Merry Christmas to all!!!

Christmas came and went without much fuss. The kids did as they were told and did not come down a minute before 7:30! Sophia found the Christmas pickle and then we opened presents. It was a very relaxing day together at home. My parents and sister's family were over for a couple hours and the kids pretty much played Wii for the rest of the day. Heavenly Father has blessed us with a very good year and we are grateful for all that we have and enjoy!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve = messy kitchen! Is that Spencer cleaning the floor?

Uploading tunes with Dad

The weather outside is frightful! How many coats does it take to stay warm in Tennessee???

Our first year of outdoor Christmas lights in our new house! So pretty.

Sophia and Grace had a blast decorating sugar cookies, all by themselves. Scott was so proud.... that I didn't micromanage the whole scene! Line upon line.

Oh Clara!

Our lovely Grace was given the opportunity to play the part of Clara in our local school of ballet's Christmas presentation of the Nutcracker. She did a beautiful job and thoroughly enjoyed learning and spending time with the other ballerinas! Chelsea is the BEST ballet teacher and friend. Grace will never forget her experience!!!

Just Curious... least favorite Christmas songs and why

I love, love, love the Christmas music! There are far too many favorites and not nearly enough time, space or desire to list them all. So, I thought it would be more amusing to find out what your least favorites are and why. Here's my top three: (Please don't hate me)

3. That song about the poor kid trying to buy shoes for his dying mom. The first time I heard this song, I was shopping in Lexington, KY and started doing the ugly cry so badly, I almost wrecked the car. This song is so ridiculously sad, and does NOT get me into the Christmas mood. Just a very depressed, curl up in the fetal position and want to sleep forever mood.

2. "Mary Did You Know"... of course Mary knew! These writers maybe never took the time to read the story of Christ's birth because it says right there that an angel visited her and explained everything. Yeah, she knew.

1. "Do They Know It's Christmas Time.." Bless Bob Geldof's heart, he always seems to have such good intentions, but this song is awesomely bad. It was written to raise money for the starving Ethiopians in the 80's and that's cool, but do they know it's Christmas time at all? I don't know, but I doubt Bono's, "Well tonight thank God it's them, instead of you" helped much. My favorite line is, "And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime" Well, I would hope not, because that's exactly what they need. They're starving and now they're freezing, Merry Christmas Ethiopia.

ps. We totally own this album;)

Elf Yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

All I Want For Christmas...

What were some of your most memorable Christmas presents growing up? These are some of my favorite toys that are sure to give you children of the 70's/80's the weird feeling! (ps. I totally stole this idea from Devri)

Woodsies- These were probably my favorite toy of childhood. I played with these until it was really just inappropriate. Squeakity Squeak

Star Wars and my Star Wars figures- Although I never got the original Princess Leia in white, only the Empire Strikes back Leia... the one in the brown. Not as cool.

Holy Panasonic tape player!- Did I rock out to my Sesame Street tapes and record myself for hours singing Disco Duck and Smokey the Bear?... Yes I did.

Barbie Townhouse with elevator-, the creme de la creme of Christmas gifts! I had one, and it was my most favorite thing in the whole world. Then my sister got mad and crushed it.

Thankful Thursday

Happy Christmastime everyone! There are so many things to be thankful for during the holidays, but here are a few things on my mind right now...

I am thankful for a garage.
Before we moved here, we remodeled a beautiful 100 year old home and loved it... BUT, there was no garage, or school bus service because we lived 3 blocks away. So, Scott or I, every day would stomp through the snow, heat, rain, whatever to get the kids back and forth from school or to the store, etc. It stunk.

I am thankful for Vicks Vapo Rub.
I've been slathering my children with Vicks, on their chest, nose, neck and feet... YES FEET! I heard if you put Vicks on the bottom of your feet while you sleep, you won't cough. So far, so good!

I am thankful for Christmas decor. I love seeing all my neighbors' houses decorated and also seeing pictures of what you all are doing. More, More, More! It really is magical, huh? I, of course, have not put a single thing out, but I will. You know, hopefully.

I am thankful for my mom. Over Thanksgiving break, she gave me on and off, private cooking lessons and it was awesome! You all know I love me some asian food, and my mom is the best! So, if anyone needs a recipe for steamed dumplings or seaweed soup, I'm your girl.

Just Curious

I'm in a book slump. I'm usually pretty good at picking out random novels at the library, but lately I've been off, way off, so I'm asking for your help....

WHAT ARE SOME of YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS?

These can be novels, nonfiction, out of the teen section, whatever. -But please don't say The Book of Mormon, The Bible, etc... cm'on.

