♥ Girls Just Wanna Have Fun ♥

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas with Our Family

At Christmas time it seems we spend more time on the highway than visiting with family, but this year was different. On Christmas Eve, our family, along with Uncle Scott & Aunt Megan traveled to Salina to meet Grandma Diana and Grandpa Leon to visit and exchange gifts. It was so nice to see both of them. On Christmas Eve night, we were back in Chapman at Papa Tom and Grandma Judy's where we have our traditonal dinner of filet mignons...it definitely beats turkey! On Christmas morning, we packed up and headed home. My mom, Grandma Mary, came to KC this year to spend time with us. We were so thankful to see everyone and for not having to spend so much time on the highway! We missed Grandpa Rich and Uncle D this year, but hopefully we will get to see them soon. It was a great Christmas.

The girls posing in front of their "stashes"

Showing off some of their gifts.

Grady, Macey and Jolee playing UNO with Uncle Scott and Aunt Megan Grandma Mary and Emmy doing yoga with Wii Fit!

Annual Bowling Match

Every year at Christmas time, we have our annual bowling match. Whoever has the highest combined score over three games gets to take home the "traveling" trophy. And, yes, there is an actual trophy (it used to be Grady's or Scott's when they were little). The last 4 years, it has been proudly displayed on Grady's shelf (downstairs in storage), but this year, the trophy was packed up and got to ride on the plane back to Atlanta with Scott! It was a close match, but Grady had to kiss the trophy goodbye (at least for this year). Here are past year's winners: 2002: Scott, 2003: Tom, 2004-2007: Grady, 2008: Scott

Monday, December 22, 2008

It's Great, Macey's 8...almost!

On Saturday, we had a swimming birthday party for Macey's 8th birthday. Since her actual birthday is the day after Christmas, we usually have her "friend party" early. Overland Park has a fantastic community center with an indoor water park. Nothing like swimming when it's 13 degrees outside! In total, we had 20 kids at the party!! Needless to say, Grady and I were a little stressed out! But, the kids had a blast! Happy Birthday to my big girl. I can't believe you'll be 8 soon. Time has gone too fast...I love you sweetheart and I'm happy you had a fun day!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Yes Santa...We've been NICE!

Grady and I took the girls to see Santa...finally! Emmy has been saying "Elmo puzzle, ask Santa!" 20 times a day for the past 2 weeks! Macey asked Santa for a Wii game, Jolee asked for Night Vision goggles, and Emmy finally got to ask for an Elmo puzzle. Emmy did not want to go near jolly St. Nick at first, but once he said that he liked Elmo, too, she thought he was OK.

Boing! Boing!

After seeing Santa at the mall, Macey and Jolee spotted a new attraction and had to try it out. They were each put into a harness tied to a bunch of bungee cords. Then, they were raised up and got to jump on a trampolene as high as they could go. Macey jumped so high that she was level with the 2nd floor of the mall! They had a blast and both wanted to do it again! I wanted to do it, too, but didn't want to be the only mommy jumping!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

My Gift is ...ME

Jolee had a Christmas party at school yesterday. They sang songs

and had a gift exchange. One song that really stood out was a song called My Gift is Me. She has been singing tidbits around the house the past week, but yesterday was the first day I heard the whole song. The words really touched me and watching my little girl sing them, of course, made me shed a tear (or two). I loved the song so much, that I listened to the video I took and wrote the words down:

My Gift is Me
What I have to give to you cannot be bought or sold
It can't be wrapped up in a box or tied with strings of gold
It isn't perfect and you'll see it isn't even new
But Jesus it's the only treasure I can give to you....
ME....my gift is ME. All I am, all I'll ever be...
I'm not ashamed for the world to see
that it's ME...my gift is ME!

Jesus you're the greatest gift the world will ever know
Coming down from heaven just to live your love below
With all that you have done for me, the least that I can do
Is give all that I know of me to all I know of you....
ME...my gift is ME. All I am, all I'll ever be...
I'm not ashamed for the world to see
that it's ME...my gift is ME!

Of all the gifts man could give it's nice to know
that I can give his favorite gift, the one that thrills him so...
ME...my gift is ME. All I am, all I'll ever be...
I'm not ashamed for the world to see that it's ME...my gift is ME
Yes, it's ME...my gift is....ME!

Monday, December 15, 2008

1000 Mile Mark!

Since November 1, 2007 I have been logging the miles that I run on my workout calendar at Mapmyrun.com. (yes, I'm that anal). Today, I noticed that my mileage put me over the 1000 mile mark (1003.08 to be exact)! Another number I found interesting is that I've burned 97,468 calories (but my weight is exactly the same...man, I must eat a lot!...I guess it's a good thing I DO run!). And, if I would've driven those miles, it would've taken 55.73 gallons of gas and cost $194. Now, how's that for useless trivia? :-)

Little Kitchen Helper

Grady has been trying to keep lots of fresh veggies cut up and ready to eat in the fridge. Emmy is our big veggie head and loves to eat them. She also likes helping Daddy prepare them. Her job is to put all of the cut carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli into the ziploc bags. What would we do without her?

