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.

I have far too much to do to be sitting at the computer writing. But the voices in my head(ok, one voice. mine. The one that I "think" I sound like.Not theone that I really sound like, like when you hear your voice recorded and you think,"is that how i really sound???"and then you don't talk for the rest of the day because you are sure your voice is irritating everyone around you even though they don't tell you so? And when you do talk you try to use your baritone voice? ...ya. that voice.) Any how, if you only knew how much I hold back you'd thank me. I seriously have soooooooooo much to say, about absolutely nothing at all. Dr. Van doesn't understand how my mind works. The other night he said that I make "quirkiness", "classy". I hope that's good.Hedoesn't see how I have so much to say. I told him I could write 2 pages on his hair if I wanted too. it just keeps coming to me. Kinda like my dirty laundry.

So I have one Xmas party down, (last night) and one more to go (Saturday night). SO by all

accounts I should not be sitting here! Plus my hair is airdrying into an oblivion. I look like

Shakira. No really.

I will continue this nonsense later.

Ok, its later. Much later. it's Sunday again. And I feel

like I've lost 10 lbs. Figuratively speaking of course, it is the Holidays afterall... Party #2 went down last night. I was so worried about it and I think it went really well. Dr. Van missed his calling in life and really should have been a party planner. He always has good ideas.

Dang him.

Ok, once again I am adding to this post. i feel like I finally have a minuet to sit and write without guilt. Well sort of, it's Christmas day and my house is literally D- STROYED. But more of that later. This is me trying to relax and let the good times roll without me singing the clean up song and patrolling the house every 10 mins to do a quick pick up. Breathe Randi, breathe.

SO our Staff party. Wow. We had so much fun. We had a really nice turn out and it all went down pretty smoothly. I had to resist the urge to cook for everyone so we had "12 BONES" cater for us.

Good move on our part. It was very tasty and as easy as sending Dr.Van to pick it up when it was ready. I always think I have more time then I really have when I'm hosting anything. SO of course I was running around putting the final touches on everything as everyone was arriving you know, little things like, toilet paper in the bathrooms and such. Dr. Van had to pull me aside a minuet to tell me to slow down that I was making people nervous. I had no idea I could have that affect on anyone? or is it "effect"? I never quite know when to use each word...Anyhow. I slooooowed down and once again tried to let the good times roll by without twitching nervously. The ribs were tasty, the corn pudding perfect, the jalapeno grits creamy and spicy. Our company was even better. Everyone was such a good sport when it came to our games. You never how those will go down. I wasn't sure who had a competitive nature and who to stay away from. As it turned out I ended up competing with the most competitive guy during the championship of "Connect Four".

We had a competition between the girls and the winner played the winner of the guys. I was in shock that it came down to me to represent the girls. You have to know that I am so not competitive. It's just not in my nature. So when I saw the last two guys battling it out best game out of three I was a bit nervous. They were so intense and serious. Clearly out to win. Each move well thought out according to what they thought their opponent might do next. You could cut the tension with a knife or some other sharp object. It took them like 30 mins maybe longer, to play 3 games. I was not eager for my turn to try to impress and challenge my opponent. At this point I wasn't really sure which guy it would be but I knew who I didn't want it to be. Only because I had heard from a few reliable sources that this certain guy did not like to lose. I secretly was rooting for the other guy to win. He didn't though. Darn. Now it was my turn. Oy. I wanted to keep it light and not so serious, this was going to be hard. He scared me. He had the look of a champion in his eyes.

I had the look of a deer in the head lights.

I was the hostess I was going to be gracious.

I didn't even want to play, Dr. Van signed me up for every competition though in hopes to win back all the prizes he bought..Nice strategy Dr. Van. But as we all know I'm not the Super athletic type. I'm not even the brainy type. I'm that rare type that doesn't have a type. So why did he sign me up? Clearly just to increase his odds of winning back the prizes. ( he said it was his Xmas party too and he had every intention of us competing for the prizes too) Fine. I'll play nice and play along..

