{downgraded}

to critical. It is truly unbelievable. This is definitely HIS year with Christmas; he is at that childhood peak. He keeps coming to me begging, the last time in tears almost shaking with little hands clasped begging to open his presents. The next 20 hours are going to be extruciatingly long.

{fading fast}

evan that is. i'm not sure if he will make it until tonight when he gets to open one present, let alone tomorrow. he is on the verge of a collapse. noah is in stable condition; very excited, but a controlled-excitement. will report at shift change.

everyone, log on to Norad tonight!

{christmas torture}

the idea (because they are not yet under the tree) of Evan's Christmas presents are wrecking havoc right now. He is sooooooooooooo excited and does not think he can bear another moment without opening something. He woke up thinking it was Christmas Eve this morning and then collapsed in the floor in agony when I reminded him that it is tomorrow. He is losing his joy very quickly. Poor little guy! I seem to recall that very same pain as a child.......lol!

{heart attack}

oh.my.goodness! i probably shouldn't mention her name, because she would likely kill me. In fact, she came close to it today. i knew she was enroute with a christmas gift which was odd because we are exchanging next sunday - but, she was very excited. i opened the door and i'm not sure if i slammed it closed on her, ran away, i know i was jumping up and down, trying to get her to leave with it..........


this now resides in my office!!!!!!!!!! Isn't it wonderful???? The story behind it is really funny; so that just adds to it.

and, as much as i love this rug, i love her and her little family so much more! it is suppose to be a thank you for a few pics i have taken for her over the year, but, i definitely got the better end of the deal. how hard is it to take pics of a beautiful baby? all i can say is thank you to each of you - i'm still dazed. love you!

ps, i think i'll take M lead and post some pics of additional thoughtful gifts i've received. i have alot to be thankful for!!!

{more christmas}

we are still alive. i have a nagging cough still, but, otherwise am back up to speed. evan woke up again with a terrible nose and cough. thus, we are all still in our pj's at 3:15 in the afternoon. today, i am officially wrapping up the last minute photography orders, boxing things up and such, but today should be it! thank goodness!

the flip side of that is i am so sad that december is almost over. i know all of us our busy, busy - but, the kink of us getting sick threw a little twist in the plans. but, again, i am thankful that ours was minor - i have several friends whose child or spouse is in the hospital as i type this. so, i have nothing to complain about.

and, on a much lighter note, a few pictures that i took a couple weeks ago. nothing fancy, in fact, i skipped out on much of it. no christmas village, just one tree, no train; but, very christmas-ey just the same.

so, here is our little tour....... nothing like the one i went on a couple of weeks ago in a neighborhood in greenwood - but, ideas i took from it nonetheless. i've decided next year, i am going to start my christmas craft projects in july. i got zilch completed this year.

i had spied this metal birthday cake last year at Lisa B's and bypassed it. I saw it again at Holiday Market and walked away kicking myself. Finally, with little hope i went into Lisa's a couple weeks ago and asked if she by chance had one this year - she did! she had one and it was 50% off! i LOVE it!

i am loving using fabric this year. just the inexpensive stuff at walmart. just seems to soften everything.

our poor little gingerbread house. note to self: remember to put the frosting in the bottom of the tray next year. yep! that would have helped! even our outdoor gb man was sad. :(

ang i and always either get each other an ornament or buy one for ourselves when we are together. this is us when we are old. it says sisters. others i have from her include a couple of elvis, a multi-tasking mom in mayhem, glass ornaments, etc.

THIS is one of our cherished ornaments. notice i have kept the tag on (on purpose) we purchased this on one of our trips to SF for in-vitro. at the pier, they had an all year Christmas shop so - we got a noah's ark for whatever child God had in our future. little did we know how we would be incrediably blessed with noah about 3 years later.

this is from our shopping trip together this year (ang & i) at holiday market. she got an identical one with an A.

our sneaky little elf, elmer. the boys are still loving him! i hate to see him go thursday night. :(

our nativity has many broken pieces and is sitting high on our kitchen cabinet. i am hoping to replace it this year.

i think i will keep all of this up until valentine's day. seriously.

{santa just rang the doorbell}

aka the Mail Carrier in blue, tomorrow he could be dressed in brown (our fav!) or the competition to the brown. ;) So........THE only thing that Noah requested that I discovered could NOT be purchased within a 75 mile radius last week. In sheer panic, the internet came through. As I was literally tracking it, miraculously, the doorbell rang. Whew, that one was close!! Noah will be very pleased!!! Thanks, Santa!!!

