To Do List

Okay, we've been in our new place for THREE weeks now!!! So, how is it that I am still not done the things I planned to do our very first week here?! Take a look at my "To Do" list (please keep in mind these things were on my "to do" list 3 weeks ago).

To Do List

1) Get the kids in school--well, I think they are mostly registered (IF the doctor faxed over the results of their physicals and IF we remember to bring in the TB test results).

2) Buy a new car--well, we have decided that Mike is going to use the Jeep and we are going to get me a newer vehicle (although, we have only looked at ONE vehicle so far and they were asking too much).

3) Buy a dining table and chairs--after spending the first two weeks eating on the floor, we have finally brought in our OLD UGLY table that I vowed I would NEVER bring into this house (we couldn't eat Christmas dinner on the floor, nor could we do Mike's Christmas puzzle on the floor).

4) Unpack--somehow we still have a few boxes kickin around (I took a few boxes out to the garage because they were filled with things that I couldn't find places for; Mike brought them back in and told me I needed to go through them...ugh).

5) Hang pictures--for some reason I cannot figure out where to put my pictures and shelves in this house.

6) Assmenble trampoline (and find the missing piece)--so Mike put the trampoline mostly up the first weekend we were here, but it has no net and it is missing one piece (and this piece is necessary for putting up the net...grrr).

7) Find & join a gym--I don't know why I hate looking for a new gym, but I do. I am getting really sick of NOT exercising, so I think tomorrow I will be able to cross this off my list (this hasn't been crossed off my list because of sheer laziness on my part).

So, is there any hope for me?? Am I ever going to get these things done?? I don't know, I think we are too busy today...making cookies...

Christmas Recap

This was a great Christmas! With small kids and a big meal to cook, it's not always the most relaxing day...but it's always enjoyable. Here's a quick recap (mostly in pictures) from our family Christmas:

The Jammies

One of my favorite Christmas tradtions is the jammies. On Christmas Eve a gift box is magically left on each of our beds. This year Santa forgot Mom and Dad:)

The Weather

We didn't have a snow storm like my family back home (so jealous), but we did have A LOT of rain. It didn't stop the kids from jumping on the trampoline--especially Kya.

The Food

As the years go by, my turkey dinner is getting closer and closer to my mom's (although it's still nowhere near). This year the turkey was so moist...the gravy was a little strange though.

On Christmas Eve we had hot chocolate with candy canes mmm...so yummy.

The Entertainment
We act out the first Christmas on Christmas Eve. Tyson refused to be Joseph, so Mike had to take his place. Jordan was the angel and Kya was Mary (she wanted to be the angel until she found out the angel had a "talking" part).

Mike and the kids sang Silent Night for me!

The Loot
The kids were all very excited and grateful for the presents they got...Ipod, Hannah Montana video game, Barbie scooter, Webkinz...oh my gosh these kids are spoiled!! Mom and Dad got spoiled too...a GPS (umm...our budget was $100 Santa--I think you may have over spent)?!

The Best Day of the Year

I must admit, Christmas Eve is by far my favorite day of the year. Now, we've made it even better by adding a new family tradition...ice skating:

Ready to go...

Kya was terrified, but she ended up being the bravest one. She was the only one who actually wanted to skate by herself.We thought Tyson would just love ice skating (he has roller blades on constantly), but he was quite scared of the slippery ice!

Here's our scared little JoJo...we wouldn't expect anything else:)We had a good time...and actualy got to break out the hats and mittens on Christmas Eve!!

December 17th, 1999

Nine years ago today...we got married!! I have to admit, I had NO idea what I was getting myself into:) I love you Mike--more today than ever.

Before the wedding

After the wedding...

To heck with unpacking...

...we're setting up our tree!! This year I just let the kids do all the decorating and I think it turned out great. I LOVE Christmas:)

Here's our tree

Just kidding, here's our real treeHere's the kids decorating

Stress Case

Hello from LA!! I am FAR from settled, but we finally have our internet set up...so I had to take a few minutes to blog. I still haven't unpacked my camera battery charger so sorry, no pics of our new pad. Now I thought after the move was complete I would have less stress in my life. Well, it turns out there's MORE:

-we are still searching for a second car (Mike's Camry died right before we moved)
-I have been trying to figure out which school to put the kids in...only to find there is NO room to transfer to any schools, so they must go to their home school (hopefully it will be okay)
-we have been living without the internet for a entire week
-I don't know how to get anywhere (today I tried to find Walmart and...I'll share the rest of that story in it's own post)
-I still haven't got my Christmas cards out OR finished my shopping (and the stores here are crazy busy)
-we are still living out of boxes, which makes it very frustrating when you need to find something specific (like the kitty litter liners)
-I don't know anyone, so I can't leave my kids with a sitter...ahhh!
-AND worst of all, I haven't decorated for Christmas YET!!!

Christmas Decorations

Here are MY Christmas decorations:

You can feel sorry for me now...