Silent Night

Silent night, holy night,

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and Child.

Holy Infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night,

Shepherds quake at the sight;

Glories stream from heaven afar,

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ the Savior is born,

Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night,

Son of God, love’s pure light;

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Silent night, holy nightWondrous star,

lend thy light;With the angels let us sing,

Alleluia to our King;

Christ the Savior is born,

Christ the Savior is born!

Snow Days!

Oh snow days! The kids just had a blast playing in the snow, they made snow balls, did a little sledding and help shovel the walkway. I remember many childhood snow memories of my own. We had this rental house when we first moved to Wenatchee, it had a great big hill and they had left a bunch of sleds in the garage when the old tenants moved out. We spent hours sledding down that hill. Awwww, Good time!

Ho, Ho, Ho....

Anybody who knows me well, knows I LOVE shopping. I don't know what's up with me this year but I can't get into the Christmas shopping mood. I tried, I wandered around a few stores for a couple of hours but left empty handed. So yesterday I did tackle the Christmas wish list for a few lucky people who are near and dear to me. I thought I would share a few neat things I stumbled upon in my hours of browsing.

I found this at Personal Creations. I thought it was beautiful and I even actually tried to order it, but.... I messed something up and tried to contact customer service to fix it, the were useless! So I canceled the order. Probably 80% stupidity on my part, 20% bad service, so if your interested in it, don't let me change your mind.

I found this one at After Five. I thought several people on my list would love this, I would love this. So cute!

I am always for personalized gifts, I think they mean so much more. I thought this was really pretty. I found it at The Lighter Side.

As for the kids on my list, I had really good luck with Amazon.com. They had some good deals, and free shipping. Am I done? Not even close, but at least I've started!

Free Stuff!

Sarcastic Mom is having a give away. Some really cute t-shirts. I don't really do much with give aways but I have been meaning to tell you all about her blog anyways. She cracks me up!

"Yup, I got my first tooth!"

Up Goes The Lights!

We spent the evening trying to put up Christmas lights. New house this year, new light scheme. Its tough. Running what feels like a million lights off on two outlets. You got to get creative. This year we are on a much more visible street so, it has to look good! Then to add to all that, we have a little friendly competition going amongst our group of friends so we really are feeling the need to step it up this year. We got most everything put up but knowing Eric we will probably have to go out and get some more. So do a drive-by and let us know what you think!

Short Update

I am right smack in the middle of my work week, so not much to write about today. We did go to

Erics moms house for turkey dinner. Yum! Lots of great food, watched the Apple Cup (Go Cougs!) and had a nice visit. I am looking forward to a couple of days off. I probably will do some Chrismas shopping and maybe do a few craft projects. Well have a good one!

Up Goes The Tree!

The kids love to be apart of mommy's blog, so for today they got to pick a few of there favorite ornaments to share. I even let them take a few pictures. Note the large bird on our tree, yeah that's what Emilee picked out for her annual ornament last year. Quite hideous I know, but its important to allow her to express herself right? We have a much smaller tree this year, so for now the ornaments are crammed on the tree. I am threatening to set up another tree downstairs. Maybe putting the kids ornaments downstairs and doing a theme tree upstairs????

Greetings From Cody and Emilee

Cody Age 3

Emilee Age 5

Thankful... Part 2

Flickr.com photo

I am thankful for many things, most of which I mentioned in my last blog entry, but a left a few out. Here is the rest of the list......

Oh this should be fun. My coffee maker, especially the automatic start feature. Coffee Mate Creamer, Coconut Creme, French Vanilla and lovely Irish Cream, yum. Heated car seats, oh what joy! Microwave popcorn. Microwaves, can you believe there was ever life before microwaves? Flip flops, sweat suits, jeans that fit, designer purses and cowboy boots. Drive-thru anything, oh what a blessing to a mom of three! Text messaging, email, and blogs! Reality shows, less than realistic drama and anything in HD. Tivo! Fred Meyers play land, oh the peace and quite for one hour of grocery shopping! Indoor playground equipment at McDonald's, for those rainy days. Cody being able to finally buckle his own car seat, Cody being potty trained. Emilee being able to pick out her own clothes in the morning (and even match). Caitlyn being able to hold her own bottle, finally a free hand!! Eric for loving to vacuum. Rainy days, sunny days and even snowy days. Living in an area which we get to experience all four seasons, what a blessing! The fact that all three of my kids sleep through the night. The wee hours of the morning when one by one my kids end up in bed with me for snuggles. Hugs, kisses and hearing "Mommy, I need you!".

I Am Thankful For....

I am most thankful for......

