Our Merry Little Christmas

A little Christmas scrapbook. Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Maddy's Sweet Sixteen

This is a little late, but enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Quote-of-the-Day

Nicky: 'Holy Cow' is okay to say, right?

Me: Yes.

Nicky: But 'Holy FREAKIN' Cow' isn't, right?

Me: (Gasp!) Right, Honey.

Note to Self: Talk to Maddy

Facebook for Dummies

Okay, so Maddy has been wanting a Facebook account.  She knows how I feel about MySpace- and it ain't a pretty or warm and fuzzy feeling.

Facebook, I have been lovingly told, is a much better option.  

So, I hopped on there to find out about it and made myself and account.  

Within moments, truly moments, I had messages from some people that had previously invited me to be their friend.  I was stunned.  How can this be?  I happily added them to my friend bank.  {you see I have to figure out all of this before I unleash Maddy on it}

Then I looked around and found lots of people on there that I would love to keep up with, but that don't have a blog. {you know who you are!}  

If I understand it right, your 'wall' is an open area for you to post your thoughts/feelings {with limited character number} and your 'friends' can respond and have an online convo.  Correct?

And your inbox is like an email between you and one of your friends?  

Pictures posted are on the wall for all 'friends' to view and respond to?

So, I am pretty sure that I am a blogger for life-- or as long as blogging is a pastime.  This Facebook?  Didn't plan on having one, so I don't really know.  

And finally, I am in a pickle.  

What do you do if someone wants to be your friend on Facebook, and they ignore you in real life?  

Just Don't Tell Me

Christmas Tree up, check.

Visit to Santa, check.

Christmas cards sent, check.

If you have done more than this.  

Please.  

Just Don't Tell Me.  

With Wondering Awe

With wondering awe the wise men saw

The star in heaven springing,
And with delight, in peaceful night,
They heard the angel singing:
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to His name!

By light of star they traveled far
To seek the lowly manger,
A humble bed wherein was laid
The wondrous little Stranger.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to His name!

And still is found, the world around,
The old and hallowed story,
And still is sung in every tongue
The angels' song of glory:
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to His name!

The heavenly star its rays afar
On every land is throwing,
And shall not cease till holy peace
In all the earth is growing.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to His name!

~Laudis Corona, Boston, 1885

Anybody Want a Snowcone?

Forty, Schmorty!

So sometimes life pulls mean tricks.
First you are young. You know nothing about being older.
Then you find out about being older and no longer wish to be young. In the quest for older you don't give adequate respect and admiration for your young self.
Then when you get older you are joying in the youngness of your own young ones.
Then one day you find out that your young ones are getting older, though they think that they aren't old enough and wish to be even older, at the exact moment that you realize that you ARE older and now you wish to be young.

I was born in 1968. That makes me 40 years old. Holy Moly! I can't believe it. Hmmmph!

Well even though I am old, I have tons of people who aren't willing or ready to put me out to pasture, and who showered me with delightful gifts all week long!

Gifts from Hubby and Family on Thursday. Breakfast in Bed on Saturday. A Homemade Mexican Fiesta on Sunday. Many gifts dropped off and mailed throughout the week. A homemade raspberry creme cake on Monday. And a wonderful afternoon lunch today. Yay, me! Thank you everyone! (you know who you are) :-)

In true aurora-fashion, I don't have many pictures. But here are just a few.

Some of the Birthday Bunch at Macaroni Grille

The rest of the Birthday Bunch -- yes a grainy picture due to the fabulous fire behind us!

I look like a big magenta blob crowding out poor Kristy!

My super-spectacular Raspberry Creme cake. Hubby is amazing. I might even be eating a piece right now... you never know. ;-)

And a yummy nap like a cherry on top!

...I think this 40 stuff might not be so bad after all.

You Have Been Warned...

You won't be able to stop.

The End.

I Won!!

