Jonas Brother sighting... Southlake TX!

So, tonight we were at Southlake Town Square, doing a little shopping. Rick and Haylee were at Crate & Barrel and Hannah and I were at the Gap. We decided to meet up at C&B. As Hannah and I were crossing the street I look up, and there HE is! Just walking along, talking to some other guy (who I think was his dad). I had to point him out to Hannah and truthfully, I don't think she cared that much! HA HA! I was probably more excited than she was!

That's our excitement for the day!

The Nutcracker Ballet

The girls and I have started a tradition of going to see The Nutcracker Ballet each December! We are fortunate to have a local college (TWU) that puts on the performance each year. And what is extra neat is that many of the girls that dance are local so there is a chance you may know someone up on stage!

This year I also took the Activity Day girls from our ward. We had a "social" beforehand. We made a craft, had lunch and then carpooled to the college. Hannah and Haylee joined us at the end of the luncheon for the ride over. They were dressed in their Christmas best and so excited! All of the girls were so good and seemed to really enjoy it. Even little Haylee was able to sit through the whole thing.

Hannah and Haylee posing in front of a Winter Wonderland (courtesy of another ward in our bldg)

The Activity Day girls in their Christmas pretties!

Since we have started attending this each year, our house has slowly being taken over by nutcrackers each Christmas. We now have 3 large ones and at least 5-6 nutcracker ornaments on the tree!

Thanks for being my dates, girls! I love going with you and hope someday you'll take your little ones!

Early Christmas in Seattle...

Hannah, Hunter and Haylee in grandma and grandpa's neighborhood

or as I like to call it... "Trapped in a Winter Wonderland!"

The girls and I flew to Seattle to have an early Christmas with my family. As we landed, snow was falling and the girls were so excited! So was I...it's been a long time since I've seen a decent amount of snow... and in the correct month, even! We usually don't get snow in Texas until February, IF we get any!

It really was a great visit. They had so much fun taking the dogs on walks or to the dog park. They were able to see cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Grandma helped them decorate Christmas cookies and make reindeer ornaments. Towards the end of our visit, Haylee wasn't feeling too well. She had quite a fever so grandpa and I braved the bad streets to take her to a clinic the next morning. Turns out she had strep throat. She got her meds and is doing much better!

Here are a few photos from our trip:

Cousins, in their matching aprons courtesy of grandma, getting ready to bake!

Hannah and Haylee going to the dog park with grandpa

Hunter, Hannah, baby Alexis and Haylee with grandma
(you can tell by looking at Haylee, this is when she started to feel bad)

Hannah, Hunter, Haylee and Mooma (grandma) Sue and Haylee
having lunch at Cafe Matthews

There were also a few "firsts" on this trip! So exciting!

Hannah lost her first tooth!

It was our first time to see baby Alexis... what a cutie!

It was the first time the girls got to go sledding in the snow!
(those are Uncle Jon's legs you see there)

My dad kept saying "What a vacation! You're snowed in and then Haylee gets sick!" Truthfully, it was a great vacation! We had a great time seeing everyone and enjoyed the snow. Thanks grandma and grandpa!! Love you all!

Fun Facts about "A Christmas Story"

Here are some obscure facts about one my FAVORITE Christmas movies, A Christmas Story. I could watch this movie daily during the Christmas season! Or I could wait until Christmas eve when TBS runs it for 24 hours straight and get my fill then! Either way, here are a few facts that you might not know even though you've watched it 90 times:

* Jack Nicholson was very interested in playing Ralphie’s dad. But casting (and paying) Jack would have meant doubling the budget, so he was removed from consideration. Director Bob Clark – who didn’t know Nicholson was interested at the time – says Darrin McGavin was the perfect choice, and I’d have to agree. I think Jack would have been too much of a scene-stealer.

*For anyone keeping count, Ralphie says he wants the Red Ryder BB Gun 28 times throughout the course of the movie. That’s approximately once every three minutes and 20 seconds.

