I never make resolutions. If I make goals for the new year, I do not call them resolutions.
For better or worse, I posted the 2008 goals on the blog, it was the first post.
You probably missed it. Nobody read the blog back then.
As a way to achieve physical fitness, I decided to start a racing bib collection.
As a way to achieve financial fitness, I decided not to shop. Pretty unrealistic.
However, I did spend less time shopping, more time blogging.
Less time buying "great deals" that we do not need, More time hanging out with Jean Chatzky.
I think we finally realize what an "emergency" is and why you should only use your credit card for those. Unfortunately an emergency IS NOT the semi annual sale at Bath and Body Works....
The racing bib collection was also pretty vague. 1 can be a collection, right? As the year is now drawing to a close, I counted my racing bibs.
My favorite, you guessed it the Half Marathon!!
My least favorite, The Tortoise and the Hare 5K. I think I still need therapy from that day. Click the link to travel to the running blog and read the details. I can't even retell the story, too horrific.
So, how many racing bibs? Eleven! Not bad considering my forced break from May-July, and the ankle injury in February. For more running info and a list of my 2008 racing results, check out the running blog. I hope to update it more regularly in the future. ColoradoRunnerGirl.blogspot.com
I am so glad I started the blog. I look back to all the posts and realize I would have forgotten many of the little things. I love having a blog. It started as a diary really and has become a way to keep in touch with family and friends. And who knew I would make so many new blogging friends!
Who knows what 2009 has in store for us.
When asked by family what Ben and I got each other for Christmas, we said "Financial Freedom." Hopefully we can continue with that goal throughout the new year. I think we can do it.
One racing bib I am looking forward to wearing is the Pikes Peak Ascent. They will post the qualification requirements in January, hopefully my half marathon time is still good enough. The Pikes Peak Ascent is run the day before I turn the BIG 40! I really need to do it this year.
I hope 2009 includes:
No car payments
Happy, healthy family and friends
A better 401K
A great, big 40th Birthday Party
Several more racing bibs
Do you make resolutions? Set goals? What are your dreams for 2009?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Caught ya! and other news
On Christmas Eve, after everyone went to bed, Grandpa heard Buddy barking. He went upstairs to investigate and this is what he found.
(stop laughin' at our pathetic tree!!)
Now if you know my father, you must be thinking, He can't hear anything without that hearing aide, how on earth did he hear the dog barking?
Well, I don't know, but that's our story and we are sticking to it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10,000 Legos
It certainly feels like 10,000 Legos, maybe more. It has been a very Lego Christmas. Santa put smaller Lego sets in the stockings, great idea since it slowed down the mad rush to get to the tree.
The boys have been helping each other put the sets together and playing together. Live has been pretty peaceful.
They received a few Lego gift cards too, they are looking forward to placing that order.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas Day
Dad stayed over Christmas Eve. Susie, Alan, Dusty, Xander and Josh came over for brunch. Hillary, Scott and the girls came too. It was a fun time. We made the usual ham, broccoli and cheese dish, baked french toast had fruit and bloody Marys!
We had an empty house by 1:30. Dad decided to join his girlfriend's family in Denver for dinner. Susie and her family went to Alan's family for dinner. I was not looking forward to a small Christmas dinner, it isn't in my genes to be able to handle that! Our friends across the street came over and joined us at the dinner table; 4 adults 6 kids, it was great!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You guessed it! The boys (Carter, Griffin and Ben) got Guitar Hero Aerosmith. And they are rock and rolling ALL Nite and partying everyday! Hayden even got an acoustic guitar. I have a house full of Rock Stars!
(stop laughin' at our pathetic tree!!)
Now if you know my father, you must be thinking, He can't hear anything without that hearing aide, how on earth did he hear the dog barking?
Well, I don't know, but that's our story and we are sticking to it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10,000 Legos
It certainly feels like 10,000 Legos, maybe more. It has been a very Lego Christmas. Santa put smaller Lego sets in the stockings, great idea since it slowed down the mad rush to get to the tree.
The boys have been helping each other put the sets together and playing together. Live has been pretty peaceful.
They received a few Lego gift cards too, they are looking forward to placing that order.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas Day
Dad stayed over Christmas Eve. Susie, Alan, Dusty, Xander and Josh came over for brunch. Hillary, Scott and the girls came too. It was a fun time. We made the usual ham, broccoli and cheese dish, baked french toast had fruit and bloody Marys!
We had an empty house by 1:30. Dad decided to join his girlfriend's family in Denver for dinner. Susie and her family went to Alan's family for dinner. I was not looking forward to a small Christmas dinner, it isn't in my genes to be able to handle that! Our friends across the street came over and joined us at the dinner table; 4 adults 6 kids, it was great!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You show us everything you've got
You keep on dancin' and the room gets hot
You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy
You say you wanna go for a spin
The party's just begun, we'll let you in
You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy
You keep on shoutin', you keep on shoutin'
I wanna rock and roll all nite and party every day
I wanna rock and roll all nite and party every day
I wanna rock and roll all nite and party every day
I wanna rock and roll all nite and party every day
You guessed it! The boys (Carter, Griffin and Ben) got Guitar Hero Aerosmith. And they are rock and rolling ALL Nite and partying everyday! Hayden even got an acoustic guitar. I have a house full of Rock Stars!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New Year's Eve Plans
Comfy jammies
chips
dips
chocolate fondue
snacks
4 adults
6 kids
movies
card games
Guitar hero (heaven help me)
champagne
sparkling apple juice
What are your plans?
