Monday Memories - Toys In The Tree

Monday Memories

When our son, Bryan was small, the movie Toy Story was popular.

I remember the Christmas when he filled our Christmas tree with army men and Barrel of Monkeys toys, just like in the movie.

I remember that I wasn't totally thrilled with the idea of having all of those things in the tree. Now when I look back on it, it's just a fun memory that he did that. I wish I could have just thought it was funny at the time and been more patient with it.

He was talking about how he put the toys in the tree and he said that he "retched into the tree." He meant he reached into it. I explained that retching is another way to refer to throwing up. We all had a laugh or two at his expense, poor kid.


We use an artificial tree at Christmas. Another funny thing was that the next year, when we took the tree out of the box, we found one army man hiding in the branches. I guess it was a long year for him, stuck in a dusty box! Poor guy was probably trying to reach his fellow soldiers on his walkie talkie to no avail!

Retro Christmas

Who's that little girl in the ancient looking photo? That's me, at age 3. I ran across this when I was looking through some photos albums. I thought it would be fun to post a retro Christmas photo.
Look at the blonde hair. That was back in the day when I didn't have to go to the salon for blonde.
That was our cat we owned at the time. Her name was Cotton, can't imagine why. Is it just me, or does the cat look sort of fake lying there that way? :)
Notice the cluster of ornaments right above my head. I wonder if the 3 year old helped decorate the tree!

I'm including this post with Diana's FFFF too.

Why Didn't I Think Of That?

I noticed today that one of my Facebook friends had a good idea. Her status said she was wishing there were some stinkin' elves around.

That's it! That's the answer to my current issues. I need to hire an elf! Why didn't I think of that?

I have so many things I have to do/finish up in the next few days. I know I'm not alone here. You all have lots of things you've got to get done too.

My list is long, but I am getting it done, crossing a few things off each day. I've actually made a list, and checked it twice and then again, and again. I keep hoping a few things might just disappear. No such luck.

Good thing I don't really have time to dwell on it all. Wait, isn't that what I'm doing now? :) If I spent too much time doing that I just might go into a panic. I just have to focus and keep pushing through. Get things done.

A blogger friend of mine recently spoke about her annual Christmas conniption. I thought that was pretty funny. I've had those before. If you're not familiar with what a Christmas conniption is, maybe you've heard the term, "freak out." I'd say the Christmas conniption is kind of a mini freak out. I am happy to say that I've not had a conniption this year....yet. I'm trying to keep it suppressed. Don't let the beast out! It's not pretty.

So do any of you know where I can hire an elf?

Elf duties:

1. He'll need to know how to run errands, and not mind the bitter MN weather.

2. He'll need to know how to outfit a 4 year old in coat, hat, and mittens and do it over and over all day.

3. He'll need to know how to get her in and out of her car seat. - all 3 buckles, then remind her not to put wet snowy shoes on the back of Mom's seat or on her tights.

4. He'll need to remind the 4 year old over and over that, "We don't walk in the snow, honey. We don't have our boots on."

5. He'll need to know how to check the list again and again.

6. He'll need to know how to shop for gifts, lots and lots of gifts!

7. He'll need to take know how to drop off prescriptions and then actually "remember to pick them up."

8. He'll need to shop for my new glasses. I wonder if he'll know what looks good on me?

9. I wonder if he can put the highlights in my hair that I need? That would be a bonus!

10. Heck, if he could do babysitting, that would be the greatest thing.

11. I wonder if he knows how to run a snowblower and use a snow shovel. My husband and son would be especially thrilled.

12. Gift wrapping! Surely all elves know how to wrap gifts.

13. Laundry, have I mentioned laundry?

Well, we all know the list would probably go on and on.

I really think the best elf for the job would probably be Buddy the Elf.

Buddy would be a blast, I just know it. He'd be tons of fun and he could even finish the Christmas decorating that I never got done. He could entertain my 4 year old and keep her happy all day with lots of candy. I bet he could make dinner. It might be spaghetti covered in syrup. Heck, who'd really mind it at this point? Even better still....he knows Santa!!

Well, I'm off to look for that elf!

A Curiously Fun Party

Jadyn's birthday party was on Sunday. It was cold and icy outside, but we had lots of fun inside. The theme for her party was Curious George. We had games, crafts, cake, ice cream and a great time.

Reading with Lauryn, before the party.

Craft time. Making doorhangers.

Monkeys coming down the stairs.

Time for a game

Making bracelets.

Two cute monkeys

Cake and ice cream

Jadyn had so much fun playing with the balloons after the party.

My friend Diana, at Diana's Daily Ramblings hosts Family Foto Fun Friday. This past Friday's theme was parties. Since this post fits with that theme, this will be my entry for that.