Some of mine- "Memoirs of a Geisha", "The Dogs of Babel", "Follow the River", "The Forsyte Saga" (don't judge), "I Hate Other People's Kids", etc. (BTW, a few of these books have PG13 + stuff in them)

Thanks and Thanksgiving Campaign

TO START, I'M NOT ASKING FOR DONATION, SO IT'S SAFE TO READ ON!!!

For those of you who don't know, St Jude's is a non-profit hospital where children with cancer can be treated at no cost. They don't turn any child away! It is also a research hospital, where just in our lifetime, they've developed treatments for various types of childhood cancer that have increased the chances for survival immensely.

This holiday season, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, along with celebrity friends, join Marlo Thomas for the fifth annual Thanks and Giving campaign encouraging shoppers across the country to "give thanks for the healthy kids in their lives, and give to those who are not."During November and December, customers are asked to help raise funds at participating retailers by adding a donation at check-out or by purchasing specialty items to benefit St. Jude.

I know times are tough right now for some of us. Believe me, I so understand! But, if some of you do plan to shop at any of St Jude's Hospital's partner stores, take a moment to look and see how these companies support the effort. Target especially has quite a few items where automatically, they give a percentage of the profits directly to St Jude's, like certain greeting cards, wrapping paper, chocolate, etc...

Here's a link to see the other stores that support St Jude's and how.
http://www.tg.stjude.org/supppartners_flash.html

I'm So Full!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THANKSGIVING DISH???

(Mine was the eggrolls)

...Gonna Party Like, It's Your Birthday

Happy Birthday to My Dad, Ronald David! He is turning 60 today and I wanted dedicate a post to him. Here are 20 interesting facts about my dad.

1. He's a HUGE Michigan Wolverines fan.

2. He served 3 tours in Vietnam and 1 in the Gulf War.

3. He loves orange juice.

4. He doesn't like to wear Korean clothes because he "stands out" amongst the Koreans.

5. He once ate soup for a year to help pay for another family members debt.

6. His nickname from my sister and I growing up was "Pollyanna" because of his love for the "Glad Game".

7. He has a bone spur.

8. He is freakishly good at card games.

9. He's not afraid of confrontation.... at all.

10. He likes to trip people.

11. He shouts really loud during ball games.

12. He doesn't like tomatoes.

13. He once was a regional director for the John Birch Society.

14. When he was little, a neighbor pooped in the family beans while they were gone, because of some hard feelings.

15. He was friends with the band, "Grand Funk".

16. He used to belong to a motorcycle gang.

17. He loves to swing dance.

18. I've heard that he's sometimes stubborn.

19. He's good at sports and very competitive.

20. He's got 2 incredible daughters.

My dad was gone a lot growing up because he was in the army, but when he was home, he spent as much time as he could with us. We used to take walks all over the place and he loved to take us to oldies concerts and to visit the Buddhist monks when we were in Korea. He's also very service minded. While we lived in Ft. Lewis, he took us to a nursing home every week to visit the elderly and made us sing to them. I know it brought a lot of happiness to those ladies, but I think my dad also got a kick out of seeing us uncomfortable.... which is funny too. He had the single soldiers to dinner almost every Sunday so they wouldn't be lonely, and while I hated it, we'd leave early almost every week to give rides to church. There are too many funny and weird memories to share, but I just wanted everyone to see what a great dad I have and to especially say thank you to him. Thanks Dad.

Thankful Thursday Birthday Edition

My birthday was a couple of days ago and it never fails... I end up feeling depressed every year.

This year Scott took me out to lunch, and we ended up lumping that in with a visit to the Chiropractor, getting my brakes worked on and a return visit to JoAnne fabrics ( a whole other boring story). When we got home, it was rush rush for me to get Sophia and the preschool crew home just in time for my Oliver to get off the bus. He walked in looking like death warmed over so I took his temp. 102.6, folks. So, I rushed him to the clinic and after three hours of the fun "ailment elimination" game, we discovered he has pneumonia. The gift that keeps on giving. Then it was on to the pharmacy and home. Did I mention it was about 30 degrees that night? (That's 20 degrees for me) Anyway, I ended up making steaks in the cold and opening up presents as fast as I could because the little ones needed to go to bed.

What's the point?

