Lets Party New Year's "Day" - Day - Day!

I just wanted to let you all know that Brent and I plan on buying the "Wingers" Bucket again this year. I called to check what their biggest bucket was and its a 40 piece. So, after talking to Lauren we think we will get 2 (maybe). However, the wings are about $1 a piece. So I thought I'de ask if anyone would be interested in making a 'tiny' contribution. Either way, they'll still be there. And no, you don't have to slap a dollar on the table for every 'one' you eat - I know you were worried about that Doug! But if we wanted to add mint ice cream again like last year, I suggest we buy that ahead of time (so its cheaper!) along with the caramel and whip cream! Ooh this party's sounding better and better. Please let us know what your thoughts are. Again, Lauren said we'll start around 2, but you can come sooner or later if you want. (And bring snacks!) Can't wait to see you there!

Treat

I made some of these cookies tonight for a few neighbors.

Aren't they just so cute?!

They are super easy and fun (though when you multiply anything by 120, it can be a little tedious).

Anyway, I just thought as I finished my first cookie sheet that they all seemed to have their own distinct expression and character. I couldn't help but feel akin to my cookies as they were all staring up at me.

You can find the recipe here:

http://www.recipezaar.com/Santa-Cookies-103175

It's so fun to find cute holiday treats! I think kids would have a lot of fun decorating them, too. I didn't experiment 'cause I was in a bit of a time crunch. Maybe next year. =)

Playing The "Santa Card"

Twas a few weeks before Christmas,

when throughout every day,

I told all the kids "now you better behave!

Santa's coming to town and bringing you gifts,

You better be good, or you're gonna get jipped!"

Mom giggled inside, in spite of herself.

This works just as good as "The Elf on a Shelf".

If you've not heard of that book, it works just the same.

If the kids misbehave, then they are to blame.

For Santa is watching, if you act like a louse,

Someone will tell him, the elf, or the house mouse!

It works like a charm, for you see, I have tried it!

My kids straighten right up, no, I cannot deny it!

And all through the city, and all through the town,

I hear other mothers do not knock it down!

Its a sweet little secret us moms like to use,

It keeps us from stressing, and blowing a fuse!

And children are happy most of the day.

They are dreaming of new toys

and games they can play.

When that jolly ol' fellow comes bestowing his gifts,

And all through the house, each child's spirit he lifts.

The tool has been used, the deed has been done,

Now what will moms do the next month that's this fun!

Silent monks sing Halleluia

Christmas Memories

Kai has had a cough lately, and yesterday morning I heard him coughing down the hall. He woke up earlier than normal, so I went looking for him to see if he was ok. But I couldn't find him. I could hear him cough, and finally I had to say "Kai, where are you!" And he answered "Right here under the tree". I thought it was so cute.

I figured I knew why he was under the tree, but I still had to ask. He simply answered, "just because I wanted to". Well, duh! We had just got the tree the night before and had put the lights and decorations on it. So it was all lit up and decorated and waiting to be enjoyed.

I guess its a kid thing to crawl in the tiniest corner of something and find security, comfort, and enjoyment from it. What I thought was cute was remembering how many nights I loved to just sit in the livingroom and stare at the Christmas tree when we lived in our home on Greenwich. Something was just calming and peaceful about being mesmerized by the lights. I guess thats the effect of the holiday season. Hope you are all enjoying your holiday season while remembering some Christmas' from the past. I don't want to forget to give a shout out to Dallin and my sweetie, Brent - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I must be the most obnoxious person I know! So what am I doing today you ask? Shopping for everyone else! And I am seeing a movie with Erika and Bre. But first my in-laws, Ann and Brent are treating me to lunch at the new In-N-Out! (That habit will have to end soon - my vegetarian tummy is NOT going to be happy with me!)

My sweet husband was the first to wish me a 'Happy Birthday'! (Obviously, since we live together!) But mom called me this morning and forgot and I had to call her back and reprimand her! Hello! Later today our family is going to pick out our Christmas tree and take a hay ride for fun 'family time'. Will there be Birthday cake in the middle of all this, hmmm, I dunno! -Maybe for the little kids. (But I'm gonna have to be on a diet after lunch and movie popcorn!)

A Christmas Carol

O.K. I know this Disney movie came out on Nov. 6, but we decided to wait to take the kids until closer to Christmas and so we saw it yesterday. This is just a warning to those of you who may not have seen it yet, especially those of you with younger children. It was a creepy movie. Really creepy. If you want a lengthy explanation of why, please call Merri or Jack, they both have had to discuss it at length. If you find a Christmas movie worth watching, please let me know. Also, we saw Hale Center Theater's "A Christmas Carol" last year and it was great. My kids still remember it fondly. So that might be a better choice if you want to see it!