Wednesday, December 30, 2009

My 2009 "To Do" List results

Before I post my annual "to do" list for the new year that is upon us, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the things I strived to complete for 2009. Let's recap, shall we?
  1. Put together and implement a budget that actually works and one that I will keep up with regularly (This was about a 60% success. I took the popular Financial Peace University course from Dave Ramsey and learned a tremendous amount of information that is useful in our lives. However, I'm easily distracted and am having trouble breaking some seriously bad habits. The good news is that I have the tools to turn this around in 2010.)
  2. Eliminate the majority of our financial debt (Heh. Not even close. Actually, I think we moved in the complete opposite direction thanks to emergency gallbladder surgery last April. Sigh.)
  3. Finally finish the Patten Chapel cross stitch (Editors note: I started this before I got married 12 years ago and made significant progress on this last year. It's a portrait of where hubby & I married.) (Another goose egg. I have a feeling that 2010 is the year of cross stitch.)
  4. Start & finish the Bambi cross stitch for Little A's room (Well, I selected the fabric and thread and actually made a few beginning stitches. That's progress!)
  5. Continue the weight loss adventure and wear a size 6 jeans by December 1st (Yeah, that must've been a typo. I was in a size 16 on December 1st. Heavy sigh.)
  6. Implement date night once a month with hubby (I think we had a total of 3 date nights this entire year. And 2 were on consecutive nights this month. Having small kids isn't easy on the dating life.)
  7. Make significant progress on my novel and blog regularly (The novel has officially been tabled and my blog took a major hit this year. Things are going to be different in the new year.)
  8. Finish decluttering the house (I'm happy to say that I did make significant progress on this front! It's not a finished project but I'm definitely feeling a lot better about the situation.)
  9. Get the scrapbooks up to date (After a LOT of long hours and hard work, I'm thrilled that my scrapbooks are up to date! Now I can actually start spending time making elaborate layouts in our family albums and making gifts for people, which would really make me happy.)
  10. Be more open with people (This is something that I think I'm always going to struggle with. In some ways, I think I've done a better job of achieving this, but I suffer from verbal diarrhea. Sometimes I just don't know when to shut up.)
So, overall I feel like I made a lot of progress this year in many areas. There's always room for improvement and my goals for 2010 will reflect that.

How about you? Do you make resolutions? What's something that you achieved this year?

Sunday, December 27, 2009

My Secret Celebrity Crush

I have a secret. One that I've kept for a really long time. And it has to do with this little movie that you might be familiar with.


It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of this movie. It's also no secret that I enjoy a good looking guy.

I'm here to admit that I have harbored a secret crush on Christopher Plummer for about 20 years now.


He is so dashing in this movie! So strong, yet endearing. And the scene where he finally admits his love for Maria. Oh.my.swoon!


So, there you have it. Now you know why I rarely change the channel when this movie is on. And why I'm trying to figure out some way to install a gazebo in my yard.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas Wishes


Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas MeMe


My recent swap partner, Valerie, posted this meme on her blog last week and since tomorrow is the big day, I thought it would be nice to post my answers to this one. Enjoy!

1. What is your Favorite Christmas Movie?

Hands down, National Lampoon Christmas Vacation. And my hubby can't stand watching it. So, I watch alone and laugh until I cry.

2. What is your Least favorite Christmas Movie?

I know I'm going to catch flack for this one, but, it's A Christmas Story.

3. What is your favorite Christmas song?

I adore Michael W. Smith's version of "Angels We Have Heard On High".

4. What Christmas song(s) drives you crazy?

I abhore that Cheech & Chong Santa bit that always seems to haunt my radio stations.

5. What is your favorite Christmas Drink? (ie. egg nog, hot chocolate)

Hot Chocolate!!!

6. What is your favorite Christmas Memory?

This year, my girls were going to have their picture taken with Santa and the look of sheer excitement and awe in their eyes almost brought me to tears. They thought he was the real deal and couldn't wait to sit on his lap and have their picture taken.

