Preparations, to be followed by a brief vacation.

Day 181 - 21 December, 2009

A Real Tree!

I have waited since I lived with my parents to have a real Christmas tree again. We purchased this beautiful little guy, and I am in love with our new Christmas Eve tradition.













Day 182 - 22 December, 2009

Early morning decorations

Our Christmas Eve tree has LED lights, and bubble lights, fun plastic ornaments and tinsel, and we've already picked the gifts we want to open early.








Day 183 - 23 December, 2009

The last minute

S H O P P I N G

Here comes Christmas vacation!

Getting in the Mood

Day 171 - 16 December, 2009

Olive on my Finger

Dinner time with olives means playing with your food.

It was funny to me that Mac figured this out on his own first.

I suppose all kids do.

We both had olive hands by the end.





Day 172 - 17 December, 2009

20 Weeks

So, I did it! I have no idea what gender the baby is, and I didn't peek once. We are eagerly awaiting opening it for Christmas. It will be a thrill to watch the ultrasound, now that they do it on DVD. There are no red flags, which means everything is good (so far as they can tell).





Day 173 - 18 December, 2009

Christmas Cards

I'm a little disappointed about the way Christmas cards are going. I always get and send a ton of Cards, but this year's batch that I've received has dwindled immensely. I can't help but be a little sad. They are one of my favorite things of the season.











Day 179 - 19 December, 2009

Christmas Party

This is the latest photo of me and my expanding waistline. I played a couple verses of Away in a manger with the primary kids at the church Christmas party.

I got a lot of "I didn't know you played the cello."

I should have said, "I don't, I just teach it."

It was that bad.



Obligatory Santa Picture












Day 180 - 20 December, 2009

Blizzard

While everyone all around us got huge amounts of snowfall, we managed to get a minimal dusting. I am ok with that as long as it's made up to me in February. I want 3 inches for my birthday. We'll see.

The Last Dreary Week of the Year...

Day 166 - 11 December, 2009

Late Night at the airport.

This is a shot of the parking deck from afar for the Norfolk Airport.

So, I got to pick up a friend, and I thought it looked rather festive for the holidays.





Day 167 - 12 December, 2009

Cookies!

The last treat I was going to make for my primary class, these chocolate chip cookies were fabulous.

Oh, I do love a good cookie.

They were almost as good as having a sparkling clean kitchen afterward.



Day 168 - 13 December, 2009

Straight Tired.

After a long week, my boys were rather sleepy on this lazy Sabbath day.

We are big fans of having a day to relax.

Can't you tell?



Day 169 - 14 December, 2009

F.H.E.

We went to the Botanical Gardens with the Haines for our family home evening this week.

We loved this festival of lights!

There were so many good displays that it was difficult to pick one, but the dragon definitely made it.

RaWr!

Day 170 - 15 December, 2009

Mama! Mon-tee Hat.

My little man is so sweet in his monkey hat.

He only seems to want to wear one if mama is wearing one, but I am glad he doesn't take it off once it's on.

He does look so sweet in his monkey hat.

and the Geese are getting fat.

Day 161 - 6 December, 2009

A rock and a hard place.

Poor Malcolm, it can be so hard to find a comfortable place to sit with such a lumpy couch.

But, I think he managed.










Day 162 - 7 December, 2009

Christmas Cards

I love Christmas cards! It is one of my favorite holiday things. I already have mine addressed and ready to send by black friday every year, and can't wait for the first of December to mail them out. Jenora Weedman sent us our first of the season. I can't waitfor more so that I can hang them up around the house.

Day 163 - 8 December, 2009

Good morning Mama

The good thing about being too exhausted to get up at 430 in the morning and work out, is that I get a little more time with family.

I love the little moments.

Malcolm is such a ham. And such a little parrot.

We are trying to instill good habits into him. I sure hope it works.



Day 164 - 9 December, 2009

Bearded Dragon

No, they do not breath fire. But they have a vicious bite.

Last week, I got to help force feed this little guy after my piano lesson with this little tyke proudly displaying his pet. I have never been a lizard person, but he is an interesting specimen.

The dragon, not the boy.




Day 165 - 10 December, 2009

Christmas at the Y

They have the place decorated up quite nicely. This is still a favorite hang out of ours, though Tim is more tired than ever with his schedule, and my fitness level is steadily plummeting to its demise. It will be a while until I can do an 8 minute mile for 6 miles again. Oh tragedy. It's a good thing I like being pregnant.

Christmas is Coming

Day 155 - 30 November, 2009

FHE

Though we have opposite schedules for most of the week, it is nice that we have a family home evening on Mondays. Today was 3rd Thanksgiving. We had one the day of with a ton of family, then one on Saturday with Tim's family, and since we wanted our own leftovers, this left Monday with the proverbial fatted calf.




Day 156 - 1 December, 2009

For the Birds

In an effort to get outside in spite of the cooling weather, we set off to the park.

