HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE
Yeah, it's a whopping one day late...you know what I am dealing with at work this week ;)
And I won't tell anyone how old you are...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
For Chad : )
I stumbled upon a blog, http://pipsylou.blogspot.com/ , and read the most perfect post ever. This will make my dear hubby grin from ear to ear. This is so true and perfectly writtten.
"Today we spent about 2 hours at Costco, and as I was paying there wasn't a tag on a new Cinderella velour sweatsuit (very fashionable, I know), so the man looked it up and said it was 16.99. I knew durn well that the price was actually 12.97 and tried to tell him that, but he told me I was mistaken.
That $4 was burning the stretch marks right off my stomach. I battled the holiday scourge to find another of the same outfit, then waited 25 minutes in the return line while the kids happily threw blueberries at each other. When I got to the front, the lady told me to get into another line, where they'd give me my $4.38.I MAY have said, "Mommy's going to have an aneurism, kids!" under my breath.
Would you have stuck around for the $4.38? See, it's not like I am really that hard up for enough to buy a Mighty Kids' Meal, but to me it's the principle of the thing. If you advertise an item at a certain price, the customer shouldn't have to fight to be able to buy it at that price.And then I got to thinking more, but how concious I am of the prices of things I buy. And then I was thinking how lately it has really bothered me when someone says to me, "Oh, you are so lucky to be able to go on trip X." Or when someone asks you if you had to put 'Christmas on a credit card this year' and you say "no!", they look at you like you have 3 eyes and then recover enough to say, "Wow! You're so lucky!"This happened just this weekend, so I thought I'd write about it.
Hmmm... I wouldn't say it's luck. I'd say it's planning. I got so annoyed a few months ago when a friend told me that Scott and I were lucky to be able to afford to go to California for a weekend. We hardly ever take trips or buy big new things, and when we do, we just pay for it outright. This friend went on and on about how she wished she was lucky enough to afford such things. It seems to be a common theme in society.
People don't believe in such a thing as planning.Did you notice we have a very small one-car garage house? (I love it.) Or that Scott is still wearing clothes from 1982? How about that the quilt on my bed is a dead ringer for the quilt Laura Ingalls Wilder was sneezing on before she died of typhoid?We choose not to indulge on some things so we can indulge on things we really like. We love to take the kids out to eat and to take trips. "Hey, kids! Look! We're really doin' this trip right! An Iowa cornfield! OK, back in the car to the Circle K Campground!"
I'm really looking forward to one of the cars dying so we can shock the poo out of the car salesman when we write him a check. But we have to love Microsoft Money to do it.I shop at Aldi and fight prices at Costco and put back the lotion I really wanted to buy and make my kids' clothes last and last (I'm famous for buying them big so they'll last longer, thus making Lucy and Asher look like miniature gangsters. Once, when Lulu was 2, she was wearing a size 6 shirt. Remember that, Rach?) And I got really prickly when someone suggests that I am lucky for being able to think about buying an HDTV for Scott for Christmas.
Our only debt is our mortgage. We save money every month. Scott makes an average wage. Still, I'm shocked when I look at the savings account and watch it grow. "That's what happens when you save, Rachel," Scott says, adjusting his Bel-Tone and turning up Lawrence Welk.
Don't tell me I'm "lucky" to be able to stay at home, while you drive off in your 2015 Honda CRV. Did you not notice that I drive a Buick Le Sabre built by a factory worker who was listening to the Village People's new LP at the time?It's not luck. It's choosing not to buy a Margarita at dinner or deciding that I really don't need the new pair of shoes. It's buying the cheap diapers and mowing the yard myself. It's finding free things for the kids and me to do and clipping coupons until my fingers bleed.
I'm not a moron. I know the economy is crappy. I know that people are losing jobs. I know that people get cancer. CRAP happens, and it happens to all of us. I'm not talking about being blindsided by crappy luck. I'm talking about choosing to spend and then acting like the people who plan and save are somehow blessed.I just heard the story of someone this weekend who was complaining that soon, they'd be out on the street. Then they went on to talk about how they just bought their kid a $300 phone for Christmas. And they constantly talk about how "it must be nice not to have money problems."ARGH.
We ARE lucky in that we don't have major medical expenses (oh wait, we do). I guess we ARE lucky in that my parents are hosting the trip we're taking at the end of January to the Newport Coast Villas. But we're not lucky that we have the money to pay for getting there and back, outright.So yeah, don't tell me I'm lucky.I'm bound to get cantankerous, and that might interfere with the suntan."
Posted by Pipsylou at 2:15 PM
"Today we spent about 2 hours at Costco, and as I was paying there wasn't a tag on a new Cinderella velour sweatsuit (very fashionable, I know), so the man looked it up and said it was 16.99. I knew durn well that the price was actually 12.97 and tried to tell him that, but he told me I was mistaken.
