Holiday Nesting

Does anyone else "nest" before a holiday? Or am I just a big weirdo? I like to have a clean house and little projects finished up before a holiday. It's weird, I know, but for the past few days I've been nesting. I've been cleaning house, doing some decorating projects I've been wanting to get to, and so on. If it were normal I would have taken Christmas down yesterday. Ha! After Christmas I always dread taking down Christmas decorations. But I think I am ready for tomorrow!

On Saturday night we went to see the temple lights. It's so bad, but I don't think Libby has ever been out there. They loved it and we had a great time walking around, seeing the lights.


Our girls in their church dresses...

Yesterday at church we had a really great Sacrament meeting program. There was some narration and a lot of music. My parents came and so did Brian, Kamille and their family. Eliza sang part of one song with some other primary children and she did a great job. She also sang with me in the choir. It was a great program. Bishop sang one of my favorite songs from The Forgotten Carols...it was called "Let Him In (The Innkeeper)". It's such a touching perspective. In Sunday school we had a great lesson about Christmas. Debbie said something I just loved...she said, "Are we part of the 'inn' crowd, or one of the stable few who welcome Christ?" Then in young women's, Rachel gave a great lesson based on the wise men and how they followed a star. She related that to the "stars" we have in our life (scriptures, prayer, service, talents, etc) that help lead us back to Christ. It was so good. She based it off this talk. After church Rachel, Marcy and I went to say Happy Birthday to a young woman who turns 16 on Christmas. Then I delivered a couple other Christmas gifts.

That night we went to my parents' house for our traditional candlelight dinner. What a great time! The table looked beautiful and the food was delicious. We had ham, scalloped potatoes, squash, rolls, stuffing, pigs in a blanket, and more that I am sure I am forgetting! After dinner, we had desserts and treats, then we sang Christmas songs. My mom had made some red and green caps, so the kids each put one on and we went across the street and caroled to their neighbor who has lived there as long as my parents have. She seemed to love it and the kids had a great time singing to her! The kids did "Tooty-Ta" and loved that as always. We also played games--Apples to Apples and we tried to play Mad Gab. We were all so terrible at that!!! It was a fun time!







Today I had to get some new sunglasses. With my tendency for headaches and the fact that glares really bother my eyes, I always need to wear them outside. I like to have a spare pair or two, and I was down to just one pair on their last leg. So I headed to Kohls. And I totally scored! The sign said they were 30% off, making them about $18, which is quite a bit for me to spend on glasses. So I grabbed a few pairs I liked and swiped them under the price checker they have in the store. One rang up for $2.00! So put those in my cart, then went back and got another pair just like them so I could have a back up. Then I found one other pair I really liked but they were $32.00. Ouch. I scanned them just to be sure and they rang up for $3.20. WOW!!! So I bought 3 pairs today! The rest of the day we played out front, Libby watched a movie on Brian's little portable DVD player he won at work and Eliza made some cute last minute decorations for Santa. She said, "He's going to love it!"


Tonight we went to Brian's parents for snacks and a Christmas family home evening. Each piece of a nativity were wrapped in a bag and the kids took turns unwrapping one, then they read a scripture that went with it, then we sang a song.

Then we watched The Nativity. After that we indulged in snacks.

After we got home, Eliza set out a glass of milk, cookies and some carrots for Santa and the reindeer. She is so cute.

Now that they are asleep, I guess our work begins!

P.S. I bought a bag from Karlee Fuchs to give to Sarah--our usual babysitter--for Christmas. It turned out so so cute!!


For Christmas, I got Eliza and Libby a bag to take to church. I'll have to take a picture tomorrow. They are darling!

Merry Christmas!

For Sale

If anyone is in the market for a beautiful, HUGE hutch from Razzmatazz, I've got the piece for you. It's going to be very difficult to part with it because we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it, but we are wanting to make an office from part of our front room and there just won't be room for it in there. So, we want to sell it and use the money to build the office! I just listed it on Craigslist, but I thought I'd post it too. You'd probably have to get some movers to move it because it's so big and heavy!!!

Here's the scoop:
Like new--excellent condition--HUGE 2-piece hutch
dark brown, solid wood (heavy!)
Beautiful!!
Entire piece measures approx. 97" tall, 90" across & 25" deep.
Lots of storage space...4 drawers on the bottom piece along with 4 doors with tons of room inside. Top piece has shelves on both sides with decorative iron doors (lights in the top of the sides); Shelves in the middle, too.
$2200.

Tell your friends!

