New Year's Rockin' Eve

Tonight we are gearing up to Dick Clark it in our house. (or should I say Ryan Seacrest it?) I'm wearing my very best sweat pants. The menu contains a variety of left overs from the week. The Commander picked up a few movies from the red box down the street. He got Four Christmases and the Hang Over. We're saving those for after 9:00 because we are exciting like that. We had dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant, but decided to cancel them at the last minute and guess what...I'm glad we did. :)
Happy New Year!!

Doctor, Doctor Give me the News.

The Wild Thing had his ONE year check up today. After the Dr. told me how smart he was she looked in his ears and diagnosed him with a double ear infection. Now he's a candidate for tubes.
He's in the 10th percentile for weight. (He's the chunky one of the mini's as the preschooler was always in the 5th percentile). He's in the 50th percentile for height and his melon ranks in the 75th percentile. He demonstrated his smarts by clapping when the Dr. asked if he could clap his hands. He says Mama, Dada, waves bye bye, grunts, points, takes about 5-10 steps at a time, grunts, picks on his brother, steals toys, and grunts.
He can drink from a sippy cup and even empty your cup if it's left within his reach. He hasn't found a food he doesn't like. He provides constant entertainment and can tackle on command. He adores his big brother who adores him. He can empty a cabinet faster than you can turn around to see it. Then he grunts. He is THE WILD THING and we wouldn't trade him for the world.

White Christmas

This Christmas was one of the best ones that I remember. You could take all the "stuff" away and it will forever remain special to me. I probably won't remember the gifts that Santa left as time goes by, but I will remember singing Happy Birthday to Jesus, sledding in the snow, and hearing the preschooler yell with excitement "Come out here, mom! You've got to see this right now!"
We had to rearrange some plans due to the weather, but we were still able to visit with everyone even if it was only for a little while. I don't recall having a white Christmas so being able to play in the snow and make snow ice cream made this Christmas one to remember.

Baking mishaps.

I have learned today that cooking is a science. You do not rush it. You do not improvise. If the recipe calls for sifted powdered sugar, then sift the sugar. If the recipe calls for 1/4 cup water then don't forget to add the water. My cookies aren't too pretty and the brownies dry. If nothing else, maybe the reindeer will eat them.
GOSH! Glad I'm not responsible for fixing the big stuff. I'm getting ready to make sausage balls and yes, I'm allowing the sausage to get to room temperature. I sure don't want to be 0-3 so until then Merry Christmas to my blog friends. I am looking forward to hearing all about your holidays in a few days. We are staying fairly close, but there is a white Christmas and cold temperatures in the forecast.

Lazy Sunday

I don't think I've ever experienced the Sunday before Christmas as a lazy day, but that's exactly what today is all about.
The Wild Thing has fever so I've been rocking him all day. It's great that he's still long enough to cuddle, but I hope he's better before too long.
He's got droopy eyes, a runny nose, and just looks awful.
The Commander went to help with decisions regarding his grandfather so the Preschooler went with him to visit Dodo and Grandaddy since they live in the same town.
What a week! We split our time yesterday between our families. Grandaddy and Dodo hosted a family reunion. It was great to see everyone and I got to pay for my raising a little. The kids used some cologne to put out a pretend fire upstairs. It was also used to clean the windows. HA! I just looked at my cousin, smiled, and said that is exactly something we would have done! I remember rubbing lotion all over my Grandmother's mirror and sticking tissues all over it. I also remember the spanking that came with that. HA!
We also attended the funeral of the Commander's Grandmother. She had a wonderful service that celebrated her life. She and her husband, John, were married over 60 years. WOW! The preacher told a story about one particular day they were driving through Fort Smith, AR. For whatever reason, John got distracted and ran a red light nearly clipping a car in the process. A few minutes later she asked "Are you going to run all the red lights or just that one?" She was so patient and kind. I always enjoyed visiting with her when we were in town. Next year I hope to visit her sister and BIL who turn their yard into a train ride for Children in Richardson Texas. They added the sleigh this year which is handicap accessible. It holds 22 children and goes all around the yard. HOW FUN!

Christmas Tour of Homes

Isn't it funny how things go unnoticed until you see them in pictures. Here's our front door with the droopy garland. I could have fixed it and posted a new picture, but that wouldn't be keepin it real so I'll just fix it as soon as the tree is centered with the window. HA!



