* I am busy working on the yearly Embarcadero coupons. I have done this project every year for over eight years now. I can't believe it's been that long. It's a nice little bit of extra cash at the end of the year.
* Lane is so close to crawling. I know he's going to do it any day now. He can pull himself up on things. He tries to crawl on his feet like a little stink bug. He has discovered that he can roll over and sometimes does it just to show me. It's cute. He gets a big smile on his face.
* My BIL is coming home from Korea today. We are very excited to see him. He's been gone for two years.
* Kim's baby is getting blessed on Sunday. I wish we could make the trip to see her and the baby.
* Heather's baby is also getting blessed on Sunday and she asked Brant to bless the baby. It will be his first. I am more excited for him than he is.
* BTW, Brant was mortified that I blogged about the kids bad behavior. He didn't know why I would tell everyone. I told him I wanted some suggestions. Thanks to everyone who said something. All of the comments helped.
* Brant is working New Year's Eve as a Bar back. Good money. Lots of hours and a very tired husband.
* We start teaching nursery on Sunday. I am kind of excited. I have put together a non-stop fun program. Brant is burning a song CD for me to use with the kids. However, we start at 1 p.m. I hope all of those kiddos get an early nap.
* I start weight lifting with Rhonda today. I am so excited about our weekly goal meetings. I have been so infused with positive energy and can't wait to get everything done on my list.
* We're still planning to move at the end of January, so it will be time to start packing.
* All of my Christmas stuff is boxed and put away. I reboxed by tree so well there was almost 20 percent of space left in the box. Yeah, I was way proud of myself. I wrapped and numbered all of the tree branches. Only an organization freak like myself would be proud.
* I noticed that Madison looks like a little girl yesterday. She had one ponytail on the back of her head and zip up hoodie. Porter has always looked the same. He hasn't changed much since he was a baby. It was sweet, but sad. They're growing up. Madison is also very smart and so much like me. I am in for it.
* Brant came home yesterday and folded ALL of the laundry. I had a massive pile on my bed.
* Now I've got to clean, clean, clean.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
New Year's Resolution Just around the corner
My MIL and SIL, Heather, are forming a Strategic Alliance. We are getting together once a week to hold each other accountable to our 2009 goals. I am so determined to achieve the success I want in life, I am very excited about this. I have some personal and professional goals that I am hoping to see happen.
Twinner Trouble
The twins are 2 years 5 months now. Though they have become better in some ways, they are more troublesome in others. They understand so much more of what they are and are not supposed to do. Yet, they seem to push the limits more than ever. Sometimes they are defiant because they think it is a game. Is this a stage they go through? Do they get worse? Do they get better? Is it because there are two? Hmmm....
Primm trip cancelled : (
Money? Quality Time? What's more important? We decided money was more important for now. We planned a one-night getaway to Primm and had to cancel it. Brant's second job called and asked if he would work tonight. The UFC fight is going on tonight--and it's a big one. Six major contestants. I was so excited to spend some time alone. But hey, the money will help pay for our insurance that we have to start paying in January. So Brant's making more money; and, I am getting "quality time" with the kids. All's well that ends well.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Miscellaneous Christmas Pics
The twins put out the cookies and milke for Santa. Our humble little tree. (Needs more decorations.) Our stockings were hung on the kids dresser--with care. The twins were so excited to open their presents on Christmas morning. Me and Madi--I had on her new Hannah Montana wig. Brant sporting his Raiders pajamas. (And--notice the short, short haircut. Yeah, I did that.)
Christmas was so much fun
This was by far my best Christmas ever. It was so much fun watching the twins get so excited over their gifts. I really enjoyed it. They were so excited.
I could hardly get them to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. We spent the afternoon deliverying cinnamon rolls to people. I took the twins and left Lane with Heather. Brant was still at work. I just wanted the kids to give something to someone.
Then, we had our traditional pajama gift that we opened. Porter got a Batman outfit and Madison got a pink Princess outfit. Both picked out and purchased by Dad. Brant bought me a peppermint and candy cane set. The shirt has a blinking light and says, "Sweet." Lane really like the light. I got Brant a pair of plaid flannel pants--with pockets. (Must have pockets.) And a long sleeve Raiders shirt.
We read several good Christmas stories. Grandma Rhonda led the "White Stocking" exercise that we do every year. Later, we made cookies and milk for Santa. Brant fell asleep early. I got the kids to bed and finished up last minute wrapping.
