What I LOVE about Christmas!

I hope that you were able to find another small book of some sort - a journal, extra spiral notebook, anything will work.  Maybe I should have told you this up front... I do apologize.  I surely hope you were able to find one on such short notice.....

I have a problem with "lists"...(remember this LIST post...)  and I love tracking things... so having notebooks in every room is a must, every purse, bag and even in my car - is a MUST!  I don't leave home without some sort of "notebook" in tote!  I know... I'm a bit crazy! BUT they are my saving grace! :)   So, this is probably one of my most favorite "after Christmas" things I like to do and usually it is on New Years Eve, or New Years day, when I really just want to "chill!".... "RELAX!"   but since we are a little behind, there is no better time to start than the present - so humor me a little and play along - who knows!  You might just enjoy it too!  

I like to sit down and review

 "WHAT I LOVED ABOUT CHRISTMAS!" 

I start by writing the "questions" on the top of my page - then I go to town! 

(this makes me so excited!!) 

Question 1:  

What I LOVED about Christmas!  

Christmas is a special time of year and should be celebrated and not dreaded. We need to remember that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ and we should be joyous during this time (and all year) and not let the world get us caught up in how we should celebrate this special time.  This is one of the times during the year we take time time to really remember and lift up all the important people and things in our life. The goal is to take a few minutes and write out all the things you love about Christmas.  Think about things you do, things you see, how you celebrate, activities you attend, people you spend time with, traditions in your family, songs you love to listen to, family you celebrate with, giving gifts, sending cards, foods you enjoy, and anything else you think make the holiday season special for you.  We want to make sure we enJOY the season by filling it with the things we love doing and mean the most to us.

Question #2

What I did not like about Christmas this year.

Every year there are things that we wish we had not done.  This does not only refer to that dreaded party but also to actions we did or did not do.  For example,  did you get your cards out later than you wanted or maybe you forgot to make the picture appointment early so all the good times were already taken?  

Take time to sit down and make a list of these dislikes, this will then become a punch list to help you restructure your holiday plans. You will refer back to this list as we work on planning the upcoming holiday season – the goal is to make sure we enJOY the season removing as many dislikes as we can.

Question #3

What I want to do this Christmas! 

It seems that our “to do” list for the holidays never seems complete and at times it can feel like it doesn’t even get shorter. Think about things last Christmas that you really wanted to do, but maybe you just ran out of time, or you thought about it a little too late in the season - whatever it was - it is important to try again! DO NOT just let it go without trying... :)  Make a list in your notebook of these items and then ranked them by importance. Because it IS important!

Question #4

Things that I HAVE to do this Christmas season.

Examples of this would include annual family get-togethers, church services, mailing Christmas cards, entertaining you do, decorating, Christmas pictures, etc. This list may be long – but that is o.k. as this list is what we will use when we get to the calendar section.

Question #5

Five things I want to do this Christmas that I did not do last Christmas 

Make a list of 5 things that you really want to try to do this Christmas.  Place the list in your Christmas Notebook. The items you list can be things you have never done before or things you have done but just did not get around to last Christmas.  Rank your list and then try to incorporate at least ONE item in your holiday season this year.  Your goal is 5, but if you do not reach this goal you have not failed – you already have ideas for next year!  Each Christmas will get easier and you will be more organized so do not fret!

Question #6

Activity Journaling Questions

Activities play an important part of most people's holiday celebrations.  In your Christmas Notebook journal take a few minutes and write about the following: 

• Write down all the holiday activities you and your family did last year outside of your home – be sure to include church, school, community, and family activities.
• What activities are a must do for our family every year?
• Are there church related activities that I would really like to do this year that I have not done in the past?
• Ask every member of your immediate family what their 3 favorite activities that you attend outside of the home are during the holiday season and write it in your notebook.  Incorporate at least one thing from everyone's list into your holiday planning.  Remember this is their Christmas too!  (This is really another of my FAVORITE things to do - I just LOVE finding out what my kids REALLY enjoyed and LOVED about Christmas as well.... I was quite surprised when this year my youngest (10 yr old) replied with, "I was happy that mom didn't sleep through Christmas this year."  Sure turned the lights on for me!) **I like to do this for a Family Home Evening activity, usually the first one of the year.  
• What things from your childhood do you remember doing?  Is this something you could do today? 
• Are there activities you would like to add to your holiday season?  Write them down – maybe when you work on scheduling you will have time for one or two new activities.. 

Coming up: Calendars and Activities/Traditions.... oh so excited!!!!! 

OH! Be sure to swing on over to visit DEBBIE at  Debbie-Dabble Christmas.... tell her I sent you over to visit with her!!!! She'll enjoy your visit as well!

***Note: Some of the ideas above, were taken from a homemade book that I received some 25 years ago - "How to have a Stress free Christmas", little did I know then, as a young newly married gal and a couple kids that it would come in so handy through the years. - I don't know WHO to give the credit to - or I surely would.... but I do THANK them for being so smart~even clear....back.....then....*** 

Baby it's getting HOT in here.....

I am finding it really HARD to get my Christmas Spirit on... when there are so many FIRES burning around us....

Last Friday afternoon, one of our agents was looking out his office window and I heard him say "Well, looks like we have some mighty dirt devils funneling around the south end of the valley"....(I find him quite funny as every phone call he takes, he usually gives a "weather" update, so I never really have to wonder what is happening on the outside world, he keeps me informed as well :)), and he continues, "oh, and it looks like there is another fire on the Rose Canyon Mountain."   I rushed to his window (and yes! I had to look out. and YES I was getting rather nauseous..16 floors up! I tried REALLY hard not to think about it! I have avoided these windows for 6 months now!) but there it was some 40 miles away - a fire! 

 I watched for a few minutes and soon it was a HUGE fire!  I tried calling home. No answer.  5 times!  COME ON PEOPLE! ANSWER THE PHONE!.... agh! FINALLY someone called me back - and yes - there was fear in my children and my husband as well - as the fire "seemed" closer to them, than the fire we experienced nearly 2 years ago - and it was started lower in the valley this time, not along the mountain ridge as it was last time.  Needless to say - I FLEW out of work! 

