Post Christmas Quiet

Here we are. Christmas is over. Where did the time go? I am still unsure that it happened. I mean my house looks like Christmas threw up all over it, but where did the time go? After chicken pox with Caleb, Cody ran a fever and threw up and was really sick for 3-4 days, all through Christmas Eve and Day and the days after. I did no shopping with my sweetheart this year. I did no Santa with my kids. We didn't go look at lights or go to our traditional "A Christmas Carol". I never realized how much tradition can play into making a holiday whole! LOL

We did have a blessed Christmas despite! The kids all got at least one thing they *really* love - Cam got a Kids Tough Camera and he is taking photos of everything! Emma got a low end camcorder (for her and her friends "music videos" - and Santa got it on a STEAL! $33!! Wahoo!) and it has been capturing daily life at the Dorius' for days now. Cody got the new game for his DS he really wanted and we have barely seen him most of the time - his nose is burried as he figures out and conquers the latest group of Pokemon. Caleb got the bestest gifts he thinks - He got some "Winkin' Wogs" with train tracks (oh boy! He is happy! He refused 3-4 turns in the present opening rotation because he was busy with his logs!) and some plastic tools. He is IN HEAVEN!! It is so fun to see!!

Jestin and I feel very blessed this year - our family and Santa really out did themselves as far as thoughtfulness goes this year! Jestin got the electric razor he wanted and a Wii game, and Jess and Santa went all out for the 1s time ever for me (it was a little weird)... I feel so terribly spoiled! I got the 25th Anniversary box set of Michael McClean's songs, the DVD I have wanted forever (Never Been Kissed) and a new comforter set for our bed! Jess' family went in with him too and got me something I never thought I would ever own: An Artisian Kitchen Aid Mixer! I get all giddy inside just thinking about it! LOL! SO EXPENSIVE!! *blush* I feel such guilt as they didn't need to spend that much on ME! ... & yet I am so very thankful too!! I have been using my bread machine a least once a week (if not more) to make dough for pizza or rolls and often dont do recipe's because my hand mixer is not so great and longer than a minute or two and it will overheat! Anyway!! I feel spoiled and happy. LOL! Things can't bring you ultimate joy - but they sure can make your life a little easier and make you giddy!! *grin*

I have to say my all time favorite parts/gifts this year were: a blanket made by G'ma Ewell, a note and coupon book from my dearest friend (I still cry everytime I read it), an ornament made by Cameron, the pillow Jess made for Caleb (what a good dad!), the book Caleb bought for his aunts to read to his favorite cousin, a gift of pampering to Jess' mom & the joy it brings, cuddle time with kids since we weren't out running running running, a "bag of money" (quarters) for Jess' Dad for truck parts along with some "dino tracks" (he wanted Dina Trax parts - so the kids I got him a dollar store toy dinosaur that grows in water - you know - to make sure it's the right size! *wink wink*) - his laughter was the best!, Emma's face when she saw the camcorder, a waterball from a friend, the pups excitement over their new treats and bed, a heart shaped necklace from Ma for my "year of the heart" - so pretty!, Caleb lost for hours in his new toys... the list could go on and on! I am thankful we are all healthy this week (knock on wood) and today to celebrate the kids being home we are headed to the movies! I will post pictures maybe later today! I hope you all had a fantabulous Christmas as well!!! (((HUGS)))

Christmas Eve 2008

So here I sit waiting for the stillness that invites the magic making to begin. I believe I have said "just go to sleep" enough to last the next 10 nights, but the excitement is in the air! Santa is in the Mid West, so I have some time to kill...

Today was a lovely day! My children were a lot more agreeable than normal and so I took advantage. *GRIN* The entire upstairs, including both bathrooms and the laundry room is clean & vacuumed. Cody and Cam took over an hour vacuuming the stairs - granted they used the little attachment that cleans a very small area, but I let them - they were enjoying it -and it is clean! LOL!! The downstairs is all picked up and the dishes are done. They jumped when I said jump - they wanted to be sure they were extra good today. And I am thankful for this Christmas Present for Mom: a clean and peaceful home. *GRIN* It is lovely lovely!

