Dear Santa,

For Christmas this year I would like a crock pot to replace the one that Evan smashed to pieces. I really used to love putting a roast or stew in the crock pot before church and coming home to delicious smells and a ready-made lunch!

I want rollerskates so that I can become a Roller-Derby queen. I can use it to let out all of my pent up aggression.

Please bring me The Proposal on DVD or Blue-ray. Ian and I laughed our heads off when we watched it together - It's one we should own.

Alexander and I both would like a box of Cellas dark chocolate covered cherries. They are heaven in a box and really hard to find.

A gift certificate to Amazon would be nice - I love ordering books from them and everytime they come in the mail it feels like Christmas!

Santa, I feel like I've been pretty good this year. My children are all still alive. My husband is well fed and his laundry is done. My house is clean at least once a week. All in all I'd call it a successful year.

Sincerely,

Me

P.S. didn't Ian do an awesome job on the Christmas lights?

Thanksgiving plus the tale of 2 girls and Black Friday

Beautiful Matthea


Thanksgiving Feast



Mr. Comedian

We spent Thanksgiving with Ian's family. The food was delicious. When I glanced up from inhaling my food I noticed that Evan was not eating. He was playing in the other room.

"Evan! Come eat your chicken!" (If I call it turkey he won't even try it).

"No! I'm playing a game."

Max looks up from his food and says, "Hey Evan...we're all playing a game where you put food in your mouth and chew. It's a lot of fun! Come join us!"

It was a great day filled with family, food and football.

So...a few days ago I asked Tiffany if she wanted to brave Black Friday with me. I've never experienced Black Friday. This year there were a few things on sale that I couldn't pass up. Tiffany was hesitant until I told her how much fun it would be - we would be making memories! She finally said she'd go with me as long as we didn't go to W (that's code for Walmart). I assured her that there was NO way we were going there (I'd heard horror stories about people being trampled there on Black Friday).

That was before I'd read the ads.

There was a certain item (I can't tell you what it is - because the kids sometimes read the blog and I won't be responsible for ruining Christmas) that Walmart had on sale for a great price. Both Ian and I think it's the perfect gift for the boys. Anyhow...I told Tiffany we'd go to Target first and then maybe stop by Walmart to see if they still had the item.

Ian woke me up at 3:45 am (he really wanted me to get the item) and I headed to Tiffany's. We got in line at Target around 4:35 am. We got into Target at 5:03 and had all our items and were checked out by 5:35. Next year we will know to avoid the electronics and dvd area - unless we don't have a cart. Manuvering through there with a cart was like swimming upstream against 1000 spawning salmon. Actually it might have been harder than that.

Next we headed over to Walmart. While we were there we noticed quite a few Target employees scoping out the competition. Tiffany whispered to one man, "We like you better" and he said, "Thanks!". Walmart was a nightmare - everything was in weird random spots and there were no employees to help us (unlike Target where there were TONS of helpful employees). We finally found someone that told us that the item I wanted was sold out.

Next stop was Old Navy. This was the only place Tiffany wanted to go (they had kids jackets on sale for $15). By the time we got there all the jackets were gone. I felt kind of bad because we might have gotten the jackets if we hadn't wasted time at Walmart. We then headed over to yet another Walmart to see if they had my item there.

They did! I found it back in automotive (it belongs in sporting goods) and it was the last one! I was so excited - and quickly got in the line. Where we waited. And waited. Quite a few people came up and asked if there was anymore of my item left and I had to tell them I had the last one (secretly I was a little smug). We waited in line for an hour. Finally - the clerk rings up my item and it shows that it's $78 more than the ad said. Tiffany quickly points this out and then the lady tells us that the item we have is NOT the one on sale.

*crickets*

I turn around and walk away. I hear Tiffany ask the clerk, "Where is the item?" The clerk says it's in the garden department. DUDE! By this time I'm seriously pissed. I want to punch someone in the head, but the only employees I see are over 80 and then it's not really a fair fight, you know?

I'm ready to leave but Tiffany says, "Let's go see if they have any left in the Garden Department". BECAUSE THAT'S THE KIND OF FRIEND SHE IS! Seriously, I have a whole new appreciation for her after this morning. When we get to the GD we see a whole pallet of these things. Together we get one off (it's really heavy and big) and slide it over to the check out. Tiffany tells me to wait in line and she'll wait by the item. That way we won't have to slide it around 2 aisles (which was how long the line was).

