Here 'N' Gone

Christmas morning was so much fun! We eagerly waited for the boys to wake up. This year we added a tree upstairs so that the gifts aren't visible from the tree at our front door. The boys were shocked to see that Santa left the gifts at the upstairs tree...hee hee. I didn't take as many pics this year, I just tried to enjoy it a little more instead of constantly snapping. It was such a nice morning and the boys were so happy with all their gifts. Then we had a yummy dinner with the family and more gifts for the boys. We had a wonderful Christmas day!

B got a bucket of Army men, but D went about his usual in lining them all up. I just love it!

We took a couple of family pics too.

We didn't get to the movies to see Alvin so I am taking the boys today after lunch. I am looking forward to it and I think they will enjoy it too. But I am taking in my own drinks this time...shhh! don't tell and only getting one bag of popcorn for them to share. I might even take them a sweet snack too as a suprise. The boys are really enjoying being home and not going to school. I think this is the first time that they are realizing that's it is holiday break. But I have to work two days this week so they will have to go on those two days. D is out till the 5th so he will just go to B's school these two days. He went one day last week and was happy to see alot of his old friends there too.

We are going to head to Huntsville to visit with cousins for the New Year weekend. I'm ready for a road trip so it will be fun. I just hope the weather cooperates. They are predicting maybe so ice our way, so hopefully it will stay north and not affect our trip.

I had another eye check up today. All is going very well! I still have some normal redness. I am seeing 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other....WOW! Still just so amazed!!! It is so wonderful! I also get to wear makeup and hairspray again! Yeah! Hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful and blessed. Happy early New Year and hope it's safe and Happy for all!!

One more day

What a great day ahead! We started out with homemade waffles with strawberries and whipped cream yum! The rest of the day will be lots of yummy snacks, games with the boys, cookie making, putting out the reindeer food and possible letting the boys open one gift after a warm chili dinner. The boys are so excited and so are we!!! Just need to run out to the liqour store for a few adult beverages and we will be settled in for the day and evening and then Christmas morning! Family holiday fun! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!!

Some people!

I tell ya....tis the season for all the crazy idiots!! We had our utility trailer stolen right out of our driveway the other night! It really makes me mad that people just decide it is their right to steal from others!! ugh!! I think it is especially bad this year with all the crime reports we are hearing about even close to us and now us!! Boo!! It makes me so mad!!
Anyway, on a good note the boys and I had a nice day. We had to brave the horrible icy roads this morning for my eye appt though. There was a 12 car wreck with fatality, an 8 car wreck and multiple other accidents all around town due to the icy roads this morning. Thankfully we made it safely to my appt, all is well...yipee!! Practically 20/15!! I get to decrease a few of my eye drops so now down to 2 different drops instead of 4 after tonight! My eyes are still red and bruised looking but improving daily and the goopy eyelashes are getting better too :-)
The boys and I did a little last minute gift getting and then it warmed to the high 50's so the boys got to run out a little of the cabin fever that they have had the last week! I think tomorrow might be almost 60...whoo hoo! After some errands we might hit the park or maybe even the zoo!
Any survivor watchers??? I personally am glad that Russell didn't win. He was too much of a snake in the grass and bad mouthing everyone! It's about time a nice person won...hey it truly is still a strategy to glide along to the end without being noticed!! And he was still even rude in the reunion show....didn't care for him much at all! Even if he was good at his strategy...he did have a few not so bright light bulbs to follow him too....sooooo??
Getting ready to watch the sing off finale. I really enjoyed watching the groups...my fav is probably Nota and then the Bubs...we'll see who wins. I think it's amazing how the groups can make it sound like there are real instruments playing in the background...amazing!
Well time to wrap a few gifts and watch some TV and then settle down with a nice bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream...yum!! Toodles!

It's true!!

