize that ONE of my legs still had long, prickly hairs on it and the other was so buttery soft... in fact, it was so soft, I am pretty sure I shaved it TWICE. Am I that ditsy or distracted to shave one leg twice and not the other one at all? Apparently I am.

Later that night, Aaron and I went on a date (dinner and Christmas shopping for the kids.) He was playing with my hair like he never has before.. throughout the car ride and during dinner. This is very rare because Aaron isn't the kind of husband who plays with his wife's hair.. especially during dinner. At the end of the night, I made a casual comment like, "I really like it when you play with my hair. You should do it more often!" He responded with, "I really like when you bathe. You should wash your hair more often."

And then he slept on the couch.

A girl who inspires me

So, my Sunday editions of inspirational people are few and far between.. but I am going to take a minute today and tell you about someone whose middle name is Inspiration. Everything she does, she gives it 110%. She always looks on the bright side, she's constantly expecting GOOD things to come her way... and they usually do. Have you ever read The Secret? (the book that explains the law of positive attraction..) Well, my friend, Danalin could have written it herself.

I met Danalin my first week in Rexburg. She was my next door neighbor and I am pretty sure we hit it off from the get go. There were 4 of us that became inseparable, the famous Val Bateman being one of them, and the ever-hilarious Kelly O being the other. All four of us were outgoing to start with, so when we were together, it was always a party. I have a million memories with these girls, but a picture will have to do for now. This is us after doing one of our famous, "Down on Bended Knee" performances. Sadly, most of these clothes came from MY closet.


I am so very grateful I had the opportunity to meet such wonderful friends at such a vital time in my life. It's been ten years since this picture was taken, but we all remain close (another reason I just LOVE blogging!) Every time I hear the hymn, "Each life that touches ours for good" I think of these girls and how grateful I am for their friendship in my life...

Now, if we could just talk about Danalin for a minute. She is really incredible. She is a mom of two adorable kids and just completed her VERY FIRST MARATHON. She isn't a runner... but just wanted to do something challenging. That is exactly why I love her! When she sets her mind to do something, you better watch out! She is determined and strong and I am inspired by her example. Each morning when I get up to run, (and especially in this cold weather) I feel myself starting to complain. And then a little voice comes in my head that says, "Dana ran a freakin' marathon! By herself! I can do a measly 4 miles..." Honestly, I can't tell you how many times I have said that to myself. I don't think I could have trained myself and carryout with a marathon, but one of these days, I am going to be just like Dana!

Because the marathon was in Vegas, Aaron and I had the opportunity to go out to dinner with Dana and her husband (and her siblings) the night before the run. We didn't bring a camera with us to the restaurant, but I wanted to make sure I wrote something down about that night because I don't want to forget it. Somewhere in the middle of dinner, Tyler, Dana's awesome hubby, quieted down the group and asked everyone to say something about Danalin before her big run. It was such a sweet moment and even though Ty was trying to get a little bit of attention himself because he was "her coach" I loved what he said.. which was that Dana has a fire inside of her. She can do anything she sets her mind to and is such an incredible, inspiring person. I completely agree and find her example so empowering! I want to do more for myself and for others because I know Dana.

I said a few things about her that night that I love, but I didn't share my most personal and touching story about Danalin. I am going to do that now because I don't have it written down anywhere else... and because it's Inspiration Sunday on my blog...

During our Sophomore year at college, I got sick.. really, really sick. I began the year feeling energtic and outgoing... and about a month into school (just after I told Aaron that I would never be able to think of him more than a friend) I was struck down with Mononucleosis. I literally was on my death bed for 4 whole months. I tried packing up and moving home for a semester so that I could recover and not let this sickness ruin my college career (I was on scholarship and had to keep a high GPA or else I would lose it.) Anyway, Heavenly Father had different plans for me and wanted me to stay at school even though I wasn't physically able to care for myself.. I was awake for a couple of hours per day. I could barely eat.. Taking a shower was so exhausting for me that it would knock me out for 6-7 hours. What I am saying is that I needed major help. I had 18 credit hours that semester, half of which were honor classes. It was terrifying for me and stressed me out so much because I just couldn't stay awake long enough to do anything. My roommates were frustrated with me because I was sleeping all day and wasn't the same fun person that I used to be. I felt very alone and very scared to be so sick and so far away from home. With that said, let me tell you about an angel that was sent to me.