Go here to see the fabulous homes in the Nestor tour of homes. I've so enjoyed seeing all of the decorations. I love to decorate for the holidays and this year we added a few new things around the house. We don't have a chimney so the stockings have always been on the entertainment center. This year they were hung with care on the wall. I picked up this stocking holder after Christmas last year.

My MIL got me these presents a few years ago and I love them. They sit on an end table in the living room with this little sign.


I painted these Naughty/Nice canvases last year when I was into arts and crafts.

Here's a quick glance of a few more things from the kitchen and living room.

The Commander's grandmother gave each of us these 14K gold personalized ornaments and I LOVE them.

She's hosted a Christmas Eve party at her house for as long as I've known the Commander. Friends of the family always stop by after having Christmas with their own families so it gets BIG. It has always been one of the holiday highlights. It will be bitter/sweet this year. She passed away this week and we will miss her dearly.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year.

I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my three children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree in the school playground, and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's girl scout sash with staples and a glue gun.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmas', since I had to write this one with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next eighteen years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight, and three pairs of jeans that zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your sister", because my voice seems to be out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

And please, don't forget the Play-Doh Travel Pack, the hottest stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors guaranteed to crumble on any carpet and make the In-laws' house seem just like home.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice-cream in his pajamas at midnight.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door and wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold.
Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Oh, and one more thing Santa; you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in you.

(by Debbie Farmer)

I'm going to participate in the tour of homes soon.
Must.Take.Pictures! In the mean time, I had to pass this along from The Little Ladies. Thanks for the laughs.

Loads of Fun.

We had a wagon themed party yesterday for the Wild Thing. To say he likes cake is an understatement. Video to come soon.
Everything was going swell until I went to pick up the cake. I ordered red and white presents with black accents to go in the back of the wagon. I think my jaw dropped when I saw this. Cute yes, but it matched NOTHING!

The cake decorator originally said she misunderstood and had 9 cakes for that day so she wouldn't be able to fix it.
I brought it home and decided to to call the manager. He pulled the order and told me to bring it back and they would fix me another one. At least they came through for me, my blood pressure lowered, and we were able to celebrate with this.

We stayed inside because it was cold and rainy, but the kids still enjoyed wagon rides through the kitchen and around the living room.

The preschooler helped open the presents and he LOVED it!

My baby turned ONE! How did that happen so fast?

Letters to Santa

Dear Santa,
I've been really good this year. I have a laundry list of items for you to bring me. I even want the truck that advertises shipping on the back of the Bed, Bath, and Beyond ad. Please be sure to bring a fire station with a pole, a blue robot, a transformer, an ice cream maker and a girl gift to give to Emmalyn.
Can I sit right here all day? We have lots to discuss and I want to hear all about the North Pole. You're my best friend, Santa.



Love,
The Preschooler


Dear Santa,
I don't like you. I would prefer that you NOT come to my house, but if you insist could I have some hair, my four top teeth, and maybe a toy or two? There must be some magic to you because I can't quit staring at you.


Sincerely,
Wild Thing.

Elfira.

Blog world, meet Elfira. Elfira, meet the blog world.

This introduction calls for a celebration. Now put your hands together for an 80s classic.

Elfira has done some mischievous things since he flew into our lives this Christmas season.
*He wadded up the Sunday paper and left it in the kitchen floor.
*He poured flour on the kitchen cabinets
*He eats cheerios from our Christmas dishes.
*He hides and hangs upside down in all sorts of places.
*He confiscated the Wild Thing's pacifier.
*He reports to the big guy every night on the acts of the Preschooler so the preschooler is acting angelic as a result.
We don't know what else he has in store for us, but we kind of like him anyway.

Christmas Goods.

There are a few more things I do indeed like about Christmas so I couldn't keep the grump post up any longer.
The preschooler makes a pretty tasty Rice Krispy treat.

If you come over then I'll serve one up on my Grandmother's Christmas dishes that were passed on to me.


Now bring on the Christmas cards.

BAH HUMBUG...to the retail side of Christmas.

