Merry Christmas Take 1

Christmas Eve :-)

We started our morning on the hunt for Lula.

It took the girls a while but they finally found her.   Today is her last day with us.  When Santa comes tonight to leave presents for the girls he will be taking Lula with him back to the North Pole.  We had so much fun with her and are hoping that she returns next year.

On Christmas Eve we celebrate with the Parmley side.  We all gather at Grandma and Grandpa's.

When I was younger we would always spend Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family and Christmas Day with my mom's side.  It worked out perfectly (we thought at least) because then we got to see everyone during those two days.  When Brian and I started celebrating holidays together it was perfect because his family celebrated together on Christmas Eve.  My kids would continue the same type of tradition that I grew up with.  One small thing....my dad's side still tries to get together on Christmas Eve and because I have a family of my own now it's harder to see the Miller's on Christmas Eve.

I keep teasing (but really I am serious) my aunt that we should do a Christmas in July type of celebration so that we can all get together and make it a little easier for us all to see each other.  It sucks to loose touch with your family.  Even if you typically only saw them on Christmas, it is still your family.

It always makes me sad that I had so many cousins growing up and in the grand scheme of things we don't know each other very well.  Well, take that back- some of my cousins know each other real well.  They went to the same school or their parents got them together to play when they were little.  I don't ever remember doing that.  We would see them on holidays or at family events.  Occasionally at the cabin but never just because (at least I can't recall a time).

Anyways, my cousin Scott hosted Christmas Eve at his house this year and I decided for once to say no to something.  I usually take on too much and run myself crazy trying to be in 3 places at once because it's hard to tell someone no but this year, I had to do it.  I decided to not even give it a thought.  I couldn't make it.  I had too many things to do to assure that we were ready for Grandma's and this year, I didn't want to be up at 2:00 am on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day wrapping presents. 

So, we didn't go.

I saw pictures today from the party and I have to admit, it made me a little sad.  My sisters were all there.  Kas and Tin were all dressed up and looked so adorable. 

I am sad I missed it but I had to.

We watched the Vikings game today and after it was done we headed out.

About an hour in Jennifer and I decided that we should probably attempt the kids picture before they got too wild or crabby.

Started out pretty strong, all but Courtney.  She wasn't in the mood.

Appears my camera wasn't either- shoot!

Grammy wanted a picture with the kids so they all piled on.  Courtney didn't want to get closer so we had to work with what we could.  Pretty sad that this is my best shot with grandma.

Courtney finally decided this wasn't so bad afterall so she scooted a little closer but by then Hailey had had enough and disappeared.

She sat pouting on the chair and was NOT happy that we were trying to talk her into taking more pictures.

Hailey saw this picture a few days later on my camera and said "Mom, me no cheese."

She came and sat with me and was pretty happy so as long as the camera was still out we tried for a picture.

A little while later it was time to open presents.

"Kids, how about we take a picture of all of you and then we can open presents?!"

They must have forgotten about our attempt upstairs because they all came over and plopped in front of the fireplace.  This time Hailey and Courtney were the first ones there and it would take some coaxing to get Justin, Adam, and Hannah.

Hey- this is not as easy as it looks ;-)

It's like hearding cats trying to get all these kids to sit still long enough for a picture.

I don't ever remember our parents having to go through this to get a picture and looking back at the photos, I remember seeing pictures of kids- standing stick straight, in a line smiling.   Wonder if the digital era has anything to do with that- these poor kids are ALWAYS taking pictures.

We attempted a family picture and now Miss Hailey is showing everyone how she really feels about all these pictures today.

Like this picture of Brian with his parents and sister.  Such a nice family to be a part of.  I sure am lucky that they treat me so well and have always welcomed me.

One last picture before it's time to open presents.

A few of the gifts we received included:

Brian- Buffalo Wild Wings gift card, wood chisel set, wire stripper/cutter, cast iron pan for use on the grill.

Amy- necklace, 31 Storage Tote, quilted Christmas Tree skirt, iTunes gift card

Hannah and Hailey: Barbies, Barbie car, movies, My Little Ponies, Princess table and chair set, Chutes and Ladders game

Let the shopping begin!

Brian and I are both off today which means that I can finish my Christmas shopping once the kids go down for a nap.  Woo Hoo!

I got most of my crafting done, just a few minor touches left.

The weather has been amazing still.  It has gotten to 39 degrees this week and we are still without snow.

I feel kinda sad- kinda.

It's even been nice enough weather for fishing.