 (I hope I put everything away.... oh well - too late if I didn't)

These photos, just break my heart. 

I can't EVEN imagine what I would do, if in their shoes.

Cry.  Very hard I'm sure.

OH. MY. HEART. 

This makes my stomach hurt. 

My heart ache.

I just can't even fathom.

We are safe.  Although nearly 900 homes were evacuated - most as a "pre-caution" in case the winds decide to pick up and change direction - overall 11 structures/cars were destroyed in all .... 350 acres burned thus far...SO SAD!  My heart just goes out to them.

Then, 4 days later - another fire breaks out - just across the other side of the valley - and 500 MORE homes evacuated! MORE families displaced!  More homes in danger... it is becoming very hard to be excited for FIREWORKS! It's actually terrifying me... 

(This is the Draper Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Draper Ut.0
 (The fire is just on the other side of the mountain - but trying the sneak it's way over the ridge....)

Fire. It has it's place. And it's time. Now, well it is just not the time, nor the place. I prefer it in a fireplace.... controlled..... when it is snowing outside and keeping me warm inside. Not now. Not in the HOT HEAT. Not out of control. NOT THREATENING people, homes, livestock, and wildlife. So sad. 

 This is when a FIRE is NOT welcome!  I'm sorry.

 Here is  a "small" aerial shot of "after" effect.

Firefighters did an AMAZING job at containing the fire.

Hard to imagine we only lost 4 homes with this OUT OF CONTROL fire.

My heart goes out to all those that lost their homes, cars, livestock, fences.... 

My prayers go out to all those involved.  

INCLUDING the firefighters!

They have been working NON-STOP for what seems like months. They are exhausted. They are tired. They are HOT! Their families are missing them. THEY are truly hero's who put their life on the line of duty every single minute.  I thank you and pray for you all! 

Praying for...

 No wind. 

Rest for the firefighters. 

People to be SMART about FLAMES

. And mostly praying for the safety of all involved.... 

Families, emergency personnel, animals.... 

and for GOD to bless the USA! 

There is tragedy all around.... 

Please, bless us all. Everyone. Everywhere. 

 Pictures from Herriman City, KSL News and friends.... 

(I would post MY pictures - but someone, somewhere, somehow

 has borrowed, mis-placed or stolen my camera cord! GRR!)...

Adjusting... isn't always easy....

Let's just say...

I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THE PAST 5 MONTHS HAVE GONE!

Could I please get them back??? Paaaallllleeeeeeeaaaaassssssseeeeee???

So much has happened on one hand and yet on the other ... NOTHING!

I'm such a slacker!  I'm so EXHAUSTED!  I'm so LAZY!  I'm just so..... well you decide....

Just prior to Christmas - life took a change... a turn... a FLIP in the road... The world and life we have known for the past 12 years, the life that we have face different trials, challenges and growing pains, but yet we had come very accustomed to.. was about to change again... And I remember thinking 12 years ago when life took on this "curve" in the road, that I honestly didn't know how we would adjust to "this new" change.  But we did. We managed. We learned. We grew.... and we actually ENJOYED it... BUT NOW... life was about to change again... going down yet another turn that we have not been on thus far in life - and I was filled with fear yet excitement at the same time.  Is that possible to have fear and excitement in the same sentence??? let alone the same "feeling"?...

Well, needless to say - I was forced to start looking for another job.  I have worked out of my home for the past 12 years - 2 different jobs - but still - both able to work from my home.  It has been very nice. My two youngest children have known nothing different, and the older three have "known" of mom working out of the home - but I honestly think that they too have become quite attached to the fact that mom has been home for the past 12 years... I know I have.  AND... my Mr. has too.

As I look back on the past 12 years and the "fear - worry - stress" that I had then as we started on that NEW adventure - not knowing what would come of it or if it would even work out - has been such a HUGE blessing to our family.  Isn't it funny how you just never know what life is going to throw your direction, and although what we have been through the last 12 years was not ANYTHING that I thought I was going to be, I can now see that it happened for a reason and that things were the way they were, were that way for many reasons that if someone had told me and shown me that "this is what your next 12 years will hold for you, are you SURE you want to go down this road?" I'm pretty sure I would have stayed on the road that I was traveling.  But, there were stars in my eyes and it felt right so we made the change and I stepped out of the "corporate working world" to start and adventure of our own business.  Although it was fruitful for a couple years - things happened - economy took a plunge at the 9-11 mark and unfortunately marketing was one of the first things that corporations cut back on and that in turn affected our business.... a lot.  We managed to hang on for a couple years but it was soon apparent that we were sinking fast and it was time to make some changes again.  As we were digging our feet in trying to decide which direction to go, my Mr. (then 38 at the time) decided that it would be helpful (NOT!) to have a heart attack.... reflecting back to that day and the emotion, thoughts and stress that were laying in my hands  - I remember being a tad bit angry with him and I threatened him that if he left me with 5 children (ages 11 months to 17 yrs)  to raise ALONE he would be one VERY SORRY MAN!!! (I must have scared him, because he didn't leave me-LUCKY BOY!) :)  LUCKY ME!  LUCKY KIDS!  Well, we made it through that, and his being laid off  and out of work for 3 years,  closing our business, a daughter with Epstein Bar Syndrome,  me finding a new job, TEENAGERS, and I'm sure there were a few other "stresses" in there somewhere....  and then 3 years later, he was involved in a auto accident that left him with a broken neck and later severe head trauma/injury.... so, I have been very blessed to be able to work from home - where I have been here for him and the kids as they have needed.  I've been very blessed and feel VERY blessed.   Shortly after his accident we discovered that our then 11 year old daughter, had a tumor growing down her spine.  It wasn't small by any means - it went from the brain stem all the way down to the tip of her tail bone, and it was compressing at a rapid rate - causing her spine to curve because it had no-where else to grow to.  Within 2 weeks of learning about this she was in the hospital having brain surgery.  I, was fortunate to be able to work from the hospital and keep our family going financially while Mr. held the fort down with the help of the older children.   I know that the turn we took 12 years ago was indeed a "guided" blessing - even though at times I wondered "what in the world" I had done.  If I had stayed in the corporate world, we would have insurance, a secure job, I'm sure I would have moved up in the company.... BUT what I would not have had was the opportunity that I have had the past 12 years to be home with my family 24 hours a day - to be aware of their comings and goings, to see them grow DAILY.  I have been here when they come home from school and need "mom" to talk to - I have been here to comfort them when they have been sick.  I've been here to get them to doctor appointments, dance, singing, sporting events, school events, church events, bake cookies for them when they've had a bad day or when I have had a bad day - or just because I WANT to - I've been here!  I have been home to help with broken hearts, (you know... boy troubles :)... and even crushed hearts from hurtful girl talk...  Do you know just how scary it is to walk away from what you are use to for 12 years?