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Santa Claus IS Coming to town!
One of my FAVORITE memories from childhood Christmases was waiting for the Santa Tracker on the nightly news. I do not remember this when we lived in New York, only when we moved to Colorado. It was 1979 and I was 10....don't judge me, I still believe in Santa.
NORAD (remember the movie War Games?), just down the road in SW Colorado Springs is the center for the Santa Tracker. It started in 1955 after a misprint in the newspaper, a number from a local Sears store to contact Santa was misprinted and the number printed was to the Director of Operations at Continental Air Defense (Now NORAD). Click on the above link to read the entire history.
Or to just get to the fun stuff, CLICK HERE, SANTATRACKER.ORG.
The boys are already checking the updates, watching the videos, and realizing YES, there is a Santa Claus and he can get all over the world in one night.
If you don't believe in Santa, YOU SHOULD and you will after seeing this website.
NOTE: Click and drag to see the whole map. Video clips have Santa starting at the North Pole and stopping in various locations across the globe.
Make sure to get to bed before he gets too close to your house.
Merry Christmas!
NORAD (remember the movie War Games?), just down the road in SW Colorado Springs is the center for the Santa Tracker. It started in 1955 after a misprint in the newspaper, a number from a local Sears store to contact Santa was misprinted and the number printed was to the Director of Operations at Continental Air Defense (Now NORAD). Click on the above link to read the entire history.
Or to just get to the fun stuff, CLICK HERE, SANTATRACKER.ORG.
The boys are already checking the updates, watching the videos, and realizing YES, there is a Santa Claus and he can get all over the world in one night.
If you don't believe in Santa, YOU SHOULD and you will after seeing this website.
NOTE: Click and drag to see the whole map. Video clips have Santa starting at the North Pole and stopping in various locations across the globe.
Make sure to get to bed before he gets too close to your house.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Life in Colorado
I just couldn't resist sharing. I did add some links to help the non-Coloradoans understand.
You're from Colorado if you'll eat ice cream in the winter.
When the weather report says it's going to be 65 degrees, you shave your legs and wear a skirt.
It snows 5 inches and you don't expect school to be cancelled.
You'll wear flip flops every day of the year, regardless of temperature.
You have no accent at all, but can hear other people's. And then you make fun of them.
'Humid' is over 25%.
Your sense of direction is: Toward the mountains and Away from the mountains.
You say 'the interstate' and everybody knows which one.
You think that May is a totally normal month for a blizzard.
You buy your flowers to set out on Mother's Day, but try and hold off planting them until just before Father's Day.
You grew up planning your Halloween costumes around your coat.
You know what the Continental Divide is.
You went to Casa Bonita as a kid, and as an adult.
You've gone off-roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities.
You always know the elevation of where you are.
You wake up to a beautiful, 80 degree day and you wonder if it's going to snow tomorrow.
You don't care that some company renamed it, the Broncos still play at Mile High.
Everybody wears jeans to church.
You actually know that ** South Park ** is a real place not just a show on TV.
You know what a 'trust fund hippy' is, and you know its natural habitat is Boulder.
You know you're talking to a fellow Coloradoan when they call it Elitches, not Six Flags.
A bear on your front porch doesn't bother you. Or under your deck
Your two favorite teams are the Broncos and whoever is beating the crap out of the Raiders.
When people out East tell you they have mountains in their state too, you just laugh.
You go anywhere else on the planet and the air feels 'sticky' and you notice the sky is no longer blue.
You're from Colorado if you'll eat ice cream in the winter.
When the weather report says it's going to be 65 degrees, you shave your legs and wear a skirt.
It snows 5 inches and you don't expect school to be cancelled.
You'll wear flip flops every day of the year, regardless of temperature.
You have no accent at all, but can hear other people's. And then you make fun of them.
'Humid' is over 25%.
Your sense of direction is: Toward the mountains and Away from the mountains.
You say 'the interstate' and everybody knows which one.
You think that May is a totally normal month for a blizzard.
You buy your flowers to set out on Mother's Day, but try and hold off planting them until just before Father's Day.
You grew up planning your Halloween costumes around your coat.
You know what the Continental Divide is.
You went to Casa Bonita as a kid, and as an adult.
You've gone off-roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities.
You always know the elevation of where you are.
You wake up to a beautiful, 80 degree day and you wonder if it's going to snow tomorrow.
You don't care that some company renamed it, the Broncos still play at Mile High.
Everybody wears jeans to church.
You actually know that ** South Park ** is a real place not just a show on TV.
You know what a 'trust fund hippy' is, and you know its natural habitat is Boulder.
You know you're talking to a fellow Coloradoan when they call it Elitches, not Six Flags.
A bear on your front porch doesn't bother you. Or under your deck
Your two favorite teams are the Broncos and whoever is beating the crap out of the Raiders.
When people out East tell you they have mountains in their state too, you just laugh.
