BODY OF WAR

If you are looking for a warm and fuzzy after Christmas post you are most definitely in the wrong place. Today's post will be raw, real and lies very close to my heart. This subject, however controversial and uncomfortable, must be talked about and discussed.

Tonight I was fortunate to be able to watch an amazing documentary (from my local library) that I've been wanting to watch for some time. It is called Body Of War. It is an amazing film by Ellen Spiro and Phil Donahue that chronicles the life of Thomas Young, a disabled (paralyzed) Iraqi vet.

Here is a little info on the film:

Body of War is an intimate and transformational feature documentary about the true face of war today. Meet Tomas Young, 25 years old, paralyzed from a bullet to his spine - wounded after serving in Iraq for less than a week.

Body of War is Tomas' coming home story as he evolves into a new person, coming to terms with his disability and finding his own unique and passionate voice against the war. The film is produced and directed by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, and features two original songs by Eddie Vedder. Body of War is a naked and honest portrayal of what it's like inside the body, heart and soul of this extraordinary and heroic young man.

Body of War unfolds on two parallel tracks. On the one hand, we see Tomas evolving into a powerful voice against the war as he struggles to deal with the complexities of a paralyzed body. And on the other, we see the historic debate unfolding in the Congress about going to war in Iraq.

The film opens as Tomas and his fiance Brie prepare for their wedding. However, because of his disability, we see how the simple everyday activities for Tomas are involved and challenging. War is personal and the film takes us into the skin and bones of what it means to have no control over basic bodily functions. In many remarkable scenes, we directly experience how vulnerable and open Tomas is as he interacts with his wife, family, and friends

.

This is an incredible, raw, heart wrenching look into the life of a disabled Iraqi vet. Regardless of your political views, this is a documentary that every American, I feel, must watch. It's uncomfortable at times, terribly sad at others, and portrays a very honest look into the life of Thomas Young.

I feel sometimes like this war, is just an afterthought anymore. Something that isn't really reported on, discussed or talked about. Pictures of the dead and wounded never shown god forbid. Casualties rarely reported. War, almost hidden. Talked over, reported rarely and almost never thought about. I'm not sure if that's because it's an uncomfortable subject, or because it's depressing, but the casualties and cost of this terrible war must be discussed and brought to light.

As of today, the casualties of Operation Iraqi Freedom according to icasualties.org are as follows.

U.S. Fatalities: 4,371 UK fatalities: 179 Other: 139 TOTAL FATALITIES: 4,689

Iraqi ISF Fatalities: 9,347 Iraqi Civilian Fatalities: 46,783

US Wounded: 31,557

Operation Enduring Freedom/Afghanistan Fatalities: 1,554

These numbers are absolutely astounding. Horrible even. It makes me sick to think about this terrible war still going on. When will it ever end? I was very hopeful that things would start to change with our new president concerning the war, unfortunately that hasn't been the case. If we can't stop the war, the very least we can do is educate ourselves on the terrible misfortunes it has caused, and learn from this huge mistake so that we can be assured it never happens again.

This is my hope this holiday season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

PHOTO CREDIT: JOANNA FROM LOVE. OBSESS. INSPIRE.

just wanted to say a quick Merry Christmas to all my blogger friends. hope you all have a most lovely holiday filled with people and things you love most.

here is just a few of the things i will be enjoying this merry holiday.

delivering gifts. driving to see Christmas lights. opening new Christmas eve jammies with the kids. the annual in-laws family Christmas eve get-together. delish delights. apple cider. book exchange with loved ones. cheesecake. tying bows on gifts. stuffing stockings. watching the children squeal with delight. cleaning up wrapping paper disasters. egg nog. giving, giving, giving. a little bit of getting. mom's eggs souffle. hot cocoa Christmas morn. cinnamon rolls. seeing all the generations gather. cherry chocolates. reindeer cookies. a crisp twenty. delivering cheer. puzzle-putting-togethering. annual Christmas night sleepover with the cousins. playing games with the family. watching a Christmas story. a candy cane or two. celebrating the birth of our Savior. finding joy in the little things.

I wanted to share with you my very favorite Christmas song. And it's lyrics say everything I wish for you this holiday. I really do hope you have yourself a merry little Christmas.

DEAR ANONYMOUS:

Dear Anonymous,

If you are any sort of regular reader of my blog, you will know that:

a) I tend to be slightly pessimistic. And by slightly, I mean a lot. If you are looking for a happy blog, you are most definitely in the wrong place. So, if you don't like it, move along.

and

b) I find sarcasm quite delightful. Sorry if this rubs you the wrong way.

Most sincerely,

Amy


Oh and if that wasn't clear enough, I have decided to compile the rest of my hatred about the first trimester into one really pessimistic, really negative post kind of as a way to say hallelujah that I am officially as of this week moving along into my second trimester. Here goes nothing.

01. I am fairly certain there is not a baby in my upper arm chub. Even though it looks like it. I am officially in that I don't look pregnant, yet I do look fat phase. This sucks.

02. I am getting zero sleep. I wake up just about every 2 hours. Either to pee, or from all the bizarre pregnancy dreams. Then it takes me at least a half hour to get back to sleep. This also sucks. Especially for my husband.