Piano Recital

Today was Eliza's piano recital. It was at an assisted living center not too far from our house. She did so great! What a star! We were so proud of her. She said she was nervous before, but she didn't seem nervous during her performance at all. She got up, said her name and the titles of her pieces, then played them. She played "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" flawlessly and she played "I Saw Three Ships" awesome! She started one note over again, but it was perfect! She looked so little up there at the big piano and had her feet crossed cute.

After the recital she and Libby went with my parents to Casa Grande to my niece's birthday party. So that left me, Ellie and Hattie at home. When they weren't napping, we cleaned the house. Ellie was a good "helper." Tonight Brian and I went out and did our last bits of shopping. I still need to find one more thing, but I'm not having any luck.

Yesterday I got leveled with a migraine. Luckily I have some great friends who came to my rescue. Thanks so much! By evening I was better.

It is just so annoying. I am not for sure what caused it, but I was on my way to do some errands and I got a nasty glare from the sun that hit a car with really shiny rims. I even had my sunglasses on. Weird and again, annoying. Let's just pray I don't get one on Christmas.

Caroling

Tonight Eliza and Libby got to come with me to mutual. It was our caroling activity. They always want to come to mutual with me and I bring them when I can and when it's an activity that is okay for them to come to (not many), but tonight I thought would be fine. We had a great time. They were so excited and got all bundled up..a few layers, hats, scarves, mittens, jackets, etc. Bishop had rigged up a trailer on the out-of-service firetruck and had it decorated with lights. We did a few homes in Cibola Vista and then on into Pleasant Valley. Rachel brought her daughter and they all had fun. Libby was smiling the whole time and seemed to love it. We went back to the church for hot cocoa and donuts. Libby downed 2 donuts--surprising as she isn't much of a sweets girl. I was so glad they came--we had fun together and I loved see them interact with each other and watch out for each other.

The rest of our day was spent with Libby at preschool, going visiting teaching, Target, and gift wrapping. After Ellie went down for her nap, Libby helped me wrap gifts for cousins. She had fun helping me pick out paper and bags. She is a great helper.

Soon after Eliza got home, we went down to our neighbor's house so I could take their family pictures. Their boys were so great for their individual shots! I thought I'd have to chase the younger two boys around just because they are 1 and 2 years old. But they were content with sitting and letting me take their pictures! While I did pictures, Ellie played and one of my former young women--Chelsea--painted Eliza and Libby's nails. Eliza saw Chelsea's toes on Sunday at church and really wanted hers done like that (a snowman painted on the big toe), so Chelsea agreed!

Trying Not to Get Behind

It's busy season for sure! I just woke up from taking a short power nap. I feel somewhat refreshed so maybe I have an hour of work left in me.

Yesterday I got a little more Christmas shopping done while Libs was at preschool. After picking her up, we came home, ate lunch and hung out until time to get Eliza. She and Ellie helped me make pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. They LOVE to help me bake and are really turning into great helpers! After we picked Eliza up, I met Rachel to drop off a birthday gift to one of our laurels. Then I went straight over to Leslie's to take her some birthday fun. Lots of birthdays!

At night we had family home evening, then I took Libby and Eliza to watch some of my young women play in their high school soccer game. I guess the schedule I had was wrong! There was no game--it was moved to Tuesday. Instead we went to Barnes and Noble and got a book for Eliza's book exchange at school, then I treated them to Dippin' Dots.

Now today--this morning we delivered some gifts to friends, then we had lunch and played. Libby and Ellie were getting a little rambunctious, so we went out front for a bit. I had my cousin come over this afternoon for a little bit so I could finish Christmas shopping. It was productive! I think I am done with my shopping. I have to get a couple of gift cards and that's it!! Yeah!! It was fun shopping alone and being able to cruise or dilly dally while I shopped. I haven't done that for a while! I love the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, so I'm glad I could get my fill this holiday season! On the way home, I picked up Eliza from her rehearsal for her piano recital, then we met Rachel again but this time at Cami's house for her 18th birthday! It's a busy birthday week! We came home and had yummy taco soup. Then it was time for try two at the soccer game! It was tonight! :) We watched the game, froze a little and had fun together. Eliza and Libby stayed busy the first part going up and down the bleachers. Then they got really cold, so they sat on my lap and snuggled. It was cute. We came home, thawed out with hot cocoa, then they went to bed. And here I am!

Hodge Podge

This post will be all over the place since I am so behind, but there are lots of things I want to write down so I don't forget they happened!

Gingerbread House #2
Libby decorated a gingerbread house at preschool on Wednesday. She was excited that she already had some experience doing that. She said she was going to help out the other kids. She had a fun time and was pleased with how hers turned out.


