2005 in Review

Matt- I think his hardest thing this year is realizing how much the kids are growing up. He has also stated several times this year that he is really beginning to feel old. He continues to grow in his job learning more. He has new goals in place for the year of 2006 for continued growth with the company. This year has found him taking on side projects such as learning more about natural medicine and even becoming a distributor for foot baths that clean the toxins out of your body. His resolutions for 2006 include becoming healthier and get more toned up.

Braden-2005 was a big year for him medically. We discovered more treatment options beyond the standard main medical we began more natural and chiropractic along with mainstream medical. This combination has made a lot of progress for him medically. He went through another surgery. He got glasses. He got a new bedroom no more animal room now we are Army/Airforce crazy. He got to fly an airplane, he got to be VIP at the airforce base. He started 1st grade. His speech continues to improve and he tested out of physical therapy! He lost his first tooth.

Brittney- My little girl has really grown up. I can see so many changes in her personality. She is reading everything and loves to read. She started 2nd grade. The boy craziness has hit hard (way too young). She got a new bedroom as well because she didnt want the baby pink bedroom anymore. Now she has a bright wild bedroom.
She has discovered she really likes basketball. Her dog Rascal was killed and it was so sad. She got a new puppy Nipper but still remembers and talks about Rascal a lot.

Me - I realize trying to remember what all or any of us have done the past year is harder than it should be. I was going to be creative like my friend Anne was on her blog and go month by month but there was no way I could remember something for each month.

As a family we traveled to Arizona for Braden's medical health and had some fun on the way. We visited the Grand Canyon. Matt and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary this year. We started planning for our Disney vacation that will take place in 2006 and is bound to be a highlight of next years blog recap. We also traveled to Pennsylvania for a vacation/Matt's business trip. We got to see great sites and visit some friends from when we had lived there when Brittney was a baby. We got to see the Barnum and Baileys Circus. We went camping at Tulsa Zoo.

All in all it has been a busy year in many ways and I look forward to the coming year!

A blessing in disguise

About 3 weeks ago we found out that Braden's speech therapist would be getting a new job and leaving in just a few days. She had been seeing Braden for 2 years and he was very comfortable with her. I was worried.

The owner of the company is who we were originally referred to but she was so busy she doesnt take new kids. Well with this therapist leaving and the fact that she now knew us she decided to take Braden.

She warned us that she would be quite different and he wouldnt be playing as much, she also said she would expect more from him but the reward for him and us would be more. For him she has been having him work towards a goal each day he gets $2 towards a $20 Toys R Us card. He got his first one yesterday.

The reward for us is that after only 2 1/2 weeks I see IMPROVEMENT not just a little but WOW CANT BELIEVE HOW MUCH! While I would never say anything bad about his old therapist it is quite apparent that Braden needed pushed harder and is capable of more.

It is so amazing and his intellegibility (ability for others to understand him) is getting so much better it is WONDERFUL. So what we first thought oh no about has definetly turned into a blessing.

Quz..could you pass the US Citizenship Test

You Failed the US Citizenship Test

Oops, you only got 4 out of 10 right!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

Reclaiming

I have started the reclaiming of the house after Christmas.

Kids toys are put away and their rooms are organized again....for how long is anybody's guess.

All the decorations have been taken down. Most of the regular everyday items are put back up.

Still so much to do.

Of course since it's me and I always have to do things obsessivly I just cant put things away I have to also clean what was already there. I have totally cleaned out all my kitchen cabinets this morning and I have a huge box for a Spring yard sale in the garage.

I have also been playing with one of my favorite Christmas presents a scrapbook program for my computer. I have made about 12 pages for the kids scrapbooks. I think with this program and using the digital camera I can now catch up on my scrapbooks. Of course lots of old pics to scan too.

One of the kids favorite things has turned out to be just a little stocking stuffer I had picked up at Disney for Braden it was 4 card games disney style Old Maid, Go Fish, War and Crazy Eights. I am glad they like it so much and that all 4 of us can enjoy it. Glad that one of the simpler presents is getting so much play.

I have stalled enough I have several things that are needing attention including the kids.

Christmas Pictures!

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful holiday with beautiful memories, lots of family time and of course gifts, gifts and more gifts! Everyone was spoiled including me!


Matt, Me, Brittney and Braden
My dad, mom, me, Matt, Braden and Brittney
My aunt Tonna (my mom's twin), me, mom, and Brittney
All the gifts after my parents had arrived and added to our already
hefty stash of presents!

Matt's dad with Brittney and Braden
Matt's brothers kids Ryan and Sammy, no pics of crazy SIL this time!
Matt's mom with Braden and Brittney

About to be snug in their beds

Kids in their matching Mickey Christmas PJ's. Yard is sprinkled with our special mixture (oats for the reindeer and glitter so Santa can see our house). My parents and aunt left a little while ago and that round of presents (it was a very big round of presents) are mostly put in their spot or at least sort of put in a spot. Matt and I will exchange gifts after kids are in bed. Santa will come and I am sure we will be woke early. I am looking forward to it! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Getting toys out of the package

I think my uncle summed it up when we were trying to get the kids presents out of the boxes and he said...

