We started a new tradition last night for Christmas Eve and I think it just might stick. Put away the chips and salsa, return the antipasta tray, meatballs move over and say hello to Christmas Eve Breakfast. Yup...we rolled out the waffle maker, fried up some bacon, and turkey bacon for Dave, and I took my spot by the stove and made omelets to order. Yummy!!!
We had to miss church because of an ice storm so we had our own little service with Christmas carols and even the traditional candlelight version of Silent Night. (Each kid holding a Yankee Candle jar counts, right?)
We opened our Christmas Eve PJ's and played a new board game ImagineIf and then tucked all the kids in for their long winter's nap.
(IF YOU STILL BELIEVE IN SANTA DO NOT KEEP READING)
Then..we rearranged furniture and pulled out all the gifts and set them up under my Mom's tree. It is about 2 and 1/2 feet tall but it sits on a pretty table and so the presents are actually "under" the tree. With 14 people it is safe to say there are a LOT of presents.
We wrote the note to Santa for my cutiepie niece Aubrie and Emme and I even helped Santa out by eating all but the crumbs of the Sticky Bun which Santa receives at our house. I drank his milk dimmed the lights and retired for the night.
I"m pretty sure before I went to sleep I heard "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night". OOPS...sorry for eating your Sticky Bun Santa...
:-)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Apply these rules only during the holidays!!
HOLIDAY EATING RULES
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffettable knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots,leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannotfind it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that ithas 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turninto an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have onefor me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's the holidays!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point ofgravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out ofyour mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk orwhole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sportscar with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to controlyour eating. The whole point of going to a holiday party is to eat otherpeople's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and NewYear's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling thebuffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat ofeggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, likefrosted holiday cookies in the shape and size of Santa, positionyourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can beforebecoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair ofshoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat, Pecan. Have a slice ofeach. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin.Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert?Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with themandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, havesome standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the partyor get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-readtips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
Rememberthis motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention ofarriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather toskid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up,totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, what a ride!"
author unknown...
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffettable knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots,leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannotfind it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that ithas 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turninto an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have onefor me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's the holidays!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point ofgravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out ofyour mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk orwhole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sportscar with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to controlyour eating. The whole point of going to a holiday party is to eat otherpeople's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and NewYear's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling thebuffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat ofeggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, likefrosted holiday cookies in the shape and size of Santa, positionyourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can beforebecoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair ofshoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat, Pecan. Have a slice ofeach. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin.Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert?Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with themandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, havesome standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the partyor get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-readtips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
Rememberthis motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention ofarriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather toskid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up,totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, what a ride!"
author unknown...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A Day in the LIfe of...Me
Awakened from a dead sleep:
Mom-Mom I set my gym clothes out last night, but Kyle is wearing them!! Please get up and help me. (They actually wear the same size except for pants.)
Getting ready:
Mom, Did you pack my lunch?
Mom, where is my backpack?
I can't find my other shoe...
Are you ordering me 2 hotdogs for lunch?
Driving to school:
Mom, I'm freezing. I'm hot. He touched me. Tell him to be quiet. She just slapped me. Mom, please go over my spelling words. No, do MY Bible test. No MY TEST IS TODAY... Did you bring money for my hotdog?
At school:
Mom, can I please watch a video? Actually I want to color. Can I have a snack? I'm thirsty Mom. I have to go to the bathroom...Is it time for aftercare yet? NO, Teagan it is only 8:30 and yes you may have Another Lolipop!
Walking through the hallway:
Hi Mom, my belly hurts.
Hi Mom, my test went great!
Hi MOm, I got a cut on my finger!
Mom, can I play with a friend after school.
Did you order me a hotdog?
Driving home from school:
I'm hungry. Mom, please tell me you have snacks. I'm thirsty. She stole my pencil. No, it was my pencil. Stop singing I'm trying to do my math problems. Mom, can you time me for 1 minute. Here Mom, please check this math paper. (Remember I'm driving here!) Mom, I NEED a snack. I have to go to the bathroom.
At Home:
Look Mom, I made a picture for you! I even cut it out! SEE!! (I see the mess in the other room where all the pieces are all over the floor I just mopped.) Mom, thanks for cleaning the Living Room, it is much more fun to jump in here now. Can we ice skate on the floor mom? Are we having a snack tonight? She kicked me. He punched me. Can I have a sticker? Where are the Sharpies? I'm starving.