That $4 was burning the stretch marks right off my stomach. I battled the holiday scourge to find another of the same outfit, then waited 25 minutes in the return line while the kids happily threw blueberries at each other. When I got to the front, the lady told me to get into another line, where they'd give me my $4.38.I MAY have said, "Mommy's going to have an aneurism, kids!" under my breath.
Would you have stuck around for the $4.38? See, it's not like I am really that hard up for enough to buy a Mighty Kids' Meal, but to me it's the principle of the thing. If you advertise an item at a certain price, the customer shouldn't have to fight to be able to buy it at that price.And then I got to thinking more, but how concious I am of the prices of things I buy. And then I was thinking how lately it has really bothered me when someone says to me, "Oh, you are so lucky to be able to go on trip X." Or when someone asks you if you had to put 'Christmas on a credit card this year' and you say "no!", they look at you like you have 3 eyes and then recover enough to say, "Wow! You're so lucky!"This happened just this weekend, so I thought I'd write about it.
Hmmm... I wouldn't say it's luck. I'd say it's planning. I got so annoyed a few months ago when a friend told me that Scott and I were lucky to be able to afford to go to California for a weekend. We hardly ever take trips or buy big new things, and when we do, we just pay for it outright. This friend went on and on about how she wished she was lucky enough to afford such things. It seems to be a common theme in society.
People don't believe in such a thing as planning.Did you notice we have a very small one-car garage house? (I love it.) Or that Scott is still wearing clothes from 1982? How about that the quilt on my bed is a dead ringer for the quilt Laura Ingalls Wilder was sneezing on before she died of typhoid?We choose not to indulge on some things so we can indulge on things we really like. We love to take the kids out to eat and to take trips. "Hey, kids! Look! We're really doin' this trip right! An Iowa cornfield! OK, back in the car to the Circle K Campground!"
I'm really looking forward to one of the cars dying so we can shock the poo out of the car salesman when we write him a check. But we have to love Microsoft Money to do it.I shop at Aldi and fight prices at Costco and put back the lotion I really wanted to buy and make my kids' clothes last and last (I'm famous for buying them big so they'll last longer, thus making Lucy and Asher look like miniature gangsters. Once, when Lulu was 2, she was wearing a size 6 shirt. Remember that, Rach?) And I got really prickly when someone suggests that I am lucky for being able to think about buying an HDTV for Scott for Christmas.
Our only debt is our mortgage. We save money every month. Scott makes an average wage. Still, I'm shocked when I look at the savings account and watch it grow. "That's what happens when you save, Rachel," Scott says, adjusting his Bel-Tone and turning up Lawrence Welk.
Don't tell me I'm "lucky" to be able to stay at home, while you drive off in your 2015 Honda CRV. Did you not notice that I drive a Buick Le Sabre built by a factory worker who was listening to the Village People's new LP at the time?It's not luck. It's choosing not to buy a Margarita at dinner or deciding that I really don't need the new pair of shoes. It's buying the cheap diapers and mowing the yard myself. It's finding free things for the kids and me to do and clipping coupons until my fingers bleed.
I'm not a moron. I know the economy is crappy. I know that people are losing jobs. I know that people get cancer. CRAP happens, and it happens to all of us. I'm not talking about being blindsided by crappy luck. I'm talking about choosing to spend and then acting like the people who plan and save are somehow blessed.I just heard the story of someone this weekend who was complaining that soon, they'd be out on the street. Then they went on to talk about how they just bought their kid a $300 phone for Christmas. And they constantly talk about how "it must be nice not to have money problems."ARGH.
We ARE lucky in that we don't have major medical expenses (oh wait, we do). I guess we ARE lucky in that my parents are hosting the trip we're taking at the end of January to the Newport Coast Villas. But we're not lucky that we have the money to pay for getting there and back, outright.So yeah, don't tell me I'm lucky.I'm bound to get cantankerous, and that might interfere with the suntan."
Posted by Pipsylou at 2:15 PM
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Bass Pro Bathroom Incident
I wasn't thinking of posting this little story about Aidan, but since this is serving as a "baby book/memory book" for him, it is very appropriate. Please be advised, this story involves a bathroom and if you are not comfortable with bathroom happenings, stop reading now...
We went to Bass Pro on Sunday to get out and do something for the afternoon. Aidan likes to look at the fish in the tank and right now they have an awesome train display that Aidan can't get enough of. We had just eaten before going there and I had to pee bad, and so did Chad. I took Aidan with me into the women's restroom and went in the big handicap stall on the end. While we were in there, there was another woman in the stall next to us. She happened to not be peeing, you get it, thanks. Well, I didn't see any problems at this time. Aidan is just chatting and all of a sudden, wrinkles up his nose and takes a big breath/snort in and says, "Ew, Mommy, she's poopin'!" Oh Lord. I said quietly, "Shhh, Aidan." But of course that did nothing, Aidan continues, "She o-tay? It's stinky. Mommy, she tootin'?" I could not pee fast enough. I quickly gathered up the kiddo and we ran out of there as fast we could. No, I did not stop to wash my hands. I have hand sanitizer in my purse, thank goodness, apparently for events like these. I told Chad what happened when we got out and we headed quickly away from the bathroom. I was laughing so hard I was crying. It was so hilarious and terribly awkward. Poor lady...