I couldn't get Porter to go to sleep. I told him he needed to go to sleep. He said he was waiting to talk to Santa. I said, "Why?" He said, "I need to talk to him. My stomach hurts. He can fix it." I have no idea where he got that from.
I could hardly get them to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. We spent the afternoon deliverying cinnamon rolls to people. I took the twins and left Lane with Heather. Brant was still at work. I just wanted the kids to give something to someone.
Then, we had our traditional pajama gift that we opened. Porter got a Batman outfit and Madison got a pink Princess outfit. Both picked out and purchased by Dad. Brant bought me a peppermint and candy cane set. The shirt has a blinking light and says, "Sweet." Lane really like the light. I got Brant a pair of plaid flannel pants--with pockets. (Must have pockets.) And a long sleeve Raiders shirt.
We read several good Christmas stories. Grandma Rhonda led the "White Stocking" exercise that we do every year. Later, we made cookies and milk for Santa. Brant fell asleep early. I got the kids to bed and finished up last minute wrapping.
I couldn't get Porter to go to sleep. I told him he needed to go to sleep. He said he was waiting to talk to Santa. I said, "Why?" He said, "I need to talk to him. My stomach hurts. He can fix it." I have no idea where he got that from.
The hustle and bustle comes to a close
You know I am really busy, when I don't have time to blog. I love writing and it's great therapy, so when I skip it--I'm busy.
Today I courageously decided to head to Target to shop for next year's Christmas wrapping paper and any other "great" deals on Christmas stuff. I thought I could handle all three kids and it would be no problem. To start, I sent Porter and Madison to the bath. Madison pooped in the bathtub. It was soupy-poop. Not large, easily-extracted kind. Yuck! I made her clean it up. (And then I re-cleaned it.) So disgusting. I asked her why she did it. I explained that she knew she was not supposed to do it and did it anyway. Then, I said I wanted her to start listening to the feelings she gets when she is doing something wrong. She said, "Okay, Mom. I won't do it anymore." We'll see.
We finally got out with all three kids. I took them through the drive-thru at McDonald's for water and a hash brown. Then we got to Target and made it all the way to the back of the store where the Christmas items are located. No sooner were we there, than Madison exclaimed, "I have to go pee!"
I turned on a dime and headed back to the front of the store. I am still nervous about taking them out. They have been potty-trained for some time now, but I haven't taken them away from the house alot. On the way to the bathroom, Porter announced, "I have to go poop!" At least with them yelling, the crowds cleared a path for me.
I unloaded the two of them and Lane (in his carseat) and trudged to the bathroom. I had Lane in one hand and they each took a different stall. People would come in and I was trying to juggle between the two toilets. I got sympathetic smiles. I just laughed and explained, "Twins. They had to go at the same time."
We finally got our stuff. Nothing much. Just paper, bows, a few ornaments. I still only have leftover ornaments that Vicki gave me two years ago. So I added to that. The only other thing I got was a cute "Countdown to Christmas" house.
Today I courageously decided to head to Target to shop for next year's Christmas wrapping paper and any other "great" deals on Christmas stuff. I thought I could handle all three kids and it would be no problem. To start, I sent Porter and Madison to the bath. Madison pooped in the bathtub. It was soupy-poop. Not large, easily-extracted kind. Yuck! I made her clean it up. (And then I re-cleaned it.) So disgusting. I asked her why she did it. I explained that she knew she was not supposed to do it and did it anyway. Then, I said I wanted her to start listening to the feelings she gets when she is doing something wrong. She said, "Okay, Mom. I won't do it anymore." We'll see.
We finally got out with all three kids. I took them through the drive-thru at McDonald's for water and a hash brown. Then we got to Target and made it all the way to the back of the store where the Christmas items are located. No sooner were we there, than Madison exclaimed, "I have to go pee!"
I turned on a dime and headed back to the front of the store. I am still nervous about taking them out. They have been potty-trained for some time now, but I haven't taken them away from the house alot. On the way to the bathroom, Porter announced, "I have to go poop!" At least with them yelling, the crowds cleared a path for me.
I unloaded the two of them and Lane (in his carseat) and trudged to the bathroom. I had Lane in one hand and they each took a different stall. People would come in and I was trying to juggle between the two toilets. I got sympathetic smiles. I just laughed and explained, "Twins. They had to go at the same time."
We finally got our stuff. Nothing much. Just paper, bows, a few ornaments. I still only have leftover ornaments that Vicki gave me two years ago. So I added to that. The only other thing I got was a cute "Countdown to Christmas" house.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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.
Monday, December 22, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Friday, December 19, 2008
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!"
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