A Shopping We Will Go

So Nick and I went Christmas shopping this weekend.  We braved the crowds(although only Toys R Us was jammed) and added to the economy.  We didn't do too bad really. 
The hardest one to shop for, oddly enough, was Bruiser.  The kid just doesn't have much toy preference yet.  He isn't into Thomas yet, does not watch lots of the standard kiddie TV, so no Dora or Diego.  No Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, or Handy Manny.  And he's a bit young for Duplo blocks.  So what do you get an almost two year old--and we have the added fun of remembering he has a birthday a month after Christmas.  We settled on a tool box with a hammer and screwdriver and several wooden bolts and nuts, a Fisher Price Little People set, a new hat and mittens, and we will be getting a rocking horse for him.  And we also have to give ideas to the grandparents.  Fun.
Turbo on the other hand is way easy to shop for.  Legos and some video games and the kid will be content.  We have gotten him some other stuff, but Santa is bringing the Lego stuff.  About the only thing I still want to get him is one of the new lego board games--like Minotaur or Creationary. 
My shopping for Nick is done, but since he reads my blog (Hi Hon!) I won't list what I got him.  Suffice to say he will love what I got him--even if he inadvertently tried to look for something I already got him.  Just goes to show great minds think alike.

Bruiser loves boxes--maybe that could be his Christmas present.  It is cheaper.

Turbo did this this weekend--almost three miles.  AND next to no complaints--awesome!

Well that about covers our weekend.  Christmas is looming closer, I have a week and a half before my Christmas break and Turbo is done with school the end of this week.  Wow, where has December gone?

2010 Recap--Jan-March

"It is your chance to write up some posts and recap what happened during the year. You can put your favorite pictures, tell your favorite stories, link back to your favorite posts, however you want to do it. Just in case you had some slow months, we will be reviewing three months at a time."   
Go link with Shortmama, Mimi, Emilisq, Emmymom, CAGirl, and Sami  after you post your own recap.



January
Last year, lots happened in January.  Turbo lost a tooth, Bruiser walked, and learned to sleep better at night.  Turbo worked on being less affectionate--we are still working on this one--and struggled in school a bit--teacher issues.  We cross country skied lots and had a couple of great crashes--both Turbo and I.

But the big news for January was Bruiser turned one. 

February
It was cold and icy here in our neck of the woods.  Nick and I celebrated our seventeenth unofficial anniversary.  Bruiser decided that sleeping was for the birds and not him--again.  And both boys grew and grew. February was consumed with watching the winter Olympics, some skiing of our own, and the underwhelming Superbowl.  We had some craziness from the neighbors and from family but made it out OK.

March
March was quiet for us.  We had spring break, some sickness and a time change.  All of which made getting through the day just a bit harder.  I also got a button, you can still see it on my sidebar--over to the left, I think it's awesome still.

Looking back on the first part of last year, it was relatively uneventful.  Actually life was just lulling us with a sense of peace because the next three months were much less kind to us.  But that's for next week's post.

Christmas is Nothing Without the Tree

Linda at Second Cup of Coffee is hosting a get together to show off our Christmas Tree and special ornament.  I don't have a picture of my special ornament but I do have a picture of the tree.

There is our tree in all it's glory.  We use colored lights when we have a real tree but this little prelit tree is working out alright since time and weather conspired against us in the real tree department.  At least I don't have to remember to water this one.
I'll try to add a picture of a special ornament later.

Wednesday Hodgepodge--Sleigh bells and stuff

 

1. Have you ever been on a real sleigh ride? How about the warm weather version - a carriage ride?  No sleigh rides, just hay rides when I was younger--and most of those were pulled by a truck--not horses.

2. What's your policy on 'chain mail'...you know, the emails you receive that are often some sort of poem/blessing/good wish that ask you to send it on to 10 or 12 friends? Do you delete without opening, read and trash, read and trash and then worry you won't be blessed/lucky/protected? Do you delete the sender from your contacts or just go ahead and send the love onward?  I usually read and trash.  I'm not one to pass much on unless it's funny or interesting.  I don't like those chain emails and didn't like their precursors chain snail mail.  Also, I'd have a hard time finding the number of people to send them on to--I just don't know that many people.