You go anywhere else on the planet and the air feels 'sticky' and you notice the sky is no longer blue.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
A view from the kitchen of The Testosterone Zone
This is what they ate today:
1/2 dozen hard boiled eggs
2 pieces cinnamon toast
1 bowl cereal
3 pound bag of apples
1/2 cake
1/2 package of hot dogs
banana
oreos
candy corn
ice cream bar
chocolate bar
snickers bar
chocolate milk
and 3 full slabs of ribs
Me: Did you eat any vegetables?
Carter: No, I'm a meatatarian. It is against my moral fiber to eat vegetables. It's a life long commitment. And one I don't take lightly.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Jean called me Laura and SMART.
Did you see it? Skip ahead to 3:05 if you want to skip the first few questions.
I would have seen it LIVE on the show if I wasn't at school at Winter Party #1. Thank goodness for DVR and the internet!!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
I would have seen it LIVE on the show if I wasn't at school at Winter Party #1. Thank goodness for DVR and the internet!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Good Morning America Here I Come!!
Dear Jean,
What the heck?
I ask a SIMPLE question.
Your girl Sarah emails back, "great question, make a video and we will put it on the Today Show."
I make the video and ask when it will be used.
Sarah emails back, Tuesday.
WE ALL WATCH. NO LAURA.
THEN, Sarah emails again yesterday, "Where are you from? We are going to use the video Thursday (Today)."
I email back, Pueblo...just kidding.
WE ALL WATCH. NO LAURA.
I email Sarah. She said, I thought they used it.
Ummm, HELLO Sarah, watch the show sometime, Jean Chatzky didn't even show up.
And so I figure you have a week left to air it. I filmed it in front of this .
Now the question is, Do I say don't air it and assume you will. Are you obstinent like Hayden that way? Or do I just set the DVR for every Today Show between now and Christmas?
And, by the way. We already figured out our answer and don't need your advice anyway. I was just hoping that after all the chuckles, this made it on NETWORK TV.
Sincerely,
Laura
p.s. If you are reading this, please ignore everything between Dear Jean and NETWORK TV. Thanks. Hope I make it on the show soon. I LOVE TODAY!
What the heck?
I ask a SIMPLE question.
Your girl Sarah emails back, "great question, make a video and we will put it on the Today Show."
I make the video and ask when it will be used.
Sarah emails back, Tuesday.
WE ALL WATCH. NO LAURA.
THEN, Sarah emails again yesterday, "Where are you from? We are going to use the video Thursday (Today)."
I email back, Pueblo...just kidding.
WE ALL WATCH. NO LAURA.
I email Sarah. She said, I thought they used it.
Ummm, HELLO Sarah, watch the show sometime, Jean Chatzky didn't even show up.
And so I figure you have a week left to air it. I filmed it in front of this .
Now the question is, Do I say don't air it and assume you will. Are you obstinent like Hayden that way? Or do I just set the DVR for every Today Show between now and Christmas?
And, by the way. We already figured out our answer and don't need your advice anyway. I was just hoping that after all the chuckles, this made it on NETWORK TV.
Sincerely,
Laura
p.s. If you are reading this, please ignore everything between Dear Jean and NETWORK TV. Thanks. Hope I make it on the show soon. I LOVE TODAY!
Christmas Meme
I found this at Elaine's house. Why don't you play along too.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real, but after this we may try the artificial next year.
3. When do you put up the tree? We usually purchase the tree from the Air Academy Band, (Not this year, see link above) they have one day to pick up, usually the first Saturday in December.
4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day.
5. Do you like eggnog? No, but Carter will drink gallons of it. I have a GREAT eggnog cookie recipe.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I loved the dollhouse my grandparents made for me. I still have it. GI Joe lives there now.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My brother.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Hayden. He's 4, he is happy with anything.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I bought one at a super dooper clearance sale. I don't like it, but it will do until I inherit the GORGEOUS set my grandparents painted. I do not want it until the kids are a little bigger and the risk for damage is much smaller.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A Weight Watchers Cookbook from my (soon after ex) boyfriend's mother.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Do I have to pick just one? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year long, but mostly Black Friday.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not yet, anyone have a Weight Watcher Cookbook on their list?
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Some favorite Swedish recipes. Yum.
16. Lights on the tree? Anything that still works from last year.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Colorado Christmas by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Christmas Carol by Skip Ewing.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Stay home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? No, but I can google it.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? They kids can open one present on Christmas Eve...Just this year Carter has figured out that it is always new pajamas. Have to look good for pictures.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The parking lot. Any and ever parking lot and the ninnys who think they are much more important than the rest of us.
23. What theme or color are you using? A theme? I am supposed to have a theme?
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Whatever is on the table, as long as someone else cooks it.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Santa to live on for another year.
26. Do you have a favorite ornament? I love all the ones the kids make. I have a cool Woodstock or bust hippy Santa. Remember this?
27. Gifts from Santa? Wrapped or Unwrapped? Wrapped in "from Santa" wrapping paper. Our Santa is a little OCD.
Now it is your turn to share you Christmas Meme.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real, but after this we may try the artificial next year.
3. When do you put up the tree? We usually purchase the tree from the Air Academy Band, (Not this year, see link above) they have one day to pick up, usually the first Saturday in December.
