Ask Me Where I Am Right Now

So there are 20 or so people in my basement right now having ping-pong, pool, and Wii tournaments. Where am I? In bed...alone (thought I'd clarify).

I never get a flu shot and this year I let my Pediatrician give me a guilt trip about Livi being 'high risk' so as a responsible parent, I need to get one. Well guess who has the chills, shakes, muscle aches, and 102 fever!? Thanks flu shot- you rock. Now I'm laying down- which might I add feels SO good, blogging on my crackberry until the muscle relaxers kick in (thanks Gary). This isn't exactly how I expected to start my New Year. The worst part is that Jeremy flies out tomorrow to the Sugar Bowl so I have no clue how I'm gonna be a mom tomorrow. Why isn't there anyone to take care of Mommies? Okay, I'm done complaining...Happy freakin New Year.

Christmas in California

We decided to get out of the snow and enjoy some sunny weather for Christmas this year. I know there are a lot of people that love the snow and relish in the idea of a "White Christmas", but we are not one of them. I would be happy to never see the snow again.

This is the first time we've ever been away from home during Christmas and I wasn't sure if we would feel the same 'spirit' without a tree, stockings and Santa- but to our surprise, it was the best Christmas we've ever experienced. The hustle and bustle of school events, sitting on Santa's lap, multiple family parties, and last minute shopping, seem to really take away from the spirit of Christmas. More than anything, it really just stresses me out.

Without those things, we simply enjoyed the most important gift - time as a family. On Christmas Eve, the kids got their traditional Christmas jammies. Then I read a book about Jesus' birth to remind them why we celebrate Christmas and to help reiterate why they only get a few gifts from Santa each year (only one for Livi, but she can't count yet!).

Then it was off to Disneyland, California Adventures, Malibu, Long Beach and Hollywood. We also saw a couple of movies and just relaxed and played. There was absolutely no stress- except for when the crazy man in the Spiderman costume yelled at us on Hollywood Blvd...long story.

It was so great to spend this much uninterrupted family time together...traveling over the holiday may become a new tradition for us!

Emma's Recital

Emma's been taking dance for a couple of years now, but this year she wanted to try cheer. I still really wanted her in dance, but I've always made it my rule that I won't force my kids into [or out of] any extra-curricular activity. So if baby wants to cheer, baby gets to cheer.

So yea, after about a month, she wanted to quit. This is when I had to break my rule, because we had already committed to the Christmas concert. She wouldn't tell me why she wanted to quit, but after going into watch her class, I could see why... let's just say, the teacher needs sensitivity lessons. I told her she needed to finish the concert and then she didn't have to go back.

Ugh...the concert. It took 2 hours to drive there (the first huge snow storm of the year) and there were 31 dances. We were #29. Yup, good times.

The Entire Dance Company

Not to overshadow Emma's big day, but I had to mention this. There is this cute girl that Landon has been going to school with for the last three years and she also happens to cheer at Emma's studio. At the concert, she kept bringing her friends over to Landon and introduced him as her boyfriend. I can't believe my son has his first girlfriend.! He told me not to embarrass him about it, so of course I didn't...I simply asked her to pose with her future husband and sister-in-law for a picture ;)

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Last Friday night we were driving in the dark when Landon and Emma had the funniest conversation:

Landon: Look Emma! A full moon.

Emma: Wow, it's sooooo bright. It must be really happy.

Landon: That would also explain why we are acting so strangely.


This morning as I was getting Emma ready for school when she said:

"Mom, can you please stop doing my laundry for a while- I have more than enough socks."

Sunday Funday

Jeremy decided last minute to go to San Fransisco for the 49ers game and since I was left all to my lonesome, I invited Gary and the kids over. My kids were so excited to see Taylor and Harrison and had a lot of fun with them. Emma started to cry when they were getting ready to leave. They both really miss them- we all do. It was great to see you guys!

A great way to wake up

I'm going to write a book on how to raise the perfect boy.

That is- as soon as I figure out how I'm doing it.

On My Honor

We started scouts.

One more thing to do on the weeknights- add to that cheer, tumbling, and basketball. I was thinking about getting the kids in piano and swimming too.

Whatever.

Somethings gotta give.

I was really excited about scouts until tonight. I think I left a bad impression with his scout leader.

I'm a girl.

I don't understand scouts. I don't know what to expect. I feel so out of my element.

Landon is really excited though.

And he looks cute in his uniform.

Cyber Monday

'Cyber Monday' was a phrase coined by retailers three years ago, when trends were showing that there was a increase in online sales the Monday after Thanksgiving. The theory being that people would go to work, still in a turkey coma from the long holiday, and get online and continue their shopping. I remember doing that myself as an employee...aaah the good old days- getting paid to surf the net!

Well, I made mention of some great deals on my Black Friday post, but there are some new ones, that I wanted to share. The best part of these sales- no one will get hurt.

• Oldnavy.com- 20% off- Today only.
  
• Toysrus.com- Up to 60% off and free shipping if you spend over $25.
• Shoebuy.com- 15% off plus free shipping
• Bestbuy.com- Online only today. Free shipping and discounts on almost all electronics.
• Babygap.com- 15% off and free shipping.
• Gymboree.com- 20% off of sale items.
• Kohls.com- 15% off of orders of $100. Free shipping.
  

Okay, that's all for now, I've gotta get the kids off to school so I can completely ignore Livi for an hour while I shop. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!