My husband, his love for me, his faithfulness, his support, he ability to make me laugh when I need it most. My kids, there sweetness, there curiosity, there willingness to learn, to help and to provide me with all the hugs and kisses I could ever need. My country, the freedom I have, the people who fight for that freedom and make so many sacrifice each day so I can have the life that I do. My job, the things I learn each day, the way I grow as a person from the experiences I face on a daily basis. My home, the shelter it provides, the warmth, the memories that are made here each day. My community, the neighbors, the teachers, the clerks at the grocery store, the friendly wave. My parents, the support they provide, the lessons learned, the love they give my children and to me. My sister, the advice, the sharing of stories, the many memories. My niece, her sweetness, her many questions, her beautiful smile, role model to my daughter. My nephew, his sense of humor, his silliness, his wonderful big blue eyes. All my in-laws (yup all of them), the way they welcomed me into there family as one of there own. the way they help out without being asked. My pets, the love and support and wet kisses. My health, my ability to be here each day to see my kids grow, and interact with them. My kid's health, bright smiles, and lots of energy. My God, unconditional love, and forgiveness and being the ultimate example of what real giving is.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, thanks for reading!

Merry Christmas Caitlyn

Christmas came early for Caitlyn today. We bought her this exersaucer/jumper and she loves it! We bought it early being that there is only a short period she will be happy being confined to one spot.

Bring On Christmas!!!!

We kicked off the holiday season today by going to the Festival of Trees. The kids were so excited to see Santa and tell them what they wanted for Christmas. Emilee froze when it came time to tell the big guy what she wanted, he asked her what she wanted and she replied, " hmmm you can look at my list, I sent it to you.". Cody was asked the same question and he went as far as telling Santa where to buy his gift. He said something about wiggles.com and a trumpet, and a tool set. We had a good time, it put me in the mood for Christmas so I might decorate tomorrow. It's a little early but why not?

Another Fun Meme, I Was Tagged!

I was tagged by Jenn at The Natural News. The topic is five things so I decided to share my five favorite photos. So here goes:

I can't resist a great pumpkin photo.

This was taken this summer of my niece and Emilee on a trip to the park, its a simple photo but I think its beautiful.

This is a picture I took of Caitlyns feet, I got the idea from another photographer. Hers looks better but I love mine too.

This is an older photo but I love it, Cody was 3 months old and Emilee was 2 years old.

This is a photo I took of my handsome nephew, I think his eyes are gorgeous.

Okay now I get to tag somebody, Hmmm... I choose my sister at Renaissance Mama.

My lovely Co-Worker/Friend at Rainey, and last but not least my new blogging friend,Meleah at Twintastic. Have fun girls!

Who is this girl and what have you done with my daughter? Part Two

Emilee: "Mom, when I get really grown up, like 10 years old, can we go shopping? You and me, we could get me some of those sassy shoes. Wouldn't that be so much fun?"

There is no denying whos kid she it! Thats my girl! But Em, slow down. I am not ready for you to be a really big 10 year old!

Help Me!!!! I Need a Decorator!

So I my two days off were suppose to be productive, I had big plans. I was going to do some deep cleaning, paint Cody's room, rearrange the house,hang some pictures that have been sitting on my dresser for hum... three months. I did get the picture hung up on the wall finally but when it came to rearranging I bombed.

It all started with a new fireplace my mother-in-law gave us. The plan was to put it in the bedroom, how romantic right? Well, after sitting on my bed for probably 90 minutes looking around the room, I decided it just wasn't going to fit with the new bedroom set we bought a couple of months ago. Then I went to the living room and again, stood in the door way for another 90 minutes trying to figure out the perfect spot. After moving the room around three times, all furniture is back in its original spot and the fireplace is where Eric put it when he brought it home 4 days ago.

Whats a girl to do? I need help. That's the first step right, admitting that I have a problem? Anyways, if any of you local girls feel like helping me out, stop by and give me SOME ADVICE, better yet just do it for me will ya!

Whoo Hoo, Look Who's Rollin!

Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard

Here's a quick slideshow to celebrate a new milestone in Cate's life. Oh, you have to push play on the second screen too or else it just stays on one picture.

When Daddy is Away....

Our dogs are so funny. They are normally pretty well behaved but..... Eric is out of town. I obviously don't intimidate them very much because when he is home they won't step a single paw onto the porch. Eric has been gone for two days and I don't think they have left the porch once. I'd like to think they are just protecting the kids and I, but maybe they are rebelling. Who knows?

Who is this girl and what have you done with my daughter? Part One

I was talking about going to the store to get some groceries and Emilee turns to me and says this:

Emilee: "Mom, next time we go to Fred Meyers I am going to ask them if I can work there."

Me: "Oh really?"

Emilee: " Yeah, but I don't want to work at night like you, I would rather work during the day."

Me: " Well honey you have school during the day."

Emilee: " Well I don't really need to go anymore, I just want to have a job so I can make money."