I fully intended to lose the first game. Because I just didn't care, and I didn't want to get hurt. I didn't really put a lot of effort into it. I won. Shoot.

K next time I'll lose for sure. My worthy opponent kept his cool, we still had 2 games left if he won this next time. 2 more opportunities to annihilate me. I don't know what quite happened next but I won again. Shoot. I totally won I felt like I had cheated. He smiled. Lets go again he proposed. I told him that was fine that I would let him win this time. He didn't like that. He wanted me to try, I supposed he wanted to prove he could beat me just once.We had another go "just for fun". Was he just not paying attention? Was he just being nice because I was the bosses wife? His upper lip twitched a little when I hesitantly dropped the winning chip in to make four in a row and then apologized profusely. " I'm so sorry!! I really am, I don't even like to win". He smiled and shook my hand graciously. I was prepared for him to squeeze the life out of my hand causing me to fall to my knees in agony...but he didn't. I felt so bad I made him take a copy of the game home with him, but obviously not bad enough to give him the prize of dinner and a movie....Sorry "J", you were a good sport though.

We had a plasma car race in the basement.

3 laps around. 4 racers at a time. No touching the ground or you are disqualified. Winner takes home a plasma car. Dr. Van is out after the 1st lap. No problem we still had a second chance to win a car back. That is until Dr.Van gave me a push as I was rounding a corner that landed me right into the wall causing me to suffer from whiplash and a broken arm and the worst part, caused me to lose the race..Fat head. Next time help, don't help.

Next up ping pong.

We recently got this awesome table when all the family came into town for thanksgiving. Thats the first time I had ever played. SO why was I entered into this tournament? Once again, to increase the odds. Man I'm a good sport! So I compete against a randomly selected opponent. We battle it out until we reach 15 points I believe. I'm having fun, working up a little sweat burning a few calories, working off those ribs. I have a habit of lifting my back leg like I'm being kissed romantically, when I reach for a hard shot. It's quite feminine actually. Ok, it's more like I have a muscle spasm that I can't control. I told you I wasn't a jock. Anyhoo, I actually won this round which moved me up to the second round. Now this time I played against a jock. So I was eliminated. I'm sorry Dr.Van. I guess I'm more brains then bronze afterall...Well it was probably more luck actually That I won connect four. But winning is winning and I have movies tickets and a gift card to Macaroni grill to prove it. Your welcome Dr.Van. By the way Dr.Van didn't win anything....just sayin'..... You're a winner to me though.

We had a great time, with some great folks. A beautiful musical number was performed along with a few light hearted numbers that included Dr.Van and I as the subject of the songs...So fun. I really enjoyed seeing everyone with their spouses and friends. As I looked around this group of people it hit me just how down to earth they were. I love that they embrace their southern roots. One of the husbands of a gal who works for us, was wearing his hunting camo turtle neck and ball cap. It just made me smile. I love that. Just being who you are. The other Dr. came up to me and thanked me for" hosting the party and more importantly for being who you are a real breath of fresh air." That was sweet and surprising. I guess you just never know how your perceived sometimes. I'm nothing to brag about, I am for more impressed with everyone else around me, but it's nice to know when you're appreciated for who you are. I love these good people here. We are so blessed.

more later I have to eat more empty calories that I'm just going to have to burn off tomorrow...Remind me to tell you about skiing, 13 yrs, and Christmas...

I love that it's Christmas time. Really, really, love it. I secretly wanted to listen to Xmas music last month but I didn't want to burn my family out on it so soon. Now I listen to it every chance I get. I love that I can turn on the radio and there it is! I walk into the grocery store, and there it is. In the grocery store bathroom, there it is! Christmas is everywhere. And people are nicer for some reason. I'm nicer for some reason. I know hard to believe I can get nicer right? :) I just feel such joy and contentment with everything.