A Week In Pictures

On Tuesday at preschool, Jadyn got to wear a birthday hat, make a birthday necklace, and the class sang to her. Here's a photo I snapped with my phone.

That afternoon, Jadyn played in the snow for a bit. It was really cold, so we didn't stay out long. You can see that we haven't had that much snow yet. She was anxious to get out there in it though.

Yesterday we met our playgroup at an indoor playground. We had a fun time and it was such a great day. We got to meet Sarah! Sarah is 8, and has recently come home from China. We are so happy for her and her family. She is absolutely beautiful. See a photo of her on her mom's blog. Beautiful Sarah

Also, another family in our group received a referral this week of a precious baby girl. They'd been waiting for almost 3 years for a referral. What a blessing! We were able to see her photos and share in the joy. Exciting times.

Getting ready today, for Jadyn's party. It's tomorrow. You know I'll be sharing photos of that soon. It's what moms do.

Birthday hat at preschool

Snowy, cold fun

Playgroup Buddies

Framed By Feet

A gift received in the mail! The birthday goodness just keeps coming. Oh, to be a kid again. :)

Jadyn and Sophie

Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful that we've had our Jadyn for 3 years. Three years ago this week, we received our referral and saw her photos for the first time.
We won't ever forget how exciting that was. I remember the tears just streaming down my face as I looked at her photos. It's a wonder I heard anything our social worker had to say that day.

I can hear her now, over the baby monitor. She's supposed to be napping and she's in there jabbering instead. :) We are blessed that she's ours.

I'm thankful for Christmas and all of the busyness. Even though it can be a busy, hectic time, I'm glad I have family and friends to shop for, parties to attend, cards to send out,etc. It all means that I am blessed to have these friends and loved ones in my life.

Just this past Monday, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, wondering how on earth I would get everything done before Christmas. Today I'm feeling more upbeat. I'm so thankful I have all this stuff to do. It is Thankful Thursday after all. When Friday and Saturday come, we'll see how I feel. I may be more like the Grinch instead of a jolly old elf. :)

Trees Come and Go

Jadyn had her 4th birthday over the weekend and we had a little celebration with the family on Sunday. She'll have a party with friends in a few days.

We put our Christmas tree up on Saturday night. Jadyn and I decorated it yesterday. It was fun and it was nice to decorate with a 4 year old. She was a bit more calm about it, compared to when she was younger.

When I was decorating the tree, I realized it will be the last year to hang Kaitlyn's ornaments on it. Another bird will be leaving the nest before next Christmas. It's kind of bittersweet, as so many things can be when our kids grow up. I almost feel the need to type a smiley face and a frowny face here.

We bought a new tree this year, because we wanted a pre-lit tree. I gave away our old tree today. Yesterday, I put an ad on a local website. It's a site where people can list things they'd like to give away or place an ad listing what they need.

What a blessing to give our tree away to someone who needed it! How wonderful to make someone's day and help them have a happy Christmas. This lady was so happy.
We don't usually see where things we donate end up, so this was really, really cool.

Here are some photos from the weekend.

I'm 4!

Silly Jadyn

She really will have a bigger cake at her party next weekend. :)

Decorating the tree.

A Cold Contrast

Our family has been sharing a cold over the last couple of weeks. Oh joy!

Today I've been thinking about the differences between a mom and a 3 year old with colds.

Why is it that when Mom gets a cold she loses all energy, and feels the need to fall onto the couch after every other chore? Even more appealing is crawling into bed and just pulling the covers up.

Just give me warm drinks and try not to notice my sighing and moaning.

I go up and down the stairs with the energy of a granny when I have a cold.

In contrast, when my 3 year old gets a cold, it doesn't seem to phase her. She sneezes and coughs but seems to have limitless energy. She bounds up the stairs yelling, "I can beat you!"

That squealing and laughter that you hear? It's just my 3 year old. She has a cold.

Sometimes I wonder what I will be like when I am 60, 70, or 80. Will I just have to go to bed for 2 weeks when I get a cold?

When I was bathing her this morning, Jadyn asked if she could play more after we washed. I told her that I was tired and I just wanted to finish the bath. She asked why I was tired and I told her I was still tired from my cold. She said, "Well, I'm not tired!"

I thought - Yes, I know dear. You have the energy of 5 children each day, from morning to night.

She asked if I needed to go lie down and rest. :) She's also been offering me Kleenex today.

Maybe she will take care of me in my old age.

Works For Me Wednesday - Delicious Soup!