4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day.
5. Do you like eggnog? No, but Carter will drink gallons of it. I have a GREAT eggnog cookie recipe.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I loved the dollhouse my grandparents made for me. I still have it. GI Joe lives there now.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My brother.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Hayden. He's 4, he is happy with anything.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I bought one at a super dooper clearance sale. I don't like it, but it will do until I inherit the GORGEOUS set my grandparents painted. I do not want it until the kids are a little bigger and the risk for damage is much smaller.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A Weight Watchers Cookbook from my (soon after ex) boyfriend's mother.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Do I have to pick just one? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year long, but mostly Black Friday.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not yet, anyone have a Weight Watcher Cookbook on their list?
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Some favorite Swedish recipes. Yum.
16. Lights on the tree? Anything that still works from last year.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Colorado Christmas by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Christmas Carol by Skip Ewing.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Stay home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? No, but I can google it.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? They kids can open one present on Christmas Eve...Just this year Carter has figured out that it is always new pajamas. Have to look good for pictures.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The parking lot. Any and ever parking lot and the ninnys who think they are much more important than the rest of us.
23. What theme or color are you using? A theme? I am supposed to have a theme?
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Whatever is on the table, as long as someone else cooks it.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Santa to live on for another year.
26. Do you have a favorite ornament? I love all the ones the kids make. I have a cool Woodstock or bust hippy Santa. Remember this?
27. Gifts from Santa? Wrapped or Unwrapped? Wrapped in "from Santa" wrapping paper. Our Santa is a little OCD.
Now it is your turn to share you Christmas Meme.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Today Tomorrow?
Remember this?
Rumor has it the segment will be used on the Today Show tomorrow morning.
Ever hear of the little boy who cried wolf? I hope I am not him.
Watch for Jean Chatzky's Money 911 segment and we'll see if I make it on this time.
Rumor has it the segment will be used on the Today Show tomorrow morning.
Ever hear of the little boy who cried wolf? I hope I am not him.
Watch for Jean Chatzky's Money 911 segment and we'll see if I make it on this time.
Tooth Fairy UPDATE
His first apology letter was sloppy and included his original signature...G-DOG.
Yes, He calls himself G-Dog. He writes it on schoolwork, birthday cards, etc.
When we named him, we thought of all the nicknames, Griff, Griffy, my husband also calls him "fiffin" (much to my dismay). Can you believe we never thought of G-Dog?!
Anyway, the tooth fairy must have loved the letter, she left the tooth and the money....No, Not $5. There is a reccession.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Griffin learns a timely lesson
Griffin lost a tooth yesterday.
Here is the note he left for the Tooth Fairy.
And what did he get from the Tooth Fairy?
Did she agree to leave his tooth AND more than $5?
No, that's not how the Tooth Fairy rolls. She does not support such greediness.
Griffin received ZIP, ZILCH, NADA!
I suggested he try again tonight and write a nice note to the Tooth Fairy apologizing for his previous letter.
Let's just hope this little lesson helps him scale back his list for Santa.
Here is the note he left for the Tooth Fairy.
And what did he get from the Tooth Fairy?
Did she agree to leave his tooth AND more than $5?
No, that's not how the Tooth Fairy rolls. She does not support such greediness.
Griffin received ZIP, ZILCH, NADA!
I suggested he try again tonight and write a nice note to the Tooth Fairy apologizing for his previous letter.
Let's just hope this little lesson helps him scale back his list for Santa.
Monday, December 15, 2008
'Tis the season...to be BUSY!
What should I say when someone asks, "What did you do this weekend?"
I think I might just answer...."EVERYTHING!"
Here is a look at our hectic, but fun weekend.
Friday night we had one of Carter's buddys over and watched Fred Claus. It was great for the kids to see how funny Vince Vaughn can be, especially in a movie that is appropriate for kids. Fred Claus is rated PG.
Saturday morning the kids and I went to practice for the Christmas play. Then we raced over to Manitou to join in the parade. A friend of our had a float entry and he asked the kids if they wanted to ride. Oh yes, sounds like fun. Carter had an official job, make sure Frosty doesn't blow off the float. It was pretty windy.
Hayden with the Elf hat bundled under blankets
We stopped at Savelli's Pizza in Manitou for a late lunch. Haven't tried it yet? You are missing some really good pizza. Stop in and see Brad, tell him Laura and Ben sent you!
Ben was gone refereeing most of the day. He came home in time for us to head over to our friend's for a Christmas Open House. The kids came too. They had fun playing BINGO in the basement while the adults shared elf secrets in the kitchen.
Sunday morning we braved the cold and blowing snow to head over to church for the Christmas play. This year's production was "Christmas in a Box." It was a fun play. The kids had a great time.
The play is for children from preschool through 5th grade. This is Carter's last year. I was happy to get a picture with Hayden (wiseman) and Carter in the same shot.
Griffin was child #2, a modern day child.
Carter as Joseph
Joseph, Mary and a wiseman (Hayden)
The afternoon was fun for Carter too. He had a KIC (Kids in Christ) Christmas party from 4-5:30. They played games, had snacks, did a gift exchange. It is also his last year for KIC, next year is the youth group. KIC is for kids 3-5 grade, so Griffin will move right up next year.
