Spidey sayings

As I was getting ready this morning, Spiderman popped his head in the bathroom and said, "Mom? What's this game?"

"Oh. Yeah, that's daddy's game." (A co-worker gave it to him for Christmas.)

He then said, "Uh, that's weird."

You don't know the half of it, kiddo.

My daily bread

I started a new blog. It's mostly for me, but I (of course) want others to see it. I decided that the only way I'm going to get into the habit of reading scriptures is if I'm going to be accountable for it. So I started a blog. =D I'm just going to do little posts saying what I read and something I learned.


If there's anyone who wants to join me, I'd love that. You can comment away, or I'd be willing to make it a group blog we we can all post about what we read that day.

The point is -- I make time to blog almost everyday. My scriptures.......not so much. But if I make it a POINT to read and post about what I read, then maybe it'll actually get done. And maybe eventually I won't have to have the incentive of comments to get my scriptures read.

www.wondersdailybread.blogspot.com

Or there's a button in my sidebar.

Out, demons!

A few weeks ago my friend Plainbellied did a post entitled Out, Demons! I can't adequately summarize what she wrote, so I'm just going to tell you what she said:

"I'm getting a head start on my New Year's resolutions. I've decided that the one change that will bless me and my family the most is for me to improve my self-esteem and confidence. I will be a happier, more affectionate wife, a better example to my children, a more enjoyable, less-needy friend, and a less frazzled, more joyful individual. Losing 20 or even 80 pounds wouldn't do those things. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not against losing weight, too, but I certainly can't justify it as my top priority. I don't think it's my greatest flaw.) So, I'm exorcising my insecurities.

"And I'm asking all the wonderful women I know to share their secrets with me. I'd love and appreciate hearing from everyone, but I'll just tag a few of you: Suanne, Amanda, Urban Tangerine, Contigo, Becca, Wonder Woman, and SumGreater. How to you manage your insecurities? What helps you remember your worth? And also name at least one (but hopefully four or five!) thing you love about yourself. And then tag some of the women you admire. "

She then went on to list some of the things she already doing or trying to get better at that keep her insecurites at bay.

So here's what I have to say about all this:

To be quite honest, I don't think I've ever had major self-esteem issues. I was a pretty confident kid, and grew into a confident woman.

A little story about me as a kid: When I was in preschool, there was a girl in my class who told me she didn't want to be my friend. I told my mom this one day, and before she could pull together an answer for why someone might not want to befriend her sweet little girl, I said, "She doesn't know what she's missing!!!"

Like I said, I've never had a whole lot of self-confidence issues.

But I do take compliments I'm given and hoard them like Scrat hoards his acorns.




Ahem.


I think one of the things that has helped is that growing up, I had lots and lots of quotes and scriptures all over my room that asserted my divine worth. I always knew that I was a valued, incredibly special daughter of God. Even now, I have quotes in my sidebar, and a quote above my sink (that I see way too often!) Now the nature of the quotes is more in the affirmation of motherhood, than my divine heritage. They remind me that I don't have to be perfect, instead of constantly urging me to be worthy of my heavenly inheritance.

What does all this say about where I am as a person right now? Hmm.......

Somewhere along the line, I went from striving for perfection to being content with complacency. Instead of using those quotes as reasons to take a deep breath and simply my life, I use them as excuses for why I'm not doing what I should be doing.

I should be going to the temple instead of going shopping.
I should be reading my scriptures instead of my newest Jodi Picoult book.
I should be partaking in sincere prayer rather than sleeping for an extra 10 minutes.

So while I have self-confidence, I'm not really as good as I think I am. I think I've fooled myself into thinking that I don't need those spiritual habits -- that I was doing just fine without them. So while reading my scriptures, having meaningful prayer and going to the temple aren't necessarily going to increase my already inflated self-esteem, they are going to validate it. Which is much more important. It'd be nice to have a well-founded reason to be so supremely confident.

I'm not saying I'm perfectly self-confident now. If anything, I have body-image issues. (What woman doesn't? If Tyra Banks has issues, then certainly I'm entitled to a few issues.) But Plainbellied specifically was not focused on weight issues.

There are things I like about myself. I like my hair. And my legs. (But not the hair on my legs.) And I like that I have two beautiful children, even it means some extra pounds. I wouldn't trade these pounds for those kids -- not in a million years.

Maybe that's a quote I need to put on some cute paper and tape to my bathroom mirror. Or next to the quote on my fridge that says, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." That's a healthy balance, don't you think? =D

Well. This has turned into more of an introspective post than I planned. But it's apparently what needed to be said. So now I'm tagging some more women that I admire. Mechelle, Motherboard, Sher, Kiera, Elisha, Ashley and Redhoodoos. (I admire so many of you, but I have to leave people for them to tag!!) So ladies: Write about the things that have helped you, or will help you have greater confidence and therefore help you be a better servant of God. And write at least one thing you like about yourself, or your body. Or both. Then tag some women you admire.

Let's exorcise these demons!! And then continue the habits to keep them out.

Post-Christmas ramblings

I've wanted to put this up for a while but just haven't found a good time. Now, however, seems perfect. I got a good laugh out of this.



And while we're on the topic of scrooge-y things, when did "My Favorite Things" become a Christmas song? It's from a movie that has NOTHING to do with Christmas. Just because a song talks about snowflakes and brown paper packages doesn't automatically qualify it as a Christmas song.

And I think they should stop playing "Christmas Shoes." It's horribly sad and touching the first time you hear it, now I think it's just a huge downer. I almost get MAD when I hear that song!! (Just ask Superman. He was privy to a nice little rant the other day that I'll spare you from.)