I awoke this cold NC morning to little flurries of snow!! I was so excited. It took everything in me to not run outside and lay in the grass and make a snow angel. Yes, I know it would not have been much of an angel beings that nothing was sticking. In fact it's been "snowing" all day and not sticking. Kinda bugs me. i feel like I'm being teased a bit. This west coaster is not used to much snow and I love that it snows just enough to enjoy it but not enough to make you hunker down in your house for weeks at a time. Is "hunker" a word?

Well, I used this snow as an excuse to make hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies with pecans. Mmmmm. I will share something with you. Warm homemade cookies are my weakness. Not my "one" weakness, I have many of those, but that is a big one. And I get almost as much joy watching my kids eat the yummy cookies as I do eating them.....Not. That was a total lie. That would be just pure torture to watch them and never have one myself. But I do have to be careful because I like the cookie dough just as much as them baked and sometimes there's not much dough to bake, ya know what I mean? I do admit though, it was very entertaining watching #4 eat his chocolaty cookie with such...glee. I did however want to lick his face afterwards, he wasted so much chocolate.

I left church early today. #4 has a bad green nose. He's had it for a couple weeks now and isn't' able to go to nursery. And since I didn't have to teach today like I thought I did, I left early so I wasn't roaming the halls chasing after #4 for 2 hours. I think my family secretly likes when I come home early because they know things will be cleaned up and a little something to eat will be ready on the table for hungry tummies. Today I made open faced toasted sandwiches. #1 requested this. He is a funny one. Very particular about his food at times. Not so much picky, more like he has a sophisticated palate. He knows what's good. He's like the Rat on Ratatouille. He doesn't want to eat garbage. (This of course excludes hot pockets, corn dogs and top o ramen) Anyhow, it was simple today but tasty. I buttered thick sliced french bread with garlic butter then topped some with turkey and various cheese and I usually serve with a variety of spreads. the other day it was turkey, butterkase german cheese and cherry spread. So good. I made a vegetarian one for myself today. It was more like a hot bruchettta. Tomatoes, artichoke hearts, red wine vinegar dressing and blue cheese. Toast and drizzle with a balsamic glaze..mmm On a few instead of blue cheese I used fresh marinated mozzarella. I think I ate one of each! It was so fresh and tasty.

Why didn't I take a pic and post it you may ask? Because I really want a camera that does my food justice. My pictures of food always look hokey. always. And I have a lot of pics of food. But I never post anything because the pictures stink.

I have asked for a camera and photo shop for Xmas but I'm not holding my breath, I know those are big things. So today I told Dr. Van that if he didn't want to get me my first choice, then I'd be happy with an electric blanket...I don't know if I really meant that though....I wonder if it's too late to take it back....One time,( and Dr. Van will probably say I should just "let it go") he got me a mop for xmas........................a mop. That he bought while I was working at the same store he bought it at...on Xmas eve..........?????..................................... that same year I got a frying pan for my birthday. It only took one year of him buying me presents to learn what was acceptable or not. Poor guy. He was so confused. It started with our first Xmas. We had just gotten married 5 days before. I had made him a "goody basket" you know, romantic stuff, coupons (which he still has because I forgot to put an expiration date on them...stupid of me I know.) Chocolate body paint, that I don't think we ever used...anyway you get the idea. So we are at his parents house just home from our honeymoon and he is so excited to give me my present....he is sitting at my feet on pins and needles. "This must be really good" I think. "maybe we should be alone when I open it" I wonder.... "I hope I don't get embarrassed, like at my bridal shower when I opened a box and it was a single big red bow...to wear on my honeymoon".....I slowly tear the carefully wrapped package.....My pitters are getting sweaty everyone is watching me. Dr. Van's eyes are dancing with excitement he can hardly contain himself. I know he wants to rip it out of my hands because I'm not going fast enough but he resists. I finally have the parcel opened and I'm staring at a Franklin Day Planner.."Oh, that's so nice" I say. Dr.Van takes it from me and starts flipping thru it with gusto. He's showing me how I too can be organized and productive like him. Oh how in sync with our schedules we will be. I can tell he is imagining us sitting down planning our weeks together and coordinating special events and work schedules. But then he looks disappointed, because I didn't react the way he had envisioned. You have to understand that the Vans are very....excitable people. And, they like practical gifts. The only time Dr. Van raises his voice is when he's excited about something, in a good way. I later realized just how much my reaction probably disappointed him when I saw a home video of his mom opening a present from Dr. Vans dad. She had wanted a certain porcelain doll I think, and when she opened it, you would have thought she was opening a box with a million dollar bills in it. "Oh my gosh!!!, It's beautiful, oh I just love it!!!!" and then she opened a sweater "Oh, it's gorgeous!!!!!! Oh it must have been so expensive, I love it!!!!!!!!!" even his sisters sitting nearby watching mom open her presents were just as excited as she was..Hand to their mouths anticipating the actual opening of the package..and then shrieking with joy along with their mother....It's quite a video, I may post it someday. IT's actually kinda exhausting to watch. Anyhow, it put my mundane reaction to shame. But I have since learned to show more emotion and Dr. Van has since learned to not give lame gifts. I didn't want practical. I wanted something I wouldn't normally get myself. I'm getting better at appreciating practical gifts...hence, the electric blanket. I would even take a new washer and dryer....

