For Vegas Residents Only

You can get a FREE night stay at any of the Primm Resorts in Primm. There's no catch. My husband and I are doing it and I've talked to people who have already gone. They're "catch" is to give you a free room so that you'll spend money gambling, dining, and shopping. They are not booking the rooms because the season is so slow and this is a way to attracts patrons to their other stores. Go to http://primmspecials.com and select the "freecation" banner. Details follow. You simple book the room you want and put in the special discount code: TRLV01. Hope someone can use it. We are this weekend--and, of course, I'll report back. It's only good until December 30th.

Surprise! You ARE the Nursery teacher

About a month ago, Brant and I were asked if we would accept callings to the Primary. We both said yes and as we were walking out to the car Brant said, "I hope they give us the worst class." I said, "Hold your tongue!"
Yesterday morning at 5 a.m. Brant got home from his part-time job. He had worked 10 hours--all night. I didn't have the heart to wake him up for church, so I decided to go to church with all three kids by myself. I thought, "Hey, I just have to make it through the first hour with them and then get them off to nursery."
I went to the nursery room to drop my kids off and there was no teacher. I sat and waited with another gentleman who was also waiting for the teacher. Other parents would come in and drop their kids off and leave. The room grew with more and more children. After some time, I volunteered to go ask the Primary President who was supposed to be in the nursery. They were quite pleased to see me, but surprised by my question. I said, "Is there going to be someone in the nursery?"
They said, "You're the nursery teacher."
I said, "I am?!?"
They said, "We were told you were already set apart for it."
I said, "No, we agreed to serve in the Primary, but we didn't know where we would be put."
I just laughed and thought this is too funny...and I'm going to kill Brant 'cause he's home sleeping. In their defense they said they had left two messages on Brant's cell phone. He probably didn't tell me or call them back because he has been so busy.
Needless to say it was quite interesting. Thank goodness there were two other women helping in there. I had to go out to feed Lane and the twins clung to me and whined that they were tired. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what I am supposed to be doing, but I'm sure I will be able to come up with something. And...next week, Brant is not skipping church.

A Night Out With Grandma & Grandpa

The twins went downtown to a few different Christmas sights on a night out with Grandpa and Grandma Smith. They were so excited to go. They are so lucky to have their Grandma and Grandpa close by. They told Santa they wanted toys and candy. Rhonda said they loved the singing, the lights, and the chocolate

Madison the Angelita

Geneva and Rhonda planned a Christmas program to teach the kids about Jesus' birth.
Madison played the angel. Porter, was supposed to be Joseph, but he fell asleep.

So about the great husband...

...he went to get a haircut tonight because of his part-time job. He came back home because it was going to cost him $20 for the haircut and he couldn't stomach paying that much. He asked me to cut it. I am not a haircutter--my two sisters are. And just because they know how to do something doesn't mean I do. Otherwise, I would also be a star athlete, dog trainer, runner, etc.

So...long story short. Actually, that is the story. His hair is no longer long, it is now short. Specifically, too short on one side. Something technical about the difference between a "2" and a "4". Whatever. They're all trimmers. I think a mohawk would look kinda cute on him. Besides, their very trendy. Although it may not be a good idea to look to "skin-headish" in a North Las Vegas bar/restaurant. Like the Red Sovine song, "...it'll grow back."

To the end of the story...I am thankful that my mother-in-law can fix hair messups. It looks pretty good. You can't even tell. I don't think I can get him to let me take a picture of it for my blog. So if I trick him, I'll put it on.

Quiet Time!

Brant is working at his part-time job tonight and the twins just left to go see the Christmas sights with Grandma and Grandpa Smith. So what am I going to do? I think I'll clean up the house. It's a mess. Maybe wrap some last minute gifts. And, if I get enough done I finish baking the cinnamon rolls I need to get delivered.

My husband is so great

He's been working overtime and just took a part-time job on Fridays and Saturday nights. He came home 8 p.m. after working since 5 a.m. yesterday morning. I felt so bad for him. I know how tired he is. Of course, yes, I'm Mom tired but that's just life. I gave him a backrub, then he gave me one. He said, "I've been meaning to do that for you for a long time. I just haven't had time."

The next morning, at 5 a.m. Little Lane woke up. His usual time. Madison woke up a little later. Brant said, "Why don't you go back to sleep in the kids room with Porter?" I crawled into their bed and fell asleep. Only waking briefly when Porter woke up. When I told him Dad was here, he took off. They don't get to see him alot and are always so excited when he is home.

When I woke the second time, there was a plate of food with scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon, toast and jam, and sliced apples. And...a glass of orange juice. It was a little cold, but tasted so good. He is so selfless at times. Makes me love him.