03. I am absolutely no fun to be around. At all. I am moody, don't feel one bit like myself, and I cry at the drop of a hat. I cried twice last night at So You Think You Can Dance. It's pathetic.

04. I have zero energy. It's like my butt has an automatic magnetic pull towards both the couch and my bed. But I sleep like crap. Very frustrating. This sucks.

05. I have the complexion of a teenager. Enough said. This really sucks.

06. I am hungry ALL the time. And not that emotional hungry that Bob Green talks about, but the "seriously if you don't eat something soon, I'm gonna puke" kinda hungry. And just about every hour on the hour. This is no fun. I feel fat, and am fat. But I can't stop eating. This sucks bad.

07. Realizing that I have 6 more months of this to go. Ugg.



And that's about all the negativity I can muster up at this point.







Now, if you actually took the time to read all of that, I must also say, that deep down somewhere beneath my very sarcastic layer of fat, I (of course) am truly happy to be pregnant. Thrilled, even. I mean we didn't try to get pregnant for almost a good portion of an entire year, for nothing. I wanted this pregnancy. And am thrilled that everything seems to be moving along nicely. I realize that this is a blessing, as many women (some very close to me) have had a very hard time getting and staying pregnant. I get that. Maybe not completely, but in some sort of small way, I get it. And honestly, it makes me really, really, sad. Sad, that I don't understand why all women can't experience the joy of having children. Honestly. Sad, that all women don't get to experience the pure elation of hearing that heartbeat for the first time. Or sad that they won't get to feel the pure joy of feeling your baby move inside of you. Sad, that they won't get to feel what it feels like to be thisclose to the veil as your baby is birthed into this world.

But that being said, it doesn't mean, just because I'm pregnant, I'm going to tiptoe around the fact that I am, or that I think it sucks. Listen. I get it. Life could be a lot worse. I could not be able to have children at all, I could have some sort of cancer. One of my children could. I could live on the streets, heck I could be dead. (Now that would really suck.) But I'm not. I'm just a mom to two children, trying daily to get through this first truly terrible trimester in any way I know how. And if it's by humor and sarcasm and complaining, than so be it. I am sincerely sorry if I come off as blase, or ungrateful in any way. I guess what it comes down to, is I'm not really all that great at expressing all the good (and there is a lot)in my life. It seems much easier to talk about the mundane, or to complain about the bad stuff, or rag on some stupid celebrity.

So anonymous, I really am happy to be pregnant, and bottom line, I realize that that doesn't suck.

MARK'S TRIBUTE

Just one of the thousands of reasons I think Glee is, er was, the best show on T.V.

Humble actors who make tributes to their crew. Hopefully more of these little vids come out from Mark to hold us over till April. Enjoy!

THINGS THAT SUCK ABOUT THE FIRST TRIMESTER PART 4

Not getting to eat any turkey on Thanksgiving.

I know right? It’s almost sac-religious. Well, thanks to bundle-of-joy number three the mere thought of meat during this pregnancy, has me rushing to the restroom to vomit. So, rather than chance it, I thought I’d just steer clear. Only, that's pretty much impossible to do on Thanksgiving, cause Turkey smells are everywhere. I mean, pretty much, besides the whole being grateful thing, the whole point of Thanksgiving is to eat and devour as much turkey as humanly possible. Right?


So, Not having any turkey on Thanksgiving? Now that really, sucks.

SAVING MOOLAH THIS CHRISTMAS : Updated with one more!

So, since we are in a bit of a recession, I thought I'd go ahead and give you all a nice little one-up this holiday. Save yourself a few bucks and instead of buying gift tags, print out your own. There are some adorable gift tags out there on the world wide web just waiting to be printed out, cut up and added to your gifts. So, do yourself a favor, and check them out.

01. Orange You Lucky --just love the whimsical look of these.

02. Domestifluff via papercrave --simple and sweet.

03. papercrave's 2008 design -- comes in three delicious color palates red & teal, fuchsia & lime, and light blue & dark blue.

04. papercrave's 2006 snowman design --who doesn't love teal & chartreuse?

05. Fresh Picked Whimsy -- too cute

06. UpUpCreative.com --no silly pictures here.

07. Living Locurto --love the ho cubed!

08. Vol25 -- if you love here stuff, you will love these.

09. Creature comforts -- vintage holiday love. Comes in red or blue.

10. Lollychops --simple yet again.

And because I love you, a few extra holiday freebies.

11. Goodie bag toppers. Fill a sandwich baggie with goodies, and fold and staple tag to bags!

12. mailing lables. --so going to be using these!

13. homebaked cookie tags.

14. Christmas gift ideas/tags.

15. Christmas wish list for kids.

16. mitten postcard

17. gingerbread postcard

18. christmas stockings

19. presents postcard

Oh and one more: Holiday Party Invitations from loveobsessinspire. --Love these!

Now, as with any good online freebie printable, it is best to use heavy card stock and set your printer to it's best printing capabilities. Enjoy!

A LITTLE BIT OF T-SHIRT LOVE

I know this post is a little late, but Hubs actually got this beauty for me about two weeks ago. Isn't my husband the best? I've been wearing it, and loving it pretty much every day ever since. And I either get huge eye rolls, or huge high fives. It's awesome.