And the Bing Crosby version of "Do you hear what I hear?" GAG me. I just can't stand it. His was the first version I remember hearing of that song, and for years I hated it. I like the Martina McBride version, but that's about it.

Isn't it funny how the things of your childhood make such an impression on the rest of your life? My parents listened to the Nat "King" Cole and Neil Diamond Christmas albums a lot for Christmas, so now I love them. (Isnt' Neil Diamond Jewish? Anyway......) I thought that Neil Diamond came up with the part of White Christmas that goes, "The sun is shining the grass is green......." all by himself! Then when I heard other artist's sing it, I was like, "Hey! they stole that!!!"

Similarly, my dad always used to sing "Danka Shane," (or however you spell it in German.) He went to Germany for a few years with the Air Force and tried to teach my brother and I a bit of German. I learned danka and bita. So, he used to sing that song when he'd say thank you sometimes.

Years later, I heard someone else sing that song and I was shocked. How did they know my dad's song?!?!? I was like, "How do you know that song? My dad made it up!!!" They were all, "Uh, no he didn't. It's an old Wayne Newton song."

I called my dad and asked him if that was true. (I don't think Google had been invented yet.) (Yes, this was a long time ago.) He told me that, yes, it was true. He never claimed to have made up the song, but I as a little girl just assumed he had. And you know what assuming does.

So.........I guess our parents have a big impact on us. (Who'da thunk?) Makes me want to be more careful of what I do and the traditions I want to pass on. Like a love for the Neil Diamond Christmas album.

I believe

Superman and I haven't really discussed how to do Santa Claus with our kids yet. He doesn't want to lie to them. But we both think it's really sad to grow up not believing in Santa. So we just haven't really discussed it - with each other, or the kids. Until last night.

A few years I got the book, "I Believe in Santa Claus." It talks about how Santa wears red, comes at night, loves little children, brings us gifts, etc. Then it talks about Jesus -- who wears red, comes at night, loves all children, KNOWS we're good, etc.

I love the message of this story. It's absolutely perfect. At the end, there's a letter from the author. Among other things, he says, "Psychologists have written on the healthful benefits of encouraging children to believe in a kind and generous Santa. Strong beliefs is Santa Claus in the tender years are said to foster traits of goodness, helpfulness, and the desire to bring joy and happiness to others."

Upon reading this, my husband's opinion on our children believing in Santa changed a little bit. (I already believe in the magic of Santa.)

So today we've talked about how Santa is going to come tonight and leave presents. We're a little late to talk to them all month about being good, but that's alright. They're pretty good kids, anyway. (When they want to be.) We're going to leave cookies.

A few weeks ago we were talking to some friends about our little dilemma and they shared a story they'd heard. One year a man's 9 year old son just asked him point blank about Santa. Instead of saying it's all a lie and that mom and dad are really Santa, he told his son the truth.

A long time ago, there really was a man, Saint Nicholas, who would go around once a year and leave little gifts for children. That man has died, but so many people like the idea that they decided to carry on the tradition. Now, there are people all around the world who, like St. Nicholas, give gifts.

The child asked who was Santa Claus for their family. The man just kinda raised his eyebrows and shoulders as if to say, "Who knows?" and smiled.

Another friend talked about when her father told her the truth about Santa. That year, she got to help play Santa Claus. She helped shop, wrap, and put presents under the tree. She was a bit disappointed laying out present the night before to see none for herself, but was pleasantly surprised the next morning.

So I've got a few ideas of what to say and do when the time comes. But I really just want what Motherboard asked for: that my children be young enough to always believe in Santa.

Now, I'm just really excited for tomorrow. I'm excited to read Luke 2 tonight and dress my kids up as shepherds and wise men. I'm not ready for the season to end. We haven't done many "traditional" things, but we still have a few days left to make Christmas memories.

What has been your favorite tradition this year? What have you told your kids about Santa, either when they're young enough to believe or old enough to question?

I hope you all have the merriest (and safest) of Christmases. May it be merry and bright.

My first school christmas program as a parent

Spiderman's preschool had their program last week. It was so fun to watch. I can't believe how big he's getting!! Last night, my husband and I were talking about him and how he goes to get the Hulk from nursery after church.

"He's getting so big," I said. And then after a minute I realized, "And it's not going to stop, huh? I mean, I know he's getting big, but he's just going to get bigger. He's not always going to be in preschool. Or middle school! One day, he's going to have kids and we're going to be grandparents!!" It's like I had just realized all of that.

So, I'm going to try to savor this precious time a little more. And without further ado, he's some of his program.

One of him smiling!! And of course the token nose-picking picture. I'm just glad it's not my kid this time!!

They were all so good up there, posing for pictures.

Singing Jingle Bells.

The kids did parts of "The Night Before Christmas." See the kids sleeping with sugarplums dancing in their heads? Spiderman was one of the reindeer.

After the program the kids got a visit from the big man himself.

The hulk was kind of, well, Hulkish during the program. Didn't want to sit down or stay quiet. Mostly, he wanted to go up on stage with the kids. But he was quite thrilled to see Santa.

Showing Santa his Star Wars movie. (That he was yelling at me to watch the whole time.)

Pretty happy about getting candy.

To date, this is the best picture I have of Spiderman and Santa. I think he wasn't quite sure what to think about the him.

All in all, it was a pretty great morning.

Christmastime

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs.





May the Spirit of the Season continue with you today.