We went to G'ma Pats for dinner and games. It is tradition. We also played the dice game that is tradition... and even after all the stealing and swapping of the cracker jacks that were discovered to have a $5 and $10 bill inside their label - it was a hilarious when at the last second G'ma got them both! What a hoot! She then added one last round so the littlest could play for the cracker jacks with the $ - and Cam won the $10. He was so excited!

We came home early since (though I never went to bed last night and shopped Walmart and the Grocery store in the middle of the night and then wrapped until Jestin's alarm went off at 6:30 am) we had no cookies for Santa! (oh no! what was I thinking??) We whipped up a batch of frozen dough and he will be thrilled I am sure! :D On the way home, amid the discussion of what to leave the Big Man - Caleb pipes up - " I fink da weindeer would like da cookies and so Santa wan's to eat da carrots." I was crackin' up! I bet he's right! With all the hulabaloo about cholesterol and saturated fats, I bet that is exactly how it works now a days! LOL

Cam watched over the cookies to make sure they didn't burn... and they all had to try one to be sure they were good enough for him! (whew! They were! I wasn't sure what to do if they weren't! Bwahahahaha)

The kids all opened their new jammies and robes and we snuggled in and read the last of our Christmas Stories and the Nativity...

Then the last minute prep had to be finished:

Milk in the Santa mug, 9 carrots (as Rudolph *must* be helping in this snow storm!) and 4 cookies - one from each of them...

The magic key was placed on the door - we have no chimney so we do what we have to do: Magic keys are worth every penny! *wink*

The plate ceremoniously was brought like gifts from the wise men to the table in the livingroom,

The milk just so... and a swat on a pup's behind when she tried to help herself to some cookies and milk! (ack!)

We gathered in the familyroom to say our prayers and found Dad like this:

I think he enjoyed that mug of eggnog in his hand a bit too much!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS one and all!!! I pray the magic and the spirit fills your hearts and homes this night!! ((HUGS))

Tis the Season to be? Joyful, busy, & someone to be sick on the holiday (it's the "dorius curse" as our families affectionately call it)
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper - it's much more fun to open!
2. Real tree or artificial? See 3 posts or so ago
3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend following Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Weekend
5. Do you like eggnog? nope - everyone else in the house does tho! *shudder*
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Toy Cupboard that was my mom's
7. Hardest person to buy for? Jestin's Dad - he buys what he wants when he wants it - it's not too fun to shop for cash! LOL
8. Easiest person to by for: My kids
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes - I collect them - am particular about them though - no angels with wings... LOL
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail - it's more fun to receive than email
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? no comment
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Muppets Christmas Carol
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? when ever I see something someone I love would like
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes. When we were really broke... bad I know.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, sugar cookies I didn't make, neighbor treats & hot cocoa with my kids
16. Lights on the tree? Lots please
17. Favorite Christmas song? "O Holy Night" and/or anything Trans Syberian Orchestra plays *grin*
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Try to stay home when we can - but much family to go see and celebrate with too
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on tree top or a star? A star - the angels kinda bug me - I don't love them with wings... silly I know!
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? One Christmas Eve, the rest after stockings then breakfast Christmas Morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People who squak about saying "Merry Christmas" - for heaven sake if you dont believe in Jesus Christ, then celebrate Santa - whatever! Just leave the rest of us alone! It's a happy greeting - I mean really? would you rather everyone just scoul at you instead?? for the love -now there's a soap box issue huh?! LOL
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Modge Podge - ornaments that symbolize the year we have had - I love memories
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham, Cream Potatoes, Hot Rolls, Spinach Salad Jess' mom makes every year -yum!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Truly? Work for Jess - I am scared of running out of work lately - could be the economy - LOL - who knows! And I would love to see my kids get what they would like and them be GRATEFUL for it -that is what I want...
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Anyone who has a minute to spare and wants to
28. Do you make the rounds at Christmas? Yep - and we still manage to make someone feel like we don't spend enough time with them or we are late and they are mad - we can't win most years - *Sigh*
29. In-laws or family? My In-laws ARE my family :)
30. At what age did you quit believing in Santa? I dont know how old I was - I just remember sneaking up to my dad and whispering "thank you Santa" in his ear Christmas morning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!

