Happy New Year's Eve!!!!!

What I wouldn't give to be on stage with these two men, YUM!

With a VIP back stage pass and warming house with a cabana boy to massage my shoulders to relax me and prevent me from atacking those two B-E-A-U-tiful men! YUMMYYYYY!

The tradition has been passed...

In about 5 minutes Mikayla mastered the knit stich. Her favorite Christmas gift. Cis would be so proud since she recently acquired her dream...here

Grandpa comes to town...

Dan's grandmother was sick, so we decided to spend the day after Christmas with her. As the dates grew closer, the sicker she became, the more we had to change plans. So we went to say hello to her, but then take the kids out to lunch at a playland where they could burn off some energy. So we went to Burger King.
Dan's dad bought the new Edge, I love it! Can you see it in Camryn's background?

If Elli doesn't totally look like a gymnist or cheerleader in this, than I need new eyes...

This was my attempt on getting Davin on the slide. He was completely in motion...

Mikayla's favorite part? Her second Webkinz... lord help me!

All in all they had a blast. Grandpa was just happy to hang with them..

Nope, not excited at all!

Merry Christmas to me!

Most years Dan is too busy to think about Christmas gifts. Well this year we were both equally busy. So I had been listening to what he might want (not like he wasn't hinting daily about a new game for the PS3, but still!!!) and this year he surprised me by actually asking for a list. So I put a few things on there, like punches, plastic organizers, and some new blades for my cricut. OH! and a new label maker. On Christmas morning I was so happy to see what Santa brought me!!


Now this is what I bought for myself because I am so used to Dan not buying me anything.


This was a Stampin' up kit that has two trays, static free pouch, 3 embossing powders, a heat gun, a brush, clue pad and pen, all for $50 shipped!!! Normally about $100, so I was lucky to get this.
Now I just need time to create!

I've created a few things here and there..

...but with Christmas around the corner it was too hard to get any major projects done that weren't going out the door!!

I like my second try at coasters MUCH more!

Thank You Everyone

At 13:10 today Grandma passed, peacefully. Thank You to everyone who helped out. Her SIL passed away yesterday and her funeral is Tuesday. We are thinking that her funeral will be Wednesday or Thursday. Dan is doing okay, considering.

Prayer Request

Hello Everyone...
I don't usually do this, but I feel like it's time I send a request out. Dan's grandmother is sick, very sick. She has DNR and it seems she is getting pneumonia now as well. After the strokes, seizures, and time in the nursing home, we are now counting the days if not hours. She has lived a long, wonderful life, but we pray for her to go in peace. She has suffered enough and needs to see her best friend. If you believe, or even if you don't, please join us in praying for peace in her passing as we don't want her to suffer.

It's hard to believe this was just 2 months ago :(

Here comes Santa Clause...

Christmas Eve...
Such a busy day in our house. We make our last minute run to the store in the morning for whatever might be planned for the next couple of days, and then we rush home to make whatever we can ahead of time. Then we make/buy whatever meal Dan wants (remember, it's his birthday and he has to be king!) and then of course there are the traditions. We have popcorn, watch a Christmas Flick (The Polar Express, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Shrek the Halls, Christmas Vacation, whatever!) and hope that the kids will fall asleep. This year was no different in that respect. This year I chose gifts that would be easier to set up, and the kids fell asleep by 9. Dan and I quickly went into set up mode and made sure that it was set up so they would know which gift went with the names on the stockings (Thanks Kacie!!!) and made sure that I set my alarm clock and was ready for them in am.


Can't find the picture of their house. Didn't upload, will have to figure it out!!!

When Elli came to my room the next morning I was good and ready. Armed with Camera in hand she said... "Santa was HEEEEEEEERRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!" I had to make sure I captured it!


Yes, she chose to sleep in her clothes so that Santa wouldn't think she was awake. She couldn't be bothered with Pajamas....

He's starting to look older...

I took this picture while the girls were bathing one night. I looked over at my son and he just looked older? Anyone know what I am talking about? I am not the mom who cries when her child is old enough for preschool, or when they go to kindegarten, or even when they ride a bike and say, "look ma! NO HANDS!". I have just never been. I have always felt like my hard work is paying off, they are becoming older, respectful, responsible children who take steps every day to becomeing respectful, responsible adults. I have always been happy to see the next phase. There was just something different this day, I looked over and I swear that I could see him get older in that moment. It was really just plain cool.

It's a Christmas Eve Miracle!!

Dan's 30! Here is the hungover mug shot to prove it.