And at 6:30 Sunday night, our sitter came over. It was finally time. The Salsa Brava Christmas Party. Well, it started as the Salsa Brava Christmas party 7 years ago when we received our first invitation. Now I guess it is the Rocky Mountain Restaurant Group Christmas Party. It has been held at the Rockrimmon location (back in the old days), it had moved to Sonterra downtown, and for the last several years it has been held in the Briargate location (the largest).
After the busy weekend, we were really looking forward to the party. And this year I even remembered to have someone snap a picture of us.
And what did you do this weekend?
I think I might just answer...."EVERYTHING!"
Here is a look at our hectic, but fun weekend.
Friday night we had one of Carter's buddys over and watched Fred Claus. It was great for the kids to see how funny Vince Vaughn can be, especially in a movie that is appropriate for kids. Fred Claus is rated PG.
Saturday morning the kids and I went to practice for the Christmas play. Then we raced over to Manitou to join in the parade. A friend of our had a float entry and he asked the kids if they wanted to ride. Oh yes, sounds like fun. Carter had an official job, make sure Frosty doesn't blow off the float. It was pretty windy.
Hayden with the Elf hat bundled under blankets
We stopped at Savelli's Pizza in Manitou for a late lunch. Haven't tried it yet? You are missing some really good pizza. Stop in and see Brad, tell him Laura and Ben sent you!
Ben was gone refereeing most of the day. He came home in time for us to head over to our friend's for a Christmas Open House. The kids came too. They had fun playing BINGO in the basement while the adults shared elf secrets in the kitchen.
Sunday morning we braved the cold and blowing snow to head over to church for the Christmas play. This year's production was "Christmas in a Box." It was a fun play. The kids had a great time.
The play is for children from preschool through 5th grade. This is Carter's last year. I was happy to get a picture with Hayden (wiseman) and Carter in the same shot.
Griffin was child #2, a modern day child.
Carter as Joseph
Joseph, Mary and a wiseman (Hayden)
The afternoon was fun for Carter too. He had a KIC (Kids in Christ) Christmas party from 4-5:30. They played games, had snacks, did a gift exchange. It is also his last year for KIC, next year is the youth group. KIC is for kids 3-5 grade, so Griffin will move right up next year.
And at 6:30 Sunday night, our sitter came over. It was finally time. The Salsa Brava Christmas Party. Well, it started as the Salsa Brava Christmas party 7 years ago when we received our first invitation. Now I guess it is the Rocky Mountain Restaurant Group Christmas Party. It has been held at the Rockrimmon location (back in the old days), it had moved to Sonterra downtown, and for the last several years it has been held in the Briargate location (the largest).
After the busy weekend, we were really looking forward to the party. And this year I even remembered to have someone snap a picture of us.
And what did you do this weekend?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
How to give a mother a heart attack...EASY DIRECTIONS!
How to give a mother a heart attack.
Call her at home and on her cell phone at 9:15am, leave a message to let her know her second grade child has been marked absent from school...
This works really well when the mother (or father) personally put the "absent child" on the bus at 8:05am.
Then let the mother, on her way to school anyway, envision all the bad things that could have happened.
1. Someone wanted to show him a puppy and dragged him into their car, right behind the bus lineup.
OR
2. The blood clots are back and he passed out on the bus and no one noticed him laying on the floor.
OR
3. He went off to help someone "in trouble" and they snatched him up.
And when the now FRANTIC mother runs into the school and says, "we put him on the bus," thank you for dropping everything and calling the teacher to confirm the absence.
I understand the teacher marked the wrong child absent, accidents happen. I am so relieved that it was all a mistake.
One question, When will my heartbeat return to normal?
Call her at home and on her cell phone at 9:15am, leave a message to let her know her second grade child has been marked absent from school...
This works really well when the mother (or father) personally put the "absent child" on the bus at 8:05am.
Then let the mother, on her way to school anyway, envision all the bad things that could have happened.
1. Someone wanted to show him a puppy and dragged him into their car, right behind the bus lineup.
OR
2. The blood clots are back and he passed out on the bus and no one noticed him laying on the floor.
OR
3. He went off to help someone "in trouble" and they snatched him up.
And when the now FRANTIC mother runs into the school and says, "we put him on the bus," thank you for dropping everything and calling the teacher to confirm the absence.
I understand the teacher marked the wrong child absent, accidents happen. I am so relieved that it was all a mistake.
One question, When will my heartbeat return to normal?
Oh Christmas Tree, sob, sob, Oh Christmas Tree
This was our Christmas tree last year. Wasn't it beautiful?
We ALWAYS get our tree from the local high school band fundraiser, they sell beautiful trees. We have been very happy EVERY YEAR.
This year, we should have preordered, but weren't able to. They didn't order extra trees this year, even though for the last 9 years, we have preordered and they have had extra trees. This year NO EXTRA TREES.
I left crying. What were we going to do now? Where else can you get a tree?
Too keep this in perspective, this is our 10th Christmas in this house, and every tree has come from that lot.
I dried my tears, put on my big girl panties, and did a search for Christmas Tree Lots.
