I am so ready for a regular school week!! I have loved the winter weather here In NC, but I'm ready for things to be regular again...I mean, on a normal schedule (everything is good in that department, thanks for asking) am I the only one that feels this way? I looooove my 4 kiddies. But I also have found that I can love them just as much when they are at school. I would be a terrible homeschooling mother. Kudos to those who have the patients for that. I was not made for that for sure. I would end up dropping the kids off at daycare or something, and then I would go back home to enjoy the quiet....Not that I have that now, but I will. Someday. Everyone says i will miss the noise and clutter. Prove it. I dare you.

My #3 child is testing me as of late. I don't know what I did to her, but she is out to get me. Now that I think of it, she is out to get everyone here...I'm starting to think the problem is her. She is 5 afterall. She can be so fun. But she can also make me want to pull off my toenails one by one, rather then listen to her tantrums. I'm hoping she will grow out of it. She's been spending a lot of time in "time out" lately, but I'm starting to think I'm doing it all wrong. I should be the one to go to "time out". Why should she have all the fun of peace and quiet and a possible nap? What kind of punishment is that?? Thats it. I'm going on "time out" tomorrow to see if it's as horrible as she's making it out to be. I think she's pulling my leg and it's all a set up so I can send her to "time out" where she pretends to be in "agony", but secretly wants to live out her days there. Man she's good.....

So, busy week here.

-school cancelled on Monday..still not sure why.

-making some decisions on some property for sale.

-church activity, played a southern talking aunt from Texas in a skit

-fed 6 missionaries 3 of which were added last minuet..it was a total "loaves and fishes" moment.

-ran a bunch of errands with Dr.Van

-ran 30 miles over 5 days

-made cupcakes for church activity

-decorated for church activity

-was a "British" narrator for another skit

-cleaned up the church activity

-picked up child #4 too many times to count because he held his arms up and said in broken english " I need you"

-swept the floor too many times to count

-did several loads of laundry..too many times to count

-sent #3 on time out too many times to count

-did xmas returns, why did I save the receipt if they're just going to give me store credit because it's been over 30 days?

-slept on the couch because Dr. Van was snoring

-ended up sleeping in the bed in #4's room because he awoke with a vengeance and then slept on my head most of the night.

-woke up with a crick in my neck and my shirt off, leaving just an under shirt...still don't know how that one happened..

-"tasted" too many cupcakes

-went to the cardiologist with Dr. Van

-supported Dr.Van in his efforts to "get in shape" as suggested by cardiologist.

-got mad at Dr. Van for buying a scale

-got happy when Dr.Van said he hid the scale so I can't find it

just to name a few things. Next week I have to finish my rootcanal. Good times.

K it's next week. I've been a busy slacker. I always find something to do when I want to blog. Just a moment ago that "something" was to eat a bowl of cereal..I really should be cleaning up the mess around me. It was cleaned earlier. Then I went to a meeting and left the 2 little ones with Dr.Van..need I say more? I arrive at my meeting only to get a call from Dr.Van sounding a little put out. "I'm trying to make mac n cheese and I can't find the butter. Are we all out?? I already have the noodles cooked." In culinary school they have a term that they pounded into our heads "Mise en place" or maybe it's "plase". Anyhow. It means "everything in it's place" or "Make sure you have all your ingredients before you start cooking." I have to cut him some slack since he only attended dental school and not culinary school. But don't you usually check to see if you have everything before hand? Maybe not? Now I am embarrassed to say that yes, I did run out of butter. Paula Deen if you are reading this I am so ashamed! I don't know what to say... I used a lot of butter this week making frosting for my cupcakes and cookies. Why couldn't I have just settled for store bought frosting? I have to be all Martha Stewart about it...It won't happen again I will stock up tomorrow. (on butter that is, not store bought frosting..ewe) But I seriously had a 3 minuet conversation with Dr.Van about butter and what he was supposed to do now with the cooked noodles and can he still make the powder cheese without the butter?? Yes, the kids will survive, there palates are not that sophisticated yet to realize the butter is missing, and really I must get started with my meeting this conversation about mac n cheese has gone on long enough.

