The Break Is Over

Christmas break is officially over today. The kids have gone back to school, and it's back to work I go.

It wasn't an amazing break, but it was a good break. I got a chance to rest, and watched a couple of movies I'd been waiting to be released on DVD... 'The Help,' and 'Rise of the Planet of The  Apes.'

This summer, I fell in love with 'The Help,' after reading the book. Although there were things in the book that didn't make it to the movie... it was great! I loved hearing Aibileen tell Mae Mobley, "You is kind... you is smart... you is important," just as much as I did reading it. And when Minny told Hilly to "Eat.My.Shit," I laughed all over again!

'The Help,' is right up there with 'The Color Purple,' for me... Classic!

The last 'Planet of the Apes,' had me waiting for 'The Rise of The Planet of the Apes.' Although it didn't pick up where it left off, I did enjoy it. I found myself rooting for Caesar, and when he spoke... I was done! Absolutely brilliant, I never saw it coming.

The day after Christmas, I had #pajamaparty! I stayed in my pajama's all day long, and I didn't cook at all! It was every man, woman and child for themselves. I watched TV, ate, slept, and ate some more. *deep sigh* A very good day!

There was one mishap... if I can call it that. We didn't put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving like usual. I just didn't have the Christmas Spirit. Finally the week of Christmas, Babygirl pulled the tree out of the attic, and down stairs. While she started putting it together, I ran out and bought red and white stripped mesh, and candy canes to decorate our tree. And that's all that made it onto that tree! No ornaments. No lights. Yes, it was a little sad looking.

Each year, after Christmas we put the ornaments and tree back in their boxes, and put them back in the attic. Babygirl could not find them.

Yesterday, we took the tree down, and cleaned out the attic (one of last years resolutions), throwing out a ton of stuff that we were just holding on to. There was no sign of the ornament box.

How in the world could a box that big go missing???

Now that left over Christmas decorations are on sale, I'll buy for Christmas 2012.

Right now, I have tunnel vision... Spring Break '12, here I come!!!

Christmas Spirit, Stop By Here

It's December 13, and we've yet to put up our Christmas tree, and I've not said "Merry Christmas," one time! It seems the spirit of Christmas present has just passed me by.

It could be that the end of the semester mayhem has a little something to do with it. I still have what seems like miles of papers to grade, not to mention give and grade finals.

My girls busy basketball schedules of practices and games have contributed as well.

Actually, I've been thinking about Spring break (13 weeks away), more than I have Christmas. I know it's sad.

I really don't want this holiday season to pass, and I not get in the swing of things. So I plan on doing a few things to summons the Christmas spirit.

1. Deck the halls: This weekend, we're dragging the tree out of the attic, and decorating the house.

2. Adding a little Falalalala: I'm bringing out the big guns... Christmas music. Filling the air with holiday music is a sure way to get me in the spirit. I'm going to play music in the house, my car, and my office. It's going to be Christmas everywhere I go.

3. Spread Christmas Cheer: For the past several years my children and I have collected gifts for a local women's shelter. This year we'lll do the same. Being a blessing to someone else, always puts me in a warm place.

4. Create & Mail Christmas Cards: This year, I'm making our Christmas cards, to include a collage picture of my family. I've become very proficient with picnik. That means I really need to get moving!

5. Cook up the Christmas Spirit: I'm going to crank up the ovens, and make cookies, candies and other goodies to share and give as gifts.

6. Release the smell of Christmas: A couple of years ago, I came across a wonderful smell in a small shop. I asked a lady about the fragrance. It was 'The Smell of Christmas.' It comes in potpouri, candles, and oils. That alone is the spark I need.

What do you do to get in the Christmas Spirit?

WONDER WOMAN - And Other Christmas Fun

Christmas was absolutely great! We celebrated the true meaning of CHRISTmas, exchanged gifts, ate a little bit (okay, I ate a lot), and enjoyed each other. I've said before I am Wonder Woman, now I have the t-shirt to prove it! It was a gift from my children. They recognize!

Last Christmas, I got the kids a Wii. This year I got myself *cough* the kids Just Dance 2, plus a few more games. Just Dance 2, is so much fun!!!

I could hardly stand being in the kitchen, I wanted to play! However, I was able to restrain myself. When I got my hands on that remote, I was a dancing machine. (The vlog of me dancing is coming soon.) I danced, "Proud Mary," and was rolling on the river, along with The Jackson 5's, "I want you back," and more. Did I say I was a dancing machine?

While competing against my girls, and dancing as hard as I could, I had a flash back to last year,  Wiidicted. Would I be able to walk the next day? The day after Christmas came, and I was just fine. On the way home from church, I laid down a Just Dance 2 challenge to my middle daughter. I won! Who's the MAMA?!

Just Dance 2 is my kind of exercise!

Too Pooped To Shop

Again, I waited to the last minute to start Christmas shopping. Thursday, we ventured to the mall to get it all done, and we did. I was so exhausted!



