The Gift Of Magic

Last year, as my Aunt Sherri is a grown woman who is free to buy her own stuff, I decided not to give her anything for Christmas. Instead, I gave her a day. Well, two days actually.

Harry Potter Days!

We started right with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s stone at 9:00 AM. And the same way that book starts, we started…

With breakfast.

We did not burn the bacon. There were eggs and toast too.

We moved ahead movie after movie. We had delicious snacks. (I have a Harry Potter Cookbook. I know. I am an odd one.) I made bouillabaisse for dinner with warm bread. The next day we made Caldron cakes for breakfast. (Yes, they are the same as pancakes.) Then still more snacks and a yummy stew for dinner.

We watched all 8 movies. We had presents; a fabulous Time-Turner Necklace, a beautiful leather journal, a real quill pen, Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans and Jelly Slugs.

It was a great weekend.

Way better than just new socks and underwear…

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Every year since we have had our Disneyland Annual Passports, we go at Christmas time and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. This year was no different.

We met up with Mary, Tonya and Abby at Disneyland one afternoon and it was a great day. First we watched the parade. Michelle loves parades.

I love Disneyland at the holidays. The Haunted Mansion is transformed into The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Jungle Cruise becomes The Jingle Cruise. It’s A Small World gets a holiday theme and a break from that annoying song. It is awesome.

But this year we skipped all that for one thing.

This thing.

Michelle wanted to meet Princess Elena. Princess Elena was there as part of Viva Navidad at the California Adventure.

I waited in line for 50 minutes for this.

It was worth it.

Anyway, we walked around a bit and checked out booths they had set up with holiday foods from other cultures. We tried kugel from the Jewish booth and Michelle made a paper dreidel. We tried curry from the India booth and Michelle colored a Diwali card and made a paper lantern. We tried lamb from a Middle Eastern booth and Michelle made Christmas cards. It was fun.

We walked around and looked in the shops at all the fun holiday stuff.

Disney days are always good days.

An Old Favorite

This year at Thanksgiving I made bread pudding. I make it all the time, but not usually as part of Thanksgiving. I usually stick to pie. But I found a bag of stale burger buns on the counter and I had an abundance of eggs because I got them at Smart and Final. Anyways, I had a lot of requests for my recipe. ( I also had a lot of "OMG THIS WAS HAMBURGER BUNS?!?!")

Anyways, I knew I posted it on here before, so I dug it up and here it is, from 2011.

Bread Pudding

New Year?

Motivation....

Do you have it?

I don't know. Maybe.

It's been almost a year since I last updated this. I usually promise myself in January I am going to do this more. I like reading the old posts. The old memories. It is fun. This has been a crazy wild year and no updates.

I suck.

But...

It is January.

So Happy New Year!

Holiday Spirit

Yesterday's post had a bunch of people asking me....

Why not just invite everyone? The more the merrier. Right?

Maybe.

But let me tell you a fun story about an experience I had....

Every year at Christmas, we have an ornament exchange party. Christmas rolled around almost a year after I started at my job. So I decided to invite a few of my new coworkers. Five or six of them I had gotten to know. People who had kids like me, or who I had things in common with... 

Not only did none of them come, but 3 of them told me, in various words... 

We won't bring our families near gays. 

Really? 

You think I am going to boot my family for your sorry asses? Hell no. You can't catch gay, stupid. If you could, I would be soooooo gay. 

I couldn't believe it. They are no longer my friends. Only one of them still works there, and I don't see them often. 

On top of that, another one of them told me that they couldn't come because the age difference between David and I is just sick and they refused to be a part of it. 

OMG? Are you serious? Ten years isn't that bad. Look at some celebrity couples. 

Since then, I have been avoiding most social situations involving my coworkers. No Correctional Worker's Week events. No ball games, no holiday parties. I don't need to know all of my coworkers are jerks.

It kind of sucks though. I don't meet people anywhere else. And I really think I could be friends with some of them. 

But I am to wary. 

Like I said yesterday, yes, I do over think everything. 

Is this a problem? 

Probably. 

Wordless Wednesday

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Shaver Lake, California
January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!

I am really going to try to do this more this year. The baby is growing up so fast and there is so much I want to document. I got this from a blogging buddy and I thought it would be a good way to start the year.

1. What did you do in 2012 that you had never done before?

We went to Yosemite. It was so beautiful. Also, I never had been pregnant in a prison before. That was a new experience. Finally, I had never had to have a pet put to sleep before. Our cat Betty had a liver disease. It was so sad.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make some for 2013?

I don't think I made any. Last year at New Year's I had a terrible flu that just wouldn't go away. I found out I was pregnant the day after New Year's. So I guess I resolved to have a baby in 2012. So... Mission Accomplished!

