It is time for this weeks Hodgepodge from Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond. Head on over check out the questions answer on your blog and link up. In fact make it one of your New Year's resolutions.
1. What three words would you use to describe 2010?
Best Year Ever (I married the man of my dreams)
2. If fear were not an issue what is something you'd like to try?
Teaching music in the inner city. I just know that I could really help some kids, but my wonderful job and the fear of the unknown keeps me where I am.
3. What do you add to your coffee or tea?
I have sugar and cream with some coffee. Tea is just tea with a little sweetener.
4. What historical sporting event would you like to witness?
I think I would like to witness the USA's win over the Soviet Union in hockey at the Olympics. I love a good underdog story.
5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give your sixteen year old self?
Well, I would like to say that I would like to tell myself to not let Rich get away, but then I look at our beautiful kids and would never trade them for anything. So I would tell myself to lose the blue eyeshadow, the feathered hair, and love every moment from then on.
6. Are you a planner or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants?
P.L.A.N.N.E.R. I plan everything, but I am flexible...if that makes any sense.
7. What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2011?
Getting to see my family in the Midwest again. May and August are right around the corner.
8. I usually do a summary but Bella took this video of my niece and nephew and it cracks me up especially what Jojo does at the end. Make sure you have the volume up. I love these guys so much!!!
Now that my Christmas Tree is down, my decorations are put away, Starbucks is back to its normal cups, and I must start back to my routine of exercising (gasp), eating something other than sugar cookies and chocolate (gasp), and starting to plan my next semester (gasp). I thought I would reflect on some things I did during my two week break...and what a break it was!!
I may or may not have ever put on pants that require a zipper.
I may or may not have taught my neice Abby the meaning of bling.
I may or may not have enjoyed the snow...just a little.
I may or may not have wished to have more long drawn out conversations with this guy.
or this one...
I may or may not have wished I still believed in Santa.
I may or may not have wished I still lived at my Mom's house.
I may or may not have been constantly amazed at how great Rich's kids are and how they fit right in. Fake it until you make it all you want...you both are wonderful.
I may or may not have about fifty pictures like the one below on my camera.
I may or may not have licked the spoon one or ten times.
I may or may not have cursed myself for wanting to be "crafty".
I may or may not have kissed this face a million times.
I may or may not have secretly loved every minute of Christmas shopping.
I may or may not have fallen in love with this man a hundred times over.
I may or may not have wished I lived in Arkansas.
I may or may not have knitted and pearled until my fingers were numb.
I may or may not have wished for more moments like this one.
or this one...
I may or may not have enjoyed our usual "look Amy is the shortest one" or "mom's wallpaper" picture.
I may or may not have spent entirely too long wrapping presents, due to my obsessive need to have them perfect.
I may or may not have wished that I could spend every New Years Eve with this one.
I may or may not be the luckiest gal in the whole world.
Well I did indeed take a much needed break from blogging. My intentions were to blog everyday of my winter break, ha ha!! I did so much and squeezed so much into the past two weeks and I can't wait to share some precious moments.
But first...
My final pictures of 2010!!
Sunday December 19
Fireplace in California???
It rained all week so we fired up the fireplace and pretended it was winter.
Monday December 20
Good Intentions...Bad Picture
Tonight we went to my friend Vicki's house for dinner. Our first official day of break and it was a wonderful evening. However, I forgot to take a picture until we were leaving. Not a great picture, but I'll remember what it represents...rain and all.
Tuesday December 21
Out on My Own
Finished my Christmas shopping today and enjoyed some sushi. Quiet, alone, and nice. Not that I don't appreciate or love to eat with my family, but sometimes it is nice to sit and be alone.
Wednesday December 22
Crafty
Finished my Christmas blanket and Bella's blanket today. It is easy work, but very time consuming. Sat in front of the TV, laughed at the soap operas, and tied. Fun.
