'Tis the Season to Be Jolly

I wasn't able to go out shopping for Black Friday this year, so with a full nights sleep, I decided to get a head start on the weekend and decorate the house for Christmas. The house is about 90% complete. Monday I pick up an order I made towards supporting the 5th grade fundraiser at the boys' school for a live wreath and centerpiece. We're putting up our fake tree again this year, so the live wreaths will help give that Christmas tree pine smell. And with just a few small miscellaneous items, the house should be completely decorated. I took a different approach to decorating the tree this year. Typically, I decorate it myself and just let the boys watch me so they don't break any ornaments. Both boys are older now and I wasn't in the mood to be a 'control freak' on arranging the ornaments, so I let the boys do it. Since we have a small tree, we're unable to put all our ornaments on, so I took out just a handful. Then I told the boys to start decorating. Other than giving them a few tips, I let them have free reign and decorate. They did a great job! Tomorrow I think we'll make some Christmas shaped sugar cookies. I LOVE this time of year!!

Here's a pic of Pete. It's tradition that I do all the decorating while Pete just sits and watches :)
The boys decorating our tree
Clifford and Kristjan with our finished tree
What our living room looks like with the lights off (ignore the power cord running down the wall; not completely done fixing everything up). A few more decorations and everything should be done.

Our angel for the tree. Kristjan made this himself one year in preschool. For the last three years we've put this on top of our tree. Using it has kind of become a new tradition for us.
I painted the boys their own Christmas tree to put up in their room (I got this idea from a friend). The boys cut out decorations and glued them on to their tree

The Tooth Fairy Visits Tonight!

Both Clifford and Kristjan has had a loose tooth for a while now (Clifford's 3rd, Kristjan's 2nd). Both were getting pretty loose, and you could already see Kristjan's new tooth popping through the gum behind the loose one. I told the boys if they pulled their tooth out then the tooth fairy would come visit both of them tonight. Next thing I know, Clifford runs out of his bathroom exclaiming "I pulled my own tooth out!!!" He was so excited, though a little surprised when he saw some blood coming out of the hole. I few quick rinses of water and he was just fine. As for Kristjan, encouraging him to pull his own tooth out himself didn't work. He started to cry because he was too scared. He wanted me to come pull it out, but I don't do blood. Pete tried pulling it out himself, but couldn't get it completely out. It was hanging by a thread. So Pete tried tying some floss around the tooth to yank it out while I held Kristjan's hand. Out popped the tooth. Clifford and Kristjan are both excited to have the tooth fairy visit them tonight! Good thing the tooth fairy has a few extra dollars lying around *wink*wink

Thanksgiving Feast (Part 4)

We concluded the Thanksgiving holiday by making our now-traditional trip to Aunt Janet's house for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. When you go over to Aunt Janet and Uncle Tom's house, you're always guaranteed a warm loving welcome, great company with aunts, uncles and cousins, hilarious family stories, and scrumptious food. And that's just what we got on our visit today. It was so much fun! I spent time with Gavin and Joani (Michael and Tara's children). They typically run away from me or ignore me (since they really have no idea who I am), but this year was different!! Gavin talked to me, and he LOVED hanging out with Clifford and Kristjan (he reminds me of when Clifford was that age; acting like one of the 'big' boys). And Joanie would come up to me to hold her on my lap. Those two kids are sooo cute! Michael had to work, but we were able to visit with Tara. Uncle Tom had to work as well, but he came home right before we left to head home so we were at least able to say 'hi'. Daniel 'n Jessica and their boys came as well. Jessica, Franie and I looked at the Black Friday ads and chit-chat. Everything was laid back and enjoyable. The pie I made was a hit, as was the corn dip. Before we left, Aunt Janet gave us a family Christmas gift. It's mainly for the boys, so I took a peak. LOVE IT!! Thank You Aunt Janet!!! (I think I'll let them open it early during their xmas vacation so we can keep busy on crafts). Franie also knitted me a scarf, which I LOVE as well. I'm always grateful for gifts received, but the best gifts are those homemade. All in all, it was a great day and a great end to our Thanksgiving holiday!!!

Cuddling with Joani
Aunt Janet showing Gavin the cards Clifford and Kristjan made her
Pete and Joani
Cousins eating their turkey dinner
Clifford and Kristjan on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Feast (Part 3)

Today Kristjan had his class Thanksgiving Feast at school. Pete was unable to come, but I made sure to attend. There was only one other parent who attended. The kids made costumes and dressed either as a pilrim or an indian. Kristjan dressed as a "native america" (his words-too cute!). The other mom and I helped out Mrs. Castelle to pass out food. Each student helped in some way in preparing the feast. There were corn muffins, homemade cranberry sauce, and hard boiled eggs. I ,of course, brought my camera with me and went around snapping pics of everything. Then I sat down at Kristjan's table and chatted with his little group of friends. I enjoyed spending an hour with all the little sweet kindergartners!

Thanksgiving Feast (Part 2)

Tonight we had our mini Thanksgiving with just the four of us. We've never had just our own Thanksgiving, so it made this dinner even more special. Pete and I both got in to fix it. As we dished up, we each said what we were grateful for. Everything was delicious!!! As tradition at any Thanksgiving meal, there are TONS of leftovers (which we will happily eat) and we are S-T-U-F-F-E-D!!! Luckily, we ate dinner early enough tonight to allow room for a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert later!!