If you have your Christmas music playing in the background and are feeling extra special this morning, then let me take this moment to proclaim my Debbie Downer Disclosure that you should stop reading now.
There are many things about this holiday season that I love.
* I enjoy the decorations. I like decorations in my house and enjoy seeing them everywhere else. The Commander might tell you this is not in fact true. He over heard a few words that are not appropriate for a preschooler's innocent ears. Those words typically only come out around this time of year when garland is involved. Once it is up, I enjoy admiring it until Jan 2 when it all comes down which brings me to my second point.
* All this work is put into rushing around for the perfect gift, hanging ornaments so the tree is evenly dispersed, and wrapping presents like a mad woman to get them under the tree and then in a split second it's over. Every year it is stated that we will open gifts one person at a time, but then the madness begins and it seems as though paper is flying then it's over. I leave never knowing who got what and because this is my blog, right now, I can make it about me.
* I'm good with the Jesus side of Christmas. My good friend, Self taught Stylist, and I were always in the church's living Christmas tree and it was fun. I can't sing a note in tune, but the people were always nice and the music uplifting so I enjoyed being a part of it. (Self Taught Stylist refuses to blog, but you would love her). I never joined the Living Christmas Tree from my college church, but they had flying angels and all. It was a big production.
*People get all crazy this time of year. The Commander and I overheard two ladies yelling at each other from their vehicles over a parking spot. Really? I wanted to yell "You are fighting over a parking spot!". "In the big scheme of life, is it really that important?" I thought they both might attack me so thought it best to keep walking.
**(I have to talk myself down from these types of situations all the time when it comes to driving and remind myself about the insignificance of the issue at hand.)
I had to go to the mall yesterday for ONE item that was left out of my bag. The store was kind enough to replace it for me, but it was absolute MADNESS. The kiosk workers in the mall are just trying to pay their bills like any of us, but I really don't want them asking me to straighten my hair every time I walk by. I also don't want to try the lotion or put on a pony tail extension. Gross. They seem to go out of their way to get your attention especially if you are intentionally not making eye contact or talking on your phone. NO THANK YOU.
* I do like the "magic" of Christmas for kids. We have an Elf on the Shelf, Elfira, who does mischievous things. I'm OK with taking the kids to sit on Santa's lap in hopes they will not be traumatized by it. I enjoy having the yearly Santa pictures displayed. However, the germophobe that I am always hopes that Santa sanitizes his hands between visits.
I don't like the expensive packages required if you want Santa pictures. Our fancy outdoor mall allows you to use your own camera so we usually venture up there to see him. I haven't done that this year due to my lingering bah humbug spirit.
*I shop early to avoid the chaos of the stores, but this year I had a few gifts left to purchase after the arrival of evil Friday. I lose things when I'm rushing around like a chicken. I inadvertently threw away two gifts. That's right..in the trash! That's the only explanation since I have searched high and low for them. I have been known to find missing things in the trash, but these got away. Did you see the red food processor and hand mixer in the Wal Mart ad for $4 each? Well, I wanted them for me and now they are gone! Thankfully it wasn't an elaborate purchase, but it's frustrating all the same.
So there are my annual Scroogy holiday issues...I promise to put on the Christmas music this week and participate in some of the holiday cheer. Anyone still here? If so, thanks for indulging me in my moment.

All Aboard the Polar Express

The preschooler and Wild Thing put on their pajamas and boarded the Polar Express with snow flakes falling lightly around it.
The train was filled with other children, all in their pajamas and nightgowns. We sang Christmas carols and ate cookies with hot chocolate as we listened to the story.



We saw elves dancing and moving all around the North Pole. When the Polar Express could go no farther, we stopped and Santa came on board to give all the children the first gift of Christmas.

The conductor came though the cabin to punch the initials of each child in his/her ticket.

Soon we were on our way home and the preschooler almost lost his silver bell while visiting Solar and TW. It broke the preschoolers heart to think he had lost his bell, but TW delivered the bell and he has been shaking it ever since. Thank you TW!
Merry Christmas!

Black Friday Mania

Last year I awoke at 4:00am and ventured out to experience the hype first hand. It was my first time to shop the day after Thanksgiving. Normally, that is the one day to avoid stores for me, but last year I suffered from pregnancy induced insomnia so at 38 weeks I headed straight to Lowe's of all places. HA! They had buy one get one free storage totes and I wanted lots of them. It was controlled chaos and the lines were acceptable so I decided to venture over to the Wal Mart next door. It was about 5:45 right as they were uncovering the secret pallets. The crowd wasn't that bad so I was in and out within 45 minutes. The parking lot was full as I was leaving which should have been a sign to go home, but the blood flow was not circulating to my brain. I headed straight for Target. I don't do large crowds or long lines so this is where the entertainment went south.

