Christmas "Wrap-Up" and Happy New Year

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas! We did. We started on the 19th with a celebration at my mom's house, followed by Christmas Eve at my grandma's, Christmas morning at home to see what Santa brought, Christmas afternoon at dad's, and Christmas evening with Joe's family. As usual, the boys got way too much stuff, but they are enjoying it all.

Now it's almost time for New Years. Unfortunately I always have to work on New Year's Eve. Not just my regular work day, but the regular work day followed by working at a New Year's Eve event that night too. It will be a very long day of work. But, I will be glad to have a break on New Year's day and Friday.

In case I don't make it back to my blog before then...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

MP3 Playlist for an 8 year old

Okay, so one of the gifts we're giving Brendan (age 8) for Christmas is an MP3 player. It finally came in (man is it tiny! Sansa SanDisk clip) and I've been loading it with a bunch of songs he likes. Below is his playlist...any other upbeat must-haves for an 8 year old that I've forgotten???

All Star by Smash Mouth
Dancing With Myself (from Flushed Away Soundtrack)
Don’t Worry Be Happy w/ the Slugs (Flushed Away)
Funkytown by Lipps, Inc (Shrek 2 Soundtrack)
Get Up Off a That Thing by James Brown (Robots Soundtrack)
Getting Better by Smash Mouth (Cat in the Hat Soundtrack)
Hakuna Matata by Ernie Sabella (Lion King Soundtrack)
Hound Dog by Elvis
I Just Can’t Wait to be King by Laura Williams (Lion King Soundtrack)
I Like to Move It Move It by Sacha Baron Cohen (Madagascar Soundtrack)
I Want Candy by Bow Wow Wow
It’s a Sunshine Day by the Brady Bunch
It’s Your Thing by Dave Seaman (Muppets From Space soundtrack)
La Vida Loca (from Shrek soundtrack)
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts (Cars soundtrack)

Old Time Rock 'n Roll by Bob Seger (both my boys' favorite song!!!)

One Little Slip by Barenaked Ladies (Chicken Little soundtrack)
Pump It (Kidz Bop version)
Rockin' Robin
Scooby Doo Where Are You (80's cartoon theme song)
Splish Splash by Bobby Darin
Stayin' Alive by BeeGees (Madagascar soundtrack)
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
The Monkees (theme song)
We've Got the Beat by The Go-Go's
We Will Rock You by Queen
We're in Harmony (Fox and the Hound 2 soundtrack)
Wild and Free (Barnyard soundtrack)
You've Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story soundtrack)

He also loves "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-Lot, but he only knows the main line "I like big butts and I cannot lie...". (which he and Adam both love to sing over and over and do a little butt-dance) I couldn't bring myself to put the song on his MP3 though, as I do not want him to learn the rest of the lyrics which are not exactly 8-yr-old-appropriate. LOL I did, however, add it to *my* MP3 for working out to :)

Catching Up - Getting Ready for Christmas

Whew, tis a busy time of year! Sorry I haven't been around much lately. We had a pretty good Thanksgiving- hope you all did too! Since then we've been busy getting ready for Christmas:

(Decorating the tree)

(Got Egg nog?)

(Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend we got our first bit of snow for the year)

(This past Monday Brendan had his Christmas concert at school)

(He's the one in red shirt with the microphone stand over his face. Figures there would be a microphone stand in the way. ha!)

Friday we will be taking the boys to an activity from 6-9:30, so we'll have some kid-free time to get some stuff done. I'm planning to pull out all the gifts I've bought and sort and figure out what's from "Santa", what's from Mom & Dad and hopefully get some other people's gifts wrapped and figure out what still needs to be done. Also have many cookies to bake.

Saturday we'll be going to the annual Cookie Share with the local mom's group. Sunday is my sister's Christmas crop (scrapbooking).

Brendan has decided to be on the basketball team again this year. Practices start up again on Monday already. He still has scouts too. And we'll be celebrating Christmas at my mom's house early- next Friday evening! Yikes- things are getting close! And only 15 days until Christmas day!

Happy Thanksgiving (and a kid funny)

Last night as we were putting the boys to bed...

Brendan: "At school we made a list of what we were thankful for"

Me: "Oh yeah? What did you put on your list"

Brendan: "I put that I'm thankful for the rain, the sun, and Thomas Edison"

Me: (thinking 'Thomas Edison?! Where did that come from? lol') "What about Mommy, Daddy and Adam?"

Brendan: "Oh. I forgot to put that."

LOL! Well, at least I know where I stand I guess...somewhere after rain, sun and Thomas Edison! lol

Hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!!!

Tackle It Tuesday

After a couple/few weeks off, I'm making myself get back to posting on "Tackle it Tuesday".