12 days of Christmas tag

One amusing Christmas Memory: My family usually picked out a real tree, and one year we went to the tree farm to do it. We rode on a tractor, found the perfect tree and my dad cut it down. On the way home, we stopped for gas. (This was back in the day before pay-at-the-pump, which meant we got to go in a pick out a candy bar.) Inside we saw an older man, somewhat heavy-set with white hair and a white beard. It was all real. He had gold glasses on, and a red turtleneck with Christmas suspenders and jeans.

My brother and I were in awe. We just stared. He then got in a red minivan with a vanity plate that said "Claus" and drove away. It was purely magical!

Two theories as to why Santa chooses the chimney as his best means of entry: Theory #1...Chimneys generally don't have alarm systems. Kinda defeats the purpose of sneaking in if you're setting off alarms.

Theory #2...Santa was raised in 'da hood and was afraid if he was seen in his neighborhood wearing his slick red suit, he'd get shot. He would Fo' sho' end up gettin' capped in a drive-by if the gang wearing blue suits (Hanukkah Harry, I'm looking in your direction, yo!) ever saw him walking in through the front door. --->I totally stole Shana's answer because it's just so funny!

Three things you want for Christmas: Wii, wii fit, and a purple purse.

Four of your favorite Christmas movies: "White Christmas," "The Family Stone," "Miracle on 34th Street," "The Polar Express."

Five ways you've been naughty this year: Spending too much money..............times 4. (That's all I'm confessing to!)

Six ways you've been nice: #1 -We did something really nice last night, but Santa already knows about that one. #2 -my kids are still alive #3 - my husband's still alive #4 - the dogs are still alive #5 -my brother-in-law's still alive even though he decided to not move his family, including MY BEST FRIEND, really close to me #6 - I haven't asked to be released from any of my callings

Seven people you suspect are elves: Steven Colbert - have you seen his ears? And all the jolie-pitt kids. They're always off doing good things with their parents.

Eight of Santa's reindeer: Dash (Incredible) Parr, Benji Schwimmer, Michael Flatley, Carmen Electra, Haley Duff, Eros, Hanibal Lector, John Madden. (Did you catch that? Can you figure out how my twisted little mind works?)

Nine uses for snow:
--covering up all the ugly dead things (plants, not people!)
--a reason to buy more boots
--makes me develop a better relationship with the canines since they'd freeze if they stayed outside
--flirtatious snowball fights (yes, even for old married people) (with your spouse)
--sledding!!! (back home we'd do it on the overpasses, because that's the only change in elevation in Kansas)
--skiing
--snowboarding
--tubing
--burying doggie doo

Ten least favorite things about Christmas: Lines at walmart. Budgeting. Getting organized enough for Christmas cards. Taking down the decorations. Busyness. Holiday music the day after Halloween. Not spending it with family. The day after christmas let-down. Gaining poundage.

Eleven word associations to "figgy pudding": (1)Now(2)bring(3)us (4)some.......(5)what(6)IS(7)it?...(8)was(9)cursed(10)and(11)died.... Not the pudding. The tree. By Christ.

Twelve reasons you love Christmas: Snow. Giving gifts. Christmas music. Overwhelming sentimentality. Decorations. Spending time with the ones you love. Starting traditions with my family. Receiving gifts. (I know it's better to give than to receive, but it's still fun!!) Wrapping presents. Opportunites to teach my kids about Christ. Caroling. Happiness.

I'm taking another page from Shana's book and tagging the first 12 people that comment. The ones who really love me.

p.s. My hair turned out fine. I was needlessly worried.

sixteen randomitities

My cousin tagged me with this, which is perfect 'cuz I have no idea what I want to blog about right now. Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end choose 16 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you.

1. I'm only on the computer right now because I'm waiting for my hair dye to set in.
2. I think I'm done Christmas shopping!
3. I did some anonymous service tonight and it made me happy.
4. I shoveled our driveway this afternoon and hurt my back. "My fingers hurt." "Well now your BACK'S gonna hurt, 'cuz you just pulled landscaping!"
5. I'm going visiting teaching today.
6. My header pic is one I took of my own decorations.
7. I need to do my dishes. (What's new?)
8. I always want to buy a new journal, but am NOT good about writing in them! I used to be.....
9. In winter I like to burn gingerbread/german struesel scented candles, but I think it's weird to burn candles in the summer. Scented oil stuff is cool, I just think it's wrong to burn candles in the summer.
10. I birthed Spiderman with no epidural. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WAS THINKING.
11. I wisened up by the time the Hulk was born.
12. Superman and I like to go to Renaissance Faires. We even went to a HUGE one just a month after the Hulk was born. We drove EIGHT hours with a 20 month old and a newborn. We even wore costumes. (It was pretty much the coolest renaissance faire you could imagine, by the way.) (I can't believe I just shared the extent of my nerd-dom.)
13. I sent my oven timer a little while ago for 17 mintues to let me know when I needed to go wash out the dye. After checking a few blogs and writing the first half of this post, I decided to see how much longer I had left. The timer read 17 minutes. AAAHHHHH!!!!
14. I am now very scared that my hair will be exceptionally brassy.
15. Tuesday night I was pretending to be a monster and chase my boys. The Hulk had a toy train in his hand that he threw at me - not being mean, just defending himself against the monster. I now have a nice little gash on my forehead. Lovely.
16. I am consequently trying out a new REALLY-swept-bangs look. And I'm scared to see what my hair is going to look like.