Other than that...busy, busy with Christmas stuff. Just like everyone else is, I am sure. Donations came in at $400. Thank you everyone. It's such a nice gesture and is greatly appreciated it. Brant's going to do the run tomorrow.

Six Days Until Christmas

It is exciting to have children for Christmas. Yesterday, we wrapped presents. The kids were so excited about the presents that they were running all over the house. I think part of it is that they are learning so much so quickly and they are overloaded. While running back and forth through the loft, I said to them, "Why are you guys so excited?" Madison stopped in the middle of a dead run and yelled, "Because I Love you Mom!" Then she made the sign for "I love you" and ran off saying "I love you! I love you!"

Donations

Thanks to everyone for donating. To date, I have $260.

Here's the info again if you still want to donate: Donate $1, $5, $10, or more if you have it. Because it is such short notice, Paypal is the quickest way to send it. My Paypal address is lizlane717@gmail.com. It's easy to send money. If you have a Wells Fargo you can transfer it instantly to my account or you can deposit it to acct# 2016701688.

Catchup

It has been a busy time of year. I am enjoying it so much. I can't say that I did it enjoy that much when I was single. Kids make Christmas so enchanting. Not just because of the worldly traditions, but because of their fascination, joy, and overwhelming ability to seek to learn about the reason for the season. The kids are wide-eyed with anticipation each night when we pick a new Christmas song to sing. Songs that are as old as the hills are so intriguing. They want to know what is going to happen to Frosty the Snowman. And they wonder why Rudolph had a Red Nose. They also love the quiet calm of "Little Drummer Boy." Away in the Manger is also one that they love to listen to. They try to repeat the words, but their two-year old minds can only remember a phrase or two at a time. It's so fun. I have so many things to write about, but not enough time.

Let it Snow!

It snowed in Las Vegas! Can you believe that? It hasn't even snowed in Alaska--at least not in Ketchikan were Vicki lives. It just kept coming down all day long. Although it was pretty wet, some managed to stick. It's gone now, but it was fun to see a little snow.

Donations

Thanks to everyone for donating. I know it has been a huge sacrifice for some people. I didn't expect something from everyone and I know each person's situation is unique. To date, I have $210. I did have people pledge to donate money, but I haven't received it. If I do, great. If not, we will deliver what we have. Due to Brant's work schedule, we are planning on taking it on Saturday. Here's the info again if you still want to donate:

Donate $1, $5, $10, or more if you have it. Because it is such short notice, Paypal is the quickest way to send it. My Paypal address is lizlane717@gmail.com. It's easy to send money. If you have a Wells Fargo you can transfer it instantly to my account or you can deposit it to acct# 2016701688.

The Full Moon Theory

I remember I was in my twenties when my Mom was telling me that I was born on a Full Moon. She also told me that some people thought more babies were born on Full Moons. It was just a belief, but I was fascinated by the notion. I did some research to find out if more babies were born on Full Moons. What I found was interesting. Someone actually did a study on this and they discovered that it was not true. However, because of this superstition people would talk about and perpetrate this as a truth. With the focus on births during a Full Moon, people tended to believe this was true.
This reminds me of Christmas and the whole notion of a Christmas Spirit. As I have been contemplating this, I have come to the conclusion that the Christmas Spirit isn't really unique to the Christmas season. It is only highlighted and sought after during this time. The people I know who are giving all year really don't change much during this season. It just seems like it, because their is so much attention focused on it. It causes me to reflect on myself and wonder if I buy into the hype and try to get on a bandwagon or if I carry the Spirit with me all year. I hope it is the latter.

Donations are still welcome

Thanks again to everyone who has donated. Someone pointed out that it is hard to find out where to donate when you're reading the blog on a daily basis. So I will include the info everytime I post until December 15th.
Donate $1, $5, $10, or more if you have it. Because it is such short notice, Paypal is the quickest way to send it. My Paypal address is lizlane717@gmail.com. It's easy to send money. If you have a Wells Fargo you can transfer it instantly to my account or you can deposit it to acct# 2016701688.
We are currently at: $210 collected; $55 pledged. Keep it coming!

Little Lane

Lane is so funny! He is just such a happy baby. He is a bit of slow poke of a few things. He can still only sit up. He rolled over from his back to stomach for the first time yesterday. He still can't figure out he crawling thing, but he wants to stand up! He has started this head shaking thing he does. He just starts bobbing his head. I finally got it on video yesterday. It's something only a mother would be so impressed with. He's a little chunk, too. He is wearing pajamas that the twins were wearing a year ago--they're 22 months older than him. If he keeps this growth rate up, it will look like I have triplets instead of twins.