I have been worried about them - about how they will feel about me - will they think that I've abandoned them? Will they know and understand just how hard this is on me as well?  I feel like I'm letting them down. I felt so torn.  My heart was breaking.... I didn't think that I would ever be able to make one step in the direction I was being forced to take. 

I have had to step up and help be the financial supporter for our family - and I KNOW that this truly breaks my Mr's heart as well.  It is so hard to see him shed tears because he is so frustrated that he is not able to do what he has been taught his whole life to do... our roles have had to switch.  And honestly, I was so worried about loosing the "mother" role with my kids.   It took a lot of prayer and a HUGE leap of faith to step out of the comfort zone and find it in myself to be able to jump back into the corporate world again. 

I applied for several jobs - jumping out on a limb with every "submit" key I would press.  The first interview I went out on was literally KILLING me inside - I just prayed that I would have strength to get through that first interview without bawling!  (It was really hard! I lost it when I got to the car... )  Needless to say - I went back on 3 more interviews and 2 phone interviews with this company - I THOUGHT this was really the job for me. But, they took so long in "making a decision" that I started to question what was really happening. (Plus it was a large cut in pay... that was a BIG concern for me).  I continued to apply for jobs daily  and it wasn't until several weeks later that I FINALLY started hearing back from some of them - I had 4 different interviews in one day - and BOY was that stressful.  In the end - it came down to the first job I had applied for and 4 others that I had been on at least 2 interviews for and 1 job that I REALLY wanted as a 9-1-1 dispatcher - all came through on the same day.... talk about decision time! Well, let me take that back a little, the 9-1-1 dispatcher I had passed 3 tests (that I will say were the most INTENSE tests I have EVER in my life done!) and I just needed to make it passed the final interview which there were 11 people that made it that far for 2 job positions.... and the interview wasn't until the following morning AFTER I was needing to make a decision on the other offers I had been given.  So, with a lot of prayer and talking with my Mr. I made a decision... probably the most "out of my comfort zone" decision I have EVER made!  There were so MANY CONS to this job - but the one PRO was "it just felt right".... CONS - 1) Down town - right smack dab down town....Down town SCARES me! 2) 16th floor - I HATE heights! (I did not want a WINDOW office.  In fact, I didn't want a window at all!)  3) 16th floor meant ELEVATORS (terrified of elevators!... more terrified that I would die in the stair well  because I'm so out of shape - so stairs was not a option to start off either! ) 4) required parking in a parking terrace.... you guessed it if you said TERRIFIED OF PARKING TERRACES! T E R R I F I E D!  5) a very LONG commute (like 1 hour in the morning and 2 hours to get home)  6) Business dress - (I work in my PJ pants! SWEAT PANTS! Heck I could work in my underwear if I wanted! (But I choose not too, but I could)).  7) I would have to do something with my hair - a pony tail just won't cut it any longer 8) GAS~  lots of gas money....

But, I took this offer and I can just say that the last 5 months have been amazing.  Hard but amazing.  I love my job!  I feel like a lot of the people I work with - I have known for a very long time!  They are so good to me.  My family - well they deserve the BIGGEST squeeze!  They have had to step up and go out beyond what they thought that they would ever do too.  Although it has been difficult on all of us - I'm so very VERY thankful for their support.  Of course I would PREFER being home - being a mom and wife that is here for them 24 hours a day - but if this is the life we have to live for now - I'm very thankful that my MR is here and he is here for the kids - even though I KNOW he would prefer switching places with me - he is doing a great job stepping up to the plate of Mr. Mom. Yes, he struggles at times but the girls have been pretty good about taking care of him as well.  Some days are just simply hard. But, I have to keep telling myself - that we are strong. We will survive.  We will because WE ARE FAMILY!  

The only thing I don't think they will be willing to ADJUST on is dad taking over the "Christmas" shenanigans! I'm pretty sure HE draws the line there as well.... SO! With that being said - I guess I better get a STEPPIN' IT UP!  Christmas is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!

How are you all doing in the CHRISTMAS department?

I've just spent the last week - rethinking, remaking and rechecking my list...
It is TIME to get my CHRISTMAS on!
Who is in?
Are you ready?
It's gonna be here before we know it!

Back on the saddle it is!
After all... it's just
4 months and 1 week away!!!

OH MY ................ 

Hobby Lobby Anyone?????

First... 

again...

apologies...

Can I just say life has been one whirl wind after another around here ~

 some days I'm not sure if I'm even standing upright! 

 I feel much like a revolving door lately ~ never really knowing when I'm suppose to step out for fear of getting stuck somewhere in between and getting "smooshed!"  But, I'm sure you ALL feel the same way... sometimes anyway... I hope... I'd hate to be all alone .... hmmmm... I'm going to tell myself that I'm not alone if that's OK.... 

All I can say is ~  I'm sure glad I started thinking Christmas on Dec. 27! And yet,  I'm still very concerned that I'm not going to meet my deadline date... that clock just seems to keep on tickin'... even when I take the batteries out!

And now back to my question.... 