What!!! She is five years old and already wanting to drop out of school???? Oh, Lord help me.

Tim Hawkins - Servants Heart

This guy is pretty funny, he is a Christian comedian. He has several differant clips, so if you have time check out a few of his others.

The Christmas Card Throw Backs!

This was the trial Chrismas card for this year. Kinda cute, but just not quite the vision I had for this years Christmas card. For you out-of -town readers, it hasn't snowed in Wenatchee its just a little photo editing. These pictures were actually taken in my living room and Cody isn't even wearing any pants!

They Come in 3's and 5's

A random quiz to get to know ME!!!

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?

1. Produce:Apples
2. Bakery: Doughnuts

3. Meat: Pork loins

4. Frozen: Ice Cream

5. Dry goods: Coffee

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?

1. sweats

2. hooded sweatshirt

3. flip flops

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?

1. "NO!!!"

2. "settle down!"

3. "Do you need to use the potty?"

4. "Stop whining!"

5. Laughing, does that count?

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you'd probably be in a pretty irritable/bad mood?

1. Coffee

2. Write on my blog

3. Love from the family

What are 3 things that you have in your bedroom that have been with you for the longest amount of time?

1. My Bible

2. Pictures

3. My special throw blanket (I know, grown ups aren't suppose to have blankies but I do!)

You're driving down the road, and suddenly you're hit with this sense of road rage. What 3 factors probably contributed to it?

1. Slow drivers

2. Drivers on cell phones

3. Red lights

You just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?

1.Play on computer

2. Nap

3. watch TV

4. Snack

5. Go shopping

We're going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?

1. Monkeys

2. Giraffes

3. Penguins!

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show of your choice. You can pick between 5, so what are you deciding between?

1. The Office

2. Desperate Housewives

3. Oprah

4. C.S.I.

5. Survivor

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?

1. Cookie Dough

2. Bubblegum

3. Vanilla bean

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?

1. Wallet

2. Cell phone

3. Pacifier

4. Baby Wipes

5. Mascara

You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 3 careers would be fun for you?

1.A Photographer

2. Teacher

3. Florist

Who Me Keep Mommy Up All Day????

The days are fast approaching when Caitlyn will have to head off to daycare so mommy can get some sleep! I tried to delay it for as long as I could but I am getting ready to head off to work for a 12 hour shift and I have had absolutely no sleep, this should be interesting.

The Pressure of a Good Christmas Photo

I have been trying to come up with an idea for a great Christmas photo for this years Christmas cards when I stumbled upon this photo. It was taken in our first house, Cody was only about 4 months old, Emilee was 2 years old. Wow, that seems so long ago. Anyways, if you have any ideas for this years photo email me. Its funny, I have taken hundreds of pictures over the past year but I can't come up with one great photo for a Christmas card.

There Are Cows Falling From the Sky

photo by Flickr.com (not the actual Michelle)

So I was watching King 5 news out of Seattle yesterday and they were covering a local story about a cow falling off a cliff and landing on this couples car. The story itself is pretty strange to begin with. Oh but there is more...... I will take you back about a week and a half ago. I had been working for 11 1/2 hours and was watching the clock waiting for someone to walk through the doors of dispatch to relieve me when the phone rings. I pick it up and its a guy calling from Spokane. He is reporting "Michelle" as being taken. He insisted that this guy in Wapato had her and wouldn't give her back. He stated she went to get bread and that he hadn't seen her since. I asked a bunch of more questions but things weren't making sense. About 4 minutes into the conversation we came to the conclusion that "Michelle" wasn't a missing person, she was some high priced cow, and she didn't go to get bread she went to get breed. Well, I got a chuckle out of the whole conversation and didn't give it much more thought, until last night when I was watching the news and saw the clip on the falling cow. I said "Eric, this happened in Chelan the other night when I was working check it out." We both tuned in and they went on to say that the cow had a name "Michelle". Then they showed the owners, from Spokane. I immediately recognized the name. How ironic!!! Poor Michelle, first missing and then she falls to her death on the hood of somebody's car. Who would have thought.

A Picture Says A Lot!

I am not one to jump on the political bandwagon. However,I saw this photo and thought it was interesting. The captions sent with the email I got explained that the photo was taken during the playing of the national anthem. Hhhmmmm.........

Leaf the Raking to Daddy!

We are hard at work trying to keep up with the falling leaves, we have even enlisted the help of our five year old. Emilee is really into helping out lately so she doesn't mind a bit. I always get excited for the leaves to fall, this is our first year in this yard so we have quite a bit more leaves to rake than years past. We spent a quiet afternoon at home, Emilee has the week off of school and I am on days off as well. We decided to let Cody play hooky from preschool. I couldn't help but just stare out the window at the beauty of the autumn colors.

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." -- Author:William Cullen Bryant