Ho Ho Ho

Our Christmas celebrations were very nice.  We started them off having a nice meal on Christmas Eve at my sister Crystal's.  It was just she and her husband Jeff, and Jeff's Mom Sharon, plus Larry, Joe, Mom and I.  We just kicked back and had good conversation, then a fabulous dinner prepared by Crystal - Roast Pork with roasted potatoes and carrots, stuffing, and sourdough rolls.  It was all yummy.  Once we'd let our food digest we did a few rounds of Christmas carols, even singing the song my Grandma Hill had written years ago.  It made for a very nice celebration.

One Christmas morning we awoke and opened the presents from Santa and from one another.  This day started at 6:15 when Joey awoke and boy was he ever happy when he came out of his room to find a bicycle (or as he calls it motorcycle) from his Grandma.  He had a ball opening all his presents, and we had a ball watching him.

Then at 9:30 we headed over to Larry's parents for brunch and more gift exchanges.  We did a Dollar Store Christmas exchange which made gift giving quite a challenge for me.  Bonnie had prepared a feast for us.  Sweet Potato and sausage hash, sausage links, bacon, fried eggs, lasagna, bananna nut bread, monkey bread, fudge, candied pecans, hashbrown casserole, and I'm sure I'm missing one or two things.  All of it was delicious and of course we all overate and made ourselves miserable.

Once we'd finished eating Dad read the birth of Jesus from the Bible, and made us all get misty eyes and then he started the gift exchange off with a handmade gift for each of his children and their spouses.  He made us bread boards from the table that they had grown up with and Mom had added a poem explaining all that the table had been through on the back.  It was really beautiful and sentimental.  Larry and I loved it and used it at our Christmas dinner meal.

Then we exchanged our dollar store gifts, getting quite the ecclectic mix of things.  Mary and Eric went with a bath them for the women and cooking for the guys.  Mom and Dad went with cooking and Uncle Brian who cheated got me a 4C meassuring cup which was great cause I'd just broken ours and a candy thermometer which when I went to get mine the other day I realized had been stolen by Larry for some of his brewing experiments so it was the perfect gift.  Kellie and Chuck gave us wands and candy from the dollar store and then they too cheated and gave us personalized gifts - I got a beautiful candle warmer and Larry got a hydrometer for his brewing... at least I think that's what its called.

Joey and Elsa had so much fun opening their gifts, and then stealing the other persons that it was funny to watch.  Since we've come home Joey hasn't stopped playing with all the wonderful things that he received.  Thank you one and all for your thoughtful gifts.

On Christmas night we had Bonnie, Larry and Uncle Brian over for dinner.  Larry and I prepared a beautiful prime rib roast, mashed potatoes, carrots (that were undercooked) and greenbeans with a butter almond sauce.  It was all pretty good if I do say so myself.

Bye the end of the day I was exhausted and looking forward to bed.  Not so Joey.  It took Larry a couple of extra house to get him settled down and into sleep mode.

All in all they were wonderful holiday celebrations.

Larry's got a FEVER

Christmas fever that is.  He went full out first on the lights of our home and our exterior decorations (even stealing some of my thunder by utilizing items I'd purchased to use inside - little sneak), and now with his desk.  I think it's safe to say that he is the first with his decorations up and he did a marvelous job showing his love of all things christmas.  But don't take my word for it, check it out yourselves.

Trick or Treat

We had so much fun this evening taking Joey trick-or-treating.  Larry dressed up in full regalia as Batman (or Fatman as he called himself), I went as a clown, and Joey went as the Fire Chief, and he looked so darling.  He carried an axe and wouldn't let go of his goody bag for anything.  Grammi lent us her wagon so if he got to tired we'd be prepared, only he wanted to ride in the "boat" in between every house which made the whole process take twice as long.  Next year we'll know just to hoof it and plan to head home when he gets burned out on trick-or-treating.  All in all I think we only hit about 20 houses before he was ready to go home and go to bed.

He picked a sucker that our neighbor Nick gave him and we let him have it before he went to bed.  He was so worn out he didn't even argue when I said it was bed time which surprised me because his night routine was so thrown off tonight and he didn't get his bath or his "down" time with Daddy.  We're so lucky that he's such a laid back boy most of the time.