So, yeah, thanks Hubs for the Max Hall hateraid. I love it!


P.S. I realize this just might be the worst picture of me ever. But see, this is how much I love this shirt. I'm willing to put pretty much the ugliest picture of me ever taken in the history of all of my ugly self portrait shots out for the entire world wide web to see, cause they will also see my pride. GO UTES!!!

THINGS THAT SUCK ABOUT THE FIRST TRIMESTER PART 3

Feeling like I’m going to blow chunks all day long.

I swear, it’s like I’m on that incessant tea cup ride at Disney Land, except it’s the never-ending tea cups. Never. Ending.

And all the while the world is spinning, and the nausea feels as though it has taken over my body and I might barf everywhere, I have two children yelling at me, that “I want a cookie!” “I want a toy!” “I want a drink!” “I want to play Candy land!” “I want, I want, I want!”

So that’s when I go slightly crazy and I yell at them, “Oh really? Cause I just want to get off this stupid tea cup ride!”


They just stare at me as though an alien has taken over my body. Which, crazily enough, is exactly what has happened.

Oh the joys of the first trimester.

THINGS THAT SUCK ABOUT THE FIRST TRIMESTER PART 2

BEING DRAWN TO ANY AND ALL PREGNANCY RELATED TV SHOWS.

And believe you me, this definitely sucks. Come on, you've seen em, as you've been browsing your TV viewing options. They can mostly be found on the Discovery Health Channel, TLC, that sort of channel. They are shows that in my normal life I would pass on by without even thinking about possibly watching. But it's like, now that I'm pregnant, I am just sucked into them. All the crazy baby shows. Birth Day, Bringing Baby Home, and Multiple Births. This sort of thing. I mean, really, how bad to these shows suck? Really bad. But without a doubt, every time I get pregnant, I find myself watching these silly shows. And usually in my first trimester. It's honestly pathetic. But it's like I can't help it. I'm like a moth to a flame. A housefly to a porch light. I. Just. Can't. Resist.

But while we are on the topic, can we just talk about the single most ridiculous baby show on T.V., for just a moment? It's called "I didn't Know I Was Pregnant". And it's absolutely insane. It's a 30 minute show recapping different women and their experiences having babies, when they didn't know they were pregnant. Now, wait just a milly moment people. This is absolutely NOT possible. Right? This show makes me laugh, and just think how many delusional people are out there. I mean really. You come home from work, have really bad cramping thinking it's gas, and that you just need to pass a large poop. Go into the bathroom, and plop, out pops a baby. Um, No!! This is just not possible. You mean, to tell me, that you didn't have one single solitary side effect of pregnancy? Yeah, right. I've been pregnant three times, and I'd have to have been retarded not to know. And so far, out of the twenty or so (sad, i know) episodes I've seen, none of them have been mentally disabled. Although, after each episode I really do question their ability to be alive and live on this planet and mother a child. I mean, not even a single symptom? No weight gain? No super-spidey smell? No nausea? And you didn't feel the baby kick even once? Yeah, right. As if. With both of my last I felt like an alien had taken over my body with all of the goings-on in my uterus. And the clincher? Every time at the end of the episode when they are interviewing the "mothers", they ask them how they didn't know, and without a doubt every single lady says, they still had their period every single month. Again, Yeah, right. I mean they do realize it's actually humanly impossible to have a period while pregnant? IMPOSSIBLE. And yes, I know people sometimes do spot, but every month, on the month for 9 months? Yeah, right. Give. Me. A. Break. And the most insane thing of all, is that they don't have like one or two episodes of this show, they have zillions. Yes, zillions. In fact on Thanksgiving, they ran an entire marathon day-long worth of episodes. Meaning, there are lots and lots of really dumb women out there.

Sorry about this post sounding like a guest spot on SNL's "REALLY, with Seth and Amy" but I mean, come on. Really?

PUT ON YOUR YAMAKA IT'S TIME FOR CHANUKAH

In honor of tonight being the kickoff of Chanukah, I thought I'd throw up an oldie but a goodie.

Enjoy!! And Happy Chanukah!

THINGS THAT SUCK ABOUT THE FIRST TRIMESTER PART 1

So, whilst I was in the throws of the first trimester and hating every second I decided to write an ongoing series I like to call, "Things That Suck About The First Trimester." Yeah, don't worry people, just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm all happy and nice and full of positivity. Nope, my pessimism is in full force. So, read if you like, pass if you don't. They are mostly, short and too-the point and full of negativity. Just call me the grinch. Fair warning friends. Enoy!





Things That Suck About The first Trimester Part 1:

Super-Spidey Senses.


And in particular my sense of smell. Holy guacamole. It’s like my sense of smell is on steroids. And it is no fun.


There I am the other day, trying to be healthy and not gain 70 pounds like with the last two chilins, at spin class, and it’s all I can do to not walk out of there, because of the overwhelming stench of B.O. and sweat. It was horrible. I honestly kept gagging and dry heaving. And trust me, it wasn’t much better once I got out of that horrid spin room. The entire gym smelt foul. And I know this is a pregnancy thing, cause I’ve never been to the gym and thought it smelled like permanent armpits. And trust me, I go, almost every day. I'm seriously considering which is worse at this point; Gaining seventy extra pounds or smelling B.O. for an hour every day?

