As the Angry Cowboy once said...

Blaine let me know that he is the Angry Cowboy. He also told me that he's a farmer and he doesn't care. But as this day could not get any worse than it already has, I think the most important thing Blaine said is, "Mom, we forgot to pray." I have been doing a lot of that today with hope that we'll be able to dress up and play with Nannie and Papa.
Don't worry Angry Cowboy, I won't forget! And I'll never forget you putting on this outfit and becoming the "Angry Cowboy".

This is a Fat Head

I have had a couple of people ask me what a Fat Head is. It is a big giant sticker. That's the only way I know how to describe it.

Personally, I wanted an AJ Hawk or a Santonio Holmes Fat Head because Ethan's room is totally decorated in OSU decor.

But Santa brings what the child wants, not what the mother wants. I know this because I didn't get what I wanted this year. Just kidding big man!

So here is Ethan's Tom Brady Fat Head.

My Hearth

My hearth was filled with creative beauty this Christmas. I think what I loved most about my directions was that almost all of my decorations are homeade. Blaine and Ethan have worked so hard to make Christmas special this year and you will notice how hard they have worked to make that happen. These are the most memorable things about Christmas.

Have you ever...

Have you ever had the worst day? You know that there are people around you that are suffering from illness or other trials, but this one day is so bad that you just have to be sad and maybe even cry all day long?
This was my day. It's not over yet and nor am I giving up on what I'm about to tell you, but my day really stunk.
I should be in San Diego right now, but for no other reason than I forgot to turn the alarm clock on, I'm presently sitting at home wallowing in sad songs and refusing to give up on the hope of making it to see my Dad and Pam (my step-mom).
So, if any of you are flying on Skybus tomorrow and are willing to give up your seat... I'm waiting for just one more. I heard the intestinal flu is running rampant through the airports... I'm just saying.
I figured while I sit to refresh the skybus website until tomorrow morning (I can be one stubborn mama), I will utilize this time to show you Christmas pictures. The first series will demonstrate what it's like to make a Christmas picture of Ethan and Blaine. Please enjoy. You may want to microwave a bag of popcorn.

My friend Emily

This is my friend Emily. She is also one of my students. Emily was diagnosed last year with Leukemia and just returned to school a couple of months ago. Blaine is Emily's classmate and he has been praying hard for her recovery and return to home and school. Obviously, Emily is doing great and is just an inspiration to everyone she comes in contact with.

I will NEVER forget the day she returned to school for the first time since last Easter. She was so excited to be back, she could have thrown herself away.

Although I would never wish any illness on a child, I will tell you that this particular trial in Emily's life gave life back to others. I am so impressed at what Emily has done with her trial and how she has made a difference to her family, friends and the community alike.

This Christmas, I had the opportunity to share in Emily's hope for the holiday. Emily wanted to make the children on the 2nd floor of Rainbow Babies and Children Hospital happy for Christmas. When all was said and done, Emily, with the help of her family, was able to collect enough items to fill a Uhaul truck and collected over $8,000 for families having trouble meeting their medical bills.

I was so grateful to be a part of this Hope for the Holidays. Ethan and Blaine came along with me and I was so happy to see them happy about serving others.

On Christmas Eve, I returned with a friend and Emily's family to bring dinner to the staff who were working over the holiday.

I can only hope that we are able to fill another truck next year! Emily, you have a special spirit and I'm so happy to know you!

Ethan's Fat Head

Here is a quick video of Ethan opening up his "Fat Head" of Tom Brady from Santa. It was pretty cool. Ethan loves Tom Brady... I hope he only follows his sporting tactics and not his social ones. Sorry, Tom...

Just Like a Wedding

You plan, you shop, you invite, you eat, you don't sleep, you don't care, you give... and now it's all over! The only difference between a wedding and Christmas is that Christmas comes back every year.

I was "in charge" of Christmas Eve dinner for the first time in 15 years (since Matt and I have been married). I have moved up from vegetable trays to the whole shibang. Although my father-in-law went out and got everything to place on the table, I made a lot of desserts and cleaned the house, etc. Personally, I think he was nervous that I would screw it up.

Today, I will sit in my pajamas until I have to go to bed... I'm spent. No shopping, no sales, no nothing. I need to make some "Thank-you cards" and I will work on that today.

Blaine and Ethan woke up the earliest they have ever woken before for Christmas madness. Santa hides the stockings in our house, however, so it took them 2 hours to find the last stocking. By 8 am Matt and I were ready. The boys had a great time and I can't help but think of "The Christmas Story" everytime we have Christmas music on and Matt and I are just sitting on the couch exhausted and Blaine and Ethan are playing on the floor with all of their sounds. It truly is the best part of the day.