Taking a Sick Day!

Getting over something on this end and trying to stay well until my gall bladder surgery, so blogging is going to lag this week. All my energy is going to the princesses so there isn't much left while the hubby is at work.

To those who have given me awards... I haven't forgotten about you at all! I just want to thank you for the awards! I am not sure if I will be able to blog and pass them on, but I will proudly show them off when I can!

Christmas Dreams Blog Party~Day Seven

Today is day 7... yes the 7th day of Mom Dot's Christmas of Dreams Blog Party!! Click the pic to learn more!

Today's sponsors are Sillymonkeez and My Baby Bump

Today's Question: Tell us who is on your naughty list? Who is on your nice list? Why?

Oh a naughty list! I was automatically thinking my dear husband, but his naughtiness is for whole other reasons, so really that moves him to the nice list! Let's see who has rubbed me the wrong way and deserves coal this Christmas!

Hmm not many people have. Those drivers who fail to use a blinker or cut me off to be first at that red light. You can see my rampage today!

Those on my nice list... well this is an easy one!

Even those my girls can push my buttons all I need is that smile or I love you (well from Sassy) and it is all okay again!

Princess In Training had me up at 4 with tossing and turning for over and hour! I am a zombie and can't see straight, sorry for the short entry today! She smiled and laughed this morning when she woke up so she right up there with Sassy on the nice list!

Christmas Dreams Blog Party~Day Six

Today is day 6 of the MomDot blog party! Click the picture to find out more!

Today's Question is sponsored by: Flying Colors Baby, Uncommonly Cute, and Lollipop Book Club.

~Today's Question: We would like to know what is your favorite holiday memory from your childhood.~

This is a tough question, because since I have had children I have a hard time remembering much these days other than what events are going on.

The Christmas I do remember the most is the year my sister and I realized Santa wasn't real. After we turned a certain age I think my mom just didn't care whether or not we believed because this one Christmas she was off her game. Weeks before Christmas my mom starts putting presents under the tree just to make us kids go crazy with anticipation. My sister and I would try anything to sneak and find out how we could figure out what we were getting without defiling the wrapping job. We got really good at figuring out which boxes were filled with clothes and which ones contained Barbies... if you played with Barbies that box was unmistakable!

Well that Christmas the presents were out early like always, so like always my sister and I went out to try and guess what we were getting. This year the tag on the packages caught my eye. The gift tag said To: Allison From: Santa. Yes three weeks early the packages from Santa were already under the tree. I was determined to figure it out so Christmas Eve I was going to find out the truth! In our house we had floor heaters, so in the hallway I could look through the heater to the living room! We found out so much that way. That night my sister and I crawled to the floor heater and watched my mom and dad put together baby buggies. We went back to bed and that morning our baby buggies were sitting there under the tree from "Santa". I know my my mom would have been upset that her little girls no longer believed in Santa, so we played along a couple more years and then we broke the news to her gently! My sister and I still get a kick out this story every year!!

Christmas Dreams Blog Party~Day Fve

Today is day 5 of the Christmas Dreams Blog Party! Click the picture to head to MomDot for more details!

Todays question is sponsored by: Baby Pop and Chic Covers

Today's Question:

Today, make a blog post about what you do to give back during the holidays. Do you volunteer your time? If so, please tell us where. What do you do to teach your children the true meaning of the holidays?

During the holidays we always donate toys to Toy For Tots! Sassy picks out one girl item and one boy item. When she picks out toys she always gives it a lot of thought and would pick something she knows they probably would never get.

Her Brownie Troop last year donated items to a shelter for pregnant single mothers, so this year I plan on taking items to them also!

I feel it is important to give back this time of year! Either with toys or food for those who are struggling! Times are rough this year so I plan on giving back a lot more! When I was 19 the school I worked adopted some of the families of students who went to the school. My mom and I donated items and were the lucky ones to be able to take the items to them! It was very rewarding to see how grateful they were! I am looking into this as well this year!

Teaching my girls the true meaning of Christmas is to teach them about the birth of Christ and what he stood for! Christmas isn't about toys and the commercialism of it all, but it is still important to give back to those in need!

Christmas Dreams Blog Party~Day Four

The weekend is over and it is time again for the Christmas of Dreams Blog Party at MomDot! Click the pic above if you want to join in!

Today's question is brought to you by Bottlewise and Glow Mama

Today's Question:

What is your favorite holiday recipe?

