Christmas 2010

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Justin had to work, but this year he was on the day shift and that made it so much better for some reason. He was allowed to come home for a bit so we could open presents together. I liked that we didn't have to drag him out of bed and have him be mostly incoherent for the gift exchanging and then send him back to bed afterward. Maybe one year he will be fortunate enough to have Christmas off!

Having children makes Christmas so fun and magical. Katelyn came running to the side of my bed jumping up and down saying, "Santa came! Santa came!" It was so exciting for her to see that he came and ate the cookies and drank the milk.


Dora Mermaid doll form Grandma and Grandpa Peterson.




Alaina on her new Elmo phone.



Katelyn playing with the new kitchen set the girls got. See that little Tupperware set? The 4 cups and the little purple pitcher? So when Katelyn unwrapped it, Justin asked her if she knew what it was and she said, "Tupperware (kinda like Oh brother, it's just Tupperware...) I guess you had to hear it, but it was funny.

I started shopping/making stuff for Christmas really early this year...probably back in March. It really took the feeling of strain off the Christmas budget. I definitely want to do that again next year.

Justin got me a new laptop as my big present. It's really for the both of us to use and I AM IN LOVE WITH IT!!! He also got me a really nice new music stand. No more flimsy snap together one. Yay!

Really, I have the best gifts in the world. A wonderful husband and two really cool little girls. They made my Christmas the best!



this video is especially for Granny B and Grandpa Patsfield. Katelyn LOVES her new pillow pet unicorn!

2011 Project #2

I have recently been motivated and inspired by several friends I have here- to start running again. Maybe it's something about the winter and being stuck inside so much. Or the idea of New Year's Resolutions or something. Although, generally speaking, I don't make NYR. They really don't suit my personality type very well. I am a major "feeling" type. I also don't like to be nailed down to something very far in advance. I like to have loose structure in my life. I like to have plans...that can be changed according to the way I feel in the moment. I'm sort of impulsive, sporadic, spontaneous. (and that was what you call a tangent)

Back to running. So, recently I was challenged to start training for a half marathon. I sort of laughed off the idea, but decided that I do want to start running again. Yesterday I laced up my sneakers and headed out. I did surprisingly better than what I thought I would do, since the last time I ran was back in April. I was at least where I was then, if not slightly better. Since January this year I have lost about 25 pounds. I think that has helped A LOT! I know, kind of shameful that I had that much to lose and at least that much more to go. Meh, whatever. It hasn't held me back and I will just keep going forward.

Yesterday's run boosted my confidence and after several minutes of thought I decided, what the heck, I'll sign up for the 1/2 marathon. And I did. I paid my non-refundable $65 dollars, so I definitely can't back out. Having a goal like this motivates me and helps me to want to get out there. I know I have to follow the training schedule if I want to make sure I don't die.

I'm excited to run and to learn how to run/train/prepare properly. I don't care much about times or competing, I'm doing it for me! I think we are a lot stronger than we think we are. It's fun to challenge myself in this way. Thank you to all my runner friends for your support and inspiration!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve 2010

(new Christmas jammies)

(putting out the cookies and milk for Santa)

(this is her "I've been a good girl" smile)

"O Christmas Tree"

One of my favorite things to do is sit in the living room with only the glow
of the Christmas tree lights on. I'd listen to music, but we don't have a system
to do so upstairs. I love how quiet and peaceful Christmas Eve night is.

This year I started a new tradition of writing a letter to each of my
girls. I hope to continue doing it every year. I am so thankful
for those two adorable girls I have been blessed with. And for a loving,
kind, and devoted husband who I get to share my life with.

Merry Christmas to you All!

2010 FAVORITE holiday treat

Originally when all the goodies started, I was doing really well resisting. Mostly because my gut is so overly sensitive now-a-days, I didn't want to make myself sick. The last few days I haven't done so well resisting. Dangit!

I think this was one of my favorite treats this year. It was different than what I usually get. White chocolate covered-peppermint popcorn. YUM! I LOVE popcorn anytime, especially when it's a little sweet.

My 2011 Project

This is our very, very, VERY ugly downstairs bathroom. I have wanted to re-do it ever since we moved in.







(grunt, grunt...)


yes! I made it up!


lets see if I can stand up now...


TA-DA!!!! (look how proud of herself she is)

Latest Quilting

This first quilt is a baby quilt that I helped my sister with. She picked out the fabric and came up with the design and I put it together for her. Then I had a really nice person machine quilt it for me. It turned out really cute.


This is a table runner I just finished for my sister in law. Unfortunately I had to quilt this one myself and ran into a few "issues". I love piecing and sewing the quilts, but I HATE the quilting part. I think I pretty much prefer someone else to do that part for me. Hope you like it Gretchen!

new calling

I was given a new "calling" (in our church this means a specific assignment such as Sunday School teacher or something). I was asked to be in the Primary Presidency (means being in charge of all the kids). Last week I was reallyreallyreally anxious about it. This week was our first official Sunday and I really enjoyed it. I've been in Primary before, but never in a ward this size! I already love those kids. They are so smart and beautiful and funny!