45 minutes later I have successfully purchased the item! And all is right in my world. My husband will be happy. My kids will be happy. I'm happy not only to have it but to have a friend who got up at the crack of dawn to help me - even after I went back on my word and made her go to not one but 2 Walmarts! If that's not friendship, I don't know what is. And I think Tiffany is happy that I am finally taking her home and letting her go back to sleep.

So...if you made it to the end of this post and are wondering if I'd do it again. I would. As long as I could strong arm Tiffany into going with me...because we definitely made some memories.

the end.

Turkey Trot...more like Turkey Crawl

Picture from last years race. After mile 1 those smiles were wiped off our faces.

Every year I run the Turkey Trot. I blame Trina. She's the one that told me about it. The first year I started to run it with Trina - she insisted that she was slow and wouldn't be able to keep up with me. She passed me (pushing a jogging stroller) after the first 1/2 mile.

Today I woke up with butterflies. I was worried because #1. I ate french fries last night at 10 pm and #2. I couldn't bring myself to eat the bowl of oatmeal that Holly suggested I eat so that I'd have lots of energy. I couldn't eat anything. Not eating was a mistake (actually I think my biggest mistake might have been signing up for the Turkey Trot in the first place).

Trina kept insisting she was "out of shape" and there was "no way" she'd be able to run it very fast. She left me in her dust after the first 5 minutes (mind you she just had a baby in June - but whatever). "That's o.k.," I thought, "now I'll be able to run it at a slower pace." I now realize that I always need to run with someone. Not only does it motivate me but it helps me keep a consistent pace.

Normally I run 3.5 miles three times a week. I figured that was all the training I need. By mile 4 I was feeling it. And it didn't help that we ran right past a Circle K. Let me tell you if I had money with me I would've stopped and got a Thirstbuster Dr. Pepper and a candy bar. I'm not kidding. I almost asked a bystander for some money. But by then my lips were crusted shut so I couldn't. Lots of cursing in my head.

By mile 5 I was trying to motivate myself. I'd pick a person and say to myself, "I'll beat that person in." Soon all the people I picked were passing me (I tried not to take it personally) and I felt like there was a fire in my chest. And then a man with one leg passed me. I'M NOT KIDDING! He had a mechanical leg and he breezed passed me like it was no big deal. I started to pick up the pace. But he still was in the lead. I looked over to my right and a man as old as father Christmas (with a beard just as long) was passing me! Seriously. There was NO WAY a hundred year old man was going to beat me.

As we came down the final stretch I tried to pick up the pace, but OLM (one leg man) was still in the lead. It was neck and neck to the finish line, but he beat me by a leg. My ego wasn't completely bruised because I did manage to beat Santa. Barely.

Many times I thought about giving up. Just running back to my car. But I did it! And I learned an important lesson: I DO NOT like to run.

P.S. To add insult to injury when I tried to get my friend Liz's attention by repeatedly screaming her name, she totally ignored me! Whatever. Just because her husband beat the turkey, doesn't mean we can't be friends.....or does it?

P.P.S. Can someone PLEASE remind me of this post next year? PLEASE????

Team Ian

I'm thankful for a lot of things. I could go on all day about how thankful I am for the country I live in, for my family, my friends, my church...but the thing I'm feeling most grateful for is my husband.

He works 9-10 hour shifts on average.

He loves hanging out with his kids.

He will watch SYTYCD with me. And we can have long discussions about it. Dude, I LOVE that about him.

We like the same t.v. shows (Castle, Lost, Glee...). We sit in bed and watch them together then crack lame jokes and laugh our heads off.

He helps me clean.

He teaches our kids to clean (and does a much better job at it then I do).

He lets me know when I put my foot in my mouth by making a joke. So then everyone forgets about the stupid thing I just said. If that's not love, I don't know what is.

I'm so glad that he puts up with me and my craziness. Because seriously, it takes a strong man to do that.

What's the thing you are most thankful for?

Lucky

Today I am thankful for good friends. Yesterday was a hard day for one of my children. The things he is going through made me more appreciative of the support I have from my friends.

For a long distance friend who I can e-mail about anything - and who always makes me laugh and gives great advice.

For 2 friends (who also happen to be my sister in laws) who will help me at the drop of the hat and never complain about it.

For a friend who listens to everything I say and helps me put it into perspective. Who is always on my side and who is a second mom to my oldest son.

For a friend who lets me complain, then goes shopping with me. Who doesn't let me take myself too seriously and who I count on for anything.

And especially for my mom. Who never judges me. Never makes me feel insecure or stupid. And who gives the best advice in the world.

A strange man in a red suit

We took the little boys to see Santa on Wednesday. Evan was so excited...until we got there.