This is my first Works For Me Wednesday post. I'm sharing a soup recipe. It's actually a chicken and wild rice soup recipe, but it's also great for using leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. I made this soup last night with turkey and we enjoyed it so much.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1 cup chopped onion
2 cups chopped carrots
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped
2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups cooked wild rice
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

In a large soup pot - saute the veggies in butter until the onion is transparent. Reduce heat. Blend in flour and cook until bubbly.
Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly.
Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat. Add rice, milk, chicken, parsley, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Makes 10 cups. You can reduce fat by using a lowfat or skim evaporated milk and lowfat margarine. I've made it this way and it's equally delicious. Enjoy!

A Jadyn Funny: This is totally unrelated to the soup of course, but I thought I'd share it. It is related to the Thanksgiving turkey. We were in the kitchen near the oven and my oldest daughter, Lauryn, asked Jadyn what she thought about the turkey in the oven. Jadyn said, "He says it's hurting!" We had a good laugh about that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

You and your families shall eat and rejoice...because the Lord your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 12:7

Wordless Wednesday

She Makes Me Smile

On Friday we were getting ready to go to playgroup. Jadyn came to me with 3 or 4 necklaces in her hand. She said she wanted to give them to her friends in playgroup.  I asked if she was sure she wanted to do this.  She assured me that she wanted to share them.  I told her that the girls would take them home and she would no longer have them.  She said, "Oh I was just kidding, Mom!"

Earlier in the week, I gave Jadyn a bubble bath.  I was standing in the bathroom doing my hair, etc.  Jadyn said to me, "Mom, my bath's not perfect enough."  I know she probably doesn't know exactly what perfect means.  She was just trying out a new word.  I just said, "Oh really??"  I wanted to say, "Oh princess, I'm sorry your bath is not perfect enough.  Shall I adjust the temperature or add more bubbles?  What else can I do for you?"  :)

Saturday Randomness

We're having a relaxing Saturday and that's really nice. We don't get too many of those. As the holiday season gets busier, I'm sure our Saturdays will too.

Time for some randomness....

Here are some photos I took recently.

These were taken in our front yard about 3 weeks ago.

Jadyn and Lexi
Kitty-Cat Cuteness

Jadyn is wearing some dress-up stuff and coloring. These are 2 of her favorite things to do.

I opened a couple of cans of kidney beans earlier this week when I was making a recipe. I have been cooking for more than 26 years and it's the first time I've ever found corn in a can of beans. I've found stems before, but never corn. Should I consider this a bonus? Thank you, bean company!

Remember, no matter how cute and cuddly they seem, never try to hug a panda. Panda Story

8 Things About Me

A blogging friend tagged me this week, and so here are 8 Things About Me.

(Most of my items are in no particular order.)

8 Favorite TV Shows:

• House Hunters International
• House Hunters
• Buy Me
• LOST
• Forensic Files
• Intervention
• Unwrapped
• Dr. G: Medical Examiner

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

• Took Jadyn to preschool and felt sad when she cried. : (
• Shopped for Christmas
• Shopped for birthdays
• Went to Starbucks
• Ate leftover chili (yum!)
• Checked blogs, Facebook, e-mail, etc.
• Made an easy dinner for my husband and children
• Went to dinner with friends

8 Things I Look Forward To:

• Getting all of the Christmas shopping done
• Seeing our Christmas tree up and decorated
• Seeing extended family at Christmas
• My next cup of coffee
• Spring and Summer 2009..... which would mean that winter's over.
• Kaitlyn's wedding
• No potty type accidents ever
• The first big snowfall (believe it or not)

8 Favorite Restaurants:

• Qdoba
• Chipotle
• C-1 Buffet
• T.G.I. Friday's
• LeeAnn Chin
• Don Pablo's
• El Rodeo
• Solos Pizza Cafe

8 Things on My Wish List:

• No paper clutter anywhere
• Finishing the kitchen makeover
• Living room magically gets a makeover and I don't have to figure it out myself.
• Decide on a hairstyle for myself
• Learn how to do tilework
• Learn how to knit or crochet
• Get motivated to lose weight again
• Grandchildren.......no pressure here guys. Really!

8 People To Tag:

• Anita
  
• Diana
  
• Laura
  
• Lea
  
• Kristin
  
• Stacie
  
• Gail
  
• Terry
  

*Play along if you desire.

Rules, Rules - here are the rules:

1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Answer all 8 of the six items listed.
3. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

My Blogging Sidekicks

Jadyn and Sophie are usually around to keep me company.

This is what she thinks about having her photo snapped over and over.

Sophie always wants to have her paw on my hand when she's at the computer with me. Sweet, but is this always necessary?

I'm hardly ever lonely when at the computer. :)