So I should be cleaning the aftermath up but I don't want to. Apparently I wasn't the only one either. When I got home #3 was throwing a fit (shocker) #4 was in bed (another shocker) and Dr. Van was in bed as well (not too shocking) But I was left to deal with #3 not wanting anything dad suggested to eat, not being able to find her red elephant (that dad couldn't find either) and her not wanting to stop crying. I was reaching for my toenails when she decided she wanted Cap'n Crunch with Crunch Berries..perfect, dinner is served. And now it's quiet with everyone asleep...except me.

I'm supposed to finish up my "Florida Trips" but I've been so unmotivated, and they were good trips to write about too. So I will write about it just not today.

Something that I have enjoyed since moving to NC is snow skiing. I have never skied in my life. I grew up so close to "MT High" ski resort and never went. Not once. I have never really enjoyed being in the snow. I remember one time having real snow clothes when I was little. When we were in Utah. Those "bib" snow jumper thingy's...They were red. But mostly I just wore jeans. It's not like we were in the snow enough to really purchase snow clothes. So my memories of playing on the snow made me get frostbite just thinking about it. Dr. Van suggested we go skiing after Xmas at a nearby lodge. He assured me that I have never been properly outfitted for the snow, and that it was possible to be warm while in the cold. I was a bit skeptical. I am always cold. I bring my winter jacket filled with "Hot Hands" to the grocery store in July so I don't freeze in the freezer and refrigerator sections. I'm cold right now, and I'm still all dressed and in my jacket..So anyway, I was willing to go and give it a whirl. My sweet Dr.Van took me to the sporting goods store and before I knew it I was the cutest little snow bunny you ever did see...Not really, but I was warm. By the way it's expensive to get set up! I had no idea!

We drove to the resort, so excited and nervous. CLOSED, due to wind. Bummer. I was all geared up for the unknown. We also had #1 child with us who was bummed too, and my #3 brother. Not to worry there was another resort not too far away "Chattaloochee" I believe was what it was called...I like saying that. Say it. It's fun. Now say it with a "southern accent." Even funner. It was not closed. To Be continued......Sorry my computer is going to die and I have to get to bed..or to "couch" I can already hear Dr. Van snoring..Why doesn't that wake him up?? It's not fair.

There is something about Florida that leaves a memorable imprint on my brain everytime I visit there. The first time was 2 years ago with our Friends from AZ. We were attending some management courses for our dental practice (well actually, I was just there to get a break from the kids I really didn't set foot in the class, shocking I know.) we stopped in at a "Checkers" burger joint to grab a quick bite one afternoon. It was a very creepy experience. You order your food outside at the window and then you can sit inside the dining room to eat. So that's what we did. Only so did some creepy, mentally disturbed, I think, homeless lady. I guess she didn't really have food she just liked to hang out and torment the paying customers. I have never felt someone so dark and evilish? She was very intimidating looking with straggly dark and gray streaked hair. Her eyes were the lightest blue green mix I've ever seen. You know that movie "Bedtime Stories"? The guinea pig with the big eyes that "Stare into my very soul?" THAT WAS HER!!! Well, not the guinea pig part, but the staring... She was muttering words, probably some evil cantation and staring at me like she was about to cast a spell on me, probably one of the unforgivable curses. It made me a little uncomfortable. I didn't want to be cursed. She also had quite the potty mouth, I do remember that. Then she said something about the "evil seed growing inside you" How the heck did she know I was pregnant?? I wasn't even really showing yet. I could have been really offended if I wasn't so creeped out by her. I have been back that way a few times since then and I always try to peek in and see if she's there freaking out anyone else. Poor lady. If she hadn't been so rude to me, we may have been friends. After I helped her wax her mustache of course. Oh well....Again this was 2 years ago.....I'm not preggo.