Clearly my "special day" wasn't the relaxing break I had envisioned, and for the last two days, this has really chaffed my britches. That, my friends, makes me a LOSER. A loser with PMS, but that's not an excuse to be such an ingrate. So, for "Thankful Thursday" this week, I present you with a list of bday highlights that I am thankful for and maybe this will redeem me a bit.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...1. My friends. My friend Gay remembered (she remembers my bday every year somehow) and I got a bday call from awesome Jackie Lindsey. I also got a bday song from ????? They left a message, but I have no idea who they were! They were good singers though.

2. My kids. They were soooo excited before school, and gave me big hugs and kisses. The girls even made me two doll houses out of cardboard while I was at the clinic with Oliver. I heard, "You're the best Mom ever" more times than I can count and there's nothing better.

3. My extended family. Scott's family always remembers my birthday, but this is the first year in a while that mine did as well. THANKS MOM!!!

4. Scott. He bought, without any help, one of those big "Cricut" machines! Can you believe that? Then, Mon night, he went online to try to score more cartridges. Funny guy. He also brought home two Pepperidge Farm cakes at my request, 1 chocolate, 1 coconut + he told me I could pass for college age.... Not a 4 year, but definately a grad student. Our lunch date was lovely at Ms Saigon, and he listened to me talk about embroidery machines and how I want to be a librarian all the way home.

I hope you all aren't judging me too harshly, but I had to air my dirty laundry as a confession of sorts, again, to redeem myself.

ps. Oliver is doing much better. I am thankful for antibiotics!

Spiritual Tag

Hey guys!

Devri, aka Naulu Tribe, tagged everyone and it's like the perfect online Sunday activity! I've never heard of a spiritual tag and like the idea, + I'm in a terrific mood + who doesn't like to talk about themselves. So, here it goes.

1. What is your Fav. Temple and why?-----

That's a hard one. I think St George is the prettiest, but I guess the Nashville temple wins because it's so close and it's a blessing to live close to a temple.

2. My favorite calling that I've had in the church--

My favorite calling was Primary President. We had an awesome group of kids, and I had tons of support. I was sad to be released.

3. What has been your hardest calling in the church---
Youth Sunday School. I had like 3 teens and 2 of them were "in like". So they would hold hands and stuff in class. Really awkward.

4.Favorite scripture story--
The Tree of Life... it's easy to remember and the symbolism is cool.

5. Where would you like to serve a mission?--
KOREA, of course! By that time I'll be fluent and I want so desperately to be legit. I would also love all the good kimche and rice.

6. When did you know the Gospel was true?--

Like Devri, I know I've had a testimony all my life, but it really developed after my second child was born. I was somewhat inactive for a couple of years before that and had a good bishop who helped me find my way. Thank goodness for good bishops.

7.Who has been a spiritual giant in your life?--
There have been a lot of "giants" in my life who have set wonderful examples but there's not enough space or time to mention all. So, I'll just mention one.... Sister Klein. She was my YW president and loved me through all my rebellious years, and offered good righteous advice when I needed it most. She is, in my mind, the ultimate example of "charity never faileth" and I love her so much!

_________________________________

PS. We had our Primary presentation today (aka the best sacrament meeting of the year) and it was just wonderful! The closing song was, "We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet" and the whole congregation joined the primary for the last couple of verses. It was beautiful and I meant to recite part of it during my lesson, but quoted the wrong hymn. DUH!!!! Anyway, here is the actual verse for anyone, like me, who is feeling a little apprehensive, especially considering all the goings on out west over the last week or so.

(2nd Verse)

"When dark clouds of trouble hang o'er us And threaten our peace to destroy,
There is hope smiling brightly before us, And we know that deliv'rance is nigh.

We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness. We've proved him in days that are past.
The wicked who fight against Zion, Will surely be smitten at last."

_____________________________________

pps. This is a really long post.

What's in a Name?

When I was growing up, my parents didn't call me "Renee". For a little while my dad referred to me as "Chaka" from Land of the Lost, but the whole time I was in grade school, everyone called me "Shelley". My parents came up with this variant when I was a baby and I had no idea my real name was "Renee" for years. It was very confusing, but it was even more irritating having to explain this over and over to new friends at school, because of course I was "Shelley" at church. Dumb, right?

dad, "Shelley, come here"
new friend, "Who's Shelley?"
me, "I am"
new friend, "What?"
me, "It's a nick name for Michelle, my middle name."
new friend, "That's weird"
me, "I know"
new friend, "You don't look like a Shelley"
me, "ok"
new friend, "Seriously, that's weird"
me, "Can we talk about something else?"

I'm only writing this because my blog is supposed to be a pseudo journal. I thought my kids would get a kick out of this, especially considering the ridiculous nick names I've given them, GG, Wencer, etc..

I'm just sayin'.