{traditions}

I love them a little too much, I think. It is borderline obsessive. Yes, it is! But, I just love how they link us to the past - a fairly recent past or a past that consists of generations. It falls along the line with me on the sense of smell. One whiff of Tropicana Fruit Punch and I am back in time drinking it with my Grandpa. When I was sick. While eating pickles. Another story, another day......but, you know what I mean. Traditions can be intense with memories. So, I try am constantly open to new ideas to become old traditions in this household. So.....this is where you come in - leave a comment on YOUR family traditions that you couldn't or wouldn't want to live without. Let's see what is out there......here are a few of ours.....

1. Opening two gifts on Christmas Eve - one a new set of PJ's and a "gift". (partially carried over from my childhood)
2. Reading the Christmas story from Luke on Christmas Eve.
3. Our Jesus Birthday Party - 3rd year running. I used to bake an Angel Food cake, but, decided to go all out a few years back.
4. Christmas Light Night. This year, I plan to pick up pizza so we can eat it in the car as we ohhhh & ahhhh.
5. The Christmas Camp-Out that I stole from the Coston family. We have tried it twice and something has happened to interrupt it both times. I'm not giving up though, another attempt this Saturday night.
6. Reading our Christmas books over the month of December. One mom I saw actually wraps hers and lets the children open one each night.
7. Our Elf Elmer - new this year! Love it!
8. Dear Santa letters (and email this year)
9. Magic Reindeer Dust....love that!

I'm certain there are more, but, I have a horrible headache and literally cannot think. So, leave a comment with your family traditions!!!!

{ha!}

I had a big order of Christmas Cards arrive today. Thankfully, only one mistake. And it was mine. (whew!) So, when you receive your card from us - just consider it an early CC for next year due to the fact it says 2009 on the back!!!!

Seriously? Has the lack of oxygen from the congestion caused that much damage?

{christmas card}

well, i got the last of the Christmas cards ordered for 2009 - ours being the VERY last. Whew! Orders going out, orders coming in, I'm dizzy at this point. One more reallllly hard week and then I hope to settle down into a cozy Christmas instead of spending every night with this computer. We don't like each other very much at this point. He (why I refer to my computer as a he, I'm not sure - I guess because he doesn't stop and ask for directions, but does his own thing) has given me fits this week. But, we are limping along to get everything taken care of and then it's off to the shop he goes........again. :)

i wish I could show you our card - I'm trying out something totally new before possibly offering it next year.....but, I'll make you wait until you open your mailbox & then, let me know, old style versus trial version.

{swirling}

my mind is swirling with things I would like to blog about, but no time yet. I have one more realllllly hard week of firm work and edits and I am hoping the pace will slow down tremendously following. But, some topics I want to go back to: the tour of homes (LOVED it!), the boys and their excitement for Christmas, the baby bunnies (doing well, will post pics in a day or two), the fact that my holiday decorating is done - simple, but fun, etc, etc.

And, Noah and I made a mad dash into Wally World yesterday and while there we picked up our party decorating supplies (for Dec 25th!). We bought Jesus a birthday card, streamers, balloons (all red and lime), and a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing. We will all collect three 'presents' for the party. The boys bring the things that are dear to them, it's funny. So, Jesus will probably be getting hot wheels and trains. We are each going to send invitations to our family and friends that will be coming. Just a fun day! I'm so excited! & a benefit - we will get to stay in our pj's all day for this party. { & the decorations are DONE! }

{GREAT find}

Okay girls (& Philip:) in case you have not come across this site, please grab you kids and husband (wife to you P.D.) and go to this site it is wonderful!!! Email Santa

The boys LOVED it as did Scott and I. Click on send Santa a letter and 'compose' your letter - within seconds from hitting send you will get a personalized response from Santa. So fun!!! They boys were literally beside themselves. Scott and I even sent one. A definite highlight!

Also, had a GREAT time touring the homes in Greenwood today. So beautiful!

{giving}

Before I settle in for a long day here at the computer, I feel very compelled to write something about giving. I don't necessarily want to, in fact, I don't want to at all; but, I can't shake it. It's a bittersweet memory to revisit, but, maybe it will benefit someone else out there. And, I'm sitting here in tears, so it will be as brief as I can make it - maybe someday I will expound upon it more.

