Regarding what they want from Santa this year.
Carter:
Jack:
Lainey:
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday Before Christmas Scoop
First, a recipe. One I learned about last year and absolutely adore.
It's so easy, little punks can help.
PAYDAY BARS
Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) jar dry roasted peanuts
3 tablespoons margarine
1 bag peanut butter chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups miniature marshmallows
Directions:
1. Grease 9x13 pan.
2. Pour 1/2 peanuts on bottom of pan.
3. Melt margarine and chips in microwave.
4. Add milk and then marshmallows (do not melt marshmallows) to the margarine and chip mixture. Stir all together.
5. Pour over peanuts, pat down.
6. Put rest of peanuts in and pat down.
7. Chill.
The picture doesn't do them justice. These are so good! We ate some and shared some.
After 4 years, I finally got our stockings monogrammed. I'm on top of things, really. Oh, and guess what? I have 2 more that match the set (just in case!).
Kiddos delivered gifts to neighbors this morning in the funky weather. We're all for San Diego being less-than-sunny on Christmas, but enough of the rain!
We braved Fashion Valley on Sunday for some shopping.
And, spent most of our time in the Nordstrom bathroom.
Stephan and Ruby have been getting into all sorts of trouble lately.
Unfortunately, they seem to have ***ZERO*** affect on the children this year.
Carter had another great game on Saturday. Only scored 6 points. Slacker. We made him run laps when we got home.
Jack and Lainey helped me at Carter's Christmas breakfast Friday morning. And, I use the word, "help" in the weakest way possible.
He seemed less than thrilled when I busted out the seasonal tights again this holiday. Tried very hard to cover them up for our picture. Fail.
Face painting for the Preschoolers!
Our wreath is busting at the seams, which makes me smile every time I look at it. So happy to be in touch with so many good peeps.
This critter scales our iron fence most nights after dark. I love him. Blake won't let me invite him inside. He says that Batman is enough.
Jack and Lainey packed up my car for me before shipping last week. Great job, punks!
And, finally.......more from Disneyland. It was super fun as always.
Sweet Laine always tries to get Mickey's attention prior to our picture with him. Here she is calling his name while we're in line.
And, there we are. Awkward, no?
Jackie loves Disneyland. I love the cute smile.
Lainey met the princess from Princess and the Frog. No, I don't know her name. I can barely identify Belle.
And, later, my princess had a monumental meltdown. A heads turning.....people whispering.....drama filled meltdown. I tried to reason with her, but sometimes there is just no option there. So, I took her picture.
Sweet Carter. Though the pre-teen years are trying to sneak their way in, he's definitely our most agreeable these days.
No idea why she's doing this. We were in line for one of my faves, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Old school Disneyland Main Street.
I rode with Jack and Lainey. Which makes it an even wilder ride.
Anyone like trains?
I'm starting to take interest in all things Disney. Meaning, the world behind the parks and the company. I am fascinated with all that goes into what they do. Hidden Mickeys have become our latest quest.....finding a Mickey icon on each ride in the park. It can be in the most remote, unheard of place. This article explains some of what I'm talking about.
A book we bought gives hints to each one. For example, the the train ride "hides" it in the control panel on the engine:
Every ride has one and some are more obvious than others. Awesome!
Here we are on the big train that circles the park. We're driving through It's A Small World.
Sweetness.
Not so much here.
I had the kids all day and then Blake joined us after work. He had yet to see all of the Christmas hoopla. Totally impressed!
I am not a fan of the tea cups. So, we had to wait for Dad.
Pure magic. We'll be back in January, when the crowds are thinner.
What else?
*Carter attended a "Cousin's Club" bible study sleepover on Friday. He's been going to church with our neighbors as often as he can. My little Catholic is much more interested in their church than ours........no complaints! I'm thrilled he's going. And, as a child who grew up in Catholicism, I recall just how boring mass was when we were younger.
*Christmas shopping is done. Everything is shipped. Hallelujah!
*I have yet to go a week in San Diego without going to or seeing the beach for a respectable amount of time. Hoping to continue that trend.
*Saw The Fighter last night. It was really good, despite my utter lack of interest in the boxing world. Christian Bale was fantastic.
Off to eat pizza with the kids and watch an old school Christmas program. Later!
It's so easy, little punks can help.