Trip #2 DISNEY WORLD!! Need I say more. I feel the magic just typing the words DISNEY...oooooh there it is again. One more time... DISNEY....I feel downright tingly. IT was pretty much a girls trip. Dr.Van had his management courses and I of course showed no interest in going until he mentioned The most magical place on earth. Then I was "in". The weird thing was though that my #1 son, had no desire to go. He had heard from a very reliable source (some punk "friend" from school) that Disney World was not very fun. I'm sorry but that would be no friend of mine. I tried really hard to talk him into going. And then the truth came out....There was 2 reasons he didn't want to go. The "real" reasons.: #1. He was afraid that the plane would crash. Not very reasonable, but ok. Just FYI son, more people die in car accidents then on plane crashes. He didn't care. Next up. #2 reason. Global Warming. Highly Unreasonable. Yes he was certain that while we were there, Florida was going to flood and be covered up with water from the glaciers. Thank you Al Gore. He was sure this was to be his fate. I told him the chances were highly unlikely that it would happen that same weekend we were there. I told him it scheduled for the following weekend but he didn't care. He was staying on firm dry ground in AZ. Ok, more magic for us. SO it turned into a girls trip. Dr.Van would be mostly busy with his classes, so I needed a travel companion to share the heavy burden of navigating around Disney World for 3 days. SO I enlisted my little sister #3. She was way fun. (Just like her older sister...yes I'm talking about me:) The best part was when we got poured on all of the sudden. I mean drenched. But she didn't let a little typhoon ruin her fun, no sir. She grabbed the hands of the nearest Disney worker and twirled and skipped until they begged her to let them go. Then the next best part I just remembered, was when Dr.Van grabbed me and kissed me in the rain....It would have been romantic if the kids weren't right there in a stroller next to us and if my hair hadn't been half frizzy and my mascara had been water proof..dang I always wreck the moment with something. It was fun, I was just mostly thankful that I didn't wear that white T-shirt that I so often wear, don't want to be a hoochie mamma at Disney World, poor old Walt would turn over in his grave.

Trip #3. Nov 2009 Dr.Van and I headed once again to the land of retirees. This time it was for a good cause. A benefit dinner to raise money for the Firefighters of 9-11. It was a formal affair, well, more cocktail dress really. And the best part? No not the food, although that was quite delightful too, John Travolta was going to be there to speak. Not only that but, he was also going to be taking pictures with any star struck being in the vicinity. That would be me. OMGOSH. What the heck was I going to wear?? I couldn't find a thing. I still had baby weight that was happy staying right where it had been residing for the past several months, which made it even more discouraging to shop. I ultimately found a dress courteous of my friends closet. It looked good on me. But it looked better on her. Dang. Oh well. It's just a good thing that I like her so much or else I wouldn't. So I felt semi- confident as I swept into the door of the benefit...until I saw all the other gals in their "barely there cocktail dresses". I'm reminded of a talk I once heard as a youth about the decline of modesty in female clothing. It was mentioned how dresses have turned from "strapless evening gowns" to "Gown-less evening straps."...It still makes me giggle when I picture that in my head. Anyhow, I am a modest girl, no shame here, I just felt a little under dressed, or over dressed if we are grading on the amount of fabric being worn:) I waited in line patiently practicing what I would say to Mr. Travolta. I glanced ahead to see him talking with those who beat me to him first. He was so tall. And handsome. Something about him reminded me of my dad. Not the tall part. No offense dad. Maybe it was just his warm smile, or the dimple in his chin...My pitters were getting sweaty as we got closer and closer to him. My hands started to shake a bit. Why couldn't I hold it together? He was just a person. Almost exactly like me even. He did normal person stuff too right? I'm sure his pitters were just as sweaty as he saw me slinking towards him. K probably not, I'm sure he uses really expensive deodorant. I was watching how the pictures were being taken. Crap. They guided every one to his right side. That was not my good side. How was I going to do this. I needed to be positioned in such a way that my left side was forward. My face was still so round and shapeless that I depended on that dimple in my left cheek (the cheek on my face, not my rear, although those ones never seem to let me down either) to give me a bit of definition....Yes, I had thought waaaaaaay too much about this. But this was my only chance to prove to John that I would make a stellar leading lady in his next blockbuster hit. I NEEDED THAT LEFT SIDE SHOT. It was my turn to meet him now. Ok, our turn, I had temporarily forgotten I had a husband next to me. John will do that to you...I walked slowly, I didn''t want to trip afterall. I had to prove I could handle the pressure of being in front of others, like on the red carpet. But secretly I couldn't. But he didn't need to know that. He smiled that big Danny Zukko smile of his....I wanted to hurl. His teeth were so amazingly white. Dang it why didn't I bleach! His blue eyes how they twinkled. His dimples, how....merry? His cheeks were like roses his nose like a ....Was this guy related to Santa??. This was too much. My sweaty shaky hand met his. His hands were huge. Is it hot in here? We were introduced by someone I didn't care enough about to remember at the moment ( no Offense whom ever you were, I'm sure you're great but you can't expect me to remember you with Mr. Saturday Night Fever standing next to you) He clasped my hand with both hands "So nice to meet you". I smiled, it was nice to meet me. I was grateful I had passed on the appetizers and didn't have to worry about spinach being in my teeth. I only hoped that my mouth wasn't so dry that when I stopped smiling my upper lip would stick to my teeth. It was time for the picture. Hope they had the right shutter speed and lighting. And without even thinking I turned and backed up into John so my left side was to the camera and his hand was on my waist...I smiled big like I knew John would be too. "Can we do that again? I think I blinked." I then turned and stuck out my hand again and said "thank you". He wasn't expecting that, I'm spontaneous and crazy like that. He said "you're welcome, would you like to be in my next movie?" I blushed and politely declined because I was currently working on another project, I just didn't tell him it was child rearing. Besides, what would Dr.Van do without me? He would be eaten alive in Hollywood, he's not strong like me. Thanks for the offer Mr. Travolta but, I'm going to have to take a rain check. Tell Kelly "Hi" for me.

