Sid's donation

So Sidney has been growing her hair for a long time and today, after a particularly rough brushing session, decided it was time to get it chopped. Here is the result. Her hair will be in the mail tomorrow to Locks of Love.


Sidney's hair yesterday...



Sidney's hair today...

I'm a copy cat!

OK, Deanna. I loved your list so I thought I'd share mine!


Welcome to the Christmas edition

of getting to know your family and friends...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I gift wrap everything. If it's an odd shape and I'm giving it to someone besides my kids then I'll put it in a bag.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I'm all about being fake! I can't stand the smell and mess of real trees. We've had the same tree for years and it still works!

3. When do you put up the tree? We put up the tree either Thanksgiving night or the night after, depending on what's going on. After all the years we spent in Vegas and Chris having to work those nights the girls and I have gotten into the habit of doing it without him. (he hates doing it anyway) This year it was the day after when Chris was at work.

4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day.

5. Do you like eggnog? It's not anything I go out of my way for.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A Pink & Pretty Barbie Doll. She was the most wonderful Barbie ever. And as my family members know... The Barbie Doll Story was the result!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I have a couple. One set belonged to my grandparents and Mary, unfortunately, didn't fare too well in the box this year and needs her head glued back on. (I think she'll be ok!)

8. Hardest person to buy for? My husband because he doesn't want anything!

9. Easiest person to buy for? The kids. They want everything!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Definitely mail! I don't so much like sending them, but I LOVE getting them!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? If only I could tell you! (ask me sometime and I'll tell you the story!)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I remember watching it in school as a kid. LOVED IT! (and still do!)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Depends. The earlier the better.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Scones on Christmas morning

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Growing up it was red & white lights with all crystal ornaments. Now it's colored lights with snowmen everywhere!

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We usually stay home. We don't like anyone enough to go visit them. (just kidding!) Usually (like in #3) being in Vegas meant Chris had to work on Christmas. Now that he's teaching we're planning many trips in years to come!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Who can't?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I have a snowman star on my tree (see#16)

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? The girls open their presents from each other on Christmas Eve and the rest wait till morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? SNOW!!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? When we were living in Vegas my wonderful brother, Nick, bought me a TON of the glass snowmen with the colored bells at the bottom. I have a tree full and I love them all equally!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham... with my mom's clove sauce..... YUMMY!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For my house to magically clean itself!


So there ya' have it! Copy and paste it and share your list too!

Snow days

When we moved Colorado the kids learned these simple steps to guarantee a snow day... (of course, it only works on nights when it's supposed to snow anyway)
1. Wear your pj's inside out
2. Sleep with a spoon under your pillow

3. Do the chicken dance in front of the refrigerator before you go to bed


Unfortunately it didn't work for us this time. It worked for all of the other school districts in town... just not ours! Maybe next time...

My Saturday Night...

Let me start this story with the fact that Chris was called to be the Executive Secretary in our ward about 2 months ago. So tonight was the bishopric Christmas dinner and my husband had to work (of course). So I debated and debated whether or not to go. Finally, I decided to go if for nothing else, a night away with other adults! I am so glad I went. I certainly appreciate these men (and their wives) for all they do for our ward! We had a really great dinner and some really good conversation. But the highlight of the evening was when the Bishop's wife handed out presents. I almost cried when I opened it. What a beautiful quilt! She has made the most amazing quilts and I am so blessed to own one now!