Aidan is definitely in the, let's say, observant, stage now ;)
We went to Bass Pro on Sunday to get out and do something for the afternoon. Aidan likes to look at the fish in the tank and right now they have an awesome train display that Aidan can't get enough of. We had just eaten before going there and I had to pee bad, and so did Chad. I took Aidan with me into the women's restroom and went in the big handicap stall on the end. While we were in there, there was another woman in the stall next to us. She happened to not be peeing, you get it, thanks. Well, I didn't see any problems at this time. Aidan is just chatting and all of a sudden, wrinkles up his nose and takes a big breath/snort in and says, "Ew, Mommy, she's poopin'!" Oh Lord. I said quietly, "Shhh, Aidan." But of course that did nothing, Aidan continues, "She o-tay? It's stinky. Mommy, she tootin'?" I could not pee fast enough. I quickly gathered up the kiddo and we ran out of there as fast we could. No, I did not stop to wash my hands. I have hand sanitizer in my purse, thank goodness, apparently for events like these. I told Chad what happened when we got out and we headed quickly away from the bathroom. I was laughing so hard I was crying. It was so hilarious and terribly awkward. Poor lady...
Aidan is definitely in the, let's say, observant, stage now ;)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas Recap
We spent Christmas at our house this year. We were joined by Grandma and Grandpa Van Roekel and Aunt Lizzy. We opened gifts on Christmas Eve. Aidan loved unwrapping his gifts. He got some great new clothes, which he desperately needed and a big basketball hoop from Grandma and Grandpa. He also got some crafty toys, some more trucks, a camping set and a t-ball set. He had a blast. He really understood what was going on this year.
I love the excited, cheesy smile we have going here...
Christmas day was spent hanging out at home. Dad and Lola decided they also needed to nap, while Aidan kept Lizzy busy in his "house," or as Lizzy soon discovered, The Jail.
No napping in the house, Lizzy. LOL
We spent the majority of that day, seriously like 8 hours, playing the new Wii. Chad got Guitar Hero and Tiger Woods 2009 golf for Christmas. That silly Guitar Hero is the most addicting thing ever. We couldn't stop. It got pretty intense. We are quite the rockstars. 
Aidan has his camping kit set up in the living room as well. This is his new "house" as opposed to under the dining room table where he kept Lizzy prisoner. Now Grandma had to play in the tent. I love this photo of them...
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and hope you have a Happy New Year!
I love the excited, cheesy smile we have going here...
Christmas day was spent hanging out at home. Dad and Lola decided they also needed to nap, while Aidan kept Lizzy busy in his "house," or as Lizzy soon discovered, The Jail.
No napping in the house, Lizzy. LOL
We spent the majority of that day, seriously like 8 hours, playing the new Wii. Chad got Guitar Hero and Tiger Woods 2009 golf for Christmas. That silly Guitar Hero is the most addicting thing ever. We couldn't stop. It got pretty intense. We are quite the rockstars. Chad's parents came back into town on Sunday. They spent Christmas day and the following days in St. Louis with Chad's brother, Mark and Rebecca. Aidan got to open some gifts from Mark and Becca. They were the cutest set of tools and a matching toolbox. There are some hilarious pictures that Chad's dad got of Aidan with his leaf blower and goggles that I will put on here as soon as I get them. THANKS MARK AND BECCA! Aidan loves them. He spent the rest of the night with Grandpa fixing his "boat" (the Rubbermaid container we bought to store his old toys in).
Grandpa and Aidan racing their cars...
Aidan's favorite song right now is Ring Around the Rosie. He calls it "ashes ashes" and poor Grandma and Grandpa had to play a few rounds...
Aidan has his camping kit set up in the living room as well. This is his new "house" as opposed to under the dining room table where he kept Lizzy prisoner. Now Grandma had to play in the tent. I love this photo of them...Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and hope you have a Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas in Jeff City
This past weekend we had Christmas at my parents in Jeff City. It was great. Mom made some yummy food and Aidan got to open his presents. We all got some amazing things! THANKS MOM AND DAD! Aidan got perhaps every Thomas the Train toy under the sun, so he was VERY happy :)
This is a train set that they have up in their front living room. Aidan loved checking it out with Grandpa.Lizzy and I in our "holiday sweaters," purchased every so excitedly at 4:30 in the morning, the day after Thanksgiving...
Aidan, Mama and Papa...
I love this picture of Aidan. It may look like he is being thoughful, but really he is listening to a train that has just come...
This one is just too cute not to include...
He got his Racing Trains set up to race Dad before we went home for the night...
This week, Chad's parents are coming, or as Aidan calls them, Two Mama and Two Papa. He got this once he figured out that he did in fact have TWO grandpas and grandmas. So Chad's parents got the name, Two Mama and Two Papa. It is so funny when he talks about them. He can't wait for them to get here. He asks every morning if they are here yet. We will be spending Christmas at home. Lizzy will also be joining us. Should be a great time.