So, live and learn huh? I love Dr. Van and I have to say he's sooooo much better at gifts now. He puts a lot of thought into them and listens to me. He doesn't really shop Xmas Eve anymore. That always bugged me. I know the guy is busy, but really there was no other time to shop??? I know, let it go....

Moving on. Today I was hesitant to get dressed. Not that I was contemplating running around nakie all day, but I was in a "comfy clothes" mood. Yesterday I wore my "Jogging suit" so I couldn't wear that again, but i wasn't wanting to be in jammies just yet, so I carefully selected some leggings and a long fitted shirt. I do not love leggings. I have always been self conscience of tight fitting clothes, but I was feeling a little confident today so I wore the dang leggings. Who was I trying to impress. Now the thing is, they weren't just your run of a mill stretchy pants. They were "Jean Leggings". So 80's right??? I can't believe I bought them in the first place. But really I was trying to go for comfy and something to wear with my slouchy boots. And I knew Dr.Van was going to comment on them!! He came home from church and was changing and I laid on the bed talking to him and then he snuggled up to me. It took about 2 seconds to make fun of my pants. "What are you a rock star with these tight pants?" "No, their jean leggings, their supposed to look like jeans but... their not? Their stretchy see?" I lift my shirt to show him the waist band. Big mistake. "Are those maternity??" He has this exasperated look of disbelief on his face. Fat head. I knew I should have gone with the jammies. I later asked #2 about my pants. "Their cute, don't ask dad what does he know about fashion?" Ahhh from the mouths of babes....I knew I could count on her. And I knew I didn't like leggings. Awhile ago I tried talking my self into believing I was allergic to spandex, so I wouldn't even be tempted to go down that road. I now own several pairs of spandex pants that I often run in! Now everything is bouncing in my spandex. Oh well, shake what your mama gave you right?

I'd better get to bed or at least try to, the wind is howling outside and Dr.Van is talking on the phone in his loud phone voice like he's in a storm or something and the person on the other end can't hear him. The funny thing is, this is his normal voice. He's just loud, and excitable like I said. And I know without even going into the other room where he is, that he is talking with his hands and pacing the floor....I love that guy and his quirks. Even if he buys me frying pan gifts and makes fun of my 80's come back pants.

I'm in bed observing my surroundings. On my night stand I have a take out menu for Franks NY Deli staring me in the face. Thats never a good sign. I admit I went and got my free sandwich today. It was free. That made it taste even better. And they gave me the 12" sub, not the 6". That was awesome. I ate half for lunch...then finished off the other half for dinner when I remembered it was still in the fridge..I almost got giddy thinking about it, kinda like when Dr. Van calls during the day, just to say "Hi"- which is rare.