I found the Merry Christmas Tree Farm, you can cut your own tree.
Many people cut their own trees here; you get a permit, bundle up your kids, lug in your saw, go hiking through the woods, stop the kids from fighting, find a tree, pause to warm up their little bodies, cut down tree, lug it out of the forest, stop because their feet are tired, continue hiking out of forest, tie tree to your car, and drive it home.
Not my idea of a great day.
The Merry Christmas Tree Farm seemed like a perfect answer.
No permit required, they provide saws, tree farm is not national forest, we shouldn't get lost, short hike back to car lugging tree and tired kids.
We still had the Griswold experience, I was waiting for the light to shine down on the perfect tree.
On our third time around the tree farm, Ben mentions, "um, Honey, you know you are not going to find a perfect tree like we get from the lot. Those are grown and groomed to be perfect. These aren't."
Me, "I am sure we can find one, maybe over here."
"Or maybe, back over this way."
Ok, so there wasn't the big light shining down on the perfect tree, maybe the reflection from the snow made me think this was the one.
And now it looks like this:
Let's see them side by side:
On the bright side, decorating the tree took no time at all, I even packed up a bunch of ornaments we didn't use. It could have something to do with the lack of branches....
We ALWAYS get our tree from the local high school band fundraiser, they sell beautiful trees. We have been very happy EVERY YEAR.
This year, we should have preordered, but weren't able to. They didn't order extra trees this year, even though for the last 9 years, we have preordered and they have had extra trees. This year NO EXTRA TREES.
I left crying. What were we going to do now? Where else can you get a tree?
Too keep this in perspective, this is our 10th Christmas in this house, and every tree has come from that lot.
I dried my tears, put on my big girl panties, and did a search for Christmas Tree Lots.
I found the Merry Christmas Tree Farm, you can cut your own tree.
Many people cut their own trees here; you get a permit, bundle up your kids, lug in your saw, go hiking through the woods, stop the kids from fighting, find a tree, pause to warm up their little bodies, cut down tree, lug it out of the forest, stop because their feet are tired, continue hiking out of forest, tie tree to your car, and drive it home.
Not my idea of a great day.
The Merry Christmas Tree Farm seemed like a perfect answer.
No permit required, they provide saws, tree farm is not national forest, we shouldn't get lost, short hike back to car lugging tree and tired kids.
We still had the Griswold experience, I was waiting for the light to shine down on the perfect tree.
On our third time around the tree farm, Ben mentions, "um, Honey, you know you are not going to find a perfect tree like we get from the lot. Those are grown and groomed to be perfect. These aren't."
Me, "I am sure we can find one, maybe over here."
"Or maybe, back over this way."
Ok, so there wasn't the big light shining down on the perfect tree, maybe the reflection from the snow made me think this was the one.
And now it looks like this:
Let's see them side by side:
On the bright side, decorating the tree took no time at all, I even packed up a bunch of ornaments we didn't use. It could have something to do with the lack of branches....
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Suze Orman, where are you?
What is your deal Jean?
Fine.
What is your deal Ms. Chatzky?
Didn't your girl ask for the video?
I spent hours getting ready and perfecting the question to fit in your 20 second timeframe. Making sure the lighting was good. Setting up the tripod when it was clear Carter has a shaking problem.
And then you use some dorky guy's question and not mine??!!
I know it hasn't even been on yet in my time zone. I have my sources. I know you betrayed our friendship. I don't think I can ever forgive you for this deep emotional hurt you have caused.
Does anyone know Suze Orman's email address?
Fine.
What is your deal Ms. Chatzky?
Didn't your girl ask for the video?
I spent hours getting ready and perfecting the question to fit in your 20 second timeframe. Making sure the lighting was good. Setting up the tripod when it was clear Carter has a shaking problem.
And then you use some dorky guy's question and not mine??!!
I know it hasn't even been on yet in my time zone. I have my sources. I know you betrayed our friendship. I don't think I can ever forgive you for this deep emotional hurt you have caused.
Does anyone know Suze Orman's email address?
Monday, December 8, 2008
Go Fa, La, La yourself
You know how some days life just smiles on you?
Every stoplight turns green as you approach.
The kids are little angels and you wonder why you didn't have more.
Today, is NOT one of those days.
1. Hayden decided to use his older brother's scissors to cut his new shirt. Not one of the hand me downs, oh no, a shirt I bought just for him.
Remembering the Love and Logic lesson, remove the child, remove the adult, or remove the offending object, I removed the child to his room.
And then, the offending child, who must have had the offending object in his room, decided to use the offending object again to cut his hair.
2. The awesome Christmas cards I spent hours perfecting online and submitted to samsclub.com photo labs was LOST! Not just lost, but lost AFTER they charged my credit card! So now, I have spent HOURS on the phone trying to either FIND the order or CREDIT my card or REDO the darn order. Unfortunately no one at Sam's Club wants to take responsibility and help me.
3. One of the very important gifts I ordered from Kohl's was shipped to Charlotte, NC. We live in Colorado. If you live in Charlotte and received our gift, please enjoy it, Merry Christmas. Hopefully our replacement will arrive by Christmas, but we can't be sure.