Then I get home and the house smells terrible. And so I go on a search with my super-nose to find the culprit, only thing is that the ENTIRE place smells gross. So, first I tie a scarf around my face and nose, cause really, I didn't have a sars mask on hand, and I empty every garbage can, run the disposal for fifteen minutes, and literally threw away everything in the fridge that was older than a week old. When Hubs got home and opened the fridge I'm pretty sure he thought we'd been robbed. It looks pretty darn pathetic in there with a 1/2 gallon of milk and a carton of eggs and pretty much nothing else.

On the positive side, the fridge is clean. On the negative, we're having eggs and milk and mustard for dinner.

Oh, the joys of pregnancy.

THE BIGGEST LOSER: DANNY

So, I realize I could have just stuck this post in with the other one, but I felt like Danny's transformation, and win last night was so amazing that he deserved his own post. This picture totally doesn't do his before and after justice, but the man looks like a completely different person. I told Hubs when he came out for his reveal that he looked a bit like Mel Gibson. I am so happy that he won. He was so fun to watch all season.

On a side note. How fabulous did Rebecca look? That hair was genius. So happy for her. And Rudy, looked great too! But Tracy? She was almost scary looking with her protein face. I am glad she is healthy, but I'm afraid the minute she takes one bite of a carb she is going to revert back to fat Tracy. Just like Bob says, the people who loose the weight for the competition and for game play always gain it back. I really hope that doesn't happen to her.

But Great Job Danny! Congrats! You DESERVE it!

I'M JUST SAYIN' . . .

Is it just me, or is the stalkerish over-the-top-obvious crush that Adam Shankman has on this seasons' Jakob starting to make anyone else uncomfortable? It's like, I just want to smack Adam upside the head and tell him he sounds like a silly schoolgirl with all his barfy comments. There is so much sexual tension between these two that it's almost distracting. And Adam's comments are so too-much that it almost makes me a little embarrassed for him. And if I were Jakob, I'd be just a little weirded out.

Hey, I'm just sayin'.



And on a much, much, much lighter note. Glee is on tonight. Oh, how this has quickly turned into my favorite show on T.V. And that's saying something. However, I did hear, they were going on hiatus until next year--like until June. I so hope this is just a rumor. I would really miss the genius that is Glee.

THE DECISION

Well, as you probably guessed. Yes, I am pregnant. And since this blog o'mine is sorta like also my journal, cause I'm lazy, here is where I'm going to put down into words my thoughts about our decision to get pregnant. Feel free to read or not read. It will probably be very wordy and boring. Just so you know.

So I know most of you are probably thinking that I've lost my mind. Which, I just might have. I know I said I wouldn't be having any more kids. Ever. And in all honesty, I really, really wanted this to be the case. . . for a long time. And really, it's not because I'm some kid-hater or something, it's just that well, I honestly, HATE, despise, loathe really, being pregnant. For me, it's just no fun whatsoever. So, when Hubs and I started throwing around the idea of having more children we started off really slow. First it was, "Oh our kids are so easy now. Everyone can buckle themselves in by themselves. Everyone can poop and pee by themselves. Everyone can get themselves dressed and entertain themselves." And perhaps if I'd been wise, I would have said, "Yes, and why go ahead and mess it all up?" But instead I said, "Yeah, they are getting easy, and it would be nice to maybe start possibly discussing having another."

So we did. We discussed. And at first, I was really only interested in adoption. I mean, let's be honest here people. I hate pregnancy so much, that at first, the only way I was willing to have another child in the family was if someone else carried, and birthed it. Seriously. That was the place I was in. So we talked about it. And decided that it was a good thing. Figured we were good parents, and could provide a nice home for a baby that someone else wasn't quite ready for yet. We got all the paper work for it, and then when it came time to submit and get serious, well, it just didn't feel right for some reason. I started thinking about all those people who can't get pregnant, and who really, really want to adopt a baby. And would I, selfishly, be taking one of theirs? I mean, I was perfectly capable of carrying my own child, I just really didn't want to. Now, I'm not saying this isn't a completely valid reason for adoption, just for us, it didn't really feel right. Ya know?

So, then we talked about foster care for a short time, and then, after all this discussing somewhere amongst it all miracle happened, and I decided that it would in fact be nice to perhaps be pregnant again and have another child. And really, the only thing I can think is that it had been so long since I'd been pregnant (3.5 years) that my brain had forgotten all the terrible things about pregnancy and newborns. You see, it's just that I get incredibly sick when I'm pregnant. I don't mean to complain, but maybe actually I do. It's just absolutely the pitts. Feels like I am on the verge of barfing ALL. DAY. LONG. But for 8-EIGHT!!! weeks! It's insane. And the only thing that even remotely sounds good to eat are carbs. And the bad kind. Not vegetables and fruit. But bread, and English muffins, and party pizzas ;) And while I'm eating it's like the nausea miraculously subsides. And the minute I stop eating-- it comes back with a vengeance. And so, you can understand why I tend to gain a bit too much weight. And by a bit I mean, like seventy pounds. With each. And although I'm no brainiack, I'm pretty sure this is partly why pregnancy sucks so bad for me. I mean, carrying around 70 plus pounds is pretty darn miserable.

