2008 IS ALMOST OVER!! HURRAY!

Well Christmas was great. Christmas Eve my parents came over and brought food. It was really nice having them over and spending time with them all day. After we ate and several rounds of domino's later... My brother and sister-in-law came over with their little guys and Brandi's parents for dessert. Of course we still have dessert left... it doesn't go very fast in my house unless it's ice cream! My mom enjoyed having the kids over. She misses her grand babies a lot. (Hopefully soon she'll have some more here in AZ!) Christmas day we went to Aaron's Mom's house and played WII and ate w/ his brother, sister and their families. We had a really good time watching the kids open their gifts and have fun w/ all the new toys. Dinner was great too. The rest of the weekend was filed with friends, and annoying trips to stores! Ashsuire and I went to Fashion Square and we stopped in Macy's. They had a sale going on their Calvin Kline bras- so I bought a few... unfortunately we picked a check out line that was going 2 times slower than all the others in the store! We were in line for about 30 minutes! Very irritating! We had just gotten to the mall and I was ready to leave!! lol My Christmas tree is still up- I just don't want to take it down. I love having it up in my house! Oh well... I can't leave it up too much longer... I'll probably take it down on Jan 1st so I can clean my carpets this weekend...

Two weeks and Aaron and I will have been married for 3 years... It doesn't seem like it's been that long... And we are both looking forward to a MUCH BETTER 2009! I just know that many good things are to come!

Happy New Year!!!

Not much happening

I'm not feeling well today. Self induced misery. But it doesn't help that I have nothing going on at work. I literally have about 3 hours worth of work to fill up 8 hours. And I will probably have less than that tomorrow! Maybe I'll just take another vacation day...

Anyway. I found out something yesterday that is going to bother me for a while. A friend is pregnant. But its not the best time for him and his girl friend, they've been fighting and just not having a great time in the relationship, so they are considering terminating the pregnancy. It makes me sad (hence the self induced misery). And I can't tell him I think he should or shouldn't terminate because I wouldn't be the one having to live with the decision. I will always be amazed at the things that happen in this world. People who want babies and would take good care of them can't have them and people who don't want them get pregnant and either have them and don't take care of them, or they terminate a beautiful life without realizing what they could've had. It's not my place to judge what others do, I just think that it's sad for the children. They didn't do anything to deserve to be born into a less than ideal situation, or do anything not to be brought into the world. Who knows- Maybe they'll keep the little one and everything will go well. We never know what will happen. I just wish I could get pregnant with out fertility treatments, or with out the worry of knowing my little one could not make it...

Endless Amounts of Amusement

So if you've never heard my comments on my husband's lack of communication about family events, you'll here them now. I love my husband- but when it comes to family functions, he is very unable to keep me in the loop. I've started to try to just leave him out of it- but that doesn't always work. For example Christmas Day. We made plans to have his whole family over on Saturday- yes I've been running around like a chicken w/ it's head cut off all week- and on Christmas Eve my parents are coming over. So on Christmas Day, I was under the impression that we didn't have plans. So I started making plans to spend it w/ his mom. And I was very vocal about these plans. I told Aaron every step of the plan making what we were doing, when, and what we were bringing... And I just assumed (you would think I had learned by now...) that he was aware that Christmas Day was being spent w/ his mother! So last night, I was vacuuming... and I stopped for a minute to move some stuff and I here him on the phone- "No, we don't have any plans for Christmas Day... Yes, we'll be there!" I about had a heart attack!! I just stood there looking at him, trying to interrupt, knowing if I did he'd be mad. So I held my tongue until after he got off the phone. And said "UM We are going to your mom's for Christmas!" Apparently, before I'd made plans (that he was fully aware of) with his mom, he'd told his uncle we'd go to ANTHEM for Christmas with them! OMG! To make a long story not as long, He texted me this morning and we're going to his mom's only (thank God). I wish he'd communicated with me earlier about the Smith family thing- but then, he's not perfect! And the Christmas Cirrcus begins! :) I love it!