So it is really funny when girls that you taught in church as teenagers become your peers! They grow up and have kids the same age as yours... weird. They become these beautiful, freakishly talented young women. Lisa is one of those.

Lisa makes gorgeous vintage-inspired jewelry. Her line is called Jeweled Ambrosia. Gorgeous name for gorgeous things. She also makes some amazing childrens' puppets. You really should check out her Little Lovables site.

I entered a giveaway on her blog a while ago and I won! Here I am sporting these gorgeous (how many times can I say that in a post? probably as many times as I say it in real life...) Indian Charm Earrings. Fab, no? Yes!

Need a little something special for Christmas? I am sure that she can hook you up. She has a great little shop on Etsy, too.

Thank you, Lisa!

PS-- Please ignore my gigantic head! I was trying to get it big enough to show the earrings well. And speaking of which-- sorry for the semi-frozen smile-- my flash wouldn't go off...

Sunday Funnies

Another gem from Overheard in the Ward-

Elder: She is totally a "Lead Kindly Light " kind of girl.

Elder #2: Huh?

Elder: You know… [singing] Lead Thou Me On.

Overheard by: ChoirFreak

What Have You Done?

I got this from Holly's blog.
The things I have done are in italics and highlighted in bold:

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables (with mild success...)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train (Europe 1984)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (it was a water taxi- but I am counting it!)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors (Greece)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (at houses- not at a Karaoke club)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt (No, I haven't-- and there is a funny story behind that... just ask my husband...)
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted (by my grandfather- it hangs in my room)
48. Gone deep sea fishing (yeah, with as much as I like fish, you can imagine my excitement)
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (okay, we were on a budget- been there; not to the top)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain (no, and that is a shame...)
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (Yes, for my mom- she owes me; I passed out!)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square (it is on my list of things that I really, really want to do!)
74. Toured the Everglades (yes, and another funny story will be posted about that!)
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (several toes; some toes more than once; I am awesome like that!)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican (we were outside- I am counting it)
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House (as a young child)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (yeah, right)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Sean Hannity is the coolest!)
92. Joined a book club (do I read the books? not always)
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

If you want to play along, go ahead!

Moto Moto - Big and Chunky

Okay, so watching Madagascar 2 I totally lost it in the theater and nearly peed my pants! This song cracked me up sooo bad! This is just a little music video, but I think that you get the idea.

Moto Moto is like a Barry White of the hippo world. You may think differently of me-- but hey, I am trying to keep it real.

My blog. Remember?

Enjoy! And pass the sweet potatoes...

Like It?

Like my new header??

My super-creative-wonderful-friend-who-moved-away, Aubri, made it for me!!

Thanks, Aubri!

(Yes, I realize that my backgrounds have changed about 10 times in the past 2 weeks! Just trying to find one that is 'me'. Love this one for the Holidays.)

♥♥♥

Up and Over

On John's first trip to China, we were confused by the fact that they flew him to Chicago (north) to go to Asia. We couldn't figure out if he was going to go eastward or westward.

Being the techie that he is, he enjoyed watching the monitor which showed their route as they progressed.

Amazingly, they went up and over the top of the world! Can you believe that? Here is a picture showing their plane as they went over the North Pole. Incredible.

I wonder if he heard tiny hammers? I am sure that the Elves are busy this time of the year. :)

Got Heat?

In 90 - 95% of the homes in China, the heat is controlled by the government.

They turn the heat on November 15th.

End of story.

Let's Dance!

Stephie's First Dance was this past weekend. I think that she looked so pretty! I can't believe (and neither can her older sister, Maddy) that she is getting so tall!

For the Big Night, Maddy did Stephie's eyeliner and gave her a quick lesson on how to dance with a boy. {sigh}

What a lucky mom I am. Not only are they beauties on the outside, but treasures through and through.

Stephie (left), Maddy (right)

Crochet Creation

As I said before, I have picked up my crochet hook again lately. Here is Lilly in a little hat that I made for her. I think that it is delightful. I have requests from my other kids- different colors, with or without flowers, but everyone seems to want one around here. Me included.

