Thursday, December 18, 2008

A sheer crack up!

Last night was a special night at Awana's. Not only did it ring in the 2 week break (yeah!) but the kids (and adults)also dressed down in their PJ's, listened to the Pastor and his wife Laurie read/acted out the Christmas story, and made sheep Christmas tree ornaments.

Back story: I help the 1st graders. Austin is in 2nd grade. Two types of yarn choices - one fluffy and one not. In my opinion, the fluffy one was WAY cuter. So, using my leader connection skills, I make sure that Austin gets some of the fluffy yarn for his sheep. I feel like I'm watching out for my kid and being a good parent by hooking him up with the starts of a great sheep...

So, fast forward through the night...It was a crazy night, but the kids all seemed to have fun. (Leaders - not so much). We are getting ready to leave and Austin is showing off his sheep to me. (which by the way he named Candy because I guess they both like sweets) He cut off almost all the yarn....basically sheering the sheep in a way. When I asked him why he cut it off, he simply said, "it was too fluffy." So cracked me up. Here, I think I'm looking out for the little guy when I should have just let him pick the yarn himself. Ok, I know in the picture, the sheep looks fluffy, but it was supposed to be TWICE (maybe even three times) that size with yarn.
Still, little Ms. Candy Sheep (i think its a girl) is pretty darn cute and will proudly be displayed annually at our house.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Christmas Picture Outtakes

A couple of nights ago our family took our annual Christmas picture together. For some reason when a camera is involved, goofiness ensues...










MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Well, my week off from blogging was rather nice. I still kept my eyes/ears open for any good blogging topics, but decided to just focus on the family and Christmas card making. So, I figured I would tiptoe back into blogging with a survey!

CHRISTMAS FUN

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper all the way. Although I totally hate wrapping presents (Michael normally wraps the majority), I add the pretty bows that make them look so cute under my "department store" tree.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial all the way. I'm a practical gal and am fearful of a squirrel nesting in my tree and popping out to attack me.

3. When do you put up the tree? Normally, I put it up right after Thanksgiving. I almost put it up early this year since we weren't having Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year.

4. When do you take the tree down? After New Years. I hate taking down the decorations. The house just looks so plain.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yup...especially in Braums ice cream form. Oh so good. Last time Michael and I went by to get some (his in shake form), they only had enough for his shake...so I'm still without my yummy ice cream treat. Hopefully, I'll get to experience the joy soon.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmm...I had several that I loved. I was always a big fan of Barbie and My Little Ponies. I know one of the stupidest presents I ever ASKED for (and got). My bro wanted a skateboard from Santa, and being that I wanted to be like him and have the same type stuff, I asked for one too. I never could ride it correctly and ended up just sitting on it while riding down hills.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Toss up between my step-dad Vic and Michael's parents.

8. Easiest person to buy for? So easy to buy for me...but if I'm buying for someone else...my nephew Jackson is pretty easy to shop for. Oh and my niece Jenna because she is only like 7 months old and doesn't really care yet.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Sadly, no. I TOTALLY want the Willow Tree one but don't want to spend the money on it. I'm a bit particular in what type of nativity scene I wanted, so I just never bought one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? MAIL for sure! I love getting Christmas cards and displaying them all over our mantel. I'm making my cards this year too. At first I regretted that decision because I was getting a bit indecisive, but now am loving it!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A horribly ugly jacket that I got in high school. I just had to grin and say thanks. It was thoughtful in that it was a really warm jacket and I was always cold, but it was ohhhhh so ugly!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love the old Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa's Coming to Town ones. Michael let me buy them on DVD too...but still haven't gotten to watch them yet. So sad...so so sad.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? This year I started early with great intentions (early - meaning before Thanksgiving) but still have quite a bit left to do!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Just for Dirty Santa gifts.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Hmm - I have several favorites - lots of sweets. I also miss having my dad's Sausage and Bean Soup on Christmas Eve. It was oh so yummy!

16. Lights on the tree? White lights - would love it if they twinkled

17. Favorite Christmas song? O' Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas time or stay home? Thankfully we get to stay in Ponca City. Normally, we are at my mom's house.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Ruldolph. Oh, and almost forgot Donald - Amber's imaginary reindeer!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have an angel but I don't have a preference. Just has to work with the tree motif

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Its always been Christmas morning (well, depending on if we have the kids) but this year, Michael and I are talking about changing things up with our immediate family a bit.

22. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Midnight Christmas Eve service at Presbyterian Church snuggled up to my Nana and her white fur coat. It was the first time I remember getting to hold a lit candle.

23. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember how old I was, but my friend Stephanie told me while I was over at her house. I didn't believe her at first but then started realizing that there was no way Santa could be real...still played like he was though for many, many years to come. I'm not sure when my parents realized that I knew the truth.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We normally have a meal similar to Thanksgiving dinner on Christmas. I would love to have a ham instead with cheese potatoes and all the yumminess or to have Sausage Bean Soup for Christmas Eve again. YUM YUM!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Stamping stuff

Monday, December 1, 2008

Hasta La Vista, Baby!

NaBloPoMo is over! I did it. I really did it. I feel accomplished, a real go getter!

Remind me next year, not to participate. I'll totally root on my blog friends who are up for the NaBloPoMo challenge, but it's definitely something I'll be abstaining from next year.

So, for those of you who have gotten used to a daily dose of Julie...well...I'm taking the week off....at least a week. Maybe more.

So, until next time...