Thursday December 23rd
In the Kitchen
Bella and I baked and decorated cookies for a Christmas Eve party we go to every year. They turned out great!!
Friday December 24th
Cute, Happy Couple
Having a great time at a Christmas Eve party. We enjoyed hanging out with our friends and eating a great meal.
Saturday December 25th
Ho Ho Ho
Santa showed up and brought the kids some great stuff. We had a nice Christmas morning and then off to the airport to go to IOWA!!!!!
Sunday December 26th
Cute Girls
Abby and Rich's daughter share a moment. Abby loves her and smiled and wanted to be picked up by her all week. Cute girls.
Monday December 27
Smily Abby
Took this pic with my phone and not sure how to make it any bigger without it being distorted. Any help?? Anyway she is SO cute and smiles SO big. I just love her to pieces.
Tuesday December 28th
Why I Love the Snow
Woke up this morning to this gorgeous site. My mom's farm looked so amazing. This is why I love the snow....for a little bit!!
Wednesday December 29
Another Abby
I do have some great pictures of Abby that aren't taken with my phone. She was so happy all the time...well most of the time. I can't get enough of this chicky.
Thursday December 30
I Know...I Know.
She loved Fazoli bread sticks. She is so cute. She makes my heart sing. P.S. I do have other nieces and nephews that also are cute and make my heart sing. Check back later for those pics.
Friday December 31st.
New Years Eve Buddies
We went to my brother Ryan's house for New Years Eve. We had SO much fun. I was so blessed to ring in the new year with all my family.
So thus ends my year. I can't wait to do this again next week and put together my book. What a great year and heres to more great memories and living a happy life.
Well here it is one more week to go before the new year. Wow. I can't wait to get all these pictures in a book and have a very nice keepsake.
Well this past week was so very busy, but I loved it all. Here is a peek:
Sunday:
Both Talented Kids
Andrew had his youth orchestra holiday program today. Bella got to narrate Twas the Night Before Christmas. This shot, believe it or not, includes both of my kids. Andrew is the cellist with the red tie. They are singing a part of Stille Nacht. Their dad is the conductor and one of his friends took this picture.
Monday:
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
These snowmen cake pops won me Queen of the Cookies at my cookie exchange party...again!! I won last year with my reindeer cake pops. This year I got a great gift from the gift exchange!! It was such a nice evening.
Tuesday:
Middle School Holiday Program
Here are half of my Sixth Grade chorus. Rich sat closer than he usually does so he couldn't get them all in one picture.
Wednesday:
Upper School Holiday Program
This is the only picture I got from the Upper School Holiday program tonight. It was a great evening, and my students did a great job.
Thursday:
Teacher Gifts
I finished up all the teacher gifts tonight. I stamped sterling silver blanks and made these. They turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself.
Friday:
Oh My Darling Clementine
When most kids say mom can I have an orange they want to eat it. My daughter wants to decorate it. She is so cute...and the orange is too.
Saturday:
I Think I'd Rather Have Cookies
Yeah...at the market today and this cracked. me. up. Someone is after my own heart.
In Summary: What a great week. I am so blessed with such talented kids, my own and my students. Next week is going to be even better. I can't wait to get to Iowa and get my hands on all of the kids that I miss so much!!
More Later (including a Bella dancing video, details from my cookie party, and some random thoughts)
First of all let me say I love these questions!! Nice job Joyce!! Head on over answer and link up!!
1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'?
It means enjoying the giving, the doing something for others. Focusing energy on family and the real reason for the season.
2. What sits atop your tree (s)? Why?
I have an angel on top of my tree. It sat on top of my Grandma's tree for as long as I can remember. The angels name was always Amy (my name) so when my Granpy died and she had to move she gave it to me as her tree wasn't big enough any more. She holds an ornament that has my dad's name on it (he died about 8 years ago). A VERY VERY special tree topper.