PAYDAY BARS
Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) jar dry roasted peanuts
3 tablespoons margarine
1 bag peanut butter chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups miniature marshmallows
Directions:
1. Grease 9x13 pan.
2. Pour 1/2 peanuts on bottom of pan.
3. Melt margarine and chips in microwave.
4. Add milk and then marshmallows (do not melt marshmallows) to the margarine and chip mixture. Stir all together.
5. Pour over peanuts, pat down.
6. Put rest of peanuts in and pat down.
7. Chill.
The picture doesn't do them justice. These are so good! We ate some and shared some.
After 4 years, I finally got our stockings monogrammed. I'm on top of things, really. Oh, and guess what? I have 2 more that match the set (just in case!).
Kiddos delivered gifts to neighbors this morning in the funky weather. We're all for San Diego being less-than-sunny on Christmas, but enough of the rain!
We braved Fashion Valley on Sunday for some shopping.
And, spent most of our time in the Nordstrom bathroom.
Stephan and Ruby have been getting into all sorts of trouble lately.
Unfortunately, they seem to have ***ZERO*** affect on the children this year.
Carter had another great game on Saturday. Only scored 6 points. Slacker. We made him run laps when we got home.
Jack and Lainey helped me at Carter's Christmas breakfast Friday morning. And, I use the word, "help" in the weakest way possible.
He seemed less than thrilled when I busted out the seasonal tights again this holiday. Tried very hard to cover them up for our picture. Fail.
Face painting for the Preschoolers!
Our wreath is busting at the seams, which makes me smile every time I look at it. So happy to be in touch with so many good peeps.
This critter scales our iron fence most nights after dark. I love him. Blake won't let me invite him inside. He says that Batman is enough.
Jack and Lainey packed up my car for me before shipping last week. Great job, punks!
And, finally.......more from Disneyland. It was super fun as always.
Sweet Laine always tries to get Mickey's attention prior to our picture with him. Here she is calling his name while we're in line.
And, there we are. Awkward, no?
Jackie loves Disneyland. I love the cute smile.
Lainey met the princess from Princess and the Frog. No, I don't know her name. I can barely identify Belle.
And, later, my princess had a monumental meltdown. A heads turning.....people whispering.....drama filled meltdown. I tried to reason with her, but sometimes there is just no option there. So, I took her picture.
Sweet Carter. Though the pre-teen years are trying to sneak their way in, he's definitely our most agreeable these days.
No idea why she's doing this. We were in line for one of my faves, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Old school Disneyland Main Street.
I rode with Jack and Lainey. Which makes it an even wilder ride.
Anyone like trains?
I'm starting to take interest in all things Disney. Meaning, the world behind the parks and the company. I am fascinated with all that goes into what they do. Hidden Mickeys have become our latest quest.....finding a Mickey icon on each ride in the park. It can be in the most remote, unheard of place. This article explains some of what I'm talking about.
A book we bought gives hints to each one. For example, the the train ride "hides" it in the control panel on the engine:
Every ride has one and some are more obvious than others. Awesome!
Here we are on the big train that circles the park. We're driving through It's A Small World.
Sweetness.
Not so much here.
I had the kids all day and then Blake joined us after work. He had yet to see all of the Christmas hoopla. Totally impressed!
I am not a fan of the tea cups. So, we had to wait for Dad.
Pure magic. We'll be back in January, when the crowds are thinner.
What else?
*Carter attended a "Cousin's Club" bible study sleepover on Friday. He's been going to church with our neighbors as often as he can. My little Catholic is much more interested in their church than ours........no complaints! I'm thrilled he's going. And, as a child who grew up in Catholicism, I recall just how boring mass was when we were younger.
*Christmas shopping is done. Everything is shipped. Hallelujah!
*I have yet to go a week in San Diego without going to or seeing the beach for a respectable amount of time. Hoping to continue that trend.
*Saw The Fighter last night. It was really good, despite my utter lack of interest in the boxing world. Christian Bale was fantastic.
Off to eat pizza with the kids and watch an old school Christmas program. Later!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
It's Our 11th Christmas And Other Stuff
And, by far our most adventurous yet.
We're all out of sorts here in sunny San Diego, missing the snow, but loving California life.
I love this man, too. Who made it all happen. 2010 has been a doozy of a year!
***Us at Disneyland after a long day with the children. I think this is the first couple of pictures I have liked of us in what seems like forever.
That's not a noose around my neck, as Carter suggested. "Convenient for keeping your neck warm or hanging yourself!" Funny kid.
It's a scarf Coco sent me for my birthday and I love it. I'll post Disneyland pics soon, and you'll see it full scale.
Year in review coming. I'm still thinking. Can I post our review in January? I suppose that would be a "look back". Either way, it will be good.