7. What is the best toy/gift you've received on Christmas?

The only gift I remember receiving as a child was the My Little Pony stable when I was about 9 years old. I distinctly remember coming out of my room around midnight and it being under the tree from Santa and my Dad letting me see it for a minute or so before telling me to go back to bed.

8. What is the worst toy/gift you've received on Christmas?

My (wish I was joking) crazy mother-in-law once gave me a brass urn for a gift one year. Not sure what message she was trying to send with THAT gift.

9. What do you LOVE about the holidays?

Baking and shopping for gifts for loved ones

10. What annoys you about the holidays?

That we get so wrapped up in checking things off a "to do" list and forget to stop and enjoy the magic and joy of the season.

11. Do you prefer star or angel on top of a Christmas tree? Or something else?

We have a Disney tree every year and rotate between a Mickey Mouse topper or Snow White topper. This year, it's Snow White.

12. What is your family favorite recipe at Christmas?

My grandma's Christmas cookies!

13. Are you a Grinch or a Who at Christmastime?

A Who!!

14. Christmas light displays - Love them or Hate them?

Love to drive around and look at them but haven't yet done one in our yard. If we ever have a beautifully landscaped yard, then I'll be more apt to dress it up in lights.

15. Santa's at the mall - Fun times or Creepy?

My experience has been creepy for the most part.

16. Christmas cards - do you send them, yes or no?

Absolutely!

17. What is the best thing about Christmas, in your opinion?

Seeing the excitement and joy through my kids eyes.

18. What is the worst thing about Christmas?

Some people's attitudes while shopping

19. When do you put the tree up and take it down?

We usually get it up the week after Thanksgiving and taken down the week after New Years.

20. Out of the 12 days of Christmas, which day and item would you want your truelove to give to you?

Five Golden Rings of course!

21. Why do you think that Grandma got run over by a reindeer?

They have a bad habit of leaping in front of cars in this neck of the woods.


22. Who is your favorite reindeer?

Blitzen

23. Do you believe in Santa Claus?

100%

24. What is your favorite smell at Christmas time?

Cinnamon and Nutmeg

25. What would make you happy at Christmas this year?

Taking a carriage ride with my hubby & 2 girls in our downtown area.

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

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Girls Fall Soccer

I'm slowly catching up with all the Fall activities!

As I've mentioned before, soccer has been a major part of hubby's life since he was a kid. It was only a matter of time before the kids followed in his footsteps.

We introduced Big A to the game last Spring and she took to it like a duck to water. (which was no big surprise to anyone)

Introducing the next in line to take soccer by storm. Could Little A be any cuter?!


Big A shows that her form is still intact


My little athletes with daddy


Big A finally exerted some skills in the scrimmages, which was exciting. She's coming out of her shell!


They both had a wonderful season and are already looking forward to Spring ball. I must admit that I'm looking forward to it as well!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Camping in the Backyard

My girls are like me in a lot of ways, but there are a few ways that clearly demonstrate the contribution of hubby's DNA. The way they look for starters. I can't tell you how often I get the strange looks in stores when I walk in with the blonde hair/blue eyed angels. Forget the fact that their bone structure has "me" written all over it. But I digress.

The A's definitely have their daddy's affection for the outdoors. For quite a while this year, Little A especially was keen on having a camping trip. Since I wasn't down with camping along with them (or hubby taking them out into the wilderness), we agreed that camping in the backyard was a good compromise.

Little A could hardly contain her excitement


Big A was pretty happy also


They loved playing in the tent


And playing some more


And daddy even created a fire pit (of sorts) so that the roasting of marshmellows could happen. The girls were happy as larks!


And much to my surprise, the girls slept the whole night without a peep and couldn't wait to do it again. Meanwhile, the cats & I piled into my bed and slept pretty well ourselves.

So, when's that next camping trip?