Today, Saturday morning was to start out REALLY early ~ especially for a Saturday!  (but honestly, between you and I, I would rather start early then spend the day "sleepin' it away - no matter HOW tired I THINK I am!) I set my alarm for 6 am ~ because I didn't want to forget to pick up my Bountiful Basket at 7:00 am - (This is a PLUG IN.....have you ever tried the Bountiful Basket Food Co-op?~Take a look at it here, and see if it is in your area ~ AMAZING! That is all I can say... AMAZING! SO, SO WORTH IT!) Anyway... after that I had several places I needed to run and makes some returns/exchanges, go grocery shopping, clean the house, pull weeds, mow the lawn, WASH my car...and all by 4:00 (should I be worried that I'm exhausted just typing it?... it's no wonder I didn't get it all accomplished - sheesh!)  Well, my youngest wanted to go with me to pick up the food basket so she made me promise I would wake her up early to go... so I did. It honestly took all of 10 minutes to pick up and get back home - can't do that at the store! SO EASY!  Anyway on our way home this was our conversation.... (now remember she is 9 years old - not 30!) "Mom do you think that we could go to Hobby Lobby today?"  "For what?"  "Oh, just to look around and you know, get some ideas... I think my room is ready for a makeover.  Do you know how long it's been since I've been there?  I think I need a Hobby Lobby run today... So, what do you think? Can we go mom?".... (long pause because I'm trying not to loose it in laughter as she is talking to me in her 30 year old voice, legs crossed on the seat in the car and of course she has the hand motions to go with it....) ..... and then she adds in her little "teasy-snide bribery voice".... "They might have Christmas decorations out...."  and she is smiling ear to ear!  OH MY HEART BEAT!!! I think I've created a MINI-ME!!!!  

Well, needless to say,  after all the errands that HAD to be done were done - she was BORED and just wanted to come home! LOL.... I guess she isn't 100% converted! 

I just thought I would check in and see how everyone is doing on their Christmas planning... project making and such.  If you haven't started - it isn't too late yet!  If you need a jump start or a "RE-LIGHT" - maybe this will help!  Coming up, very soon!  .... I'll be doing "CHRISTMAS IN JULY!" posts, so.... get a move on it ~ get your projects going and be sure to take pictures ~ I'll take entries July 1-15 and then spotlight them the 16th - 31st - this way we can ALL get some AMAZING ideas to help get us on the right track.... who knows ~ maybe even beat HOBBY LOBBY to the Christmas Decorations!  Wouldn't that be fun!!!  :)  (There will be lots of different categories too - decorations, cards, neighbor gifts, inexpensive gifts, gifts for him, gifts for her, family gifts, etc.... lots of ideas I'm hoping to gather! )..... 

SO.... 

On your MARKS....

GET SET....

GO!!!! 

Get creative!!!!  

Together ~ we'll make Christmas COUNT!  

I'm getting SO SUPER excited!!!! Are YOU!?!?!

This couldn't have been said any better!

In an evening class at Stanford, the last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease.  The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among a few other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for HIS health is to be married to a woman... whereas, for a woman, ONE of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends,.  At first, everyone laughed, but he was VERY serious. 

He continued with: "Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences.  Physically, this quality of "girlfriend time" helps women to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well-being.  Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities.  Women share from their souls with sisters, mothers, and girl friends and evidently that is very GOOD for their health."  He continued to say that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged.  NOT TRUE!  In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking! 

So, every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health!  We are indeed very VERY lucky!  So..... there ya go!  Let's CHEER to our friendship with our girlfriends! Evidently it's VERY good for our HEALTH!

I'm so blessed to have WONDERFUL friends and sisters who have been there for me through out my life!  I KNOW that they have SAVED MY LIFE!!!!  I'm hoping to be VERY Healthy here pretty soon!!! I have so many great and wonderful friends, how could I not be!!! :)  (I surely hope I am as good a FRIEND in return!) 

OH... and just a little CHRISTMAS update....  a few more gifts are done!!! YEAH!!!!! 

How are you all doing???  I promise to get better at this....
 all in good time, my dears ... all in good time!

I'm BaAaAaAaAaAaAaAaAaAaAccccckkkkkkk!!!!!

Holy cow!  What a whirlwind I've been in the past month!  I have soooooo much running.... RACING through my brain right now!  It is on OVERLOAD!!!! But I have so much I need to UNLOAD share ... I just don't EVEN know where to begin!  This may end up being a "SERIES" of posts..... because there is just SO MUCH!!!!  ..... Where to start...... Let's see.....hmmmm... 

First - CHRISTMAS!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! Can you believe it will be here in nearly 10 months!?!?!?! Honestly! Where does the time go???? Just look at that JOLLY LIL FELLA over to the right... he's just BEAMING with excitement as he reminds me that for me - CHRISTMAS will count in just 8 months and 2 weeks.... (I just felt a TWINGE of anxiety....... briefly....)   BUT! I'm so super excited!  I'm finally feeling like I just might be getting close to on track.... well, at least closer than I was last year.... but I also know that I HAVE to! Life has changed so much in the past month!  It is just beyond crazy - and enforces the "BE PREPARED" so much more....

I apologize for neglecting my "CHRISTMAS COUNT DOWN".... I stress over it!  But then I wonder if there is really anyone out there that really cares right now... or if it is just for myself... either way - it still stresses me out ... I've started something and I feel like I'm failing.... My goal is to get a LOT better!  They may be short and sweet to the point posts - but I've got to get better at it.... 