3. Who is your favorite character in any of the Christmas movies and why?  I have always loved Santa Clause is Coming to Town.  I like Jessica.  She becomes Mrs. Claus and I like how she bucks the status quo in the burg where she lives.

4. Share a favorite quote.  I've shared this one before but it always rings true:  "The average pencil is seven inches long, with just a half-inch eraser - in case you thought optimism was dead." ~Robert Brault

5. What's your favorite holiday scent?  Apple cider.  I love the cinnamon and apple scents--together or separate.

6. Does the Christmas season stress you out? In what way?  Not really.  I don't set my expectations too high.  As long as we all have fun, that's what matters.

7. What's the best thing about your life right now?  I have a wonderful job, a fantastic husband and beautiful kids, what more could I ask for?

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Why are household chores so unending?  You get one thing done and another needs doing or what you just finished needs doing all over again.  There are times when it all seems like an effort in futility.  Then again, I like the satisfaction of a job well done too.  An empty sink, neatly folded clothes, clean bathrooms... Then little boys and big boys come through and it looks like I did nothing--see futile efforts.  The definition of Mom I guess.

Now go answer the hodgepodge and link up with Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.

RTT: Christmas Lists and Laundry

So it's Tuesday and according to Keely it's a yuleicious Tuesday.  One of only four this month.  How lucky are we?
Now for the random:

• When a small boy does not watch a lot of kiddie television, he has fewer things to ask Santa for.  Last night Turbo and I sat down to talk about what he wanted from Santa.  Mostly Legos.  Of one sort or another.  Turbo really didn't have a lot of wants.  The list may grow but since Santa is shopping this weekend he may not get more than what is on the list now.
• Still having trouble coming up with Christmas present ideas for Bruiser.  A rocking horse, a Magna Doodle, and well, maybe something in the toddler aisle at Toys R Us will jump up and say take me home to Bruiser, cause otherwise, I got no ideas.
• The tree is decorated.  Doesn't look too bad--pictures on Thursday.  
• Now I just have to get motivated to decorate in the rest of the house.  And possibly lights outside.  But I'm not holding my breath.  We leave most of that kind of decorating to Grandpa.
• And the laundry got done--all except the towels.  I'm calling it done.  All the clothes are even folded and put away--well there are a few pants for Turbo left in a basket, but they're easy to put away.  So I'm saying the laundry did not win.  Shut up towels.
• We are going shopping this weekend.  Mostly for the boys, but if Nick decides to shop for me, I won't get nosy, promise.
• So does anyone else wake up out of a sound sleep and remember to do stuff that has to be done--like pay bills, do certain errands, or make appointments?  Cause I woke up at 5:45 am and remembered that the bills needed to go out this morning.  So I got up and wrote out the checks--yes I'm still sending snail mail checks--and got the bills ready to send.  What a way to start the morning.
• Bruiser is talking more and he is really trying to say what we say--mostly.  He doesn't say g sounds or k sounds in the middle of words.  Eggo comes out sounding like ehh-ohh.  I am reminded of the hip hop song that had eh-oh as part of the chorus when ever Bruiser asks for an eggo.   Makes me smile.

Well that covers the random around here.  Go see Keely to link up your own random--go on, she doesn't bite I promise.