4. I have not heard back from my good friend at the Today Show with confirmation that my video will indeed be used. I have sent her so many emails that I feel like a stalker. I guess I will just have to wait for the East-Coasters to call me tomorrow morning and let me know if I made it on.
And so for now, I am going to pick up Hayden from preschool and make him take a nap. I think we both need one. Hopefully when we get up things will look a little cheerier.
Every stoplight turns green as you approach.
The kids are little angels and you wonder why you didn't have more.
Today, is NOT one of those days.
1. Hayden decided to use his older brother's scissors to cut his new shirt. Not one of the hand me downs, oh no, a shirt I bought just for him.
Remembering the Love and Logic lesson, remove the child, remove the adult, or remove the offending object, I removed the child to his room.
And then, the offending child, who must have had the offending object in his room, decided to use the offending object again to cut his hair.
2. The awesome Christmas cards I spent hours perfecting online and submitted to samsclub.com photo labs was LOST! Not just lost, but lost AFTER they charged my credit card! So now, I have spent HOURS on the phone trying to either FIND the order or CREDIT my card or REDO the darn order. Unfortunately no one at Sam's Club wants to take responsibility and help me.
3. One of the very important gifts I ordered from Kohl's was shipped to Charlotte, NC. We live in Colorado. If you live in Charlotte and received our gift, please enjoy it, Merry Christmas. Hopefully our replacement will arrive by Christmas, but we can't be sure.
4. I have not heard back from my good friend at the Today Show with confirmation that my video will indeed be used. I have sent her so many emails that I feel like a stalker. I guess I will just have to wait for the East-Coasters to call me tomorrow morning and let me know if I made it on.
And so for now, I am going to pick up Hayden from preschool and make him take a nap. I think we both need one. Hopefully when we get up things will look a little cheerier.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Jean Chatzky is my new best friend
She doesn't know it yet, but we are going to be tight, I can tell.
BFFs 4Ever!
Especially after she answers my question on The Today Show Tuesday morning.
Yes, you read that right.
My financial question will be answered (or is scheduled to be answered) on Tuesday morning's show.
But how can you tell it is my question? Oh that's easy, because there will be a 20 second video of me asking Jean the question.
ON THE TODAY SHOW!
I really thought I would be on The Today Show because Matt Lauer was professing his love for me, maybe he remembered me from 1995?
My cousin Maureen and I with our sign, the night before we went to The Today Show. We made it on t.v. too, I have the video to prove it!
Even though Matt said he would join us, he never did. And it's a good thing too, since I met Ben in Cozumel on that trip! Your loss is his gain MATT!
My second appearance on The Today Show or "Today", as we regulars call it, is happening because I emailed a financial question to the Money 911 segment.
I would like to say they picked me because of my world renowned beauty or because they thought my excellent home decorating would make a fabulous background.
They probably picked me because we are like a lot of people. Our 15 year mortgage is now too big, his sales job is paying less than it did a year ago and things are tight.
My question is "should we refinance to a 30 year mortgage?"
I think I know the answer, but I am excited to have Jean (her good friends call her Jean, not Ms. Chatzky) answer it on Tuesday's Today!
Will you be watching?
BFFs 4Ever!
Especially after she answers my question on The Today Show Tuesday morning.
Yes, you read that right.
My financial question will be answered (or is scheduled to be answered) on Tuesday morning's show.
But how can you tell it is my question? Oh that's easy, because there will be a 20 second video of me asking Jean the question.
ON THE TODAY SHOW!
I really thought I would be on The Today Show because Matt Lauer was professing his love for me, maybe he remembered me from 1995?
My cousin Maureen and I with our sign, the night before we went to The Today Show. We made it on t.v. too, I have the video to prove it!
Even though Matt said he would join us, he never did. And it's a good thing too, since I met Ben in Cozumel on that trip! Your loss is his gain MATT!
My second appearance on The Today Show or "Today", as we regulars call it, is happening because I emailed a financial question to the Money 911 segment.
I would like to say they picked me because of my world renowned beauty or because they thought my excellent home decorating would make a fabulous background.
They probably picked me because we are like a lot of people. Our 15 year mortgage is now too big, his sales job is paying less than it did a year ago and things are tight.
My question is "should we refinance to a 30 year mortgage?"
I think I know the answer, but I am excited to have Jean (her good friends call her Jean, not Ms. Chatzky) answer it on Tuesday's Today!
Will you be watching?
They may NEVER leave
What a difference a few years makes.
Carter, the ten year is embarrassed to have a mother.
Hayden, the four year old wants to marry me.
Griffin, the seven year old knows he will marry a girl about his age. Knows I have many cute baby things to save for her, baby's first Christmas ornaments, coming home from the hospital outfits, nursery bedding I made for him.
Griffin is also under the delusion that he and his new bride will move into our basement guest room and live there forever.
Me: Look at this cute ornament. Your wife will love to see it when you come home for Christmas EVERY YEAR to see your mom and dad.
Griffin: Oh, don't worry mom. I'm gonna see if she wants to live here. We could take the guest room in the basement.
Me: Or your room on bunkbeds.
Griffin: No, we need to sleep in the same bed....like you and dad.
Me: What if daddy and I don't live here anymore?
Griffin: Then we'll take your room.