My "tackle" this week was long overdue. Last Christmas, my mom gave me an MP3 player (that I asked for). I am so embarassed to say that it sat there, by my computer, for almost a full YEAR waiting for me to take the time to figure out how to use it! *hanging head in shame* So, on Sunday I finally hooked it up to the computer and had so much fun finding songs to upload to it! I now have a bunch of upbeat songs I love on it that I can listen to when I need a pick-me-up or for working out to. Finally!

I needed to do this, not only for my own enjoyment, but also because we are planning to get my 8-yr-old son an MP3 this year for Christmas, and I want to load it with songs he likes. Now I know how and will be doing that as soon as I buy it. (We figure that will come in handy for our 14+ hour drive to Florida in March!)

Weekend Recap & Menu Plan Monday

We finally had a weekend at home, where we didn't have a bunch of things to do or places to be. (well, there's ALWAYS a bunch to do at home, but I mean nothing outside of the ordinary). Friday night we had our pizza and kid movie (Friday night tradition). Saturday morning the boys and I picked up our AFM food, and then I took them to Toys R Us to use their gift cards they got for the birthdays. They had so much fun picking out toys! Joe hunted in our woods that morning, and he got another deer! This makes 3 for this year. We're keeping this one, he gave away most of the first two. Now he is done for the season.

On Sunday I helped him process it again- I washed and bagged the parts. Afterwards, I had him get us Chinese and beer as "payment" (lol), which was super yummy. I haven't had Chinese in soooo long.

And of course there was the usual weekend laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.

I was not ready to go back to work this morning, but at least it is just a 2-1/2 day work week for me this week. Yea!

Now on to Menu Plan Monday:

Monday: Chicken Fajitas

Tuesday: Spaghetti or goulash (using venison)

Wednesday: Chili or Potato Soup

Thursday: Thanksgiving at my aunt's! Yummy!

Friday: Pizza (Friday is pizza/family night), and some yummy treats while we decorate our Christmas tree!

Saturday: Thanksgiving again at my SIL's house! Yummy!

Sunday: probably a venison dish or any leftovers we bring home from Saturday.

Popping in for a Minute to Say Hi

I'm here, just haven't been on blogger as much lately. Just popping in real quick to say hi. Had a productive and fun scrapbooking retreat this past weekend- did 30 pages. Been busy with other things too. Here it is almost Thanksgiving already, geesh! Gotta run, but I'll post more later!

Birthday Party Was a Success!

Wow, what a weekend. Saturday was Brendan's Captain Underpants themed birthday party, and it went very well! We ended up with a nice size- 7 boys including my own 2, my 2 nephews, and 3 of Brendan's friends from school.

First they played a game of trying to toss balls into a fake toilet...

Then they had a contest to see who could fling underwear the furthest...

After that, they came inside and decorated underwear with fabric paint...

Originally the party was only going to be from 3-5pm, but we ended up having a slumber party too. One boy left at 5pm (the original time), one boy stayed until 8pm, and the rest stayed all night.

They had pizza for dinner, then watched the 3-D version of Journey to the Center of the Earth...

Adam (my son) and Jacob (my nephew) hung out together since they were the two youngest. Here they are playing with a smiley face light...

After lots of fun and games, playing the X-box, and so forth, they did eventually all lay down. The last two fell asleep around 1:30am. So, not too bad, I was worried it would be later.

The next morning I made them all pancakes and sausage, they played a little more, and then left. All in all it was a great party and everything went well!

Since Sunday was Brendan's actual birthday, we gave him the presents from us that day, and then took him and Adam to see Madagascar 2.

A busy, but fun weekend, and most importantly- Brendan had a great time!

Happy 8th Birthday, Brendan!

Happy 8th Birthday, Brendan!

We love you!

Almost Party Time

Tra-La-Laaaa!

Yes, it is almost time for the "party-o-rama"...Brendan's Captain Underpants themed birthday party is tomorrow. We must have picked a bad weekend though, because only a few of Brendan's classmates can make it. But that's okay. He'll still have fun doing silly and gross games/activities. And one friend is even spending the night (and another that can't stay all night is going to stay until 8pm to play for awhile after the party). Now I just need to hurry up and buy some things for the party after work, rush home, go to another scout meeting tonight, and somehow get the house cleaned, cupcakes baked, and everything ready for the party. Yikes!

Wordless Wednesday: My Crazy Boys

Halloween Recap and Other Happenings

Hope everyone had a great Halloween! I worked, but Joe did bring the boys to the event I was working at, so I did get to see them.

I dressed up too. Decided to go comfy and wear pjs, slippers and put my hair in pigtails. Betcha never saw me in pigtails before, huh? lol I actually didn't even have a pair of pajamas, I went out and bought some. I figured it wouldn't be appropriate for me to wear what I *really* sleep in (or lack thereof) to a family event. heehee

(Pic of some of us that were working the event)

The next day my sister and I drove to meet our mom, grandma, aunt and cousin for our annual Christmas shopping trip. Even though I am not a fan of shopping, I do enjoy seeing the family.