So, where was I? Oh yes. We decided to start trying. So, I get my IUD pulled (which is another post in and of itself. Let's just say after two doctors, one ultra-sound and one x-ray it was finally out). But this was right around the time I was going to see all the doctors about my ear. They had put me on some diuretics to see if that might help, but since you aren't supposed to take those while you are pregnant--we decided to postpone really trying for a few months so I could see if the diuretics would help at all. After two months, and no difference we decided to go ahead and start trying to get pregnant. And since with Thing 1 we got lucky on our first try, and Thing 2 was pretty much a surprise (I was still nursing Thing 1), I figured we wouldn't have any problems. Well, that wasn't exactly the case. I knew the IUD I'd had in for 3.5 years had messed up my hormones, but I didn't know exactly how much.

We tried for about six months with no luck. It was so interesting going through that time period. Going from not really wanting something (pregnancy) to by the end, just wanting it so badly. Why wasn't it working? Was I broken or something? And I immediately for the first time understood, if even only slightly, what it was like to want to have a baby, but for some reason your body wouldn't make it happen. Living my life in two week incriments was very insightful. Two weeks to ovulation. Two weeks till test time. So frustrating, yet so humbling at the same time. So, after six months of trying I decided to go and get my hormones tested. And finally I had an answer. All of my hormones were completely out of whack. That IUD had really screwed me up. My estrogen was too low. My progesterone was too low, and I had absolutely NO traces of testosterone at all. And well, this combination doesn't make for very fertile eggs. Pretty much she was surprised I was ovulating at all. So she put me on some all-natural plant-based hormones and wadaya know? That first month on them I got pregnant. Fabulous.

Then the nausea kicked in and I've been in hell ever since.

No. Just joking. But that's how it happened. How I went from being totally ambivalent about having a baby, to wanting a baby so badly, to now, not knowing if it was such a grand idea. I'm sure this feeling will subside along with my nausea. Hopefully.


I just want to thank all of you who commented on my last post or on face book with congratulations. It feels really great having so many wonderful friends and family out there who support me.

Thanks bloggers!

A LITTLE WORD PUZZLE

MY

IS

the end.

A LITTLE HOLIDAY CHEER

So, just to show you all I wasn't kidding about my love for all things Christmas, I decided to put up some iphone pics of my Christmas decorations. Just to put the blog in the Christmas Spirit, I suppose. I actually put the decorations up before Thanksgiving, but decided to wait until at least December till I posted. You. Are. Welcome.
You gotta believe baby.

Since we don't have a fireplace. . . hooks will do.

The red ornament balls I got for a steal out at Ikea. I have two more bowls full in the other room.

The top third of our Christmas tree. Seriously. I had only one request of Hubs' few days off around Thanksgiving. I wanted my tree up in my front room this year instead of the great room. Only problem is, my front room ceiling is significantly lower than in the back, and well, the whole tree didn't quite fit. So, I came home one day and Hubs had rigged up most of the tree in the front room. Oh yes, he did. And after I laughed for about five minutes, I thought it was a perfect solution. A little lame, yes, but I think it does the job just fine. We are absolutely a little retarded. And cheap too.

The bottom two-thirds of our tree. Luckily Hubs rigged it a bit so it doesn't look quite so ridiculous. I think I might factor a new pre-lit (genius) tree that fits into our front room and our budget next year.

The hit every year. Nativity you can play with. Except we are missing a wise man, and a couple animals. Oh well. You get the point.

My Christmas village I got one year from my mother-in-law. Looks amazing all lit up at night.

My new wooden, i.e. kid friendly, nativity I got last year at an after-Christmas sale for $5. Yes, five whole dollars.

And there you have it. I hope I haven't totally bored you silly. Now, go put on some festive Christmas tunes, and put your tree up already. Before it's too late.

Happy Christmas Friends!

OUR LITTLE ELF FRIEND

So glad it's that time of year again to welcome our little "elf on the shelf" friend back from the attic, I mean, North Pole.

He has been bombarded today by requests for Santa from the kids. And miraculously our behavior has improved ever-so-slightly.

Although, I am somewhat concerned about the name the kids came up with. Drum roll please. . . .

Bird. That's right. Not Bert, but Bird. The only thing I can think, is that since I told the kids that he flies back to the North Pole every night to let Santa know if they had been naughty or nice, perhaps they thought he would feel right at home amongst the other flying things with a name like Bird. Thing 1 wanted Fred, but Thing 2 and her stubborn-ness won out. Bird it is.

So, without further ado, Welcome back Bird! Welcome back!

AS PROMISED

So here are the pictures of the advent navity calendar I made last night for the kiddos (from the previous post), all laminated and lovely. Enjoy!
The Stable

All the peeps.

Mary, Josephy & baby Jesus

Wise men & their camels.

Singing and or yawning angel.