Tater Heads

Emmy and Jolee have a lot of fun playing together. I found them the other day like this. Who said you have to use these lips with Mr. Potato Head?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Thirty Toasty Toes!

Grady caught the girls like this after lighting our first fire of the season. Looks pretty cozy...

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Weird Day at School

Last Friday when I picked Macey up from school, she looked very flustered. She told me that all of the students in the whole school were locked in their classrooms (some in the lunch room) due to a broken thermometer (mercury exposure). The school got the help of the KS Dept. of Health, Hazmat, and the Fire Dept. to clear the school of any remaining mercury. The first thing Macey did when she got home, was start writing in her diary. With her permission, here is her interpretation of what happened that stressful day: (typed verbatim)

SCHOOL - December 5, 2008
Ok, it all started with the principal saying "Please secure your room". Jake and Lauren went to the office to give the money to them. We heard them knocking on our door. Mrs. Hodges didn't let them in. So they went to Mrs. Sloan's room cause they don't have a door. Then we started working but the fire department was there. We were locked in our room, it took so long we all had to go pee exept Nate. Then they fianly let us use the bathroom, there was a long line to use the bathroom. Then we watched a movie. After that we fianly got to get out of the room. Then we got our backpacks. Then something happened again, and it was all Lucy's fault. She lost her glasses. We looked for them until the 3rd bell. We fianly got to leave, but we never found them. GOSH THAT WAS THE WEIRDEST TIME OF MY LIFE!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Daddy's Girl

Jolee answers to many names: Jo, Joey, JoJo, Jolee D. But one name she calls herself is "Daddy's Girl". Two years ago when Emmy was born, Jolee's little life was turned upside down. She wasn't the baby anymore. Grady made a special effort to give her tons of attention during that time. And ever since then, they've been inseparable. Not only do Jolee and Grady have a lot of the same physical features (cheeks, full lips, Barney Rubble feet), but their personalities are a lot alike, too. They are both funny and have always made me laugh. There's a special bond between these two, that's for sure. Here are some pictures taken throughout the last 4 1/2 years...

2 months old...I love my Daddy already!

My Daddy always loves to play around with me!

Wearing Daddy's shoes

Having fun with Daddy on vacation!

I just love to hang out with Daddy...

I love to watch movies with my Daddy!

Friday, December 5, 2008

We're Very Puzzled...

Emmy has been putting together puzzles like crazy, lately. She LOVES them! Her favorite seems to be a USA puzzle that was given to Macey by Papa Tom a couple years ago for Christmas. She can put it together all by herself. Here's a funny little clip:

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Spirit of Giving

I often think of how blessed my children are. I remind them often that not all children have the things that they have. I periodically go through my house and find things we no longer need or use and give them to people who can. Today, we went through ALL of the toys in our house (and yes, it took all day). We were able to gather FIVE large bags of toys that were in great shape, but no longer played with. I gave them to families in need. The people who picked them up were very excited and grateful. I explained to Macey and Jolee that their toys were going to go to children who didn't have many toys. I don't know if they fully understand it, but I know that one day they will. Anyway, it makes me feel good that we are able help others who are less fortunate. Somewhere there are children who are excited tonight to get a "new" toy or will have a brighter Christmas. And, isn't this what the Season is all about? :)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house! Grady and I bought this tree for our very first Christmas together, 10 years ago. The girls now love to help assemble it, and of course, decorate it.

Where do we begin, Daddy?

Elves hard at work...

Macey taking a break to pose as the Statue of Liberty! What a goofy kid!

Empty boxes are so much fun!

Max used to climb up the tree and rest on the branches when he was a kitten. Now, he's too fat and is content lounging amongst the presents.

My girlies in their matching winter jammies. They get a kick out of matching each other.

Dialogue with Emmy

"I love you with my most loviest heart."
Whenever she finds a coin on the ground she says, "Look! It's my lucky day!"
"Once upon a time there were 2 little girls: Mommy, Daddy, Macey, Emmy and JoJo"...
"Mommy, I love you every single day."
When asked, "How old will you be after your next birthday?", she replies, "Free".
Emmy: "I love you!" Mommy: "I love you, too!" Emmy: "I love you MORE!"
Favorite questions: "Why?", "Because why?", "What?", and "What's that mean?"
She's been saying this A LOT lately-- "I'm more hungry"...every 15 minutes!

