Happy Holidays to Us!!!

I guess we can't say we never win anything anymore. Actually, we couldn't say that anyway. We are a pretty lucky family all around. In any case, we won something pretty fabulous last night.

The So-called Grown-up's in the family went to a boat holiday party. The food was so-so. (They served turkey, two days after Thanksgiving, ugh). The music was interesting, and karaoke was going strong. Lots of people had a lot to drink and we were sitting back watching it all take place. We listened to someone do a decent version of Billy Joel's Piano Man and a group of drunk goofs bungle their way through Friends in Low Places. Mercifully, someone stopped the madness to do some drawing for door prizes.

We waited, not expecting anything. We knew there was a Wii in the mix. Adam has been on edge about getting a Wii for Christmas, he wants one so bad he's started to bargain with us. He says if we get it, it can count for Christmas, Birthday and he will throw in $2.00 for us. What a generous offer, don't you think? In any case, we did not win the Wii. Instead my name was called for an all inclusive stay at the beautiful Inn at Port Ludlow for two people on any weekend before the end of Jan. that we would like. A mom and dad get away, not too far from home with luxury we could not otherwise afford. We were thrilled!!! We decided that was a great Christmas present for grown-ups and we will look forward to going. Now to find someone to watch the darling children for a couple of days.... Any takers?

It's a NEW CAR

Well, not brand new, but new to us. The Sunfire is having some major issues that we just can't cope with anymore. We liked not having a car payment and when it came to the point where we were paying our mechanic every month what we would pay in a car payment, we decided it was time to do something else. We scrimped around and came up with the money for this nice, newer car.

It's a 2000 Mercury Sable and we like it alot. It fits our whole family, it's in good repair, and it drives very nicely. It's nice to not have to worry about getting over the pass, or paying your children's college tuition savings to your mechanic.

Anyone in the market for a Mechanic's special? Low miles, just needs a new transmission and some electrical work. It's CHEAP!

Sad Baby

This is what Meg has looked like for the past 5 days now. She started running a fever when we got into the car to go visit Grandparents for an early Thanksgiving and was miserable all weekend. I thought she might be better when we got home, in her own bed and all of that. Nope. She's still a sad, sad baby. I took her to the doctor just because I couldn't stand to see her so sad anymore (and because my arms were getting sore from carrying her EVERYWHERE) and it turns out she has a double ear infection. No wonder she is sad. But, here we are on day 3 of meds and she is still sad. Fortunately she is sleepy too, so I can get some blogging done.

Here she is telling me "No picture Mommy. UP! UP! UUUUUUPPPPP!"

Hopefully she will be feeling better very soon. Sad babies are the worst thing ever.

It's that time of year again....

Time for family Christmas Photos... While I am not sure yet about ours, I have had the privilege of doings some fun photos for friends and clients in the area. Thought I would show you some of their cutest shots.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Happy Birthday to my Mom. Our top favorite things about her:

1. She bakes the best bread ever! She kept us going on bread and fruit in years when there wasn't much of anything else. We never felt deprived.

2. She's the hardest worker ever.

3. She believes in magic. She tells her grandchildren that the traffic lights are changed by magic and that electricity fairies run the lights in her house.

4. She's always looking for new and different ways to do something. Sometimes she has to re-invent the wheel, but it's always more interesting when she gets done.

5. She makes tuna sandwiches for her poor grandson when his mama won't even open the can. That's love.

6. She's weathered some real storms in life. Although she's gotten wet and battered, she's always serene in the aftermath.

7. She loves the Lord and teaches her children and grandchildren to do the same.

8. She can rock even the crankiest grand baby to sleep. It's the most amazing thing.

9. She's truly happy to help others when she can. It's never a burden, never a bother and always a joy.

10. She has an attitude of gratitude. I love that she's grateful for the small things even when all of the big things are going downhill fast.

Happy Birthday Mom. We love you.

Veteran's Day

I wanted to do a Veteran's Day post. Something patriotic and wonderful. Something that said how grateful I was not only to those who have served in the armed forces in the past, but to those who teach me so much as they serve now. Something that would give the praise and appreciation they so much deserve. Unfortunately, in between food poisoning and phone calls, I didn't get to it. So sorry to everyone who deserves the thanks.

Here's what we did instead. All morning I cleaned like a mad woman. My house has been spiriling out of control for a while now and that was the day to do something about it. The phone started ringing early, with random stuff, and didn't stop. After Meg's short nap, we attended the Veteran's Day program at the Kitsap Pavilion. It was so nice. Very well attended and very well done. Adam loved it and Meg loved the flag she got to carry around all day. They had a free lunch afterward (I know there's no such thing, and now I really believe it). Adam and I stood in line for chili and hot dogs and salad. Justin and Meg weren't interested, lucky them. As soon as we got home, I started feeling yucky, and Adam started feeling yucky. As it turns out, something wasn't right with those hot dogs and we were both sick the rest of the night. So not fun. I am sure they weren't trying to kill us, but what a way to say thanks, eh?

In any case, I wanted to say how much I am grateful for the Veteran's who have served before us, who have paved the way to the wonderful life we have. Grandpa Bill, Grandpa Duane, Uncle Rob, Cousin Johnathan, Uncle Kevin, Joe, Matt, Shandrea, Bill, Patty, Karl, Tony, Dawn, Lou and so many others... we love you. Thanks for every little thing.

Reflections

In Adam's class this year they are participating in the national PTA contest Reflections. The theme this year was "WOW". He went back and forth on several things he wanted to do, and finally settled on photography. We went to a local park and he took tons of pictures. He put them all in a computer collage, (by himself, really). He called it Wonders of Washington. His comment on the back said "These are things in my neighborhood that make me think WOW."

Bugs and Ghosts

I haven't gotten around to my Halloween post until now. Boo! Did I scare ya?

Meg was the cutest little Lady Bug. I love Old Navy costumes. Warm and cozy and cute! Adam wanted to be a ghost, so we made him as scary as we could. There was no hiding those freckles though.

Meg's favorite part was knocking on the doors. She was very polite and said thank you to every "Gramma" who opened the door to her. She didn't catch on she was getting candy until she discovered a succor in her bag. That was it, all she wanted to do was sit in the stroller and eat it. She loved the dogs too. Adam was again fascinated with the door bells and decorations. He was a good helper and he got A LOT of candy.

All in all, a good day. Looking forward to the fun again next year.