For 2013, I am going to try and lose this baby fat. I will try and exercise more and eat better.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Ummmmm..... How about me? Ha ha ha! Michelle was born in 2012, Year of the Dragon. Also, several of my co-workers had babies. And 2013 is bringing more! My sister and my cousin Wendy are currently expecting babies this spring. Also, more of my co-workers. Well, one I can think of who should be popping any day. And my friend Karen. She is also due very soon.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My Grandpa passed away in the spring. I am sure he missed my Grandma and his health was bad. So it was hard to be sad about it. I have all the memories. And I don't believe he isn't still here. He and my Grandma and my other Grandparents are with me all the time.

5. What countries did you visit?

Ummm.... This one. That is it. I didn't even leave the state. Sad. Carolynn and Catherine went to Nevada to visit their dad for the first time in August. David went to Texas for his brother's wedding in October.

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you didn't have in 2012?

More money and more time off. And a kitchen table.

7. What dates from 2012 will be etched upon your memory and why?

September 5- Michelle's birthday!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Michelle. Also moving to the new house. That was a chore. And getting my brother to text me. Also, a chore. Now, if I could get him to talk to me....

9. What was you biggest failure?

As always, diet and exercise. I suck at that. Also, saving money. I suck at that too.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Well, nine long pregnant months was no picnic. And the 2 weeks of vertigo toward the end there was awesome. But it was all worth it and I would do it again. (But just one more time, and not today.) Other than that, we had a pretty healthy year.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

David's car. All the baby stuff. Carolynn got a new bedroom set.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

David. He survived me pregnant. Lived through labor. Barely. And is a great dad. I knew he would be. Just look at Carolynn and Catherine.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Politicians and the cast of Jersey Shore

14. Where did most of your money go?

Moving to the new house. Wasted on eating out too much.

15. What did you get excited about?

The baby. My baby shower. It was so cool seeing that much of my family.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?

Michelle by The Beatles

17. Compared to this time last year, are you a) Happier or Sadder? b) Thinner or Fatter c) Richer or Poorer?

A- Happier. New baby, great family, good job. What is there to be sad about?
B- Slightly thinner. Shocking, I know. Not thin enough though.
C- About the same.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Again.... Diet, exercise, and saving. Also, walking the dogs or taking them to the dog park. Spending more time with the teenagers before they leave me like jerks.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Spend. Eat out. Worrying.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

I actually had the day off! We had planned on getting up and baking cookies and making a ham. However, we woke up to a broken oven. So we made spaghetti instead. Carolynn got a new sewing machine and spent the day making pajama pants for herself and the baby. Super cute. Catherine got a new computer. We may never see her again. The baby had a good time. She liked the excitement.

21. What was your favorite TV program?

Classic Simpson's. Friends reruns. Food Network and the History Channel. Disney Jr.

22. What was the best book you read?

What To Expect While You're Expecting

23. What did you want and get?

A healthy baby and a new house

24. What did you want and not get?

A baby boy... Not that I want to trade in Michelle. Also, a new car. I kind of want a mini van. I am such a mom.

25. What was your favorite film of 2012?

Brave

26. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I was 35. I probably worked. Ugh.

27. What one thing would have made your year immensely more satisfying?

Winning the lottery

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2012?

Can you say maternity clothes? And nursing tops?

29. What kept you sane?

David. He is a trooper.

30. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.

Babies happen. It is okay to not worry. And I have been off my anxiety medicine for a whole year. Everything will work out.

Happy Valentine's Day

So I was sitting here throwing myself a bit of a pity party. I was on Facebook and Twitter looking at everyone else's fabulous Valentines. Cards and flowers. Bears and chocolates. Diamonds. Fancy dinners out.

But none for me.

This year we just can't afford it. We are moving next week and we need the money. We are expecting some money this week and then we are all set, but to be safe....

Pity party.

Then I remembered....

My love has already given me the best gift ever.

Years of love.

Devotion to the girls.

And this awesome gift of all day nausea, aversion to smells, and clothes that no longer fit.

Despite the crazy, my David loves me. Every day. And I love him.

Best Valentine's Day Gift EVER!

Auld Lang Syne

Okay, so I missed. I didn't do every day in December. Sorry. I made it through most of it. And now it's over. Tomorrow brings a new year. And for a new year.... Let's give this a try...

I got this from Red Lotus Mama who got from Razing Mayhem who got it from Pintrest...

Anyways, I think I will try it.

Starting tomorrow.

Tonight, Carolynn has her boyfriend Artie visiting. They are playing games and eating food. And waiting for the New Year. I am determined to make it.

A Peanut Christmas

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Knott's Berry Farm
December 2011

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Merry Christmas to you all!