I so hope y'all decide to make these either with or for your little ones. I am so happy I took the time to do it, and I'm sure the kiddos will love it.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS. . .

Oh man, is that the smallest picture ever? Ha. Well, just go with it.


So, it's finally December!!! HOORAH!!! I literally can't even tell you how happy I am that it is now December. For lots of reasons. But mostly because I love all things Christmas. I know it kinda doesn't go with my pessimistic personality, but it's true. I love Christmas. Like, you know how most people have been pissed for weeks that Christmas stuff has been in stores since Halloween? Well, not me. In fact, I've been listening to lite FM 100.3's (haters beware) all Christmas fare for a good three weeks. I thought maybe, much to Hubs chagrin, that it might hurry the holidays along. Every time I get in to drive "my" car after he's driven it, I have to change it off of NPR and over to my fm 100. I mean, who needs depressing talk radio when you can listen to Frosty the Snowman over and over again. And no, I'm not joking.

So, there is a reason for this post. I swear. So, every year, my uber-thoughtful/crafty mother makes a sticker advent calendar for my kids to count down the days until Mr. Claus arrives. She did this every year growing up for me and my brothers, and now does it for my children. I know, I really do have the best mother ever. In fact, every year when she hands me the sticker calendar, it's almost like, now it's officially the Christmas season.

The only problem with this sticker calendar, is that there is only one. And I've got two feisty (I wonder where they get it?) small children who apparently can fight over stickers like it's no one's business. Most days there is in-fact two part sticker application (Thank You MOM!), but some day's there's not. And well, I just didn't want to hear whining this close to Christmas. It's just not right.

So, I went looking on the Internet for some different advent calendar ideas and came across this little Nativity Advent Calendar. Each day you add a different animal, or nativity participant, until Christmas Day when the Christ Child is added and your nativity is complete. So, I thought one kid could sticker every evening, and the other could add to our nativity. Wala. Harmony in the home.

So here is the link from theideadoor.

Print all these pages on heavy card stock. Color with color pencils and markers. (I did mine last night and I must say, it turned out lovely) I will post pictures later, sorry. Once all the animals, and people have been colored, then cut them all out individually. Then comes the fun part. Lamination baby! I love laminating things. It's almost a problem. Almost. Anyhoo, laminate all the parts, then cut those out. Be sure to laminate the stable on one sheet. Along with the nativity, the project comes with The Christmas Story, and a little saying along with an item to add to the nativity each day. I plan on just hanging the stable on the fridge next the the sticker calendar. Then just roll up some tape and tape each item/animal/person on the stable as directed. The great thing about this, besides it being absolutely FREE!! is that since I laminated it all, I will be able to use this again, and again. Making it sort of a new family tradition. And saving me money over and over again. Go me. One kid stickers. One kid adds to the Nativity. Brilliant!

So, I promise I will post pictures of the calendar this afternoon, I just don't have time right now thanks to my super-long rambling post. Plus, I wanted to give you plenty of time to get it made so you and your kids can start adding to the nativity advent tonight.


Happy Christmas people, and Happy Advent-making as well!

A LITTLE FRESH TWIST FOR THE RIMMERS

So, I've got a great little bit of news for those livin' in or near The Rim. A new little pay-by-the-ounce Fro Yo shop just opened up west of Cafe Rio and Citris Grill on 3300 south, and honestly, I couldn't be happier. As much as I love me some Maverick, and Top stop fro yo, both are more than a little bit of a drive. And frankly, I feel guilty sending Hubs out for such a drive all in the name of a little fro-yo. But now that we've got one right in our hood I hope to be a frequent visitor. Plus, they also have a serious assortment of toppings to go on your chosen yogurt. Fruit, candy, and the works. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Here is their current list of yogurts on tap. Plus they have added pumpkin, and egg nog for the holidays.

In all honesty, I haven't tried it out yet, but it's on today's To-Do list. And I will be sure to update with my review later. Three Cheers for Fresh Twist upping the awesomeness of The Rim's thirty-third dining out options. Woohoo!~

UPDATE: We went and experienced Fresh Twist for ourselves yesterday and I must say, the Fro Yo was delish. I'm wishing they had a few more topping options, but I'm sure that will come with time. I couldn't decide between something sweet, and something tart, so I went for both! Love that! Half my bowl was french vanilla with a little bit of Butterfinger bits on top, and the other half was the Raspberry (my fav!) with a granola on top! And it was oh so yummy!

THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST

So, I decided that Thanksgiving should be a day filled entirely with good eats. Because breakfast on this particular Thursday often gets overlooked, I've decided to whip up this little bit of lovely for tomorrow mornin'. I am hoping this makes watching the Thanksgiving day parade on T.V. with my kiddos a little more bearable. I mean, I can't even stand a real parade for heavens sakes let alone one on television. And although I've never made these sticky buns before, apparently it only takes 5 minutes of prep tonight, and 25 measly minutes of cookin' time in the a.m. Just my kinda cookin'. Here's the delicious goods if ya wanna give it a go yerself.

Overnight Sticky Buns

recipe courtesy of ShortStop

Place 14 frozen dinner rolls in a buttered bunt pan.

