Answering Machine Goodness

You see, I have a funny fascination with our answering machine. I always like to change the message for the holidays. Lately I notice myself trying to go to sleep as I think of something new to record on the answering machine. In September, I sang a Monkees song. Now I am not a singer, but I did it for some odd reason! October I think I might of spooked some folk. In November I had a message about Giving Thanks- I had some great responses and thought I would share some with you:
Thankful for Red Balloons
Would be thankful if Brandon called the person back
Thankful for me walking with them each morning
Thankful for many things & will be giving thanks as well
Thankful for my family!
So it was a nice treat to come home to these fun and loving messages!
Now I just need to cook up some thing good for Christmas time, which starts tomorrow!!!

What Movie is Your Christmas Most Like?

Your Christmas is Most Like: The Muppet Christmas Carol

You tend to reflect on Christmas past, present, and future... And you also do a little singing.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

I think I may have a love/hate relationship with these quizzes. Sometimes I like 'em and sometimes I don't! This one wasn't too bad, I think I just have a hard time when they don't have an answer that I want to pick!!!

*So what's your movie???*

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

Trimming the tree- it's that time of year again! H & P were soo excited to get the tree decorated.
P and her steady hand get each ornament on.
H and his ever so excited grin!
Even Mudslide was trying to enjoy the festivities taking place. I don't think she feels well from our trip! I may be making a trip to the vet tomorrow.
A thanks to my hubby for hauling all the Christmas goods down from the attic and too the tykes for helping me so excitedly! It makes the season so much brighter with you all in it!

Hershey Chocolate, Hershey Chocolate World!

This has now become an annual thing for us to visit Hershey Chocolate World anytime we are in Pennsylvania. Here's the gang of Aunt Paula and her tykes with one of my tykes with daddy too!
They were decked out for Christmas inside. So the tykes posed for a cute picture before the ride.
They have a free ride inside Chocolate World that they just renovated. They have some singing cows in there. At the end of the ride you get a treat too. We scored little bags of Kissables- those are mine and P's fave!
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If you are ever in Central PA, make sure and stop in the town of Hershey. It is worth your time. They also have an amusement park, hockey arena, outlet shops, and even a drive through the town with Hershey Kisses for street lights and when it rains there, it really smells of CHOCOLATE!!!!

Over the River & Through the Woods....

to Pennsylvania we go! This picture is for all you Office fans! I made my husband pull over so I could take this picture, just for my blog!
Not the best picture, but part of our Thanksgiving feast.
Here is P waiting to dig in! We had our dinner at the church- more room for everyone and a place for all the tykes to run around in the gym. It was bitter cold out.
We had a great Thanksgiving! So fun to be with family and friends! A special thanks to Aunt Paula & Uncle Mike for opening their home to us! We sure love you all!

Because I Have Been Given Much...

I too must give!

Talents my husband has acquired over the years
Happiness in my life
Another year full of memories
News, that is good
Kids, I couldn't picture my life without them
Seasons
Giving and the feeling you get from it
Ice Cream, need I say more
Very grateful for all my many blessings, each & everyday
I love the blogging world
New shoes, I just got some from Cabela's
Grateful for my family and friends

Happy Thanksgiving to you from me! Hope you all enjoy this holiday season! I may see some of you at the crack of on Friday for some shopping! (I will be in Pennsylvania)

1st Snow of the Season!

You now what that means- break out the winter gear! This is what we woke-up to this morning! The tykes we so excited! I asked if they wanted to drive down to the bus stop since it was a coming down and they were like no we want to walk in it!
P going down the slippery wet slide.
H having his turn at it too! I loved how I captured them both at the end of it.
Trying out the swings. They were pretty wet when they came in.
I always loved the 1st snow fall too growing up. I remember my mom taking us on a walk around the block every first snow fall.
The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, since we no place to go, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Food for Thought...

Do you know that when you fold a flag there has to be 13 folds? Do you know what those 13 folds represent? This was posted on my families website and I found it very interesting, since I had never heard this before. It's a good food for thought for this Thanksgiving season too, so I thought I would share.



The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country”, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

Sleepy Dayz Are Here Again

This is how I found Miss P waiting for the school bus while watching TV. I do also find her like this alot when she is sleeping in her bed. In the fetal position. Is this how your 5 year-old sleeps too?
Late afternoon after a busy day of school and play, the tykes and I were watching some TV. Miss P decided to sit on top of me, then she laid down on me. A while later I hear some little deep breathing and realize P had fallen asleep on me!! So when the hubby got home from work, I said get the camera.
It must of have been a l-o-n-g week for my little girl! She was all plumb tuckered out!

Ode To Nat!

This is my best buddy Natalie and I. She is moving to Arizona on Friday. This was our farewell lunch together.
Here's my trusty list of things I will miss about Natalie:
-Of course our lunch dates to catch up on life.
-Hearing her joys of single life.
-Going to the chick flicks together.
-Hanging out.
-Night time cruising.
-Her help with my tykes at church.
-Babysitting my kids.
-Trips to the park.
- Her compliments to me and advice.
-Her smile.
-Her family.
-Going to the town events together.
-Someone just to call and say Hi too.
Natalie- Best wishes in Arizona! I know you are doing the right thing. I am really excited for your new adventures, so you better keep me posted! Loves to you! I will miss you for sure!

Are You More Dog or Cat?

