Happy New Year!

I couldn't resist posting a few Christmas pictures--Mattie Claire on Shorty, Molly taking over Mattie Claire's jeep, and Molly cooking in the kitchen. We have had a whirlwind holiday, but it was great. Christmas Eve is spent with the in-laws and family--that's a big group. We went back there for Christmas morning to open gifts with just Jason's, then we raced back home to get dressed. Next, we go back to the in-laws for our Christmas lunch. They got another miniature horse as a surprise for the girls, so Mattie Claire had to spend some time riding Shorty. After lunch, we made a stop at the nursing home to visit Mamaw Chandler, then it is off to my parents' house for the rest of the night. My family is a loud group, and we had a great time--dirty Santa, crazy card spitting Uno, and bingo! My mom bought a bingo game and prizes; those of us that played had so much fun and loved our prizes! We finally made it home about 10:30, then I started packing. We left about 10:30 Saturday morning headed to Mobile for Christmas with my Daddy and step-mom. We had a fun visit and the girls loved their gifts. They gave Mattie Claire a gift card to Build a Bear, so we spent Sunday shopping and headed home Monday--WHEW! Tomorrow, we are headed to Alvin and the Chipmunks, then I don't plan to get dressed or leave my house until Monday morning when it's back to school!

I love Louisiana

Jason found the funniest thing. In case you haven't seen it, I thought I would put it here. It is on youtube.com--Cajun Onstar. It is worth the 7 minutes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb9bsy0DOR0&feature=PlayList&p=3F4FB8D4FF626465&index=2

Pet Finder

I am a big fan of petfinder.com. It showcases dogs from all over in rescues and shelters. This little guy's name is Fozzy; he is in foster care in Texas. He is half pekingese and half shih tzu. I thought he was the cutest puppy I had ever seen, so I thought I would share. I know it wouldn't be responsible for us to get a puppy right now with our busy schedules, but he is pretty hard to resist.
Here is the link maybe someone out there would love to give him a home; preferably someone close to me, so we could visit and play with him!!
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15370715?rvp=1

Platters

The grandparents platter is one of my favorites. I did it last year and loved it so much that I talked several people into one this year. The inside of the tree are hands from the two middle kids. The oldest put his foot for the trunk. The little blue bird on the side is the new baby. The stocking platter is for the same family of four. It is kind of hard to think of something for four kids with such a wide range of ages.

Coming tomorrow--bunny rabbits, hippo, squirrel, monkey, ladybug, and angel. Yes, it is a wide variety and all for the same person--she is giving one to everyone in her family. I have a sad platter story I can share. Last year, one of my favorite people got several platters. She gave one of the grandparent root platters to her mother-in-law. She was recently visiting her wonderful mother-in-law and was hunting a lost shoe or something. When she got on all fours to look under the bed, guess what she found??!! Yep, the platter with a bunch of stuff stacked on top. I voted that she steal the platter back and give it a good home, kind of like a pet rescue or something. She is nicer than me and left it unmentioned under the bed. I hope all of this year's platter recipients realize what a special gift they are receiving!:0) I already look at how much my babies' feet have grown and cry. They will never be that small again!

Zhu Zhu Pets

I just thought I would share this info, because of Laura's comment. WalMart is putting out pets today and tomorrow. It is only one per day per person., and they are $8.00 each. I got each of my girls one, but I had bought the four pack at ToysRUs and don't need it now. I think it was $55 with tax. If anyone needs it as a last minute gift, you are welcome to it. The girls at ToysRUs said individually ones were going on the shelf Sunday. I think they are a little more expensive at Toys R Us. I won't have time to return it until the day after Christmas when we head out for our Alabama Christmas!

Updates

I have several things to share. First (for my Bama blogger friend), my parents will be flying private plane to Pasadena to enjoy the game. Football is not my thing, so I don't think I realized what a big deal this was until reading her blog!!:0) Second, my zhu zhu quest is OVER. A special thank you to Jason who went to WalMart at 6:00 am this morning to get what we "needed" in case there was a line. To tell him thank you, I gave him a scratch off lottery ticket. I bought a couple to put in his stocking; we aren't drinkers and don't gamble, so I guess buying a scratchoff lottery ticket once a year is our indulgence?? Anyway, he won $40!! He used the money to fill my car up with gas, soooo I guess I will have to get him an extra gift for all of his selflessness today! I did make him some sausage balls to take on his hunting trip tomorrow; hope that counts for something. Last, I will have more platters to post tomorrow. The family tree one turned out pretty cute.