China Syndrome

Hubby's off to China again.

I guess he missed going to restaurants to eat things like:

this-

Goose Tongues

I Don't Know...

You Couldn't Pay Me Enough...

Or the adventure of 'Let's-Pick-Our-Dinner' ! (from the aquarium... no this is not a zoo, it is a restaurant...)

Plenty of delights to choose from:

Eel

Turtle

Or These Little Nifties...

Now, I Could Do This -

This, Not So Much...

I am thinking that a PBJ and some milk sounds mighty fine right about now.

Overheard in the Ward

Just a peek into the fun little blog called Overheard in the Ward. A blog dedicated to the funny things that we encounter on sundays, you can submit your own little morsels. Here is one that tickled my funnybone. ☺

Embrace Me:

4-year-old boy bearing testimony:

I’m so glad Daddy gave Mommy a special hug so my sister and I could be born.

In Answer...

Thank you for all of your inquiries. My Hubby is back from China safe and sound. Unfortunately, he has to return on Monday.

We had a fun couple of days together, including the Pumpkin Patch, lunch at Babe's, pumpkin carving, Hallowe'en, yard work and church.

Once back at work, it was apparent that he was needed back in China as soon as possible.

The Sunny Side:
He will be back for Thanksgiving, my (ahem) 40th birthday, and the Duran Duran concert!

Pathetic

"I've got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."
-- Barack Obama in Pennsylvania on March 31, 2008

Hallowe'en Fun 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Texas Homecoming (Mum's the Word)

Round about September a very interesting section pops up in the craft stores here in Texas. There are ribbons and trinkets, beads and flowers and bells and whistles and other amazing items in the local school colors.

It is Homecoming Season in the Great State of Texas.

"For the uninitiated, a homecoming mum is an oversize mum corsage decorated with three-foot long streamers in the school colors, bells, charms, banners, little plush animals done up in bows, sparkly letters, even Christmas tree lights.

It is usually worn in the middle of the chest like a breastplate with the streamers flowing down the front of the body almost touching the ankles. It is, in short, a fashion statement.

But homecoming mums are so much more than that. They are a sign that somebody loves you. They’re no longer given only by boyfriends. Mums can come from friends, your mom, dad, aunt, or even a booster boy (a boy-friend who is not your date)." ~ from TheArtfulCrafter.com

Well, this being the weekend of Maddy's Sweet Sixteen marked her very first date. She was asked to the Homecoming Game.

In Texas tradition, the boy gives the girl a Homecoming Mum and the girl gives the boy a Homecoming Garter. So, off we went to a friend's house for a quick lesson; to the craft store for some supplies; and to the coffee table to create.

Here is the Garter that Maddy and I made for her date.
(red and gold are her colors, but he goes to a different school which has black and gold as their colors- so we added token black accents)

Here is Maddy wearing her Homecoming Mum. It was truly gorgeous! Her date made it with his sister's help. There were so many beautiful ribbons and trinkets.
They also made her a cute little Finger Mum.

Here they are wearing their Homecoming garb on their way to the game.

Her school lost. They were creamed, actually. She didn't care one bit.

Meltdown Monitoring

Yes, my hubby's business trip was extended.
No, I haven't had another major meltdown.

Yes, Maddy's first date went well.
No, I haven't had another major meltdown.

Yes, I now have a sixteen year-old daughter.
No, I haven't had another major meltdown.

Political Tango

And Now for a Little Comic Relief...

Special thanks to Blissfully Domestic for the photo

It's My Blog and I Can Whine if I Want To-

So I have been without my sweet hubby for 11 days now. So far, here is what I have been up to:

• Had a solo anniversary;
• Been driving kids left, right and center all on my own;
• Have been preparing for Maddy's 'first date' to the Homecoming Game. (more on the crazy Texas tradition of mums and stuff when I am feeling a bit more cheerful)
• Had our new freezer do a mini-meltdown; mopped it up; tossed some stuff; consulted manuals and messed around in the garage for more time than I have EVER spent there... (unless I was looking for Christmas decorations.)
  