I CAN SEE! I CAN SEE! Wow, what a miracle of science and technology! I walked out of the procedure room and down the hall and could actually already see the Dr. without glasses! I did have some slight discomfort in my eyes on the way home but nothing really painful. I had to wear sorta swim type goggles the rest of the day and sleep. I slept all day. I got up to eat dinner around 730 but just wanted to go back to bed so I ate a few nibbles and back to dreamland. I woke up this morning and could SEE wonderfully!! I went to my 1st post op appt and they said I am 20/20 in one eye and almost 20/15 in the other. Even better than expected on the first day! I am so excited! They said my eyes were looking perfect! I am not in any pain or discomfort today. Just have to put two different types of drops in my eyes every two hours. I am not allowed to touch my eyes so anything that doesn't drop below my cheek bone just has to stay....so my eyes look kinda goopy. But I don't care! I am still in disbelief that I can see so well already and am doing so well the very next day...amazing!! It was so totally worth it!!! I go back Monday for another follow up appt. My eyes are kinda red from bruising but it is normal and will go away in a few days. This so wonderful and I'm still trying to believe it myself that I just don't still have my contacts in.....again AMAZING!
We are just relaxing around the house this weekend so that I can rest my eyes. It's really blustery and cold outside anyway. D is out of school now for Christmas break and he's excited. I will have the boys home with me on Mon and Tues so I'm going to try to plan a few fun adventures or projects for the home days. The boys will have to go to the daycare on Wednesday since we both have to work but then Christmas eve is here....yippee! I want to take the boys to the new Alvin and chipmunks movie on Christmas eve. Then the traditional cookie making for Santa and we will put the reindeer food outside also. We are supposed to have a 40% chance of snow flurries on the eve...but I'm not sure I believe the weather forecasters just yet! We will see if it holds true!
Well back to some relaxing...toodles!

smile

More stuff happening around here. Lots of holiday shopping for just the right goodies. Also drive through the park of Christmas lights. Tomorrow is my first night to play Bunko. I am joining a new Bunko group of new mommies. It should be lots of fun. I have never played before but have heard it is alot of fun. Mike will be taking the boys to a birthday party at his most favorite place...chuck E cheese (NOT!) He doesn't like it there but he is taking over the usual mommy birthday party duties so that I can go to the girls Bunko night.....he's so sweet!!
Friday is the BID DAY!! I am having Lasik surgery on my eyes!!!!!!! I am so excited!! I am nervous also, but trying to let the excitement win out! I can't wait to be able to see without contacts or glasses....it will be so amazing since I'm practically blind....not kidding!! They say I will be able to see that very day without my glasses....Wow!! Wish me luck!! I will be spending the rest of Friday sleeping per their request and also resting most of Saturday. Merry Christmas to me with a new pair of eyes!!! yippee!! That's about all for now. The boys are very excited about Santa coming to visit as you can imagine. This year is going to be fun...they are so much more fun each and every year!! I just love the holidays! D also told me that he wanted something that was not a toy for his stocking....he thought about it and then said " I want a picture of Jesus to hang in my room." It was so sweet and yes you know Santa will be putting that picture right in his stocking!! Toodles. Next time I blog......It will be without glasses or contacts and I will be able to see the keyboard to type without them....wow!!! Toodles!

Busy, tired, fun, relaxation

The title says it all! It's been really busy around here the last week or so. I finally ran and finished my 1/2 marathon that I've been training for!! Yipee!! I couldn't be more happy that it's over! It was very tough and I still have some soreness in my legs and a healing blister on my little toe but overall I'm doing much better than expected! At least I could walk and even went to a Christmas party that night! I also accomplished my time goal that I had set for myself so I'm so happy about that! I LOVE MY FINISHER'S MEDAL!! I plan to convert it into an ornament for my Christmas tree and hang it up every year! :-) But in case you are wondering....NO I don't plan to run one again and NO I don't plan to run a full either! No, nada, nope, no way! I am done with the running over 8 miles! 13.1 baby!! Did it once and that's enough! Just like the hat I bought says "13.1 Been there, Run that!" Whew!

Sunday was my 2nd annual cookie exhange party! I had a great turnout even with 5 cancellations at the last minute! We had sooooooo much fun and everyone was so festive and did such a great job with their cookie displays!! Yes, I'm already thinking of ideas for next year!

If you want to see all the fun cookie party pics just click HERE.

Well just wanted to post a quickie with some pics of the fun around here!

Also, had a WONDERFUL birthday! Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes and great gifts! Toodles!

It's the day tomorrow!

Less than 12 hours and I will be running in the 1/2 marathon! wow! I can't believe it just yet!! I am so excited, yet scared at the same time!! Then I will be going to a friend's Christmas party tomorrow night, if I can walk well enough and also getting ready for my 2nd cookie party on sunday yipee!! Well time to go get some rest!
Next time I post I will have run a 1/2 marathon!! And have the tshirt, medal and sticker for my car to prove it....yippeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Toodles!