Blog Giveaway

Here's a fun giveaway for all you quilters out there. I never win these so I rarely enter, but this drawing is on my bday. We'll see!

http://lolaagain.blogspot.com/2008/11/teaser.html

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for landscaping. The planning, buying, planting and mulching of my new landscaping has been a year in the works and it's finally done. Well, in the front at least. It looks really nice and I can't wait for the Spring to get the sides and the back going! Then I'll be thankful for that too.

I am thankful for Gorilla Glue. Have you guys tried this stuff? AMAZING.

I am thankful for The Magic Eraser. Another amazing invention. It cleans up almost anything with no effort.

I am thankful for online shopping. This is a landmark year of total online Christmas shopping and it's such a relief! I don't love shopping to begin with, but shopping during the holidays fills me with dread and dark thoughts. This year will be a happy jollier time filled with magical memories and free shipping! Hooray!

These Boots Were Made for Walkin'

Here comes winter, and at our house that means Renee pulls out the big guns. There are a few items in my wardrobe that are so dear to my heart I wear them almost daily. Are they attractive?... no, they're not, but oh so practical.

Number 1: wellies- I bought my wellies about 4 years ago via JCrew catalogue and have loved them ever since. I even made little bootie inserts with gellins so they can be worn for hours and I do. Sometimes I even wear them to church because you know what, it gets cold here on Sunday too.

Number 2: long puffer coat- This is another very unattractive item of clothing that I can't live without. I look like a fat chimney sweep in it, especially with the above mentioned wellies, but it's AMAZING!!! I might even buy another one and make a pair of pants out of it.

Number 3: scarf, any scarf: There's a trick to wearing scarves that is guaranteed to keep a girl warm and sassy. Fold in half the long way, then fold the short way. Wrap around your neck and pull the raw ends through the loop. Then fluff. FABULOUS. Unlike the previous 2, this is very cute.

So, what are your indispensable wardrobe items, good or bad?

Sign of the Times

I just got this email from the "Family Leader" and I'm appalled and saddened. To all my LDS friends, especially out west, be watchful, careful, but don't give up.

Prop 8 Protesters Target the LDS Los Angeles Temple

The LDS Temple in Los Angeles was under siege yesterday by 2,000 protesters angry over the Church's role in passing Proposition 8, forcing the temporary closure of the temple. According to reports, a gay activist called the temple saying they would be protesting outside the temple permanently until there is gay marriage.
Signs were hung from the fence around the temple and protesters screamed in anger, snarled afternoon rush-hour traffic and said, "This isn't going to stop us...If we do this we have a chance." "We're going to fight it until the world changes," protesters claimed.
"Shame on you," chanted the protesters. Outside the temple, grafitti was scrawled on the walls and signs hung, "Go back to Utah," and "Go to hell Mormons." Their signs said, "No on H8."
Protesters promised to go after the Church's tax-exempt status and harass Mormons who had donated to the cause, listed on a website Mormonsfor8.com. The promise was to make the Mormons pay for their role in the passage of Prop 8.
One LDS member in the area said, "I don't quite understand our police response (even though I'm one of the police). If this was happening at a Jewish synagogue or a Catholic church, we would be arresting people for hate crimes. As it is at the moment, protestors are sitting on the walls of the temple and the police are on the grounds inside. Church members in our area were called last night to come down to the stake center and spend the night protecting the building from vandalism -- it's like 150 years ago."
To see a news report on these events click here.
This was the politics of intimidation and harassment, targeting the LDS church, though many other churches had helped in the effort-and a sample of how the homosexual agenda has spread across the nation. It was like San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsome, said when he illegally started marrying couples in the city before that America was going to have this whether you like it or not.
It will not be about people being able to vote their conscience, or calmly assess the issues and consequences, but about threats and vilification.
Other churches who participated in the effort have not been similarly targeted.
The LDS Church is, of course, in no danger of losing its tax-exempt status. The only donation made to the campaign according to records was $2,078.97, an expense which covered the travel of church leaders who went to California to meet with the coalition. The Church insists that by law it has the right to speak out on moral issues.

Spooky

Halloween was fun, but hectic like every year. Little Sophie was a Korean princess, Grace was a witch, Spencer was a mummy and Oliver was a teenager with better things to do. Good times!

Just Curious

My sister told me about a website devoted to celebrity plastic surgeries gone wrong. It was awful/ fun. Lots of awful/fun pictures of expensive mishaps. It got me to wondering...

What "plastic" procedure would you have done, or would you? Be honest.

For me it would have to be a combo tummy tuck, breast enhancement. No question.