Bedtime:
I'm not tired. Can I have a snack. Will you snuggle with me? We didn't read. I didn't get to play today. My belly hurts. Mom, come tuck me in. Mom, are you coming in my room next. Mom, can I get a drink. Mom, I need to talk to you. BZZZ the dryer is done, BRRing the dishwasher is going...scrape scrape the dog wants in...PANG PANG goes my head. Goodnight children!! Please go to sleep now. I love you all very much.
Mom...I'm still hungry....
Mom...what is for lunch tomorrow?
Mom, can we go to Applebees tomorrow night for dinner?
AHHHHHHH....
I'm going to bed and dreaming about children with full bellies.
KT
Mom-Mom I set my gym clothes out last night, but Kyle is wearing them!! Please get up and help me. (They actually wear the same size except for pants.)
Getting ready:
Mom, Did you pack my lunch?
Mom, where is my backpack?
I can't find my other shoe...
Are you ordering me 2 hotdogs for lunch?
Driving to school:
Mom, I'm freezing. I'm hot. He touched me. Tell him to be quiet. She just slapped me. Mom, please go over my spelling words. No, do MY Bible test. No MY TEST IS TODAY... Did you bring money for my hotdog?
At school:
Mom, can I please watch a video? Actually I want to color. Can I have a snack? I'm thirsty Mom. I have to go to the bathroom...Is it time for aftercare yet? NO, Teagan it is only 8:30 and yes you may have Another Lolipop!
Walking through the hallway:
Hi Mom, my belly hurts.
Hi Mom, my test went great!
Hi MOm, I got a cut on my finger!
Mom, can I play with a friend after school.
Did you order me a hotdog?
Driving home from school:
I'm hungry. Mom, please tell me you have snacks. I'm thirsty. She stole my pencil. No, it was my pencil. Stop singing I'm trying to do my math problems. Mom, can you time me for 1 minute. Here Mom, please check this math paper. (Remember I'm driving here!) Mom, I NEED a snack. I have to go to the bathroom.
At Home:
Look Mom, I made a picture for you! I even cut it out! SEE!! (I see the mess in the other room where all the pieces are all over the floor I just mopped.) Mom, thanks for cleaning the Living Room, it is much more fun to jump in here now. Can we ice skate on the floor mom? Are we having a snack tonight? She kicked me. He punched me. Can I have a sticker? Where are the Sharpies? I'm starving.
Bedtime:
I'm not tired. Can I have a snack. Will you snuggle with me? We didn't read. I didn't get to play today. My belly hurts. Mom, come tuck me in. Mom, are you coming in my room next. Mom, can I get a drink. Mom, I need to talk to you. BZZZ the dryer is done, BRRing the dishwasher is going...scrape scrape the dog wants in...PANG PANG goes my head. Goodnight children!! Please go to sleep now. I love you all very much.
Mom...I'm still hungry....
Mom...what is for lunch tomorrow?
Mom, can we go to Applebees tomorrow night for dinner?
AHHHHHHH....
I'm going to bed and dreaming about children with full bellies.
KT
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
practical
This morning I was getting ready in my bathroom when I spotted my husband's phone randomly placed on the bathroom counter. I decided to be goofy and call him downstairs and ask if my coffee was ready yet.
So I did.
Rhia - hears him talking on the phone to me and says, "I can't believe she called you from upstairs. She has 2 feet why didn't she just come down and talk to you?"
My ever practical and often tactless daughter's wisdom reigns once again!
KT
So I did.
Rhia - hears him talking on the phone to me and says, "I can't believe she called you from upstairs. She has 2 feet why didn't she just come down and talk to you?"
My ever practical and often tactless daughter's wisdom reigns once again!
KT
Monday, December 15, 2008
Dates
So yesterday morning I took Iain on a date. We went to Starbucks and I used my birthday gift card from Emily Stover (Thanks Emily). Iain had a Ginormous Rice Krispie Treat and I had a large coffee. We sat and talked and read books and just enjoyed being together. I love spending time with my kids one on one.
Iain is started to put letters and sounds together and guess what, they make words. Reading is so fun! I can't believe my little boy is reading words and almost 1/2 way through kindergarten.
Last night I was getting them ready for bed and Iain comes out of his room yelling, "Look, Mommy, my P.J.'s growed into me!" How cute it that. They were Kyle's old PJ's that had been too big.