My dear friend, Danalin, was my lifesaver. I think she must have known that I needed a miracle. And she was willing to do whatever, whenever I needed it. She literally carried me through those 4 months. She brought me breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, muffins, medicine, etc, etc. She would visit my teachers and give them updates on my condition and ask for any homework assignments I missed. She found a laptop for me (they weren't very common in those days :) and helped me type out papers and assignments that were due. She printed out my homework for me and handed it in. She literally did it ALL. At the time, I knew that I wouldn't have been able to survive without her, but I don't think I realized how important our friendship would become over the years. I cannot think about this time in my life without getting emotional. It was a life changing experience for me because I was completely humbled and was trying SO hard to do what God wanted me to do (at the end of the 4 months I was engaged...) But looking back, I don't think Dana understood how much she meant to me. She was just doing her thing-- trying to be helpful and caring-- when in reality she saved me. She is a true friend and so aware of the needs of everyone around her. She is able to connect with others and befriend anyone because she is sure of herself. She is an incredible woman and I am lucky to call her my friend.

I have so many picture of the two of us together... but here are just a few..

explanations.. because some of the pictures need it.
1. Sledding together one cold winter night in Rexburg. Dana, did you pee your pants that night or was that Brie?
2. showering together in our swimsuits. Oh, the things you do in college.
3. jail break. why were we wearing orange vests? I think maybe a service project on campus.
4. both RS presidents at our first Enrichment night.
5. It will never be BYU-I to me
6. 80's dance night
7. laughing at one of the many dances we went to.
8. MORP.. the night I met Aaron. The same night Aaron told Dana she reminded him of Cyndi Lauper. I shouldn't have brought that up. sorry, Dana.

And this picture is awesome, but couldn't fit in the collage. We were dressed up as the Spice Girls. Danalin was Sporty Spice. I was Ginger and I happened to be wearing the TIGHTEST pants.. ever. I have no idea how I got those on. I think they were a size 2 (stretch jeans, I am sure...) I still remember counting down the minutes until I could take those babies off! Talk about suffocation!

I wanted to post a picture of the two of us on my wedding day, but I think that photo album is still boxed in the garage. Dana flew in for my wedding even though life was SO crazy for her. It meant a lot to me. When she got married, Aaron was in law school and we were living so far away in Spokane. It was such a priority for me to be there for her big day. So much so that I made Aaron come with me... and she got married on HIS birthday. Priorities are priorities, people.

And it just so happens that I am wearing the same dress that I wore to her wedding. That's right... as I sit here typing, I am wearing that dress.. don't ask me why I am still in a dress 4 hours after church is out.

*off to change into comfortable jammies*

To wrap it up, Dana is such an inspiration to me. Not only as a marathon runner, but as a friend, wife and mother. She lives a happy life with a wonderful husband and two of the cutest kids on the planet. And knowing her, she wouldn't have settled for anything else. She is going to go far in life and I hope she will remember me when she becomes famous... she's totally General Relief Society President material.

Oh, and not to take away from Miss Spotlight, Danalin, but I just thought I would show you how much I actually do look like Ginger Spice. People tell me that in public all the time.. I mean, they used to when the Spice Girls were more popular and when I was more young and cutesy. Doesn't this look exactly like me-- (minus the cleavage, of course.)

The voluptuous HULK, gingerbread trains and wet willies.

Zack stuck two tennis balls up his shirt yesterday and was prancing around the house for about an hour with a beautiful set of breasts. Every time I asked him who he thought he was, he would say in a really deep voice, "I am the HULK!" And then he would flex and point to his boobs while saying, "See? these are my muscles!"