"I want whoever is in charge of packaging these things to be in charge of Homeland Security".

It's about the truth so many ties and twists it takes forever. Last year I had actually taken the toys out of the box with all the twists and plastic then replaced it in the box and all the kids did was open and whala toy was ready. This year I didn't do that and neither did Santa so there will be a lot of frustration for us in the morning too.

One down....

The festivities started tonight with Matt's dad, his mom, his brother his wife and their 2 kids coming over.

Matt picked up his mom early and she visited for a few hours, his dad was next, BIL and SIL were 45 minutes late which drives me insane but oh well.

It went better than I expected and better than past times have gone. A few comments that I had to bite my tounge but other than that not too bad.

I dread it every time so it is nice that it is behind us.

Tommorow evening is my parents, aunt, brother his girlfriend (who is a lot closer to my mom's age but oh well) and her youngest son (she has one son 5 years younger than my brother!). I have only met her briefly so should be enlightening to say the least. The new girlfriend plus my mom being on edge about the whole situation should make it interesting.

I am most looking forward to tommorow evening after kids have gone to bed and Matt and I exchange gifts and have time to ourselves in front of the tree. I dont think it will be cold enough for a fire but the tree lights should be nice. I am also really looking forward to the kids on Christmas morning!

Well one family gathering down and no blood shed so that is a good start to the holiday festivities.

3 Days Left

This is my crafty Christmas present for Brittney. Goes with her new cool room. Of course I couldn't wait and I had to hang it in her room already. It doesnt look as big in the pic put it is about as wide as her twin headboard. I also did a small wooden sign for her door that says "Girls Rule" of course now Braden wants one that says "Boys Rule".

I got the last minute shopping done today. After finding out my brother was bringing his girlfriend (who I have met once) and her 9 year old son. Got both them a few little things. Did the grocery shopping for candy making (tommorow is the day for that).

So tommorow if I can get the wrapping of the latest gifts done and the baking done I will be happy.

Christmas festivities start on Friday evening, because Matt's SIL (I call her his because she is nuts and so I dont claim her..lol) had to change our plans. But that's okay the kids are getting a cool gift from Matt's dad and it will keep them entertained on Saturday so I dont hear "can we open presents" quite as much that day.

Impatient

I am ready for Christmas.

I can't wait to see the kids reactions to their gifts. I want to see Matt all excited about his gifts (I got him a surprise he isn't expecting).

The countdown has been on all month by the kids but now I am joining in. I am ready!

Of course my house isnt spic and span as I want it, I have one thing I want to exchange, a last minute gift to get for my aunt, and Christmas candy to make....so I guess I am glad there is still 5 days left.

How did that slip my mind.

Friday at the class parties I was talking to the kids Sunday school teacher and she reminded me that this Sunday was the kids Christmas program at church and just have them wear Christmas clothes that they werent doing tshirts or anything this year.

I was like okay that is fine Brittney would wear her Christmas dress and Braden black jeans and a dress shirt.

Then this morning I start thinking about getting stuff around for tomorrow, and oops no Christmas dress for Brittney.

How the heck did something that important slip by me.

I had bought her several cute Christmas leggings outfits at Target and a Christmas sweater so I guess I had thought I had done the Christmas clothes shopping. Didn't even dawn on me that I hadn't bought her a Christmas dress. I looked through her closet and not a thing that could be used for Christmas she had a shirt that is shiny and silver but no skirts. I even drug down the keepsake box because I keep all her Christmas dresses but alas she has grown way too much and no way was last years going to fit.

Too WalMart I ran.....that was my second mistake (first being forgetting to get her an appropriate outfit). WalMart was CRAZY! Crazy I tell you it was totally nuts. As for selection in the girls department it was nil and I had no desire to go any further into town on a dress hunt.

End outfit is a pair of cute black dress pants with rhinestone buttons down the front in two rows her silky silver shirt and to jazz it all up I bought several little rhinestone barrettes to go in her hair. Not what I usually do, which normally is all out months in advance, but she will look very pretty and she likes it because it looks like an "older girl" outfit and not a baby outfit.

I wonder what else I have forgot this Christmas season.....scary to even think about it.

Yippee

I am done wrapping!

I so detest wrapping and it took ALL morning I repeat ALL morning.

Going overboard is an understatement. I will justify it by saying I start really early, watch prices and clearance shop.

Needless to say kids will be more spoiled.

I really cant wait to see their faces. I am so excited about some of the goodies we were able to get them.

