Twas the Night Before Christmas

Wow, three posts in one day, I'm CRRRAAAZZZYYYY!! Today was the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" pajama party at story hour at the library. The kids sang some songs and listened to the story. Then they got to make jingle bell bracelets and reindeer food. Scotty didn't understand that we weren't going to get to see reindeer right then and feed them the food. I tried to explain that we would put it out on Christmas Eve but he's just too little to understand. They got to eat cookies and drink hot chocolate and then...... Santa came! Scotty got really excited when he saw him. The line to see Santa was a little long so we sat to wait. Scotty saw that Santa was giving kids candy and he wanted to just run up there and steal one. We finally got our turn. Scotty wasn't so sure about sitting on Santa's lap but he definately wanted the candy that Santa would give him.
Here he is so proud to have endured the wait to get the candy cane.
And then wanting to eat the candy cane with the wrapper still on.
He had a lot of fun. He loves to go places where there are other kids. This place had a few too many kids and too much stench for my taste but I'm so glad he had a fun time!

Snow Day

Last week when it snowed, Derrick got a day off of work. We went outside to shovel the car out and do a little playing. Scotty was so cute. He kept laying in the snow and yelling, "Tuck (stuck), Tuck!!" We would then go to help him up. As soon as we would help him up he'd start giggling and then would go to another spot, lay down and yell, "Tuck, Tuck!!!"
Derrick would whisper in Scotty's ear and they would yell, "One...Two....Three" and then they would both run towards me and attack me with snowballs. Scotty thought this was the funnest thing ever. They did it over and over and over. Scotty got upset and cried a lot when I told him he had to go inside because he was getting too cold. Poor little guy would have stayed out there forever if I wasn't such a mean momma! I tried to take a cute picture of Scotty on his horse that his Grandma gave him for his birthday. I thought it would be cute in front of the Christmas tree. None of them turned out very good but oh, well. This was the best one. I think I had the wrong flash setting on or something. I am camera challenged!

Banned!!

I am officially banning myself from the Twilight movie. I know that I will come out very disappointed so why even watch. I can't believe that they cast this guy Robert Pattison as our beautiful amazing Edward. What the crap?!!!!! I know that they say, "Nobody will match what you think Edward should look like" or "Edward's a vampire, we could never find anyone who would match all characteristics" or some dumb trash like that but could they have TRIED!!!! So, they go for someone that wouldn't even match a human beauty let alone a vampire? So sorry Summit Entertainment, you won't be getting my money on this effort. Try harder next time!!!!

Winter Wonderland or Cold Misery?

So, this is what it looks like here in Pinetop right now. So beautiful and white! I love to sit and watch as the snow blankets everything. I can sit next to a warm fire and look out at the gorgeous snowy scenery. I like to occassionaly go out in the snow to "play" for awhile also. I didn't get a picture while Scotty was out in the snow trying to shovel. It was so cute. But............

then you have to live in it, drive in it, go to work or the store in it.......which means, shoveling it. Then at that point, I HATE the snow! The slushy cold mess that it leaves everywhere, the constant chill in your bones, and you can never have your hair cute for long before it falls flat! Everytime you go out in it and then come back in, you have to change your wet freezing clothes which leads to more laundry. I wonder if I will ever get over these love/hate feelings for the snow.

Has it been that long?

Wow! Today is our 7th Anniversary. I can't believe that it has been that long. So many things have happened since then. And a lot of things that I WISH would have happened by now in our lives, haven't happened. We have endured a lot of trials, stress, and even heartache during the past 7 years but we have also had so many fun, happy, memorable times. We have been blessed in many ways.........a beautiful little boy, wonderful family who love and support us, good health, Derrick's education, and so many other ways. In reflection, I want to write a few things about how we met and came to be husband and wife. Derrick and I were both on the activities committee in our singles ward. We would make small talk now and then but I didn't know him well. He was dating a couple of other girls around that time and I was "flirting" with many other guys, definitely not ready to settle down. Then 7 months later I was dragged to a horrid church dance (hated those things.) Derrick was there and asked for my phone number. I happened to be leaving the dance around the same time he and his brother were. They asked where I was going (which was anywhere away from the dance!) and they invited me to go to Denny's with them. We had fun talking and they were so freakin' hilarious. The next week he called and asked me to go on a date (I found out later that I was his second choice for the night, wha wha) and we went to Macaroni Grill and then to a movie. We began talking on the phone a lot and hanging out a lot. Three months later we were engaged and 2 months later we were married on a beautiful December day in the Mesa Temple. Here is a pic of us the night before we were married. It was the first time I was meeting grandparents!!! We were such a happy young couple!! Happy Anniversary Derrick! Thank you for 7 amazing years and many more to come!!!