I'm tagging Good Frau, Sher, Ashley V, Catie, Redhoodoos, Angelica, Nemiha, April, Ashley Skye, Wendy, Motherboard, Shellie, Mechelle, Mother Goose, Shanana and Tammy because I know they're either good for a tag or know me well enough to know that I'm not offended if they don't do it. =D And I'm not sure why you're supposed to tag the person who tagged you back. Wouldn't it just be a vicious tagging cycle? (Though I suppose that's what tagging is, in general.) In any case, do the tag, or don't. I'll love you either way!

out of the mouth of babes.....

Spiderman came into our room the other morning, all cheerful-like and said,

"Daddies go to work. Big boys go to preschool and mommies go shopping."

I think he's got it down pat!!

emotional

And it's not even that glorious time of the month. But right now everything's making me cry. Random Christmas carols. Books I read that make me go hug my children, beg for a kiss and record what they're doing in their journals. Dreams. Relief Society lessons. Blog posts about people's husbands. My kids saying "I love you, mommy" when I haven't said it first. The smell of babies. Walking in on my son reading his scriptures. Your blogs that have anything to do with your families or Christ.

Maybe it's the other time of the month.

Maybe it's just the season.

My new favorite author (apologies to Stephenie Meyer)

Every now and then, you come across an author that makes you think. Makes you wonder what you would do in the characters' shoes. Well, I say every now and then, but I really mean for the first time, I have found an author that makes me see the world differently. (And it's not because she's making me believe vampires really do exist.)

With Jodi Picoult, the world is not black and white -- it is countless shades of gray. It is a prisoner on death row wanting to donate his heart once he's dead. It is a boy who is bullied and humiliated and rejected every day since his first day of kindergarten who decides he's had enough. It's the ethics of designer babies. It's parents trying to do their best and coming up short. It's children misunderstanding their parents. It's modern morality flipped on it's head.

I am positively infatuated with Jodi Picoult's novels right now.

The Dallas Morning News had this to say about her: “Ms. Picoult has carved her own niche with her novels — one part romance, one part courtroom thriller, two parts social commentary.”

I really can't describe it better than that.

She generally tells her stories from different character's perspectives, so you get bits and pieces of the story from more than one point of view.

I've read 19 minutes, Keeping Faith, Harvesting the Heart, Vanishing Acts, Change of Heart, Second Glance and Plain Truth. She's also written The Tenth Circle, Salem Falls, Perfect Match, Mercy and a few others, all of which I'm anxious to start.

I highly recommend any of these to you. There's some language in what she writes, but not enough to make me stop reading. There's a lot about the relationships between mothers and daughters that I love reading about. Makes me grateful that my mom and I have a normal, healthy relationship.

Have any of you read her novels? What are you reading?

Wonder Woman needs

I saw this on Tammy's blog and thought it looked fun. What you do is google your name with "needs" at the end, then copy the first ten things that pop up.




Wonder Woman needs Charisma! Well, thanks. Why don't you just give me a paper cut and pour lemon juice on it?!

Wonder Woman now needs to integrate her origin with World War II again. What the....?

Even Wonder Woman Needs a Day Off. Truer words have never been spoken.

Wonder Woman needs a respect thread. I need more than a thread, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

Wonder Woman needs to wash her mouth with soap. Oops. I guess they were listening the other day when I saw an infomercial and said, "Who buys this CRAP?!" I'm off to find that bar of yummy smelling soap Lonna gave me.......

Even Wonder Woman Needs A Man. And we all know who that is.....SUPERMAN!! Forget Lois Lane.

Wonder Woman needs to be wearing a wonderbra. Thanks for pointing that out. I've had babies, for goodness' sake! Can't a girl catch a break?

Wonder Woman needs to do more than look good. Okay, okay, if you insist. But it's not easy being beautiful.

Wonder Woman needs to know how to party with the ladies and these gals are the ultimate social directors. Heck YES I need to know how to party with the ladies!! Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha, here I come!!!

Wonder Woman needs someone to save her! Big time! And this is why I have Superman. I play a pretty good damsel in distress, if I do say so myself. Every man needs to save his lady, and it's our duty to to make sure their needs are met.


And just one more. When I typed in my real name, it told me I needed a spa and salon day.

I think google is a psychic genius.

And a little child shall lead them

These are Superman's scriptures from when he was in the army. Spiderman found them the other day and hasn't wanted to part with them. He's always reading about finding new friends, or baby Jesus being born. Loves these scriptures.

I need to do a little more of this.

Lunch with my belle, shoe woes, and request for your address

Meeting Mechelle yesterday was such a blast. She's larger than life (figuratively) and even cooler than her blog makes her out to be. I wish we lived closer. I feel like there's a lot I could learn from her. She's just as inspiring and funny and sincere as you'd think she'd be from reading her blog.

I also got to meet her sister Julie and 4 other women from their family, plus Frumpy. (She's got pictures of everyone, but I didn't get any with my camera.) We had such a great time. They have a wonderful family and are all so close - I confess that I was a bit envious. I'm pretty close to my sisters-in-law, but living 20+ hours apart kinda puts a damper on lunch and playdates.

But I had the greatest time. We all passed around a coupon for buy one get one free entrees and just laughed and talked for a couple of hours. And instead of feeling like I was crashing their family lunch, I felt like I was part of the family. I even shared a bit of chocolate cake that was passed around, which they said made me part of the family. And I'm perfectly willing to be part of a family that shares chocolate!!!

