Confessions

Confessions of a busy blogger:

1. I told you I was going to give you a list of darling Christmas books. I might. In May. :)

2. I am taking down Christmas. Need I say more?

3. It is New Years Eve. We are staying home. I am excited.

4. The boys have all watched T.V. Too much. Way too much.

5. We just flew in yesterday from a wonderful trip to Missouri to visit my precious Daddy George (My grandfather). We got to see my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins along with their adorable peeps. We had a blast. However, I am mad at the airlines for charging $20 per bag. They made a lot of extra money on us this week. Your sentiments?

6. I am writing this post to escape the craziness of Christmas take-down, 3 boys, and a few suitcases that need to be unpacked.

7. I am incredibly thankful for the blessings we have food and shelter, loving family, and three healthy, precious sons along with the best husband in the whole world.

8. Happy New Year. My resolution: EXERCISE.

Um. I am a little busy.

We're on the countdown at our house.

How about you????

Today, I had my classes party and Luke's Christmas party, AND David's Christmas party.

Tomorrow, I am coordinating Benjamin's Christmas party and leaving to go out of town.

Tonight I baked cakes for Benjamin's class to decorate during their party-it is a Happy Birthday Jesus Party(stole the idea from someone else). 'Cause that IS what we are celebrating. Not what we buy, or how we wrap it, or what we make, or how we decorate. It is not. Will not. Nor ever be. We celebrate because our Savior was born. I am a bit burned out with ALLLLLLLLL of this extra that I am DOING for the approval of others!!!! You may be perfect and not struggle with that(I am being sarcastic). But my PRIDE keeps pushing me.

Let's make a pack. You and me.

Let's promise to not let our pride of presenting what we "do" at Christmas get in our way of just loving those we are around.

If your family has noticed you are stressed, or you seem short- May I offer you what I am learning(note-NOT learned, in the process of)....you are doing too much and it isn't enjoyable for anyone. If I step on your toes, I am sorry, but from one sinner to the next, let's lay our pride down.

You in?

Feeling the need for disclaimer~~~~~I LOVE Christmas!!!! I love the festivities and I love doing special things for people.

Feeling the need for additional disclaimer~~~~~I think my pride encouraged the first disclaimer. :)

Few words

Two words.

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!

That sums it up-oh glorious day!

I am coming back soon with wonderful books for Christmas~

So Snappy

Last year's Christmas card attempt #113.

If you are like me you will go to the ends of the world trying to get "THE" Christmas card picture. In my book, "THE" Christmas card picture does not have an unattainable criteria, unless you are trying to photograph 3 toddlers ages 6 and below. So, for you newer mamas that are wondering IF you can ever get your children to look at the camera, I will offer you Andi's photography 101.

1. Toddlers don't like cameras-some toddler divas might, but most despise getting their picture taken. HOWEVER, some far and few between toddlers DO indeed love the instant satisfaction of seeing the photo that they{you} worked so hard to get! SO, show them the picture. They probably won't like one of themselves like the one above.

2. Portable DVD players do in fact WORK! Have your husband hold it above your head with a favorite video playing, get a sweet, happy, zoned out photo, or when the movie gets funny; capture a full fledged belly laugh.

3. Be persistent. Don't stop ever. Even under fire. Snap woman, snap. Like your life depends on it. Start in July when vacationing at the beach-that MIGHT BE THE CARD. Keep on shooting in the fall-THAT MIGHT BE THE ONE. Don't panic, you CAN ALWAYS try for a few hours for one in their Christmas p.j.'s. Snap, I say, Snap.....................

I can not be held responsible for any exaggerating in this post. Christmas Card photo attempts have a tendency to wipe out any and all clear thinking- as if that even occurs in December.

How to Read

Today, I was working with Luke on the computer.

If you have a toddler or preschooler, may I suggest a great website it is called Starfall. I teach kindergarten as many of you know. I have taught K-5, first, and second. Today, however, Luke "schooled" me about the proper way to read. He informed me, " {he} knew everything about reading and should get to play games on the computer and not Starfall." That was BEFORE he got to design himself and make me with tan eyes and funny hair on Starfall. He had a blast and had fun reading!!! As I mentioned Luke helped me out with reading techniques. They are quoted by Luke below:

1. Read slowly.

2. Take your time.

3. Don't read grumpy.

Now it just doesn't get any cuter. Grumpy reading! I love it!

You can click on the website link to visit starfall.org. Enjoy!

Boys

photo courtsey of mr. fretts

Got Pink?

Mary Sue, This one is for you gal!

For those of you that don't know, my mother in law, Mary Sue, is a Breast Cancer Victor (I like that better than survivor, cause she kicked it in the you know what)!!!!! She was the victor, by God's divine plan.

This video rocks! The music is so fun, but what is amazing is the love that is behind it- the unity to find a cure. Turn it up loud-your kids will love jamming to it. I did!

Click here to rock on!!!!!!!!

We all know someone who is battling breast cancer, or you are about to.

Got pink?

Today

David turned 3 in September

Luke's Thanksgiving Party.

Benjamin turned 7 in November.

The tree that fell today...

Yippee. Got my Christmas cards ordered. Getting them tomorrow. Happy me.

A tree fell and missed our house today. Much excitement. My wonderful, strong, husband, (a.k.a. John Henry) swung his ax for hours today to take care of it. Have you seen his biceps? They are huge and I am thankful.

Share

treats by SweetTooth Creations party favors

So I saw this great idea. I, however, can't wait to whip up something yummy to share with our friends....for a fraction of the cost!

Want to know what it is?

Make some rice crispy treats. Cut into rectangles and insert a popsicle or sucker stick.

Dip in melted chocolate-like baker's chocolate and cover the WHOLE thing.

Let dry. Then, pipe an icing snowman, Christmas tree, or star, and embellish with sugar sprinkles or sprinkles...

Happy bake and take!

A fun twist-add some peanut butter and a little corn syrup to your rice crispy treats and then cover with melted chocolate and decorate..........Can I say YUM!?!