I am also so excited to be ALL DONE wrapping. I have dreaded and put this off for over 2 weeks. I keep seeing it on my to do list but kept skipping it. Now I can mark it off for the year.

Yippee

Tragedies

So many tragedies happen in our world everyday some to those we know others to those we hear about. All touch us but some in that way where you just have to help. This story on Brighton's blog did that to me, it made me want to help.
http://brightonandbear.blogspot.com/
Read the story and if you would like to help use the paypal address on her site even if it is just $1.00.
I know that people have helped us so much with difficulties with medical issues with Braden and this story just tore at my heart and I felt I had to help.
If you cant donate then please pray for the family and all they have to cope with.

Overboard

It was going to be a thankful and grateful Christmas but a little slim on physical things.

Then I received a Christmas bonus that was unexpected. I did the grown up thing and paid some on bills, but after that I have went...........you guessed it....OVERBOARD.

Oh well, I love doing it and I am excited.

I bought the neatest thing for Brittney today, she had been wanting a video camera. Well no way for an 8 year old. Well a friend of mine told me about the new VCam for kids. A digital videorecorder/camera made and geared for kids. It was $78 and is suppose to be pretty indestructible. The best thing I know Brittney will think it is the greatest thing ever.

So yes we have went a little overboard, but I love it and am so grateful I can do it. As for Braden his big gift is a First Act Electric Guitar (oh my ears).

As for hubby...I got some cool things too....but I wont tell them here...(LOL I know you were hoping sweetie but I am smarter than that).

So overboard I will go on decorating, on presents, on food and on the wonderful spirit of Christmas!

Holiday Getting to Know Me!

Welcome to the 2005 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends!
Here's mine................
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate.....yummy Egg Nog...gaggy
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Dear sweet Santa has everything out of the boxes and set up ready for them to play as soon as they wake up their sleepy mom and dad!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White is on the tree, but I like lots of colors too just wasnt the kind of tree we bought but I so love the prelit tree I dont care that it is all white my oranments color it up.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Yes
5. When do you put your decorations up? Day after Thanksgiving if I have to wait that long I try to sneak it a few days before if we aren't having company for Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? yeast rolls
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? My dad could not wait till Christmas morning we would barely be in bed (now I know it was just enough time for them to set out the presents) we might just be dozing off and then dad would come in our rooms and say hey I think I heard something lets go check if Santa has come. My mom told me he was worse than a kid. Never once growing up did we wait till Christmas morning it was always about 11pm or about 30 minutes after being put to bed and we would be dragged out of bed to the living room. Not me I make the kiddos wait!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth? I believe! LOL!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We do our exchanges with Matt's family the morning of Christmas Eve, and then in the evening my family. Then after kids are in bed Matt and I exchange and have quiet time.
10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Chocolate chip cookies and a Pepsi!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it!
12. Can you ice skate? I'm not too good but I can stay on my feet unless of course I have a kid hanging on me then sometimes I unbalance.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Hmmmm....I cant narrow it. I know I loved getting my diary as a little girl and as a grown up Matt gave me a bracelet of italian charms that I love.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family and sharing the magic with the kids.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Chocolate Pie
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas eve get together with my family and eat appetizer/finger foods it is fun.
17. What tops your tree? A snowman (they invade at Christmas time they are EVERYWHERE in our house)
18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Giving. But I do like to recieve too!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? Silent Night for serious and for a laugh Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum

Bump in the Night

The bump or the bam...that was me.

Here's a tip....Dont put a basket of things in the front entry way so you wont forget it in the morning, and then forget it when you are walking in the dark to put a glass in the kitchen.

As you have already figured out over the basket I went and boom onto the ceramic tile.

Swollen bruised knee and a list of complaints to whine about are the outcome of my late night walk to the kitchen.

Basketball Fun?

Because I dont have enough to do or because I am a gluton for punishment I have decided to coach basketball.

What was suppose to be coaching my daughter's team evolved to me having two teams to coach. Which was fine because that way Braden would be on an age appropriate team (they were going to let him play with Brittney's team) but I figure this would work.

I thought this was going to be fun but already I can see some of these coaches are out for blood.

My assistant coach (I drag my friends with me when I get suckered into something...Im good like that) and I decided to do one practice a week. Forty five minutes for each team. Then our games will be on Saturdays. For a Kindergarten/First grade team and a second grade team I thought that was plenty.

Well another coach calls this morning they are practicing there kids two nights a week for 45 minutes each time and on Saturdays when there is no games.

What gets me is some of these coaches are like drill sargents and are yelling and screaming and things must be this way and they want their teams to play this and that.

It is suppose to be fun....a sport...a way for the kids to learn...but games haven't even started and I think it is going to be a headache.

Who is your inner sexy cartoon chick!

I dont know about this being sexy, but I took the test twice and even switched a few answers and still got good old Wilma!


Wilma Flintstone

Who 's Your Inner Sexy Cartoon Chick ?
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