Saturday, December 30, 2006 @ 11:59 pm Central Time

Snow! There is so much snow!! It's hard to believe it. We hardly had any last year and this year, well we are getting slammed! Click here to see some photos of our snow. They are calling for up to 5 more inches tonight. Kind of bad timing - people will be celebrating the new year and the roads will be horrible. Hopefully they use some common sense, but you know someone will not. Rob has to work nights - he has all this week because people had to take off. He had to work on New Years Eve last year too. Not that we would do much of anything with the baby, but it would be nice to at least be together. Our satellite is only partially working. I am really surprised it's working at all with this crazy weather. I have all my New Year's pages done - just have to add a few gifts I received this evening. I started drawing a Valentine's Day set for my members area - I am about done with that. I started working on some new things too. I have so many ideas. It's about time to take Christmas graphics down - now to decide what graphics to put up. So many decisions, lol. I hope everyone has a wonderful new year!! Oh - I almost forgot. Click here to see the photo I had taken of the kids and I - I usually don't put pictures up, but I decided to - now you can all see my ugly mug! Happy New Year.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 @ 11:59 pm Central Time

How was your Christmas? Ours was good. I was spoiled - hubby got me a black hills gold mother's ring - My favorite kind of jewelry and I wanted a new mother's ring so bad! It came in a little jewelry box. I also received a quesadilla maker, lots of romance novels, a box of chocolates, the Little Mermaid DVD, Brother Bear 2 DVD - Woohoo!! He always remembers when I mention something I want to get. He also got some gifts for the kids to get me. I got 2 snowman - I collect them, and 2 nutcrackers. They were so excited - they even wrapped them all. My daughter also got me this little crystal looking Mom statue - It's hard to explain. She got it at that shop they had at school. Mom and Dad got me a quesadilla maker, new outfit, some snowmen for my collection, a basket of goodies, a calendar, a container of popcorn and lots of little goodies in my stocking. My brother and his girlfriend gave me a necklace, my other brother and his wife gave me a gift from Starbucks - he gets me something from there every year. This was a set of a mug and coffe. My Grandma got me a neat kitchen towel at this shop they had at the nursing home before Christmas. Rob's mom and dad gave me a flower drying set that you use in the microwave. Also, some slipper socks - I love them, and a neat measuring thingy for the kitchen. His brothers and sister gave me a gift card, and for both of us - goodies in jars - like cappacino mix, hot cocoa mix, cookie mix, etc., plus nuts, seasoned crackers and a chex mix. Yummy! My Aunt sent us a gift from Hickory Farms. My friend sent me a manicure set, photo album, candle, lotion and lip balm. I am spoiled and love every minute of it! We went to my inlaws on Christmas Eve, had our family Christmas on Christmas morning and then off to my Mom and Dad's for Christmas there.

Ughhh!! We are in for another storm! I am not ready. The last one was bad enough. We rarely have bad winters at all here anymore. I guess this is our payback! My three older kids are with their Dad until New Years Day. They are supposed to go to Colorado to ski this weekend. They are calling for over 40 inches of snow there. I will worry all weekend. Here is our forecast.

I am off - I need to do some updating. Stop by BackWoods Creations and sign up for the drawing - also check out the specials. Hurry - they expire December 31. Happy New Year everyone!!!

Thursday, Decemberr 21, 2006 @ 11:30 pm Central Time

We sure had a storm. It's crazy. We had rain, rain, rain - everything is ice. We have this huge, old tree in the backyard. A huge part of it has fallen to the ground. The neighbors tree left part of it on our roof. Tons of branches are down. There is ice on everything, everywhere it's frozen. We had some snow, but not a lot. They cancelled school Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. UGHHHHHHHHH!! That doesn't do a lot of good when you are trying to bake and do last minute Christmas things. Being cooped up with four kids really does test your sanity, lol.