First... where have I been.... ???? Well, shall we say.... WHERE haven't I been???? HERE!!! (That was much easier to answer... LOL!)  This past month I have had to make some HUGE steps leaps bounds jumps DIVES! CHANGES! Yes, that's it - CHANGES! After working from home for the past 11 years, and working for the same company for the past 8  1/2 years... I had to take a leap of faith and change jobs.  It has been EXHAUSTING to say the least.... I started out looking DILIGENTLY for a new job just prior to Christmas.... Stared interviewing the week after Christmas and after 4 weeks of GROULING interviews with several companies... and feeling as if NOTHING was going to come of any of these interviews....(just a FYI - just because you go on 4, 5, 6 interviews with the same company... it apparently doesn't mean much... except that SOMEONE can't make a decision...SERIOUSLY!  and I learned that that was NOT the job I wanted.... when they finally offered me a job - it was NOT for the position that I had even applied for and interviewed 6 different times for... but they had a different job that they would like me to "INTERVIEW" for.... ARE. YOU. KIDDING!!!!  Go through 6 or more interviews AGAIN.... no thank you. I declined..... I then had 4 other job offers in 3 days!  It was a matter of laying it all out on the line... all the PROS and CONS for each job... It felt good to have the "CHOICE" and not "FEEL" that I HAD to accept the first offer....It was easy to omit 2 jobs... the pay wasn't the best, the location, kinda "scary", and one of them had cats that roamed the office... not that that is good or bad - (my first thought was MICE! ...uhhhh - terrified of mice!) ... but the con was - allergies... and after my 2nd interview I looked like "POP-n-FRESH" Dough-boy's sister.... not a look I felt I could adjust to very easily...  The two I needed to decide between were very close in PROs and CONs ...

.Job 1- GREAT pay, GREAT benefits, CLEAN environment, awesome people (those that I met anyway). Mon-Friday 8-5.... PERFECT!   

Job 2 - Great pay, GREAT AMAZING benefits, awesome people, great "life" experiences, gaining LOTS of knowlegde and KNOW-HOW, Training, and fun people....  

con's for job 2 - hours... they were all over the place.  12 hour shifts, you were required to work so many early am shifts, pm shifts, graveyard shifts, swing shifts, weekends, holiday etc... every month. VERY mentally and emotionally taxing. Down town (about 45 min drive)... 

 Job 1 cons: high rise building, office on top floor,  parking garage, DOWN TOWN, elevators, walking 2 blocks to building alone.... (scary!) ....

So now what!?!?! What to do!?!?!?! I decided that I needed to "REALLY" narrow it down - and it came to... HOURS... shifts.... the rest of it I just had to pull up my britches and be a big girl and just "GET OVER IT!" .... So I took job #1!  AND... it was the best decision ever!  

OK friends... Just a FYI... I have NOT conquered my "FEAR" of heights... I do NOT walk near the windows (or EVER look down!)  and thank HEAVENS my office is on the INSIDE of the building - not along the outside WINDOW edge!  I take 2 different elevators every day - for a minimum of 4 times a day - (If I go to lunch then it is 6 times! :)) I park in a parking garage - and have only had "ONE" encounter with something that felt the need to "SCARE" me and bang the roof of my car....(stupid pole!)  I walk down a busy (homeless filled at times) street ALONE to get to the office... and have only been asked 3 times so far for $10-$40 .... (HONESTLY! They are so brave now, they ask for dollar amounts!) Been followed ONCE by a man that wanted to know if my hair was "REAL" and mine.... for the love!  It is exhausting this hair of mine.....  and one even asked if she could wear my necklace for a day - (kinda broke my heart - but it was my favorite necklace... I KNOW! I should have just given it to her! ... I'm sure I'll see her again....) I have tripped over some stupid bump in the sidewalk 2 or 3 times with NEVER falling completely - but once got a up close and personal look at the crack in the cement... (that was a bit embarrassing) . AND I was applauded!  So I felt much better about that!  (Yes I am graceful!).... BUT needless to say it has been a HUGE adjustment on all of us!  It is a 2 hour drive every day - IF the traffic is somewhat good and I am exhausted by the time I get home.... I think it is the LONG drive home - puts me to sleep!  I don't feel that I'm being a very good mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter, neighbor.... anything like that.  I feel that my time with my family is so short - the time just goes MUCH too fast.... BUT for now... it is what I have to do. It is what WE have to do. I know that my husband would trade me positions in a HEART BEAT - so I try not to complain.  He didn't CHOOSE this lifestyle, someone else chose it for him and it is really hard at times to know that our future laid in the hands of someone else and the "choices" that they made that day.  BUT, it is what it is - and I'm so SO very grateful that we have been so blessed!  This job truly is a blessing!  We will soon have health insurance, which we have not had for years, I actually have HOLIDAYS off - which will be SO amazing, and the extra that I make now - will help us to get back on our feet... and I feel so TRULY blessed!  I'm so thankful.... 

And... I'm thankful for BLOGGY friends!  Thank you for your notes!  You are AMAZING as well!!!  I hope to get time this weekend to post a few projects and get some direction for this month that is more than HALF over .... but thank you for being so patient... kind... and BLESS YOU ALL!!!! this is to be THE BEST year! RIGHT!!!!! 

Love you all, my friends!  I'll be back... I'm exhausted right now - can barely keep my eyes open... hope my fingers know what they are doing..... .

I'm not going to get offended.....

I'm going to chalk it up as ....

EVERYONE IS JUST TOO STINKIN' BUSY :)...

I understand! I get it....

BUT.... we had a giveaway... and that is what I wanna do... 

GIVEAWAY!!!! 

SO.....

Giveaway #5 Winners ..... 

Thanks to those that posted comments!  I know that everyone is BUSY so I REALLY THANK YOU for taking time to do so! 

I need addresses for YOU and the person that you feel could use a "EXTRA HUG" ... 

You all win!!!!  

I was so touched by each of your thoughts and caring hearts!  You are amazing!  The "HUG RECIEVERS" are truly inspirational too!  I really WISH that I could meet you all in person!  My heart has been so touched by you and through you!  It surely puts a better perspective on the day to day life.... how blessed each of us really are - despite our trials.... things could always be worse. What a great reminder to enjoy the little things... take time to tell those we love.. that we love them.... make sure they know that we love them... making the best of every minute we can is really so simple... yet so difficult too ....  

I'm just so touched..... (I think I've mentioned that a time or two.... ) 

Thank you so much for sharing! 

