HO, HO, HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to one and all!! I have been so busy I haven't had time to keep up with my blog, boo hoo, sniffle, sniffle. I am behind on posting pictures, in fact this year I haven't even taken a picture of our tree.

We had a wonderful Christmas! It has been a trying year for us financially and I was worried the kids were going to say "that's all we are getting." ha!! I don't know if it is because I am a Mom or at least the mother of my children, but I was deeply touched by the kids giving so much from their heart.

Hannah & Gretchen generously gave as their presents their "stash" of trinkets they so deliriously defend on a daily basis! I know that some of the things they gave to their brother and sisters are things they normally would not part with. They were so excited to give them away, and had fun wrapping them!

Marikita and Marissa don't have jobs right now with the busyness of the theatre season and so the little bit of money they may get from birthdays or babysitting doesn't last long. The little bit of money they had on hand that they sacrificed it to buy presents for each one of us. They put a lot of thought into the presents they gave and I am so proud of them for being so giving.

Ether is working and saving for a mission and he too was generous in his giving and thoughtfulness!!!

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents, sister, and aunt and uncle. I really enjoyed spending time at my parents home. Christmas Day we invited my parents to come and spend time with us! We had a good time and it was a day enjoyed by all!

I am so very thankful for my family, not only my own, but my parents and sisters. We have had so many family members ill and/or hospitalized in the past year and it really hits home and is a reminder to us that life is so fragile. We can never take anything for granted. I cherish my family.

Thank you to all my dear friends.......I am so thankful for your love and support. You are cherished!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

When I picked up Hannah & Gretchen the other day from school, after asking them about their day, Hannah just out of the blue started singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" but her rendition was not the one I know! It went like this:

"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer had a happy song
It was weirrrrrrrrrd
as he sang alonggggggg."

I don't know why, if it was because it caught me off guard, but I started laughing so hard. It was so cute and I was just tickled by her song. Maybe for you it is one of those "had to be there," but it was so fun. Kids say the darndest things!

Happy Holidays!

New Job

I started a new job transcription job on November 10th. I have doubled my previous workload and so I have been so behind on my blogging! I miss it very much. I haven't had the time to sit down and post a blog let alone even read or add comments to my friends blogs!! Sorry friends! I miss you!

I love quotes and sayings! I know there are some people who either watch a movie so many times they can repeat what some of the characters say or they memorize parts of movies! When I can be more stress free I love to be silly. Not everyone gets to see my silly side! I think the silliness in my sisters and I comes from my Dad's side. He is pretty silly as well as his mother, my grandmother. See, I can't help it, it is in the genes!!! ha!!! Anyway, I have loved saying the word "galavant" lately. I told my neighbor the other day that I was "galavanting to the store." I also have a habit of rhyming. Things like "whadya know Joe," or "later perculator." Stuff like that! I think my kids like it half the time and just tune it out others times!

It has been a good day and I am happy for silly things!

Husband Tag

1. WHAT IS YOUR HUSBAND'S NAME ? Patrick James

2. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? 9 years, 11 months.

3. HOW LONG DID YOU DATE? 24 days before we were engaged and we got married 2-1/2 months later.

4. HOW OLD IS HE? 43

5. WHO IS TALLER? It's a tie!

6. WHO CAN SING BEST? Probably me.

7. WHO IS SMARTER? He is when it comes to religion, me in finances, legal, etc.

8. WHO DOES LAUNDRY? I do 98% of the time!

9. WHO PAYS BILLS? I do, but I wish he did it too.

10. WHO SLEEPS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BED? He does

11. WHO MOWS THE LAWN? He does, but I like to do it.

12. WHO COOKS DINNER? I do most of the time, but he does about once a week!

13. WHO IS THE FIRST TO ADMIT THEY ARE WRONG? Me.

14. WHO KISSED WHO FIRST? He did on our 3rd date.

15. WHO WEARS THE PANTS? Depends on the issue.

I tag Stephanie, Stacie, and Ashley.

How I Baked My Cell Phone and Made 25 Cents on Ebay

It was one of those days when it might have been better just to stay in bed?

We have had a Dora sleeping bag that was Hannah's, that I couldn't even sell on our garage sale for $2. Everyone wanted to give me less and I wouldn't budge having paid $17 for it. I had a genious idea to sell it on e-bay! Yes, that would give me some cash and probably a better price than a garage sale!

The auction ended at $5.75! Yay, I did better than garage sale price! Total auction including postage came to $9.75. I was so proud of myself!

I went to the UPS Store (we had used them in the past for E-bay mailing). I had stuffed this sleeping bag into this little itty bitty box thinking I might be right at or a little under the postage! She rang up the sale and it was $9.85. WHAT? She told me it might be cheaper to send it in one of those padded envelopes........so we opened the box and put the sleeping bag in the envelope. It was only $7.66, but I was forgetting that I had to still pay for the envelope. When she rang up the grand total it came to $9.50. I had received $9.75 from the purchaser. My profit now was 25 cents. My proud and happy mood quickly went to a sick feeling. That is how I made 25 cents on E-bay.