MomDot has finally done it. They have finally found a holiday question that really doesn't concern me. Favorite holiday recipe? I sit and laugh because I am the non cooker. Sometimes I get into the spirit and cook (one year I made a pumpkin cheesecake), but my cookies are the sugar cookies out of the tube. I know what a disgrace to the holiday season, but without me who would bring the rolls and alcohol? See I am good for something. One year I would love to cook a holiday dinner, but that role has been taken by my mother in law and I don't see her relinquishing this role anytime soon! Plus she makes a mean Christmas dinner!

Describe your Holiday table.

Our Christmas table consists of two large tables filled with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Even my mom and sister stop by Christmas day. The tables are decorated beautifully and we all sit and have one big Family dinner! We try to put the kids on one side and the adults on the other. Most of the kids are now adults, which means we are down to 5, but 2 are teenagers and lets face it teens these days do not like being called kids. The food is always yummy! Than we clean off the table so the women can play some Skip-Bo. It wouldn't be Christmas without a game of Skip-bo, unfortunately my Mother-in-Law is always the winner... One of these times I will win!

What is your biggest Holiday cooking disaster?

Can't have a Holiday cooking disaster without cooking! I am one of the lucky few that hasn't had one of these (((knocks on wood))). Once I do I know I will share my embarrassing moment with all of you. Maybe I will cook something this Christmas and ruin it just so I have a story for you all to read! Well maybe not so I can stay undefeated!

Christmas Dreams Blog Party~Day One

Remember to stop by MomDot to get in on the fun... it is never too late as you can see! (click the pic above)

I know what you are thinking... Wasn't this supposed to be done on Wednesday? Yes it was, however I missed it! Shame on me I know!! So I figure it is better late than never, so I am choosing to catch up today, so I know I participated on the whole SHE-bang!!

This question was sponsored by: La Belle Toile and This and That by Randi.

The Question is: Introduce us to your family and share Holiday pics of years past

I was afraid I had no past Christmas pics on my computer, but I scoured through the whole hard drive and found some SCORE!!

Sassy was 5 this Christmas... man where does the time go? I just love the bed head pigtails and the smiley look! She loved that dog show play set! She is my animal lover!!!

Want to see why I call her Sassy Princess?
This picture just screams SASSY! This was one of my favorite outfits, especially the boots!

The picture below shows my whole dad's side... well minus my brother (he is taking the pic... sorry Phil)! You can look past me because I was lazy that morning and did not do my hair or make-up. Oops... should have known that this is the day to capture as many memories as we can on camera (blackmail moment diverted HA HA I was first!). Every morning we head over to my grandma's for danishes, hot apple cider, and presents. This is also going to be a bittersweet day, because this is the first Christmas with out my grandpa. It just won't be the same, but I know we will make wonderful memories nonetheless!

I had to choose this next picture, because I laugh every time I see it! See how the girls are as far away from their cousin they can get? Well my cousin had just gotten over the flu. Not a good thing to say in front of my germaphobe daughter. This was during her "fluphobia" phase where she asked "Am I going to throw up?" every 5 minutes! Thanks to her kindergarten teacher we entered this phase and it really hasn't left... the question yes... the germaphobia no.

Someone is missing though...

Yes, this year Princess in Training gets to join in all the family Christmas fun! I know I am going to spoil her rotten... Yes I know it is her first Christmas and I know she will not remember it, but I can't help it! I know I have a problem! I am going to cherish this Christmas, because this is the last First Christmas I will ever have with my own babies!

Here was my catch up post!

Check out this Giveaway!!

Over at Nanny Adventures there is a wonderful giveaway! I have never blogged about a giveaway, but I am going to get all the entries I can, because this is one product I can use! She reached her 100th blog and as a celebration she is giving away an accordion organizer by Just G. My life has become one big pile of unorganization! I can't remember what way is up some days! I have even lost my Mom of the Year award by forgetting a Brownie engagement OOPS!! I swore I was going to be better, but my momnesia is kicking in a full force! At least the homework is getting done and checked SCORE! If you are interested in getting organized stop by... I did and fell in love with her blog!!

Mom Dot Party~ Day 3

It has been nice having my blogs planned out for me ahead of time! Thanks MomDot for putting this fun blog party together! Click the picture... It will take you to all the Christmas Party Fun!!

Today's question is brought to you by: Appledonia, Hippos Toes and My Bag

Today's Question: Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Do you budget for the holidays? Do you always stick to your budget? Share with us any budgeting tips you may have!