Chad gave me my Christmas present last night because he just couldn't wait any longer. You will soon figure out why...he got me a Wii. I didn't realize just exactly how much fun this thing is!! We played it for hours. It really tires you out!!! It was so much fun. Two Papa better watch out because he is in for quite the bowling match when he gets here!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Big Bang Theory
So Chad and I are completely addicted to Big Bang Theory on CBS. Definitely best sitcom on TV right now. So this was from this week and was so fitting for Christmas...
Sheldon to their neighbor, Penny:
"You bought me a present? Why would you do such a thing? I know you think you're being generous, but the foundation of gift giving is reciprocity. You haven't given me a gift, you've given me an obligation. The essence of the custom is that I now have to go out and purchase for you a gift of commensurate value and representing the same perceived level of friendship as that represented by the gift you've given me. Ah, its no wonder suicide rates skyrocket this time of year. Oh, I brought this on myself by being such an endearing and important part of your life... "
Merry Christmas :)
Sheldon to their neighbor, Penny:
"You bought me a present? Why would you do such a thing? I know you think you're being generous, but the foundation of gift giving is reciprocity. You haven't given me a gift, you've given me an obligation. The essence of the custom is that I now have to go out and purchase for you a gift of commensurate value and representing the same perceived level of friendship as that represented by the gift you've given me. Ah, its no wonder suicide rates skyrocket this time of year. Oh, I brought this on myself by being such an endearing and important part of your life... "
Merry Christmas :)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Last Week
Just an update on what we have been doing the last week. No pictures to post, but you are probably glad for that since I went a little overboard with photos the last time. Chad was in Kansas hunting pheasant with the boys. He left Tuesday afternoon and came home Sunday night. He had a blast. I don't think he has ever walked so much in his whole life. He keeps emphasizing how tired he is since he, you know, "walked 45 miles in 5 days." Poor baby.
Meanwhile, Aidan and I were at home with the dogs. We had lots of fun. We did a lot of hanging out at the house since it was cold. He is really into "going swimming" now. Not real swimming, let me explain. Aidan has always LOVED taking a bath and then randomly a couple of months ago, he started HATING, I mean HATING, the bath. He would scream bloody murder if he even thought he was going to have to get into that thing. He would say, "No mom. I am done with this." Well clearly we can't be "done" with taking baths. So like any rational mother, I headed to the store to buy any product, toy, item, etc that could possibly entice my son into the bath. I found a spout cover for the tub shaped like the heavenly Thomas the Train, along with matching bubble bath and some other random bathtime fun products. Yeah, he loved the train from the outside of the tub. So for awhile, I just sucked it up and we had the fastest bathtime you could imagine. I think he was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Enough time to soap it up and clean off. All the while, screaming like a banshee. So then when we took that last trip to Iowa, my sister and I were at Bath and Body Works we saw this super fun looking foamy soapy stuff that smelled like bubble gum. OF COURSE. This would definitely make it fun because it looks like when Dad shaves and Aidan loves that. Definitely didn't help. The kid was scared to death of this creepy foam. I put one little drop in the water to float with him and he shimmied out of there so fast. Super. We had all but given up hope when I asked Aidan if he wanted to swim in mommy's room. We have a much bigger bathtub with jets and I thought maybe we wouldn't realize they are the same thing. Yeah, I know...but he totally LOVED it. So yay, that is wonderful. But now, everyday, every morning and night, "Mommy, can I got swimmin?" I guess I can't complain as now I have a clean child that doesn't scream.
So for the week Chad was gone, we tackled swimming and played a bunch. On Friday night our babysitter had a Parent's Night Out. I was alone so I did the Christmas shopping for this week. It is much easier without a 2 year old grabbing everything in sight. Saturday we went to Jeff City to see Grandma and Grandpa. Lizzy came along with us. We did a bit more shopping and had lunch. Lizzy and I then left to come back to Columbia. Aidan wanted to stay at Grandma's house so he had a sleepover.
Lizzy and I headed over to Boonville to try our luck at the casino. She was still very bitter about our trip to Vegas so she was hoping Missouri would be better to her. AND IT WAS. She totally won some $$ but of course it was gone by the time we left. Mine of course went away too LOL. I spent the night, quietly at home. It was wonderful. I slept until 9 and then went to a new church to check it out for us. It is called Woodcrest and it was absolutely awesome. Needless to say, we will all be there next week. I met Liz for lunch and then we went to the store to buy Christmas cookie supplies. We spent the afternoon baking and making the biggest mess I have ever seen. Though no one will know because we were the best cleaner-uppers you have met. No evidence of mess. Excellent.
Chad came home and we had some family time. That should bring us up to now. We don't have anything exciting going this week. Saturday is Christmas in Jeff City and next week Grandma and Grandpa Van Roekel are heading this way so we should have fun!!!