• Been hobbling around with an ingrown toenail while awaiting a little 'procedure' to get it fixed. Can I just tell you that I got nauseous and burst into tears booking the appointment. Oh, yes, it was pretty. If you feel like punishing yourself- come visit me!
• Definitely NOT been sleeping. (could be the cause of the hysteria today...)
  
• Dropped many-a-ball in my YW prez calling.

The list could go on, but I am sure that you get the idea. My head is going to explode.

So, the nature of my first sobbing meltdown this morning was a call from my sweet hubby confirming my dreaded feeling. He will probably have an extension to his trip. Ugh! Seriously, my head aches and my face is purple from crying. I truly had my sights set on Saturday night-- 'I only have to make it so Saturday' I would tell myself. Finding out that Saturday is turning into possible Wednesday, I just lost it.

So, not only will John miss Maddy's first date (already a known fact, but still sad) he will also miss her birthday.

How much Coke or Dr. Pepper do you think that it will take to make my head stop throbbing and to help me get through a Scavenger Hunt with about 40 kids?

I'll let you know.

Tired of Being Good

Yet again, -
a victim of the Quiet Chair...

~picture captured by Daddy~

Camel: The Other White Meat

Going on 3 hours of sleep and just having completed a cross-country training run--

"I am so thirsty, I could eat a camel!"

Dear Journal,

So we have a new computer that I love, but I can't seem to post my pictures from my library...
You wouldn't think that it would be so hard to post about life without pictures, but to me, it is.

I have been without my sweetie for 3 days now, and it really seems like 3 weeks! I think that it certainly didn't help that he left on a long weekend, and time just seemed to lumber along. Now that school is back in, the day went quicker, but still a little bit sad.

It is weird to me that it can feel so different when someone is 'out of town' vs. 'at work.' How is that? I have always noted it and can't quite decide why that would be.

I had some pleasant surprises from friends and family on my 'alone anniversary.' I had cookies dropped of from my dear friend, Kristy; a cake and roses from my sweet neighbor; and my kids and nephews tricked me into letting them go to the park, at which point a few of them went to the store and bought roses and chocolates! Ferrero Rocher, even. ;)

I had great dreams of taking on many projects and other things to keep me busy, but so far I have just been a tad bit overwhelmed. The little kids are a bit out-of-sorts, and even the doggie is acting out! (yes, I know that I haven't posted her picture yet... I just can't seem to figure it out!!)

I have taken up my crochet hook again lately, and I can't wait to post some pictures of some of my little creations! It has been a lot of fun. I forgot how much I enjoy it. It is somewhat a lost art, and I am even contemplating setting up and Etsy shop if I can perfect some of the patterns.

So, I am off to an evening of crocheting, reading and watching the news. Actually, it sounds quite lovely to me.

Things I Never Thought I'd Hear Myself Say - Volume 2

And now for today's installment of
Things I Never Thought I'd Hear Myself Say...

"Don't lick your feet."

Mr.Monk Goes to China

So my sweet hubby is off to China on business for two weeks. BooHoo!

Our Anniversary is tomorrow. Sniff, sniff.

Comic Relief Moment--

Items found in his car:

2 boxes of wipes
Pre-packaged food bars

So, we love watching Monk, and we have all noticed Monk-isms around our house. This totally cracked me up when I needed a chuckle.
I guess he won't be picking up any funky bugs while he is over there. :)

Powerful

I was so moved by this beautiful video that has been making its way around the nation. 

It is so easy to get caught up in all of the money that we are losing in our 401Ks and everyone just wants the money loss to stop... so much so, that we are distracted and are only thinking about the economy. 