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And now for a story. On Saturday I decided to get the boys some church shoes. They have somehow both managed to lose one of their church shoes. They've been wearing tennis shoes, but it just bugs me. So I went to Payless because they're having their BOGO sale right now. I found a really cute pair for the Hulk, and a not-so-cute-but-good-enough pair for Spiderman. Except they didn't have the right size for him. I went ahead and got the shoes for the Hulk. The salesperson checked other stores in the area and found two the had Spiderman's size. She gave me a receipt with the names and numbers of those two stores, plus a coupoon for $3 off since I was having to go to different stores. She told me just to keep the receipt for the shoes I did buy, and I'd get half off.

So I went to the first store and they didn't have any in his size, even though they were supposed to. I then called the other store, so it wouldn't happen to me again. When I finally got through, the man told me they didn't have any in an eight, either.

So to re-cap, both stores that supposedly had the shoes in his size didn't. Great.

I went to another mall in the area, shopped a few stores, then decided to check the Payless there, even though it wasn't on my list as having the right size. Of course this time the list was right, and they didn't have any. I stopped by one more Payless on the way home, just to check. Nope. Then I went to the Shopko in my town (they sell Payless shoes). By the way, this was the second store on the list that was supposed to have the shoes. I had already called them, but decided to go check for myself, since sometimes (most of the time) computers and shelves don't match up.

Of course this time they did. NO SHOES.

I went to FIVE payless stores, and didn't find the right size.

They told me to keep my receipt and coupon and check back in a week or so - they'd be getting more. So I might go check tomorrow.

But here's the kicker. This is the pair I bought for the Hulk.

Cute, huh? They work as tennis shoes, but are nice enough for church. My boys usually wear cargo pants and polos, so these match. I didn't need really dressy shoes.

I wake up this morning to find this:

We let the dogs sleep in the kitchen last night because it's so cold out. And Max found our shoe stash. He didn't chew the sandals that are old and don't fit, or Hulk's old grubby tennis shoes.

No. Max found the pair I JUST bought that double as church and everyday shoes.

Hmph.

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And just for kicks - here's my lunch:

One of the perks of being on the enrichment committee. (Our Christmas dinner was last night.)

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For the first time EVER, I'm sending Christmas cards! We have pictures, I picked up cards on clearance last year, I have stamps.......it's really gonna happen. I don't have a letter, but I'm not writing one.

So if you want a Christmas card, (translated: family pictures) send me your adress. My e-mail is eppermay@juno.com

Well look-y what we have here........

A sneaky little elf! Red did a Secret Santa swap and my present was hand delivered last night!

Lonna brought me Message in a Bottle (love anyhting by Nicholas Sparks!), Yorks, Diet Dr. Pepper, warm socks, scented soap and SCRAPBOOK STUFF!!!! She's done a great job as a blog stalker. =D Thank you SO MUCH Lonna!

I confess that this is what I'm most excited about. (Yes, even with the pop and the chocolate!) It's a card making kit from Close to my Heart. Stamps, inks, brads, ribbon, cards, envelopes, cute paper and a handy-dandy how-to guide. I know I will get a lot of use out of this. In fact, I used it tonight to make a card for the blogger I'm sending a gift to! I know, I'm a total slacker. I've had her stuff just waiting to be put in the mail. But I promise I'll get around to it today. It's at the top of my list.

Right next to lunch with blog friends!!!!!!

That's right, ladies and stalkers, I get to meet the magnificent Mechelle, jubilant Julie, and fantastic Frumpy. (And possibly others, but I really have no idea.)

I am SO pumped for this!!! And a little nervous. Not really. But kinda. Mostly excited, though.

I wish more of you could come. We'll have to plan a serious shin-dig where you can make plans to maybe come from out of state and stay over night. In fact, I think Frumpy proposed one of those last year for this next summer. I'll let you know after I talk to her IN PERSON at lunch!!! (I'm sorry, but sometimes it's just really fun to gloat!)

Till then, have a thrilling Thursday and sing along with some Christmas tunes. A guaranteed pick-me-up!

Santa baby, put a soundtrack under the tree. For me.

Dear Santa--

It seems that lots of people I know are writing to you via their blog. Sounds like a good idea -- I assume Comcast covers the North Pole? So this one's for you, big guy.


I know I won't be able to get the movie till next Christmas, so I think the score will be able to hold me over till then. Besides, I'm positively infatuated with it. (And it's in stores today! Just in case you were wondering.)

Ahh, the Wii Fit. I've been achin' for this one for a few months now. It'd be much easier to do this than go to the gym, and the boys could play it with me all day! Video games and aerobics all in one -- does it GET better than this??

A purple tote. Oh how I've longed for a purple purse. This one would do, or more of a hobo style like this one:

I'm sure whatever you find will make me happy! Doesn't need to be expensive, just HOT. And big enough to hold some diapers and fruit snacks.

I've love a piano. And see -- I'm not even asking for a real piano. I'd never have to tune this one and it'd be really easy to move. Anything to make it easier for you!!

While you're here, I may as well mention I'd love one of these. Doesn't have to be this model or color - doesn't even half to be new!!! I'd just like a minivan in general. So that I'll be ready when you bring one of these:

Come on, I think I should get one of these for Christmas, too!! Don't you think? I'll even sacrifice the whole being pregnant thing if you just put a little girl under the tree. With a cute little red bow on her head.......aww!! It'd be perfect! Please please please?!?


No?


Well, okay then. Can't hurt to ask, right?

So there you go, Mr. C. I don't think I'm asking for too much, and you've always been my favorite!!!

With much, much love,

The aMAYzing (and ever-so-humble) Wonder Woman

p.s. No, this is not a pregnancy announcement. And my friend Kiera took that gorgeous photo of the baby.