The same day in the late afternoon, it was cold and felt like winter was already here, I had turned on the oven and propped it open. I was standing next to the oven relishing the heat and feeling the warmth, when my cell phone rang. It was my son Ether calling! When I finished my conversation with him, with a one handed fold I hung up. As I was doing this the cell phone somehow slipped out of my hand and slid perfectly down the door of the oven right on the bottom floor of the oven. I shrieked! I quickly turned off the oven and grabbed a spatula! (Are you laughing envisioning this?). My cell phone is now lying face down. I was trying to scoop up my cell phone in hamburger fashion when it slid a little bit further and one end hit the coils! In my mind I am thinking that the front is going to be melted, never to be heard from again in cell phone land. 30 seconds later, when I finally got it on the spatula I carefully laid in in the sink. After a few minutes I winced as I turned it over, what was it going to look like? I was amazed when I turned it over to find that it had barely noticeable melt marks on it! I tried to place a phone call and it worked and has ever since!

The end

Sprinkles mean more LOVE

I love the pink hair!!!!

Hannah's Play-Doh cookies

Cool hairdo!!!

Hannah has been home today with a low grade temp, sore throat, cough, and runny nose. While I was working she was busy making things from the Play-Doh set. I thought her "girls" were so cute and wanted to share them here! The best thing of all was she made "cookies" and then she showed me some with "sprinkles" and said "the more sprinkles the more love." I thought this was soooo cute!!! It made my day!!!

Night Out

After we celebrated Gretchen's birthdya last night Ether and Marissa dressed up to go to a concert at the Lied Center! Marikita went too, but left with her friends before I could include her in the picture. Marikita and Marissa were given tickets from their teacher at North Star. They listened to a Brazilian soloist perform.

Gretchen's 9th Birthday

Today we celebrated Gretchen's 9th Birthday. It is so hard to believe she is 9 years old. We are so proud of Gretchen! She was so excited to come home from school today to spend it with the family and see what gifts she received from family near and far!!!

Gretchen loves animals!!!

"Hey, where are the candles."

Who says you can't put candles on an ice cream cake?

Can you tell we were anxious to eat it, we had already scored and cut it before she blew out the candles!! It was yummy! That's one great thing about birthday's......whether it's yours or someone else's everyone gets cake!!

Inspiration

I heard a song the other day on a local radio station and I just loved it! It is from a country song by George Strait. Yes, I am a fan of country music! I don't always listen to country music because I like all kinds of music.......but country music (most, not all) is like going home......can't help it! I grew up on a farm and my roots are grounded in that country style livin, breathin, and singin!
Just wanted to share the lyrics!

I Saw God Today

I just walked down the street to the coffee shop
had to take a break I'd been by her side for eighteen hours straight
I saw a flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk
pushing up through the concrete
like it was planted right there for me to seethe flashin' lights, the honkin' horns
all seemed to fade away
in the shadow of that hospital at 5:08
I saw God today

Chorus:
I've been to churchI've read the book
I know He's here, but I don't look
near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I'd just slow down to stop and stare
opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

I saw a couple walking by they were holding hands
Man, she had that glow
yeah I couldn't help but notice she was starting to show
I stood there for a minute takin' in the sky
lost in that sunset
a splash of amber melted in the shades of red

Chorus
I've been to churchI've read the book
I know He's here, but I don't look
near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I'd just slow down to stop and stare
opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

I got my face pressed up against the nursery glass
She's sleeping like a rock
My name on her wrist wearing tiny pink socks
She's got my nose, she's got her mama's eyes
My brand new baby girl
She's a miracle
I saw God today

Tagged by Kim

Answer the questions with one word (or a little more) and then tag three people.

1. Where is your cellphone? in my purse
2. Your significant other? At school
3. Your hair? light brown with highlights and gray :(
4. Your mother? Retired & wonderful
5. Your Father? Retired & wonderful
6. Your favorite thing? laughing with my kids
7. Your dream last night? don't think I did?
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream goal? To be happy and become a Holistic Health Counselor
10. The room you’re in? bedroom
11. Your hobby? reading
12. Your fear? Failing as a mother.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? practicing as a Holistic Health Counselor
14. What you’re not? extrovert
15. Muffins? Love'em
16. One of your wish list items? a home office
17. Where you grew up? On a farm
18. Last thing you did? finished my medical transcription
19. What are you wearing? Black pants, red shirt.
20. Favorite gadget? My camera
21. Your pets? Molly, our beagle.
22. Your computer? almost 4 years old
23.Your mood? Happy and tired
24. Missing someone? Far away friends
25. Your Car? 2002 Ford Windstar
26. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
27. Favorite store? Kohls and Wal-Mart
28. Like someone? I like everyone
29. Favorite color? blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? Yesterday with the kids and while exercising because it was so hard, it made me laugh
31.When was the last time you cried? Last week......it builds up and then all comes out.
I tag....Brenda, Amanda, and Stacey.