Just back from Black Swan, which was excellent.....dark.....twisted.....I recommend. I had 4 movies to choose from tonight and was torn.
The Fighter - Really want to see.
The Tourist - Can live without; Angelina kind of bugs me.
How Do You Know - Heard it's crap; I'll still see it.
Have you seen any of these? I'm anxious for Little Fockers to come out. And, Rabbit Hole.
I can't believe it's the week of Christmas and I have yet to watch my all time favorite, Love Actually. Need to pencil that in. If you don't love that movie, you're insane.
Off to read, bloggies!
We're all out of sorts here in sunny San Diego, missing the snow, but loving California life.
I love this man, too. Who made it all happen. 2010 has been a doozy of a year!
***Us at Disneyland after a long day with the children. I think this is the first couple of pictures I have liked of us in what seems like forever.
That's not a noose around my neck, as Carter suggested. "Convenient for keeping your neck warm or hanging yourself!" Funny kid.
It's a scarf Coco sent me for my birthday and I love it. I'll post Disneyland pics soon, and you'll see it full scale.
Year in review coming. I'm still thinking. Can I post our review in January? I suppose that would be a "look back". Either way, it will be good.
Just back from Black Swan, which was excellent.....dark.....twisted.....I recommend. I had 4 movies to choose from tonight and was torn.
The Fighter - Really want to see.
The Tourist - Can live without; Angelina kind of bugs me.
How Do You Know - Heard it's crap; I'll still see it.
Have you seen any of these? I'm anxious for Little Fockers to come out. And, Rabbit Hole.
I can't believe it's the week of Christmas and I have yet to watch my all time favorite, Love Actually. Need to pencil that in. If you don't love that movie, you're insane.
Off to read, bloggies!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Stuff
Not much.....just a bit.
*Starting Cutting for Stone tonight. So excited.
*Shannon just revealed a year later that she purchased my blog makeover last year. She's denied it over and over again and I was left wondering for 12 months. Today, I received a custom made Starbucks gift card from her with a caricature of me holding a camera on the beach, coffee in hand and requesting a Cranberry Bliss Bar. Shannon = best gift giver ever.
*I accomplished things today that most people don't during the entire Christmas season, including.......shopping, wrapping, more shopping, organizing, shuffling kids, cooking, cleaning, more shopping, shipping, and more. It's 8pm and I'm about to get in bed.
*Disneyland tomorrow! Magical, Christmasy, light filled Disneyland. It snows there. Did you know? Certain parts of the park make snow and fill the air. I cannot wait.
*And, speaking of snow......how do you like this little gem?
My photographer-turned-friend's-sister made it for me.
It's very peaceful with them in there, no? So quiet. Shhhh......
9 days bloggies! What do you have left? Get on it!
*Starting Cutting for Stone tonight. So excited.
*Shannon just revealed a year later that she purchased my blog makeover last year. She's denied it over and over again and I was left wondering for 12 months. Today, I received a custom made Starbucks gift card from her with a caricature of me holding a camera on the beach, coffee in hand and requesting a Cranberry Bliss Bar. Shannon = best gift giver ever.
*I accomplished things today that most people don't during the entire Christmas season, including.......shopping, wrapping, more shopping, organizing, shuffling kids, cooking, cleaning, more shopping, shipping, and more. It's 8pm and I'm about to get in bed.
*Disneyland tomorrow! Magical, Christmasy, light filled Disneyland. It snows there. Did you know? Certain parts of the park make snow and fill the air. I cannot wait.
*And, speaking of snow......how do you like this little gem?
My photographer-turned-friend's-sister made it for me.
It's very peaceful with them in there, no? So quiet. Shhhh......
9 days bloggies! What do you have left? Get on it!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Some Funny Stuff
I have to keep myself entertained during the holiday season. I can get in a real funk if I don't.
Example: While shopping at Target, I saw that a car wash set is already marked down. Why? Because they haven't sold enough likely. Which means they have to discount early. Which could lead to the Buyer getting in trouble because he bought too much inventory. Or, bought the wrong kind of inventory. Maybe the Logistics Department failed to import on time. Or, the packaging wasn't right. All of these factors that go into one single product. Poor sales = unhappy upper management. Which could lead to a job lost.
Then, I think of someone losing his home. Or, the homeless in general. The hungry. The less fortunate than we are.
All of that from a 2 second walk by a product in Target.
See? My mind never stops spinning.