Larry was in his element having spooktifieid our house and was pretty full of himself as everyone kept telling him he had the best house.  He did do an awesome job, he always does, but we also had some pretty cool other houses within a couple block radius.

All in all in was an awesome Halloween even if Joe and I were sick.  We made sure not to touch anyone else so as not to pass on our germs, and made sure that Joey got the chance to show off his costume to his grandparents and Great Uncle Brian.  I really enjoyed seeing all the little ones dressed up from princess' to ghouls to bunny rabbits and clowns.  It was a great turn out this year and even as I type this Larry is still passing out treats to the kids in our neighborhood.

Whoosh, Bang, Boom!!!

We had an awesome 4th of July. Larry's parents, siblings and his Uncle Brian came over for a BBQ and some swim time. Larry grilled up ribs, teriyaki chicken and bratz. His Mom made some fabulous macaroni salad and I made potato salad and several appetizers. We just all hung out, swam a little, enjoyed a few libations and it was a really relaxing afternoon.

In the evening our sister-in-law Kelli joined in the fun and we sat out on the front lawn while Larry and Chuck put on a fabulous firework display. They both ended up buying the same firework pack (great minds thing alike), and each brought a finale display lasting anywhere from 3-5 minutes.

After we wrapped up our display we were able to watch about 3/4 of the firework show put on by the Rancho Murieta Association without having to move a muscle. The tree line obscured some of them, but it was still beautiful to watch. Joey stayed up late and after the first couple went off and he got used to the noise he really seemed to enjoy them. Even Bubba joined us on the front lawn, curled up next to Kelli, and seemed to enjoy the festivities.

Crystal and Jeff weren't able to join us as they celebrated the 4th with Jeff's mom Sharon. They too seemed to have a great 4th of July weekend, so it was all good all the way around.

I'm already looking forward to next year's celebration.

Yes... she lives!!!

Seems like forever since I last entered the blogging zone. What can I say except this last cold/flu/allergie thing really kicked me in the butt, and then decided to kick me a little more. I'm finally starting to gain some ground (knock on wood) and feel like my normal self again.


Today we celebrated Easter with my in-laws, Bonnie and Larry Sr., Uncle Brian, Mary and little Elsa. And of course we were there - Mom, Me, Larry and little Joe. We had the traditional sprial cut ham, 23-Hour Fruit Salad (otherwise known as FLUFF), homemade scalloped potatoes (thanks mom they were delicious), and baked carrots. For dessert I'd bought these all natural chocolate cupcakes that looked like the had grass on top with eggs hidden in it. Really cute.

Elsa and Joe loved getting easter baskets from everyone and big chocolate bunnies for Uncle Chuck and Aunt Kelli. Now if Larry and I can just stay out of Joe's goodies, we'll be doing a good job.



It was fun to watch Joe and Elsa play and steal trinkets from one anothers baskets. Basically they had idential goodies, just in different colors. It was too funny.

Yesterday we went to the RMA Easter Egg Hunt and had a lot of fun. It was interesting to watch the kids techniques while gathering eggs. Elsa could really care less. Joe wanted to get them, but he had to pause and open up each one first before daddy could convince him to pick another one.




We also got to go into a small betting zoo where Joe got to pet and feed baby goats and a llama. We also got to pet bunnies, chickens, and little chickadees. It was fun. I had goats trying to climb up my back. Joe freaked out a little when they charged him to get his cone filled with pellet food (you know Joe - he thought they were giving him the treat to eat) and Larry was off to the side making out with the llama. All I want to know is if kissing a llama cause for concern because that llama had a thing for my husband and nuzzled him on the mouth and cheecks at least two or three times. Obviously she hadn't her that I don't take kindly to members of the female population hitting on my man (lol).


All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a relaxing weekend with those that we love.

New Years Eve a BUST

Well Larry and I had big plans to attend a Mardi Gras party on New Years Eve, but fate intervened. Joe started getting sick on the 30th and by the 31st we both had it. Larry, being the good husband, didn't even put up a fuss when I said I wasn't up to going out, and plus I didn't feel right about even considering it when Joe was so out of sorts. New Years Eve is one of our "Anniversaries" since that is when we had our official "1st Date", so we always try to do something special. Even being sick we tried this year.