3 trips down one to go.....My typing is keeping Dr.Van up, or so he says, must not be bugging him too much, sounds like he snoring pretty loud to me. The couch is looking pretty good right now...Oy Vay. More on Florida later if you're interested.

Life is just busy, isn't it? Sometimes I complain that I'm too busy. But I also remember the times when I haven't been busy enough and I've been bored out of my mind.....Just kidding, that's never really happened. ever.Dang it....What would that be like? I guess I "grow tired" of things, the same schedule all the time, same routine...etc...Well the last week or so has been anything but routine or boring. In and out of town, no kids, footloose and fancy free..sort of. I still had things to do, places to go, people to see. I'm a busy girl. But I think you already know that.

Dr. Van has been seeing a patient in AZ (totally on the up & up) and finishing up her case this

past year. Implants can be unpredictable little buggers.( Dental implants for those of you just joining us :) Anyhow, he set aside some time to see her and I thought to myself, "Self, you have your brother living with you, you should go along with Dr.Van and let your brother earn some

$$$ by watching the kids, and go visit your family and friends in AZ." So I did just that. After

the guilt of ditching my kids for the new year subsided, I had a really great time. I rented a car, and was able to come and go as I pleased. It was hailing on me almost as soon I got into town, that was weird. I must have brought it from NC. Didn't mean to do that. I headed straight to a baby shower as soon as I dropped off my luggage at the in laws, said some hellos to friends and

family there. Then off to shop with one of my best buds. I enjoyed yummy food and great company. I miss my friends...And Forever 21...sigh.....

The next day the girls planned to go to the movies to see "Tangled!" I was so excited! I hadn't seen it! My kids went already and I was just going to wait for it to come out on video...I mean DVD! What century am I living in?...Remember VHS?....the good ol days.

Just on a side note, because I'm good at those, I remember when my family got our first VCR, we rented "Mary Poppins"..I was so excited. Then I remember Dr. Van and I buying our first VCR. It was about 2 weeks after we were married maybe less, and we had decided on a whim to go to Walmart and buy a VCR, at, hold on to your horses,........ Midnight!! I remember thinking, "Oh my gosh, it's midnight and I'm at Walmart and my mom and dad don't even know where I'm at!!, I'm such a grown up now!" I was way cool. I felt like a rebel. It was great to be me.

