I got got got got got no time

UGH, where is the time going? This is the time of year where I just always feel rushed. I have so much to do and so little time to do it. I'm even wondering what to make for dinner, cuz whatever I decide, I'm going to have to schlep 3 kids to the store to buy it. PLUS, tomorrow is the last day of school and I have to make treats for D's class party. I had a brilliant idea for D to make the teachers some gifts, but I just don't think that I'll have the time to get it done.

I rushed around this morning doing errands while I was kidless. I ran to the post office and mailed off Christmas cards, Kohl's to return a shirt and buy one for D's visit to Santa on Friday, Walmart to return things, the UPS store to send off packages, the bank and then rushed off to pick up all of the kidlets. The house is in disarray from all the Christmas stuff and Catrina's art projects for her family that her kids are making. Tonight, we may head down to the river to watch the boat parade - people decorate their boats in Christmas galore and parade them down the river.

First, I need to figure out dinner.....Hello, Domino's?

4 Winters

December 10th makes 4 years since I moved to the Pacific NW. I remember when I moved out here and people were bundled in heavy winter coats when it was 40 degree's outside. Coming from Illinois, 40 degree's in December/January is downright BALMY and doesn't require heavy winter gear. I don't have a winter coat, I've been using a raincoat/windbreaker and it has been fine.

Fast forward 4 winters, I'm FREEEZING!! Holy cow, it's sooo cold. Ok, today is only a high of 32 degree's, so I have a right to be cold, but 40 degree's is cold too!! I can't believe my 37 winters in Chicago has been sissified to believe tht 40 degree's is cold. UGH! Not only do I read labels at the grocery store to be sure that I'm getting foods without High Fructose Corn Syrup and I love farmers markets, but now I'm weather acclimated. However, I draw the line at Birkenstocks, Crocs or sandals with socks, just can't do it, I'm not THAT pacific northwesternized!

I need to go buy a winter coat.

Blogging binge

I'm on a blogging binge now, so I thought I'd at least get D's back to school picture posted. This way I can see him from year to year.

Preschool 2009/10 age 4.

Christmas Cookies redeemed!!

I went to a Christmas Cookie exchange today, and I have to say the cookies were definitely of the Christmas variety. There were chocolate mint, choc. cherry chunk, peanut butter bars, almond roccha.....mmmmm mmmmm good!! Even better is that after the party, I went to play cards and brought all of my cookies to the game. There were pretty much all eaten!! YAHOO!! Less fat on my ass for later.

Christmas cookies

I think my family is just the "odd" ones when it comes to Christmas cookies. I've always grown up with the thought of Christmas cookies as being something only had one-time-of-year. Apparently, we are in the minority. Being to several cookie exchanges in past years, I've come home with some very ordinary cookies. I was actually at an exchange where someone brought chocolate chip cookies. Um, I can make those at any time, right?

People, at any grocery store checkout line, there are Pillsbury and Betty Crocker mini cook books devoted just to Christmas cookies. It's right around this time that I miss being in Illinois. The "women" of the family would all gather at someone's house each year to bake cookies all day long. Hundreds among hundreds of cookies were made. Our rule was that you had to bring a batch of cookies made, a dough to be baked and a recipe to be made. Imagine 7-10 women baking all day long with all of those cookies!! Holy cow! It was a cookie spectacular. We would don our festive aprons and work away. Oh, lets not forget the Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's to start the festivities off.

Here are some pictures of past cookie bakes.

My sister, Karen, with David. Notice the table full of cookies in the background.
Cousin Liz (at sink), Cousin Marg, sister Karen working away.

I think I was pregnant with David here. My mom, me, cousin Jeanie

One also must not forget, Christmas cookies should be small. Eaten in one or 2 bites only.

Out of the mouths (and apparently butts) of babes

Only a 4yo can come up with this:

We were in the car today and started talking about germs.
David: "Sometimes when I pee, germs come out"
Me: "Maybe, but I know that your poo poo has germs so that's why we need to wash our hands after poo poo's"
David: "Yea, my poo poo's have germs cuz sometimes they come out of my poo poo's with their surf boards and ride down when I flush."

Yep, that's my boy!!

Time to catch up...

Ok, I know I'm a slacker. I haven't posted since August 14, so it's time to get everyone caught up.
Here's a brief scenario on what's happened....

Last time I posted Vancouver was experiencing a HUGE heat wave, so here are more pictures from other times we escaped to the coast to cool off. This trip was colder than the last, so you'll see sweatshirts...on the adults, kids could care less.

"I can't tell you what branch of the government I work for, but I can tell you that we're really really coooool!"

"So cool, that even ice-cream melts around me."

Failed attempts to fly a kite.
This mission is over.

Onto the Fair... next time, remind me NOT to wear a black shirt when it's going to be 90 degree's outside. I was HOT that day.

Backyard campfire...