Saturday I took Rhiannon to see the Nutcracker and then we went out for Chinese with one of her best friends Taylor. Her face was very intense while she watched the dancers and I know she enjoyed the entire show. Clara was played by a girl in our school so we were able to say hi to her afterwards which was pretty neat. While at the Chinese restaurant Rhia looked around and said, "Mom, why do all those people look Chinese?" Well, Rhia, because THEY ARE! :-) She was also very distraught because the napkins were folded so they sat like a cup on the table. She eventually asked me for a real napkin. I laughed and told her that the napkins could be UNfolded! :-) You can dress them up but you can't take them out.
Kyle declares he is next for a date and somehow I have a feeling his date will eventually have us at Walmart looking for some new something or other. Teags? Well, she gets to spend all day with me all the time so I'll have to think about her date. Maybe we'll go to the library or something.
Dates with the kids are so fun.
Now, I MUST schedule a date with my hubby!
Iain is started to put letters and sounds together and guess what, they make words. Reading is so fun! I can't believe my little boy is reading words and almost 1/2 way through kindergarten.
Last night I was getting them ready for bed and Iain comes out of his room yelling, "Look, Mommy, my P.J.'s growed into me!" How cute it that. They were Kyle's old PJ's that had been too big.
Saturday I took Rhiannon to see the Nutcracker and then we went out for Chinese with one of her best friends Taylor. Her face was very intense while she watched the dancers and I know she enjoyed the entire show. Clara was played by a girl in our school so we were able to say hi to her afterwards which was pretty neat. While at the Chinese restaurant Rhia looked around and said, "Mom, why do all those people look Chinese?" Well, Rhia, because THEY ARE! :-) She was also very distraught because the napkins were folded so they sat like a cup on the table. She eventually asked me for a real napkin. I laughed and told her that the napkins could be UNfolded! :-) You can dress them up but you can't take them out.
Kyle declares he is next for a date and somehow I have a feeling his date will eventually have us at Walmart looking for some new something or other. Teags? Well, she gets to spend all day with me all the time so I'll have to think about her date. Maybe we'll go to the library or something.
Dates with the kids are so fun.
Now, I MUST schedule a date with my hubby!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christmas Gifts
The Gift of Christmas Past:
The Clapper
Kyle would like a new light for his room for Christmas.
Clap on...Clap off...Clap on.Clap off...THE CLAPPER.....(You know you are singing it!)
The Gift of Christmas Present:
The Snugie
Order 1 now for $19.95 and we'll include this great flip light for your bed. Available in 3 favorite colors. Keeps you warm while giving you full use of your hands! You should really get one. In fact they sometimes have a buy 1 get 1 free deal. Be careful though, they are tricky...we are now the proud owners of 4 of these delightful new products currently in shipment!! :-)
The Gift of Christmas Future:
The Flying Car
Hey Mom, when they come out with the flying cars can we get one?
Sign up for one. You know we did!!
So if you are feeling rather Scroogish, remember, just order Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future and you'll soon be saying God Bless Us, Every One~
CLAP OFF (Darkness filles the room.)
The Clapper
Kyle would like a new light for his room for Christmas.
Clap on...Clap off...Clap on.Clap off...THE CLAPPER.....(You know you are singing it!)
The Gift of Christmas Present:
The Snugie
Order 1 now for $19.95 and we'll include this great flip light for your bed. Available in 3 favorite colors. Keeps you warm while giving you full use of your hands! You should really get one. In fact they sometimes have a buy 1 get 1 free deal. Be careful though, they are tricky...we are now the proud owners of 4 of these delightful new products currently in shipment!! :-)
The Gift of Christmas Future:
The Flying Car
Hey Mom, when they come out with the flying cars can we get one?
Sign up for one. You know we did!!
So if you are feeling rather Scroogish, remember, just order Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future and you'll soon be saying God Bless Us, Every One~
CLAP OFF (Darkness filles the room.)
Sunday, December 7, 2008
helper
Yesterday, Rhiannon decided to be a my helper around the house. She just wanted to be with me and do what I did. We loaded some laundry in the wash, swept the floors, folded the blankets on the couch, cleared the kitchen table, made some beds, and finally ended up at the dishwasher. As we were loading dishes Rhia stopped and looked at me. With pure disbelief she said to me, "Mom, do you do this EVERY day?" I chuckled and said, yes, basically I do. Then she asked a very challenging question, "Mom, do you LIKE doing this every day"?
I paused and then said, I love taking care of my family and this is part of taking care of my family, so Yes, I like doing this every day.
Thanks Rhia for the fresh perspective on my daily tasks. I hope that she will grow to enjoy helping me take care of our family and one day enjoy taking care of a family of her own. What a blessing she is to me!