So, "Tangled". It was going to be especially good because I didn't have one child with me to take to the bathroom, to make sure they had enough popcorn, to share my drink with and pray I don't swallow their popcorn that made it's way into the drink. Not a single worry or care in the world. I was so excited. I bought my single movie ticket for I don't know, $8 then I got my own

small popcorn, with the butter layered please, ya, I know it's just flavored oil...layer it. No, I don't want a large I'm trying to exercise a little portion control, ...new years resolution. But I

will take a Coke Zero and box of Milk Duds...for the kids of course. I use to work at Movies 8 when I was 16. It was my first job. I know all the "up sell" techniques. "For 50 cents more you

can get a large drink!" I was always dumbfounded by those people who would come in and order a large popcorn, hotdawg (say with a southern twang) and candy and then finish it off with a large "Diet" Coke....

It always baffled me. After all that why stop at the soda? Go for the gusto? I was never a diet drinker so I didn't understand that whole diet thing anyway, but after all that damage your not going to be able to redeem yourself by washing it all down with a large "Diet Coke?", I am blonde but I'm pretty sure it doesn't cancel out all the other calories consumed..(though that would be awesome!)....Guess what though? I've totally become one of them. I totally get it now. I have to save some calories somewhere!!! I have no shame, I proudly walked away with my small popcorn, milk duds and medium Coke Zero. ( By the way when I was asked if I wanted the large $1 refill 2011 cup, I politely declined stating that I would get no use out of it, since I didn't live in AZ anymore, The candy girl couldn't upsell that excuse, and then I got reprimanded by family that do live in AZ and who could have reused the cup this whole year for only $1. Sorry, that was totally rude of me. I will send you a dollar.) So I like getting to the movie early. I like reading the trivia on the screen (did you know that 5,000 guys tried out for the role of "Edward" in "Twilight"?) I like seeing what's coming soon to theaters. I never get to enjoy all that with Dr. Van. We pretty much walk in right when the movie is starting or has started,( then we step over people and block views of those who were seated on time and trying to enjoy the previews that I should have been enjoying too. Yeah, we're those irritating people) Kinda like how we are always running to catch our plane....Another story for another time.

I get so into the previews, in fact by the time the movie started, I was out of popcorn. Maybe I should have gotten the large? Darn. Oh well I still had some milk duds and pop left. By the way you have to place the milk dud in your mouth then shove a big handful of salty hot buttery popcorn in. Like angels dancing on my tongue...It's really a party in your mouth. Try it.

The movie was moving along so nicely, the singing, the cute outlaw, the incredible hair....Then the strangest thing happened. All of the sudden I was watching the credits. Did I miss something? Did the reel break?? What the heck , did we just all get ripped off??? Is someone going to complain to the manager? No one else looks confused but me? Am I getting punked? (Oh I hope so, Ashton Kutcher is so cute) ....Why does my neck hurt? And where did this drool come from? My baby niece sitting next to me?Ohhhh........I get it. I stinkin' fell asleep! How

does one avid Disney Lover, "Disney Scene It" Champion, fall asleep in a Disney Musical?? Especially when I was so excited to see it because everyone raved about how great it was, and how great the music was yada, yada, yada.....And I didn't even have one thing to worry about, except myself! This little display of patheticness (if that's a word, if not it should be) means only one thing. I am officially getting old. I took a nap at the movies people, in a loud Disney movie. And it was an expensive nap too!! I am not a cheap date, but I must be a boring date, I mean I fell asleep on me. Who does that?? .

..Me. Of course. In my defense I was still on NC time and had had a busy day the day before, and I have 4 kids I am ALWAYS tired. So I can't wait til it comes out on DVD, because I have no idea how it ends. Don't tell me either!!! And no, I never read the story of Rapunzel...Did anyone read that story???

More tomorrow my eyeballs are seriously burning..I think I got cold cream in them when I took off my mascara...

NEXT UP....FLORIDA...Don't let me forget.