And then I found this article.FindArticles - Today's 30-somethings living just like yesterday's teenagers; Study
Sunday Herald, The, Jun 20, 2004, by Jenifer Johnston
It could really happen.
What if he doesn't grow out of it?
What if she actually agrees to move into our basement?
Maybe I should start showing Griffin real estate in his price range. When he goes to the Olympics he should have plenty of endorsments and can buy his own house....
Or better yet, He can have this one and buy his mom and dad a new house!
Carter, the ten year is embarrassed to have a mother.
Hayden, the four year old wants to marry me.
Griffin, the seven year old knows he will marry a girl about his age. Knows I have many cute baby things to save for her, baby's first Christmas ornaments, coming home from the hospital outfits, nursery bedding I made for him.
Griffin is also under the delusion that he and his new bride will move into our basement guest room and live there forever.
Me: Look at this cute ornament. Your wife will love to see it when you come home for Christmas EVERY YEAR to see your mom and dad.
Griffin: Oh, don't worry mom. I'm gonna see if she wants to live here. We could take the guest room in the basement.
Me: Or your room on bunkbeds.
Griffin: No, we need to sleep in the same bed....like you and dad.
Me: What if daddy and I don't live here anymore?
Griffin: Then we'll take your room.
And then I found this article.FindArticles - Today's 30-somethings living just like yesterday's teenagers; Study
Sunday Herald, The, Jun 20, 2004, by Jenifer Johnston
It could really happen.
What if he doesn't grow out of it?
What if she actually agrees to move into our basement?
Maybe I should start showing Griffin real estate in his price range. When he goes to the Olympics he should have plenty of endorsments and can buy his own house....
Or better yet, He can have this one and buy his mom and dad a new house!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Crime Fighting and Holiday Shopping
Last night at 8pm, as I sat on my porch smoking...I mean checking out the neighborhood, I saw a kid trying to get into my seventeen year old neighbor's car. I thought it was the older nephew of the homeowners UNTIL he turned around and saw me.
Then he high-tailed it down the street!
I ran into the house, called for Ben, grabbed the phone and called 911.
As I was giving his description to the 911 operator the neighbors came home. I filled them and Ben in on the attempted break in and they both drove off looking for the kid.
The police showed up within minutes, gotta love our tax dollars at work, and set off to find him also.
They came back and said they found someone matching the description. They looked at the kid's footprints in the snow and left again. I have no idea if they caught the right kid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think I have finished Christmas shopping. There are a few things left to make/pick up but my list is complete.
I always go shopping on Black Friday. I love how everyone is having fun, laughing and happy to be out getting great bargains. We live in the friendliest place on earth so I know things maybe different in other parts of the country. But this year, for the first time in MANY years I did not go shopping on Black Friday.
A. I wasn't feeling well.
B. I thought with the economy so bad, I didn't want to fight with people over the deals. I figured it wouldn't be the same happy crowd that I am used to.
However, I did stay up late on Thanksgiving night since the Kohls website started their sales at 1 am eastern, 11 pm mountain. It was worth it.
~~~~~~~~~~
I made a decision on the Christmas cards and ordered them from samsclub.com, they have great deals! I will post the card after I pick them up on Thursday.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ben had his first basketball game to referee tonight. He has many more scheduled. It will be bad that he is gone so much, but he really enjoys it and the money will certainly help.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hayden told me today that he needed a "Poppa."
Me: What's a poppa?
Hayden: A Poppa is like an uncle who watches kids so mommys and daddys can have a day off.
Me: Yes, you need one. Where can we get one?
Hayden: At the poppa store.
We are headed there tomorrow.
Then he high-tailed it down the street!
I ran into the house, called for Ben, grabbed the phone and called 911.
As I was giving his description to the 911 operator the neighbors came home. I filled them and Ben in on the attempted break in and they both drove off looking for the kid.
The police showed up within minutes, gotta love our tax dollars at work, and set off to find him also.
They came back and said they found someone matching the description. They looked at the kid's footprints in the snow and left again. I have no idea if they caught the right kid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think I have finished Christmas shopping. There are a few things left to make/pick up but my list is complete.
I always go shopping on Black Friday. I love how everyone is having fun, laughing and happy to be out getting great bargains. We live in the friendliest place on earth so I know things maybe different in other parts of the country. But this year, for the first time in MANY years I did not go shopping on Black Friday.
A. I wasn't feeling well.
B. I thought with the economy so bad, I didn't want to fight with people over the deals. I figured it wouldn't be the same happy crowd that I am used to.
However, I did stay up late on Thanksgiving night since the Kohls website started their sales at 1 am eastern, 11 pm mountain. It was worth it.
~~~~~~~~~~
I made a decision on the Christmas cards and ordered them from samsclub.com, they have great deals! I will post the card after I pick them up on Thursday.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ben had his first basketball game to referee tonight. He has many more scheduled. It will be bad that he is gone so much, but he really enjoys it and the money will certainly help.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hayden told me today that he needed a "Poppa."
Me: What's a poppa?
Hayden: A Poppa is like an uncle who watches kids so mommys and daddys can have a day off.
Me: Yes, you need one. Where can we get one?
Hayden: At the poppa store.
We are headed there tomorrow.
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