I'm also looking at the pile o' laundry I once again removed from my bed and placed in the arm chair. It was like De'ja Vu? Like I had already done this very thing so many times before. Weird. I admit, laundry has never been my strong point. Or I guess I should say the folding and putting away part of it. Rarely do we run out of underware probably because we each have like 20 pair just incase the laundry does get away from me. I just hate the daunting task of folding and putting away. I really am lazy about it. When really I should just treat it like a band aid. Rip it off fast and then it's done. Instead, I slowly torture myself by gently peeling it away and stopping half way thru because it hurts too much, so I save it for later, but still always think about it. I know I should fold them as I take them out of the dryer, but seriously 9 times out of 10, the top of my dryer is already occupied with misplaced items that nobody seems to know where they go so the maintain residence on top of my dryer until I get bugged enough to relocate them to their proper homes. And most of the time it ends up being the trash. My Aunt has a rule when it comes to folding, maybe this can help you if you also have a problem with folding laundry. Fold em' while their warm. Do Not let them get cold...Good Idea? Hope it helps you because it sure as heck did nothing for me, except cause me more anxiety.

I also have a cute table that I spray painted set up in here. I was "sewing" some burp cloths a few weeks ago and for some reason, have kept my machine out like I was an avid seamstress just waiting for my next sewing project. I don't sew. I try. I mostly fail at this. Straight-ish lines are pretty much the extent of my abilities. Though, my mother in law swears that if I had a good machine I would "love" sewing. But I swear that if had a real desire to sew for real, then I could probably grow to love it. But I'm not patient enough to learn the sewing "language". Like my 4th graders math homework, it may as well be written in spanish. Maybe I left the machine up to give the appearance of a real sewer...My mother in was just at my house....hmmm.

Well, I have other talents....like..................................................Lets not talk about that.

Anyhow, I am supossed to be snuggling up stairs taking turns with #1,2,&3. I snuggled for a bit but then felt guilty for not having taken a shower after running. SO I said I may return after I clean up. But I'm secretly hoping they can all fall asleep and then in the morning I will tell each of them I snuggled them while they were sleeping. You see, I'm so tired I'm afraid I may fall asleep in one of their beds and their beds are so not comfy...That being said, I should probably get them new beds. Now I have guilt. Darn. I should probably go up and acess the situation before I make any rash decisions about falling asleep in my extremly comfy bed. More guilt. Double darn.

Ok, I'm over it. We have two Christmas parties at our house coming up. Kinda stressed. One for the young women at church then one for our staff. I just want it to be nice, and I don't want anyone regretting it being at our house. My pitters are already getting sweaty. And I just showered. Shoot. I am having our staff party catered. I know, I know, Im such a cheater. But I really think it's for the best. I would be a major un-fun person this next week if I were cooking for 35 people that I was entertaining at my house. It's just too nice of an occasion to mess up and be grouchy over. My kids were helping me decorate today. #1 has become a master of snowflake making in a single afternoon. He was pumping snowflakes out like he was getting paid for it. It was amazing. And my windows look lovely. I've spent the afternoon making more tissue paper balls to hang and then hanging tree ornaments from the ceiling with fishing wire and straight pins. My right thumb is bruised. But my kitchen ceiling looks awesome! I may leave them up all year. Haven't decided yet.

Tomorrow I am busy. Lesson to prepare for church. More decorating, Cleaning because Dr. Van is coming home and I can't have him thinking we just played the whole time he was gone, A parade and some kind of Christmas festival in Brevard to go to, and yes, laundry to fold! And I promised my kids to watch a movie with them tomorrow night because I cancelled tonight on them on account of #3 having several "meltdowns" that left her hysterical and asking me to pray for her to "Have Jesus and Heavenly Father in her heart"......Still trying to figure that one out. She goes to a "Presbyterian Preschool" and she comes home with all sorts of new ideas. The other night she wanted to say the prayer and so we all bowed our heads and folded our arms and she started singing her prayer....It was .....different. But sincere. And a little ...."catchy" it was to the tune of "where is thumbkin?". Learn something new everyday. Especially from #3. She's the one that keeps insisting on asking me "how do the babies get out of your tummy?". Really? Ya, I'm not ready for this talk. I always dance around the answer. Last time, I told her to ask grandma when she comes to visit. But I'm thinking that would be more confusing I dont' use the "real names" of our "private parts" and I know it would all be text book with our nurse/grandma. The truth is, those names make me giggle and feel funny. I know, "grow up Randi!"...I can't. I refuse.

