Nonsense From Wonderland

Xmas was very nice here at our humble abode : ). I just can’t say enough how fantastic it was to have my parents and sis here. Really makes the day special. They were going home tomorrow (or I guess today at the time I’m writing), but have decided to stay until Sunday. My cousin turns 36 tomorrow, and she has invited us over to my aunt’s for a get together. Today we went out so the boys could shop w/their Target and Barnes and Noble gcs, but the stores were really picked over. Peyton did get some roller blade pads (which honestly, I was very surprised he decided to spend his $ on!). They each got some books and Pokemon cards at B&N, and have money left to spend. I have a $15 card from one of the ladies at school, but I couldn’t find anything I just had to have today. I did want to start getting all the Southern Vamp Series books, but there was only one, so I was disappointed with that.

I feel very spoiled, like I do every Xmas. Here’s a rundown of my loot, or at least what I can remember. Seems like I always forget something!
-120GB iPod from Jason w/$30 iTunes card!! It’s replacing my 30GB, so I am having fun loading it up. He did awesome this year, and I was very surprised!
-Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories PS2 game and Toontown membership, calendar made in school from Breck (before Xmas he also gave us an ornament and clay snowman he made at school)
-Koala Build-a-Bear w/robe, Hello Kitty slippers and undies, denim dress and tennies from Peyton
-Bissell carpet shampooer, 2 sets of sheets, 2 sets of towels, jammies, slippers, calendar, sweater, Hello Kitty shirt, tin Bengal purse, sports game thing for the tv (motion sensored–it’s really fun, and was to all of us), from my parents and Santa
-black soft Hello Kitty robe (she got the idea from my blog!), Andy Taylor’s (from Duran Duran) book, and this amazing picture of Indy from my sis (will have to post the pic, because it’s just so cool; she made it from fabric)
-$30 gc to Walmart from my grandparents

In my stocking I got a $50 gc to Maurice’s, $50 gc to Old Navy, lip balms, bra strap holders (which rock!), 2 pair of Smart Wool socks, Nightmares Before Xmas pens, coconut Santa, Apple body wash and moisturizing scrub, Hello Kitty bracelet, Bengal headband

My dad made an awesome prime rib last night. I can’t wait to do French dips w/it tomorrow. We had so much food, and it was all great! We played Peyton’s new Pictureka game, which was a blast. Tonight they played Breck’s new Sorry Sliders. I didn’t play yet, but hopefully will get a chance soon. My iPod is kind of taking all my time! I’m anxious to use it, but being so careful not to scratch it up, as my old one has a big scratch across the screen, and it drives me crazy. I had no luck finding a case today, and I refuse to pay $30 for one. Might just have to get one off Ebay. I got my sis a Creative Zen player, plus a Napster subscription, so I think she’s happy w/that : ). We are trying to find her a case as well, but will probably have to get something online.

This morning I took down the tree and all the deco. I usually do it immediately after Xmas, because I want the room back, and we’ve had the deco up for a month. The end of Xmas is always a little sad for me, after all the build up. Now we have Breck’s and my birthdays to look forward to, so I will be out shopping again! Tonight we watched Wall-E, and it was super cute! The boys watched Kung Fu Panda, and said it was really good. We might have to try to watch it before they send the DVD back to Netflix (it’s my dad’s). Jason and I went to see The Day the Earth Stood Still the other night, and had dinner at Red Lobster for a date night : ). The movie was okay. I have never seen the original, so won’t be making any comparisons. Keanu did a good job of being the seemingly unfeeling alien. I am extremely excited, because Twilight has gone to our dollar theater, so I am hoping to go sometime this week. Peyton wants to see it again too (he’s reading the book)!

I suppose I should get into bed. I have a new Ricky Gervais audiobook that I’d like to listen to, but I always fall asleep, so it takes me forever to get through the podcasts/audiobooks. They are all so hysterical though! Haven’t taken my pics off from Xmas, but will try to post some when I do.