We finally ventured to town today - it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be on the highway. I had to do my little part-time job at Wal-Mart stocking the Hallmark items - mainly I wanted to be sure that all the Christmas items were fully stocked before Christmas. I won't go back until the 26th. My Mom had met me there to take the kids around till I was done. I had a little shopping to do and before I met back up with them, stocking stuffers for Ariana - I didn't want the kids to ask why Santa didn't bring her any, lol. I went to the self checkout and paid for them - decided to get a little cash back and then bagged the goodies four times so no one could see in it. Well in doing that, smart me - I LEFT THE RECEIPT AND THE $20 IN THE CHANGE SLOT!!!!! After doing my other shopping and paying for that I realized my mistake. Of course with my luck, no one had turned the money in. I basically threw the money away. I wanted to cry. I spent probably 30 minutes asking at Customer service, talking to the CSM and the cashier at the self checkouts and searching the area with no luck. The manager printed me another receipt, but that's all they could do. Mom had taken Montana and Adelina with her to see my Grandma at the nursing home until I was done with my errands, and Giuseppe and Ariana stayed with me. We were going to meet them at a gas station in town so I could pick the kids up. While we sat there waiting, the weather got worse. We watched some vehicles have a hard time getting going at the stop light. They skid and tires spun and they couldn't make it up the small hill to get going. I was thinking how fantastic. After the lovely Wal-Mart incident, I am going to be stuck in the middle of the road because I can't get my car down the street. I decided once I got the kids I would drive down the alley and go around. Well I did that - unfortunately I couldn't even make it to the stop sign on the street. I couldn't drive on the streets - I slid, and the tires would spin. I tried to turn around and go a different way, but I slid halfway down the street. The boys got out to push and they fell to the ground on the ice. I was really ready to cry my eyes out. It took a long time but we finally made it to the street that took us on the highway. I was praying to the light not to change so I wouldn't end up like all the other vehicles. I was lucky and had a straight shot out of town. Not a fun trip. All the trees look like they are bowing down. With my car acting up, we only used the defrost instead of the regular heat, but it kept us warm enough. It was an adventure.

I had planned to take the girls to see Santa, but that didn't happen. The boys are staying the night at my Mom's Friday night. They hoped to spend time with my brothers. We don't even know if they are going to be able to come now. They got three feet of snow in Fort Collins, Colorado - my youngest brother can't even leave his house because the street wasn't plowed. He planned on coming today! I haven't seen my other brother since last Thanksgiving, so I had hoped to see him, but I guess what happens happens. I think I will take the girls to see Santa before taking the boys to my Mom's. I just hope the roads aren't as bad. I don't think I need a replay of today. Are you all ready for Christmas? I can't believe it's almost here! I hope to come by and visit everyone tomorrow. If I don't get the chance, I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Monday, December 19, 2006

Look at this wonderful gift from Kia and Zeno! Kellie also gave me this winter cutie!! Thank you so much.

We are in for some yucky weather! Here is the latest...

Winter storm watch in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.
Tuesday - Partly cloudy in the morning...then mostly cloudy with light snow likely in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Highs in the lower 30s. Southwest winds around 10 mph shifting to the southeast in the afternoon. Chance of snow 60 percent.
Tuesday Night - Snow and light freezing rain in the evening... Then snow after midnight. Snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches. Ice accumulation of less than one quarter of an inch. Lows in the lower 20s. Southeast winds around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
Wednesday - Snow in the morning...then light snow likely in the afternoon. Moderate snow accumulations. Highs in the lower 30s. Light winds becoming northwest around 10 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night - Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of light snow. Lows around 19. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

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Ughhh - my car is not being nice. It started acting weird the other night. It made this weird noise while driving and it smelled like something was burning when I pulled into the garage. The noise stopped when I turned the heater off, but I thought maybe that was just a coincidence. Today, it happened again and it stopped when the heater was turned off. Hubby thinks it might be the thermostat. Great timing considering the weather we are in for. He is working nights all this week and won't have time to even attempt to fix it till Saturday. He works 12 hour shifts and has to sleep all day. With it being a 1996 model, he's not sure if he can fix it, since all is electronic. UGHHHH!! I got the car used 6 years ago and it's done good - I just wish it could do good a little longer, lol. Oh well. That's my luck.

I plan to start baking tomorrow. Yummy. I will go help mom wrap later in the week. We decided we would take a little time and stop for hot cocoa and a donut one morning. You have to take a break and indulge in yummy stuff on occasion, lol. The kids are ancy for Christmas. They get so excited. I wonder if we will have a white Christmas this year. We haven't had one that I can remember since 1997, the year I moved here. I guess I better get my butt to bed. Have a wonderful Holiday if I don't talk to you before! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!!

Sunday, December 17, 2006 @ 9:00 am Central Time

Hello!! One week until the big day. Yesterday Mom and I went to the store and I did my grocery shopping and we got a few last minute items that we needed for Christmas. We mailed off all packages and mom's cards. Woohoo!! This week is reserved for baking and making sure the kids have equal number of gifts. We took Ariana to see Santa on Friday. He was the neatest Santa I have ever seen. She didn't even cry. I am going to go again this week and take Adelina too. She and the boys had gone a few weeks ago with their Dad to this Christmas workshop where they saw Santa, but I'd like to have a picture of the girls together. Maybe Montana too, he is unsure if Santa is real or not - Gi useppe doesn't believe in Santa anymore and has just about gotten the punishment of no gifts from Santa if you don't believe, because he has said in front of the younger kids that I am Santa. UGHHHHHHHHHHH!! Darn kid.