Chicken Pox & Other Fun Stuff

Yep. You read correctly. We have chicken pox at our house. *sigh*

Caleb is the victim. We only just noticed the spots yesterday after his bath before church - but as the day wore on he gathered a few new ones, the ones he had crusted over, and he ran a fever all night. oh! so fun! LOL We are officially on quarantine until he is all scabbed over - which could mean no Christmas festivities for he and I. We already missed one of our favorite parties last night - it also means this year my little 3 1/2 yr old did not get to sit on Santa's lap once this year! :(

I know having chicken pox is no big deal for Caleb really - he had the vaccine so it is a mild case - but he could infect babies and older people and that could be bad for them. He doesn't understand how come he had to miss church (he LOVES to go to church) and why everyone else went to the party last night without us. It was very sad. Breaks this poor mommy's heart!

On a lighter side, despite not knowing he was contagious for the last 10-20 days (which makes me a little thankful for stomach flu and bad colds around here to keep the exposing of others to a minumum), the kids and I went out and got their shopping done. They have so much fun with this! It is fun to see. I take each child individually and let them do their shopping - it is a HOOT! I love seeing what they pick for those they love - my favorite is a child's book for the parent of a favorite cousin... "cause the cousin would love that person to read to them"! Bwahahaha! It is just such a fun time! I had to tell one of them to put back the vodoo doll - it was not an appropriate gift! Bwahahaha

I think I am finally done with the shopping end of things. The grocery store still lies before me - and 3 handmade projects to finish - but WAHOO! I am almost ready for the big day!! Chicken pox or not - it is going to be a wonderful Christmas!! My kids are happy and mostly healthy, it is snowing like crazy so it is definately going to be a white Christmas, & my heart is strong and I am very very excited to be "up to it" this year! *GRIN*

O Christmas Tree! Why Christmas tree??

"...your leaves are ever changing..."

"..O Christmas tree! Why Christmas tree?...

did you not know my thumb is black?"

"...I killed you dead a week before

...old Santa Claus'll be at our door!

O Christmas tree! Why Christmas tree?

No water? yeah! That wasn't me! (:0 !)

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas tree!

Now garden mulch O you will be!"

*sniff*

This is why we do fake at our house! LOL

Braggin' on my Bubba

Bubba completed his Wolf! He got his Conservation patch too! He loves the scouting program - I just wish he liked going more! He would rather work on them with Dad or Mom.

And here is the indian TP he built himself with his Dad's guidance for school. He is such a smartie pants! We sure like him!

If only Bubba knew...

Big Brother (Bubba) has a talking Squakers McKaw Parrot.

Bubba loves his "pet"...

...and so does Caleb...

They played quite content for a long time...

Until he noticed we had noticed! LOL!! Good thing he was super careful!

It was so darn cute!

Today is a happier day!

A check came in! YEA! I have an extra few days to finish my last little bit of shopping! woot woot! Granted it is snowing like crazy - but Caleb and I are going out anyway! LOL! I only have today and tommorow left with no kids home - and I need to spend their down time with them - doing their shopping! *giggle*

I realize my grumps yesterday were hormone induced, and yet I wonder something... does Heavenly Father take that into account? I mean when we review those certain days will He laugh and say "those sins of ommission (due to no energy/motivation) & your shortness with your kids is understandable" - or will they be judged more because I must learn to cope with them better and not let it get to me? hmmm... things to ponder.