Since Dan's birthday is Christmas Eve, we go out before hand to celebrate with friend's. Now Dan is the only one that gets a party every year and it's usually because we are looking for an excuse to get togehter and just have some good, clean (*cough* well maybe not clean *cough) fun!! It's usually bowling and the sober ones usually suck. Well guess who was sober cab? Yep, that's right, me.
I am not sure what was funnier that night, but there were definate highlights. Some day I will get decent pictures of the people to go with the story, but that's more advanced photography than my camera can handle since funny drunks are never still drunks, HEE HEE!
1. Dan and I were up to bowl (men on one lane, ladies on the other) and Mike (Dan's old work friend who is 5'4" and like 130 lbs) comes running up behind Dan while he's bowling, and scares him so much he crosses the line and slips and falls, little did I know that his drunk self was headed for me next. Yep, I fell, flat on my back laughing histerically! I can't get mad at Mike, he looks like the dad from that show "The Riches" he just always looks funny!
2. Dan drinking a new drink called Effin' Awesome. It was strong, don't get me wrong, but if those of you out there are looking for something stronger than long island but it tastes like orange juice with grenedine? This is it!! So after the second one, Dan decides that he's going to get some food, onion rings, and then has to go to the bathroom (despite warning from a friend telling him it will do a number on him). So we wait a while thinking he will be right back and when he isn't, we realize the time constraint until they close and start bowling for him. Gutters that is. The look on his face when he gets back is almost as priceless as the Josh (friend warning him about the onion rings) telling us about his responses in the bathroom when Josh asked if he was okay. just think Jesse Ventura meets Cartmen. 'Nuff said!
3. Now this I think is the best highlight... We leave and he starts sining the Jesse Ventura version of the Vikings fight song incorporating GORILLA! First he calls Josh (with wife and other friend Lisa who has her own phone), then he calls Matt in second vehicle (with wife, and other firends Jeremy and Jennifer who have thier phones) and then calls Mike (other drunk who's wife Jenni I felt almost as bad for ). After he calls all those people and they let him sing on speaker phone he proceeds to call Lisa (in the first car), then Jeremy(in second car), and Jenni(wife of first car to sing again. LMAO I am glad he had a happy 30th!



So back to the miracle. Dan did dishes on his birthday :)

Christmas Break has officially begun..

Let the Shinanigan's begin!!




Yes, after posting this I realized all they are doing is fake picking their nose. HE HE HE!

Davin is sick again...

Really sick, actually. Davin was sick for two months. Low grade fever, headaches, sore throat, and no real signs of congestion. He started getting body aches all over, but no full blown flu ever came of it. We have had it before, 105 fever, can't move for over a week. This was different. So after the scare of testing for Leukemia, Mono, Menengitis, and tons of other things, the answer showed up on a CT. A fungal sinus infection in the upper sinus cavities. It was blocked and he wasn't draining. So we did a 3 week course of meds, and he seemed to be getting better.

Then last week it started again. He is coughing all the time, can't drain, bloody noses, the whole works. So they started another round of meds, and he even added OTC meds as well. He said if this doesn't work it's time for another CT, and possibly more sinus surgery. Lucky us. This picture isn't even everything he is on :(

It's here...

Tehe last day of school. We must brace ourselves, four kids, 3 holiday get-togethers, two weeks Christmas Vacation, and One HUGE YEAR END!! This is going to be nuts, it is every year. How will we juggle it? And then of course, when they get home there is a reminder telling me how fast this year slipped by. I will survive, right? I must keep telling myself that, so I don't forget :)

Jason sent home stockings with pictures of Camryn doing everyday things in her class. Along with a note that his Christmas Break would be lasing one extra day with the passing of his Grandmother. I guess I am officially old, the days are flying by faster than I can cross them off on the calendar. Lucky Me :)

Bonding Time!!!

Does anyone here watch John and Kate plus 8? I love that show, I have to admit, I am addicted to it like CRAZY! I love that John is so helpful with the kids, and I know most of it is out of necessity, but still. He's a VERY ACTIVE FATHER. This is the only thing about him that turns me on about him. Sad when a woman can think a man is sexy because he cleans, isnt' it? I know I'm not alone out there (come out, come out, where ever you are!!!!) But seriously, what woman doesn't want a partner that shares in it all? Well I have one thing that Kate is lucky enough to have. Dan bathes the kids. It's always his job unless he is out of town. I like to think of it as his bonding time with them, when he is forced to do something for them for that long he is somewhat FORCED to communicate with them. It's really great to hear over the years how the kids giggle and laugh because Dad is being silly! They tell knock knock jokes, they work on counting, singing, and it's just fun to watch.



Elli is such a goon now that she get's "big girl showers" instead of sharing the bath with Camryn. She even loves to know that she's the center of attention because you fall off sining the 100th chorus of black socks. LMAO



Now though this is bonding time for Dan and the kids where I am completely uninvolved (usually cleaning) there are times when I just enjoy the best part of it all...

doing nothing!!!

Sibling Rivalry? NOT for the next 5 minutes!!

Mikayla and Davin are really bright children, I know this, I can brag about it, I mean after all, if the teachers take the time to mention it, then I can too, right? Well then how is it that two intelligent children do nothing but fight about everything??? I wonder how to get them to understand the importance of communication and working together and would like to put a "WANTED" ad out for anyone who knows how to accomplish this right now :) No seriously, this will probably be the only 5 minutes I get with them getting along, so please write me soon!!!