Pics by Suzi

Over Thanksgiving Suzi took some pictures of us. It was windy and cold and Derrick was a grouch. But she got some really cute ones of Scotty even though he wasn't so great at looking at the camera for long. He was really good about saying "Cheese" though. Here are some of my faves. Scotty-D is as cute as can be!!!!!
Scotty really likes choo-choo trains right now. I love this pic of him in front of an old train car.
Scotty holding hands with mom and dad.
Cute pic of Scotty with cousins Sydney and Susannah! He had so much fun with these girls over Thanksgiving. He loved playing with them and following them around. They are such nice girls. They played with him so much even though they probably would have rather been playing older girl things. Thanks Sydney and Susannah!! And thanks to Suzi, my fun sister and friend for putting up with us and the wind while trying to get some good pics. After I decide which family pic to use for Christmas cards, I'll post some of those on here so everyone can see what she really had to put up with! I don't know how I'm going to choose. The 2-3 pics that Derrick doesn't look pissed in or doesn't have his eyes closed in, I don't look good in. So, I'll probably be sending a pic out with a pissed off Derrick...........hey, it's not MY fault he wouldn't smile!!!!!

Master Derrick, I'm so proud!!!

He did it!!!!! Today Derrick passed the last exam to earn his Masters degree. He has been working so hard and studying so diligently. I am so proud of him! He will soon have the diploma in hand. He earned his Masters of History from Sam Houston State University. He has been juggling work, school, and being a husband and father. I know it has been stressful for him and he'll need awhile to catch up on all of the sleep that he's missed. When he called me after they told him he passed, he told me that I now have to call him "Master." I'm not thinking that that one is going to stick but I am so happy for him! A step closer to his dream job in broadcasting and now his Masters degree. Congratulations Derrick!!!!

Taggedy Tag Tag

I was tagged last week and was a little slow in seeing it. Then a little slow in getting to it. So, here are my CRAZY 8'S.

8 THINGS I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT

1. Derrick

2. Scotty

3. Crafting (scrapping, sewing, etc.)

4. Sports (volleyball, tennis)

5. Right now....pumpkin rolls

6. Reading for pure enjoyment

7. My family and friends

8. Derrick says that I'm passionate about Dodger baseball but I think that's him

8 THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE

1. Go on a REAL vacation with Derrick

2. Teach my children the gospel and good moral standards

3. Finish my schooling

4. See areas of Europe

5. Reach my ideal weight and stay there for a long time!!!

6. Get a "mommy job"

7. Get LASIC

8. Create my own crafting retreat in my own home (I guess I also need my own home first)

8 THINGS I SAY OFTEN

1. I love you, baby boy

2. You're such a dork (to Derrick when he acts well, dorky)

3. You're such a nerd (I like to switch it up a bit!)

4. Do it....NOW

5. AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!

6. L no

7. I look so fat (to which Derrick replies, "Stop being so hard on yourself." Maybe I should listen)

8. Kiki-kins (in the pet voice I learned from the Palmer family)

8 BOOKS I'VE READ RECENTLY

1. New Moon

2. Twilight

3. Armor-written by my uncle Kim Clark--I'm not finished yet

4. Christmas Jars

5. In Search of Heaven-Anita Stansfield

6. A Quiet Promise-Anita Stansfield

7. various celebrity gossip magazines-yep, addicted

8. I will soon read-Eclipse

8 THINGS I COULD LISTEN TO OVER AND OVER

1. Scotty's Giggles

2. Derrick's play by play of whichever sport he's doing at the time

3. Scotty's cute always expanding vocabulary

4. Derrick's silly songs he makes up about Kiki our cat and other nonsense

5. U of A fight song (Bear Down Arizona)--this usually means that Derrick is very happy!!

6. Christmas music

7. Primary songs-especially I Feel My Savior's Love

8. My current MP3 playlist

8 THINGS THAT ATTRACT ME TO MY BESTFRIENDS

1. Their patience with me

2. Common interests

3. They make me laugh

4. There's good conversation

5. They don't hate me when I talk to much or interupt them too much-Bad habits!

6. They're comfortable like family-or they are family

7. They love me even though I often don't love myself

8. They'll eat junk with me--or keep me from eating junk? Both are good.

8 THINGS I'VE LEARNED THIS PAST YEAR

1. It's not easy to have patience while waiting for your house to sell

2. I need to have more patience

3. I need to have more faith

4. I strongly prefer being at home with Scotty than being at work--I thought I'd miss work but NOPE!!!

5. I need to eventually finish my schooling

6. I enjoy blogging

7. Being a mother is great

8. To not let people pressure me into going somewhere or doing something that I really don't want to or really don't need to

So, that's it. I guess most people tag 8 blogging friends but I don't have that many people to tag. So, if you're reading this and you haven't done it, consider yourself tagged!

