Photo 99 - Thanksgiving

This year, we had Thanksgiving with my sister. It was such a nice day! Since my step-brother lives only minutes from my sister, LJS and I headed over to say a quick hello and visit. For as short a time as it was- half hour, I think- there was a lot of laughter, which is something I enjoy about being with J and K.

My Dad was at my sisters, along with Little Bit (who isn't so little anymore). The photo is of the adult table, with Short Person's Albuquerque Turkey as the centerpiece. After dinner, we perused the ads for Black Friday and I got geared up to both stay up until midnight for Toys R Us' online sales, and then to bounce back up again at 3:30am to go shopping.

Yes, I am insane. But after such a lovely day, it could only get better.

Photo 98 - Christmas Organizer

Years ago, I made a Christmas Organizer. It was a full 8-1/2x11-inch notebook size and, in my opinion, too difficult to manage. I liked the idea and had spent hours (days, really) creating them. But, they were so big! You couldn't take them shopping with you without hassle. Plus, the times have changed a lot since that day. We have Internet and email and e-cards, websites we visit and shop from, so the Organizer pages were in massive need of updating.

My mom created a line of Coffee Pot People, essentially coffee pots with personalities and biographies. Anyway, they are really cute and I thought I could use them as the design for the updated organizer since most people can't survive the holidays and those that do just have way too much energy for their own good :)

This is the finished product. Eventually, they will be sold and I'll try to come back and put links in here just in case you stumble upon the page and want to check them out.

Photo 97 - Short Person's Special Award

Short Person had Chapel at school this morning, and during Chapel she was one of five kids given a special award for Sensitivity. LJS and I are very proud of her. She had no idea she was going to receive it.

Today also marked the first day with her new haircut. We all went to get trims and she told Jenn while sitting in the chair that she wanted it short because she'd been brushing her teeth and getting toothpaste in her hair.

The first time we ever cut her hair this short, she was on the cusp of turning four. She loved the haircut, and loves it still. A princess who wants short hair-- seems kind of ironic to me.

To Be, Or Not To Be, ARRESTED!

Today, my phone rang, and on the other end of the line, was a nice man who informed me that I had been "charged" with having a good heart, and that on December 15, 2009, I would be placed under arrest. He went on to say that escorts would arrive to take me to the Newberg-Springbrook Fire Department, where I could be placed under arrest, dressed in prison stripes, be fed a wonderful meal, and held until I was bailed out of jail. The "joke" arrest is to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy. Instantly, I froze.

I've never been good at inspiring people. It's just not my strong suit. So, I panicked a bit at the idea of having to raise money to bail myself out of jail-- before 2:30pm, because I have to pick Short Person up from school! But, I want to do it. If for no other reason, that I strongly feel as though this qualifies as one of those moments where you can choose to live life and take the risk, or fade into the shadows from fear. And hey, let's face it, there's that small little photo opportunity that would be SO COOL. Maybe not of me, because... well... but of the "atmosphere". The event.

But, there's still that nagging feeling in the back of my mind. Would I be bailed out? Or, would I be the last one remaining at the end of the day? Considering that the phone call to my husband, who has no idea why I'm being arrested, as already told me that they can keep me!!!

I severely lack information. I have no idea how much money I need to raise. So here I sit, contemplating something I've never thought about-- well, except when really mad, lol-- to be, or not to be, arrested.

If you are reading this, please let me know if you'd be willing to bail me out of jail. I've been asking the people that filter into my office if they'd have $5 or $10 to contribute.

Photo 96 - Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day and to celebrate the day off, I invited my sister, Dec, and my good friend, Chris, over. We had planned a movie marathon that started with watching Twilight, followed by Transformers, followed by Transformers II.

It was a wonderfully relaxing day of drinking coffee, talking, watching the movies, and sorting Barbie paraphernalia. In this photo Chris' son and Short Person are "helping" my sister.

Photo 95 - Birthday Parties and Franklin

This was taken at Short Person's cousin's birthday party. We had Franklin that whole weekend, which was a busy one. Again, I am regretting not having written down his visit with us, but hope to get to it soon.

We had a wonderful meal, which was prepared by my niece's mother-in-law. There was quiche and breads and eggs and bacon, but by far the highlight of the brunch was overnight French Toast that literally melted when it hit your tongue. YUMMY!

*****

Updated January 24, 2010

I got Franklin's journal, since we have him again this weekend. Here's the entry I mentioned above.

Dear Class,

This weekend, I got to go to Megan's house. It was a long weekend and we did a lot of stuff. I got to visit both of her Grandma's, go to two birthday parties, and visit Megan's mommy's work.

The first day, I was at Megan's Daddy's mom's house. Her name is Grandma Linda. Megan and Grandma Linda went to go get their hair done so I stayed home with Megan's Grandpa Mike. We got to watch sports! I thought that was terrific since getting hair done is kinda girlie.

On Friday, Megan's Nana came and took us to Megan's G-Ma's house. We played and played and ate cookies and played some more, but the funnest part was when we left. Megan's G-Ma stood on the porch while we honked the horn and waved and yelled all the way down the street, until we couldn't see G'Ma anymore.

The next day, Saturday, we mostly rested. I was tired and Megan's mommy said we had a really busy Sunday. I found out it was going to be a noisy Sunday too! We had two birthday parties to go to.

The first party was Olivia's. She was 2-years-old, and she cried almost the whole time! My ears hurt from it. Next was Trinity's party. It was full of screaming kids too, but I was one of them. I got to play on the jungle gym, which was a blast!

Monday, Megan had to go back to school and I got to go to Megan's mom's work. That was bor-ing. I was glad when we got to pick up Megan!

It was a great weekend, but I'm excited to see who I get to go home with next!

~Franklin

Photo 94 - Overwhelmingly Deoderant

LJS needed deodorant. His order to me? Just get me the plain variety. Something normal.

Well, if you've been shopping for deodorant lately, you know that normal and plain can be very hard to detect in a see of anti-smelly hardware. I had to snap a photo and text message it to him so he could choose his own. I was simply too undone by the wall.

Photo 93 - McDonald's Filet O' Fish

If there is any one food that I cannot resist, it is a McDonald's Fillet O' Fish sandwich. I don't know why, but there's just something about that flaky fish smothered with tarter sauce on a bun that just makes my mouth water thinking about it. Ever since I was a Junior in High School and earned the right to go off campus for lunch, ironically the same year the McDonald's was built in our town, they have been my food of choice. Well, that's stretching it a bit. I do order other things. I just regret it afterward.