So I wanted to write about 13 years. Dr. Van and I had our 13 year anniversary on the 20th of this month. I can’t believe it’s been 13 years. It seems like just last week we were getting hitched (thats southern talk for married). I guess it’s a good thing that it’s gone by fast It would really stink to feel like time is dragging on. I’m very lucky to be married to Dr.Van. I can’t imagine being tied to anyone else ever. I am thankful for him everyday. I laugh with Dr.Van like I never laugh with anyone else. If you know Dr.Van, then you know that my life never has a dull moment. Spontaneous and adventurous, and ambitious those are all words to describe him. He’s also sweet. He’s a good daddy and husband. He’s the hardest worker I know. “Lazy” and “Can’t” are not in his vocabulary. This guy is always on the move. It used to drive me crazy. I am not as on the go as him. In fact, when we are walking together like in the mall for example, I practically jog to keep up with him..You’d think I’d have more shapely legs..hmmm....I feel like I’m pretty much always busy with something, I don’t watch Oprah or Soaps during the day in fact my bum rarely hits the couch or chair, I mostly stand to eat, if anything the only time I really sit is for a moment in the bathroom if we are being really honest. (and I'm fast in there too, I kinda have to be with 4 kids) But when Dr.Van is home, I feel the need to move 10 times faster to keep up with him. I even jump if I take a breather and he walks (quickly walks because that’s how he moves)into the room because I feel bad because he is on a mission to do something, and I stopped to breath. Which he rarely does. He doesn’t judge though, it’s my own need to keep up with him that causes me to move quicker when he’s around. I love him he keeps me going and I now have people trying to keep up with me at the mall. It’s funny though, the other day we were driving and he says to me, “ I can’t believe how relaxed I am here in NC, I don’t think I’ve ever been so relaxed in my life” I had to agree with him and then at the same time I thought “Oh man, if your staff heard you say that they would die, they would think you were pullin' their horses' leg” They can’t believe how fast paced he is and how many crazy ideas he has. They just would never be able to believe that he’s chilled out so much. If they only knew. Anyway. I love this man. He’s mine and I’m so glad he chose me. Thank you Dr.Van for making me so happy. Thank you for a lovely dinner at "Frankie Bones" and for a yummy dessert of caramel apple empanadas...from "Taco Bell"- They were perfectly crisp and sweet. Thank you for my new camera i love it. Or I will once I figure out how to use it. and thank you for the best 13 years ever. We are so M.F.E.O........oxoxoxo, Lynnie. (that's what he calls me..or Lynnard, like Lynnard skynnard, but I don't want to talk about that)

Ok, enough serious, mushy stuff. Let’s talk about Christmas! If I could use one word to describe how my Christmas went this year I wouldn’t be able to decide between “magical” and “perfect”. I’m not even being dramatic...this time. Our first Xmas in NC, on our own pretty much with the exception of my little brother and his wife and baby that recently moved in with us, no other family around to visit no big dinners or parties to make an appearance at. You’d think it would be kinda lonely. I was a bit nervous of how it would play out mostly for our kids, you know not having any cousins around to show there new toys off too. I was hoping they wouldn’t be missing AZ too much so I needed something big and grand to set this Xmas apart from any of the others. But what could I do? Deliver the "pony" #2 wanted? "Every American Girl Doll" Like #3 wanted? Are these two even listening when I talk about what Xmas is really about?? No, No. I needed something magical..So like the silly girl I am I half heartily said a prayer. I had heard there was a rumor that it was supposed to snow Xmas day. As if that would ever happen for me!! But maybe I just needed a little faith. Pray over every needful thing. This was for sure a need. I needed a white Christmas almost as much as I needed and wanted an electric blanket. But that was alot to ask for. So, no snow. Shucks.