Have you ever realized that when things are good and life floats along at a happy pace the path of numbness become ever present? Prayers tend to not be as fervent for me... I am truly grateful... but I dont plead as much as I do other times. And yet in the scriptures we are counseled to plead! Maybe I am realizing how much harder I need to work at my relationship with Heavenly Father today. I tend to rush things when I/my family/friends/etc dont have huge needs that consume me.

I am realizing that I want to study out prayer a little more. I want to examine myself a little more and peel off a little deeper this layer of human and reach more fully into my spiritual realm and indentity. There is this little part of me that feels like time is running out... I need to step it up. I need to focus more. I need to try harder. I need to be who I am meant to be and love who I am meant to love, help who I am meant to help and grow as I am meant to grow.

I was talking with some friends the other night and realized that aside from "snacking" on my scriptures I have not read anything in over a year. Oh wait! I take that back! When I was down last febuary I read "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayson. But that is all the reading I have done. I need to find something wonderful that will uplift me and inspire me. I need to look into more of Mary Ellen Edmund's books. She always makes me laugh! And she has insights that are helpful to me. I need to activate my mind and stop allowing the internet and TV and radio and cooking magazines etc to float me along... I want to take control of my mind and spirit and soul again. I feel like I have focused too long on my heart physically, it is time to focus on it spiritually. :)

Thanks for the ramble... I am going to go say a prayer... and then get moving on this lovely new day I have been given! ((HUGS))

Feeling Grumpy...sooo...

I need to post a gratitude list man! Find that inner joy! *wink*

I love/am grateful for:

* Listening to my daughter and my puppy "singing" in the other room
* Being healthy again
* The smell of clean sheets
* Being able to do my own finger nails so I don't chew on them
* My sweet husband who works until all hours, possibly with pneumonia, because he said he would - his dedication, integrity and determination are inspiring to me.
* My sweet boy who noticed I cleaned his room and thanked me.
* A washer and dryer that both work
* My home that keeps us warm and safe.
* My meds that keep my heart in check, my hives in check, and my thyroid in check so I can live my life.
* Jestin's meds that keep him here with us.
* Cam's meds that keep him out of the hospital dispite the slight sniffle he had last week! (YEA!)
* My chance to give back to this ward by my callings and other such things - I can never fully repay all they have done for our family!
* My chance to serve in general.
* My friends who love me, listen to me and forgive me when I am PMSing or "having a day"
* My newest Christmas gift (thanks Amy) It truly makes me smile!
* A box delivered today - Caleb is DONE for Christmas! YEA!
* Hotcocoa and graham crackers for snack time
* The boys room clean. *grin* go me!
* The money we don't have today to make me all the more grateful for the checks that will come in at the end of the week! :) Patience is a virtue! (just hopin' everyone else already did their shopping so it won't be so crazy for us to finish up! LOL! I know I know - maybe in my dreams..)
* A credit card I could use - but won't. That feels good.
* A toothbrush - have ever noticed how much more "together" you feel when your teeth are brushed?
* A soft bed to sleep on
* Christmas excitement in my children.

I feel a bit better... thanks for listening :)

Grateful for Music

This evening we were able to sneak away with dear friends of ours and attend "The Forgotten Carols" by Michael McLean (http://www.michaelmcleanmusic.com/) for a special Christmas date night.

WOW! It was FABULOUS! Funny! Inspiring! Everything I had hoped it would be - I have always loved his music!! And as I was telling my friend that at the concert I realized something very special to me. His music gave me some of my first real testimony about who I am and why I am here.

My brothers girlfriend had them on record and we would listen to them at her house - and then she made me my own copies on cassette to listen to. And I would listen to them and sing them - over and over again. The messages rang true in my heart! The music stirred a longing deep in my soul I had always known - and yet forgotten here on earth. I didn't have a lot of spiritual stuff at home - and my church attendance growing up was nothing like it should have been - it wasn't my favorite place to be then and yet I *remember* what his songs did for me. And made me hunger for more... more of how I felt when I listened to them.