Larry borrowed some DVD's from his sister and even watched a chick flick with me - Mamma Mia. Then Joe and I were both pretty much down for the count by 7:30. Pathetic isn't it.

Me being the good wife, encouraged him to go share a beer with our brother-in-law who lives just down the road and so he went and hung out for about an hour or so. It didn't interfere with their plans either as Mary is exhausted as I, trying to get Elsa on sleeping pattern, and so she hit the hay early too.

Even though it was low key, it turned out fine. And the most important thing was that we spent it together.

Jingle Bells....

Well up on the roof their arose such a clatter... seriously I'm glad Santa didn't come to our house this year because if he had there would have been no room under our tree for his gifts. I think we may have went a little overboard with gifts, books, and games for Joe this year. Not to mention clothes. And do you know what his favorite thing was??? The gift wrap paper. I guess the joke is on me. Next year I'll just buy him a few rolls of paper.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve here at the house with all of my family plus Larry's parents, Uncle Brian and his sister Mary and her family. Plus a special appearance by my wonderful niece, Sarah and my great-niece Grace. Sarah, Grace and Joe made a wonderful gingerbread house for Grace's mom, Beth.

We all had a few appetizers, and then a dinner of roast beef, roast pork, roasted carrots, and roast potatoes. And some very overdone broccoli - Yuck! All in all it was very nice.

The next morning we awoke and opened our gifts and then headed over to Larry's folks for Christmas brunch. Grammi and Pop-pop put on a very good spread and as usual went way over our $20 gift limit. Oh well, how are we supposed to control the parents I ask ya.

We really missed seeing Santa this year - (hint hint Pop Pop) and hope he'll make an appearance next year.

All in all we had wondeful holiday celebrations and enjoyed spending the time with all our family.

The Griswalds Have NOTHING On Us

I have to give BIG kudo's to my wonderful hubby for taking the time to "glorify" our home with his good holiday cheer. Not to mention his ability every year to weazel additional decorations for our yard away from his mom and dad's holiday stash.

Doesn't it look great? I'd venture to say if money were no object, and electricity was free, he'd have our house and yard covered in lights inch by inch until sunglasses would be required once the sun actually went down for the day.

To Kill A Christmas Tree

Well, I've been a little low on energy lately, therefore no new posts of late. I did however muster up enough get up and go in order to go out and kill a Christmas tree - or rather watch Larry kill a tree. We set out last weekend to find the perfect tree (read at least 7 feet tall and almost as wide) at Davis Ranch which boasts 50,000 trees to choose from for the bargain price of $35. We started off the day with hot cocoa while we waited for Larry's brother and wife, Chuck and Kelli, to join us. Upon their arrival we were off and searching.


Joe got down on all fours at times to investigate and to find the perfect tree while Larry stood on tippy toe to try to find the biggest one - or at least one a few inches taller than whatever his brother might find. In the end they both got the huge trees that they craved and Kelli and I got quite a few laughs out of their antics.


All in all it was the perfect way to begin our holiday celebrations.

Halloween Fun

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Well Joe had quite a nice halloween week. I say week because he had a party to attend midweek in which he was a gnarly biker like his Daddy. And then because Mommy did not finish the biker outfit all the way he also got to dress up as Elmo on Halloween night. I'm not sure which he looked cuter in since I think he's cute all the time.

He got to decorate his very own pumpkin at Miss JoAnne's party and then on Halloween night he got to trick or treat at Uncle Brian's and Grammie and Pop Pop's houses. That's was about it as the weather was downright chilly and because Larry's brother Chuck was getting married the next day and the men were having a poker night later that evening.

He really enjoyed seeing all the older kids dressed up that came trick or treating at our door. And boy were there a lot of them. Mom and I handed out about five super sized bags of candy. Good thing I stashed a few of my favorites away.

We practiced all month saying trick-or-treat but it was to no avail as Joe refused to cooperate. Though all he had to do was smile and the candy was handed over. Lucky boy.