Later Gators
Meanwhile, Aidan and I were at home with the dogs. We had lots of fun. We did a lot of hanging out at the house since it was cold. He is really into "going swimming" now. Not real swimming, let me explain. Aidan has always LOVED taking a bath and then randomly a couple of months ago, he started HATING, I mean HATING, the bath. He would scream bloody murder if he even thought he was going to have to get into that thing. He would say, "No mom. I am done with this." Well clearly we can't be "done" with taking baths. So like any rational mother, I headed to the store to buy any product, toy, item, etc that could possibly entice my son into the bath. I found a spout cover for the tub shaped like the heavenly Thomas the Train, along with matching bubble bath and some other random bathtime fun products. Yeah, he loved the train from the outside of the tub. So for awhile, I just sucked it up and we had the fastest bathtime you could imagine. I think he was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Enough time to soap it up and clean off. All the while, screaming like a banshee. So then when we took that last trip to Iowa, my sister and I were at Bath and Body Works we saw this super fun looking foamy soapy stuff that smelled like bubble gum. OF COURSE. This would definitely make it fun because it looks like when Dad shaves and Aidan loves that. Definitely didn't help. The kid was scared to death of this creepy foam. I put one little drop in the water to float with him and he shimmied out of there so fast. Super. We had all but given up hope when I asked Aidan if he wanted to swim in mommy's room. We have a much bigger bathtub with jets and I thought maybe we wouldn't realize they are the same thing. Yeah, I know...but he totally LOVED it. So yay, that is wonderful. But now, everyday, every morning and night, "Mommy, can I got swimmin?" I guess I can't complain as now I have a clean child that doesn't scream.
So for the week Chad was gone, we tackled swimming and played a bunch. On Friday night our babysitter had a Parent's Night Out. I was alone so I did the Christmas shopping for this week. It is much easier without a 2 year old grabbing everything in sight. Saturday we went to Jeff City to see Grandma and Grandpa. Lizzy came along with us. We did a bit more shopping and had lunch. Lizzy and I then left to come back to Columbia. Aidan wanted to stay at Grandma's house so he had a sleepover.
Lizzy and I headed over to Boonville to try our luck at the casino. She was still very bitter about our trip to Vegas so she was hoping Missouri would be better to her. AND IT WAS. She totally won some $$ but of course it was gone by the time we left. Mine of course went away too LOL. I spent the night, quietly at home. It was wonderful. I slept until 9 and then went to a new church to check it out for us. It is called Woodcrest and it was absolutely awesome. Needless to say, we will all be there next week. I met Liz for lunch and then we went to the store to buy Christmas cookie supplies. We spent the afternoon baking and making the biggest mess I have ever seen. Though no one will know because we were the best cleaner-uppers you have met. No evidence of mess. Excellent.
Chad came home and we had some family time. That should bring us up to now. We don't have anything exciting going this week. Saturday is Christmas in Jeff City and next week Grandma and Grandpa Van Roekel are heading this way so we should have fun!!!
Later Gators
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas Tag!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I would like to use wrapping paper, but I think most that receive gifts from me would prefer gift bags because I may be the worst present-wrapper on Earth. I am not exaggerating. Be thankful if you receive a gift bag :)
2. Real tree or Artificial?Definitely artificial. We have always had a fake tree. Growing up we had the fake tree too. Nothing like pulling out the pre-lit tree and "fluffing" those branches
3. When do you put up the tree? No set date. Sometime after Thanksgiving. Whenever Chad lugs the box up from the basement
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime around New Year's
5. Do you like eggnog? DEAR LORD NO
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Not sure, loved everything. Maybe my American Girl doll and accessories
7. Hardest person to buy for? Chad because he never says what he REALLY wants
8. Easiest person to buy for? Aidan-he loves everything!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? no
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail. Seriously, do people actually email holiday cards? If you are going to email me one, please just don't lol
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? That's not very nice
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Well Chad says I celebrate Christmas shopping all year long, but TECHNICALLY, the Christmas gifts are bought VERY last minute. Yeah, I am a procrastinator. I did most of my shopping this weekend since we have Christmas with my parents this coming weekend. The rest will be done the week of Christmas...I love the pressure of shopping :)
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I can't really remember, but surely. We actually may have recycled a gift from another holiday/celebration AS a Christmas gift, perhaps.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas cookies, homemade caramel corn, turkey, etc. Anything to make my pants not fit
16. Lights on the tree? Multi colored lights. We technically have a "Vintage Multi Light Pre-Lit Christmas Tree." Meaning it has the big ol' colored lights. Courtesy of Target after Christmas for under $20. Oh yes...
17. Favorite Christmas song?O Holy Night and Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas (Lizzy, I know that is your MOST FAVORITE SONG EVER)
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both, it varies every year. Last year we just happened to be in the Bahamas for Christmas (woo hoo!!), but this year we will be at home. Family is coming to OUR house.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Only by singing the song
21. Yeah apparently there was not a question no. 21
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither, a pointy-ball-y thing
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude, oblivious people at the stores and traffic
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Mainly just various ornaments, but we fill in with blue ball ornaments and silver ones that look like disco balls.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Varies I guess
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I don't have anything truly in mind for Christmas. I would just like for us to have a happy holiday season and a wonderful year next year.