Shopped till I dropped

This was three hours after shopping, and what seemed like back and forth, up and down from store to store. One of my middle daughter's was trying on clothes and there wasn't a chair in sight. My grandfather said, as long as I have a backside, I always have a seat. I took his advice.



Just waiting...

Around hour five, thirteen year-old middle daughter lured me into Hollister, and the lines were looooong! The bright side... the store is dimly lit, and has comfortable chairs!


... and waiting. Can we go home already???

Finally, after more than eight hours of shopping, I was too pooped to shop, done, FINISHED! Thirteen year-old daughter needed to go BACK to Hollister. I opted to watch the bags, while my son went back with her.

Every year, I promise not to wait till the last minute to get my shopping done. I'm promising AGAIN!  


Oh Christmas Tree

Saturday I went to get my oil changed. It's not uncommon to see Christmas trees every where you go, it's Christmas time. I came across a tree that was not only odd, but one of the neatest I've ever seen. Roberts Bros.Tires sells (cough) tires, why wouldn't they have a Christmas tree of tires?!

Once I Tweeted the picture of the tire tree, I got a response from @AdenaJ. Her sister @MMStrickland took a picture of a Christmas tree made of books, in the library of Arkansas State University.

If you've seen any pictures of odd or really creative Christmas trees, please share. Link blog post, or Twitpics, etc... in the comments of this blog post. Right now, I'm on the hunt for the most creative Christmas trees out there. I have my phone, digital camera, and Flip camera ready!

It's Official!

Wednesday, was the official start of my Christmas break!

I FINALLY finished grading piles of class work, finals, and entered in all my grades. With the click of the very last submit, I was not only relieved, but elated. The semester was officially over for me.

While the rest of my family is still in school and working, I'm totally relaxing!

NOT!!!

So far, day 1 of my break, I was a complete domestic goddess. By 7 a.m. I had six breakfast-to-go done, wrapped, and waiting, and eight loads of clothes sorted (Yes, there are still a lot of clothes left).

By noon, I had washed four loads of clothes, and folded two, cleaned out the refrigerator, and loaded the dishwasher, changed the sheets on my bed, wrote a recommendation letter, and was waiting for Mr. Husband to pick me up for lunch. Whew!

After lunch, I washed and folded a few more loads of clothes, wrote a blog post, Tweeted a little, and finally turned on the TV.

By the time I picked up two from basketball practice, ran a couple of errands, and got dinner ready, you could stick a fork in me. I was done!

By 9 p.m. I was crawling in the bed, and don't remember falling asleep.

I think I'll take Wifey's advice, and slow this race down. It's time to STOP, and taste the Coca-Cola!

Merry Christmas!



 

Christmas Wishlist

Dear Santa:

Please accept this letter as my official Christmas "Wish List." I've been especially good this year, *ahem* GREAT even! Because I've been so good, the monetary value of my list has increased considerably.

Don't be alarmed at the number of items on the list. I was merely thinking of you, and providing enough options and ideas... just in case. *wink*

1. iPad: I know I've not been much into iPad's, or Apple products in the past but... @Brantc said among other things, it can cook! This baby is a must have!

2. Laptop: I know you're thinking an iPad, and a laptop. Let me explain. The kids are always on my desktop, and I can't watch the Target Lady on Youtube when I need to. If we had an additional computer, along with an iPad, every one could get their work done.

3. Trip to St. Lucia: Recently @HauteTravels Tweeted about great vacay's to St. Lucia. My imagination painted a B-E-A-utiful picture, and I'd like to go there. Please.

4. Ticket to Blissdom11: Seeing how I missed the trip to Blogalicious10, and Blissdom11 is in a neighboring state... You see where I'm going with that! And don't forget about room, AND travel expenses!

5. Korto Momolu's new silver necklace: Page 48, in the December, issue of Essence Magazine, is a picture of the necklace. This item is only $28! You remember her from Project Runway, and we live in the same state.

I know you're thinking, the list isn't so bad. But this is a work in progress. As I find more exciting, and much needed items, I will email, Tweet, or Facebook you. Thank you for your time, and patience.

Wii-dicted

Christmas was great! I'm sure the kids wanted more, but they did get the hot ticket item, Nintendo Wii! I was just as excited, if not more. I bought a few extra amenities, an extra remote, motion plus for both, as well as two additional games.

I only played Wii a little on Christmas day, but Saturday, the day after... I got my Wii on! I bowled, wake boarded, cycled, played frisbee and sword play! To say I was having a ball, is an understatement. Later that evening, my son challenged me to bowling. I laughed in his face. I was hotter than hot!

Okay... he beat me. Moving on.

I finished the night off with sword play. Games one through six were pretty easy. I knocked my opponent into the water waiting below. No problem. About game 7, a worthy opponent showed up. The game system must have increased the skill level, she WAS NOT beginner!

At start she hit me first. Hitting her back, she wouldn't move. I had to put in real work. Finally, like the others before her, Miss Missy met her demise, and the water. That was a rap, I worked up a sweat, and was drained!