Sprinkle rolls with 6 T. of butterscotch pudding mix (not instant)

Mix together:

1 stick melted butter

2 tablespoons cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Pour butter mixture over rolls.

Cover with foil, and let rise overnight.

Do. Not. Refrigerate.

In the morning, bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and invert bunt pan onto circular platter.

Serve immediately.

mmmmmmmm. Sounds delish, right? Hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving tomorrow filled with lots of food, family and fun!

QUALIFY

image credit: mario bellavite via flickr

So, about a week ago, something quite miraculous happened at our house. Some of you might not think it a very big deal, but I personally think it's one of those things in life that qualifies you. Like when all of a sudden your baby rolls over, and their not a newborn anymore. Or, your teenager learns to drive, and suddenly they are capable of so much more.

Well something like that happened here just last week. And it makes me absolutely giddy. Thing 2 learned how to pump. In other words, no longer will I have to spend hours upon hours at the park pushing her on the swings. Because apparently, to her, the swings are the only thing worth actually going to the park for. I guess she just figured, that if her brother could do it, so could she. And for 3.5 years old, I think it's pretty darn cool of her. And I no longer have a little child that needs my help. Nope, she is an official kid. A playing in the backyard kinda kid. Pumping and swinging and getting her knees all scrapped up and everything kinda kid.

And I love that.

Every morning at 7 a.m. she asks me if she can go outside and swing. You know, cause she can. All. By. Her. Self. Never mind the fact that it's a balmy 35 degrees out. No, she doesn't care, nor does any child really, who just wants to play. She gets herself dressed, puts on her coat, and hat, and heads outside with her brother, and they swing. And swing. And swing. And laugh. And swing. And I can see the pure joy on his face that he's got a built in friend in his little sister. She's cool, and will play spies with him, and swing with him all day long. She however, just grins from ear to ear with pride, because she no longer needs to be pushed. Nope. She can do it all. By. Her. Self. Just. Like. Her. Brother.

And for a moment I have a glimpse of what my future will be like with this amazingly smart, somewhat bossy, absolutely driven, energetic, at times sassy little girl. "No mom. I don't need you to tell me how to put mascara on. I figured it out, all.by.my.self. "

I am in for one heck of a ride.

I love you Thing 2!!! Congrats on learning how to pump!

A LITTLE BIT OF EYE CANDY IN MY MAILBOX

Can I just take a moment and tell you all how much I love jcrew? Well, I do, and their latest catalog, was like a little piece of eye candy. I perused, and perused again. And even one more time. Just for good measure. Cause the pictures are just so lovely. Doesn't seem like a clothing magazine at all, but rather like a really cool photography art book that should belong on your coffee table. The pictures really are that charming.


And if we may, just for a moment, discuss the clothing? How great is their stuff lately? I'm just so impressed. The women's clothing is billowy, and light, and just so completely feminine. The Men's stuff is stylish, classic and rugged. (All things that make for a uber-handsome hubs. ;)) And the kids clothing? Where do I even begin? I've been a crew cuts fan for some time now (beginning with our family Christmas pictures last year) and continuing right on until today. And I will tell you what. One day, when I become super-rich, and have all sorts of savings, and retirement, and mission funds, etc, etc. Then, I am going to go and open a Crew Cuts franchise here in Salt Lake. Cause, I mean, really. Don't we have more children per square foot than any other state or something? Plus, I could really enjoy getting all those well made, cute, and classic clothes at cost.

But one of the greatest things about their most recent holiday catalog, was J.Crew's fabulous new gift guide. I mean really. Who wouldn't love to be a member of the "cashmere of the month club"? Or for those of you who fancy a little juje (accessories) like me, how about a gift to their "jewelry of the month club", or "shoe of the month club"? The gift that keeps on giving all year long. Pure marketing brilliance if you ask me. However, since they don't put said prices of clubs in the catalog or online, I'm sure they cost a pretty penny. But props for the creativity.

So, if you are like me, and love to browse a free catalog, do yourself a favor. Order one from j.crew and just enjoy. And hey, you might even find something to add to your wish list for Santa this year. ;)

Happy Perusing!

COUPON LOVE

A little coupon love for ya. Janie and Jack's Friends and Family starts today and goes through the weekend. Gotta love 25% off!

HAPPY 40TH SESAME STREET!!!

Today's post is brought to you by the number 12 and the letter S.

In honor of their big day, I decided to post one of my favorite little videos they used to have on all the time when I was a kid. In fact, this song alone is the reason I prefer to count to 12, instead of say the usual boring ten. Heck no. I like to jazz it up a bit with the seventies version I learned on Sesame Street.

Big ups to Sesame Street! Shout outs to Mr. Hooper, Louis, Grover and his darn alphabet soup, teeny little super guy, Bert, Ernie, Maria, Oscar, Snuffy, Alligator King, Cookie Monster, the martians (Yep, yep, yep), Kermit, Prairy Dawn, Rubber Ducky, Guy Smiley, number 9 martian, two-headed monster, and big bird. Happy Birthday guys!

LIFE MYSTERY NUMBER 282

Can we for a minute, talk about something that has been bothering me for quite some time? And for quite some time I mean, for at least the last twenty or so years of my life.