Deck the Halls part 2

Just as I was sitting down trying to figure out what in the world I was going to post today, I got a tag!! This came from a stalker-turned-delurker 3 Bay B Chicks and I'm excited!!

Egg nog or hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate. #1, it's chocolate. #2, We used to drink egg nog as we decorated the tree growing up, but eventually it just got too sweet for me. I drink hot chocolate throughout the winter. In fact, I'm drinking some right now.

Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree?
Wrap those suckers up!! That's half the fun -- guessing what they are. Growing up, our Santa gifts were not under the tree, but in a different room, unwrapped. Usually because they were too big - bikes, beds, a pool table, etc.

Colored lights on tree or white?
White, most definately. And not blinking.

When do you put your decorations up?
A few days after Thanksgiving, generally.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
My mom used to make a cajun-seasoned catfish for our Christmas Eve Dinner that I loved.

Favorite holiday memory as a child:
Finding out Santa really did exist. One year after reading The Polar Express, I decided I was going to ask Santa for a sleigh bell. I told no one of my plan (as far as I remember) and put the letter out Christmas Eve. After we opened all the presents the next morning, my dad was like, "Hey, what's this on the tree? A new ornament?" I took a small tin box off the tree and heard a jingle. I opened it up to find a older looking sleighbell, still attached to some leather. On the botton was carved, "To Alyssa. Merry Christmas! Love, Mr. C."

It was purely magical and I believed in Santa till I was like 12 because of it!

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
By the time I was 12, I realized utterly impossible it would be for Santa to exist. It wasn't something that someone told me, but I came to the conclusion on my own.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
As kids we'd openone that was usually pajamas mom made.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Lights first, then bulbs and glitter snowflakes. My favorite ornaments come next (so they have prime locations), then whatever's left.

Snow! Love it or dread it?
I love a white Christmas, and sledding, and watching the snow fall. I HATE driving in it, and winters like the last one where we literally did not see grass for 4 months. It got really depressing. So my answer is both.

Can you ice skate?
We had a rink back home that I skated on every now and then.

Do you remember your favorite gift?
Well, of course there was the sleigh bell. And the pool table was pretty great. The Christmas Superman and I were dating he got me a necklace that I loved.

What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
An easy, obvious answer, but still true: Family. Especially now that it's not a guarantee that we'll all be together for the holidays. The years that we've all been able to make it home have been my favorite.

What is your favorite holiday dessert?
I LOVE Mint M&Ms. They're only out at the holidays, and only at a few stores. I usually have to hunt them down and buy a few (or 9) bags to get me through the holidays. And my dad would always make a chocolate dream pie. I have the ingredients sitting in my pantry, just waiting for the perfect time. (The perfect time will be when we have friends over. I don't want to eat the whole thing by myself, but I also don't want to share it with 6 other people and only have one piece. You mean what I know?!)

What is your favorite tradition?
Christmas Eve. Reading the Christmas story, and acting it out. I also love Christmas caroling.

Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Giving. Receiving is great, but definitely not as fun.

What is your favorite Christmas Song?
There is no way I could pick just one. I love The Christmas Song, The First Noel, White Christmas, Handel's Messiah, Oh Holy Night, Hilary Week's Christmastime, Silver Bells, Martina McBride's and Trisha Yearwood's christmas albums..........I really canNOT pick a favorite!

Candy canes! Yuck or yum?
I'm personally not a big fan. I wouldn't go so far as to say yuck, but I'd rather have mint M&Ms.

Ever recycled a Christmas present?
I really don't remember doing this. But I'm tempted to wrap up a few of the toys my kids rarely play with and stick 'em under the tree.

Don't Be A Scrooge! Tag 7 friends to Deck the Halls... I'm afraid I'm going to have to be a bit Scrooge-ish. I don't know who to tag. I told a few people I was tagging them, but they don't have to do it. Some bloggers love tags (like me) but some aren't big fans. Some people just do funny stuff, and probably don't get too excited about tags. So. If you haven't done this and want to, PLEASE consider yourself tagged!! As I've mentioned before, I like saving tags for days I want to post but can't think of anything to write about.

Deck the halls!

I brought Christmas to our home a few days ago! Just decided that it was time and I didn't want to wait. Superman was pleasantly surprised when he got home that day.

I love these stocking holders. I got them and another set that says JOY, because I didn't know how big our family was going to be and couldn't have an un matching set!! I picked out the fabric and my mom made the stockings. I picked generic silks so that we can make more as our family grows and (again) have them all match.

I'm drawn the the Christmas words.

All our Santa's.



And the tree......

Some of my favorite ornaments.

Check out one of our 4 Superman ornaments.


And the Sleeping Beauty ornament is for me.

Take note of the disco ball, sequined globes, flying cheerleader, and Clark Kent/Superman suit.

I have to admit that this is my absolute favorite ornament. It's the first one a child has made for me. Spiderman made it at preschool and I put it on that same day. The fact that we don't have a "real" tree topper just makes it more perfect.

So there's a taste of Christmas in our home. I hope you have a great Sunday!

p.s. I've decided to put off potty training for a while. I very much appreciate all your advice. We'll continue to work with him, but I"m not going to push it right now. And one of the mice is dead. And we haven't heard from the dog guy yet. .......I think that's all the updates!

I need help - potty training advice sought!

As I was eating breakfast with the boys this morning, I asked them what we should do today. Then I remembered that the Hulk isn't potty-trained yet and decided today would be a good day. He's not sick, we're back from our trip, and I have training pants -- all the excuses I've used for the past months.