Birthdays Birthdays Everywhere!!!

For those who know me, my husband was born Christmas Eve. Poor Bastard. Now I know that it has to suck for him, gifts getting combined, wrapped in holiday paper, and not seeing another celebration for him for 364 days. Unless it's a leap year :) However, I know that it's hard for me as well. I have to make a big effort to tell him, shop for him, get him a happy birthday card, and on top of it? Make him do stuff on his birthday since I am not doing christmas MYSELF! It makes me feel like an ass, that is fo sho!
Well, here is the kicker, my brother's birthday is the day after Christmas as well. Elli's is January 9th, so at least we get some what of a break before her's. So my SIL marries this great guy. What day was he born on? You guessed it, December 19th!!! So we now have 4 birthdays in like 3.5 weeks at the same time as Christmas. Well we decided to take embarrassing pictures of them in front of their cakes just so I could blog about this horrendously busy time at their expense :)



So seriously?? Happy Birthday Dan and Colin!
Here's to MANY MANY MORE!
I will blog about Dan's obnoxious behavior at his bowling party another time, it really is hilarious!!!

Every once in a while they shock ya...

So I am not the only parent with children who make countless projects at school that they treasure... I am also not the only parent with children who thinks they are the best creation ever and must be kept forever... I am also not the only mother of four children who asks herself the same question every day when cleaning off the counter/table...
Do they really need to know they made this one 10-20 years down the road or can I throw it away and it will be forgotten by tomorrow at 4pm???

Well every once in a while they shock me with something I just can't let go of. Something where taking a picture and storing it in an album will not do the creation it's justice. Give it's 15 minutes of fame, or even become all it can be in "all it's glory"!!! Now some have been a handprint ornament at a certain age that I don't want to forget, or the first story they have ever written, and some just "weigh" on your heart that you can't bear to let go of them... Well on December 14th, Elli brought one that just had to stay. It was cute, it was creative, it was heavy enough to handle our 35 mph winds we have been experiencing. Don't believe me? I have included a photo for proof :)

Awesome Happenings and Blue Print Sketches!!!

My friend has some awesome things going on here !!!

Something new up my sleeve!!!

Tastefully Simple has long been a favorite one stop seasoning shopping location of choice for me. They are pre-mixed, generalized, and often make most foods taste great! My husband has been a HUGE fan of the seasoned salt, and though I am too, I just can't see paying $8.99 for a bottle of spices. So I have searched long and hard for a replacement and I think I found it. I started cooking with it before telling Dan about it. All of a sudden I started getting the question "what did you put in this??? It tastes fantastic!!!" and then I turn around and look stupid.

This is my secret weapon. I highly suggest it, a little goes a long way. $2.29 here, check it out in your store.

I am pretty sure I have the best Secret Santa EVER!

I have had the hardest day today. Just one of those days where you're like a kid sitting in front of the T.V. hoping that your school district is the next one to flash on the screen. I woke up at 5:30 on my own and immediately turned it on because with what I drove home in last night, our district was bound to close. Blizzard conditions, made the national weather news, and let's not forget 2-4 inches of snow with 35 mile an hour winds making it -31 degrees!!!!

To my dismay, no school closing, four kids to bundle up from head to toe, and tons of work to catch up on. So no matter my attitude, I was going to work. The day flew by, feeling like all I did was answer questions and help others get their stuff done. I brought Dan the truck so he could pick up the kids, and rode home with my co-worker. All turning positive, but there was so much ahead of me that I knew walking in the house would make me feel defeated! But I sure wasn't going to stay outside!!!

So as I walked in the door, greated by "moooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyy!!!!!" I noticed a white box in the entry way with my name on it! I was so super excited!!!

So instead of helping with dinner, instead of checking the kids homework, instead of stopping to go potty, I run into the kitchen, grab a knive and start opening the box!!! I am so glad I did because my Secret Santa totally brightened my night!!!

See for yourself!







These stockings are absolutely beautiful and we have never had stockings for all 6 of us with our names on them!!! The kids are so excited for Christmas morning now!!





My friend Dre has this awesome shop, The Blue Gecko Candle Company and I have admired her tarts for so long and as she has told me all about the scents I have drooled and hoped that some day soon I could buy one! Well I don't have to wait any longer!!! WOO HOO!!!

Should I tell you who my SS is???? Hmmmmmm.....











Kacie! Thanks so much for all you have done for us, you have gone way above Secret Santa as far as I am concerned, you have truely brightened our Holiday Spirit!! A million Thank Yous to you and I hope you have a Happy Holiday!!!

I wish it was this warm...

I don't drink beer... I don't like beer... but I feel like this beer label is laughing in my face at the blistery cold temperatures that are outside my door!
I am so thankful that today I rode home with my co-worker who's car has seat warmers :)

Just one picture of SIX!

And I am still not sure we got one!





I really think my children are more like 99.999% monkey...