I have to admit.  It was actually enjoyable being out in the crowds today.  The sun was shining, the people were happy.  Everyone was hustling and bustling around but they were all smiling. I am happy to report that as of 5:00 this evening (after waiting in the Walmart checkout line for over 30 minutes- ick) that I bought my last present.
The Parmleys are participating in Christmas after all!

Mirror, Mirror on the floor

Lula was sporting a new skirt today and as you can see was really happy with how pretty she looks.

Today I have the day off.  With the kids being home yesterday I still have a lot to do before this weekend.
To bring a little personality to Christmas this year I decided to craft some of the presents which means that I am extra stressed out with the thought that I won't get everything done.  I know, I know.  I bring it upon myself but I just can't let it go.  This is the stuff I like to do.  Anyone can shop for gifts....homemade gifts- I love them!

48 hours left. 

I can do this!

Christmas is never going to happen...

I am going to start by admiting that I am not the most organized-do-things-ahead-of-time-with-plenty-of-time-to=spare type of person but I also don't feel that I am horrible.
I think Brian would disagree but that's ok.  It's all about perception :-)

I at least usually don't feel so unorganized.

This year.  I am a mess.

Not sure why Christmas seemed to sneak up on me.  It's the same date every year.  Everyone's talking about it, sending wish lists, comparing gift ideas, etc.

Here I am a few days before Christmas and of the 35+ people that I have to buy for, I am done shopping for 9 of them.  That means that I need every moment that I have left to finish up.

I don't want to get into it here but work has been crazy.  Things at home have been busy.  Kari and Andy are home which puts another spin on the anxiety level (will I see them enough, can I eat with them tonight, I should be stopping by, I should be calling, I should be spending time with my nephews more, etc, etc, etc).
Don't take that the wrong way- I wouldn't send them home if I could- it's just a mom-sister guilt thing, I guess.

I decided I needed to take some time off of work so that I could get this stuff done so Christmas could happen this year.
Today I had a meeting from 8:30-9:30 with a clinician that has been having trouble.  After that, the day would be ALL MINE :-)
Well, 9:30 came and went and at 9:45 we found out that his meeting was cancelled and he had more time to talk.  Somewhere around 10:50 Brian sent me a text telling me that Jackie just called.  Hannah is sick and needs to be picked up from daycare.

Seriously?!

By the time I got home Hannah was feeling ok.  She has thrown up a few times but mostly just complains that her tummy hurts.  I soon find out that Jackson is also out sick today.

I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon working (don't lecture me.....) and then decided it would be best if I caught up on the blog.

That brings me to now, 1:55 pm.  Hailey will be waking up soon.  I am not one present closer to Christmas but DO have tomorrow off and hope to get a lot done - if the kids cooperate and stay somewhat healthy.

I can't lie....I am stressing out a little bit.
Not sure I can pull this one off.

Lula didn't help things this morning.  She sure made a mess last night :-)

Wish me luck!

Peek-a-Lu

Lula was a little tricky to find today. 

Tonight I needed to finish up shopping for Jackie's Christmas present.  I had most of what I needed but still had a few things I wanted to add to her gift.

Me:  "Hannah, what would you like to get Jackie for Christmas?"
Hannah: "I don't know, mom.  She likes all kinds of things."
Me:  "Like what?  Does she like to read?  Does she like to listen to music?  She drinks coffee doesn't she?"
Hannah: "Yes!  She drinks coffee and loves to put baby powder in it!"

I'm thinking she meant cream?!

What a long day....

Kari and family arrived safely last night!

We were up until almost 2:00 am and then I had to be up early this morning for an 8:00 meeting.  I decided to get up (the earlier the better) so that I would surely be out of the house when the kids woke up (since we were sleeping at Kim's).
After work today we all met up at my sister's place and decided where to go for dinner.
After dinner the girls and I headed home to have treats, jammy up, and head to bed.

When we got home we saw that Lula had been waiting for us.

They're coming! They're coming! AGAIN!

Last night the girls opened the circled door on their advent calendars which could only mean one thing!

Today is the day the family is back!

Even though Kari, Andy and the boys were just here this summer,  we are all SUPER excited to see them.

Doesn't really feel like only a few months have passed.

The kids are super excited and each time I even mentioned Kas or Tin, Hailey starts to giggle and smile big!

 Lula was easy to spot today :-)

Over the river and through the woods to Northtown Mall we go

It sounded like a good idea at the time.

"Do you girls want to go and see Santa today?"

We packed up and headed out to the mall.  We got there around 10:45 and the line was already wrapping around the Santa display and down the hall. 

I have to admit.....I wasn't expecting this.  I guess I should have known better but at the same time I figured that everyone probably already went to see him.  Obviously not the case.

Earlier this morning I asked Hannah what she was going to tell Santa that she wanted.