I was in tears almost all of the remainder of the concert. I am profoundly grateful for this man's talent - it is of Heavenly Father that is for sure! My heart sang inside to see the man who's "light" had shone for me to see - and who had help lay a few of the foundation blocks for my testimony and faith now. I know who I am - I am a daughter of God. I have a purpose here on earth and I know that my family can be together forever someday if we just follow the commandments and live true to our covenants. Of this I have NO doubt - and I am grateful to have been reminded of it this night. It was a lovely evening!

p.s. if you see Jess - tell him I want the 25th Anniversary box set of all his songs for Christmas ok? That is all I want! (tee hee hee) Maybe if others remind him I asked for it he will remember too! LOL

WHEW!!!

What a world wind of yuckiness! I am thankful that is over! LOL! Everyone seems to be on the up and up - Caleb has started with a runny nose etc today - but that's to be expected - it's getting on to be wintertime - at least that is what they promise on the weather this weekend! LOL!!

I am humbled

A very very special thank you to "Annoymous". You know who you are - your kindness was BEYOND MEASURE! We were shocked to come home from instacare to that! I didn't mean to complain to have anyone fix it! *blush* I am such a whinner! LOL! I truly appreciate you not only you blessing our family, but spending your time on us as well - I know time can be so precious! THANKYOU! From the bottom of Jess and my heart... thankyou! YOU SO DIDN'T NEED TO DO THAT!! It was so sweet!! I now can curl up with my little ones and think of the store another day... may you and your family be emmensely blessed for this service this day to a whiny one. :) I know we love you too...our sweet annonymous friends!

This monday is up there with the mondays you dont want to remember. *sigh* Caleb was sick with a tummy bug on friday - but got over it quickly and all seemed right with the world.

Emma came in just shy of 2 am and told me she had projectile vomitted all over her bedroom floor. Aye yi yi! What a freaking mess! I just barely (as in a few minutes ago!) finished the carpet cleaning (over and over and over again) to get it and it's pugnat aroma out. Y-U-C-K! She is lying on the family room floor with a bucket and stomach cramps.

Cam started complaining of a sore throat last night and promptly fell asleep at 5pm. He slept until 10 am! He has blisters on the back of his throat and tounge. I have never seen anything like it - they are not red or swollen or anything - they look like little pockets of fliud (like what you get on your hands when you have shoveled for too long) He has no other symptoms and no fever. I would like to take him to the Dr just in case - but what the heck do you do with the other kids? drag them along? And it's not like you want to be the one that passed the stomach flu along! ugh.

Cody woke up with a sore throat, and wanting to puke. Poor boy! He has BOTH! AGH! He is curled up on his bed sound asleep. He is such a sweetheart and quietly endures - makes me wish I could just curl up with him and love him better!

And so: I have ALL the kids home sick, except Caleb whose feeling well and climbing all over the others because he wants to play. The dogs keep getting into any puke I haven't gotten scrubbed up yet - so they both need baths! (barfaroony!) The laundry to fold piling up as the machines have not stopped - my hands rough and raw from scrubbing them and the house - A check finally came in the mail so I can go get Jess insulin so maybe he can eat tonight... if I can ever make it to the bank sometime today to deposit it - Have I mentioned how much being self employed SUCKS sometimes? - We are out of milk, bread and almost out of laundry soap - Jess has a job with a screaming deadline so he can do nothing to help me but call and cheer me on (oh boy) - the neighbors have pink eye and the others have a horrible chest cold neither of which we can chance - and MIL has my niece, whom is sick with a bad cold too, so she is no help either! - My grandpa had emergency gall bladder surgery and grandma is alone trying to care for him - she could desperately use my help and I have such guilt as I am the closest! drat! - I am struggling with a somewhat sick tummy myself - though I think it is lack of sleep/cleaning up barf related. ACK!

