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!