I'd better get to bed gotta get up and goin' in the morn'. Actually I'm secretly hoping that the Nyquil I slipped into everyone's cocoa tonight will allow me to sleep in until 10am. Cross your fingers for me.

My Dr. said I need to be able to turn off my brain at night to fall asleep. And that I need to do this without tylenol pm. I would be happy to do just that, if I knew where my "off " button was. Some of my best ideas come to me at night when I'm trying to shut down. Like when I decided to spray paint in the garage leaving hot pink stains on the garage floor of our rental. Or like the time when I chopped my hair off because I was unhappy with Dr. Van, and then I nailed a "For Sale By Owner" sign in the yard, that I ended up taking out a week later, and then debated on getting extensions in my hair to make it longer again, because I had made up with Dr. Van. Or like the time I decided to go to Culinary School and then half way through really wanted to quit because I wasn't getting an "A" in the math section, but continued anyway and was mad at my self for thinking I could actually go thru the program without doing a lick of math. Who needs math to make a demi glace at home anyway right?

My mind just goes and goes, as I'm sure most peoples' do. It's actually exhausting. I actually make notes to myself about things I want to write about, because I have so many ideas I forget them all. Now, I could never write "Fiction". That's where I draw a blank, and that's the only thing I'm good at drawing. I have no ideas for a fiction story whatsoever. The one I had was taken just before I got to write it down and was made into a series of movies I think it was something about a boy wizard...I can't really think of the name of it right now it's been awhile. Anyhow, my life is far too exciting to pass up writing about. As we speak I'm totally being a rebel. I am still in my "going out" clothes, not comfy jammies and it's 10:30 pm. I also am looking at a clean swept family room, but behind me the kitchen counter is a disaster. My bed has 2 loads of Laundry to be folded nestled right on top of my comforter where Dr. Van would be sleeping if he weren't out of town right now. And I just ate a bowl of Cinnamon toast crunch, with 2% milk. I'm out of control. I may be going for a second bowl just to prove I can live it up.

I have a feeling I am going to be sore tomorrow. I ran longer and harder then usual today. I think it's because I was in the middle of watching my 2nd episode of "Lost" for the day and it was too good to save for tomorrow. My legs will feel it though tomorrow when I go to get out of bed after resting all night. I hope I don't fall out of bed again....I don't want to talk about it.

So since moving to NC I've had a plethra (however you spell it) of embarassing moments. Some of them you may know about, if so just listen and pretend you haven't heard them before, it will make me feel less stupid. But that will have to wait until tomorrow. My Tylenol PM just kicked in and my limbs feel heavy and numb and everything is starting to go fuzzy and my eyelids feel like they are the heaviest part of my body and everything is starting to be extremely silly.. like the word "quiche" ......Of course it would be food related. but really, say it over and over and over and over again...it's a weird word. ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. More tomorrow, I'm sure. Darn these thoughts of mine. Maybe I could think up a good fiction story after all...I was thinking something along the lines of a mortal and a vampire and their forbidden love...Nah, it would never catch on..nevermind.