Where I come from, those are NOT exactly muscles, kid. But I'm glad he's more interested in being muscular than he is in being voluptuous....

_____________________________________________

This year, instead of making our annual gingerbread houses, we went TotAlLy CRaZy and decided to make a TRAIN.. whoa!

The kids had a brilliant idea to fill the train cars with CANDY..
as if that wasn't the object of the project in the first place.

_______________________________________________

Aaron worked long hours yesterday (what's new, eh?) But I felt unusually tired when he got home (completely unrelated to the 3 am girls night on Tues and the 1 am cleaning session on Wed, I'm sure.) When he got home, we read scriptures and he quickly put the kids to bed because I had HAD ENOUGH. He laid down with them and explained that Mommy was tired so if they got out of bed, they would be in big trouble. They wanted to know what KIND of trouble, so Daddy explained:

• If you get out of bed the first time, I will give you a WET WILLY (oh how I hate it when he teaches them little boy stuff.. it's always so gross!)

• If you get out of bed the second time, I will pinch your butt (this is serious business, people. Daddy can get them to do ANYTHING by threatening to pinch them. If ONLY Mommy had such powers.)

• If you get out of bed the third time, I will take away one of your Christmas presents!

After the explanation, Ben had a worried look on his face and quickly said, "I will NEVER get out of bed!"

Luke smirked and said, "What happens when I get out of bed the FOURTH time?"

That's our smart-alec five year old, all right...

Wintersong..

What is your very favorite Christmas Album EVER? I mean, if you were on a desert island celebrating the Holidays by yourself and could only bring ONE CD, which would you choose? Could you actually narrow it down to ONE SONG? I think I can.

Many of you know this about me already, but Sarah McLachlan DOES IT FOR ME. I absolutely love her and think she is the most talented musician of our time, MJ taking a close second. Her Christmas album, Wintersong, would come with me on the dessert island. Although I love the fun upbeat songs on the radio, it's the slow serene songs that I love.. and Sarah's album is full of them. This is the CD that makes me want to curl up with some hot cocoa and a good Christmas book, or someone who's read one.

For your listening convenience, I put together a special playlist of her Christmas album. Take a listen, and then go to Target and buy it for $10. If I had to chose only ONE song to listen to on this album, it would be I'll be Home for Christmas.

Now talk amongst yourselves... er... comment and tell me what's YOUR favorite all time Christmas CD. I really NEED to know.

ps. Don't you just LOVE this time of year???
Please December S.L.O.W. D.O.W.N.!!!

Christmas Card dilemma

I swore I wasn't going to do cards this year. We've been busy, it's expensive and time consuming, etc, etc, etc. But I just can't NOT. I don't know how all of you feel about Christmas cards/letters but I will tell you what I think and then I will ask for your opinion.

First of all, I LOVE getting them in the mail. I honestly look forward to getting the mail every day in December. I especially love when they come early, but I am not usually good about getting mine out... I think the money that it costs is WORTH showing people that you are thinking of them and that you love them enough to spend money on a stamp.. and that is why I am doing it.

Secondly, if it's just a picture, I feel a little let down. I think if you're going to spend the time and money sending out pictures, you might as well say something. No? I would rather have a long, braggy letter than nothing.. but I sometimes cringe reading the 6 point font, 3 page letters.

Thirdly, when people have upkept blogs, do they really have to send out Christmas cards? I mean, I know the answer is yes because some people don't blog. But do they have to send them out to people who read their blogs? Can't I just post it and call it good? I sent over 200 Christmas cards last year.. and I am sure the numbers are bigger this year. What do you do???

So please tell me what you think.. I am just trying to make the Holidays as simple as possible...

ps. if you're not sure if I have you're address, please send it to me (janetleeshumway at gmail dot com)

More Accurate than a Fortune Teller...

I SHOULD be getting my Christmas Cards ready to send out. Instead, I am playing this silly Ipod Game. Thanks Cindy for giving me a good laugh!


So here's the game...