Her response "Don't worry mom, I will just tell him."

We went through that about 5 or 6 times before I finally just gave in and stopped asking.

Around 12:40 it was finally our turn!

Hailey did pretty good in line.  She kept waving and acting like she was planning on sitting by him.

That was until we were next in line.  She buried her head in my shoulder and when Mrs. Claus touched her and rubbed her back she shot up and moved her hand away.

I walked her up to Santa but it only took about 6 seconds before she was screaming.

So Hannah braved this one on her own.

Maybe next year Hails :-)

Santa: "What would you like for Christmas this year?

Hannah:  "Ummm, a puppy and a rocking chair."

And Lula?

It took a little longer to spot her this morning :-)

Help Yourself

Santa must not be feeding her very well.
Lula helped herself to an early morning snack :-)

Is it because Lula is watching?

Lula was just hanging out this morning. 

 Hannah and Hailey both spotted her right away!

Tonight after dinner it was time to jammy up and then get a treat.

The girls went running (and giggling) to Hannah's room.

I was finishing up the dishes- although Hannah did dry and put away most of what she could- and then both girls came back out of Hannah's room.

They both had their jammies on.

Hannah: "Mom!  Look what I did!  I got Hailey's jammies on her.  I changed her diaper too."

Me: "Oh you did, did you? (yeah right)"

Hannah: "Yep!"

Well....Hailey did have a new/different diaper on and daddy was downstairs.

WOW!  Wonder if Lula has something to do with all this good behavior lately?

This girl gets around

This morning Lula was found tooling around the living room.

She had a few passengers with her including one of the Gingerbread ornaments (that Hannah has named Gingey).

I need to mention how nice the weather has been so far this winter.

It has been around 30 and 40 degrees for the past few days and it has felt great!

Today it actually rained.  Not the freezing rain that us Minnesotans are used to.  Not the kind that turns into ice over night.  Not the kind that falls as snow but then appears as 'rain' when it hits the ground.

Good ol' fashion rain.

I have to appreciate this.  Sometimes by this time of the year we are knee deep in snow. 

Not what my sister and family from Ecuador want to here.

Our time will come.  The winter will hit, the snow will come and be here to stay and within 48 hours of that time I will be longing for spring.  Today- I am content with this. 

P.S.  The family arrives on SUNDAY!!!!

Can you find Lula?

She is pretty obvious in this one :-)

Seemed appropriate to post a fun game for the adults today.  Can you find Lula?
She hasn't been getting too tricky yet about where she is hiding.
I think she is scared that if she hides too good nobody will find her and she will be stuck there.

On another note.....

Lula showing Hailey some love this morning :-)

On another note....

I think we have a cutter on our hands.  This little girl is obsessed!

Hannah was the same way at this age. 

Hailey will just sit (or in this case- stand) for hours and cut up paper.

The smaller the better in her eyes.

Mom appreciates the bigger ones best, they are much easier to clean up!

Baking day

Lula was spotted in the bathroom this morning.

Chewy Surprise Cookies

1-1/2 cups butter-flavored shortening
1-1/2 cups peanut butter
2 cups sugar, divided
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
4 eggs
3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (10 ounces) Milk Duds

Directions

In a large bowl, cream the shortening, peanut butter, 1-1/2 cups sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Shape 4 teaspoons of dough around each Milk Dud so it is completely covered. Roll balls in remaining sugar.

Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks. Yield: about 8 dozen.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

48 HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Granulated sugar

Directions


Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each
cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

About 4 dozen cookies.

Cream Wafers

2 cups flour

1 cup butter

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Mix dough and chill

Roll out dough, cut into shapes (small sizes)

Coat cut outs in granulated sugar

Bake 9-12 min

Let cool

Make into sandwiches

Filling

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 egg yolk

1/4 cup butter

tint with green or red food coloring

It's party time!

This morning we found Lula hanging out on Hannah's picture.

Hannah's feeling about it was that she must be up there because she loves her. 

Tonight is my aunt Vicki's 19th annual Christmas party. 

All the girls from the Miller's side are invited.  Well- grown up girls.

Each year Vicki sends us a poem and within the poem are the directions for our 'assignment'.

This year it was to decorate a wine bottle.

Well, the directions actually said to disguise a wine bottle.  Dad warned us that she was expecting the bottles to be full so that this year when you took one home you would be getting a bottle of wine out of the deal.

I spent hours thinking about what to make.  Looking online for inspiration.

I got nothing.

I thought about making a dracula- sounds weird but I kept seeing people wrap their bottles in fabric and leave a huge collar-looking-cape thing- it was a thought.  Not very Christmas like but Twlight is all the rage these days so I thought it might have worked out.