You Are: 70% Dog, 30% Cat

You and dogs definitely have a lot in common. You're both goofy, happy, and content with the small things in life. However, you're definitely not as needy as the average dog. You need your down time occasionally.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

I got this off of Kristy's site and Thank goodness I am more DOG!!! I am very much a dog person!!! Glad Kristy was a CAT, since she is a Cat lover! The questions aren't too shabby on this one- Give it a try.

Dayz like this?

Do you feel like you send your day getting after the kids? Well, that is how I felt for most of the day. Beginning bright and early at 7:45 when P woke-up, H was already waking watching morning cartoons. I decided to get up too and let the hubby sleep-in. (brownie points for me!) But all day the kids were arguing and not getting along. Being bossy, correcting each other, yelling, and just plain not being nice. I kept saying- please no more bossing, let's just play nice, let's not talk like that, go to your room, be nice, come on you 2, quit pushing each other, and on, and on!!! They even had a birthday party to go to, I kept threatening that they wouldn't be able to go if they kept up their behavior. They would have to stay home and take naps instead is what the dad said. The weather was in the lower 40's and the sun was out, but still just too darn cold! So no trip to the park or just playing outside even.
What do you do when you have days like this? What do you do to discipline your tykes?? I have done super nanny things, the card system , no tv or video/computer games, but when will it stop???
Though I still love those tykes of mine! At the end of the day when I re-tuck them into bed and give them loads of kisses while they are in dreamland, I feel so grateful to my Heavenly Father to give me the chance to be a mom to these special tykes in my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything! I love you 2! Now let's just play nice!

Scholastic Book Fairs

This is what I was doing today. Working at the school book fair. Today was a preview day for the kids, so no selling, just helping them make "wish lists" of books they would like to get. I used to work alot of retail growing up and so it was fun for me to help everyone and organize the merchandise when they left. Plus it was fun just to google over all the books too! I totally adore children's books. I have decided to try and collect books about the holidays we celebrate. I have a good start on Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's.
Self portrait by the books. I haven't done this by myself before. Kindof fun. Cause you just keep taking them till you find one you hopefully like. I just didn't want to get caught taking a photo of myself by someone walking by!

*Do you help out when your school has a book fair? Do you collect books of some sort?*

Family Night- Tykes Karaoke

Our family night consisted of Daddy getting out one of his 7 guitars and the amp with microphone. The rest was history for these 2 tykes! Gotta heart H's attire for the evening. (love it when daddy gets a t-shirt, they make the best pj's!)
P trying her hand at the goods!
The tykes so loved singing and playing along. Introducing each other too.
Dad hooked his i-pod up to the stereo with the tykes tunes and they took turns singing some of their faves- music from Annie, Cars, Tim McGraw, and of course some church songs.
It was an all around fun eventful night at our home! Maybe next time, You will be invited!

Dentist & some Cows??!!

Friday the tykes had dentist appointments. Too funny- was P who had to have a cavity filled and her mouth was numb. If you look closely at the picture only half of her face is smiling. So I had to get a photo!
Then we were off to see the Cow Parade around the town. We did this by car and I shot the photos from inside while driving too at times. I love to see these. Our town currently has bears.
Loved the Ballerina Cow!


*Have you ever been to a Cow Parade?*

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not?

My daughter has fallen in love. It happened on Halloween night, when we had a friend join us on our trick-or-treating adventure. Aaron is a family friend that we have known for around 4 years. He has known Miss P since she was a baby! When she heard that, that was it. She has fallen for him. She would not let go of his hand, except to get treats. When we made our way back to Grandma & Grandpa's house, Miss P kept asking if Aaron was going to stay there or if he would come home to our house and sleep on the couch! I think she made his day.
Aaron is a nice good-looking 20-something guy who is available, if anyone knows of a single gal!! (He may come attached with a 5 year old chic!)

Happy Haunting Halloween!

Here we are a trick-or-treating! H-P-Grandpa B- Me. I loved getting pics of the tykes backs cause they were so cute! It reminded me of E.T. for some reason, when it shows everyone out for Halloween.
Here is a pumpkin from this one house that has a long driveway and they line it with carved pumpkins. This was only one just to entice you!
H as a Ninja rearing to go! Just love the poses this tyke is into lately!
P as a Fairy Princess. She ended up looking so adorable after changing her mind on what she wanted to be. Thank goodness we had all of this on hand!

7 Random Things about ME!

So, I am finally getting to this tag from Shaka. Here it goes:

1- I love the smells of fall time. Autumn leaves, campfires, pumpkin anything, candle scents, the smell of your child's trick-or-treat bag (when you literally put your head into their bag or bucket and smell all the candy together- you know you want to try this if you haven't before, so go ahead and indulge- no one is watching!)

2- I am looking forward to my 1st Girlz Trip coming up in February!

3- I want my hair to hurry up and grow so I can pull it back into a ponytail. I have warned my hubby to never let me cut it again. He says I am never satisfied with my hair- I grow it long, get sick of it, chop it and repeat. Aren't we all like this? Longer is so much easier to work with I think.

4- I am so excited that neighboring towns are getting some great stores!! Target, Cabela's, Crate & Barrel, REI, and The Cheesecake Factory all recently opened!

5- I am excited that my kids are at the age where we can basically to anything. I would love to take them to Disneyland or world in the next few years!

6- I have been enjoying being a part of the PTO at my tykes school. It feels good to walk into the school and the teachers know who you are! My kids are only in 1st and Kindergarten too. The Principle even knows who I am!

7- I really like having a blog to express myself and keep a scrapbook/journal. I have loved meeting new people and learning many new things, so Thank-You!!

Now the best part, I get to TAG some people too!

I tag:
Margo
Ashley
Yvonne
Lisa