I am in full whine mode today! waa waa waa!!This is why I must celebrate the healthy times a little more diligently!! I am so sorry I don't! LOL! Glad it's my blog and I can cry if I want to...cry if I want to...

This too shall pass. This too shall pass. This too shall pass. *GRIN*

O-Christmas Tree! O-Christmas Tree!

We decided to follow a desire of Jestin's he's had since we first got married. We went to go get a live tree for Christmas...

The kids enjoyed looking - but Mom was not lovin' the price for something that is going to drop needles in a few short weeks! Bah Humbug on that!

They found many to choose from...

Cam loved this one!

And so Caleb loved a different one

(All Mom could think was Ack! pine pitch! ugh!)

After much debate and financial reality discussion - we agreed on this small one to put in the family room - and the big fake one will go back in the livingroom - and from now on Mom votes the fake one that's 10 years old and a pine scented candle! *wink* LOL!

So we headed home and put up the trees!

Caleb didn't care which order the branches went in - he just loved the "work"

Cody was my little lights helper, Emma ran the camera,

and Cam and Caleb were sorting and assembly!

(Dad was lost in Truck repair this year :( )

The next day we did one of our favorite traditions!

New Ornaments for everyone!

Caleb got Lighting McQueen since he "met" him this year! We are going to add a photo of the real deal in the white area at some point this season! (I hope...)

Emma's is a sewing machine that says "you sew girl!" - in honor of her ribbons won at the county and State fair for her 4H pillowcase.

Cam's is a cute snowball playing basball. He LOVED T-ball this year!

And Bubba's is a fish! "Catfish Cody" had to have a fish! Learning his favorite hobby was a highlight this year for him!

G'ma Annie got the family a Mickey Mouse Eared 2008 Ornament!

And Dad and Mom got a new Ornament from the M&M store in Las Vegas - Green M&Ms have always had special meaning at our house! *GRIN*

It was Emma's year to add the star to finish it all off - and I gulped back tears as I realized she will be going on 16 next time she is up for this opportunity! Holy Smokes!

They spent forever under the tree "counting lights" and playing games - and as I watched them I thought of last year, and the bout with pink eye after putting up the tree last year, and the crapiest ambulance ride to the hospital run of all time - and I was awash with gratitude! We are doing so well this year... I feel so blessed beyond measure!

Kids are so darn sweet!

As I pulled Lubby out of the car tonight I asked for a hug - and this is the conversation that insued:

Mom: La-Lub! I love your cute little bones!
Caleb: I wuv yours big bones too Mommy!

Now doesn't that just melt a Mommy's heart??

Hometown Light Parade 2008

(Sorry about the photos! I forgot my camera! Cell phone does an OK job!)

On the friday night following Thanksgiving our sleepy little town's Chamber of Commerce puts on a light parade. They shut down the lights on Main Street and have this awesome little parade!

This is our second year, and we are SO makin' this a tradition! It is FUN!

The kids (and the neighbors *grin*) vote that next year our little neighborhood should "claim" the spot in front of Central Bank and gather.

We want to bring hot popcorn and hot cocoa next for time! :)

Caleb L-O-V-E-D the train with the fireworks coming out the top!

There were whirling presents and Christmas trees up and down the parade route (I think in lieu of clowns! LOL!)

Each "float" was sponsered by a local business

They threw candy, light sticks and more!

The only flaw was inconsiderate parade watchers as they inched further and further into the road blocking everyone elses view further down the line...

The Semi was a hit as well! It blasted it's horn over and over

Their was local cities royalty, marching bands and dance companies decked out with lights on their clothing!

It was almost an hour long! It was really cool!

(and not too cold this year! LOL)

Caleb was thrilled with the tractor too!! The last float carried Kris Kringle himself! Caleb waved and waved!! It was a really good time!

Jestin is thinking about an entry possibly from JWD Electric next year - the good ole Red Ford would make an awesome entry - with Trans Syberian blasting from it's subwoofers! Bwahahahaha