What a Weekend

So we had an interesting weekend.
First, Nick and I can be known as certifiably nuts.  We signed up for a four-wheeler safety course.  In December, in Wyoming.  The temperature outside was a balmy 24 degrees when we arrived at the course location.  Even with multiple layers, I was frozen before we even got on the machines.  Then we went in circles, a lot.  But I learned some useful tips and was able to do everything to pass, so both Nick and I are certified safe riders of four wheelers.  We have a card to prove it.
It took about three or four hours to really feel warm after we finished 5 hours in the cold.  Then we went home and made a fire in the wood stove and snuggled in the basement and hung out with the boys.  A lazy end to a busy day.
Sunday we were going to go to the mountains and get a tree.  But the weather kept us in town, so we went with a tree from Nick's folks.  The kind that is prelit and you put together out of the box.  Somehow I feel we are cheating, but I didn't want to wait until next weekend to get a tree.  It is standing, lit but not decorated in out living room.  Tonight we will decorate. 
Last night we watched some christmas movies to get more in the spirit.  We watched Rudolph and The Santa Clause.  Both good movies.  I need to get out the kid movies we have for Turbo and Bruiser--although Bruiser is not that interested yet.  Turbo requested The Santa Clause.  He loves Christmas movies and would watch them all year if he could.  Nick just thinks it's odd the watch Christmas movies in April.  So I put them away and haul them out for the Christmas season. 
Next weekend we are going Christmas shopping for the boys with friends.  It should be a good time.  Now I just have to get Turbo to write his Christmas list for Santa.  I have stuff for him, but I need to know what he wants so Santa can bring him at least some of what he wants.
Yesterday at Walmart they had an area set up for pictures with Santa.  Turbo wanted to do it but neither boy was dressed for a trip to Santa's lap.  Sweats do not make for a good picture.  Maybe next time.
Well that was our weekend--how was your's?

Friday Confessions

Time to confess all, Glamazon style.

• I am dreading the whole Christmas card thing. 
• And procrastinating doing them.  New Year's cards anyone?
• We're hoping to get a Christmas tree this weekend.  If the weather permits.  We will all troop to the mountians and cut one down.  It's a tradition.
• Last year we had a pre-lit fake tree.  I felt like I was cheating.
• I have discovered a new drink I like very much.  Coke and Vanilla Vodka.  Yum.
• They could be dangerous.  
• I have to do laundry this weekend.  Have I mentioned before how I hate laundry.
• The alternative is too expensive though.  They have yet to create decent disposable clothes.
• Therefore I must squeeze in laundry this weekend.  
• THe towels will probably still be waiting on Monday--laughing at me from the basket.  
• Shut up towels.
• I'm looking forward to Christmas this year.
• I get a week and a half off paid for winter break.  Working at a University has it's perks.
• Of course that means lots of togetherness with the boys.  I may be really happy for the 3rd of January.
• Actually there will be no may about it, I will be very happy on that day.

Well that about covers my confessions this week.  Go see Glamazon for more confessions.

Writer's Workshop--Reliving a Moment

 

The Prompts:

1.) Have you ever had a fight with a long time best friend and never made up? Do you think about her from time to time and think about contacting her? What would you say? What if it didn’t work out? What if it did?
(inspired by Elizabeth from Mama Sick)
2.) The perfect fall photo…share a picture that defines fall for you in your neck of the woods.
3.) CONTROVERSY! Are the new security measures performed by the TSA really that bad? Take a stance!
4.) What inspires you to write?
5.) “If you could relive any moment in your life, what moment would you choose?  Write about it.”
(inspired by writingfix.com)

I'm choosing Number 5.
“If you could relive any moment in your life, what moment would you choose?  Write about it.”
I have really had to think about this one. There have been so many wonderful moments--the births of my boys, the great trips we have taken, Christmases, camping trips, and things like that, but if I had any moment to relive it would have to be the first Christmas I spent with my husband. 
We had moved in together in September and had only been going out for about 10 months.  I had spent Thanksgiving here because the plan was that I would go home for Christmas and Nick would come join me the day after.  We would head back down to our town for New Year's Eve with friends.
All those plans derailed when three days before I was supposed to go home--four days before Christmas--my car broke an axle and would not be able to be fixed until after Christmas.  I called home and told my mom and my step dad wouldn't let her come down and get me so I could be home for Christmas.  I was dropped unexpectedly on Nick's family for Christmas.  We would go up to see mine the day after Christmas.
So surprise!  There would be one more for Christmas.
I was so touched and kind of surprised myself when Nick's family took me right in.  We went to the family Christmas party, and they had presents under the tree for me to open Christmas morning--and not just last minute cheap and chintzy things.  It was then that I knew Nick and his family were one of a kind.
So, If I got to relive anything, I'd go back and relive that Christmas.  There was so much hope and love that it would be fun to experience it all over again.