Directions:
1. Put your iPod on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. No Cheating.. you must write the name of THAT song. No matter what..


1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?

I Can't Make You Love Me -- Bonnie Raitt.

*this is on my ipod because Aaron downloaded it.. (He seriously sings this song to me all the time-- in a high pitched voice! I hate it.)


2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Miss Independant -- Kelly Clarkson

*True Dat!

3. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?

Let 'Er Rip - Dixie Chicks.

*Oh, my! I laughed so hard when that came up. I almost didn't type it, but here it is. The men that attract me really know how to Let 'Er Rip! gross.


4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

Friday, I'm in Love -- The Cure

* It ain't Friday, yet!

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PURPOSE?

I'll Follow the Sun -- Beatles.

* I love this match up.. I used to have a saying in my locker at school that said "I'll Follow the Son."

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

Can't Buy me Love -- Michael Buble.


7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Train Wreck -- Sarah McLaughlan

*so funny! And probably so true! Ha!


8. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Smooth Operator -- Sade.


9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Breakdown -- Jack Johnson.

Okay, now it's getting freaky.. how did my Ipod KNOW? What the!!!!


11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Something in the way she moves -- James Taylor


12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Makes me Wonder -- Maroon 5


13. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Keepin' it Real -- Mason Jennings

LOVE this song. I think it fits too.

14. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Say my Name -- Destiny's Child

15. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Sexual Healing -- Ben Harper

*As if! jk, Aaron.
seriously though, I didn't even know this song was on my ipod.

16. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Sand in my Shoes -- Dido

*so romantic.. not.
-- but every time I hear "Thank You" by Dido, I think of my wedding day.

17. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

To be Surprised -- Sondre Lurche

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

The Sound of Silence -- Simon & Garfunkel.
*seriously, this is hilarious to me. It's SO true!

19. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Just a Boy -- Harry Connick, Jr.
I changed it.. and I shot the Sherrif came up by Bob Marley... both are funny.


20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Suddenly I See -- KT Tunstall

21. WHAT SONG THEY WILL PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Say it Ain't So -- Weezer

Now it's your turn... it's fun to see what others listen to..

brain freeze

We had a very nutritious lunch today. Taco Bell and Slurpees. Zack was narrating what was happening to his food while he ate. He said a couple of times, "These nachos go in my mouth, and down to my heart then down, down into my tummy." After he took a BIG gulp of the Slurpee, he said in a very high pitched voice, "That drink didn't go to my tummy. It went up and up into my BRAIN!" as he shuttered a little bit. I laughed out loud and he said, "It not funny, Mom. It WILLY did go up in my BWAIN!!" I believe him.. and I keep him around for comments like that.

We were playing "Don't Eat Pete" yesterday with a few friends.. Do you know how to play? We like to play with Skittles or M&M's rather than cheerios. Cheerios are for chumps. Anyway, one person leaves the room, and the others choose an item on the game board to be "Pete" (you can even do it with a blank piece of paper... just draw several boxes.) When everyone decides on a particular item, the person comes back in the room and tries to eat as many candies as possible without eating Pete. When they pick up the candy that was chosen to be Pete, everyone yells, "Don't eat Pete!" Anyway, kids love this game.. When their friend was out of the room, Ben and Luke were choosing which one to be Pete, and I heard Ben say, "Let's pick the cat this time." Luke cracked me up by saying, "I want to chose Oprah." I scanned the game board in the computer so you could see why I thought it was funny...........

I've never seen Oprah in orange, old-school glasses... but I guess Luke hasn't met many black people. Obama becoming prez will be good for my kids, I think.

I wasn't gonna show you this....