He's a smart kid. He really is. He's 2 1/2 and has been talking well for almost a year now. He's even pooped in the potty a few times when he was in the bath and knew not to do it in there. He likes to sit on the potty. Yesterday after the bath I took too long getting a diaper on him and found him pooping on the floor. I made him get a tissue and picked it up and put it in the potty. So I figured today was the day.

It's not going well. He's already gone through two sets of underwear. And I've got the timer set to take him every 20-45 minutes.

I know I've done this once before, but it was with a different child. I know it takes time. But does anyone have any advice? The Hulk is a very passionate kid. When he's happy, he's estactic. Makes every smile and is always laughing. But he can get made very easily. Quite a temper. Just very passionate either way. Have any of your potty trained a child like this? Should I go find a little training potty? Should I let him run around naked? Should I wait? I've offered a piece of candy if he does anything in the potty but that hasn't worked so far.

It's only been a few hours, but I'm asking advice now. What has worked best for you?

Not for the faint of heart. Read at your own risk.

I am scared to clean my house right now. This is not the normal "I don't want to clean my house -- I just don't feel like it." I am actually scared to because of what I might find.

A year ago, we had a mouse problem. This is horrible enought in itself, but combined with my fear of all thing rodent, it was UNBEARABLE. (I trace this fear back to The Princess Bride and the ROUS's.) Right before we left on a 3 week vacation last November, we put out rat poison. Upon returning, my kitchen smelled positively disgusting. I knew it was a dead mouse, but we could never find it. We pulled all the applicances off the wall, checked under the sink, the cupboards.......but found nothing. The smell was coming from under the refrigerator, but no matter how many times we pulled it out and checked, nothing was there. I just bought a can of Oust and within a few weeks the smell was gone.

Fast forward to a month ago. We had a small flood in the kitchen and had to pull out the fridge. Guess what we found under there. Yup. I almost had a heart attack and ran away with Superman took care of it. YUCK. And it had been there for a year. (I apologize if I'm completely grossing you out.)

Then Wednesday before we left for Thanksgiving, I was cleaning in the Hulk's room. I picked up a shirt off the floor and found another dead mouse. This one really did almost give me a panic attack. I threw the shirt back over it and walked out. I had to go back in there once more and just sqeezed my eyes shut and got through it. Superman took care of it that night before we left.

Then Monday night when we got home, I was carrying in a sleeping Hulk and what do I find on the kitchen floor but ANOTHER ONE!!!!!! AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Again I ran away while Superman took care of it.

Then laying in bed that night, exhausted from the trip, what do I hear but a scratching. I tried to ignore it. I plugged my ears with the blanket and breathed really loud, calming breaths. And then it sounded like the mouse exploded. I don't know what it was, but it was really loud and I pictured the mouse finding the old poison (like the other one's obviously had) and it making the mouse blow up like a seagull who takes Alka-Seltzer.

I screamed and started shaking. Superman woke up and I told him what happened. We listened for a minute longer, heard some more scratching, and I was GONE. The couch is more comfortable, anyway.

Then two days ago, Superman and I were getting coats out of the closet when he started to push me away. Then I saw the mouse run by. (I shudder just thinking about it.)

So do you understand my fear of cleaning the house? I'm keeping the living room and kitchen clean, but am HORRIFIED of the bedrooms and closets. And you know how bedrooms can get. Especially after a trip. We've still got luggage I need to put away. Beds need to be made, there's all kinds of toys and clothes on the floors, the Christmas decor boxes need to be put up........but I am terrified because of what I might find!

We've bought traps that Superman put out last night. And traps are better (for me) than poison because at least I know where the mouse will be, and it won't pop up in some random place around my house.

In the meantime........the bedrooms continue to deteriorate. I'm super paranoid. I swear that there's a foul smell coming from under the refrigerator, though Superman pulled it out and checked this morning and found nothing.

So this is all really gross. I probably shouldn't post it, but this is the E! THS of my life right now. ROUS's and all. And believe me, they exist!

Thanksgiving in photos

This blog is supposedly a record of my family, (I know, I know, you thought it was all me!!) so I'm putting up some pictures of our Thanksgiving.

This is all of my side of the family. My dad holding the Hulk (who was NOT in a good mood), my mom holding my nephew Brodie, and behind them is my brother Spencer, who's almost 15. In front of Spencer is my SIL Megan, holding Conner, who's 6 weeks old. My brother Alex is behind her, then of course Spiderman, Superman, and myself.

This was the best picture we could get of my parent's grandkids. They were all about done taking pictures by this point.

This is my father-in-law, affectionately known as Grumpy. He was making the kids yell at the top of their lungs and run away so he could chase them.

Spiderman running from Grumpy.

And getting caught!

The Hulk took a different approach.

He got a weapon!!! (That's my niece Kimberlynn in the background.)

This is Superman playing a tickle game with my nephew Clark.

He caught on after a little bit!

Clark also loved to shoot me with the gun.


The Hulk liked playing with the fireplace tools - this is him cleaning up with the broom.

And these are my two very best friends in the world -- my sister-in-law, Kelli, and my mom.

GET. THIS.

While we were gone, a friend of mine watched our dogs. (I almost considered calling Motherboard, but figured the commute was unfair.) My friend Tina has a dog of her own, Sugar. So Tuesday night, Suuperman aka The Dog Whisperer takes our dogs over and gets them all used to one another. After a few minutes they were fine.