At some point in the lesson earthquakes came up. One of the 5 year olds raised his hand and very matter of factly said: "earthquakes don't kill people. houses do." the teacher says: "because they get stuck inside, right?" He says (still very seriously): "Yeah. And they bleed". I guess you have to know the boy. He is really sweet and cute and apparently knows a lot about earthquakes.

Anyway, it struck me as very funny.

I am going to keep a journal of funny quotes (someone gave me that idea) just for fun...when I think about writing them down.

Christmas Cuties

Maybe next year I should ask Santa for a really cool camera. I wish I had a camera that would capture them better. (plus, you have to hurry when trying to get a picture of Alaina) Sorry for the poor quality. Here are Katelyn and Alaina after church today.


I bought the little blue dress for Alaina a year ago for a great deal. I thought they both looked so pretty. Katelyn's dress has dark blue velvet on top.


If you could have an audio clip of what taking these pictures sounded like. Alaina was so cute. say cheese...."EEEEEEEEEEEE"


XOXO

2010 Guns vs. Hoses

Police vs. Fire

Every year the city puts on a basketball game between the Police Officers and Firefighter's to raise money for families in the community. This is our 2nd time being able to go and Justin's first time playing. It's always a lot of fun and they have great raffle prizes as well. I tried to win us the 50" TV, but ended up with a bag of Starbucks coffee beans instead. Too bad we don't drink coffee :)


go #13!









I had a great time watching and cheering for "our team" although, you're really kinda cheering for everyone because it's for a great purpose. Overall more than $6,000.00 was raised. Next year, you should come too!

Mommy/Daughter Date

Tri Cities Nutcracker Ballet 12/11/10

Katelyn and I went on a fun Mommy/Daughter Date to the Nutcracker. First we went to dinner. Tried to go to Olive Garden. Hour wait. Tried Casa Mia's. Hour wait. Ended up at the Three Margarita's. I don't think I'll go there again. In fact, I may be removing Mexican food from my diet all together.

Oh, and there is a shadow behind my head. My hair is big, but not quite that big.

Katelyn loves ballerina's and often talks about being in ballet. I'm just not really sure what I want to put her in. That probably doesn't sound quite right...as in, maybe she should be able to choose, but...I know she can't possibly do EVERYTHING! And I feel a strong desire to put our money into music possibly. So, I wait.



Not only that, but (and this sounds bad too) I'm not sure if she inherited the grace and coordination that a ballerina would need. Can it be learned? I don't know for sure, but right now her dance moves are following in her dad's footsteps and that makes me wonder ;-)


She really, REAALLY got into it during the 2nd half and couldn't help herself from dancing in our isle. She put on quite a show for the people sitting behind us. My favorite part was when she lifted up her sweater dress to her waist to make it a "tutu".


This is how much Katelyn's friend Campbelle enjoyed the show. Poor girl was so sleepy.

Baby Love

I had so much fun helping my cute Japanese neighbor have a baby shower.
Kumiko told me that in Japan it is not a custom to have a baby shower,
so I am really happy that we got to "shower" her with some love.

Here are the invitations. I thought since it was winter, a snowflake theme
would be fun. It says:
"As soft as the snow that falls from above, a baby waits to fill our hearts with love."

I asked my friend Rachelle (who likes to make cakes as a hobby)
if she could create a cake that I saw online.

it turned out PERFECT!

Centerpiece - stole some branches from a church party,
sprayed them a light coat of white and glitter and
hung pink and white snowflakes from the branches...
as well as some little babies- like the ones the Stork brings.

Borrowed another friends Cricut machine to make
lots of pretty snowflakes to hang from the ceiling.

We enjoyed a delicious spread of food. Kumiko made
Sushi rice and it was delicious!

Then we played some games...

Guess how many diapers? (in the tote) 274!



How big is Kumiko's belly? (about as big as my big toe!)



This was a fun game. We looked through magazines and clipped
out, cut and pasted what we all think the baby will look like...

Oh! The other game we played was Baby Name Scategories.



It was a lovely, lovely shower.

~The End~

doh!

It's not a crime to be a perfectionist....or is it? I have perfection-itis. Oh well. It just means I care, right? Learned a good lesson tonight. Never play a song on your violin (even a simple song such as Silent Night) without going through it with the accompianist first! It has nothing to do with her though. I played it an octave higher and added a few little things here and there. As my Dad pointed out a few weeks ago...."well one thing is for sure- the violin is not a very forgiving instrument". Gee thanks! :) I know that...unfortunately. I played in a different ward than my own and screeched out a couple pretty sour notes. (Oh! was there a b flat in this key?) (sigh......) I hate when I make big mistakes like that. Not a good first impression. At all. It was totally better when I practiced at home. Can I get a do-over????

I know, I'm biased...