Momokrit,
KT
I paused and then said, I love taking care of my family and this is part of taking care of my family, so Yes, I like doing this every day.
Thanks Rhia for the fresh perspective on my daily tasks. I hope that she will grow to enjoy helping me take care of our family and one day enjoy taking care of a family of her own. What a blessing she is to me!
Momokrit,
KT
Saturday, December 6, 2008
gift ideas
A few gift suggestions for anyone with kids:
Stockings - yes, the kind you hang from the mantle. You can get cheap ones at Walmart. Just give them to your kids and see how creative they will be. They make great hats, arms, ornaments, and best of all ice skates on hard wood floors. Have a first aid kit nearby. Our Christmas decorating isn't complete until someone gets hurt from our annual "skating".
A new "throw" - the kind you buy to put over the couch and use when watching TV on a cold winter night! These gifts are full of uses. They make great hiding spots. You can also use them when building forts or playing dress-up. My favorite use is the "sled". All kids except 1 pile on the blanket and the remaining child tries to pull the "sled" around the house. Hilarious!!
Today I plan to return all the gifts I purchased and just buy a few additional throws and stockings. Think that will work?
Momofkrit,
KT
Stockings - yes, the kind you hang from the mantle. You can get cheap ones at Walmart. Just give them to your kids and see how creative they will be. They make great hats, arms, ornaments, and best of all ice skates on hard wood floors. Have a first aid kit nearby. Our Christmas decorating isn't complete until someone gets hurt from our annual "skating".
A new "throw" - the kind you buy to put over the couch and use when watching TV on a cold winter night! These gifts are full of uses. They make great hiding spots. You can also use them when building forts or playing dress-up. My favorite use is the "sled". All kids except 1 pile on the blanket and the remaining child tries to pull the "sled" around the house. Hilarious!!
Today I plan to return all the gifts I purchased and just buy a few additional throws and stockings. Think that will work?
Momofkrit,
KT
Monday, December 1, 2008
um Excuse me?
Studying with Kyle:
Kyle did the Spartans and Athenians get along?
No. enough said.
Well, actually your study sheet talks about the resentment because of their influence.
Well, I realize it says that on the study sheet, but I just don't think historians have figured out yet why they didn't get along.
Um, excuse me? You don't think historians have figured out something you learned about today? Wow...we have some major work to do in the area of humbling.
Kinda funny though!
KT
Kyle did the Spartans and Athenians get along?
No. enough said.
Well, actually your study sheet talks about the resentment because of their influence.
Well, I realize it says that on the study sheet, but I just don't think historians have figured out yet why they didn't get along.
Um, excuse me? You don't think historians have figured out something you learned about today? Wow...we have some major work to do in the area of humbling.
Kinda funny though!
KT
Tea Party
A few weeks ago Teagan and I enjoyed a tea party with my Mom, My sisters Amy, and her baby Jonah and Erin and her daughter Aubrie, and Amy's mother-in-law, Jackie and her friend. We were celebrating Jackie's 60th birthday! The tea shop had hats for customers to enjoy during lunch and the girls had a great time choosing hats for themselves and everyone else! 
Jackie and Amy's baby, Jonah
Is Teagan under there? We tried to convince my mom to wear this hat to work later that day, but she didn't. 
Katie and Erin - both with their eyes open!
Katie and Erin - both with their eyes open! 
My Mom, Amy and Aubrie!
Thanks for the tea party Jackie! Let's do this again when you turn 61! That was fun!!
KT
More than just cereal?
This morning I opened a new box of cereal before any of the kids came downstairs. Inside, I found a toy. To many of you this is not unusual, however in our house, the toy is usually gone before I even place the new box in the pantry.
Anyway, I tucked the toy away and when Teagan came downstairs after the others had left for school. I gave her the toy. OH WHAT GREAT DELIGHT! She was amazed that there had been a toy in the cereal box. She pointed to the picture on the box and exclaimed, "Look Mommy, it is just like this picture here!"
Lessons learned:
Poor Teagan has never experienced the simple joy in life of finding a toy in a cereal box.
Kyle Beware! Teagan now knows......
KT
Anyway, I tucked the toy away and when Teagan came downstairs after the others had left for school. I gave her the toy. OH WHAT GREAT DELIGHT! She was amazed that there had been a toy in the cereal box. She pointed to the picture on the box and exclaimed, "Look Mommy, it is just like this picture here!"
Lessons learned:
Poor Teagan has never experienced the simple joy in life of finding a toy in a cereal box.
Kyle Beware! Teagan now knows......
KT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