A few days later, the dogs got into a fight. It was the two females - her Sugar and our Lacey. Tina had her kids playing outside, and Lacey started to play with Kendall (a 4 yo girl.) Kendall squealed, but Sugar mistook her sound of pleasure for one of pain. She felt she had to defend her pup, so went after Lacey. Lacey of course wasn't NOT going to fight back. Unfortunately, the dogs did get into it. There was a little blood. And Kendall and a 2 yo boy were right in the middle of it at first.

Tina heard the kids start to yell and ran out there. Her neighbor just happened to be outside and jumped the fence to help stop the fight.

They got the dogs off each other, and Lacey and Sugar just stayed away from each other the remainder of the time. (Tina did consider bringing our dogs back to our house, but one time in the summer some neighbor kids let our dogs out and she was worried it would happen again.)

While this is not good news, the part I want to tell you all about is the neighbor who jumped the fence.

We don't know him. He's about 40 with a nice handlebar mustache. Tina knows him, since she lives next door, and he is always up in her business. Trying to parent her kids, telling her what to do with her dog.....all kinds of stuff.

Apparently, this guy has a bad back. So when he jumped the 4.5 foot fence, he hurt his back. Once the fight was over, he was saying he couldn't feel his legs and asked Tina to call an ambulence. He was taken to the ER, given lots of morphine (which supposedly did nothing to ease the pain), had an MRI, found that nothing was wrong and went home the next day.

And now he wants us to pay for it!!!!!!!

He willingly jumped the fence. Knowing he has a bad back. He technically trespassed onto Tina's property. The dogs were not attacking the kids. Lacey wasn't even the one who started it!!! (Not the Tina should pay either - I"m just sayin'.) The dogs didn't bite him. They weren't his resposibility. Tina came out and broke it up.

And he wants us to pay his hospital bill!!! He said either that, or get our dogs into obedience school and show him a certificate of graduation. (Who died and made him boss of the world?) In case you missed it, my husband is a dog trainer. We have well behaved dogs!! But when they are attacked, they're going to fight back. It's instinct, not disobedience. (And Sugar was acting on instinct, too. She thought her pup was in trouble.)

The man says that Lacey was trying to get at his dog through the fence. This doesn't surprise me. We have a VERY aggresive dog who lives next to us. He has taught Lacey to bark at dogs through fences. No matter how many times we tell her to stop, the other dog always gets her back to barking again. So I believe him when he says Lacey was barking at his dog. But it is a chainlink fence. She's not going to get through it. And she doesn't jump. His dog was NOT in danger.

Anyway.......I cannot beLIEVE he thinks we would pay for his trip to the hospital. Tina said that when he was having her call the ambulence, she thought he was playing it up, but couldn't figure out why. When she first told me the story of the fight and about him going to the ER, I just knew that he was going to want us to pay for it. And he only told Tina what he wanted from us after I took the dogs home yesterday. She didn't know when she was telling me about the incident.

So what would you guys do? Superman wants to do the right thing. (He's noble like that.) I, on the other hand, have no problem telling him exactly what we will or will not be doing. I told Superman that you can't teach a person common sense. (Can you? Like, do they offer classes at the local rec. center?)

We have absolutely NO legal responsibilty here, right? He wasn't bitten, we didn't MAKE him jump the fence with a bad back. It's not our property, it wasn't his repsonsibility. His dog wasn't hurt.

What would you do? What should we do?

back to the ol' grind

Well, we're back. Back to everything. Superman's working, I'm dealing with a house that's messy even though we've barely been home 12 hours, whiny kids, no food, pack meeting, babysitting......
I miss vacation!!

We had a great time with our families. We stayed with my parents, but Superman's parents and his sister (and her kids) came and spent almost every day with us. All the grandkids got along splendidly and the girls even got to go see Twilight again!!! (Just as good the second time. Makes me want the score even more!)

There's of course lots of details, but the gist of it is we had a great time and it was too short. And now we're back to regular life.

But I've missed you guys!! I haven't even checked my bloglines - I'm too scared. Once I start I know it will be hours before I'm done. So until I get over to say hi and see what you've been up to, know that I'm thinking about you guys. Not in a creepy, stalkerish way (well, sort of) but just wondering what's up with you all.

Anyway. I'll be to your place soon. Maybe tomorrow.

Bye!

Another tag because I'm still on vacation and I KNOW you all want to hear these answers!!!

8 shows I watch
1. American Idol
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. The Office
4. Biggest Loser
5. America's Next Top Model
6. Private Practice
7. Smallville
8. The Bachelor (ette)


8 restaurants I like to eat at:
1. Olive Garden
2. Chili's
3. P.F. Chang's
4. Arby's
5. Del Taco
6. Wendy's
7. Little Caesar's
8. McDonald's

8 things I did today: (last 24 hours)
1. Went to church in my home ward
2. Slept till after 10!!! Goota love staying with grandparents!
3. Blogged - I miss you guys!
4. Went to see TWILIGHT again with my SIL/BFF, mom, MIL, and grandma.
5. Hung out with old friends
6. Played with neices and nephews8. Attended
7. Used a blow dryer!
8. Watched The Family Stone with my family.


8 things I am looking forward to:
1. Christmas.
2. Sleep.
3. Being home.
4. snow
5. spring
6. putting up my Christmas tree and decorations
7. getting rid of my carpet.
8. the millenium


8 things on my wish list:
1. Wii Fit
2. rockin' new purse
3. minivan
4. a daughter
5. a hair cut
6. Superman and I living a long, long healthy life together
7. My children married in the temple
8. Kelli (best friend) living less than an hour away.

8 people I am tagging:
Breaking the rules here - I know lots of people have done this tag, so I'm not tagging anyone. But if you haven't done it think it looks fun, by all means considered yourself tagged!!