3. When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back?
I really never do, I don't have to. I am lucky to be surrounded by people who do it for me. My wonderful husband is at the top of that list, constantly patting me on the back and telling me how wonderful I am.
4. Which of your senses is most sensitive this time of year?
All of them. Good things to taste. Beautiful music to hear. Nieces and nephews to hug and kiss. Wonderful sights to see, and oh those smells. I just can't pick.
5. What do you have too much of in your kitchen?
Dog hair...it is my secret ingredient.
6. What do you do for meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Big meal? Breakfast tradition? Open the cookie tins and have at it?
I have it pretty easy. Every Christmas Eve we get invited to our friends house for a big meal, and all I have to bring is a dessert. Christmas morning is Cinnamon rolls after we open our stockings from Santa and then we always travel back to Iowa that afternoon, so it is airport food for us that day. The next day is the holidays with the family so I just help out with all the fixin's. I am a very lucky girl.
7. What is the best thing about winter?
I say this as I am experiencing 80 degree weather, but I love the USUALLY crisp air and chillier days. I also love this season and getting a little snow when we go back to Iowa.
8. In Summary: Again I always feel like the luckiest most blessed girl when I get to share a little about my life with you all. I have an amazing family and an equally amazing life, and thank God for all those wonderful senses, I am enjoying every one of them.
Wow!! Week 50 where has the year flown to? We here are busy getting things done for the holidays and having so much fun. I love this time of the year.
Sunday:
Noshing!!
We had a get together/meeting today and I got to play hostess. I love setting out snacky items and everything goes good with Starbucks coffee!! It was a great event.
Monday:
Go Go Go Joseph!!
We had our first set of auditions for our High School spring musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. We have so many talented kids here at this school. I can't wait to get started.
Tuesday:
Art Class
I got to take Bella to her art class today. It was very fun to see her at work. She is such a talented gal.
Wednesday:
Senor Bella
Everytime I would talk to her she put on her finger mustache and it was so cute. She really cracks me up!!
Thursday:
They're Here
Christmas orders are starting to arrive. I LOVE giving and shopping for gifts. Now where to put everything???
Friday:
Fifth Grade Sale
Every year the Fifth Graders come up with an item to "manufacture", advertise, and sell. They sell to the rest of the school and the money goes to a charity that they all vote on. Bella decided to make cake pops. So we spent most of the evening making and decorating these. She did most all of the faces. I think they turned out SO cute!! I now have 8 dozen snowmen cake pops to do for my cookie party...sigh.
Saturday:
Senorita Bella
We had our Lower School holiday program today. Bella sang, played tone chimes, danced, and her art work was picked for the back cover art. She really can do it all, and look at those brown eyes...gets me every time. More pics and video to follow.
In Summary: Again, I do have a son and hopefully this avoiding pictures phase will end...right?? My Bella, however, still loves pictures and really loves to make silly faces in them, lets just face it she IS silly. I love the holidays but getting everything ready, PLUS a million holiday programs really wear me out. I wouldn't change a thing!!
Here is the deal. For those of you that don't know me I teach at the same school both of my kids go to. It is very nice thing. We all get in the car in the morning and drive our 25 minutes and then get in the car after school to go back home. Very nice, one trip, one stop.
Why am I telling you this? I'm getting to something, I promise.
Our school's sports seasons are divided into three tri-mesters. All of the practices are after school. You can do regular P.E. during the day, but if you choose to participate in an after school sport you then get a free period during the school day. I'm telling you...the high school students love those free periods. Anyway you, as a student, need to participate in two of the three trimesters. My son Andrew takes the first season off, does winter baseball conditioning for the second and plays baseball for the third.
Why am I telling you this? I'm getting to something, I promise.
During the third tri-mester Andrew does baseball after school and I have the high school musical rehearsals.
Note: Thank goodness, it is not THEE High School Musical rehearsals because. seriously, besides pre frontal lobe 10 year olds, who could put up with that for an entire tri-mester???