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The cookies are on the plate, letter is written, kitchen cleaned, presents wrapped. It’s TIME! The boys are very excited, and I am just beyond thrilled to have my family here. It really is the best gift! I hope everyone has a very special day, and that Santa is good to all! xo

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I liked Mel’s idea of posting the holiday menu, so here goes! Every year since I can remember, way back to childhood, we have always done appetizers on Xmas Eve, whether we were at my grandparents’, parents’ or home. The only time we didn’t do that was a couple years ago, when we spent Xmas Eve at the Bronco/Bengal game in Denver! We had ESPN Zonen for lunch, then McDonald’s after we got home. LOL We don’t usually go w/the traditional stuff for Xmas dinner, because noone wants turkey after having it at Tgiving, and although I love ham, it is kind of boring. LOL

Christmas Eve
pizza dip (ricotta, mozza, pepperoni, seasonings) w/bread
ham/cream cheese roll ups
meatballs in grape jelly/chile sauce
layered taco dip
BLT dip
chicken puffs (little cream puff type things filled w/a chicken salad like mix)
baby carrots, sweet pickles, celery
EZ Cheese (at Breck’s request)
various crackers/chips

Christmas Morning
mom’s cinnamon rolls
egg bake (Jason’s making)

Christmas Dinner
prime rib (dad’s cooking!)
breaded fantail shrimp
cranberry marshmallow salad
mashed potatoes (either red or russet, or a combo, since we have both)
green bean casserole
blueberry cream cheese jello salad
mom’s dinner rolls
pumpkin pie (Jason’s making)
peppermint patty cake roll (I’m doing)

Today I start making the cranberry marshmallow salad, as it needs to sit for 2 nights. I will probably make the ham/cream cheese roll ups tonight as well, and maybe the BLT dip. I figure we can munch on some stuff in the afternoon, then the bigger stuff like meatballs and chicken puffs at night. We’ll play some games, listen to some Xmas music, and just enjoy being together!!

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So I am being a bit schizo w/my layouts! LOL I found some other ones that I want to try, so might be switching multiple times in the next few days!

I stayed up until after 2 last night. Big mistake! However, I finished all my wrapping. Found out that we now have mice in our crawlspace! ARGH! We had some in the garage, and caught 4 this past week, but none since Tuesday. I am just so creeped out. Everyone knows I love rats and mice, and have had them as pets, but the wild, “street” mice, as I like to call them, freak me out.

This morning I have been on a cleaning spree–dusting, vacuuming, dishes. Still need to get upstairs and clean bathrooms, as well as vacuum the basement. I am sitting for a bit to enjoy some football. I am up so far in our fantasy championship game! Once my cleaning is done, I’ll start the baking. We might have to run to the store, because Jason has to make food for work tomorrow.

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So I know this layout is a little weird in the middle, but I do like the snow. Not sure why it gets all goofy though. I shopped for 7 hours today, and am beat. Did not plan on being out that long, or spending the amount of $ I did! Oh well, it’s been fun being able to buy stuff for everyone! I’ve got to get to bed. I had a goal to finish Breaking Dawn before the end of the month, and I’m not sure if it will happen. Think I have 200 pages left. Maybe I can get some reading done between football games tomorrow. I am in the Superbowl for our fantasy league, for the first time ever! I’m so freaking excited!! I’m playing Butch, who has consistently been the worst team in the league, until this year. Send me winning vibes!!

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I am officially on Xmas break, and so happy about it! It’s going to be good to relax, hopefully sleep in, and just enjoy the family! Tomorrow I do have a ton of errands to do, but it shouldn’t be too bad, I hope. I’ve got to go alone since it’s secret stuff! Muhahaha! Today was jammie day at school, which was a lot of fun! I wore my one piece thermal jammies that are red w/snowflakes, and matching red slippers. We had a performance by the h.s. jazz band, followed by our Xmas variety show. Peyton got to perform in that a lot, and I performed as well! The paras, office staff and our 2 special services ladies sang “Christmas in an Elementary” school, to the tune of “Winter Wonderland”. It was a big hit! This morning I was able to go in and help Brecken make his gingerbread house, which was a lot of fun. He did such a good job, and was pretty particular. I don’t have any pics of Peyton performing today, as he had the camera to record our song.

I would like to get some baking done tonight, as I haven’t done any yet, but I’m kind of just enjoying sitting right now. Jason had a work Xmas thing this afternoon, so I’m not sure when he’ll be home. I’d like to watch a Xmas movie tonight. I need to finish getting the guest troom ready for my family. I did clean up the mess of exploded bows, wrapping paper and ribbon! I still have some wrapping to do.

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Seriously….I am so over this being sick thing. The last 2 days I have felt more miserable than I have in the whole 3 weeks I’ve had this stupid cold. Finally bought some Sudafed tonight, and hoping it works on the congestion. I’m at my limit on taking nose spray.