The Christmas Tree Story

My story starts with a conversation I had with Aaron. He didn't want to spend the money on a real tree, so we decided to get a stand for an artificial tree. So I went to Walmart and bought one and had Aaron set up the artificial. When Aaron was done, I didn't think it looked bad, so we were going to stick with the artificial. Then Aaron said "My hands smell bad from that tree..." And they did. Mildew. And the tree smelled worse! Again! Mind changed! What a journey! lol. So we got ready to go- and went to the tree place on the corner. When we got there, we were very sad that the Nobles were so expensive! I only wanted to spend about $50, so we were looking at the Douglas Firs. Not my favorite. The guy that was working there came around asked us what we were looking for and then kinda walked away. So we kept looking. Then the guy came back and said "I can make you a deal on one of the Nobles I still have wrapped up in the back. The only deal is that you get what you get. Kinda like a Christmas Surprise!" So he walked away again and Aaron and I talked and decided that we wanted the Christmas Surprise. If our tree had squirrel holes- that would only add character! So we let them know that's what we wanted to do and we got the perfect size tree for $50! We were so excited! So we got it home and unwrapped the tree and got this:

Now when trees are wrapped like that they take about 24 hours until you can tell what they are going to look like, so I had to wait to decorate it. But I was optimistic that the tree was going to turn out perfect! It smelled so good and Butter was having the time of her life going under the tree and rubbing her face on the branches like a cat! She loves that tree! So we woke up the next morning and realized that the tree was perfect! (except for the part in the back that only Aaron and I will ever see!) This is the perfect tree w/ no decorations:

So later in the day on Saturday, after I got back from the 3 mile hike Ashsuire and I did, I was planning on just taking a nap. But the tree was beckoning me like a big pile of leaves raked into a pile and I just couldn't leave it naked any longer! I have too many beautiful ornaments to put up! So I spent the next 2 hours (or maybe it was more) putting my trees ornaments up! And what a glorious site it is! And the only credit Aaron gets is keeping the tree watered! He has been deemed the Stuart of the Tree!

I love my tree- and so does Butter! lol

Cute!

Don't have much to say today- but I love the picture- so here it is!

One Funny Thing about Butter

Here's my little Butter. She is a goofy little dog! For example, this morning she was running from the living room to the bathroom where I was, (when I say running- I mean prancing. The only time she runs is when she's goaded Zoe into chasing her) and I heard this sloshing noise. I couldn't believe I was hearing the water in her belly sloshing around! It was the funniest thing! I kept chasing her around so I could hear it more. lol She kept looking back at me like "what are you doing? What is that noise and why are you chasing me?!" She cracks me up!

Desperation!

Well. I just tried putting up my artificial tree that was given to me. Given (and I am not complaining...) with out a base to put it in. A base was given to me- but the tree will not stand up in it... I almost want to cry. Ok. I do want to cry! I want my tree!! So now we wait, I'm buying a real one on Friday! Gosh darn everything! lol It was funny too, cause I was trying to make it work and Aaron was putting in his two cents- but his two cents wouldn't have worked either- and then when he sees that it's not going to work he looked at me and said (with a sparkle in his eye) "so are we getting a real one then?" Which just makes me chuckle inside because he was the WHOLE reason I was ok w/ an artificial one! He "didn't want the house to burn down" two weeks ago... I love it... So now- when we have money in the checking account on Friday- We are going to pick out a real tree! :) YIPPEE!! I just have to wait a little longer for my beautiful tree to grace my living room! Patience. Something I don't think anyone will ever master.

Oh Christmas Tree

It is Monday! I have lots of work, and I've done a lot already. I'm almost an hour from leaving and I can't wait! My Christmas tree is in its box, yes artificial, waiting for me to get home, take it out and put all my pretty things on it! :0 Last year my girlfriend Erin gave me some ornaments that have been in a bag in my closet since I moved and I pulled them out this morning. I had forgotten how beautiful they are! I can't wait. I'll have to take a pic so you can all see how wonderful it is! I'm just hoping that Butter doesn't think it's the greatest and try to get all the balls off it! She's been pretty crafty w/ stuff like that since her dog friend Piper showed her how to get toys out of the basket. Now she looks for how to get what she wants... lol. She's fun. Now I just have to decide what to make for dinner... Salmon Patties or Pork Chops... (everyone at work said pork chops- but I think I'm going w/ Salmon Patties...)

Soon my tree will be up! Yeah!

Wednesday

A normal day. But today hormones have a hold... So we'll see how much Aaron loves me tonight!

BUT to recap on my wonderful 5 day weekend!
Thanksgiving was great! Aaron and I had a mad dash to get the turkey in by 8:30 am. That was my goal anyway. Exept I realized that I really didn't have any idea how I was supposed to prepare the turkey before I put it in the oven... and I realized I didn't have a baster... There were two things missing from my well stocked kitchen. A frying pan cover (so grease doesn't get all over the place) and a baster. Thank God for husbands! I made him go get me one! And a second Thank God for husbands- he basically cooked the turkey- I just back seat cooked it! He was so good- he sealed the top w/ olive oil and basted it every hour. It was juicy and golden and perfect! :) Of course he will not ever stop tooting his own horn about how good that turkey turned out! lol Everything else was wonderful too. It was very nice to be able to have my parents over, and old family friends Jim and Ellen. We ate (too much) and then played dominos for three hours! They all left and Aaron and I watched Out of Africa- great movie!