This morning, I ran into a sweet friend as we got donuts for the kids. Just a chance meeting. As we drove away in opposite directions, I just had an immense sense of peace & happiness. You know, the one in which all is right in the world, although you know better. The type that can only be explained from above. Well, I smiled to myself as I often tease her at how perfect her life is and she quickly reminds me that it is "life". She looked perfect as always, I was in my running clothes, hair piled on top of my head; not presentable at all. And, I only tease her because of all of the dysfunction in my own life right now. :) But, she and I started out pretty much the same and have alot of similarities with our backgrounds as children. As I drove home, I was listening to great music, my boys were in the backseat all cozy and warm eating donuts....I was just thankful for so much: the health that we have, our home, our children, our friendships. Very thankful. I looked at what my boys have while taking into account what they have lost and even that floods me with a rush of emotions. I can see parallels and clear distinctions with and of my own childhood. Sometimes, it is very hard, and other times I feel the need to revisit my own childhood at this time of year in particular. I get a huge urgency to give. And, I would beg of you to do also.

I was that child. The one that is on the other side of the giving - the receiving. I was one of the children who benefited from the Salvation Army Christmas gifts every year. The memory of my brother and me sitting in my grandpa's car in the parking lot at the Fort Smith facility is etched in very deep. In fact, a few months ago while making a wrong turn in downtown Fort Smith, I saw the building for the first time since my childhood. It made my heart stop.

At the time, there was no shame for us - we were just so excited as my mom somehow brushed away her pride and went into this building to carefully choose a new present and two used toys for each of us. My dad had horrible health problems for most of my life. His work ability was hit or miss. He ended up having a massive heart attack when I was around 12 and suddenly died when I was 15. The years that led us to that point were very difficult and unbearably painful subsequently. As we grew up, seeds of embarrassment and shame did begin to creep in and I just tried my best to keep all of it from my friends. I'm not certain any of them ever really knew. But, now as an adult - there is so much to take in and understand.

Even though somedays I am painfully aware of the circumstances that have changed for us - not in the material ways, but, in the things that matter: health, family involvement, and just day to day activities I had so taken for granted; I am so aware of how blessed we are in the midst of that. So, as I go through the boys closets this year and get sickened by the massive amounts of toys they have accumulated over the past year, I hope to instill in them this urgency to give. When I pass by the Salvation Army bells - I can't help but to dig in my purse - my ears cannot ignore that ringing. So whether it be the Salvation Army - or any other worthwhile cause - please take a moment to see what your family can do this year. I know that times are tough for so many of us right now any my heart is just aching to help in some small way. At least, clean out some closets. You have no idea how what your children have pushed aside will absolutely thrill another child. I promise you that, because I know.

{sock monkey ornaments}

I got those cute monkeys at Holiday Market, but I just did a quick search and found sets of four of them at Amazon.com - the set of 4 is $19.80.



They are more than appropriate for our tree!!

{finished!}

me? no, the tree! I will never be finished with whatever it is I am working on at the time. never. if I didn't have 37 projects going at once maybe? Thankfully, I got up super early to finish it. Now just to add the train.

update of Noah: hovering about 101 with medication. He starting to get a cough now. :( Even though I am literally only feet away from him working on a case, it is so hard to walk away from him. :( But, he's set - sprite, remote control, cozy blanket, cartoons, Christmas lights and the fact his brother is in the room, but on the other side of the room. No fighting. Gasp! I know you thought they never fought. Yeah, right, just ask Mr. Justin. Although, I'm not sure what that was? Daddy maybe? Thus the lovely Mrs. Mandy buys them punching bags per Justin's request.

Okay, a tad off track there!

{a work-in-progress}

Our night designated for decorating was a flop. Evan fell asleep and when he awoke....C.R.A.N.K.Y. Scott had a migraine and was sleeping.........C.R.A.N.K.Y. So the Christmas music got zapped. Noah was VeRy enthusiastic. A little too enthusiastic. But, then, he finally pooped out on me. Since, I have been adding a few ornaments here and there when I walk by. Our living room still has boxes/tubs, a ladder at the moment. I am determined that by Friday night our tree will be finished....so we can enjoy our camp-out.

Still working on it & pardon the mess!

Lights, camera (in hand)......

NO action!! :) But, oh how sweet!

"the wall" - also a work in progress as it will always be, I guess :)

I buy the boys new ornaments every year, they are the first to go on the tree. Over look Evan's dire need for a haircut. Of note, an appointment with Ms. Krystal was made today!

Two monkeys for two monkeys.

Still not finished, but, inching forward...