We're still busy working on the mudroom and trying to clear out the basement for the playroom.

Now here it is election day. I will be glad when it is over. Tired of hearing about it. I wasn't even going to vote because I didn't think I cared who won, but last night I suddenly got a nervous feeling in my stomach when I thought about a certain one of them winning, and I took that as a sign that I should go vote for the other. Which made Joe happy since I am voting for who he is, which doesn't always happen. Time was too tight this morning, but I will go vote after work when Brendan gets off the bus. He will go with me. He's been learning about the election and presidents and such at school, so I figure this will be a good experience for him to go to the polling place and watch me vote.

The rest of this week will be busy, with scout meetings on Thursday and Friday evening, and then Brendan's birthday party on Saturday at our house. One or two of his friends might even spend the night after the party, which is a first for us. Then Sunday is his actual birthday- he is turning 8. This may sound weird, but it feels like he has already been 8 for a long time. It really seems like he should be at least 9 by now. lol

Happy Halloween!

Have a fun and safe Halloween!!!

Weekend and Birthday Recap

Whew, it's been busy the last several days. Friday I went to happy hour with some co-workers, and then immediately following that we had a family bonfire party for both boys. (their birthdays are only 2 weeks apart, and we didn't want family to have to drive in twice). It was a cold and rainy day, but it did stop raining long enough for the party that night. We had hotdogs, chili, veggies, chips, and cupcakes, and then some people made s'mores and marshmallows. I think everyone had a good time, and the boys are having tons of fun playing with their new gifts.

(My boys and their cousins)

Saturday we picked up food and had swimming lessons. The rest of the weekend I worked on the basement, and Joe worked on tiling the new mudroom.

Sunday was Adam's actual birthday. We gave him a couple gifts, and had cake and icecream. I also had to go into work 2 different times during the day, and also tried to get some things done at home.

(opening his gifts in his jammies)

(Adam ready to dig in to his cake. The sore under his nose was from a fall a few days ago- he also chipped his tooth)

Unfortunately, now I'm sick with a cough and sore throat. I'm exhausted, but any time I lay down to try to get some sleep, the coughing gets worse. Ugh.

Happy 4th Birthday, Adam!

Yes, that's right, it's the big 0-4!

Happy 4th Birthday to my precious little boy, I love you!

Weekend Recap and Menu Plan Monday

We've had a busy past 4 days. Thursday night we went to a local corn maze with Brendan's scout den. It was fun. Brendan and his "buddy" and some of the other scouts ran on ahead and we never saw him again until he found his way out much later. Here are a few pics (it was dark, so I couldn't get any good ones):

(Adam and Joe in the corn maze)

(Brendan at the exit of the corn maze- he made it out!)

What was actually really cool, was not so much the corn maze itself, but inside the barn they have a 3-story elaborate gumball "roller coaster" along the front wall and rafters. You put 25 cents in the gumball machine, and when the gumball comes out it is taken up to the peak of the barn and then down a series of tracks and wheels and such to the bottom where you pull a chain to get your gumball. This "gumball coaster" as they call it, is a hand made structure. It is very cool.

(watching the gumball rollercoaster in action)

On Friday, Brendan's school only had a half-day, so I took off work early. Joe actually had to work late, so the boys and I had our Friday-night pizza and watched the movie "Ernest Scared Stupid". The boys are into stupid humor, and since it is close to Halloween I thought they might like this one. Parts of the movie scared them to death, and other parts they were laughing so hard I thought they'd pee their pants. lol

Saturday I had to work a few hours, and then I went by the library for their children's book sale. Hard back books were 50 cents, and paperbacks were 25 cents. I found several chapter books for Brendan, including 4 Goosebumps ones, which he loves. All in all I came home with 14 books for only $3.50!!! What a deal!

Sunday we took the boys to a free showing of Space Chimps at one of the local movie theaters. They liked it, and Joe and I actually thought it wasn't too bad considering how horrible we'd heard it was from others. The rest of the day we tried to be productive at home. Joe worked on the mudroom floor, and I dove into the huge mess in the basement (the part that we are turning into the kids' playroom). What a job! I did make good progress though, and really put a dent in the cluttered mess. Still not even close to being done, but getting there much faster than I thought I would. I'm taking pictures along the way, so you can expect some extremely embarrasing photos of our mess before too long. lol

Now on to Menu Plan Monday:

Monday: Creamy noodle/veggie/mushroom dish

Tuesday: On your own, I have to work extra

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes

Thursday: Pizza (normally on Fri, but not this week)

Friday: Family bonfire party for the boys at our house (roasting hotdogs, making s'mores, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, etc)

Saturday: Pork loin?

Sunday: Beef Stew in the crockpot