I also thought of a Santa but figured everyone would be doind either that or a Snowman so I decided I would try my luck at a Christmas tree.

I bought a strand of the mini-est of mini lights, tiny ornaments, tinsel, etc.

I made a cone out of glittery green paper, started decorating and straight to the trash it went.  YUCK- my vision was not working out for me.

So, here I was this morning.  8 hours until party time.

Guess I'll go with a Santa after all.

Left to Right:  Snowman/sweater guy: Lee Ann, disguise mask: Mary, Sweater/necklace/hat: Maura (Elizabeth's mom), Lights with bow: Kim, Box in the background: Joanne



White angel: Vicki, Stocking/sock with candy canes: Elizabeth, Santa: Me, Christmas Tree: Tonya



Car: Diane (with help from dad), Black chalkboard bottle with white ribbon: Jennie

Christmas tree with lights and an extension cord: Anita

Grapes and EMPTY bottle: Kristin

Better pic of Diane's and Jennie's

My pics didn't turn out so well.  Vicki's basement is always a little on the darker side and there were tons of people around.  Next year I think I will take a pic of each item upstairs before it comes down. 

Must be tired going to the North Pole every night

Lula must be getting worn out with all of her nightly travels.
Today we found her sleeping....

Cute story:

We have been at Stacey and Shane's a few times in the past few weeks and at least 4 or 5 times during our time there the lights on the Christmas tree are turned off.  Stacey says "Who keeps turning the lights off?!" and then turns them back on.  We both suspected Maddie but it seems weird that she wouldn't want the lights on....after all they are so pretty!

Well this morning when we were getting ready to leave the house Hannah ran over to the tree and turned off of the lights.  "Mom, I turned the lights off so they don't burn out so Santa will still come."
Me: "Huh?"
Hannah:  "Yeah- you have to do that.  Maddie telled me that Santa won't come if the lights are burnt out so we need to save them."

So adorable!  Those two- I would like to be a fly on the wall listening to those conversations ;-)

Found her!

This morning was much easier for Hannah.

Today she came into the bathroom to tell me good morning and that she was going to start finding Lula.

She came back a few minutes later pushing her in on the 'donkey'.

We placed her safely back on the shelf....that girl sure gets around ;-)

Getting into the Christmas spirit

A few posts back I talked about wanting to do an advent calendar for the girls.  I had BIG ideas of buying a plain white box with drawers that I would decorate to be our family's advent calendar.

So to turn this...

into something more like this....

That didn't happen.

So instead I purchased this....

The girls don't know the difference. 

They are getting the concept so next year when I make something more like above they will know just what to do!  My schedule appreciated this more :-)

Lula has brought a magic to our house that I have really needed.

Hannah is amazed by her and daddy is already ready for her to go :-)

Hannah is like a dog with a bone when she is into something and she is into Lula.  She does not stop talking about her.  Where is she, why is she doing that, why did she do it that way, when is she leaving tonight, when will she be back, etc, etc, etc.... If you know Hannah, you know what I am talking about!

For me- I have loved watching Hannah 'get into' Christmas. 

She LOVES the Osmonds Christmas CD and insists that when we are in the car it's on.

It's starting to rub off on me a little bit.  I am taking this Friday off to start my shopping and wrapping. Hopefully it will be a nice day and I will get a lot done so I actually feel accomplished in some way.

This morning when I was in the shower I could hear footprints.  Those footprints usually end up in the bathroom followed by a "Hi Mommy" but not today.  Today they were followed by cupboard doors opening and closing and I could hear "Lu-la...where are you?".

She eventually came into the bathroom with a sad sound to her voice "I can't find her.  She's not on the shelf anymore but I can't find her anywhere."

Hannah eventually found her in the kitchen.

Meet Lula

Meet Lula.  She was delivered on the front steps yesterday.

Lula is a pixie-elf.  She was sent from Santa to watch over the kids for the next few weeks.  Every night while the girls are sleeping she will fly back to the North Pole to tell Santa whether they were naughty or nice.
After all, how did you think he found out?!

After she has reported in for the night she flies back into our home and when the girls wake up they need to find her so that mommy or daddy can bring her back to the shelf where she will perch out and watch another day.

She was sent to us in this box with a book.  The book is her set of instructions.  First up- she needed a name.  Hannah came up with Lula.  I think it suits her just fine.

Secondly, the kids can talk to her but they are not to touch her and she can not talk back to them.  If she talks or is touched, she will lose her magic.  Without her magic she can't make it back to the North Pole and report to Santa.

Hannah spent most of the evening asking her questions and telling her all about our house and our family.

