Christmas Day

We decided not to get the whole family together again for Christmas Day. Heather bought her own turkey and ham and they invited one of Pato's friends to come over. Abby and Justin had three places to go to (every Christmas) so this would make their day easier. Shelley invited her Dad over for roast.

Since we were cooking the whole meal anyway, I told Stevie he could come eat with us as he had no plans. When I called to find out when to pick him up, he said Josh was bringing him out. Then I got a call from Abby, she wanted to come out and help me cook our meal, even though they weren't staying to eat it. How sweet is that?

I still over did it and payed for it with back pain increasing. Abby must have noticed it because she asked me to take over putting cream cheese on celery while she did dishes. We talked as we worked and suddenly I noticed that I had cut the celery as if I was putting it in the dressing (tiny little bites instead of two inch or longer slices. Oh, brother! "Abby, get the dressing bowl out of the refrigerator so I can add this to it."

I then put cream cheese on the other half of the celery stick I'd cut and on we went. The third or fourth time I cut half of the celery stick into mini pieces, I asked Steve to take over doing the celery. It wasn't funny anymore, it was embarrassing. Justin kept offering to throw away the mistakes I cut, as he hates celery!

Soon, it was time for Abby and Justin to leave, but just the amount that Abby did helped me tremendously. And it was great that she wanted to help her old mom out. Not too long after that the boys showed up. We ate our dinner and all were too stuffed for pie. That's when I noticed I hadn't taken the 24 Hour Salad out of the refrigerator. That made me mad. I hate cooking bacon anyway, so the fact that I had and we forgot to eat what I prepared was soooo frustrating (but typical Kathy).

After a short time, I started putting food away and asked for help. Steve II came in and helped me put most of it away. We also gave portions of everything to the boys to take home, too. Eventually Josh came in and helped too. I was just in too much pain to do it all. I wished there was a surgery to fix the pain in my back.

With all the sales going on, now is a good time to save money (if you have any left to spend). To see Howie Mondel being hilarious, go to kamoons15 to see my comment on his video!

Christmas Eve and Steve's Bday

Every year we go to Shang Yen to celebrate Steve's birthday (OK, except for last year when that restaurant was closed and we had to find another Chinese restaurant). Our family loves the food there and it is one of the few restaurants open on Christmas Eve.

Our while family was there except Jadah, even Sydney was with us! It was great. I handed out our Xmas gifts to the kids and everyone gave their Dad his birthday gifts. The food was great as usual. I think Steve really enjoyed it.

Then, on to Lutheran Church of Hope for their Candlelight service. It was pretty cool. The lady in front of Heather's family turned around and glared anytime anyone said a word or moved to go to the restroom, etc. Her girls were really good in the service, not like the kid behind me who whined and complained that he wanted to go home throughout the whole thing. I didn't turn around and glare, though. Heather finely couldn't take it, got up with her family and went home.

I wished I would have known about it, I would have switched places with them and glared right back or told the biddy to turn around. (Not Christlike, I know.) Overall, it was a great evening. We took Steve home, then went on home to hit the hay (why does it always feel better to get into bed when you've had a looonnng day?????). Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas Eve and that you know the reason for the season!!! Halfmoon

Babysitting Mikayla

Abby asked if I would be able to watch Makayla (last Saturday) while she worked from 11 - 8. Justin would be gone hunting the whole day. I told her I would but with trepidition.

Steve said he would go with me and I hoped he'd be a little help! He ended up working that day so I asked Linda to go with me. She was like Abby's second mom when she was little so she could be a grandma to Mikayla. too!

I could tell Abby was nervous about leaving the baby, too. Maybe she picked up on my misgivings? She finally left and the day went very smooth. Mikayla only fussed when she was hungry, wet, or tired and I soon figured that out.

It was really cool feeding her her mommy's milk in a bottle. She sure sucked that right down. She is a good little baby, quite a difference from when she was a few weeks old.

Once we watched a DVD, we decided to watch the Baby Einstein one that Abby said Mikayla liked to watch. Oh, brother. Talk about nervewracking. I couldn't stand it. Sitting there watching some metal objects revolve???? Drove me nuts. We soon switched to TV.

Eventually Grandpa arrived and we ordered pizza and Justin arrived home early (I think it was just after 7 pm. We ate pizza and then went on our way. They have a nice TV at Abby's. They have some sort of cable channels or satellite. I love our TV at home but we just have the regular channels to choose from and half the time it fails to broadcast. Very frustrating. I think I'll talk to Steve about checking into Toshiba Satellite.

Taylor Sue!

Last night we went to watch Taylor test for her next belt. It is amazing how much she has improved in one year. She is more confident and gives sharper moves, plus her kicks are much higher.

Then came breaking boards. Oh, my! They were going to have her break a board up high with her twirling around and then kicking out. Finally, they had her do a different kick after turning, but not turning completely around. That board broke. Thank goodness. The next one was with the open hand, she broke it right off.

The one that bothered me, because I knew she was going to do it from the start, was breaking a board with her elbow. Oh, my goodness! Don't you have a crazy bone there? With the second hit of her elbow (I think), she broke the board. I've never clapped so hard in my life.

I asked her, "Don't you hit your crazy bone when you do that?" "No," was her reply, "I'm used to it, so it doesn't hurt anymore." Wow, what a champion. She has been practicing 'tons', (her words) for this test. I'm sure she passed it.

Tay, Grandma is so proud of you! When I get a pic of you in your uniform, I'll attach it to this post! Well, tonight is Jordan's music concert, Thursday is Sydney's. Taylor said hers is in February (Thank goodness for small miracles to not have them all this week!). Have a super day! Halfmoon

Turkey Day!

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. A day full of turkey, dressing, spuds and gravy, and of course, pumpkin and pecan pies. We all ate till we were stuffed, then ate desserts! Our whole family was there except for Jadah, who was at her other Grandma's house.

Pato and Abby



Shelley and Steve II

Steve
Steve II
Abby, Justin, and Mikayla, of course, were the first to arrive. At least they didn't have to wait in their car long until Jay came along with the keys to the building. We all had a wonderful time after calming down from the stress of getting everything there and ready to serve.


Abby
Justin and Mikayla (he's camera shy)

Mikayla is showing her little personality now. Whenever Abby or Justin talk to her, she coos and smiles. It is so adorable. Carter zoomed around on his little car propelled by his feet on the floor, everyone else beware or be ran over. He's pretty shy still. He had on an adorable little black leather coat, what a hoot!



Mikayla Corey and Grandma

Carter Michael

Alyce and Kat both had adorable dresses on. We celebrated Alyce's 2ND birthday which is actually Dec 2 but easier than getting everyone together again. Taylor, Sydney, and Jordan played some game with a ball in the hallway with Kat sometimes watching or playing with, I'm not sure.


(Maria) Alyce


Heather and Mikayla (Josh in background)

Taylor Sue
Jordan Douglas

Sydney Anne
Katiana Lynn

Steve II is moving into his own apartment in a couple days which will be good for him, I think. Jadah will live just down the hall, so he'll be able to see her easily. He got his car working so I imagine he'll be looking for auto insurance before long.

Hope you all had a wonderful Turkey day! We sure did! Halfmoon