Here is the result to our visit to Santa on Saturday. Windermere Real Estate has FREE photos with Santa and we were invited (because we used one of their agents to buy our home). These are REALLY nice photos. And did I mention free?! So, it's OK to be biased about your own children, right? I am sure everyone is, but I think our little girls are so beautiful!!! Alaina's eye lashes are stunning and I am a little jealous of them, but way happier for her that she has lovely lashes. Such pretty girls. I just love these two little people so much! Happy Holidays~

love it!

I love when I find something that is really cool and really EASY to do! Such as this gift idea. I found it at: The Idea Room...go figure.

It's called Holy Names Subway Art. If you visit her blog, read the post and at the end you can even download a copy of it...like I did. Find a nice frame (frames are 50% off at Hobby Lobby right now), some card stock and presto you've got yourself a nice gift that won't break the bank. Hopefully the gals I visit teach won't look at my blog any time soon, because these are for you dears :)

Quote

"Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies of gifts. The only true gift is a portion of thyself."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote was used in our Relief Society lesson on Sunday. It really struck me and I have pondered on it for the last day. Every single year for the past few years I have been conflicted over buying Christmas presents. It's a struggle between wanting to give my family nice gifts, but not wanting to be frivolous either. Freaking out about spending too much money, or worrying about buying things just to buy things. I want gifts to be meaningful, but lets face it, it's really fun to give (and get) cool stuff. This year I have worked on gathering Christmas presents throughout the year, so I'm not frantically buying things on a whim the weeks prior to Christmas. This year I feel better about the gifts. Maybe because I've prepared ahead. I have also decided to try and not worry about the commercialism so much, but just enjoy giving presents that will hopefully make them smile.

So, now that just about all of my shopping is done-I want to take that quote to heart. I hope that I can find a way to give a portion of myself to my family this year.

I have some fun memories of the Holidays when I was growing up, but there are also some not so fun memories. My goal is to make the Holidays as happy and joyous as possible for my children and I think that may at times definitely mean giving a portion of myself...in many different ways.

This year we are trying to teach Katelyn more about why we celebrate Christmas and why we give presents, as opposed to getting presents. It's tough when you are only 4, but she is a very compassionate person, so I know she will get it.

(my beautiful girl-all dressed up to see Santa on Saturday)

We did sit down and write a letter to Santa today. Her list was short and sweet.


"Dear Santa, HI! I want a pillow pet and jewelry, barbie set, Christmas book, tree (for her room). Love, Katelyn"

craft exchange

Friday was the much anticipated craft exchange. It was so cool! We had it at Kathy's lovely home.


Here is a picture with all the gifts around her beautiful tree.

We enjoyed some tasty hor'dourves and punch made with jello- YUM!

Here are Peggy, Jenne and Kate opening some gifts.


Stacey had Halloween and made this adorable "WICKED" block set. I was really excited to get more Halloween/Fall decor because I am lacking in a big way.

Kate had Christmas and made this really pretty floral arrangement with peppermint candies, ribbon, a star ball ornament (I LOVE stars!) and tag that says "celebrate".

Cherish wasn't able to make it out to the party, but she also had "Christmas" and made a cute wood block tree.


Peggy had "Halloween/Fall" and made this cute, fun plate with vinyl lettering. (the wicked witch part is very accurate!...for ME, I mean)


You should really click on this picture to enlarge it. Kathy went above and beyond and made every single one of us a Valentine's advent calendar. She used a square piece of wood and 12x12 piece of scrapbook paper- Mod Podge'd over it and then each of those hearts and circles you see is a separate box that she hand painted, decorated and glued on to the board. And the boxes didn't come in until the DAY BEFORE! Such a cute idea! (over achiever-hahaha-j/k) I love it!

This is Krissy. She also had Christmas and made another cute vinyl charger plate. This isn't a very good picture, but it turned out really pretty.

Jodee had "crafter's choice" and did something really cute. She made us a Christmas CD, delicious gingerbread cookies and a personalized soap dispenser. You can see there is a transparency inside the soap bottle..."grateful hands, friendly hands, praying hands, etc...) oh and there's glitter inside too!

Blah! This is me (I did a double chin on purpose). Yes, I cut my hair off and went dark. Love it. Here is my 4th of July craft which pales significantly in comparison with the other crafts made. I made a lantern. I assure you, it caused me much more grief than you would think just by looking at the picture. The picture below is of it lit (this one is mine which I didn't finish...it doesn't have the ribbon and metal star hanging off of it yet)




Jenne had "crafter's choice" and chose to do a Christmas project, which I love. I think this saying is so cute and fun.

And last, but not least is Wendi. I think she had crafter's choice as well. She made us all...yes, ALL! homemade cinnamon rolls and gave them to us on these gorgeous serving trays. They were delicious.


And this is what happens when you drink too much punch. I had a wonderful night with all of these gorgeous gals and have vowed to make another 4th of July craft for myself that is much cooler, just so I can redeem myself, even if only in my own mind.