Laurel Party


Wednesday for mutual we had our laurel class Christmas party. We met at Rachel's and enjoyed soups in bread bowls and some delicious punch. It was all so yummy. Each girl (and Rachel and I) brought a gift for the gift exchange. No one was too mean! I got a couple good things taken from me, but that was ok. I really wanted to take a gift from Alex--a Taylor Swift Christmas CD--but I was nice and took the last gift to end the game. I ended up with a copule of necklaces. Some of the girls brought the dessert and we ate that at the end of the party. We had cheesecakes, apple crisp, brownies, trifle, etc. Before they left, they got their gift which was an ornament with their initials on it. Darling!! It was a great time enjoying their company and visiting! I think they all had a great time.


Tender Mercy

On Thursday night we went to Costco to get some things for Brian's work party. Before parking we stopped to get gas. When Brian got out, guess what was on the roof? His wallet!! He put it on the roof at home so he wouldn't forget it when he got in. Well, he forgot it, but it stayed on the entire way there!!!!!!! What a blessing. That would have been a hassle if it got lost.

Student of the Month Breakfast

Friday morning started early with Eliza and I being at her school at 8. She was student of the month in her class and they had a muffin and juice breakfast. They also recognized each student. The principal read some comments written by each student's teacher. Mrs. A wrote that Eliza was a role model, dependable, trustworthy and a good friend. It was really nice. Each student of the month got a coupon for a kid's meal at Chik-fil-a and a gift card to Jamba Juice. Eliza was the first one called up and the principal said her name wrong! She said Alissa or something like that. Luckily she said the teacher's name so we knew she was talking about Eliza!

Eliza's Writing
I loved seeing this in Eliza's folder last week. Think phoenitically when you read it! Not to bad for doing it all herself!



Brian's Work Party
After the breakfast on Friday, I took Ellie to Karolyn's house who is just amazing. She offered to watch kids for one day as her gift to some friends. I just left Ellie and Terri took Libby over after preschool. But it couldn't have fallen on a more perfect day. We spent all day getting ready for Brian's work party. My parents were such an amazing help and helped out all day (and helped preparing before). Friday was filled with decorating the room at Cibola Vista (where we had the retreat last month), making soups, more decorating and getting ready. The room looked so great!!! Each table had a different centerpiece--just different Christmas things that my mom or I had (mostly her!). My mom tied bows in the 6 sconces around the room, then we strung pine garland on the very cool chandeliers they have in the room. Then we hung glittery bulbs from the center. It looked so festive!




The acutal party was from 4-7 and it was well attended--probably 100 or so of his clients. He had a couple of shuttles going to and from his office for those of his older clients who didn't want to drive out of their comfort zone! My dad was one of the shuttles and made several trips back and forth. They also hired a shuttle service at the last minute but it turned out not well. They weren't on time nor were they effiecient. Aleeda is going to call Monday to settle it and try to get it for less because of that. The party went well--everyone loved the food and had plenty to eat. Brian has so many great clients who just adore him, so that is always fun to see. It was a lot of work, but it's over!!

Ward Christmas Party
Saturday was our ward Christmas party. Eliza and Libby had a primary activity day first, then we came at 11 for the party. It was different having it during the day, but it worked out well. The theme was a White Christmas. We started in the cultural hall and had spaghetti with white sauce, salad and bread. Then there was a "surprise" waiting outside. They had tons of snow blown onto the grassy area. What a blast that was!!!! The kids got right in (Eliza and Libby included) and played. Then the dads got in and had a great time nailing each other. Brian was good at hitting people without them knowing (for a while at least!). Ellie didn't want to play at first, then she felt it and had a great time just playing in it. I was holding Hattie but that didn't make me immune! Eliza tossed one up at me and it went down my shirt and got Hattie. She didn't like it. Hattie also got one on her neck that was intended for someone else. She was unhappy!!! Brrr! Libby came up to Brian and me several times and would say, "I have a surprise for you," then proceed to throw a snowball at us! She loved it. After a bit, we heard a big horn and saw a firetruck with Santa on top. Too bad you couldn't really see his face for the bad beard!! He had no eyes or nose! Ellie clung to Brian when he got close, but Eliza and Libby got a candy cane from him. Later Ellie had a blast getting in the firetruck, pretending to drive. Brian asked where she was going and she said, "To gamma's house." Cute.












After the party, I took Eliza to a bridal shower, then to Michaels. That evening my parents and brother and his family came over and we helped them make some ornaments for people at work. So we made an evening out of it and had pizza and played Apples to Apples. It was a fun time.