Friday I pulled all my Christmas decorations out and realized (I guess this weekend was full of Ah-ha moments...) that all of my decorations go on a tree... so that was kinda disappointing... but that just means I can have fun buying more! And then more dominos that night w/ my bro and sis in law. It was another great time!

And Saturday and Sunday Aaron and I just hung out. We went to see his grandparents and just hung around the house. Of course- I started getting sick on Sunday and Aaron had thrown out his back on Friday- so it was just a relaxing end to the weekend.

My x-mass card project is coming along! And Devin is coming over on Saturday- Yay! to make more w/ me! I'm excited...

Ta Ta for now!

Ha!

So I love this. I have work to do today and our systems are down so I can't! lol. Anyway- at least I have 5 days off after today!

Monday is my mom's B-day. I'm going to spend the day with her and either make my x-mas cards or go shopping in quilt stores... I need to get the fabric for the back of Erin's baby's quilt! And then as soon as I'm done w/ the x-mas cards I can finish that quilt! I'll put a picture of it up after she gets it. She wants it to be a surprise. I can never wait! lol

Another reason I want those x-mas cards done is I want to read book 4 of the Twilight Saga uninterrupted! Front to back, only stopping to eat, sleep and work! No dinner for Aaron for a few days!! lol

So much to look forward to....

Oh! I wanted to list what I'm thankful for right now. Seems appropriate- I won't be on here 'till Tuesday!
My family- yes, all of them- even the ones that make me crazy (not to be named here...)
My friends- I would be awful lonely w/ out them!
My animals- Love the dogs and the cat. They make me smile everyday!
My husband- Life would not be the same w/ out him- that's for sure!
My house, car, furnishings- Much more comfortable w/ that stuff
The AZ sky- Beautiful sun rises and sets make me appreciate the small stuff
AZ weather- I hate cold anything! :)
My health- I'm glad I don't have anything in that department to worry about, leaves more worry room for others!
My son- He taught me that it's very easy to love through all the pain

Twilight

So I just finished #3. And I have to say... I am still Team Jacob. I know- I know. I've heard it all before! Traitor! But really- who wants a cold man anyway?

Cute Goat

So everyday I look at the news for pictures of animals... This is the one I found today. It's a goat covered in snow! Boy am I glad I live in AZ!!

Another day...

Well here we are again. It's early and I have about 1 hour worth of work to do. And I can't do anything until later, it's only 7:30 in CA right now and all the people I need to call are on the West Coast. So I'm stalling...

I heard this morning that my friend's water broke!! She's 4 days overdue- so I'm hoping labor goes quick for her and we get a picture of her baby girl today. I'm jealous and so happy for her! :)

Last night was a mad dash of cleaning- Except I still have not cleaned up the sticky mess from pie baking. I know it's going to be frustrating and so I keep putting it off!! So the whole house is clean, just need minor touch ups- except in the kitchen...

I have more people coming over Friday- They have two kids just like my bro-in-law and sis-in-law. So I just know Butter (my 6 month old doxie) is going to have a fit w/ 4 kids in her house! She loves dogs- just not necessarily people... and hates kids... so we'll see. I may have to put her in her kennel so she doesn't have a heart attack! But at least Zoe (my other older doxie) will have a blast. She loves kids!

hmph

So I decided to start this because I have nothing else I can look at at work. Everything else is blocked!! Damn IT. Hopefully they won't get hip to this too. Then I'll really start crying.

I just started this new position (not really new- but it's all mine now and that's new to me!) and I'm all caught up w/ my work and twiddling my thumbs. I've already written my lists of what I need to do at home (much more to do at home than work), gotten together my lists of food and what I need from the grocery store, and figured out how long I'm going to cook my turkey. And how long it needs to be in the refigerator to thaw... My first attempt at cooking a turkey- Yes. I'm excited and scared. Should I buy a back up or not. That is the question! lol But one pie is done- the other I'm doing Wednesday. I feel like I should have more stuff to worry about. But then I'm not doing all of the cooking either.

But I'm super excited to have my parents and family friends over for the Big Day. We're going to eat and then I'm going to bring out the dominos and make everyone play. Ok, so I'm going to force everyone to play!! lol And then Friday- My brother in law and sister in law are coming over and I'm going to force them to play w/ us again!! I may need to resort to strong arm tactics though. I don't think my brother in law had very much fun the last time we played... hehe- oh well. I'll have fun!