Zhu Zhu Pets

As predicted, Mattie Claire has asked for a zhu zhu pet. I have had my step mom looking in Alabama, and I have had my eyes open too. You won't believe my luck!! I walked into Toys R Us today and found all four pets!! I was so excited and purchased them, but now we have no accessories. I went into a WalMart closer to home and asked a department manager about them. Can you believe that she went in the back and dug through 30 boxes to find me all the accessories they had??!! I got the house, ball, and carrier. I guess she felt sorry for me; I am sure I was looking rough after a long day of fighting traffic, long lines, and a long graduation! I made my purchase and went straight outside to make a phone call. I called 1-800-WALMART and turned this manager in for being the BEST associate I had ever encountered at any WalMart. I would still like some other pieces if anyone can point me in the right direction. Our WalMart said they have the surf board, but I don't think my girls would like that. I am thinking car, wheel, clothes (are they out yet??). Good luck to anyone who is still searching for these prized toys!

Christmas Vacation

Christmas vacation has officially begun! I feel so relaxed. I have a little bit of painting left to do, but not enough to stress me out. As promised, here is another footprint plate. This was Mattie Claire's idea, gingerbread people. I did both feet on a square platter, then added the extras. Sorry the photo is a little crooked. Hopefully more platters to come on Monday. Have a great weekend.

Teacher Platter

I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We spent most of the weekend painting, by we I mean Jason HELPED!! He helped A LOT; I could not have gotten so much done if it wasn't for him! I am also finishing up some pottery pieces.

I will start with the background on this platter. I have a friend that is ALWAYS there. She is the first to offer to help and will do anything I need--even when she is just as stressed and busy. There really isn't anyway to pay someone like that back, so I jumped on the chance to help her find the perfect gift for her daughter's teacher. She took the platter to school and secretly put each child's thumbprint on the platter. She drew me a diagram and listed hair colors and styles. I personalized the little thumbs and added names. The last step was to add the mirror. I sure hope Ms. Carlie likes it!! There will be more pottery coming soon. I am firing away.

UPS Man

He will never read this, but I thought I would post anyway. I have the BEST UPS man. If I am at my mom's, he will bring my packages in too without my asking. He will move big boxes inside, so I don't have to lift them. The list goes on and on.


I was just reading a blog by a UPS man's wife. Did you know that you could give them a little extra goodie at Christmas time? Well, I didn't, but I most certainly will this year. I guess I thought some postal police would arrest me for bribery??! She went on to talk about how tired they are at the end of a long shift, delivering Santa Claus... SOOOO, if you love your UPS guy as much as I love mind, make sure you let him know with a little something this Christmas!!

Let It Snow

She has talked about learning how to build a snowman all day long! I was afraid she had gotten her hopes up for nothing, but it happened. She and Jason scraped up every little little snowflake they could find. Of course, we had no coal or carrots, so we had to use skittles. He is now living in our freezer! We'll see what happens! Our new family member has even made it on our Christmas card. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

12 Days of Christmas

We started our 12 days of Christmas to our teachers today. Three of us are going in together, so we will be able to make it really special. Our first gift was:

On the first day of Christmas my students gave to me

some yummy petits fours from Traina's Bakery.

I made little tags and the words rhymed. I told my mom today that by the last day I will probably just say, "Here's your present." I have the next couple of days all ready to go! I have some beautiful poinsettias that my parents found in Jonesville and those precious Sweet Pea stickers for Friday. Hope they like it all!

Yummy Tree

We are slowing but surely decorating. I put up my kitchen tree. I LOVE this tree. It is covered with gingerbread men, cookie ornaments, cupcakes, candy,...

Poor Molly has a nice little rash now, but it is just part of the virus. Hopefully, we will all be well soon. On another note, my children do not watch commercials. They watch Noggin and enjoy shows like Dora, Olivia, Little Bill,... We have missed the whole zsu zsu craze. I was bragging that thank goodness my child was not begging for that ungettable toy; however, a friend burst my bubble today. She said, "What if she hears everyone else talk about them and wants one? You didn't find one, ...." She was basically telling me that I had ruined Christmas for my sweet little five year old. I freaked and called a few Wal-Marts (including one in Alabama), but no luck. I will just cross my fingers that A) She doesn't want one. or B) Wal-Mart gets some more in! I will keep you posted.