Joshua walked right up to Santa and told him he wanted a Spiderman. Ro was a little shy but finally went over and whispered to Santa what he wanted. By that time I was chasing Evan through Macys.

Next time I'm not getting him out of the stroller.

Wrestlemania

This is what my afternoons look like:Notice the crazy look in Xander's eye?

Hamming it up for the camera.

The tides quickly turned and they got into some serious fighting.

Ben inflicting pain.

And Ben wins!

I'm praying Xander does NOT read this post. If he does he'll demand a re-match.

And it won't be pretty.

If there's a rocket tie me to it

One of my favorite songs:

Snow Patrol is one of my favorite bands. They are Irish and Scottish so it's really no surprise. The new album came out last week - it's like a "best of album" but it has 3 new songs. My favorite of the three is Give Me Strength, but this one is pretty awesome too. I was surprised that there are quite a few songs I didn't know. I can't stop listening to it - good music makes me so happy. Here's to hoping they come on tour...SOON!

SYTYCD - LIVE!

Last night Ian and I went with these characters to see the Season 5 So You Think You Can Dance Tour. Woohooo!!!!

It did not disappoint. I was able to bring in my little Nikon Coolpix.

Jason and Jeanine dancing to "If it Kills Me" (I got the chills)

Also, how many dresses do you think she's went through during the course of the tour?


Kupono and Kayla dancing Mia Michael's Addiction dance. Holy cow they did a good job.

Jeanette & Brandon dancing Wade Robson's Jewel Thief dance. One of my all time SYTYCD favorites. I love all the quirky movements.

One of the group numbers. I wish they would've danced the Mia Michael's "Higher Ground" dance. Does anyone remember how technically hard and awesome that dance was?



Ade & Jeanette dancing the Love, Sex & Magic dance. I love Ade. I thought he should've won.

Jeanine & Philip. What can I say about Philip? He's gumby. His solo was OFF THE HOOK! He got a standing ovation.

My favorite dance of the evening was the Ade & Melissa dance that Tyse created about a woman diagnosed with breast cancer. The dance was so real and so moving. Ian and I gave them a standing ovation.

I love going out with Ian. Even though he's recovering from the flu, he was in top form - cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. We had so much fun!

Glad that dad's home

Ian stayed home sick from work today.Evan was so excited. He loves his dad A LOT. For the last few weeks Ian has been working really late. As soon as it gets dark Evan will say, "Dad's home!" and then he gets really mad when he realizes that dad isn't home.

So today feels like Christmas to Evan. He has been giving Ian lots of hugs and kisses.

Ian likes the attention.

For the most part.

P.S. IF YOU HAVE A MINUTE, please click on Ben's picture on the left hand side (it will take you to his blog). He has a new post and would LOVE comments.

Evan turns 3

On Friday Evan turned 3. Holy cow, where has the time gone? It feels like yesterday that Ian and I were in the hospital and the doctor was explaining that I would have to have an emergency C-Section. I remember Ian saying lots of prayers. But for some reason I felt calm - like this was how it was supposed to be and everything would be fine. And it was.

Evan makes us laugh every day. Sometimes I feel like we should be stricter as parents because he's wild and crazy. But we love him. Even when he's telling us to "Be quiet" while putting a hand over our mouth. Or even when he's peeing on the carpet by Ian's side of the bed (his favorite spot to pee). Or when he refuses to share his birthday toys and he and Max get into a wrestling match that results in lots of screaming and yelling. Because for every one of those stressful times there's a million other times that he's hugging us. Or kissing me and telling me he loves me. He's one of a kind and we're so glad he's ours!

On a side note: I didn't get any pictures of Evan blowing out his candles because he was deathly afraid of the fire. My dad and Rayna both tried to get him to sit down but he started freaking out. Weird.

Some pictures from Evan's party:

I meet the Pioneer Woman!

If you don't read the Pioneer Woman you might want to skip this post. Last night the PW was at Changing Hands book store signing copies of her cookbook. She did a little Q&A first and then signed copies and took pictures. As soon as Jill and I walked into the store and I heard her voice, my heart started beating so fast because it was THE PIONEER WOMAN!!! Holy crap I was excited!

When it became apparent that we would be there a long while, I took Jill back to Xander & Thomas' soccer practice so that she could take them home and then I went back to the bookstore. Jill is such a good friend to do that so I could go back and stalk, I mean meet the PW. I'm glad Jill understands me and my obsessiveness.

I met up with some friends and we waited. And waited. And laughed. And talked. And waited. Then we spotted Missy (the PW's sister in law) and made her sign our books and take pictures with us (Susan got a little photo happy - be happy I'm not including the one of my butt).