My prayers are going out for you and your "HUG RECEIVER"... may you all be blessed and comforted everyday.... may you feel the peace and love of our Savior wrap around you, especially at this time of year.  Bless you all!  Merry Christmas to all of you! 

Karan - (Karan' Holidays Corner)  I just have to say ... BLESS YOU AND YOUR SWEET FAMILY MEMBERS! I just can't even imagine.. imagine having to face that at any time... let alone this time of year... SO SO HARD..... I have been praying for them since I read your message... It surely has impacted my life.... on a daily basis....  Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for them (or you) from here....in the mean time....  I'll keep praying! 

Diane -(Lavender Dreamer)  BLESS YOU and your SWEET friend! I'm always so inspired for those that just keep on going... keep on giving... even when they seem to have every reason to just sit back and receive... they do deserve it - but they just keep on doing.... BLESS HER!!!! 

Diane - (Tablescapes) - I'm so HAPPY you joined us!!!!  What a SWEET HEART you are!!!!   I'm surely sure you have someone who would love to receive a HUG!  Let me know - because I'd LOVE to send them one in behalf of you!  :) and you one too!!!  

Tricia - (Hillcresthome Primes) - I hope you received your winning package from last giveaway!!!  I think we were having issues communicating via this lovely thing we call "internet service providers" lol!...  BUT guess what!! You win again!!!! And I just KNOW you have some one that would LOVE a HUG!!!  So... let me know who... and why... because I would LOVE to get their HUG (and your's) in the mail! 

Send me addresses ladies.... That would be FABULOUS!!! 

May you all be BLESSED with all the comfort, healing hands and peace you so desire! 

Feeling kinda ... blue.......And.... a GIVEAWAY!

 Well... the tree situation is under control. 

If you know me well... or even just a little... you will know that

BLUE is my most least FAVORITE color.... 

But strange things happen every now and again.... 

Last year, the day after Christmas... I just HAPPENED to be in a store that was doing "CLEARANCE" on Christmas stuff... (WHO can pass that up???) ... So, I meandered over and found some GREAT bargains!  

I was so super excited... 

I had such BIG dreams! 

HIGH hopes! 

And an AMAZING imagination..... 

I was just going WILDLY-CRAZY!!! 

I had a WILD HAIR.... 

(yes my Mr. HATES it when I get a WILD hair! LOL!) 

I needed a change for the upcoming year and this sale was PERFECT timing! 

My vision..... 

3 BIG trees....

1- 7' in the front room

1-12-15' in the family room-upstairs

1- 9' in the family room downstairs

THEN...

While I was dreaming.... 

I decided that each of my kids should have trees in their bedrooms as well.... 

oh... and the guest room and MY room....

And it worked out PERFECT too... I found 2' and 3' trees for $2.00 for the set of 2!  STEAL!!! I was so super happy!!!!!  I just couldn't wait until next Christmas....

only 364 days to go!!!! YEAH!!!! 

Only one problem... well two.... I only had one BIG tree - the 7' that we had been using for several years... so I still needed to find a 9' and 12/15'.... no problem... I have 330 days or so to find them...

Yeah right...Bigger TASK than I even imagined!

  Here we are.... 11 months later and I still have not found either tree... I'll keep looking though..... THEN our NORMAL tree - decided to bite the dust as well..... but we got that issue under control (as you know) and it was time to move on.... so..... I pulled out the NEW decorations..... 

Now... just for the record -

(confession time) 

YES! I am OCD! 

(about a lot of things - but we are just talking TREES today!) 

So, from here on out - (well, all along actually) my intent is NOT to offend anyone!  

It is just I....

ME... 

it is MY problem... 

and yes- I know some are offended by it... 

but I in know way mean to offend anyone.... EVER!  

(Are we clear on that??? :)) Please...keep that in mind....

Each of my trees has a "THEME" 

Family Room - (downstairs) - "FAMILY FUN"  

Which consists of a tree made of "events" that have happened through the year 

(so each year new ones are added) 

Colors: Red, Gold and Black 

(yes, the ornaments are the same... homemade - but the same!)

Family Room - (upstairs) - "SWEET SHOP" 

Which consists of gingerbread boys and girls and sweet treats... 

Colors: Red & White 

(again, homemade - yet all the same..) 

Front Room - "WINTER WONDERLAND"  

Which consists of snowflakes, icicles and bells. 

Colors: White, Silver & Blue... 

(struggling with this tree....) 

WAIT!!! HOLD THAT THOUGHT..... 

Did I just say BLUE!?!?! I must be feeling under the weather for sure.... 

(The funny part about this.... as I was "decorating" the tree (alone... by myself... as usual.... because someone is OCD about their tree.... please don't ask why ;)) every single family member... and I mean EVERY... SINGLE... ONE.... one by one would walk in to "CHECK" the status of the tree and they would say

"MOM! You do know that is blue, don't you?"  

or

  "MOM! I thought you hated blue"  

or

"MOM! are you feeling ok? I thought you hated blue... 

but you just did our entire tree in BLUE!?!?" 

or

"WOW.... do you like it mom?".... 

OK EVERYONE!!! 

I see that this is BLUE... 

YES I feel fine.... 

YES I still am not a fan of blue.... 

YES I KNOW it is different..... 

and hmmmmm I'm not so sure I LIKE it just yet...

I'll have to let it sit on me for a while.....

BUT I have now officially decided that I am NOT taking it apart to re-decorate!  

So.... YEP! I'm feeling a bit BLUE...

 

But... here ya go! 

I'm still "tweaking" it a bit 

I removed my draperies (because they were brown - and that SO DID NOT GO! I tried putting some "tulle" along the window - then hung some snowflakes... not sure it's quite what I'm looking for... so still working on that as well.... 

 And then... there is this tree.... 

The tree my kids are REALLY missing this year... the SWEET SHOP tree!

(and I think I'm missing it too!)

I was ready for a "CHANGE" (or I thought I was) but apparently my "BLUE" has really affected everyone.... oops! LOL!   I am still frantically trying to make a "small" tree out of the "broken" trees to put the SWEET SHOP tree together.... But until then.... we're just feeling BLUE around here :) 

Which.... leads me to GIVEAWAY #4!!!! 