Do you ever wear a skirt that is too big for you and as your walk it rotates in a complete circle around you, like its the sun gravitating around the earth? (The sun does do that right?) Ya, that's never happened to me either.....Fine I was at the "festival of Trees" tonight and I kept having to do a "skirt seam check". I have a real problem with clothes sometimes. Today I was dressed in my most comfy new running suit, that I will probably never really run in by the way, and I kept getting the worst wedgie. I was disturbed to find out that it wasn't because my underware were on backwards..like the other day. Don't ask. I have no clue what the problem was all I knew was that I was supossed to be comfortable and I wasn't. Maybe it was my punishment for looking as if I was wearing jammies in public. And yes, often my underware are on backwards. It goes nicely with the random array of snacks I often find down inside my bra at the end of the night. #4 often stow's his favorite snacking foods down there. Why? I don't know that answer to that one either, all I know is I usually eat a decent amount of goldfish before bed.

It rained all day today. I love the rain. I tried to shut my eyes again after #1&2 went to school. That was a joke. #4 likes to give me his full attention whenever it looks like I might be nodding off. Today he chose to sit on my head. So I relocated to my bedroom when he wasn't looking. Didn't take him long to find me and before I knew it , we were engaged in a full under the cover tea party in my bed, it didn't last long, he kept hogging all the cake.

I think I must have a hidden homing device implanted in me somewhere. It never fails that as soon I am even kinda alone, my kids know. All of them just know. Especially of I sneek off to the bathroom for a minuet. It's like the have a 6th sense. There ears are so sensitive to the turn of a doorknob, or click of a lock, and BAM just like that...There is a knock, on the door followed by "Mom, are you in there". This is where I ususally answer "No" in my best Mexican accent. Or to really throw them off, I simply just answer "no" in my own voice. They are quick though and usually don't believe me in either voice. Sometimes to save my voice, they simply slide a note under the door with their request neatly written on it. This is where I murmur under my breath, "can I just have one minuet to my self?" This is where I answer my own question with my usual answer in my usual voice, "no, you can't"

So the house is much quieter today. Good and bad. I can finally hear myself think, good. But now I'm left alone with all these random thoughts, bad. I know the whole cliche' of the "inlaws" coming to visit, but I have to say I really had a good time, only a few weird comments were endured, (if we are being totally honest) I really enjoyed hanging out with my sister in laws...or is it "sisters in law?" anyhow, I forgot to mention the day after Thanksgiving madness...You know what I'm talking about, BLACK FRIDAY. Oh YA. that's the one. I have never in my life been scared at Walmart. Until BLACK FRIDAY. The crazies were out I swear. Who in the heck goes to Walmart at 4am to stand in lines, and grab at items that you don't even know if you want or not, but because everybody else is grabbing, it must be something of interest. therefore, you take whatever you can get in hopes that you or someone in your party will have need of that particular item. I still don't know if I need the one thing I got, I just grabbed it because it was discounted and left in a random place. Probably by someone who was coming back for it and didn't think anyone would find it.