Gettin crafty up in here!

I've been sewing some baby gifts lately. Here are the ones I made most recently for Kaaryn.

Burpies!

Hooded bath towels

and, diaper bags.

Happy Birthday Scotty!!!

Yesterday was Scotty's birthday but his birthday started out on Sunday at Derrick's mom's house with Scotty's grandma, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Then last night we had our small three person party at home. Lucky boy got to unwrap presents twice and 2 cakes!!!! Scotty loved his "Buwpday!" He most loved the Cars slippers he got from mom and dad. He cried when we took them off to put on his pajamas so we decided to let him sleep in his slippers. Silly kid! Here's some pics of both parties.

The Bee Movie

Yesterday we took Scotty to the Bee Movie. We didn't know how it would go. He is only 2 and if church is any indication as to how he would act...........we didn't know how long he would last. He LOVED it. Between the good movie and the cocorn (popcorn), he was having a blast. Derrick and I had fun too. It was a great movie. At times, Derrick and I would be laughing at something in the movie and Scotty would look over at us and laugh and say, "Ha Ha Ha, uh fuhey (funny!) He's such a cutie!
Scotty lasted through the entire movie. It was a good choice. We recommend it to all!!!!

Long Length Jeans!!

I have some long legs. I have to have a 35-36 inch inseam. It has always been a struggle to find jeans that are long enough for me. I have been buying at the Buckle but they are so dang expensive. I hear people talk about the cute jeans they just bought for like $25 and it's so not fair. I have to pay at least $60. But, I found this place that carries jeans with up to 37 inch inseams and their jeans run about $35-$42. I have been eyeing these jeans for almost a year now. I didn't know what size to order because they are juniors sizes. So, I finally just ordered knowing that I might have to send them back. They came on Friday and I was so excited. I ripped open the package and held them up and.....they looked BIG! So, I took a look and they sent me the wrong size. So, I have to send them back and I'll have to wait 7-10 more business days to actually be able to wear them.

Aren't they so stinkin cute though? I can't wait!

Trick or Treat Dino

When choosing Scotty's costume, I held up a couple for him to choose from. When he saw this one, he said, "Dino, Rooooaaarrrrr!" So, he became a "Dino."

We went to the bi-ward trunk or treat. Scotty had a hard time saying Trick or Treat but he had the Treat part mastered! His little bucket was so full that he was having a hard time carrying it but there was no way he was going to let me carry it!

Derrick and Scotty. We didn't dress up. Maybe when Scotty is old enough to ask us what we are going to be, we'll put some effort in.

Me and my little Dinosaur!

The amazing fit that Scotty threw when we told him he couldn't have anymore candy and that we were going to have to take off his costume to put on his pajamas. Luckily we have pajamas with dinosaurs on them so he was finally okay with that. This "little" fit lasted about 10 minutes though. I think I took more pictures of the fit than I did of normal pics this Halloween!

I've Been Tagged.

Thanks to Koe, I have been tagged for the first time. I just have to tell 6 things about me: habits, traits, deep dark secrets, etc. and then tag 6 more people. So here we go.

1. I get teary eyed over silly things. Like heartwarming commercials, yes commercials. Like someone doing well in a sporting event even if I have no close connection to that person. Like watching someone do something nice for someone else. I can only imagine how I'm going to be watching Scotty play sports or do nice things for someone. I'll never be able to wear makeup!!

2. I have a big tatoo on my upper back. One of those things you forget you have but every time you see it, it reminds you of how stupid you once were.

3. I am not fond of cooking meals. Come on........you spend forever cooking something that is devoured within minutes. It feels like such a waste.

4. I love to watch nonsense on TV. Derrick often tells me that it's amazing how an intelligent person can watch such crap. I love to watch "crap" like The Hills, Road Rules/Real World Challenges, The Bachelor, Beauty and the Geek, many various reality shows, and even I Love New York 2. Pretty sad, I know. I don't have a lot of excitement in my life so the drama that these shows revolve around entertains me.