Huh?

Blog?? What blog?? Oh yeah! mine!! It's been a busy week! We made a quick trip south to my inlaws for Thanksgiving and had a great meal and a great time. We took the boys to see the Battleship and they LOVED it!! Then we headed back and I've been decorating and cleaning ever since! I am taking a short lunch break at the moment. I am getting the house ready for my 2nd annual cookie party yeah!! I am so excited! I also have to get two more runs in this week before the race on Sat! I am so nervous already! Wouldn't you know that we are going to have the lowest temp to date so far on race Saturday!! Go figure!! They are saying 27!! Lovely!! It's been so nice and mild and now we are going to freeze our patooties off!! Maybe it will help me to run faster and get it over with! ha! Well back to my lunch, then cleaning and decorating and then off to my run. Not sure how much I will get back on here this week. Maybe, just maybe I'll get back and post a few pics before race day of our Thanksgiving. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! We did!! Toodles.

Happy happy

B participated in his first TKD olympics on Friday. He was so excited to compete. He did most consecutive kicks.

He also tried to do the most push ups in a minute....too cute.

There were other categories including deepest splits, which he won. The category winners were split between him and one other kid that was 5. Their age group was 4 and 5 yr old. They both were given gold medals since they split the winnings. He was so happy to get the gold!

Dev had a great time on his kids 1/2 mile run last week also.

Then afterwards both boys made an attempt on the rock climbing wall. They didn't go up too far but had fun just the same.

Short week ahead and we are going to make a short trip south for a family Thanksgiving. Then back home to get ready for my cookie party and 1/2 marathon. It's going to be a busy two weeks ahead. In case I'm not back for a few days, Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

oh yeah baby!

Yes I did it!! I am so happy and proud of myself! I ran 12 miles today!! It's kinda hard to comprehend that I actually ran that far!! The place I ran was great because one lap around the lake was 1.67 miles so I didn't have to go a jillion times around. I am very satisfied with my time and if I can keep it up then I shouldn't have a problem acheiving my time goal on race day. Don't get me wrong I am feeling the pain and it might be worse tomorrow but I did great and I'm so happy!! Just had to share my news and now back to the couch to relax and watch some tv before bed! Might need another Ibuprofen too. Toodles!!

oh no!

Tomorrow is "T" day!! Ha ha...it's actually my Twelve mile day and I will probably have a "D" day Drop to the ground! But at least I can say I tried and maybe succeded! I am heading out tomorrow to attempt my last long run of 12 miles before the 1/2 marathon! Yes I am scared yet again!! But I must think positive! Wish me luck!! Again, same story...if I'm not back tomorrow I really am stuck soaking in the tub and medicated with lots of ibuprofen! Toodles...

Time to catch up

Time to catch up on a few things. One night I didn't really have dinner planned...sooooo...
The boys were thrilled for their "special dinner" I made. I tried to be a little creative and just make dinner fun. So they had french toast sticks and apple slices. I put them in muffin papers and they got to dip in either syrup, cool whip or peanut butter. They had milk to drink with special curly straws. ha... it's just the little things that make us all smile! They loved it!

AND NOW THE COOKIE INVITE!!!
A small paper scroll that tells all the cookie rules and details as far as date, time, theme, possible prizes and how many cookies to make.

Then a cute little story about the day of the party. If you click on the picture, you might be able to enlarge it and read the story. I had a template to follow from another cookie hostess and I changed it to fit my theme, party and guest.

They both get rolled up and put in the container.

And the final display looked like this!

I am very excited about my 2nd annual cookie party! I have lots of ideas and I'm hoping to get most of the planning done in the next week or so. I have 16 girls invited and already have about 12 RSVP's! This is going to be soooooo much fun! I also have about 5-7 girls coming that did not attend last year! I hope to keep this up for many years to come! The party isn't until the 6th of December so you'll have to wait to see all the fun pics!

The boys went through a week of watching tv in these storage containers. They were their little forts I guess. Too funny! They also had to put the "fort" on top of their bean bags.

B tested for his next TKD belt. He did awesome as usual. He gave me a little pose before he started.