Sunday
I didn't have an early meeting, which meant we were a couple minutes late to church! Whenever I am home we are late, but whenever I have a meeting and Brian has to bring all 4 girls by himself, he is on time! How does that happen!?!!? But church went well. Marcy taught a great lesson on optimism which I needed to hear. She also had made the most delish pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

After church was BYC and choir, then we went to my parents for dinner. It was just us and my parents.

Now one more full week until Christmas!!!

Time Flies

Where has December gone? It is flying by way too fast that's for sure!

On Wednesday I took pictures of my new little niece Amy. She is a doll!





Standards night went well. I wasn't sure if we would go on as planned because of the weather, but it ended up going really well. We didn't stay to camp out (thank goodness--I didn't just say that, did I?!?). We met at the church at 5 and headed out to the White Tanks. The bishopric had prepared dinner (Mexican food), so we ate right when we arrived. It had been raining all day and pretty much stopped while we were there, but it was cold and windy. After dinner we had our program. I spoke and so did the young men's president. I used the video 212 from Simple Truths. I related it to standards and how we need to make sure we give 212 to living our standards in the For Strength of Youth booklet. I think the kids really got it and I hope they think about it. After Tyson spoke, we showed Money or Mission. I first saw that movie up in Utah at my friend Margie's house. Her friend is John Lyde who wrote and directed it. It is a great short movie about just what the title says--making money or going on a mission. I think everyone enjoyed it. Several parents wanted to borrow it after!

After the program we had dutch oven cobblers, then headed to Becky's house until about midnight. We had hot chocolate, s'mores, snacks and hung out and chatted. The girls played a few rounds of 100, too.

Saturday:
Tired!!! Not that I stayed up any later than normal, but I was just tired Saturday morning! That day we went to my parents' house and decorated gingerbread houses. Libby and Eliza had a lot of great ideas and I think it turned out very cute. Ellie ate a lot of the decorations before we could put them on! Good thing my parents had a large supply!




That night we had my cousin babysit and Brian and I went to a party for the Kiwanis club he is in. It was in Sun City Grand and we were totally the youngest ones there by a long shot! We ate turkey dinner, sang some Christmas carols and then left. We did some Christmas shopping before coming home. I had a gift card to spend at Pier 1, and we found some cute pillows for the playroom totally on sale. They were only $3.50 each. I also got a cute hanger for all our Christmas cards.

Sunday:
I had an early meeting, but I didn't have to teach! That was nice for a change. We had choir in the afternoon and I made soup to take to my parents for dinner. We stopped by Brian's parents on the way home and visited there for a bit. We played Apples to Apples, which is always fun.

Monday:
Tried to catch up around the house. I took pictures of my niece in her baptism dress in the afternoon.



For family home evening we took little gifts to our neighbors. I stayed up way too late working and trying to finish our Christmas card so I could send them Costco.

Today:
I was brave. I had to go to the post office to mail a couple of boxes and get some stamps. It actually went pretty quickly and smoothly. We stopped by my parents' to pick up some decorations for Brian's work party which is Friday night. On the way home I continued my bravery and went to Wal-Mart for groceries for the party. I just went as fast as I could and it went pretty well, too! We tried to play out front, but I was freezing so we came inside. Tonight was chicken pillows for dinner. Yum!

Haircuts and Baking

Yesterday after school I took Eliza and Libby to the talented Brooke Jeppson for haircuts. They were so excited (Eliza more than Libby). Eliza went first and got the cutest little stacked haircut. It is perfect for her hair. Poor girl has always had hair issues (tons of cowlicks and just way superfine hair). But this style appears to be perfect for her hair. It's darling! I round brushed it this morning and when she came home from school, it still looked cute. Usually after a day at school her hair will be, well, stringy and "worn". This style still looked way cute. Libby got about 3-4 inches off. It totally thickened it up and it looks cute, too!

Today my mom came over and helped me make Peanut Butter Balls for the little cookie exchange we had at Enrichment tonight. PBBs (as we lovingly dubbed them today) are a longtime family favorite. My mom has been making them for years and well, we just love them! Libby and Ellie even helped and they had a blast. They took turns turning on and off the blender to mix up the Rice Krispies. Then they each dumped ingredients into the mixer. And Ellie put the balls into the chocolate for my mom to cover. She loved it and did a great job. She did sneak a couple though. It was cute!