5. I dislike unloading the dishwasher. I really don't understand this one but I will usually put it off until I finally force myself to do it or the kitchen can't take it any longer.

6. I really don't enjoy pets. I hate the hair, odors, money wasted on pet food/products, etc. We have a cat...............hate the litter box. I get to tell Derrick that either he's the one who deals with the cat box or we get rid of the cat!! He cleans the cat box, darn!

So, there are a few things about me now it's my turn to give the anxiety to someone else!! SUZI, JODI, JILL, AMY, ALONA, and ANNE-YOU HAVE BEEN TAGGED!

Thursday night line up and exciting things to come!

I am loving my Thursday night lineup. I start off with a little Survivor action. I always tell myself that it will start getting old but I always get drawn in. Next comes The Office. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. We didn't catch on when the office first started but Derrick's brother let us borrow his DVDs. We were immediately attached. Lovin' Pam and Jim's lovin'!
Yes, tonight was the opener to the last season of Scrubs. Been chuckling to this show for awhile now. It's great!
I was ecstatic to find that some show that bombed ( Viva Laughlin?) was stripped from the CBS lineup and one of my favorite reality shows ever is being brought in early! Starts Sunday November 4th. Amazing Race is, well............Amazing! It is one of the only reality shows that Derrick will enjoy with me.
And finally, some lovin' for Jack Bauer. We saw an advertisement today for the next season of 24. I am so excited but they're making me wait until January. And what? Tony? We watched him die but he's there on the ad. How are they going to explain this one????? Can I wait until January?

Wildcat country, here we come!!

It's official. Derrick has been offered and has accepted the job of the play by play voice for the University of Arizona Women's Basketball. We are so excited for him to be able to move up in the world of sports announcing. Hopefully this is just the beginning and he will eventually reach his dream of ESPN!! The only downfall to this is moving.....AGAIN. Didn't we just do that? We will probably be making the move to Tucson in December. Congratulations Derrick!

Crazy Distortion

Last night and this morning my sister Suzi and I were playing with some pictures that she took of Scotty and I this past summer. We found this distortion effect and couldn't stop laughing at all the different pictures. We stayed up way too late last night playing with this feature.


































This is the real pic.

Remembering D

I can't believe that four years have gone by since D (Derrick's dad and one of his best friends) left this earthly life. In some ways it seems like life has crawled. So many things have happened since, that it sometimes seems like decades have passed. There are so many fun memories of D. Not only ones in which I was a part but also of memories and stories relived over and over at family get togethers. Memories that ranged from his childhood until he passed away. I love how he was always interested in what Derrick and his other children were doing. He was Derrick's listening ear when it came to talk about all things sports related. They often enjoyed trips to Dodger games and U of A games together. D immediately made me feel welcome in the Palmer home when Derrick and I were dating. He never stopped putting forth an effort to make me feel included. I miss card games, movies, and walks on Sundays with D. I miss his humor and even his evident irritation over little things. D was a fighter and never gave up hope. We will forever love him and miss him.

Am I a terrible singer?????

So, I've never thought that I have a great singing voice. NEVER. But, I also have never thought that I suck so bad that I should just never sing. But I think my (almost) 2 year old has got another idea. Any time I try to sing to him or even start singing around him, he says, "Mama, Shhhhhhhhh. Mama Shhhhhhh!" until I stop. Guess I have my answer, huh?

Terrible Two's

This is my adorable son. He is almost two and has generally been a pretty good boy..............until a few weeks ago. I don't know if it's my hormones or if he is truly in the dreaded terrible twos. Lately he has been driving me crazy! He gets into everything and whines so much. I always love to see his cute little smile but lately I've been getting...............

THIS!!!!!!

Not so adorable anymore, huh? Sometimes I can't help but laugh, but others I just want to whine along with him. Hopefully the phase (whether it's his or mine) will not last toooooo long. I still have mad love for the little guy, but PLEASE make it stop!!!!!!!!!!!

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW...

Above is a pic of me in my old glasses. We were able to get new glasses rececntly. When choosing new frames I had decided I wanted something more bold and fun. Funny because I am so blind. So blind, that I really couldn't tell what the frames looked like on me when I tried them on. So I finally just picked one. They are definately more bold!!! I think the main reason I chose them is because of the fun inside. Not seen by others but seen by me............zebra print. Fun! Here they are........