Monday, December 21, 2009

Cupcakes & Carousel Rides

This Fall has been full of lots of activities!

One afternoon, Little A & I discovered a new cupcake bakery in our trendy river district. Is it just me or are these cupcake stores popping up in droves everywhere?

Little A was delighted to find a case full of cupcakes, teeming with icing and several with animal faces. She chose a kitty cat themed sugary delight.


And after several attempts, couldn't do much more damage than this.


Just outside the cupcake store is a very popular park in the area. It has a fabulous indoor carousel, complete with many handcarved animals that are amazing to witness. I try to take the girls here a few times a year to recapture my youth let them have a couple of rides.

Little A was VERY excited about riding the fish.


Big A was thrilled to not miss out on this outing! Little A & I often do things while Big A is at school.




One of these days, I'll have to let them girls try to capture a picture of me on one of these carousel animals, because it's quite a sight!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Secret Santa Swap Thanks

Decisionally Challenged


This month, I participated in a swap that Amy & Georgie were hosting called the Secret Santa Soiree. This is my first time being a Secret Santa and I really enjoyed it!

Today was very exciting because the package from my Secret Santa arrived and I am thrilled! My many thanks to Valerie for sending me the perfect gifts!



Here are my adorable models showing off the really cute snowflakes ornament, the HOT Edward Cullen bookmark (SWOON!) and a book that's been on my Amazon list for a while now, "The Time Travelers Wife". You rock, Valerie!

Merry Christmas y'all!

It's an actual blog post?

Yes folks, it is. I can't believe it myself really. I've taken some much needed time off from the majority of the online world over the last couple of months. Most of it was involuntary due to birthdays, holidays, and life craziness in general, but I have to say that it really made me realize just how much time I was spending in cyberspace. It's given me time to ponder just where I want to go from here and there are some changes coming in the next few weeks. More on that later.

I wanted to take a quick moment to update you guys that were kind enough to comment on my "Comments for Cans" blog post from Thanksgiving. I had around 15 comments, so I decided to gather up 2 food items per comment and head down to an annual food drive in my hometown. My buds, Shannon & Jane, had comments for cans blog posts as well and we ended up donating close to 100 food items to our food bank. Yay! Thanks to all who commented and thanks to Shannon & Jane for inspiring me to help out in our community!


Speaking of Shannon & Jane, we hosted the 5 Days of Giveaways earlier this month and I was remiss in posting the list of winners. (sorry about that!) Here are the lucky winners!

day 1: Mimi, He & Me + 3

day 2: Megan R, Newly Wed, Newly Bred

day 3: Diana, Appleby Girls & Boy

day 4: Missy, Two Little Monkeys

day 5: Julia, brainella the librarian

Congrats to the winners and my thanks to all who entered and to my 2 partners in crime for doing all the hard work to make this happen!

And for those of you who celebrate a little thing called Christmas, well, we're into crunch time now. I'm sure we all have things on our wish list that we're hoping will be under the tree. Here's 1 of mine.

The Pioneer Woman Cookbook - PW is one of my heroes. And she makes a mean Texas Sheet Cake.


And then there's those things that we wish for that we feel pretty sure we don't have a prayer of receiving (but it doesn't make us want them any less). Here's a few of those.

iPod Touch 32GB
A Trip to Disney World


Oh, and him.


Merry Christmas y'all! Here's hoping that you get everything on your wish list too!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Countdown to Christmas Giveaways - Day 5



"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

I can just hear the smooth sounds of Andy Williams belting out this fabulous and appropriate song. As the season of craziness, hustle and bustle is upon us, Shannon, Jane & I wanted to take this opportunity to add some fun to your day! And we hope you will play along.

Each day this week, we will be hosting a giveaway on each of our blogs. The 3 items tie together somehow and a single winner will win all 3 items being given away that day. To be eligible to win all 3 items, you have to leave a comment on each of our 3 giveaway posts for the day.