Apparently the birds half not gotten the migration memo yet, as there were THOUSANDS of them just chillin' at the park.

Until we started chasing them.




Day 157 - 2 December, 2009

White Trash

The only thing trashier than leaving your decorations up until July, is having them halfway hanging around your house.

The rain made us those people this week.

For the whole week.









Day 158 - 3 December, 2009

Buffet

I love Indian food.

I love Rajput.

In fact, I love it so much that I can only go there when they have the buffet, because I just can't choose.

During my seasonal shopping I noticed that the buffet light was on, and so I became a vegetarian for a day. Oh Curry, Oh lentils, oh delicious nectar.

Day 159 - 4 December, 2009

Getting the Oil Changed

As you can see, the Mazda dealership decided to celebrate the occasion that we finally had the time to come in for an oil change. (haha!)

Although that is not entirely true, I am grateful that they decided to decorate so lovely for us, and that they thought my kids was cute enough that he could charm a balloon or two off them.

Balloons can keep a toddler entertained for hours.

One and a half to be precise.




Day 160 - 5 December, 2009

Christmas Party

This is a terrible photo of us as we are dropping the kid off for some babysitting.

We were forced into these coats because mama Banks needed to assert her motherly goodness.

I am unsure what the threshold is for needing a jacket, but can I just say that I am ever so grateful for that charitable donation, our teeth were still chattering in spite of our cozy outerwear.

I am Thankful for...

Day 149 - 24 November, 2009

Teddy Bears

Sometimes you just need to cuddle.

I wonder if this need is deep-rooted from our childhood...

There's something deeply satisfying from snuggling up.

Something secure.

On lazy days, or sick days, some days you just need your teddy bear.




Day 150 - 25 November, 2009

Dessert

Tis the season for dessert.

I like making pies, and while I didn't use it, I think I have stumbled upon the perfect pie crust, at least for open faced pies. I've still got to work on my apple pies, but I hope to have more time for that during winter break.
(pictured: sweet potato, pumpkin, sweet potato with pecan glaze, and chess)

Day 151 - 26 November, 2009

Boys

Yeah for Thanksgiving football.
I used to have mostly guy friends, I used to ove to hang out with my dad, I only have brothers, and no sisters. I love everything BOY. But, for whatever reason, people don't take that seriously and insist that I don't need to know things like "the rules to football" or other such "manly" things. One day they'll take me seriously. I do so love boys.

Day 152 - 27 November, 2009

Seasons

When there's a crispness in the air, and the seasons change, it brings the thrill that comes with seasonal shift.

Falling leaves,
pumpkins and squashes,
Thanksgiving,
family,
and snuggling indoors.

I love it when the seasons change, and I love the holiday season.





Day 153 - 28 November, 2009

The Telephone

We had a second Thanksgiving with my in-laws and ended up staying the night. It was so fun, and we did a lot of reminiscing... There was a point when we tried calling family, and couldn't find the phones. But, I found them. I am so grateful for he invention of the telephone. My family lives on the other coast, and without this wonder, it would take so long to spread any news, or to discuss life, or ask advice.

Day 154 - 29 November, 2009

Pumpkin

The linger longer social after church today was pumpkin themed.

Tis the season for pumpkins.

I love pumpkin bread
pumpkin cheesecake
pumpkin pudding
pumpkin bars
and oh yes, pumpkin hummus.

I should do more photography as art. It's fun.

Day 147 - 22 November, 2009

A Botched Photo

This was yesterday, and I don't remember what it was I snapped a quick photo of.

Whatever it was, it obviously didn't turn out.

Good thing I have photo shop.



Turned Cool Artwork

This is another one that I am tempted to print, and put on my wall.

I really want to do more like these, so that when we have a place I want to adequately decorate, I can do canvas.









Day 148 - 23 November, 2009

When Tim Cooks

I eat really well.

I also like it when he cleans.

On days he does both, it is heaven.

I love him more every day.

Humor to the Nth Degree

Day 143 - 18 November, 2009

Fireplace Envy

I am grateful to have a visiting teaching partner again. I know my schedule is crazy, but visiting is important. I love Allyn Boney. She makes me happy. I swear we are supposed to be good friends, but, it has been hard breaking in. Mostly because I suck at being a friend. Her new kitchen is looking awesome, and before my partner arrived, I snapped a photo of her two-sided fireplace. I have fireplace envy. Especially at this time of year.






Day 144 - 19 November, 2009

OBGYN

So, I had an appointment with my midwife. They have moved out of the crowded upstairs office, and are downstairs away from all those pesky doctors. While I like this chair that is in the waiting room of the new office, I cannot tell you how hysterical I was, laughing at the image I get when looking at this before my gynecologist appointment. It was especially funny to me when Malcolm climbed onto it.







Day 145 - 20 November, 2009

One week ago, today

I was surveying the damage from that killer Nor'easter.

Today on my commute home, I could not help but notice that there wasn't a cloud in the sky.