Jolee's Funny Quotes & Questions

"I don't have peanuts, I have a vagina!"
Grady said: "Jolee, you have school tomorrow", Jolee said: "Oh, the PAIN!, THE PAIN!"
"Every time I push my belly out, my pants pop open!"
"Daddy, I love you so much that I can't let you out of my sight!"
"I'm warm...like a piece of toast."
"I have never, ever, EVER tooted in school!"
"Don't eat the yellow snow!"
"If we had a boy cat AND a girl cat, and they kissed...that would be GROSS!"
"Sometimes the world is a mystery..."
"What are bees' feet called?"
"Zip your lip and throw away the key!"
"Mom's the Mystery Farter!" Note: I'm sure it wasn't me...must've been Daddy!
When deciding whether or not to add chocolate to her ice cream she said, "I'm gonna go for it!"
"It smells like there's a butt in my nose!"
"Mom, I ROCK at this!"
"Tell it to the Judge!"

Macey's Corner: New things I've learned in school

In a handful of soil, there are more living organisms than there are people on the planet.
I have learned multiplication facts by two, three, four and five and division facts by two.
To reduce pollution when shopping, purchase items that are not in a box or that have little packaging.
A refuge is a place where animals and plants are safe.
In statistics, "mode" is the number that appears most often, "maximum" is the largest number, "minimum" is the lowest number, and "range" is the maximum minus the minimum.
A menorah is the candle holder in Hanukkah celebrations and a kinara is the candle holder in Kwanzaa celebrations.
In English, the days of the week start with a capital letter, in Spanish they don't.
In Germany a Christmas tree is called a Tannenbaum
Germany is a country in Europe.
Kwanzaa is a seven day holiday honoring the ancient African tradition of celebrating the year's harvest.
There is a difference between a food chain and a food web. Food chains follow a single path as animals find food and food webs show how plants and animals are connected in many ways to help them all survive.
Another word for collar bone is clavicle.
Not all spiders spin webs to catch food, some dig holes.
Today I completed 100 math facts in less than 5 minutes.
Amphibians are cold blooded animals.
In a math addition problem, if there are more than 2 numbers, find the facts of 10 and then add the others.
A fish that has spikes and puffs up is called a Puffer Fish.
Veteran's Day is also known as Armistice Day.
The phalanges are bones that make up our fingers and toes.
Check back often! Macey will populate this list.

Savin' Green, Bein' Green, Gettin' Lean

No Paper OR Plastic: Instead of buying giftbags for Christmas or birthday presents (especially for adults), buy re-usable grocery bags that the recipient can use everyday.
Cut it Short: In ALL of the baking I do, I always use less sugar than the recipe calls for. Even if you cut it just a little bit, every little bit helps. And, we never miss it!
No More White Stuff: The next time you have to buy flour, buy whole wheat flour. I use it in all of my baking and my family can't tell the difference!
Challenge Yourself: I got this idea from another blog I visit daily. Challenge yourself to not go to the grocery store for an entire week. This forces you to be creative with what you have on hand. It's also a great way to use up the odds and ends in your pantry. It got a little difficult at the end of the week, but we did it! Plus, the savings from that week were very noticeable on our grocery budget!
Rewards Cards: Take advantage of the rewards cards at stores you shop at often. For example, we use the Office Max rewards/recycle program and are able to get free stuff there with the rewards we've accumulated. I also get special discounts at Dick's Sporting Goods which comes in handy buying my running shoes every six months. Other cards I have are for CVS (they give you money to use on your next purchase), Hallmark (free coupons), all the grocery stores (you get the store's discount plus sometimes discounts on gas), shoe stores (special coupons), you get the picture.
Free Movie Nights: Do you have a Redbox kiosk nearby? If so, you can find Redbox codes online every Monday and Wednesday to get a free movie. And, even if you don't get the codes, movies are only a buck! Bye, bye Blockbuster!
Soccer Mom Must: Car pool, duh!
Don't be a Heel: Don't throw away the heels from your loaves of bread. I don't like eating them as sandwiches, either, but toss them in the freezer until you get several of them. Then, toast them in the toaster and throw them into your food processor...wala!...whole grain bread crumbs! And, they're a lot healthier than most of the breadcrumbs you buy at the store.
Behind Bars: Our family goes through granola bars like you wouldn't believe. I love that my kids like to eat this healthy snack, but I don't like how expensive they are. I found a great recipe that is so versatile you can tailor it to your own likes and dislikes. One pan costs pennies and makes 16-18 bars. Recipe is found above in "Janie's Kitchen".
101 Uses for Vinegar: I use it as a fabric softener (and no, our clothes don't stink!), mixed with water it is WAY better than Windex, my friend Stacy uses it to kill her weeds, I spray it on the counters to help get rid of ants, and this is just a few of things I can think of off the top of my head! Google it and have fun!
Stacking Coupons: Did you know that you can use a store coupon (ie. Walgreens, Target, etc.) AND and manufacturer's coupon for the same item? For example, you can print Target coupons (good only at Target) and clip your mfr. coupon to use on the same item. If you do this when the item is on sale, it's an even bigger bonus...many times you can get it free or almost free!