Five Names you go by:
1. Mommy
2. Kat
3. Kathleen
4. Babe. hon, etc
5. Cee Biz (LOL right, H.DuB?)
Three things you are wearing right now…not necessarily in any order
1. Creme cowl neck sweater
2. Khaki trousers
3. Brown boots
Two things you did last night:
1. Watched A LOT of House!!! Gosh I love Hugh Laurie...and USA for putting House on for hours at a time. I watch House a lot, maybe Aidan will end up being a doctor LOL, or perhaps just really asinine and sarcastic...
2. Made Christmas cookies
Two things you ate today:
1. Said Christmas cookies (haha, Lizzy)
2. Um, more Christmas cookies unless you count the Diet Pepsi I drank WITH my Christmas cookies, and its only 10 in the morning LOL
Two people you last talked to on the phone:
1. Chad
2. Mom
Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
1. Work of course
2. Put away some laundry
Three of your favorite beverages:
1. Dr. Pepper, oh lord that is the best ever
2. Diet Pepsi
3. Diet CHERRY Pepsi, or Coke, as long as it is Diet and Cherry YUMMY
2. Real tree or Artificial?Definitely artificial. We have always had a fake tree. Growing up we had the fake tree too. Nothing like pulling out the pre-lit tree and "fluffing" those branches
3. When do you put up the tree? No set date. Sometime after Thanksgiving. Whenever Chad lugs the box up from the basement
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime around New Year's
5. Do you like eggnog? DEAR LORD NO
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Not sure, loved everything. Maybe my American Girl doll and accessories
7. Hardest person to buy for? Chad because he never says what he REALLY wants
8. Easiest person to buy for? Aidan-he loves everything!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? no
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail. Seriously, do people actually email holiday cards? If you are going to email me one, please just don't lol
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? That's not very nice
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Well Chad says I celebrate Christmas shopping all year long, but TECHNICALLY, the Christmas gifts are bought VERY last minute. Yeah, I am a procrastinator. I did most of my shopping this weekend since we have Christmas with my parents this coming weekend. The rest will be done the week of Christmas...I love the pressure of shopping :)
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I can't really remember, but surely. We actually may have recycled a gift from another holiday/celebration AS a Christmas gift, perhaps.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas cookies, homemade caramel corn, turkey, etc. Anything to make my pants not fit
16. Lights on the tree? Multi colored lights. We technically have a "Vintage Multi Light Pre-Lit Christmas Tree." Meaning it has the big ol' colored lights. Courtesy of Target after Christmas for under $20. Oh yes...
17. Favorite Christmas song?O Holy Night and Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas (Lizzy, I know that is your MOST FAVORITE SONG EVER)
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both, it varies every year. Last year we just happened to be in the Bahamas for Christmas (woo hoo!!), but this year we will be at home. Family is coming to OUR house.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Only by singing the song
21. Yeah apparently there was not a question no. 21
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither, a pointy-ball-y thing
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude, oblivious people at the stores and traffic
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Mainly just various ornaments, but we fill in with blue ball ornaments and silver ones that look like disco balls.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Varies I guess
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I don't have anything truly in mind for Christmas. I would just like for us to have a happy holiday season and a wonderful year next year.
Five Names you go by:
1. Mommy
2. Kat
3. Kathleen
4. Babe. hon, etc
5. Cee Biz (LOL right, H.DuB?)
Three things you are wearing right now…not necessarily in any order
1. Creme cowl neck sweater
2. Khaki trousers
3. Brown boots
Two things you did last night:
1. Watched A LOT of House!!! Gosh I love Hugh Laurie...and USA for putting House on for hours at a time. I watch House a lot, maybe Aidan will end up being a doctor LOL, or perhaps just really asinine and sarcastic...
2. Made Christmas cookies
Two things you ate today:
1. Said Christmas cookies (haha, Lizzy)
2. Um, more Christmas cookies unless you count the Diet Pepsi I drank WITH my Christmas cookies, and its only 10 in the morning LOL
Two people you last talked to on the phone:
1. Chad
2. Mom
Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
1. Work of course
2. Put away some laundry
Three of your favorite beverages:
1. Dr. Pepper, oh lord that is the best ever
2. Diet Pepsi
3. Diet CHERRY Pepsi, or Coke, as long as it is Diet and Cherry YUMMY
Monday, December 8, 2008
My Version of a Christmas Letter
So we have started receiving the usual Christmas letters for this year, and I thought of doing this as well. But, I happened to make Christmas POSTCARDS this year for our holiday card, so a letter would probably not work so well. Then I remembered this handy dandy blog I have and thought I would just do our version on here. So behold, our little Christmas update:
This year has been pretty uneventful thankfully!! Major events of the year: Chad's brother Mark got married in June and my dad turned 50 in July. We got to take a trip or two to Iowa to visit Chad's parents. They are doing well. My parents are also doing well.