It. was. Black Friday. I was home for the day around 9:00am and the family put up Christmas decorations. That's my idea of a successful black Friday. :)

This year I noticed the black Friday ads were not in Sunday's paper. Hmm. Maybe the stores are trying to control the madness this year??? Who else shops on this day? If I wake up then I might go to a few stores, but it won't be an all day shopping extravaganza by any means. We are having Thanksgiving with my family on Friday. I love, love, love Turkey, dressing, and everything else that goes with it. It's my favorite meal of the year. The preschooler says he wants pumpkin pie, but I don't think he will eat a bite. We shall see.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We are heading to the North Pole this weekend. I'll tell you all about it when we get back.

Merry Thanksgiving, Happy Christmas.

Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas.
That is the order of the holidays as I grew up knowing them. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed like an eternity. The Christmas parade was in December. We took bags that went home full of candy thrown to the crowds from fancy, decorated CHRISTMAS floats. At the end of the parade, there was a contest for the top three floats. That town still knows how to put on a parade and I need to get my kids down there so they can experience it.
The title of tonight's parade should be called "The Worst Christmas Parade Ever". It is held in November prior to Thanksgiving. The only thing Christmas about this parade is Santa at the end. It's downright freaky, really.
The Wild Thing shook his head NO and the preschooler grabbed my coat when these puppets strolled by.

Next came Ronald McDonald and his pals. Is it just me or is he a little creepy?

The parade ends at the square where the lights are turned on for the season. This year the lights are LED to promote going green and sustainability. If I were mayor we would save money by turning them on in December after everyone has celebrated a proper Thanksgiving. If it's all about saving money then why not wait until the Christmas season to debut the Christmas lights? I would also increase the candy:kid ratio. Right now it appears that 1 in every 12 kids gets a broken candy cane or tootsie roll handed to them. There is no throwing of candy allowed.
Again, if I would mayor then I would say don't come to the parade if you are afraid of flying candy and the excitement level would be much greater.
Kids wouldn't have to cover their ears because of revving Toyota engines. The said engines were not decorated and did not disperse candy to the spectators. They were just loud in general.

I'll leave you with one of the many interesting "floats".

Merry Christmas from the closed furniture store.

Thankful for

Dear Cookies,

It's nice to finally meet. I like you. What do you say we act real nice to each other? You stay off my hips and I promise to use real, unsalted butter instead of margarine. Please come back.
I'm off to grab a glass of milk.
Toolwoman

Protect your cell phone number.

Cell phone numbers will go public this month - All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls. You will be charged for these calls. To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone (you must call from the number you want blocked): 888-382-1222 or you can register your number online at www.donotcall.gov To complete the online process you will receive an email confirming the registration and will be required to click a link. This is a national DO NOT CALL list, and your number will be blocked for 5 years.

Shopping local.

The boutique show was so fun Saturday. I really enjoyed meeting new people and seeing some old friends. My booth was at the front entrance so people were able to check out the Patty-Cakes display as they signed in.
All the booths were great. It wasn't your grandmother's craft show by any means.
I had two favorites. Meagan is very good with embroidery and appliques. She used one of Riley's shirts in her booth so of course I'm partial to her. :) If you have little girls then check out her bows and dresses. ADORABLE!
I met Marcy at the show. She had an adorable booth set up with stamps, Christmas cards, and holiday signs.
You can look at some of her items here. I want to order some extra Christmas cards from her, but can't decide which design to go with. They are all really creative.
I also got some cute Christmas decorations and gifts over the weekend so I'm ready for the season. How about you?
This afternoon I cut the coupons out of the paper (a Sunday ritual) and noticed that Walgreens has Club crackers, Cheez-Its, and Pecan Sandies for $0.50! I'll be stocking up on my limit of four. We love all the above! Now I just have to get the meals planned for the week. Cooking has been limited around here, but we are getting back on track tomorrow. My latest hobby has been looking through old and new cook books at night so I have found some really great sounding recipes. Sometimes I wish someone was here to fix them for me. HA! The commander likes to grill, but he's not big on cooking. Although, he will fix these dinners from Macaroni Grill. They are quick, easy, and I think we have one in the pantry so that takes care of tomorrow night.