We are lucky when it comes to the holiday season, because my dearest husband gets his dividend check for all the stocks he has through the company he works at. This means we don't have to move money around when it comes to shopping. We do set up a budget though. We make a list of all our family members... kids only for extended family. We think of a sensible amount for each person. Parents and grandparents get more of a budget than the kids. The princesses will have the most room for shopping, because let's face it... our children are the most fun to shop for! My husband is better at sticking to the budget. I am always trying to sneak in a few more gifts!

Now I must admit that I tend to be the shopper who does 2 things:

1. Buys everything online. It may take the fun out of shopping, but I get to sit in the comfort of my home, catch up with the long list of shows on my DVR while I surf the net looking for that perfect gift.

2 Waits for the last minute. Yes I am one of THOSE people. The frantic shopper who is running up and down the mall finding that last minute gift.

Hopefully this year I find error of my ways and get into the Christmas spirit and to my shopping in a timely fashion away from the computer!

***Come back tomorrow... I am going to play catch up and participate in day one a couple days late. I just want to be able to introduce you all to the family!"***

Day 2 of the Christmas of Dreams Blog Party

I have been slacking on reading other blogs, because life has taken over in the Princess household. I thought what better way to jump back in then participating in MomDots Christmas of Dreams Blog Party! Sadly I missed day one, so here I am at day 2! Be sure to click on the image... it will take you to the Day 2 post!

MomDot does amazing work with networking and this party helps you meet other bloggers as well! I am so excited to be participating and can't wait! Each day there is a new question you answer on your blog and then make sure you sign Mr. Linky below that days' post! This is a great way to find new blogs, to give bloggy love, and recieve bloggy love as well!

Todays Question is brought to MomDot by LaPlates, Let's Go Strolling, and Natity's Design.

Day Two Question:

Traditions, what are some of your favorite family traditions? What are some that you want to begin?

We have many many traditions that we have brought together since Eric and I got married! Thanksgiving starts it with the passing out of ornaments. My grandmother has given us ornaments every year since we were born. I cherish them all and I love that my tree now has 28 ornaments that have been given by her!

The second weekend after Thanksgiving we decorate for Christmas. We all get into it and make this place very festive! After 8 years of marriage we have accumulated quite a bit! My mom has started up her toll painting business after a few years of hiatus and am looking forward to getting some of her pieces for our house!

Christmas sometimes seem to be our busiest holiday, because we fit in 4 different parties every year! We have 2 on Christmas Eve (my mom's side and hubby's dad's side). Then on Christmas day we do the same (my dad's side and hubby's mom's side). This year is a tough one because of the economy, so we are really trying to focus on what Christmas is really about! It sometimes get lost in the commercialism, so we decided to stress why this holiday is important!

Every Christmas we do take Princess Sassy to see Santa and this year we take our Princess In Training as well. They will ask Santa for one gift, usually the big gift, and on Christmas morning they will find these gifts unwrapped under the tree. We do veto things that are way out of their league so to speak!

I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in this blog party! Come back to see more! Thanks MomDot!!

To My Fellow Bloggers!

Just want to tell you I am still around and will get back on track here soon! So don't think I am ignoring your blogs. I miss being able to read them all and give bloggy love! Even networking is taking a back seat at the moment as well!

Princess news:

Princess In Training's new nickname is 'bubbles', which speaks for itself, because yes we now have drool! She gnaws on everything in sight. I see teeth in her future real soon! She is starting to laugh as well, which makes playtime that much more fun!

Soccer is coming to a close and this house is starting to get sad. This has been an awesome season and the Silver Strikers have played their hearts out! Sassy is really coming into her own as a great soccer player! She is getting the nickname of 'Cheetah' for her running speed.

Tonight is exciting as well! UCLA Bruins basketball kicks off it's 2008-2009 season tonight and this house is all a buzz. Tonight begins the countdown to March Madness! The Bruins almost made it all the way stopping short at the Final Four. We are going to root yet again for an awesome season! GO BRUINS!

Thank You!

Today is a day to give thanks to those who fight to give us the rights we have as Americans!

Thank you Veterans!

Monday Funny

It is again Monday and time to start the week off on a funny note! Happy Monday!

Aloha Friday #3

Thank goodness it's Friday! Tomorrow my little Princess in Training will be 3 months old! Time has grown some great big wings and it is flying right by. I am amazed at all the little things my little "P-I-T" is learning in such a short time and I just love watching her do them! She is at the stage in development where it is all about her hands. Hands go into her mouth, they open and close like crazy, and grabbing toys is happening! My favorite part... her complete concentration on how they work. She is starting to associate that she is the one that tells her hand where to go. I may be loosing my hair with her iron grip, but that just means she is learning! It is great to be able to see these things through the eyes of a child. I just have to thank my dear husband for finding the way to let me stay home, because I get to be the one to notice this stuff first! I am the mom so I deserve it!