Here is the recipe if anyone wants to make them!
2 cups Rice Krispies, crushed
1 cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
1 cup powdered sugar
6-8 Tbsp. melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
dipping chocolate

Mix together all ingredients except chocolate. Shape into 1” balls. Freeze until firm. Dip in Candy Quick (white or chocolate). Store in the fridge.

Tonight was Enrichment and we had a fun time. We ate dinner (Mexican food), then we had some musical numbers, a few people including me talked about our "Garden of Life" experiences from the year, then we loaded up plates from the cookie exchange.

Tomorrow night is our Standards Night out at the White Tanks. It is going to be cold and it's supposed to rain. So I need to get ready for that!

Ta ta for now!

Tales from Yesterday

Yesterday was a weird day. I intended to get a lot done but didn't get as much done as I hoped. I had pictures to take in the afternoon and had to get a sitter for that, so I thought I would make use of her and get some Christmas shopping done, too. First, Libby wanted to go with me. Normally I wouldn't mind, but I was Christmas shopping!! But I ended up taking her to Ross, then she was done and wanted to go home and stay with Sarah. At Ross my phone died, so it was a hard afternoon not having that because I was trying to arrange a ride home for Eliza. I resorted to using the payphone (remember those things?!)at a couple stores but to no avail. I had to pick Eliza up so that took a lot of my time. After I picked her up we went to one store then had to meet Brian and Aleeda at Cibola Vista to look at the room where his work party is going to be. I felt like it was a wasted afternoon. Oh well! After that I took the Moore's pictures. Terri already knows this, but Chris is harder than the kids!!! It takes me saying ridiculous things to make him smile!!! I hope we got maybe one family one that will work. I got plenty of cute ones of the kids though.





Oh--and when I got home I realized I looked way dorky while I was out earlier. While I was at home in the morning, I had rolled up my pants pretty nerdy. Without shoes, my pants are just a touch long and it bugs me to walk on them, so I rolled them up. Ummm...yeah...forgot to unroll them until I got home from pictures. Lovely.

For family home evening we went looking at Christmas lights. There is a HUGE snowman that someone made from PVC pipe and lights. It's cool!

Today I did some cleaning around the house.(Mmmmmm...freshly vacuumed floors--heaven!) We went to Brian's office to talk more about and plan the food for his Christmas party. Then we came home, played outside, picked up Eliza and taxied her to and from piano. We played at the park during piano. And I delivered a CD of photos!! It feels great to have another session edited and delivered! Here are a few of my favorites from that shoot.




Better get back to work!

Ack!

Before I get too far behind again, I decided to update this!

This weekend was full--Friday morning Karolyn watched Ellie and Hattie while I went to Paradise Bakery for some visiting teaching. I met one lady I visit there and her partner and one person they visit (did you follow that?) was there. I got a lemon poppy seed muffin...my fav! I haven't had one lately, so that fun. I enjoyed visiting and enjoyed breakfast.

From there I did a couple quick errands and made the dang cutest thing. But I can't post it yet or it'll ruin some Christmas present surprises. It's just something little but it turned out so cute, I thought. That night Brian took Eliza and Libby to Cabela's and I stayed home with the littlest two and worked after they went to bed.

Saturday--Brian went into work for a couple hours. We hung out at home and enjoyed the rain!!! When it wasn't too heavy, we went out front and out back, but we mostly watched from the inside. It poured and we loved it!!

That afternoon we went to my niece Madeleine's baptism. That went well and she was happy for that exciting time in her life. Saturday night we went to the much anticipated annual party at the Pribyl's. Rachel (and Ben) always does such a great job hosting and is a great hostess and friend. We started out with delish appetizers, then moved on to yummy Italian food. I loved the punch (Incredible Punch from the ward cookbook). And dessert was pazookies (ice cream atop a 1/2-baked cookie). Everyone has a great time with the gift exchange. This year we brought a gift card and a movie bag (we scored some after Thanksgiving sales and got 4 great movies to give!). I went home with a bottle of Martenelli's cider and a gift card to Cold Stone. And Brian got two sets of Christmas dish towels and a piece of Le Creuset bakeware. It is nice but was funny that he won. No one took it for him the whole time!

Today was a busy Sunday. Brian and I subbed in gospel doctrine. Then I had to teach a last minute lesson in young women. I found out yesterday the person we were going to have teach couldn't make it, so I pulled together a lesson. I decided to talk about including everyone and cliques. I hope it will make a difference and that the girls didn't think I was singling anyone out. But both lessons went well and they are over! In the afternoon Eliza and I went to choir. We had family dinner at our house, then we watched the 1st Presidency Christmas devotional.

I'll try to keep up this week so I don't get behind.