Thanksgiving Feast (Part 1)

Clifford's class had their Thanksgiving Feast today. I went in early to his class to help out with setting up the feast while the class was out to recess. A few other moms and I 'cooked' up (microwaved) the feast down at the teachers lounge before bringing it all back to class. We dished up a plate for every student and the few siblings who attended. While quietly eating, each student said what they were thankful for. The class also shared with us some interesting facts they learned earlier in the week about pilgrims. Pete was able to leave work a few minutes early to attend the feast as well. Clifford was so happy to have both of us there. Pete even sat with Clifford down on the rug with his class while his teacher read them a Thanksgiving book.

FIRE!!!

We had a very interesting Monday morning. Boys stayed home from school because they were sick. Pete stayed home from work because he was up all night with the boys. As we're taking our time with getting ready for the day, all of the sudden the boys' shout "there's a fire!!" as they run to the back door. Pete and I follow them to look out and see one of the apartments in the unit across from us have smoke coming out of its open door as the tenant stands out on the balcony all nonchalant-like. From her reaction and seeing maintenance near by, we just figured that she was airing her apartment out as if she just burned something in the oven. We quickly realized this was not the case when the smoke got thicker and blacker and maintenance started telling everyone in the 24-unit building to evacuate. And then the flames came. Pete grabbed our video camera and started filming. I went out and invited some of the neighbors with kids into our home so they could stay warm. One of the neighbors who came in was actually one of the tentants of the other apartments that was badly affected. I tried comforting her as best I could as she stood there crying. It was insane to watch. We have about a half hours worth of video of the event (some video is uploaded on my Facebook).

Here's the link for the news story on this.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/133817858.html

Boys 2011 School Pics

Clifford (1st Grade)
Kristjan (Kindergarten)

Peter's Performance Review

Earlier last week Pete had his yearly performance review. He has now worked for Romac Industries, Inc for three years now. And for the third year in a row, his boss Andy had nothing but excellent things to say about him. Pete brought me a copy of his review, and I wanted to share some of the great things said about him. Keep up the great work babe!!!

There is no question that Peter is a gungho get things done guy

The people I asked really highlighted Peter's can do attitude and willingness to jump on whatever is put in front of him. Folks appreciate his training style


Peter's ability to get things done is really helpful at the National Show and his skill in the booth will make him a fixture there for years to come (from the sound of this, he will be attending these every summer. it was mentioned to him by his boss that even the owner of the company loves having him at these shows!!)

Relates well to the customer on the phone and is friendly

I like seeing the continued growth with Peter. He is adding skill set and capability which increases his value here at Romac. As outcome the projects he is assigned will increase in depth, exposure and complexity

I can't say enough about his positive attitude


I really appreciate Peter's willingness to jump on whatever project I throw his way. He does this with complete commitment to get it done and is very open to feedback

He also brings a positive upbeat attitude with him to work every day

Infected Mushroom Concert

Last month tickets went on sale for Infected Mushroom playing at the Showbox Market in Seattle. With me now having a job and bringing in a little extra play money, I was able to purchase tickets. I sat at my computer and bought 2 tickets at exactly the moment they went on sale. I was giddy with excitement!!! The tickets arrived a few weeks ago. And TONIGHT was the night of the concert. I arranged for both boys to spend the night at Clifford's friend Xavier's house. So after we got ourselves ready and dropped the boys off, we headed down early to Seattle. For the 21+ crowd, you could get in to the bar 2 hours prior to the start of the show, and that is just what we did. We arrived in Seattle a half hour before the bar opened, so we stood outside waiting. As we were waiting, out came Amit Duvdevani (the lead singer for Infected Mushroom!!) to use the phone. According to Pete, I had the most excited, dorkiest smile on my face when I said hi to him and asked how he was (yea, I probably was a dork because I then turned to Pete and giggled like a school girl haha). The bar finally opened and we went in to chill for 2 hours. We split a meal and had a few drinks. Number cards were passed out to all of us in the bar. When your number was called by the bouncer, you were able to get in the concert before the doors opened up for the under 21 crowd who had to stand out in the freezing cold. We, of course, received a #1 card, so we made our way to the stage. Pete and I were at the front of the crowd the entire concert. I basically hugged the huge blaring speaker that sat on the stage in front of me. The entire show was fantastic, especially once Infected Mushroom performed. I even touched Amit Duvdevani pant leg a few times when he got close!! (yup, I'm a dork! haha). The band still had an hour of performing, but Pete and I ended up leaving because we were so dehydrated and tired from dancing for 4 hours straight. The next morning came way too quick. Sadly, Pete and I realized that we are getting too old for concerts....at least doing what we did last night. We may now have to join the 'old' crowd and sit up in the bar while watching our concerts (haha). Our bodies are extremely sore. My knee is swollen and bruised from dancing up against the stage all night. And our hearing is slowly coming back after spending 4 hours in front of that blaring speaker. BUT we had a lot of fun!!! Our bodies just need to heal up so we can forget how old we feel afterwards before the next concert we attend :)

I UNFORTUNATELY didn't bring my FlipVideo, so I didn't get any pics or video. BUT on Infected Mushroom's Facebook page, some pics were posted. In most of them you can see me and Pete in the front row :)