*Peter Billingsley, AKA Ralphie, has been good friends with Vince Vaughn since they both appeared in the CBS Schoolbreak Special (their version of the after-school special) in the early ’90s. He doesn’t do much acting these days, but he did make a surprise appearance on the “Vince Vaughn Wild West Comedy Show” in Memphis, Tenn., in 2005. Peter’s doing quite well for himself, though. He was the executive producer of Iron Man and had a brief bit as William Ginter Riva. Peter also executive produced Vince’s latest movie, Four Christmases (which he also had a cameo in), as well as 2006’s The Break-Up.

*Mythbusters tested whether it was possible to get your tongue truly stuck on a piece of cold metal. Guess what? It is. So don’t triple dog dare your best friend to try it.

*Scott Schwartz, who played Flick (who stuck his tongue to the frozen flagpole), was submerged in the adult film industry for a number of years. He got out in 2000 to try to become a mainstream actor again, but I can’t say he’s done much of note: Community College (“A love story between four dudes and their ability to get free drinks”) and Skinwalker, which starred ex-MTV veejay Jesse Camp, if that tells you anything. Joey Buttafuoco is in it, too, and gets billing over our poor Flick. Sad.

*Next time you’re in Cleveland, you can visit the original house from the movie for only $7.50. It was sold on eBay in 2004 for $150,000. Collector Brian Jones bought the house and restored it to its movie glory and stocked it up with some of the original props from the film, including Randy’s snowsuit.

*The Wonder Years was inspired by A Christmas Story. In fact, in one of the last few episodes, Peter Billingsley appeared as one of Kevin Arnold’s roommates.

*The real Red Ryder BB Gun was first made in 1938 and was named after a comic strip cowboy. You can still buy it today for the low, low price of $44.99. But the original wasn’t quite the same as the one in the movie – it lacked the compass and sundial that both the Jean Shepard story and the movie call for. Special versions had to be made just for A Christmas Story.

* While we’re talking shopping – you know you want the leg lamp. Put it in your window! Be the envy of your neighbors! It’s a Major Award! You can buy it here, but if you’re not feeling quite so flamboyant you can get a replica that serves as a nightlight for $14.99. The people who own the house also run a gift shop, and they sell pretty much everything you could possibly want from the movie – the decoder pin ($7.99), Lifebuoy soap ($3.99), the leg lamp variants mentioned above, and even pieces of the original house.

*There’s a sequel of sorts, My Summer Story, which came out in 1994. Kieran Culkin plays Ralphie, Mary Steenburgen is his mom, and Charles Grodin is his dad.

There you have it! Fun facts that you couldn't get through the day without!

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Don’t shoot your eye out (kid).

*facts courtesy of mentalfloss.com

Preschool Christmas Program

Tonight was the preschool Christmas Program. Our preschool does a performance of The First Christmas. None of the children having speaking parts but they all wear costumes, etc. We have the key players... Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, the Inns Keeper, angels, shepherds and animals. The kids are so stinkin' cute up there! Haylee was one of the main angels this year. She stood in the center and was supposed to raise her hands when the part in the play said that an angel spoke. =}Carys, Haylee, Megan

After the "play" the kids sing a few Christmas songs. This year was so great! No major mishaps or anything! When all the songs are done we head into the fellowship hall for some cake and punch.
Hannah was looking forward to the program because it also meant she would probably see some old friends that she used to go to preschool with. Savannah, Hannah, Brendan, Haylee, Carys

This is an extremely busy time of year for Rick. I don't think he has been to any of the previous Christmas programs because he is busy helping Santa deliver all of those packages that start picking up about this time. Tonight he surprised us! He arrived before the play started and found me. I was thrilled he was able to make it! Haylee did not know he was there until she walked out on stage. She spotted him at the time she was supposed to raise her arms but instead her mouth dropped open and her little eyes about popped out of her head in excitement!