& not a pretty tree with ribbons and bows...I gave up on that. I'll just go to my friends homes to ohhh and ahhhh. I'm just about getting it up at this point. But, notice that large out of place ornament with the blue on it...Evan's tiny little 4 month old foot. Ahh... We still have to make our homemade for this year.

The mantel is totally different this year, I used stuff I had, with the exception of the polka-dot SANTA sign. Very fun and whimsical. Okay, and a bit gaudy. I should rename this the gaudy blog. That's me! I love color a bit too much. But, isn't it fun?? And I can somewhat get away with it at Christmas. {wink, wink}

I have an addiction for plates I've determined. And, rugs, but that's another story.

The last two years I have actually not really purchased any new decorations, so I have to "shop" in my attic. But, that's even fun!

I'll post more as I add it. Or who knows, this may be it? I'm certain after the Home Tour this Sunday, I'll be ready to go again!

{idealism versus realism}

on trimming the tree. details to follow.

{festive}

I have been working in increments alllllll.day.long to get the tree up. Just up, not decorated. I have rearranged the living room for the first time in eleven years and think I'm loving it!! So, tonight, I will pull away from editing-like-a-crazy-little-elf long enough to ENJOY some Christmas music, hot chocolate, a fire and some Christmas scents while the boys and I decorate it.

The rearrangement will probably throw Noah out of his orbit, he's still not liking to two different colors of paint in the kitchen. But, at least his tree will be up and it's only December 1st! And, I can pretty much promise you I think I'm keeping it up well into January. This is hard work!

{peeping tom}

I was on my way through my bedroom when I heard a little gruffy morning voice start off.... "Elmer". I had to see it, so I crouched behind the door and spied it through the crack between the door and the door frame. A little underwear clad, morning-hair body stood with his hands behind his back as he addressed Elmer the Elf. I got a little dizzy when I heard him request NINE transformers. Visions of $$ flased through my head. He spoke to him for about a minute re: each of the transformers he would like. It was too cute for words. Another freeze frame.

{big day}

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We had a house full of family and friends which is always a good thing. Lots of food, but very few leftovers - amazingly. The day was very relaxed, the kids played from morning until night, we remembered those who were not with us this year and prayed for health and protection of those who were. A very good day.

And, our elf arrived at our front door last night. I will definitely post more on that later. So cute! Noah has fallen for him completely and is actually looking for his new hiding place as I type this. Evan.....not so sure. Actually, very skeptical. Although, I say that and I heard them both talking to him at different times last night. Adding to their list of course! Evan is also having a very difficult time not touching him to see if he is "deal". They also followed the storyline and named him......Elmer. So, our family now has Elmer the Elf.

Now, I am frantically trying to get so much wrapped up in order to visit my aunt and family in Oklahoma City. I was already suppose to be on the road and I'm not even close. :(

{fallen off the wagon. already.}

okay, so i am breaking my fast - but, just a quick break. i had to get a plug in! today i ran by creative kitchen to pick up a couple of the elf of the shelf sets as christmas gifts. she's pretty certain that i got the last two; but, she is ordering more. if you want one you may want to call ahead and have her put your name on it. they are that cute guys!

oh.my.goodness! i had never been in there before! i love it! i bought several little items, mostly for christmas...a few for me. ;) for christmas, so that makes it okay, right? i got scott some "onion goggles". seriously. he cannot be around onions AT ALL when they are being chopped or it will pretty much guarantee a migraine. problem solved! i'm not sure if they are really for him or for my benefit, it's a toss up! then, i got someone (no name mentioned) a "butter bowl" it is a cute little red ceramic dish that you add a stick of REAL butter and a measurement of water. the water seals it shut and you can leave it safely out of the fridge as it is tightly sealed. soft butter at a moments notice. may sound strange, but the recipient will love it. because, she loves butter. let's see....i also got THE CUTEST recipe holder for someone that has been looking for THE CUTEST recipe holder. did i say it was very cute? hmmmmm.......they also have all of these neat cooking gadgets - measuring utensils, whisks, scrapers, etc for older people or those who have difficulty with using their hands/arm (ie. my mom from the fracture last year). she cannot stir things well, cannot open things at all....will be perfect! they also have the cute little "chalkboard" signs. that was what i got for me.....i can write the boys notes, happy whatever, i love you's - it will be fun. and, disposible cups for get togethers that have "labels" to write your name to avoid a mix-up with an uncle with a cold. thoughtful things too. ;)

and, if either of you know the owners Jaime or Jennifer........super sweet and fun! and, they did not even ask me to write this. just some really cute finds in a complete range of prices all at one stop. i love that! just wanted to share.