Chad is still working for The Big Tobacco Company. He really likes his job, and he is good at it (though he probably won't brag on himself, or even say he liks the job to be honest). He has been there 5 years (actually that could be a complete lie as I really don't know how long he has been there, oops). He has been there for awhile ;) This year he was really hoping for a big hunt somewhere fancy, not Iowa or boring Missouri, but this was not his year for that. He has been hunting a bunch lately and is actually headed to Kansas with his buddies for another hunt soon! I believe this would be the last hunt of the year, but who knows with that stuff!!
I am still at The Big Mean Insurance Company. In February I took a position as an auto adjuster for a different department. I handle our Tennessee auto losses. I really enjoy what I do and work with a bunch of really neat people. I can't say that I have gone on any exciting hunts or anything as yeah, that is soooo not my thing. This year has not brought anything too exciting our way. In August, I was able to go to Las Vegas with my sister and some girlfriends. It was a blast. Other than that, Aidan has been taking up most of my time.
Aidan turned 2 this August. He has been amazing us every day. He is starting to be more into the whole idea of potty training, but we are definitely taking that SLOW. He is talking more than ever, and of course, repeating MANY things ;) He is getting so big. He is wearing 3T-4T pants, for the length, and thank goodness for the adjustable waists because he is not that big around yet!! He is really enjoying the new puppy. Poor Lola had no idea what she was getting into coming home with us. To recap, we now have Lacy, the golden retriever who is 7, and Lola, the papillon, who was born in August. They have been quite the duo to watch!!
I am not really sure what else you are supposed to put in these Christmas letters?? But, how about if you want to know more you just scroll through old posts? Yeah, that would be super. They are very informative :) Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Love,
Kathleen, Chad & Aidan
This year has been pretty uneventful thankfully!! Major events of the year: Chad's brother Mark got married in June and my dad turned 50 in July. We got to take a trip or two to Iowa to visit Chad's parents. They are doing well. My parents are also doing well.
Chad is still working for The Big Tobacco Company. He really likes his job, and he is good at it (though he probably won't brag on himself, or even say he liks the job to be honest). He has been there 5 years (actually that could be a complete lie as I really don't know how long he has been there, oops). He has been there for awhile ;) This year he was really hoping for a big hunt somewhere fancy, not Iowa or boring Missouri, but this was not his year for that. He has been hunting a bunch lately and is actually headed to Kansas with his buddies for another hunt soon! I believe this would be the last hunt of the year, but who knows with that stuff!!
I am still at The Big Mean Insurance Company. In February I took a position as an auto adjuster for a different department. I handle our Tennessee auto losses. I really enjoy what I do and work with a bunch of really neat people. I can't say that I have gone on any exciting hunts or anything as yeah, that is soooo not my thing. This year has not brought anything too exciting our way. In August, I was able to go to Las Vegas with my sister and some girlfriends. It was a blast. Other than that, Aidan has been taking up most of my time.
Aidan turned 2 this August. He has been amazing us every day. He is starting to be more into the whole idea of potty training, but we are definitely taking that SLOW. He is talking more than ever, and of course, repeating MANY things ;) He is getting so big. He is wearing 3T-4T pants, for the length, and thank goodness for the adjustable waists because he is not that big around yet!! He is really enjoying the new puppy. Poor Lola had no idea what she was getting into coming home with us. To recap, we now have Lacy, the golden retriever who is 7, and Lola, the papillon, who was born in August. They have been quite the duo to watch!!
I am not really sure what else you are supposed to put in these Christmas letters?? But, how about if you want to know more you just scroll through old posts? Yeah, that would be super. They are very informative :) Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Love,
Kathleen, Chad & Aidan
Christmas Parade
This Friday was the Christmas tree lighting at Shelter. I took Aidan to go watch and possibly see Santa. I say possibly because Santa was definitely there, but currently Santa is "ew" at our house. He apparently still was Friday night. We are working on "Santa is nice." It was soooo cold out that night. I couldn't find his mittens once we got there so he had to hide his hands in his coat. Crazy little guy didn't want to leave the tree though!! He just wanted to stay and look at it. Finally, I coaxed him home with candy. Yeah, I know.
Saturday was the Christmas parade in Jeff City. We met Jamey & baby Drew, Lindy & Natalie, and of course Lizzy came with Aidan and I. This had to be the longest parade I have ever sat through. I was thinking, oh yeah this should barely take an hour. TRY AN HOUR AND 20 MINUTES. Lordy was it cold. Thankfully not as bad as Friday night, and this time, Aidan and mommy had hats and gloves. Here is Lindy and Natalie. They are just toooo cute : )
This was Aidan and me before the parade. He is very serious at this moment because he can HEAR the firetrucks, but cannot see anything yet. We were down the line quite a bit from the beginning of the parade.