And of course, who can forget her other favorite guy, Jakey the Wise Man!

Merry Christmas everyone!
(sorry, don't know why this picture is turned like this, I've tried to fix it over and over!)

4th Annual Ornament Exchange

Today was the Ornament Exchange! It was a time of fun friends, yummy good and silly games. Who doesn't need more of that in their lives, right?? We relaxed with no children and no husbands (and ladies, we ARE allowed to do that sometimes!) Thanks to Rick who helped me a TON this morning then took his two daughters out for lunch and some fun!
We played a Christmas Trivia game and a Name that Christmas Carol game. Here are the ladies, intently studying their sheets:

There was also plenty of time to just sit, chat and snack:
There were a lot of good treats to sample, that's for sure! It's so fun and relaxing to get together with friends!
At the end we all stood in a circle and passed our ornaments around while the left/right story was being read. It's always interesting to see the different ornaments that people bring. I ended up with a sweet little angel under glass and she's already hanging on my tree!
There were some who weren't able to attend due to the busy holiday season and you were definitely missed! Thanks to all who came... we'll see you next year!

Thanksgiving and Black Friday...

Our Thanksgiving was laid back and uneventful. We had plans to head to Little Elm and spend have dinner with the Goldsworthy clan (who are always so wonderful to include our little family in their holidays!) but Rick was very under the weather, I was getting over my cold and the girls had runny noses. A fun group we would NOT be! We stayed home and had our own little dinner. Granted, it did not look like the spread above but we were content just to be together! The dinner did contain the necessities... turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, etc. I am thankful for my little family here and for both of our families in other states. We miss them, especially during the holidays!


The girls and I also ventured out this morning for a bit of shopping. My sweet husband does not get the day after Thanksgiving off, so Hannah and Haylee were up "at the crack of dawn" (actually, before that!) to shop with their momma...that is what Hannah said when I woke her up at 4am..."Mommy, is this the crack of dawn?". Now, the girls are slumbering peacefully on the couch as I type...

We were joined by friends Tristen and also Deborah and her son, Ryan. I didn't have any big items but found most of what I wanted. It's the thrill of the hunt for me. The crowds were crazy but we managed.

We are now heading into a weekend with no plans... I can't remember the last time that happened. It will give me time to ready the house for my 4th annual Ornament Exchange next weekend! Yee haw!

Ballet Recital

Today Haylee had her ballet recital! It was so cute! Their teacher, Lindsay, stood off on the side of the stage behind a curtain and did the moves with them. I was actually quite surprised that Haylee participated. She is so shy when it comes to things like that, I thought she would freeze up on stage and just stand there. But she didn't! She actually did quite well!

Here she is with her teacher, Lindsay, and her friend, Anna.
First they did a fun song called "Tiptoe" where they all walked around in a circle and did what the song said..."tiptoe", "walk", "run". Here she is tiptoeing with her little friends.

They did all did a dance to "A Wish is a Dream Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella. They had their stuffed animals on stage with them. Then they showed some of the leaps they had learned.

Last they did a disco number to "Talk About It" by Alvin and the Chipmunks. Haylee was so cute, shaking her hips and dancing.
She liked this class so much better than the one we did with the Parks department. Many of the little girls in her class were from our church and she loved seeing them each week.
You did a great job Haylee! We're proud of you!

Thanksgiving Feast at preschool

Thursday was our Thanksgiving Feast at preschool. We have the whole spread...turkey, dressing, potatoes, cranberries, etc. Family and friends of each child are invited to come and eat with the kids. I think we had over 100 people there!

It was a busy day! It seems like from the minute I walked through the door we were busy setting up (with help from many!), then the feast starts, ends and we're busy cleaning up until the end of school! But it's worth it! We have a WONDERFUL new pastor, Pastor Brad. He and his wife were a HUGE help as was Builder Bob (a retired gentleman that fixes just about anything at the church).