Day 146 - 21 November, 2009

Today Sucked

But, not really.

I wasted a lot of time waiting on my car, when a lot of that mess could have been avoided months ago. The 3 mile walk to my in-laws was WONDERFUL! But... I forgot my camera this morning, and had no less than a dozen ideal shots for my photo of the day in this out of the ordinary side track in my week. I am still kicking myself. So, instead I snagged a blurry photo of the 24 hour, check cashing, fried chicken, and gas station place at the end of our street. For the record, I have never been there.

Second place, my son is cute.

Those Men of Mine

Day 139 - 14 November, 2009

Family Dinner

We've started doing family dinners again, but we moved the day to Saturday. I am a big fan. I really think this time of year is a convenient time to do it anyhow, we seem to be meeting a lot anyway with the holidays. So, my photo is of my two men. I have decided that Tim is my favorite person. I like him a lot. I especially like him here because he is grinning like a cheshire cat. For those of you who do not know him well, he does not generally smile for pictures. While smiling is a rarity, THIS smile is non existent in photos. It is only due to my photography cunning that I caught it. And, it makes my heart melt.





Day 140 - 15 November, 2009

Scrapbooking Again

Oh, how I miss this past time. It is therapeutic for me to see my photos laid out in an appealing format. This is the aquarium trip from last year. That's a place we need to revisit.

I am proud of the 6 pages I did this Sunday morning, plus the 12 I did yesterday, maybe I'll be caught up by the time I order more photos.


Day 141 - 16 November, 2009

Man make Fire

This is my guy in his element.

I do not understand how he can sit in front of the computer all day at work, and then stand to get on one when he gets home.

Plus, he's eating while he's at the p.c. and begging to turn on the t.v. (ok, maybe begging is an embellishment)

I almost expect him to start grunting and scratching.


Day 142 - 17 November, 2009

The view at work

I love fall.

The end.

An eventful week off

Day 134 - 10 November, 2009

Lazy Afternoon

I have been exhausted after working so hard to get things in order at work. While I am mostly done, I had fully expected to finish up on Friday. Little did I know the coming events. But, I am so grateful for my lazy afternoon. After some well deserved time at the pool with Mac, we curled up on the couch. I am a little worried about my friend Olivia, but she seems to be ok right now.





Day 135 - 11 November, 2009

Work of art

I am so pleased with myself. We went and hung out with Tim's sister, and her family on this rainy Veteran's day. I was glad Tim had the day off, and almost enjoyed sitting on my butt all day, but I tend to get stir crazy real quick. Especially when they almost tried to make me watch Patton. Not gonna happen. Any guesses what this masterpiece is a picture of? I am so proud of my photo of the day, unaltered.

Here's the still version of a similar shot.

Rainy lights, traveling in the car, on the way home.

I think I want to blow that one up and mount it on my wall!

It even looks like a road.





Day 137 - 12 November, 2009

Let the flooding begin

School is canceled, and I couldn't be happier. We don't have to make it up, and I get day to do all the stuff I didn't get to on my day off. Tim was an idiot, and went to work. When he got back after high tide, at 2 a.m. the flooding had reached new heights. This is not a river, it's our adjoining street. ie, the entrance to our street. So, he swam home after parking further down. Notice how the water goes up to that house.



Day 138 - 13 November, 2009

November Nor'easter

Because the water is so deep, I guess this poor schmuck thought it would be smarter to park on the sidewalk.

Mac and I enjoyed our walk around the carnage today.

Note: Trees are down because the soil is so soft from all the rain.

Note to Self: Do not park in any sinking mud-pits.

One more month of fall.

Day 131 - 7 November, 2009

Turkey Dinner

This is the time of year when turkeys go on sale. We generally try to get about 3 turkeys. One for before Thanksgiving, one for Thanksgiving, and one just to have around afterward. It's hard to beat 25-50 cents per pound any other time of year. If we had a deep freezer, there would be more.

We like to invite friends over, because we get large turkeys, and the Haines indulged us. Malcolm loves to play with other kids. Can you tell?

We love to play with their parents.



Day 132 - 8 November, 2009


The Sabbath

I look forward to the new year, when we have 9 a.m. church. Yes, I said it.

Afternoon church sucks for a toddler's bedtime, and while I love holding a screaming toddler for a half hour until he falls asleep during sacrament meeting (in the mother's lounge of course), I would much rather listen to the service.

This is the foyer. This is where I spend a lot of my time on Sundays. I thought it deserved a place in time.


Day 133 - 9 November, 2009

FHE Photos

We visited our beloved Botanical Gardens to do our Christmas card photos. It was fun to walk around on a nice crisp fall day. It's hard to believe we're already thinking about Christmas, and the leaves have only begun to change.

Malcolm had a ton of fun headbutting flowers. When Tim stopped to smell the roses (literally) Mac thought it was all in good fun. So it most definitely made my photo of the day.

The runner up made my desktop, though not the card.