HALLELUJAH!  

(I know that is what you are thinking right.... :)) 

Here is my problem... I told you I'm OCD about my trees.... (and I honestly do NOT know why!) I love seeing how people decorate their trees... and they always look so FABULOUS!! I just love the "primitive, country, whimsical trees.... BUT.... Then... I come home ... and I just can't do it! (and I curse.... I mean thank my dad for passing along his "perfectionist" gift to me...) I drive myself CRaZy most of the time with it - so I KNOW I annoy others..... 

Anyway... PROBLEM:

ALL the ornaments that the kido's make... 

at school... 

at church functions...

on their own time ... 

What is a MOM with OCD-ness (otherwise known as "perfectionalism" of the tree) to do with all the "said" ornaments?  It is heart breaking... it really is.... I LOVE them with all my heart! (the kids and their ornaments, just to clarify)... BUT I just can NOT bring myself to putting them on "THE" tree! I know... that makes me a horrible mom....I know this!  It really breaks my heart.... I've tried... I truly have... But I just can't.... I drives me UP THE WALL, CRAZY, NUTS... it stresses me!!!   I even decided one year... well in advance... I needed to allow the kids to decorate "THE" tree with their ornaments... I talked to myself daily about it... repeating "I can do this....I can do this... it is ok... life will be fine.... it's for the kids.... they will love it.... You can do this... you really can..."  I even decided that if I went and purchased "MULTI-COLORED" lights for the tree it would be better... with the "disarray-meant" of colored lights (no uniform structure) and the "MULTI-ORNAMENTS", it would be just fine.... we put up the tree.... it lasted... (I hate to say this...) less than 18 hours... while the kids were at school I undressed the tree and redressed it with the "SWEET SHOP".... funny thing was... my kids didn't even notice... SHEW!  I was safe.... until.... this year... my 9 year old said as she was "unloading" each Christmas bin... "Oh mom! Look! Here is the box full of all the ornaments that all of the children have made for you... are you going to put them on the tree this year....(long pause, because I was desperately searching for the "correct" answer ... the one that would not hurt her feelings...) she continued "or are you just going to leave them in this box so that my nieces don't ruin them".... AWE!!! Good thought Bry~ that is it... "Yep... I think it will be best if we keep them safe in the special box marked "Made with love from my favorite little people" don't you agree?"  "Yeah mom, I think that is a good idea this year....(long pause again) but, if I don't have any new nieces or nephews next year, do you think that we could put them on the tree?"  My reply... "Oh, I'm sure we can figure out something".... ... and inside... I'm praying for ONE of the married kids to announce a new family member will be joining us.... (OH I AM A BAD, SELFISH MOM!) 

SO... here is the GIVEAWAY comment this week.....

Leave me a comment... answering this question.... 

1- Are you a OCD "Tree Snob", (as a new blogging friend deemed us) or are you perfectly content with perfect traditional tree? (1 entry)

2-What do YOU do with all those ornaments made by the little people in your life?
I wanna know.... and I know there are other OCD TREE HOGS  that wanna know too...

Extra entries:

1-Become a follower - or if you are already - just let me know

2-Grab my TIS THE SEASON TO SHARE button over to the right - and post it either on your side bar or in a blog post - and come back and tell me you did

3-Write about this giveaway on your blog - come back and let me know you did (be sure to "link" your posting back to my blog) 

Pretty SIMPLE.... 

You'll never guess what the prize is for this GIVEAWAY!!! 

HEE HEE HEE!!!!! 

Giveaway ends SUNDAY DEC. 4, 2011,  8:00 pm

 

Oh Christmas tree.... Oh Christmas tree.....

CAN YOU NOT JUST CO-OPERATE!?!?!?! 

We set out last night to decorate the tree.... only to discover that we have 4 pieces to our 3 piece tree..... 1 piece to our 3 part tree and no CENTER for our 1000 + piece tree!!!!  SERIOUSLY!!!! and of course not ONE of them will WORK with the other!!! Come on TREES! Have you ever heard of CO-OPERATION!!!!!  This is a VERY crucial matter!!!! We have a 9 year old that is in tears!  CO-OPERATE with me PLEASE!!!!! 

(I'm thinking we may just have to do something like this...)

But.. to no avail.... Not ONE would work with the other!  (Needless to say, my 9 year old went to bed in tears.... she was SO disappointed! She was being SO VERY PATIENT all day long WAITING for me to get my ORGANIZATION done so we could decorate... only to discover that there would be NO tree to decorate right now...)  I came in and started looking on line for trees.... We just don't have extra money for tree right now... even at 50% off... (why are they so EXPENSIVE????)  So I turned to the classifieds... sent out a few emails (because it was 11pm and didn't think that they would want a call from a FRANTIC mom inquiring about their TREE...) I woke this morning at 6 tossing and turning... and in hopes that there was a reply to my emails... even just ONE .... but there were NONE!!!!  Then it dawned on me ... probably because it is 6 AM and most people are still SLEEPING!!!!  HELLO!!!!!!  So, here I sit....waiting for a reply on a tree... silly huh? 

So..... until a reply..... I'll go get Santa's shop up and working again!  

SO..... MUCH.....TO..... DO!!!!!!

It has been one HECK of a CrAZy month to say the least... BUT I'm getting use to it!!!  (I think....) 

The past several weeks I've been busy cutting wood, painting, re-thinking my plan...cleaning up... pulling it out again.... cleaning up..... pulling it back out..... sleeping with saw dust in my ear.... my eyes....my nose... my hair... even my teeth! Every fiber of my being.....covered in saw dust!  And still... I feel as if I'm getting no-where NEAR being done!  And... Dec. 1st is just ... RIGHT... THERE!!! It is in hands reach... and I so desperately need to PUSH it out a tad!  :)   ....I'm really thinking that my December 1 deadline is going to be booted :( but I certainly am NOT going to go down without a FIGHT.... and a TEAR or TWO of my own.... I'm sure!!!!  