My kids insist that I torture them every Xmas morning. "Mom, you take so long to get ready, you have to have your, camera, your video camera, xmas music on, fire in the fireplace, hot chocolate..." And your point is? Yes, I do like to be ready. As did my parents. Was it torture? NO, it was simply prolonging the excitement, the anticipation , the unknown...Dang it I spent a lot of time preparing for this moment and you can wait as long as I want you to. If I want to draw out the magic until noon, then by golly thats what I'll do....Of course I too am a big kid and can't wait that long either so i hurried as fast as I could. I was so torn between making instant hot chocolate and homemade, because the kids were getting antsy, but once again, my inner chef reminded myself it was my Christmas too so homemade hot chocolate it was...And boy did it take longer then usual...But it was yummy...Anyhow, I wasn't sure if #4 would catch onto what was about to unfold (utter chaos) he was running around in a very good mood upstairs trying to be patient with the others, I think their excitement fueled his and he was ready to go. I of course made them line up at the top of the stairs oldest to youngest smiling and happy in their new Xmas Eve Jammies that they get every year (Tradition!!!...Tradition!) this is a tradition I really enjoy, and for the first time, this year #1 asked "so are we getting jammies again on Xmas Eve??" I tried to play dumb..."What do you mean?" I didn't realize he had caught on. " mom, we get jammies every year." Did he not like my tradition? I have fond memories of getting matching jammies with my siblings on Xmas eve, one time everyone put their jammies on, and we waited for mom and dad to come out in their jammies and dad came out dancing in moms matching nightgown, and mom came out in dads matching top and bottoms. We laughed and laughed, we thought that was the funniest thing ever. My dad is goofy. I'm sure it was his idea. Anyhow, my #1 assured me he looked forward to getting jammies every year. I told him, it's "TRADITION"...then I started singing from "Fiddler on the roof"...I'm pretty sure he was sorry he asked me that question after that musical number. I think he'll just assume he's getting jammies next year instead of asking again..

Anyway, they were so ready to come barreling down the stairs and I was too ..secretly..."K" come on down Dr.Van shouts, video camera in hand. Chaos like this has got to be recorded for family history. Oh they were so excited... the gasps! The "OH MY GOSH'S!"...The "MOM LOOK WHAT SANTA BROUGHT!!" Oh, ya...Santa did good. Talk about per ma-grins on all faces, and I'm not talking just about mine either. It was so fun to watch. It felt magical, not lonely. Dr. Van decided we were going to have some order. He was going to "Play Santa" and actually hand out the presents this year instead of a free for all, "where's mine?" frenzy. I was intent on having a bit of order as well. I had a spot set aside for boxes to be broken down as they were opened, I had trash cans and bags handy. I had designated spots for presents to be moved to. Stockings were always last, that way you could clean up the trash and not worry that your "trinkets" as #1 calls them, get thrown away. That being said, stockings are my favorite part. I want everything wrapped in the stockings too. This is very important. So, presents are being handed out one by one, and torn into like it was a contest. Then all of the sudden and I don't know who noticed it first, it was snowing...really, truly, snowing. I was giddy and jumped up and down.Maybe it was from the sugary hot chocolate, Dr.Van played along..."OH, honey isn't it so magical!!??" he jumped too, then he kissed me. It absolutely was! He must of read my thoughts just like all the times we've walked the streets of Disneyland and he leans in and says "isn't it magical?" I know he's making fun, but I didn't care today, it was magical. And the snow was sticking! It snowed ALL DAY LONG!!!! We got like 6-7 inches. It was perfect!!! I was so happy!! BEst XmAs EvEr!!!

After the bomb struck and the craziness settled down (as if you believe that ever happened) I started on breakfast. My #3 sister in law had made maple cinnamon rolls so we popped those into the oven, started some ham and cheese eggs and country potatoes...mmm it smelled so good...Dr.Van and my #3 brother engaged in a war game I think it's called "Axis and Allies"? While the kiddos explored their new treasures. Everything was so yummy, and perfect. We all stayed in our jammies all day long. All Day. ....All Day. We also ate almost an entire cookie sheet of cinnamon rolls...All Day long. I didn't even make Xmas dinner!! We saved it for the next day! Does that just seem wrong to anyone else? Anyone??? Oh well, no one seemed to mind or notice too much and I wasn't hungry for any dinner anyway after probably 5 or 6 cinnamon rolls? I'm guessing?? Every time I walked by I tore a piece off of one...then two...then three...I lost count after that though. So great day, relaxing day, I had so much fun hanging with my little family. I tried really hard to let the kids consume all the sugar they wanted and to not pick up too much, even though my plan for a organized/tidy christmas was shot to !@#@!.

I went into my room alone and laid in bed watching the snow fall out my big windows with my NEW ELECTRIC BLANKET...and fell asleep...until #3 needed a toy taken out of those child proof boxes that they come in, that require a chain saw to open. I really hate the packaging these days..Hope ya'll had a good Christmas too.