Today, my featured item of the trio is one of my favorite items.




It's a duo of fun holiday kids movies! You will receive a DVD of Merry Madagascar and a DVD of Party with the Penguins of Madagascar in a special 2 pack Collectors Set.

Now, here's how you enter today's giveaway.

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me "What is your favorite holiday movie?"

2. Head over to Shannon's Nut House and Jane's Jungle to see what else is in today's giveaway and make sure you leave a comment on each of their posts.

3. Cross your fingers and check your email in the next couple of days as we'll contact the winner by email. (So, make sure you've left a way for us to contact you from your comment)

Good luck and Happy Holidays!!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Countdown to Christmas Giveaways - Day 4



"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

I can just hear the smooth sounds of Andy Williams belting out this fabulous and appropriate song. As the season of craziness, hustle and bustle is upon us, Shannon, Jane & I wanted to take this opportunity to add some fun to your day! And we hope you will play along.

Each day this week, we will be hosting a giveaway on each of our blogs. The 3 items tie together somehow and a single winner will win all 3 items being given away that day. To be eligible to win all 3 items, you have to leave a comment on each of our 3 giveaway posts for the day.

Today, my featured item of the trio is one of my favorite items.





It's a pair of Celestial Seasonings Holiday Teas! These fabulous flavors of Nutcracker Sweet Black Tea and Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride Herbal Tea will make your holiday really festive!

Now, here's how you enter today's giveaway.

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me "What is your favorite Holiday beverage?"

2. Head over to Shannon's Nut House and Jane's Jungle to see what else is in today's giveaway and make sure you leave a comment on each of their posts.

3. Cross your fingers and check your email in the next couple of days as we'll contact the winner by email. (So, make sure you've left a way for us to contact you from your comment)

Good luck and Happy Holidays!!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Countdown to Christmas Giveaways - Day 3



"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

I can just hear the smooth sounds of Andy Williams belting out this fabulous and appropriate song. As the season of craziness, hustle and bustle is upon us, Shannon, Jane & I wanted to take this opportunity to add some fun to your day! And we hope you will play along.

Each day this week, we will be hosting a giveaway on each of our blogs. The 3 items tie together somehow and a single winner will win all 3 items being given away that day. To be eligible to win all 3 items, you have to leave a comment on each of our 3 giveaway posts for the day.

Today, my featured item of the trio is one of my favorite items.




It's a set of 4 mega-containers of Wilton Sprinkles!

Now, here's how you enter today's giveaway.

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me "What, if any, kind of cookies do you leave for Santa?"

2. Head over to Shannon's Nut House and Jane's Jungle to see what else is in today's giveaway and make sure you leave a comment on each of their posts.

3. Cross your fingers and check your email in the next couple of days as we'll contact the winner by email. (So, make sure you've left a way for us to contact you from your comment)

Good luck and Happy Holidays!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Countdown to Christmas Giveaways - Day 2



"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

I can just hear the smooth sounds of Andy Williams belting out this fabulous and appropriate song. As the season of craziness, hustle and bustle is upon us, Shannon, Jane & I wanted to take this opportunity to add some fun to your day! And we hope you will play along.

Each day this week, we will be hosting a giveaway on each of our blogs. The 3 items tie together somehow and a single winner will win all 3 items being given away that day. To be eligible to win all 3 items, you have to leave a comment on each of our 3 giveaway posts for the day.

Today, my featured item of the trio is one of my favorite items.



It's a $10 iTunes Giftcard!

Now, here's how you enter today's giveaway.

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me "What is your favorite Christmas Carol/Holiday Song?"

2. Head over to Shannon's Nut House and Jane's Jungle to see what else is in today's giveaway and make sure you leave a comment on each of their posts.

3. Cross your fingers and check your email in the next couple of days as we'll contact the winner by email. (So, make sure you've left a way for us to contact you from your comment)

Good luck and Happy Holidays!!
 

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