But since my brother Kevin already mentioned (in the comments of the previous post) that my family was white trash, I figured the cat was out of the bag. And because I love videos so much, I thought WHAT THE HECK. Let me preview it by saying that out of ALL the Christmas music we play in our home, "the Hippopotamus song" by Gayla Peevy is BY FAR the favorite (it's the last song on my music list to the right.) Whenever it's on, no matter where we are in the house, we run to the living room/kitchen area and dance away. We have it on CD (obviously) but surprisingly, it's always on the radio too.. who knew. Anyway, next time I will be sure to video the boys busting a move (you can hear them laughing in the background.) But for now, all you get is Zack spitting-- and blowing snot bubbles from his nose. Thank goodness for short video clips, eh? Without 'em we would never really know how silly The ZIG can be.

Do you want to marry my underwear?

Videos are my favorite. I could talk about how homeless my kids always look, but it's so much better to capture it on film. This one is about three minutes, but it's very accurate of our life at home.. at least the days that we decide that doing our traditional 1000 piece Christmas puzzle is more important that anything else.

Honestly, it was a perfect day. Pajamas, non-stop Christmas music, non-stop hot chocolate, no television, no shoes, no makeup, no bras, no blogging or emailing, leftovers for lunch and Ramen for dinner. Isn't this what the Holidays are all about?

oh, and I have to mention that Luke is a very skilled puzzler. There is NO WAY I could have finished this puzzle in one day without him... Zack is not exactly a "helper", but he's free entertainment and that's all I can ask for at this point.

Chocolate Cream Pie

I should have posted this recipe before Thanksgiving... because Thanksgiving is the season for pies, but you never really NEED an excuse (or holiday, for that matter) to make a scrumptious pie, says I.

This recipe comes from my husband's BFF's wife. Yes, my husband has a best friend, namely Del Post. Del is Aaron's long lost soul mate and luckily they were put together as mission companions in Spain. I love how much they love each other. Nicole, Del's wife, would be my BFF if we lived closer. We both have 3 boys the same ages. We both supported our husbands through law school together while living only 2 short hours away. When graduation came, we moved to Vegas and they stayed put... and we really miss them! Eventually (when the Posts decided to move down south) Aaron and Del will be business partners and Nicole and I will sit together on porches, drinking lemonade in our rocking chairs... It only the Posts understood how important it is for them to move away from the cold northwest. Nobody in their right mind wants to live in Montana, anyway.

Back to the chocolate cream pie recipe... I don't have permission to share it with the blogging world, so I hope it's not a secret 50 generation family recipe. It should be, though because it's THAT GooooooD (and easy.)

Pie Crust:
1 1/4 C. Shortening
3 C. Flour
1 tsp. salt
*Cut flour and salt into shortening until mixture is crumbly.
Combine:
1 egg (well beaten)
1 Tbs. vinegar
5 Tbs. water
*Mix egg mixture into flour mixture until pie dough forms. This makes four single crusts or two double crusts. So divide into four and roll out. For cream pies, bake pie crust at 400 degress for ~10 minutes or until lightly golden browned.


Chocolate Cream Pie Filling:

Using a heavy saucepan:
*Combine and wisk together in the saucepan (I like to use the flat bottom kind to keept the cream filling from burning... Nicole's words, not mine. But I agree with everything she says :)

1/4 c. flour
1 c. sugar
2 Tbs. cornstarch
6 Tbs. cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt


In a separate bowl combine:

3 c. milk
3 egg yolks

mix really well together so eggs don't burn.


Slowly add milk/yolk mixture to saucepan and turn on med/high heat. Using wisk, stir constantly, keeping the wisk on the bottom of the pan to keep the milk from scalding. Stir until mixture becomes thick and starts to boil. Boil for 1 minute, remove from heat.



Add:

1/2 cube butter
2 tsp. vanilla

stir until butter is melted and mixed in.



Cool pudding in sink of ice water (still in pan) and cover directly on top with saran wrap. (be sure not to run water on your pudding) After about 15-20 minutes, pour into pie shell, cover, and refrigerate for three hours.

Top with whipped cream before serving and if you want to make it look really fancy, add chocolate shavings on top. Marie Calendar... move over.

If it sounds too complicated, let me assure you, it's not. I love recipes where you have EVERYTHING on hand. This is totally doable and OH! so yummy!

Happy baking.