Now I can put off the grocery store one more day, stay around the house, and be all things lazy. Not bad for a Monday. :)

Chillin'

Tomorrow is the NWA Boutique show and I'm looking forward to setting up my Patty Cakes booth, shopping the local talent, and meeting new people. A whole day dedicated to doing something I enjoy followed by the final home game for the Razorbacks. It's going to be a great day.
I did a little Christmas shopping today. I'm ready to set up the tree and decorations, but first we have a birthday party to throw so I'll be spending the next few weeks getting ready for this milestone celebration. Where did the last year go and how did the months pass like minutes?
Tonight, I'm enjoying a quiet evening of me time and it. is. great.I've already soaked in the hot tub, painted nails, and in my pj's. I'm all set to watch the Tivo and eat a bowl of cereal for supper. Have you checked out Kelly's blog? Her experiences in El Salvador have definately been an eye opener for me. Be sure to stop by if you haven't yet. We are so fortunate.
Have a great, relaxing weekend. I'm looking foward to reading all about yours on Sunday.

Cookies Part II

I am the Toolwoman. When I called my sister to ask if she needed anything from Lowe's yesterday she pretty much laughed at me. I like to fix things and do all things crafty. She can keep an annual plant alive for more than one year and her potato vines are so hearty that they completely cover their containers. She grows herbs and uses them in the kitchen. I kill mine and buy them from the grocery store.
She is Martha. I am not.
After my last post, I'm pretty sure she might be showing off just a little with these pictures that appeared in my inbox. Go ahead and give them a try. I'll post the recipe. It looks simple enough, but it's not. She adds a cup of magic to these cookies to make them turn out so great. I've been battling this recipe for a while and the running score thus far-- cookies: 4 me: 0
Mom must have felt sorry for me this weekend because she let me in on a secret. UNSALTED BUTTER.
I'm trying them tomorrow. WE.SHALL.SEE!


The sister's sugar cookies:
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 stick butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups "packed" flour
1/2 tsp cream of tarter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp soda

Mix packed flour, tarter, salt, and soda in a bowl. Cream butter and shortening together until light and fluffy. Add egg and sugar and mix well.
Add vanilla and dry ingredients then stir until lightly blended.
Roll our dough on a lightly floured board to 1/8 in thickness. Cut out and transfer to cookie sheet. Bake at 325 for approx 10 min.
Cool on cake rack.

Royal icing
2 egg whites
1/2 tsp lemon juice
3 c. sifted confect. sugar
food coloring

combine egg whites and lemon juice
gradually add sugar and stir until thick
(a knife drawn through the middle will leave a path)
Allow to firm, then put in airtight container.

Monday...

We are getting better around here. The preschooler got Tamiflu'd and the Wild Thing Amoxil'd. Speaking of the Wild Thing, he got a little handsy in a store today. I was looking at books when I overheard a lady say "what was that?" Then she looked over and started laughing. Apparently, his little frog hands found her bottom!!! He's into everything and grabs anything he can reach.

When he throws those arms in the air, someone is about to get tackled and it's usually the preschooler. Check out the digits on his left hand. He's wild, this kid!
I've been spending a lot of time on the Wilton website and even lurking on the baking aisle of Hobby Lobby trying to learn how to decorate cookies. I've never decorated cookies with icing so I wanted to give it a try. Let's just say I'm completely intimidated by the whole process now. Who knew there were so many things one needed to know about icing just to get pretty fall cookies. Am I making this harder than it really is? There's Buttercream vs. royal then getting the correct texture. At this rate, the only place I'll be getting these is from a bakery...

Apple Dumplins

My mom made these for our house full of sicklies.
I've been looking forward to them all day. YUM...



2 Granny Smith Apples or other tart apples of choice
1 cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 stick butter
3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 oz mountain dew or sprite

Coat a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray
Peel and core apples and cut into a total of 16 sections
In a medium saucepan,heat butter,sugar and cinnamon until sugar dissolves.
Separate dinner rolls into 16 slices. Roll up 1 apple slice in each roll. Place rolls in prepared pan and pour butter and sugar mixture over top. Pour Mountain Dew or Sprite over all.
Bake in a 350 degree oven until brown and syrup is cooked. About 40 minutes.

Steals and Deals

There are some great shopping deals this weekend to kick off the holiday season.
Print this Gap coupon to get 25% of your order including sale items. The offer is good for this weekend only.

Old Navy is offering $1 scarves in stores tomorrow.

JCrew-extra 20% off fall sale items.

Our weekend had lots of fun activities planned, but both kids are sick so we are home bound.