Traditions

I love traditions! This came to mind when I was thinking about this weekend being General Conference weekend. We have had a tradition for the past 5 years that on Sunday morning I make pancakes or french toast, scrambled eggs, and juice. This is not a normal breakfast for us, it is a BIG deal compared to our usual piece of toast on the run, cream of wheat, or just a plain ol bowl of cereal! I especially love "specialty" pancakes with pieces of banana, peaches, or strawberries in them! Yum! It is just a nice day to sleep in, make breakfast, and enjoy some family time before we listen to Conference. It will be a good day and this makes me happy!

My Parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary

Today we celebrated my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary! They were married 50 years ago to the day and we had the special privlege to have the open house in the same facility where they had their Wedding reception 50 years ago! I think that is so romantic!

The open house was hosted by my sisters Karen, Sue, and I. We had a lot of fun setting up on Friday (yesterday) afternoon talking and laughing. The three of us don't have a chance to get together very often since my sister Karen lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Today was a very memorable day for everyone! We had a lot of fun and my parents enjoyed seeing some friends and family they haven't seen for awhile! My mom's sister Kathy, from California, was able to be here and she will stay for one week!

I talked with some parents of my old high school friends and got to visit with my old history teacher, Mr. Hoyer, who is now my nephew's cross country coach and still teaching at Malcolm High School! It was also exciting to meet up again with a friend I grew up with, but had lost touch with when we were both in our early 20's.

I hope you enjoy the family pictures I posted! I am so very thankful for my parents and the opportunity we had to honor them on their very special day!

My Parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary

These are the "before" while we were setting up!

This is after (although we didn't have the centerpieces on the table yet!!!)

My parents, Richard & Melinda

Cindy, Karen, & Sue

Our Family

Me, Dad, Mom, my sister Karen, & Sue

Ether, Marikita and Marissa with their cousin Scot.

Hannah & Gretchen at the guest table with their cousin Dustin and a "new" friend!

Beautiful Advice

I received this in an e-mail today from a very good friend and I think it is noteworthy, so I am going to post it here! I hope you enjoy it!

An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that
will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over
time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have
you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden,
extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of
trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help
improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait
until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.26. Remember that the shortest bridge
between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Heavenly Father”
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best theycan).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never
been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31)

I want to jump on the trampoline

After school today while I was fixing dinner, Hannah came in the kitchen to ask if she could jump on the neighbor's trampoline down the street. I told her that she could not. (I am overprotective when it comes to trampolines!). She kept begging me and begging me. When I firmly told her no, she started to cry and kept begging. She asked me why she couldn't and I explained that she could really get hurt. I was starting to get a little annoyed with her continous asking when with crocodile tears she said "why can't I, I'm not going to die, I promise." I almost started laughing and it was so cute! Then she kept wailing "I'm not going to die, I promise."

I have forgotten some of the cute things she has said from the past, but this incident today reminded me of a couple of other times........... a few weeks ago Pat & I checked out from the local library the movie "Mutiny on the Bounty" which is ages old from the 1930's. (Hey, Pat picked it out and I was reluctant to watch it). Hannah & Gretchen were watching it with us and they show a tropical scene with palm trees, etc. Hannah is sitting on my lap and out of the blue Hannah says matter of factly, "those people must be poor, all they have to eat is pinecones." (I laughed out loud because it caught me so off guard and was so funny) Gretchen says, "Hannah, you mean pineapples?" Hannah says in an Eeyore tone of voice "yeah, I meant pineapples." I still get a chuckle out of that!
One other story.........about 6 months ago Pat & I had the girls with us while running an errand. We were heading downtown when we saw a cadillac or large type car and I said to Pat "look at that boat" and he said "yeah, that is a boat." Hannah very innocently and inquisitively says "that's a boat." I laughed out loud again. (Probably not good for confidence building). I could just see her little mind thinking about how that car could be, or turn into a boat. It was so funny!

The end!

We are getting ready for my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary Party. It has been lots of fun planning, shopping, and ordering to get ready for it! I have a sister who is flying in from Florida this coming week and I am excited to see her because she only comes at Christmas time! I have an Aunt who will fly in from California who I am anxious to see also! It will be a fun and memorable day! The very cool thing about the day is that it is EXACT 50th Wedding Anniversary and will be held in the same reception hall as the day they got married! I guess we are a family of romantics! I know I am!

Getting ready has gone so smoothly, I keep wondering what the glitch will be?

Our family gathered with our many other relatives to celebrate my dear Grandma's 100th Birthday! She doesn't remember and know all of us anymore, but she still has that smile I will always remember. She is a little more quiet than she used to be and so I miss her little giggle when she would tell us a little story or thought she was funny!

We have 3 very talented teenagers. Since becoming involved in theatre they have been bitten by the "theatre bug" and cannot be seen in a picture without a little drama!

Hannah & Gretchen have become little fisher girls and have on occasion gone with Dad to fish a little here and there!!

Hello friends and family! I am excited now to have my own blog! I never knew it could be so easy! Thanks to those who got me started, you know who you are!

You can be easily introduced to our family by looking at the pictures on the side. We are a family of 7 with 1 very enthusiatic Beagle! With 5 children we are (needless to say) very busy all of the time. My husband eats and breathes fishing and Cornhusker football! He always teases me whether this picture (above) is his favorite or our wedding picture!