Um who puts a "Prisoner Transport" bus is a holiday parade?? Yeah, I was a bit befuddled and thought it was quite hilarious.
Auntie Lizzy...
Liz, Jamey & Drew...freezing. Well not Drew, he was quite cozy in his get up
Aidan was so good the entire time. He was just in awe of the firetrucks, police cars, motorcycles, tractors, etc. He stayed in his stroller almost the entire time. The candy was so thrilling to him ;) He wanted a lollipop before we made it back to the car.
Not much else happened this weekend. We were homebodies really on Sunday. We went to Wal-Mart of course and played at home. Elizabeth came over that evening for pizza. Hope you all are getting ready for Christmas; it's right around the corner!!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Deer
Here is a picture of Chad's friend's mule deer he got in Arizona. This is posted for my dear husband. You're Welcome Chaddy. Jimmy is on the left and Andy is on the right.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Christmas Tree!
Last night we put up the Christmas tree. Aidan has gotten very into Christmas lights and trees so we thought it was a perfect time to put ours up. He was excited to put on the ornaments and make sure they were just high enough to that "La" couldn't get them.
This ornament was his favorite. It is an ice skate, but he was excited that it was a "boot."
Aidan and his baby "La." He carried her around all night and kept showing her the lights on the tree. He would then say, "No, no La. No Christmas lights." He was very worried that she would eat his ornaments off the tree. Needless to say, she didn't have much interest in the tree anyways.
Aidan Pictures
We got some of the photos of Aidan that Grandma and Grandpa Van Roekel took of him during the week of Thanksgiving. They are just awesome. Here are a few of them.
Thank you guys!! We really appreciate the pictures! Aidan looks so grown up!!!
Thank you guys!! We really appreciate the pictures! Aidan looks so grown up!!!Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving
We had Thanksgiving at our house. Both sets of grandparents came, along with Lizzy, Mark, Rebecca, and Great Grandpa Hogue. The house was definitely busy that day. Ruthie slaved away in the kitchen creating a fantastic meal. My mom brought some tasty desserts and of course Lizzy brought the wine. This pictures leads you to believe that Chad was a helper in the kitchen...
Your eyes are not deceiving you. That indeed, is a Happy Thanksgiving-Thomas the Train cake. You don't think Grandma Hogue likes to spoil Aidan at all do you?
Mark and Great Grandpa Hogue, and of course Annie, enjoying the pretty day outside after eating.
Your eyes are not deceiving you. That indeed, is a Happy Thanksgiving-Thomas the Train cake. You don't think Grandma Hogue likes to spoil Aidan at all do you?Mark and Great Grandpa Hogue, and of course Annie, enjoying the pretty day outside after eating.Luke and Ruthie in the kitchen. Ruthie just couldn't stay away...
Me, Lizzy and Rebecca 
Lizzy, Rebecca and I headed out that day to see if there was any shopping open by chance. Of course, only Wal-Mart and Walgreens were open and that definitely wouldn't do, so we headed to the movies and took in a little James Bond. I love Bond movies, but those two weren't so sure. But I think I can say that they totally loved the movie and now also love them some Daniel Craig! Everyone went home that night, except for Grandpa and Grandma Van Roekel. They were leaving Friday morning.
Lizzy came and picked me up at 4:30 am on Friday for some holiday shopping fun. It was hilarious. Or at least things seem a lot funnier at 4:30 in the morning!! McDonalds and Hardee's weren't even open yet, much to Lizzy's dismay. Kohl's was the scariest shopping site we had seen and got out of there 5 minutes after we walked in. The upside was that NOW McDonalds was open for some food and caffeine!!! We hit the mall and Old Navy. We made off with some excellent deals. We called it quits about 8 o'clock so I could say bye to Chad's parents. We went to get some breakfast and then Chad needed to go to Bass Pro. THAT PLACE WAS CRAZY. There were cars parked up and down the street, the parking lot was full, and people everywhere. We braved the crowds and went in. Chad found what he was looking for, I decided I should get in line as it was wrapping around the store at this point. So I stood in line for about 37 minutes, and we finally made our purchase and was out of there!!
Aidan, Lizzy and I went to Jeff City later that afternoon so he could have some more time with Great Grandpa before he headed back to Texas. Of course, I made Lizzy go to a few more stores before I dropped her off at home that night. I think she is officially shopped out.
Sunday, Chad and I went to lunch since Aidan stayed in Jeff City. His buddy went to Arizona hunting and had killed a mule deer that apparently we needed to see. I don't know much about these things, but it was a 5 x 5 and was super awesome apparently ; ) We went out to see it, and it was a pretty deer. Well it was, until Jimmy took a knife to it and started to clean it. I was pretty done with that at this point. We went home, did some cleaning and I went to get Aidan at dinner.
It was a great weekend and we had lots of fun. Hopefully I will have some of the photos that Grandma and Grandpa Van Roekel took of Aidan to put up here soon. They are sooo fantastic!!!
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