Sunday, morning came... and my shoulder hurt so bad. Okay, my shoulder had been sore previously. I was starting to think I'd torn my rotator cup, or had developed arthritis. I couldn't raise my arm.

Getting ready for church, I had to laugh at myself, using my left hand to raise my right arm. It took me a long time to put on my bra, shirt... I just left my right arm out of my coat. It was difficult trying not to yelp everytime I moved. As Mr. Husband would say, I was next door to pitiful.

Over the course of the day, with the help of Excedrin, Bio Freeze, and a heat pack, I was ready to get back to it. I have something to prove!

Merry Christmas

Christmas Wish List

Christmas is right around the corner, and I made list for the children, so that I know what to buy for them. I even started another list of what to get Mr. Husband, my parents, as well as G-G. Hey, there is no list for me!

The thoughtful person that I am, I took the liberty to make my Christmas Wish List. If any of you know Mr. Husband, or The Five Degrees, (my children) pass it on.

1. Permissions Slips (book) by Sherri Shepard

I took a peek while in the book store. It is FUNNY!

2. EA Sports for Wii

This game/workout is AWESOME! This should actually be number one on my list! I bought a Wii for the kids, last month. And they don't have a clue! Middle daughter and I were in Wal-Mart a few days ago, when she asked them how many Wii's were in stock. She came running to me, "Mama. They're all out of Wii's." She had the most pitiful look on her face. OMG, I wanted to laugh, but I contained myself.

3. MP3 player

4. Pedicure

I haven't had one since Mother's Day. Mama's in need!

5. Ralph Lauren Warm (perfume)

My daughter has Cool, and I use it all the time. If I had Warm, we could share.

Okay, that's the short list in a nutshell. And if I get none of these things, I'm good. I have so much to be thankful for. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Christmas Candy/Cookie Swap

For a few years now, I've wanted to host a Christmas candy/cookie swap. Due to scheduling problems, it's never happened, life in general it never happened. Then I had this GREAT idea, I'll host a cookie swap from my blog.

Get in on the fun. Post a recipe of your candy or cookie on your blog, come back and link it here (way at the bottom of this post). Don't forget to visit others who link their recipes. Try as many recipes as you can stand to make. Please comment later on how your candy, and/or cookies turn out.

Candy and cookies are great gifts, and are fun family projects. The following are two recipes my family will make this holiday season. Will they be a gift? We'll just have to see.

Toffee Butter Crunch

1 cup butter
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
3 tablespoons water
1 cup coarsely chopped blanched almonds, toasted
4 4-1/2-ounce bars milk chocolate, melted
1 cup finely chopped blanched almonds, toasted
Melt butter in a large saucepan.

Add sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, to hard-crack stage (300 F on your candy thermometer) - watch carefully after temperature reaches 280 F. Quickly stir in coarsely chopped nuts; spread in well-greased 13x9 inch pan. Cool thoroughly. Turn out on waxed paper; spread top with half the melted chocolate; sprinkle with half the finely chopped nuts. Cover with waxed paper; invert; spread again with remaining chocolate. Sprinkle top with remaining nuts. If necessary, chill to firm chocolate. Break into pieces.


Gingerbread Cookies in a Jar

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 gingerbread boy-shaped cookie cutter

Use a clean 1 quart jar and press each layer down firmly. Put in half of the flour along with the baking powder and baking soda. Add the spices and the remaining flour. Add the brown sugar last. Tie a ribbon around the top of the jar and attach the cookie cutter and the directions below.Attach these directions to the jar:Gingerbread Cookies Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Mix in 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup molasses and 1 egg. Mix until completely blended. Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes. Place cookies on lightly greased cookie sheet about 2" apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Decorate with icing.

Recipes were taken from www.christmas-cookies.com

It's Official...

Tis The Season To Be Jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la, La-la-la-la.

Finally, I can decorate! Although Wal-Mart, and other retail stores put Christmas decorations up and out, before Halloween, I observe the Thanksgiving rule. And it's on!

Tonight, the children and I will drag the tree and decorations downstairs, and our tree trimming, and hall decking will commence. I've visited several shops, and got some really good ideas. We're adding a few more decorations to the tree, and the house. I'm even considering adding a second tree.

While visiting various shops, I learned about decorating with mesh. It's beautiful on tree's, the fireplace, over doors, just about anywhere you can put garland. Most important, it's inexpensive! A 10-ft roll is about $10.

I absolutely must have the SMELL of Christmas in my house! It's a cinnamony slash piney kind of fragrance. It's hard to describe, but if you smell it... you'll know. Walking into one of the shops I visited recently, the smell of Christmas, hit me in the face, (that's actually the name). Immediately, I knew I had to have it! Their potpourri is outrageously pricey. Now I'm on the hunt for a less expensive potpourri, candle, or oil.

It's going to take us a week to decorate. No, it's not that I plan to do THAT much decorating. But, I do plan to do more than usual, and I don't want to scare Mr. Husband. Too much at one time might send him in to holiday shock. A little bit at a time, and he'll be okay, and he'll not wonder just how much I've spent.

How do you plan to decorate for the holidays?