Yes, as you might have guessed from the lovely number above, my fashion conundrum is the infamous sleeveless turtleneck. I am completely confused, baffled, and quite perplexed by this piece of clothing. I mean, I just don't get it. What exactly, is the point?

I guess my question to those of you who are bold enough to actually wear this type of fashion is, are you hot? --hence the sleeveless part, or are you cold? Hence the turtleneck part? I just don't get it. Hot, or cold? Tank top, or turtleneck? Just. So. Confusing.

If any of you bloggers out there have insight into this, I am open and ready to hear your comments and be educated on the sleeveless turtleneck. Cause really, I just don't get it.

And even more ridiculous? Seeing this item this morning at the gym. Total and complete confusion.

Dear Mattel,

Thanks to you I almost choked on my honey bunches of oats this morning and died. You see, it was all I could do not to laugh as I was mid-swallow during breakfast this morning. You might be wondering how this is your fault. Three ridiculous words Mattel.

Sugar. Daddy. Ken.


admiringly,

Amy



White pants, white shoes, pink polo shirt, green Jacquard jacket, hair for days, and a mini dog complete with pink leash. All this for only $81.99


Palm beach Sugar Daddy ken debuts in April. Pre-order yours today!

WHAT IS BLIK

Are you a commitment-phobe? Then, I've got just the thing for you.

Decals. That's right, vinyl stickers for your walls. Only, this little online shop isn't your grandmothers decal store. Nope. They've got modern, fun, whimsical, unique decals you won't find anywhere else.

So, I happened upon this neat online decal store, whilst browsing the net for home decor inspiration, and I thought I'd share some of my new favorite finds.

I know we are all a bit strapped for cash right now, and I think these adorable headboard decals, at only $40 a pop, might be just the way the spruce up your room without breaking the bank.

Or, maybe you've been searching and searching for that perfect desk top lamp, but just can't seem to find something that doesn't take up too much space? Well, how about no space? Try this cool lamp decal.

Couldn't resist throwing in this very retro cool 80's stereo decal. Might just be the perfect thing for your studio or office.

Or maybe you have some wood floors in your shabby chic nursery or kids room that needs refurnishing, but don't have the time or moolah? Try one of these adorable doily decals. Sure to spruce up any space.

Or for some eclectic fun how about these grandfather clocks? Or how about this fun donkey kong decal for a young boys' room? And these birds? Just might be beautiful in your living room.

Anyhow, if you are in the market for some wall decals be sure to check out blik. After all, these aren't your grandmothers decals.

Happy Shopping!

THE GIVING TREE

Okay, well, I know Halloween hasn't even come and gone yet and I'm already doing a Thanksgiving post. But I have a good reason. Promise.

So, I found these cute little trees and leaves printables over at Living Locurto via Chocolate On My Cranium. I thought it was such a great idea, that I decided I would print one out for each of my kids, cut and laminate them so they would be ready for November 1st. That's just two days away friends. So don't dawdle.

So, here is the deal:

01.Download the free printable HERE. One for each child/person. Tip: download on card stock for extra durability.

02. Print out a couple of pages of leaves for each person.

03. Starting on November 1st, cut out one leaf, and write something you are thankful for. Glue the leaf to the tree.

04. Cut out another leaf and write something you did to help or give service to someone else that day. It can be as simple as a smile, singing a song to make someone feel better, or writing a letter to Grandma. Glue this leaf to the giving tree.

05. Do this each day leading up to Thanksgiving. By Thanksgiving your trees will be full of leaves! On Thanksgiving read what everyone is thankful for and what they did to give to others.

I thought this would be a great Family Night Activity (Nov. 2), and a great way to extend Thanksgiving throughout the whole month of November.

HEY LOOK. IT'S A COUPON-FREE POST

But it is a you tube post. Call it cheap and lazy if you'd like. However, I am so loving this song today. Check it out. Go Lily.

HEY, 25% IS 25%.

Save up to 25% online at Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic. Use code SAVE123; expires tomorrow.

So get on it!

MMMM. . . PIZZA.

This week is customer appreciation week over at Dominos. They have Large one-topping with extra cheese for only $5.99. Carryout Only. Limit of 259 per day.

I realize that Little Ceasars is still cheaper than this, but if you wanna mix it up a bit, or don't like LC's, this might be just the deal for you. But you must act quickly. It only lasts a week.

CARD TABLE RE-DO

So, I saw this little re-design over at younghouselove, and I just am completely enamored. I mean, how cute is this do-over? I just want to say, that I would totally do this if a) I had the energy, and b) I had a card table. Luckily I have neither, and can just enjoy the awesome creativity of others. Go them!

Just look at that hideous card table. Boring and blah. And then. . .

tada! Amazing what a little spray paint and oil cloth can do for ya. Just imagine how a little bunco around this baby would liven things up a bit.

Some people are so darn nifty.

Actually, come to think of it, I do have a few chairs like this, and it might be a fun little makeover for fall. If I happen to find the energy, and actually re-do the chairs, I'll be sure to post some pictures. But, don't hold your breath people. I kind of suck at follow-through.

Happy Thursday Everyone!