Granny, Uncle Tim and my beautiful neice came to watch him with us.

He was so excited to get his next belt!

Can you tell??

Me and the hubby get to have a date night tomorrow! It's been awhile! The boys are going to stay the night at Granny's. I'm not sure what we are going to do yet.

D's 1/2 mile kid's race is on Sunday! He is excited to run in another race! The weather should be pretty good!

Guess that's all the catch up for now...toodles.

What can I say.......

OUCH X 10!!!! Yes I actually did it!! 10 miles......OMG it was soooooo tough, and I am totally going to feel this for days!!! But, the funny thing was when I finished (I was the only one at the path where I went) I yelled out.."I DID IT!! 10 MILES....OUCH.....OH...EEEE...OUCH!" It was pretty funny actually. I went to a new path, it is goes around the soccer park we go to so it worked out that one lap was almost 3/4 mile so I didn't have to go around 40 times, but lost count and not doing the math to know how many laps except it was a TON OF LAPS! Yippee, but I am so proud and happy that I did it. Just going to be sore. I am taking some Ibuprofen and plan to soak in the tub later. Just been veggin on the couch since I got home :-) Not sure why people do this for fun and recreation! I am just trying to get my 13.1 sticker and medal and that's it I'm done with the long mileage and not even going to consider a full marathon...no way...not even a thought....not even thinking about it!! And probably never a 1/2 again either! Whew this is hard work on this old body!!
Enough typing.....back to relaxing! Toodles, thanks everyone for all the support also!

Just a few more days

I have one more cookie invite to deliver before I can post some pics. She's a blog reader so I don't want her to see it here first. Everyone has enjoyed the invite..yippee! And I already have two people that have given me their recipes. This is a great start! I have already starting gathering little party gifts and trying to decide on my games for this year. I'm also working on the food, drinks and of course my own cookies. This party will be a little different because I am having it on a Sunday afternoon instead of Sat. evening. I couldn't have it Saturday because my 1/2 marathon is that day. I am praying that I will be able to walk and get around for the party...hee hee. Hoping everyone has just a good a time this year as last!
Ran 3 miles today in trying to do some prep for my long run tomorrow....10 miles! Oh my...I am really scared! Not sure how it will go but I will do my best. I drove to the road I wanted to run tomorrow but it doesn't have a side lane to run in. I am sad about that, I was looking forward to running 5 miles in one direction and turning back for the other five. I figured that might be better than 40 laps around the track...eeekkk!! So now I'm not sure what I'm going to do, maybe the neighborhood, but it's very hilly and I'd much rather run on flat ground...hmmm.
Well that's my update for now, gotta run and get dinner going and catch up on some Tivo while the boys are all gone to TKD. If I don't update my run info tomorrow it's because I can't move and I'm stuck soaking in the bathtub...:-) Toodles.

Amazing!!!

I can't even believe it!! I actually ran 8 miles on Tuesday!! I only walked for 1 minute between each mile! I can't believe it!! Although the 1/2 marathon is 4 1/2 weeks away and that is 13.1 but I'm hoping my next few weeks of training will help me. I can't imagine yet actually completing it, but I will definetely have to get the sticker for my car once I do!! hee hee! I totally felt the pain that night though and I'm still a little sore in my calves so I am postponing my run for tonight until tomorrow. My goal is to try to run 10 next tuesday....holy camoly!! (not sure how to spell that) I don't know how that run will go, but I will just try my best. I don't expect to be able to run the whole 13 but I figure if I can train to run as far as I can then I can run/walk the rest. So we will see what happens.
I went to an eye appt the other day to check on getting Lasik eye surgery...eeekk! I am scheduled for Dec. 18th. I am of course scared but I can't wait to not be blind anymore and be able to see the big "E" on the eye chart and my alarm clock without glasses! The lady told me that I will be able to actually function and see that same day without my glasses!! WHAT!! That in it self seems like a miracle! I would have it sooner but you are limited in your excercise and exertion for a little bit after and of course I am in training mode (sorta..ha ha) so I thought I would wait until after the 1/2 to have the surgery. Nice Christmas present to myself!! :-)
Soccer is almost over for D with only 3 more games. He has really enjoyed it this year. He really like the running part most of all. He plays more of a stand in the back defensive type position. He doesn't aggressively chase after the ball, but he loves to go into full sprint trying to catch the guy heading to the other goal. It's pretty funny! I still think I might have a track star on my hands . I signed him up for another kids race in two weeks also.
B is doing very well in TKD. I believe he will be testing for his next belt next week. He is so attentive in class..most of the time...and is so cute being the shortest and youngest in his class.
I am getting the last of my cookie invites out this weekend and then I will post some pics on here. I don't want to spoil the suprise for those who will get one by them seeing it here first. I think they turned out really cute!!
The boys and I finished decorating their feather projects for school. It's funny that they were both sent home a paper feather to decorate with whatever they wanted. They loved using food items like pretzel sticks, mini marshmallows, and cheerios.
Well time to finish up nightly duties and then catch up on tivo. I have to watch part 2 of the housewives of Atlanta and then the premier of housewives of orange county...I think so far I like the orange county show the best. Not so much that I like the girls the best but something about it, I just like it the best so far with NY in second. I never watched the NJ and only caught the last 1/2 of the season of ATL. So I'm excited to see how the new season of orange county starts out. Then I have to watch survivor and hope that slimey russell slips up and finally the people will open their eyes and vote him out and not let him run the show. Anyway.....toodles.!