She was very curious as to how Lula was going to manage getting out of that box and out of the house so daddy showed her the door to the attic.  They agreed that that is probably how she gets out since it would be pretty hard for her to open the door since she is so small.

When the girls went to bed last night Lula was in the box.  When they woke up this morning she was sitting in the Christmas tree with a letter. 

Notice her kiss mark :-)

Wonder what Lula will be up to tonight?!

It'sa Spicy Meatboll (must be said with an Italian accent- a bad one)

Saturday night Brian decided to make homemade pizza.

Like the kind that you make the sauce, make the dough, shred the cheese.

Hannah wanted to help us but after the ingredients were measured out there wasn't much more for her to do so she got out a bowl and went to work on her own thing.

She got some cheese, fresh basil, tomato paste, salt, sugar, flour, corn starch, water, oil and oregano.  She mixed it all together and then even cooked it in the microwave for a few minutes.

Daddy gave her a few chunks of dough that she flattened and then cut.

Then she made these.....Spicy Meatballs.

I hope she remembers times likes these as she grows up.  I hope she remembers that her mommy and daddy let her help out and then get creative on her own instead of barking at her to get away or out of the kitchen so we could make dinner.  I hope she remembers times like these because I am sure that I probably won't.  Once again, another shout out to the blog!

Taking one for the team

The girls received cards in the mail from Grandma Joyce today (she's always so thoughtful and sweet to include my kids at each holiday).  Cards from Grandma Joyce always contain holiday stickers in them.

Hailey was really exicted to share her stickers with Ah-ha (her way of saying Nash).

He didn't care too much about it. 

She was following him around the house and everytime he would sit still or stop moving she would adorn him with another peice of flair.  Then she would lean down to give him a hug. 

Of course I couldn't get the dog and the toddler to sit still for a picture so with the help from dad (well, a treat) I at least snapped this picture of the decorations.

Another new recipe

I had to steal this picture from Jennie's Facebook page.

It's gotta be one of the all time BEST!

At least she's not at the dinner table, which she has been known to do.

Tough act to follow

So a few days back I told you about Words with Friends. 

I had to share this move Kari laid on me!

This recipe brought to you by Pinterest

I think the fact that there is hardly any left is a good sign!

Spiced Caramel Apple Dip

Ingredients


8-ounce package cream cheese
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
pinch of salt
pinch of apple pie spice for topping

Instructions

1.Cream together cream cheese and sugars.
2.Make sure sugars are well-combined.
3.Mix in spices and combine well.
4.Top with sprinkle of apple pie spice.
5.Serve with apple slices or pita chips



4:00 sucks

I absolutely hate the 4:00 hour.

As the clocks grows closer to 4:00 pm my stress level starts to rise.

I am trying to leave work to get home to my family and the rest of the work world is also finishing up their day and gettind ready to clock out for the day.  The last hour of work seems to be the 'dumping' hour.

Everyone is working through their To-Do Lists and trying to accomplish those few last things that they need to.  The emails start flying, the phone starts ringing.  People stop by on their way out and fill you in on the days activities and dump their list to you.  It's like an adult game of Hot Potato.

There is nothing more that I want then to leave but my job doesn't allow it most days.  How do you look at someone standing in your office and say "OK, time to go- I'd like to leave work now."  I can't do it. I don't have it in me and unfortunately some days that is the only time that you can get all the people in one place- the meeetings are over and it's a time when things can finally get done.

When I finally escape and start the trek for home my mind is racing.  I am thinking about work, I am thinking about getting home to see my family, I am thinking about all the things I want to do when I get home, all the things I need to do when I get home, all the things that I need to do tomorrow, all the things I need to do to get ready for ______ (Christmas, Birthday, etc, etc), all the work that I should do when the kids go to bed to get ready for the next day at work, what to have for dinner, etc.

The traffic through Minneapolis is not fun.  And to top it off someone decided it would be a great time to work on the road so my used-to-be-four-lane commute through the city is down to 3 and on some days 2 lanes.  Makes for a long and annoying stop and go ride.

I hate the 4:00 hour. 

I hate the stress I feel trying to leave work.

I hate the stress I feel driving home.

I hate the stress I feel about letting my family down when I am late.

I hate the stress I feel about letting my coworkers down when I am not around if they needed me.

I hate stressing about what to have for dinner.

I hate having to stop at Target every night to get what we need to make dinner.

I hate not being able to accomplish everything I have on my To Do List.

I hate not being able to even cross off one thing on my To Do List (most days).

Most of these things are avoidable.  I can change my behavior or patterns to change the course.

Question is- why haven't I done anything about it yet?