There is much more at stake. The freedoms that we often take for granted (which may become more limited in the near future) and the freedoms of those americans yet unborn.

Thank you to the catholic dioceses who have distributed this wonderful reminder.

God Bless America. Please.

Pioneer Bread

This is a great recipe! It is dense and yeasty. Mmmm....

In our ward, the Young Women have made this recipe twice. Then the leaders baked it and it was the Sacrament bread for the coming Sunday. It is a really fun activity and it is meaningful for the girls to help by providing the bread for this special ordinance.

The greatest thing about this recipe?? You dump it all in; let is rise; knead and bake! No 3 - 4 hour bread-baking here. :)

My family adores it, so I have made it many times. Give it a try!

This recipe was found on Cooks.com

MORMON BREAD RECIPE

4 eggs
1/2 c. shortening
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. sugar
3 tbsp. yeast
1 qt. warm water
10-12 c. flour

Mix all ingredients well. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Place on floured surface and knead well for 7 minutes.
Shape into rolls or loaves and bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Yield: 3 large loaves

I'm Just Sayin'

Teach Me Thursday

As many of you already know, one of my fave sites is Tip Junkie. I love it. I am addicted. I absolutely have to check it each and every day. How many of her pool of ideas have I put into action? Doesn't matter. Who are you- the project police? ;)

Each Thursday she does a post entitled, Teach Me Thursday. It is a post dedicated to tutorials. Lots and lots of glorious tutorials! (another of my addictions) -- someone get me a 12-step program, STAT! --

Well, I submitted the tutorial of Lilly's Flower Blossom Cake, and she featured it today! What a rush. Yeah!

So, if you have a tutorial posted on your blog, submit it to Laurie at Tip Junkie. ;)

Question:
Does anyone know how I could have deleted comments to posts, without realizing it??

Holy Fagioli!

A great recipe from my friend Sandy! Olive Garden, eat your heart out!

Pasta Fagioli
(a hearty italian soup)

2 T Olive Oil
1/2 Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, chopped
2 cans italian-style Stewed Tomatoes, undrained **
3 cans Chicken Broth
2 cans Cannelini Beans (white kidney beans), undrained
1 T Basil
1/4 t. Pepper
1 can Tomato Sauce
8 oz. tiny Shell Pasta
8 - 10 sprigs Cilantro

In food processor -chop on fine - onion, garlic, tomato sauce and cilantro.

Cook this blended sauce with olive oil for 5 minutes.

Add stewed tomatoes, chicken broth, beans, basil and pepper.

Heat to a boil; simmer 10 minutes.

Add pasta and cover for 10 - 12 minutes or until pasta is done.

Serve with mozzarella garlic bread.

Yumm-O!

** I put the stewed tomatoes through the food processor. My kids hate chunks of tomato- so do I really- it made it really nice.

Heartier Alternative: Brown 1 lb. ground beef and add it to the soup. Delish!

Enough of That!

Okay, Pity Party is over! Shake it off; shake it off. ;)

What a difference a day makes. I was feeling so yucky, it really felt better to get it out. Thanks for all of the super-sweet comments and words of encouragement. I wasn't fishing for compliments, but it sure was nice to hear your uplifting words.

Hey, I guess I should have taken a picture of my hair on Sunday, eh?

Sniff, sniff

Do you ever get the feeling that everything you ever do is wrong?

Do you ever feel like your life is a series of choosing? Do this; do that. Go here; go there. These people are counting on you; those people need that. Decide; decide; choose, choose choose!

And then when you make the decisions that you think are best for your family, or are the "right" choice, you feel it is at the expense of yourself? (this sounds awful- but this is one of those moments where my blog is my journal)

Not to mention feeling that nothing that you do is good enough. No matter how hard you try- and even when you think that you have done an okay or I daresay 'good' job, there is a standard out there, and you are just NEVER going to measure up. That really stinks.

I have had a horrible week. I feel as though I am drowning. I feel sad and frustrated and very blue.