Well... until the TREE situation is resolved... guess I better get back to the shop.... here is just a SNEAK PEEK of what is going on around here...... 

 For December....

Meet the TALL Sno-FAMILY! 

 

I just LOVE the sleigh and reindeer... but I just realized...

I need to get them "TIED" up!!!  Missing the reins!!!!

I found the pattern and instructions here... what a TALENTED lady! 

Of course hers looks MUCH better than mine..

but I'm not giving the receiver a picture of what it SHOULD look like... 

so they will NEVER know... RIGHT???!

And for OCTOBER.....

A friend of mine had some of these... so I just "COPIED" them... and then.... I discovered they too were from this TALENTED lady.... again... hers are much better... I was just flying by the seat of my britches! 

I am now VERY tempted to just PURCHASE from her ETSY shop!!! and save me the HEADACHE!

 These are my BLOCK HEAD family!

 Well... that leaves 10 months to go!!! 

I better get on the stick!!! 

Making 4 sets of EVERYTHING is just a WEE BIT.....

OUT - OF - CONTROL!!!! 

(so, now you will no longer need to wonder WHY my house looks like a tornado, hurricane, tsunami and a whirlwind have touched down...they really have!) 

My girls are at the "newly-wed-rather poor" stage of life.... well, poor in the aspect of "no money to decorate the house" .... so I've decided to help them out - by doing a bit of monthly decorations for them... I'm so super excited .... but feeling a "BIT" overwhelmed .... because as usual.... these projects go MUCH MUCH MUCH faster in my head!! LOL!!! they are so TIME consuming in "reality" world!!!!  

Why is it that my outer body can not work as FAST as my INNER body!!! (the brain!) :)  

Well.... off I go.... hoping to hear back on a tree or two and to the shop I go... 

IT IS FREEZZZZZZING out there!!!!! 

OH!!! Don't forget!!! 

GIVEAWAY #3(enter here!)  is coming to a end!!!! 

AND.... there are 3 prizes!!!!! 

and about the same number of entries.....

I wonder WHO will win.... LOL!!!!!!

Another giveaway!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!!

So... this week.... I wanna hear about your FAVORITE family tradition! 

Don't you just LOVE traditions???? 

We have lots of family traditions... and I usually add one or two new ones each year.... just to try them out - some we keep - some we don't... but I love getting new ideas, trying them out and seeing what works for our family.... 

One of the very first traditions we start December out with is our GINGER BREAD HOUSE CONTEST!  There is a HUGE group!  And it is so fun to see just how creative everyone gets!

 Sometimes I think that more candy goes into the little mouths... and not so much on the house... but that is part of the fun!

  Of course it is a BONUS if we get to have a SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!

One of my kids most FAVORITE tradition, is on Christmas Eve.

They always get PJ's from Aunt Leslie! 

ALL THE COUSINS!!! 

 They wait with anticipation as they all open their "SPECIAL PACKAGE" together... 

What FABRIC will it be????

(and of course it is always fun to see "who's doesn't fit!" LOL!)

And... no matter how much I have hinted... 

I still have not gotten a pair of PJ'S  :( .... 

 

Like this year... the year of COW PJ's was one of their most favorite! 

 

 This year grandma made them all a "TEDDY BEAR!"

I know that my kids have cherished those little bears! 

Especially now that grandma has passed away! 

My little one still SNUGGLES with hers!

 

One of the other favorite traditions that the kids always looked forward too is on Christmas Eve when they would all gather around grandma as she read "The Night Before Christmas" to them. 

Now that Grandma is no longer with us, we have carried on the tradition in our house.

When we return from Grandpas house we read "The Night Before Christmas".  I know I'm not nearly as good as grandma, and I know we would all prefer grandma to be here with us and read to them... but until we can all gather around grandma again, I'll just have to do..... 

(This was the last Christmas Grandma read to them... picture is PRICELESS!)

 

 Of course, no Christmas is complete without reading (or acting out) the Nativity. 

Isn't this just precious??? 

We now have what I call "Our Night In Bethlehem" night. 

We all gather together, and watch the movie, "The Nativity" and we have food that we think they would have eaten during that time... like cheese's and crackers, salami and beef stick, raisins, nuts and different breads...and of course "sparkling cider!"  My kids think that is just the best! 

It has become one of my favorite traditions that we just started a couple years ago.

 And then no Christmas would be complete if we didn't make it to Temple Square to see the lights and nativity. 

We have missed it the past couple of years due to illness and the bad weather on the days we plan to go...

But this year! It is a must!  

The grand-babies must see! 

It is simply breathtaking....

uplifting.... 

and helps to keep us focused on the REAL reason for the season.

So... now that you know a few of our family traditions... 

What are yours? 

There is one more of MY most favorites... 

(WOW! I have a lot don't I!?!?) 

that I have not shared... 

and that will become the GIVEAWAY prize this week.... 

But... I'm not going to tell you until....

Next Monday.... 

When I reveal the winner! 

So... hurry!! 

On your marks...

GET SET.....

Here's is what you do.... 

You can enter 5 times!!!! WOW!!!!!

1-Post in a comment - your favorite holiday tradition

2-Become a follower ... and if you are already - tell me you are again! 

(It gives me warm fuzzies just knowing you are really out there :)) 

3-Blog about my give-away on your blog - 

come back and let me know you did by leaving the URL in your comment...

4-Grab my button and put it on your blog - come back and tell me you did so.... 

5- Tell your friends and have them mention "who" referred them to my giveaway, and if they win.... SO DO YOU!!!!!  WOW!!! that is 2 giveaways if you think about it!!!! 

SO! What are you waiting for!?!?! 

 

Let's GO!!!!! 

(sorry, can only ship to US addresses...  BOO WHO!!! but I hope you will still share!) 
(I hope to soon figure out how to ship world wide! LOL!) 

Giveaway ends at 8:00PM (MST) on Saturday Nov. 19, 2011