This year, as in every year past, Tristen and Kaiya came to eat with Haylee and I.I am so THANKFUL that she comes and supports Haylee! Rick isn't able to take off work to come and I'm usually busy running around working so it's SO nice to have her there and I know Haylee LOVES it! Haylee just squeals when she see Tristen walk through the door.

We also had some yummy desserts there... I had to take this photo of little Grayson enjoying his cupcake. What a cutie!!

Now we can take a breath until it's time for the Christmas program!

Happy Birthday Rick!

Saturday was Rick's 50th birthday! I just wanted to share a few reasons why he is so wonderful:

*he laughs at my jokes
*he is extra quiet each morning when he wakes at 4:20am so he doesn't wake us
*he tells me how beautiful I am, even when I don't feel that way
*he finds special books at the library to share with his daughters
*he cleans up after himself! (BONUS)
*he works hard everyday so I can stay home with our princesses and NEVER complains
*he'll turn the music up loud on Saturday and dance around the kitchen with his girls

I could go on, but I won't!

We had a fabulous birthday weekend! When Rick came home from work Friday night, his mom and dad greeted him at our door! They live in Southern CA and flew in to spend the weekend with us and he had NO idea! He was completely stunned to see them at our door.

Then Saturday morning we met them at a restaurant for breakfast and his brother, Rob, and family were there also!

Tracy & Rob
They live in the Bay area in CA and had flown in to spend the weekend with us...again, Rick had no idea! By the way, this was just as big of a surprise for our girls! I couldn't tell them or they might spill the beans. They were just as excited as their daddy to see all of them! Especially their cousin, Joey.

Grandma Marlene and her two boys

Saturday night we had a small surprise party at a local Italian restaurant. Friends and more family were there to greet him on the climate-controlled patio! It was so fun! If you know me, you know I can't throw a party without a theme. I didn't want to go the black/white, over the hill theme so I chose to do colorful and fun. I found some toys that were around when Rick was a kid and had them at the party. We had a slot car set and Rock Em Sock Em Robots for the guests to play with while they waited for us to show and through out the evening. The Rock Em Sock Em Robots were quite a hit! I even got to go up against Grandma Marlene for a round or two. Rick & Tristen
Kent & Tracy

I have to give a HUGE Thank You to Tristen & Jamie! I would not have been able to pull of this surprise party without them! They were such a great help and I can't thank them enough!

We also spent some time in Ft Worth this weekend. We went for a ride on the Forest Park Miniature Railroad and everyone had a great time!

One of the best things about this weekend was having the kids together.
They had so much fun being silly, crazy kids! The girls love Joey! It's just too bad we don't live closer together! Here are a few photos of their time together:

Morning games after sleep over

Waiting for breakfast at Mimi's

Riding the train

After seeing Madagascar 2


Thanks to everyone who helped make Rick's birthday special! 50 never looked so good!

Veteran's Day

They Did Their Share
By Joanna Fuchs


On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

The Primary Program...

Today is the day that all LDS parents look forward to... the Primary Program! It's so fun to see your little ones up at the podium saying their lines and singing their little hearts out! This is the first time since Hannah has been in Primary that I haven't had to stress about it! Usually I'm conducting the music but today I just got to enjoy the show!

Here is Hannah, all dressed up for the program. Haylee, however, didn't get to go. ={ She has come down with some sort of tummy bug and had to stay home. Poor little thing.
The program went very well! No melt-downs, no pulling dresses up over their heads, no major nose picking...all in all, a rousing success!

Hannah had to recite the 3rd Article of Faith: "We believe through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel." She did a great job and only needed a tiny bit of help.

I really think things like the Program are so good for the kids. Not only do they learn gospel principles through the year as they practice, but they all have the chance at public speaking. It's hard to get up in front of a large group and speak but they all performed like pros! I was amazed and impressed at how well they did!

Can't wait for next year!