Running wild

It has been a busy few days and I have two boys wired on sugar running all around and up at 645am actually 545 am today....ugh! They keep asking for things from the pumpkins....which will mysteriously disappear in a few days. The pumpkins that is....ha! I made some eyeball cake truffles for D's class and witch hat treats for B's class for their parties on Friday. They came home with so much candy I didn't even think we really needed to go trick or treating but what fun would that have been...

D got his face painted at school. Wow, I thought it turned out so good. Daddy went to D's school party on Friday. I am happy he was able to go since I had to work. He said the kids had alot of fun.

We went to a halloween birthday party on Sat. The boys had a great time decorating pumpkins and cookies and playing games. The weather couldn't of been more beautiful! Afterwards we decided we would just stick around and trick or treat from their house.

A two faced pumpkin...he hee!!

My little trick or treaters this year! They were so cute! We trick or treated around the neighborhood with a few from the birthday party. It worked out well and the boys were all happy to trick or treat with each other. There actually weren't very many people home but all 6 boys didn't care, I think they cared most about racing to the door and see who could ring the doorbell first. I am happy though because it made for less candy to have to get rid of over the next few days and hope they forget about it.

He was trying to scare me! eeekkkkk!!

Mike dressed as the incredible hulk. He looked pretty good with the wig on but he refused to paint his face green. The weather was warm enough that the wig made him too hot so he didn't wear it when we trick or treated....or at least that's what he said! ha...but I give him credit for wearing it!

I dressed as the Octo-mom. Mike wasn't to thrilled about it when I headed to work but hey...I won 1st place!!!!!!! That morning D told me "mommy...your lips are sooooo beautiful!" it was so sweet!! Then when I came home and told him that I won, he said it was because of my beautiful lips and hair.....hilarious!
Then we stopped by to see Granny witch on our way home and the boys passed out a few pieces of candy and we headed home. It was a good night.

Today Mike took D remote control racing. I think he's going to race a little too! I am taking B to another birthday party this afternoon. It's been a busy weekend. This party will be fun too, it's on the tumblebus. You can google it...I'm sure it's there and I'm too much in a quick post hurry to post a link. But it's pretty cool. It's been coming to his daycare and they also do birthday parties. It's basically a school bus turned into a play gym type area on the inside. The kids really seem to enjoy it.

I am also working on my invites for my 2nd annual cookie swap party the beginning of December. I can't believe it's already only about a month away. I have to get busy on my planning because it will be here before you know it. Once I get the invites out I'll put some pics here of the invite. I think it's kinda neat this year. Last year I just did email invites, but I wanted to be a little more creative this year. Exciting!!

Well that's all for now, gotta run and finish a few things before we head off to the birthday party. Hope everyone had a great halloween, I'm not eating anymore candy after today!! It's only 5 weeks till my 1/2 marathon....yikes! I did pretty good this week though in my training so I am happy about that. Just gotta keep it up!! Toodles.!

Happy/sad day

Happy 4th birthday to my baby boy! Wow what a happy day but sad at the same time. My babies are growing up and almost not babies anymore.....boo hoo! But he really enjoyed his special day!