So it is VERY convienient as we both get done about the same time. However, the first two tri-mesters aren't so great. The first one I have rehearsals and Andrew sits around and the second one Andrew has practice so Bella and I sit around.
Why am I telling you this? I'm getting to something, I promise. Although as I keep writing I am fearing that when I get to the actual story it will be one of those You-Had-To-Be-There stories and you won't find it nearly as amusing as I did.
Well don't say I didn't warn you.
So the past couple of weeks (as we are in the second tri-mester) Bella and I have been trying to find stuff to do while we wait for Andrew. It is usually only about an hour and a half wait, but that is a long time when you are just sitting around - Bella. And not enough time when you are trying to get and errand done - Me.
Yesterday we decided to try to squeeze in an errand. Bella is performing with her Dad's orchestra this Sunday for their holiday Christmas concert so we needed to get an outfit for her to wear. Now I know that I am ususally on top this kind of thing planning and scheduling just the right day to go shopping for this outfit that I knew she needed weeks ago. Uh...yeah...right, which is why I chose the hour and a half I had yesterday as opposed to the endless hours weekends ago.
I could go into why those endless hours didn't include shopping for a holiday outfit, but then you'd really be lost when I actually got to my now not so funny story that I originally wanted to tell you, which by now I am fairly certain you are wishing you could have the last few minutes of your life back...sorry.
So off we rush to Kohls to find that perfect holiday outfit in under 90 minutes which has to include the drive there and back.
This what we found at Kohls: (and I am being very serious)
This one we found in Bella's size. Please tell me that there are no longer 10 year olds that still want to dress their dolly in the same outfit as they are dressed in.
And
We also found this one in her size too.
Seriously Kohls. You are now dead to me.
So luckily there was a Target just around the corner in the same shopping complex, but now we were working on about 45 minutes.
OK, people, THE story is just about to emerge.
We were driving down a little street-ish thing between two stores to cut to the back side of the shopping center. This little street-ish thing is a lined road that two cars can fit on easily, one going each way. There is a four way stop at the end because, due to the tall buildings surrounding this street-ish thing, your view of the parking lots on either end is blocked. So they want all cars to actually stop before entering the parking lots. So Bella and I still laughing at our recent Kohls trip, pull up the the four way stop when all of the sudden a biker, who didn't stop at his stop sign, turns down our side of the street-ish thing. He clearly wanted to go down the street-ish thing but was absolutely flying and took his left hand turn a lot little wide and ended up in front of me. He quickly realized that he was going to run square into the front of my car thus ending up flying over my car via my windshield a la action hero albeit teenager-dressed-in-target-red-and-tan-with-only-his-name-tag-as-a-shield action hero, so he quickly averts left and hits the curb so hard that he (pardon my lanugage, but my one of my father's favorite phrases is the only thing that works here) goes ass over appetite and does some sort of triple lutz spin move that he doesn't quite land. I am thinking he is dead. Bella is sitting in shock and the other four cars at the four way stop are motionless. I throw my car into park (as I was already stopped) and am ready to dash out with all of my extensive first aid training ready (this includes a prayer that I won't have to remember how to do a tournaquet or any sort of CPR) when he suddenly jumps up in front of my right bumper yelling "I'M OK, PEOPLE, I'M OK" gets back on his bike and continues down the street-ish thing.
Everyone at the stop sign just sits for what feels like a couple of minutes. I am SURE this young man is certainly NOT ok, but he is long gone.
I know it is totally NOT funny, but when I think back on it I can't help but laugh out loud.
I admittedly am the girl that laughs until she snorts at the American Funniest Home Video of the people falling. They seriously crack.me.up.
So I thought I'd leave you with a Christmas themed people falling video, sorry the video seems to be cut off on one side. If I was a real blogger I'd know how to fix that...sigh.
Nothing says Happy Holidays like people falling into a Christmas tree.
Maybe the long read was worth it after all...or maybe not.