My question for you on this fine Friday is this:

What is your favorite milestone that you got see a child accomplish?

Make sure to take your time and watch the little things your babies do!

Make sure to head over the An Island Life for more Aloha Friday fun!

A first for me!

I am not one to talk about politics, but I have to get this out! I am using my blog for therapeutic reasons just this once!

I will honestly say that I voted for McCain (I liked his ideas). I was disappointed yes, but I am moving on because I have faith God has a plan. As a nation I am proud, because as a nation we got passed racism and voted the first black man as the president of the United States of America. We or you all made history and for that I am proud!

I am a resident in the state of California and for the first time I am saddened and disappointed with this great state! We may have gotten over racism of ethnicity, but people still feel that they have the right to dictate how people should live! So what if a woman wants to marry a woman, or a man a man. Who am I to judge them? It isn't in my power to do so. There is a higher Judge that has this power and Him only! I am a Christian and Christ is my savior! The golden rule states "Treat others as you would want to be treated". We really need to start living by this rule! Not only is it in the Bible, but most classrooms have this as the number on rule to follow! We are told to love everyone, even our enemies. I believe God put us here to educate people about the word of God but not to force it down their throats! Once they hear it is their decision to take it how they want to take it. They will one day be judged and again I don't have the right to be that person. They aren't hurting me with this decision. I am honestly sick to my stomach that this state feels that we can dictate how people should live! I am God's child and I will educate others without choosing for them! As a teacher I know that marriage let alone gay marriage is not taught in the school. This was a scare tactic and that is it! It doesn't matter if I believe in the choices people make. They are the ones who are to live with it not me! We just took two steps back once again in the progress of this great nation! Let's make history once again and let everyone chose their own way of life as long as it isn't hurting others!

I am one to keeps controversial subjects to myself but as a parent I feel tolerance is getting lost in the mix with this! I teach my children to love everyone and I want to lead by example! One day my daughters could come up to me and tell me they are a lesbian. Will I stop loving them? No way! If they do I would hope that they have the same rights as everyone else!! Let's try and change history once again! I know it can happen!!

Wordless Wednesday: First Halloween

Don't forget to stop by MomDot for more WW!

Wii Fit Baby!!

Halloween night my dear sister let me in on some early information that the Targets in my area were getting a shipment of Wii Fits on Sunday morning. I called Saturday to make sure and found that the Target 5 minutes away would have 22 in the stores the next morning! As soon as I hung up I thought about my game plan. Do I show up right when the stores open hoping that no one knows my secret or do I get there early so I can be first in line? I chose the latter because I wasn't going to take any chances. Paying more than what Nintendo was selling it for was not an option!

Sunday morning I got up and dressed in record time, got out the door and was the first one in the parking lot... at least first customer. Once I saw a car pull up I was out and near the doors. Well the lady that was coming forgot to change her clocks and was an hour early to do some shopping. An hour into my wait people started coming and waiting with me all the while I was thinking who leaked the info? Well Target let the masses know through the ad in the Sunday paper and boy did the masses follow! All in all it was a great time... I met a few people worth meeting! When 8 am came Angela was ready to sprint to the electronics. When the doors opened boy did she run! I won my battle and got my wii fit!

With all the hype I was worried I would be disappointed, but Nintendo does not! Move over Hubs because I have a new love of my life! Who thought video games could help you workout? It works on strength building, Yoga, aerobics, and balance. It tells you whether you are doing it right. My favorite so far... the Hula Hoop! Sadly Angela kicked my butt! I think I am going to forbid her from using it... there is no way I am going to get shown up by an 8 year old! I am finding a new love for Yoga and finding that I always did squats so wrong!

If you haven't purchased the Nintendo Wii you must get in with the times! Nintendo is geared more towards kids, and who could go wrong with moving around while playing video games! I sweat every time I play! If you haven't played Mario Kart you must, because you will be hooked! Who wouldn't like racing loved ones while pelting them with red shells, or waving good bye as you soar by using the bullet! There is no need to worry about games where killing and gore are the appeal!

Angela and I give the Nintendo Wii and the Wii Fit 2 thumbs up! Worth every penny!!

Monday Funny

Mondays can be hard, so I am going to start them on a funny note! A Monday funny will either be a video, cartoon, or even just a picture that will get chuckles or "rolling on the floor laughing"! For my second Monday of doing this I am choosing a video that upon seeing I couldn't stop laughing! I know you will be on the floor soon!!