Me & Missy. See the crazed look in my eye? I am so excited, words cannot express it!
Missy and I are now old friends. In fact, I'm going to eat more beef so all of her kids will be able to go to college. O.k., you had to be there.

Next we harrassed Marlboro Man's mom to sign our books and take pictures. Look at her - you know she's thinking, "Get me away from these weirdos." But she was so gracious. When I told her I loved her scarf she said, "Missy made me wear it - she said my outfit looked drab without it". Both Missy and MM's mom looked very fashionable. Later we told them about H&M opening in Scottsdale - I think they might even go.

The posse waiting to meet the PW. We had so much fun! At one point Susan and Annette were going to leave but we bullied them into staying. I'm so glad they did stay. And Annette, you better e-mail me that jalapeno/strawberry jelly recipe!

Finally! Me and the PW. She is even prettier and nicer and funnier in person! I was so nervous. I told her she is awesome to which she replied, "No I'm not. I'm not even normal!" I know we could be best friends...if we had just had a little more time to get to know each other!

So glad I went. Even though Ian was a little irritated (he had to miss volleyball and stay home with the kids). At one point I told him, "I have to stay! It's the Pioneer Woman! It's a once in a lifetime chance!" Missy overheard that and started laughing. But it was true!

Thanks Susan for the pictures! You are the best!

Time Out

This video is pretty standard on what goes on over here.

1. Evan does something wrong (in this case he hit me)

2. Evan repeats me as a way of avoiding the issue. And then he gives me nonsense answers. Believe me, he knows exactly why he is in time out.

3. He shifts blame to Max. This is a daily occurrence

4. Max gets fed up.

And the cycle begins again.

Obligatory Halloween Post

Friday night was Trunk or Treat at our church. I had to bribe Evan to put on his costume - he refused to wear his mask or to stand by his brothers for a picture.`Don't all Spidermans have binkys? I wouldn't have survived the night without Jill & Rayna. They helped with Evan and they brought 2 of their friends kids (one was named Evan too). Both of the Evans got along great! My Evan was being crazy, so it was nice to have help (Ian had to work).

Rayna dressed as Michael Jackson. I wish I'd gotten a full picture of her outfit - she looked great!

I was so happy that Halloween was on Saturday this year - this meant Ian could come too! Yeah! Kim, Brian and Joe went trick or treating with us. That's Joe in the back dressed as Green Goblin - he looked awesome!

The downside was that Evan was a little scared of Joe. He kept hiding. Once we got to trick or treating we had Joe and the boys go ahead so that Evan wouldn't be scared.

After trick or treating we headed over to Ian's parents house. It's sad that I ony got one picture, but I had my mind on other things...mostly keeping Evan out of trouble. As usual, Ian's parents house was decked out. They even had a life sized remote control witch - Ian had alot of fun scaring trick-or-treaters with it. It was a great night!

I heart soccer

Many of you know that Alexander had the chance to go fishing with my dad and my uncle David on Saturday. I thought it would be ok for him to go until I heard that his soccer coach had told Ian that he needed Alex to play in the game that Saturday because they were playing the only team that has defeated Alex's team. And last year when Alex guarded their star player he totally shut him down (the player's dad came up to our coach after the game and told him that no one had been able to shut out his son - until Alex).

So Alex played on Saturday. Holy cow it was an action packed game (I wish you had been here for this game, Mandie). The opposing team played really dirty - lots of tripping, shoving, strong arming. The player Alexander was guarding got a yellow card. He was so frustrated because Alex was on him like glue! I overheard our coaches talking - the head coach said, "Look how frustrated #9 (the player Alex was guarding) is! Alex is totally shutting him down!" I was so proud of our team - we played a clean game and we won! It was AWESOME! I'm so glad both Ian and I could be there to see it.

I love soccer. And even though I thought I'd never say it, I think I might love it more than baseball. We are so proud of Alex!

In other soccer news: Ben and Max won their games. Ben always wins his games, but it was the first time Max's team has won. They did awesome! The final score was 6-1. Yeah!

P.S. Thank you Rayna for the picture :)

Picture perfect

My sister-in-law, Tricia is a miracle worker.

Performing

Friday Max had a performance at school. Do you know how hard it is to make a 6 year old wear "church clothes" to school? It takes a lot of bribing, let me tell you.

Notice Max. He's hard to miss. He's the one making faces in the back row. At one point the music teacher had to go talk to Max because he and the boy next to him got into a little bit of a pushing match. Max says they were just playing around, but I think the music teacher will put him between 2 girls next time (I would if I were her).

That kid is one of a kind.