Now go write up your own prompt and link up at Mama Kat's place.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 Time once again for the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  I like doing these question/answer time things.  They make me think about different stuff. 

1. What is the most interesting thing you've done in the last year?  Interesting?  Hmmm...Probably learn how to drive a four wheeler.  Over the Fourth of July we went to visit friends and They tour the mountains on four wheelers.  It was fun and a great way to see the mountains.

2. What is your most meaningful family heirloom?  Probably the picture ans mementos I ahve of my father.  He committed suicide when I was three months old, so I never knew him.  All I have are pictures and things my mom and aunt (his sister) were able to tell me.

3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you're not sure click here to see a list of possibilities.  I'd like to attend any foreign food festival to experience food from other places.  Where I live we have a very limited exposure to ethnic foods.  Chinese, Mexican, and Thai about cover our options.

4. Snow...do you love it or is it considered a four letter word where you live?  I like the snow.  If it is going to be freezing cold, I at least want the ground to be white.  It's way easier to take the cold when the ground is white than dead brown.  Then too, we like to cross country ski and you can't do that without snow.

5. Can you ski? Do you ski? Are you any good?  Cross country only.  I tried downhill when I was a teenager and it did not go well.  No broken bones but I never really got the technique.  Cross country is cheaper to do anyway.  All you need is the equipment and a trail system.  No lift pass or anything like that.  It's nice.

6. What quality in your spouse or best friend are you most thankful for?  Nick is very supportive and proud of what I do--both raising the boys and with work.  It's great to have that backing me.  The fact that he can cook is awesome too.

7. Describe the coziest spot in your home.  We have a family room in the basement that has a sectional and the flat screen TV.  It also has a wood stove.  It can be very cozy for an evening.  I don't really like to spend all day there, I get just a bit of cave feeling--I like to see out the windows, but for an evening watching movies, it's great.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Our family is once again all together.  Turbo got back last night from New York.  He had a fabulous time and got home without a hitch.  He's still our crazy kid.  He's just a bit better traveled now.

Go visit Joyce to get your own Hodgepodge questions and link up.

Random Thoughts-It's the End of November, Really?!

Time to Random it up.  And let the thoughts flow.

• Turbo is back this afternoon.   He has had a wonderful time.  He got to see just about everything a little boy would want to see--the American Museum of Natural History, the Statue of Liberty, the balloons being filled for the parade, Rockefeller center, and the New York library.  He will love going back when he is older to see his uncles and seeing more.  I do think he is ready to come home.
• We rearranged Turbo's room.  New shelves, more space to play, got rid of all the mctoys that accumulate, I think Turbo will like it.
• I need to get egg nog or Christmas Milk as it is known here.  It's that time.
• This weekend Nick and I are going to a Four Wheeler safety class.  We are going to freeze our butts off. Layers, lots and lots of layers, a la "I can't put my arms down" layers.  I think it's the only way to keep warm.
• Ten points for the person who can ID the movie referenced above.
• Bruiser has had a language explosion recently.  He parrots words back to us and is getting better at letting us know what he wants--using words instead of baby swahili.  Makes things much easier.  However we have to watch our language now.  The other evening Nick let slip a little s-word and sure enough Bruiser piped up with something that sounded similar.  Of course he could have been saying sit, but I don't think so.
• We are headed up after a Christmas tree this Sunday, weather permitting.  If the weather doesn't permit, we might go fake again.  I don't want to but if we can't get a tree this weekend it won't happen until the following Sunday and I can't go that long without at least getting a tree up, even if we go fake again.

OK, that covers my random this week.  Go link with Keely and random it up.