So the alarm was set, I didn't set mine, I figured someone would wake me up. As it was when we went to bed I was still unsure of the "plan". Well, I had a rough night with the kids and we had a crazy wind storm. I thought for sure our tree mansion was going to fly back to Kansas where is looks like it landed from. So when I heard a tap on my bedroom door at 4am, and a whisper of my name, I shuddered and pulled the covers tighter around my face. I'm not a morning person per se. So I politely declined the invitation to set fourth at 4am and fight my way thru the crowds. Well 45 mins later.....I was still wide eyed and bushy haired. I was listening to the wind race thru the trees and waited for the "crash" of the swaying tree house that never came. So I decided, if I couldn't beat em', I'd join em'. So I left the house. AS I pulled into the parking lot of Walmart that is on a hill, I looked down at the swarm of cars and thought I was in a nightmare. I couldn't believe that amount of activity going on. Never even on the most crowded Saturday Afternoon, have i ever seen such a sight. I was soooo lucky to get a spot in the front. But nothing could have prepared me for what lie ahead. As I entered I felt my pulse quicken. Not with excitement, but with extreme anxiety. Now I don't mind crowds so much. I love Disney Land and Fairs and all that jazz. But BLACK FRIDAY is like a crazy game show. And your racing against the clock. And you can hardly move because there are so many players, and there are lines going this way and that. I felt ill and if there had been room to lie down, I would have. I instantly regretted getting out of bed. It got worse when I saw sister in law #3. She looked like she had just walked out of a FOREVER 21 Ad. Seriously?? Who gets up that early and showers and puts on make-up and does her hair?? #3 apparently and I didn't get the memo, but then I saw the rest of the group and realized that they too didn't get the memo either and that #3 is an over -achiever. You know who you are, and you know you looked good. Dang you. Then #1 sister in law comes over with her cart of treasures to auction them off. She was standing in the right place at the right time and just grabbed what everybody else was grabbing hoping one of us would want something that she risked her life for. I didn't even have a cart that's how stressed out I was about the whole thing. And the thought of standing in that horrendous line, made me just want to leave and go to IHOP, (which, I suggested a few times but was ignored)whatever. So Sister in law #2 is all business and organized and quick. This makes the other sisters in law have to hurry, which was hard to do given the cirumstances. So while we waited in line and made the cashier check the price of every item and then made her put back half of them, sister inlaw #3 continued to shop. This was stressing out the rest of the group because she didn't answer her phone and we had quite the line behind us building up, and I'm pretty sure they didn't want to wait any longer then they had too. So we finally made it out, and I did purchase one item (that I still may take back) only because I had to wait in line anyway. If it had just been me I would have made a quick U-turn the second I saw the parking lot. I swear I thought it would be like a leisurely, Saturday night Walmart run. You know when you go to get those few things that you didn't want to stand in line for earlier in the day? I had no clue it was so chaotic. Then they wanted to go to Target. I reluctantly followed in my car. But once again was turned off by the amazing number of cars and people in the parking lot. So I grabbed #1 sister inlaw and we were out of there..Am I glad I went? Absolutely. It taught me that #1, I wasn't missing anything by sleeping in, and #2, I'd rather pay the extra $20 then go thru that again. Live and learn. Thanks for the experience #1. It was Memorable.AND you owe me $$ for anit-anxiety medicine that I now take.

We also went on a family hike to 3 waterfalls. That was actually fun. I'm glad I went to that one. We had been doing so much eating and relaxing it was nice to do something physical...so we didn't feel bad eating again later...One morning we girls went to Fletcher Park to run. That was fun. I havent ran outside since Dr.Van ran my jogging stroller over. So it was a nice change and so much easier then the tredmill!! Holy Cow I forgot how much I enjoy running outside!! It was brisk and the cold wind on my face felt good. I probably had snot running down to my chin, but I couldn't tell. My chin was numb.

We ate at a few pretty Fly restaurants. "Frankie Bones" mmmmmmm good. Their "twice baked potato egg rolls"? I'm going to have to make those. And their Goat Cheese Spinach salad with raspberry puree and honey mustard and french fry straws?? yum. Then the "Shrimp and Grits"? aahhhhh.... So yummy. Then there was the "Grove PArk Inn" we went to one of the breakfast buffets there, that was good too, and so fun to see all the Gingerbread Houses on display. They were amazing!! I was totally impressed and jealous and overwhelmed all at the same time. Then" 12 bones" BBQ, is always good...which reminds me, I need to have them cater our work party next week.... They have great ribs with unique sauces like "Blueberry Chipotle" and there sides are to die for, the "corn pudding" and "jalapeno Grits" and "Mac n cheese"...yikes..bikes! SO tasty.. Then of course you have to get "Bojangles" chicken and biscuits because you're in the south, and then you have to compare to "Zaxby's" chicken to see which you like better. And my favorite sandwich shop??? "Franks NY Deli" hands down, the best sandwiches in town...I didn't make that up, their sign says that...I just happen to agree with it, and I have a stamp card that just got filled up, to prove it. (Can't wait to get my free sandwich!)

So Lots of fun, lots of food and lots of memories. It was a really fun Thankgiving. ....Obviously,.... I keep talking about it.

My Thanksgiving Day Table

Just thought I'd share....