We went to Twin Dragon tonight for Chinese food. I’d been craving it, which is funny, considering I don’t eat much Chinese food, because I don’t like veggies. Sesame chicken is what I really like, and the crab/cheese wontons. When I was preggo w/Breck, I had a craving for the wontons, so we went out to eat some. I had 12, and couldn’t eat wontons for a while after that! We opted to have a decent meal rather than go to buffet. I of course ordered seasame chicken, and Jason ordered some chicken thing that was pretty good (of course I picked out the peas/carrots/mushrooms). We watched Mickey Saves Santa, and are watching Charlie Brown’s Xmas now. Tomorrow morning we are heading to the train depot to see Santa. I’d like to just rest and try to get well. I know I haven’t been able to get better, because I haven’t gotten much sleep. Last night, Jason had bowling, so I laid under the Xmas tree (literally), by a heat vent, while Peyton read Spiderwick to us. I dozed off! I went up to bed at 8:30, when the boys did, and went right to sleep–no reading, no tv. I had taken Nyquil too, and was okay until midnight, when the congestion hit me. I got up for nose spray, so I could go back to sleep.

Next week at work is going to be crazy with all the holiday celebrations, programs, field trips, and holiday lunch! We have something going on every day but Tuesday. Tuesday night I have a class. It’s also Xmas spirit week, so we get to dress up different every day–crazy hair/hat/sunglasses day; twin/triplet day (dress like friends); students dress like teachers and vice versa (won’t be much of a stretch for me!); school clothes or colors; and pajama/sweat day. I am so ready for break, and to celebrate Xmas w/my family! We usually webcam w/them every year, so having them here in person is just going to rock! We are having prime rib and shrimp. Mom and I have been discussing the menu. She’s doing a few things, and I’m doing a few things. Would like to get some holiday baking done this weekend.

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I am wicked behind in blogging, but that’s just how it goes lately. Working away, waiting for Xmas break, and getting ready for my fam’s Xmas visit! We did our shopping last weekend, and just need to order a couple things online. Nice to have it done. I am STILL battling this cold, for almost 3 weeks now. Ridiculous. I have coughing spells that about choke me. I’m sure most of my problem is I can’t get enough rest. Going to bed way too late, and up way too early.

I snagged this Xmas meme off Mel’s blog, so thought I’d give it a whirl here!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I do both, but more paper for sure. I do like bags for oddly shaped things!

2. Real tree or Artificial? I enjoyed the real trees growing up, but it’s just much easier w/a fake, pre-lit one now.

3. When do you put up the tree? anytime between the Saturday after Tgiving and Dec. 1st. This year I had it up on the day after Tgiving, but we didn’t decorate until Sunday night.

4. When do you take the tree down? I have taken it down on Xmas night before, but usually the day after. I want the room back.

5. Do you like eggnog? no way

6. Favorite gift received as a child? There were so many. I loved all my dolls, Cabbage Patch, Strawberry Shortcake, Fisher Price tape recorder, record player, boom box, guitar.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband. He is really impossible so I usually go the practical route with shirts, pajamas, and things like that. He isn’t a typical guy so he isn’t into sports, golf, fishing, and things like that. (For which I am actually grateful!) Luckily this year he gave me a good wishlist so it was a bit easier. Most of the time though he buys what he wants when he wants it or the things he wants are so specialized or expensive I wouldn’t know how to even pick them out.

8. Easiest person to buy for? the kids

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Nope. Not religious.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I like doing snail mail cards, and have every year since I can remember. I enjoy getting cards, although in the last couple years, it seems like people are sending them less.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? padded hangers

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, The Grinch, Emmett Otter’s Jugband Xmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The first weekend of Dec., but this year I was able to order some stuff in November.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, but only once I think.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Russian Teacakes, mom’s sugar cookies, cranberry marshmallow salad, all kinds of Xmas candy

16. What decorations are on your tree? all my ornments from childhood, ornaments I get now from mom, all the boys’ ornaments from mom, glass balls that used to be on mom’s tree, some other random ornaments from mom’s tree. I have a new glass star I got last year, and this silver rope looking garland, although I could use another strand of it.

17. Favorite Christmas song? I like all the classics, like Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland, Rudolph, Frosty. I also like Blue Xmas and Mele Kalikimaka.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? I love going to my parents’, although we haven’t done that in years. I guess it’s easier for us to be at home w/the amount of stuff we’d have to haul. It’s fun having my family come here!

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph

20. Angel on top of tree or star? A star–more my style

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? All on Xmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The crowds and rude people who don’t have holiday spirit.

23. What theme or color are you using when you decorate? Don’t have a theme. Have a little bit of old stuff and little bit of new stuff. Have a lot of my Papa’s and Grandma’s things, which I love!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We don’t do typical stuff on Xmas dinner; usually seafood, which I love! This year it will be prime rib and shrimp.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? The weather to be decent so my family can travel safely, maybe a nice long plushy robe, and I really don’t know what else. I can’t think of anything that is a must have. I always want a bunch of DVDs.

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