The Happiest Husband on the Planet

So we went out Christmas shopping today but we made the mistake of stopping off at Circuit City. Only 3 days left until the doors are closed for good. As we are parking the car Jesse says to me "I don't know why we're here. We're not going to by one anyway". "Yes, dear" I said.

We walk in the store and immediately to the T.V. he's being eying for months. He's one of those types that thoroughly researches every purchase, especially electronics. Then he searches until he finds the best possible deal on exactly what he wants. Today was his lucky day because it was there for the price he was willing to give.

This is what we got.



Samsung LN46A650 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with RED Touch of Color

Did I mention he is the happiest man on the planet?

I'm finally done!

With this semester anyway. This had to be the longest semester ever. And to have a final on Friday of finals week at the latest time a final could be scheduled is just ridiculous.
So now my house is clean and I have a stack of books I plan to read before starting next semester (which is my last as an undergrad!!). I plan to read Dracula, Heart of Darkness, The Invisible Man, and we'll see if I get to anything else.
The best part of my first official day off was this morning when I asked my husband what the plan for the day was and his reply was "Go shopping". I about fell over because those words have never been uttered by this wonderful man. So my day is officially off to a beautiful start. Wish me well fighting the other crazies out shopping right before Christmas.

Happy 51st Birthday, Dear Old Dad

Dad when he was just a wee little baby boy


Wasn't he the cutest little cowboy


Just a little history about my dad. I didn't actually get him till I was 8 years old. It took us a little while to find the right one. He's one of those rare men that can love another's like his own. I feel so blessed everytime I think about what a great gift he has been to my mom, myself and my three sisters. He always tells people he's as close to perfect as he can get without just being translated straight to Heaven and I think he's right. I love my Daddy!! I wish I could just give you a big hug right now.

P.S. Your B-day card is on the way. Katie picked it out and that will be very obvious when you open it. It was from the heart.

Sid's New Do

Sydney cut her hair off even shorter yesterday. I wasn't guite sure at first but I've decided she can pull it off. She is too dang cute.

Bragging rights

I often wonder how I could get this incredible daughter who is not afraid of standing in front of people and performing. I was sooooo terrified of anything like that as a kid and still am as an adult. And I have been blessed with this daughter who sings and performs in front of hundreds of people and doesn't even seem fazed by the experience. Today she auditioned for the solo in "I'll Be Home for Christmas" that will be performed with her choir. She made it to the final four and will have another opportunity tomorrow to try out again. I hope she gets the part she wants but honestly the most impressive part for me is that she is willing to try. I would never have had the courage to do that when I was her age and wouldn't do it now.

PS She didn't get the part. It went to the 8th grader. But she wasn't too sad. She'll try again next time.

Poor cat

I think Jesse's little brother hates cats. Last year for Christmas he gave Katie a whole bag of cat outfits. I didn't even know they made such a thing. Sure, dogs have clothes, but cats? Our poor cat has been dressed like an angel, a "rock star" and right now she gets to wear a Santa suit. I don't know how Katie gets these outfits on, but it usually ends with a few tears and scratches. The sad thing is when the cat gets outside in one of these get-ups. You know she has to feel utterly humiliated roaming the neighborhood all dressed up. Poor cat!!





The crazy thing is this cat somehow gets herself out of these clothes. They are very difficult to get on, but she can squeeze out in no time.

Santa visits the Ward

We had our ward Christmas party on Saturday. I think it turned out really well. At the time I felt like everything was falling apart, but we had a huge turn out and everyone seemed to be having fun. I'm just glad it's over and I don't have to think about another activity for a few months.

Katie wasn't real sure about sitting in Santa's lap. And what's wit the face? It's always messy. I give up!

I Love Christmas

I love everything about Christmas. I am so glad it is finally time to decorate, listen to Christmas music, and bake all the wonderful goodies that go with Christmas. Today Katie and I got busy decorating our tree and setting up the rest of the house. It is crazy that we kill ourselves to redecorate the house knowing we have to redecorate again in one month. But I love it!! I even got everything out of the attic by myself and that was a little scary. I just couldn't wait any longer.

I told Katie she could set up the Nativity Scene for me. I came back to see what she had done and this is what I found.

What do you think they could be looking at in there? I couldn't figure it out.

The kid loves her animals. That is probably why they are the only one ranked high enough to surround the baby Jesus.



Here's our tree


One of my favorite things is when we get Christmas ornaments or decorations as gifts from the previous year and then when we take everything out it's like we just got new gifts all over again because we haven't seen them for a year. This year, my new favorite ornament has to be the glass green pickle Jesse's sister Laura gave him last Christmas. I think I need to have a "where's the pickle" contest and give prizes to those who spot the pickle when they come over. It's too cute.