We had a pretty great day. Once I got home from work, and showered, we started the fun. We had ham in the oven. David had baked a a pie. It smelled so good when I got home.

Then came presents. The girls were surrounded by the goods. Piles of all they could possibly want for Christmas. Catherine got a great new telescope for Christmas. We got it set up and froze our butts off outside looking at stars and stuff. We saw Jupiter. It looked like a pitted ball with a small orange dot. It was so cool.

Carolynn got a variety of cool games and clothes. David too. Gena and Robbie got me a cool new Disneyland game for Kinect. I can't wait to try it.

Gena and Robbie went home after dinner. In the end it was a pretty awesome Christmas.

T'was The Night Before Christmas

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

A Christmas Carolynn

*************************
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

After the last two days of work, I really needed a day off. So today I am enjoying my day.

I slept in all I wanted. I got up and watched Home Alone and did lots of holiday baking.

For dinner, we got some Jack In The Box. Tacos and burgers! Yay!

Best. Day. Ever.

*************************
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

Tonight we went to our annual “Christmas Ornament Exchange”. Sometimes we do it at our house, but this year we did it at Chris and Sherri's house. We had a great time. We made homemade pizza. Sherri made this fabulous vegetable barley soup. Mary baked pumpkin bread. I was full after that.

We got some pretty great ornaments. I got some glittery hearts. Carolynn got a cool Glee ornament, which she hung on the wall in her room. Catherine got a fun rhino ornament.

We had a great time.

*************************
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky;

Here Comes Santa Claus

Yesterday David and I went and did most of our major shopping for the holiday. We shopped all day. Shopped til we dropped. It was fun. We started with the mall. Our mall isn't that great, but it has what we needed.

First, we did lunch. David got a slice of pizza and I got some Japanese food at Edo Japan. (The line at the Panda Express was too long.) It was so good. I had never eaten there before. It is more expensive than Panda Express, but the food is worth it. I like it better. I can't believe I have been missing out.

Then it was on to the shopping. We saw our good friends Adrienne and Serenity doing their shopping. Adrienne's engagement ring looks so beautiful. They are a fabulous couple.

Anyway, we went to Sears, J.C. Penney, Barnes and Noble, Toys R Us, Claire's, Hot Topic (It's scary in there!)and a few more. David got a new ornament in the Hallmark store. It goes with this video...



I love it.

Then we came home. We barely got in the door and the girls were ready to go shopping. David was all shopped out, so I took the girls to Denny's for dinner and then to Target.

Then we did the grocery shopping. That is a lot of money spent.

But it was fun.

Today we are doing some Christmas baking. Chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies are done. So are mini loaves of banana bread. Sugar cookie dough and gingerbread cookie dough are chilling in the refrigerator. My special sweet Chex Mix is cooling on the counter. And Mexican chicken and rice is on the stove for dinner tonight. I probably should go to the gym to offset this.

*************************
T'was the night before Christmas,when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

Blue Christmas

Last week we finally got our Christmas decorations up. A bunch of our lights were out, and all we had were blue lights. So it's a Blue Christmas for us.

We had a good time getting all of our favorite ornaments out and hanging all the fun stuff up.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman

Yesterday Catherine's tae kwon do had a Chritmas party. David and the girls got to go. I hade to work, as usual. (As a matter of fact, I am working 16 hours today.) They had a great time. The demo team showed off their skills. The instructors performed. There was plenty of food and fun. Catherine took some video. Enjoy.

Babes In Toyland

Thursday Thirteen

I haven't done one of these in forever. But I just don't have much to say today. So here is a list of thirteen things I want for Christmas. I probably won't get any of it because I can't afford it. But hey, a girl can dream.

1. Book- The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
2. A Super Fancy Camera- Maybe a Nikon :)
3. A New Car- Not picky on what kind
4. Socks- I never have enough socks. Mostly because Carolynn steals them.
5. New Living Room Furniture
6. Cash
7. Book- The Help
8. iPhone 4S
9. Jammies
10. 2nd Gen iPad
11. A New House
12. A Vacation
13. Disneyland Passes

All I Want For Christmas

Catherine and I began our holiday baking extravaganza today. So far we have chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies. We plan on several more kinds of cookies. We are making mini loaves of pumpkin bread and banana nut bread. We are making mini cupcakes in our homemade shipping boxes. We need to get these things done so we can get them shipped to people for the holidays.

I got most of my Christmas cards ready to go. I just have to pick up some stamps.

Most of the items I purchased online over Black Friday weekend have arrived and been wrapped. If I don't wrap right away, I get snoopers.

What are your favorite holiday treats? Cookies? What kind? Let us know. We might get some new ideas. Or if we know you, we might make you some.