I have always thought that the holiday season should be more about sacrifice than indulgence and therefore feel guilty when I look under the tree at the gifts we've bought our children. Though definitely less fabulous than most families' bounty, our kids still receive small gifts. Our kids that live by the beach, go to Disneyland once a month or more, ski in the winter and have countless blessings. One year......I promise I'm going to do it......as soon as the kids can agree to it and understand......I want to have a 100% charity holiday. I have a feeling it will be one we'll remember for the rest of our lives.
*********************************************************************************
Some funny stuff to entertain you, in case you're as much of a lunatic as me:
Meow Meow has been a little stinker on her Facebook fan page. But, Diane Frank Wheatley is giving her a run for her money.
Recent correspondence:
Meow Meow's update - 13 days. Don't think I'm gonna make it.
DFW: That's what Mary said when Joseph told her she had to ride on a donkey all the way to Bethlehem...
Meow: Ugh. How am I supposed to provide an appropriate rebuttal when you brought Mary into the picture? We're Catholic. Damn you, DFW.
DFW: So am I...so I can't repeat what Mary said when they finally got there and she found out Joseph hadn't made a reservation ANYWHERE....maybe that's where saying Jes*@ Chr@^! in a fit of anger started!
Meow: Is it getting hot in your house, Diane Frank Wheatley?
DFW: Then..three dirty, smelly dudes arrived on camels to bring gifts for the baby...you'd think diapers, toys, clothes, right? Nope. Gold, incense and whatever the hell myrh is...like that's useful...oy vay!
Meow: You obviously turned water into wine tonight.
DFW: Nope. Just too much sugar!
DFW: Forgive me...it's been a long week and we still have one to go...I'll try and behave...I promise! ;)
*********************************************************************************
I think Shannon posted a Charlie the Unicorn video eons ago. I've rediscovered it and feel compelled to share. If you have some surplus salvia laying around, I suggest you pull a Miley and indulge before viewing.
Off to wrangle Jack and Lainey before Preschool. Have a great day! (And, for heaven's sake, stay away from that car wash set in Target.)
Example: While shopping at Target, I saw that a car wash set is already marked down. Why? Because they haven't sold enough likely. Which means they have to discount early. Which could lead to the Buyer getting in trouble because he bought too much inventory. Or, bought the wrong kind of inventory. Maybe the Logistics Department failed to import on time. Or, the packaging wasn't right. All of these factors that go into one single product. Poor sales = unhappy upper management. Which could lead to a job lost.
Then, I think of someone losing his home. Or, the homeless in general. The hungry. The less fortunate than we are.
All of that from a 2 second walk by a product in Target.
See? My mind never stops spinning.
I have always thought that the holiday season should be more about sacrifice than indulgence and therefore feel guilty when I look under the tree at the gifts we've bought our children. Though definitely less fabulous than most families' bounty, our kids still receive small gifts. Our kids that live by the beach, go to Disneyland once a month or more, ski in the winter and have countless blessings. One year......I promise I'm going to do it......as soon as the kids can agree to it and understand......I want to have a 100% charity holiday. I have a feeling it will be one we'll remember for the rest of our lives.
*********************************************************************************
Some funny stuff to entertain you, in case you're as much of a lunatic as me:
Meow Meow has been a little stinker on her Facebook fan page. But, Diane Frank Wheatley is giving her a run for her money.
Recent correspondence:
Meow Meow's update - 13 days. Don't think I'm gonna make it.
DFW: That's what Mary said when Joseph told her she had to ride on a donkey all the way to Bethlehem...
Meow: Ugh. How am I supposed to provide an appropriate rebuttal when you brought Mary into the picture? We're Catholic. Damn you, DFW.
DFW: So am I...so I can't repeat what Mary said when they finally got there and she found out Joseph hadn't made a reservation ANYWHERE....maybe that's where saying Jes*@ Chr@^! in a fit of anger started!
Meow: Is it getting hot in your house, Diane Frank Wheatley?
DFW: Then..three dirty, smelly dudes arrived on camels to bring gifts for the baby...you'd think diapers, toys, clothes, right? Nope. Gold, incense and whatever the hell myrh is...like that's useful...oy vay!
Meow: You obviously turned water into wine tonight.
DFW: Nope. Just too much sugar!
DFW: Forgive me...it's been a long week and we still have one to go...I'll try and behave...I promise! ;)
*********************************************************************************
I think Shannon posted a Charlie the Unicorn video eons ago. I've rediscovered it and feel compelled to share. If you have some surplus salvia laying around, I suggest you pull a Miley and indulge before viewing.
Off to wrangle Jack and Lainey before Preschool. Have a great day! (And, for heaven's sake, stay away from that car wash set in Target.)
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