I have only received four Christmas cards in the mail so far this year. Usually I receive lots more. Mom too - maybe everyone is running late or isn't sending them this year? I love getting Christmas cards - especially when they send pictures. It's fun to see how people have changed over the year.

Okay I better go. Ariana is still asleep and I have lots to get done. She and I are going to the Christmas party at the nursing home with my Mom this afternoon. Have a wonderful week!!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006 @ 8:35 am Central Time

Time flies! I can't believe it's almost Christmas. I am so excited. I love it so much. I am just getting a few stocking stuffers and another gift for my boys. I have been mostly done. Mom, Ariana and I went to shop Monday. I picked up a few things for myself, lol. I love to shop. We had a nice time - just needed more time. We never have enough when we shop. The guys can't understand what takes us so long. LOL! I saw this neat list of questions at Kia's blog and thought it would be fun to do.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU CHRISTMAS 2006:

1. Egg Nog or hot chocolate? I like both, but Hot chocolate is my favorite.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa comes the night before Christmas and leaves them out unwrapped because they are usually big!

3. Colored lights on the tree or white? Colored lights. I love, love, love the lights. I really enjoy sitting in the room with all lights off but Christmas lights.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Yes.

5. When do you put your decorations up? The day after Thanksgiving, but I was a little late this year.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Hmmm, some years Mom makes lasagna for my Dad - he's Italian. Some years we have ham or turkey. I like them all.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Hmmmm... Well, I think all of them. I can't remember anything bad happening.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I honestly don't remember

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Sometimes we open the one my Aunt sends us.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With a lot of snowmen, some teddy bears and lots of hallmark ornaments. My Mom buys us each an ornament every year

11. Snow: love it or dread it? I love snow but hate icy roads!

12. Can you ice skate? Never tried.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I think I never got a present I didn't like. I love presents, lol

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Being with family.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? All of them, lol.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Decorating the tree

17. What tops your tree? This beautiful angel - it's fiber optic and the neatest thing. My Mom bought it for us this year.

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Both - is that bad? LOL

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? I like lots of them, but "Silent Night", "White Christmas" , "Jingle Bells" and "Deck The Halls" are my fave.

20. Candy Canes: yuck or yum? Yummy!!!

I am still working on my Christmas Cottage. I have split up my collected adoptions into pages and well, there are 21!! OMG - I think I need to stop collecting. I went to help out at the holiday shop at the elementary school yesterdy. Too fun - those little kids get so excited. Today is the day my daughter goes and she is about ready to burst with anticipation. I go back to help today. You have a wonderful day!!!

Saturday, December 9, 2006 @ 5:45 pm Central Time

It's the weekend! I am catching some computer time while Ariana is napping. I should go nap, lol. We can't go shopping out of town, except for the one that is an hour away and take baby with us. Hubby has to work everyday except Monday :( throuch Christmas eve and possible on part of Christmas day. BOOHOOOO! Mom and I hope to go this week. I am going to help out at the Reindeer Lane gift shop at the Elementary school this week coming up. I am so excited. Little kids get so into the holiday and it's my favorite, so it should work well. My daughter is so excited. They set up a little gift shop and gifts range from .25 to $15.00 and kids can buy gifts for their family or whoever. You send some money in a special envelope and list who they want to buy for. The volunteers help the kids to choose gifts and some do the gift wrapping. I even get to bring the baby with me. I guess a few other moms are too. It's the only way I can volunteer and they are fine with it, so it all worked out. Yesterday they celebrated Adelina's half birthday in her 1st grade class. Summer birthdays get to celebrate half birthdays. She wanted me to make strawberry cupcakes. Then she said she wanted Gingerbread men cookies. I was at the store and they have some cute little gingerbread cookies with sprinkles on them so I bought those. She said when can we make them? I said that they were already made and she informed me she wanted to make them and decorate them, LOL - she's too funny. I said maybe we can make some from scratch soon. To be honest, I don't think I ever made those. Should be interesting. I have been working away on my Christmas cottage pages. I have the entrance, sitemap, gifts pages 1 and 2, quilt, welcome and adoption pages 1 and 2. The only thing is, I have soooooooooooooo many adoptions I have collected over the years and it will take 20 pages to get them all up. I don't want to put too many on a page or it will take so long to load. I am crazy. I hope to get a lot more done tomorrow while hubby is at work and the kids are with their Dad - it's on ly baby and me. I hope you have a wonderful week - I better go finish supper.