Honeymoon

This week marks Matt being home from Afghanistan 7 1/2 months. He has only been home half as long as he was gone. I have been asked every once in awhile if the "Honeymoon was over"? My answer is NO! I still look at him in the quiet hours of the morning and just sigh with relief and wonder that he is actually here. I am so glad he is home, and I am so glad that we get to have a wonderful Holiday season with our "Dad" around. I sure do love this guy...probably more then I should, or is healthy. But what can I say, I am caught!

Snow Day and Other Ramblings

What a week of weather we have had here in Southern California! Monday we had about 4 in. of snow dump down on us, forcing the highway patrol to close our only road into Fort Irwin. (still no snow day by the way) Tuesday dawned bright and clear with most of the snow melting...only to be opposed by Wednesday's weather. We woke up with cloudy skies, but the road still open and school still in progress. As the day progressed, it got colder, mushier and eventually snowier. It snowed all afternoon and evening, dumping another 2 or 3 inches of snow. (still no snow day for school) After all this "weather" the school district panicked and declared Thursday a SNOW DAY! Most kids would be excited right? Not mine!! When I released the news I was presented by a loud "Ahhh...Mayonnaise" by Hannah (her latest phrase she likes to use) and other musings. According to Hannah today, Thursday, was going to be the funnest day ever. She was going to be able to wear her P.J.'s to school, and bring a pillow and blanket with her to school. Then her class was going to lay around watching "The Polar Express" while drinking Hot Cocoa and eating cookies. I almost wish I was back in school! Anya was also disappointed, because she would miss her class party too. Boo Hoo, girls, you get to start Christmas break 1 day early! As a side note today, Thursday, the "snow day" dawned bright and clear...no clouds or snow. In fact, most of our snow melted today! So, they were a little behind on their snow day. To try and make-up for the disappointment of no school(come on girls, where is your spirit!), I let them lounge around in their P.J.'s all day, watching movies, drinking Hot Cocoa and eating cookies. Sound familiar? We did get together with some friends later in the afternoon, but Hannah still declares going to school today would have been much funner. Mom's just boring I guess!

So, I am a little slow!

I admit, that at times I am a little slow on the uptake. I just realized that I had been tagged. Didn't want my poor dear sis to feel left out...so here it goes.

8 T.V. shows I like to watch

1. The Office
2. Law and Order
3. E.R. (was loosing interest...but decided to stick it out for the LAST season)
4. Gray's Anatomy...depending
5. Gilmore Girls reruns
6.I am out of shows! I am more of a movie watcher!
7.
8.

8 Things That Happened Yesterday

1. Went grocery shopping
2. Watched snow melt
3. Went visiting Teaching
4. made Baked Beans
5. Went to Matt's Office Christmas Party
6. Finally settled our moving claim
7. Took the girls to piano lessons
8. Went to Hannah's school Christmas program

8 Favorite places to eat

1. Olive Garden
2. Popeye's Chicken
3. Rice Wok
4. Training Table
5. Wingers
6. Taco Bell
7. Los Hermanos or any Mexican Restruant
8. Pier 49 ( best pizza ever!)

8 Things I am Looking Forward to

1. CHRISTMAS
2. DISNEYLAND
3. Our trip to Utah
4. A new year with Matt home the WHOLE year!
5. getting Christmas cards done...why is it taking so long this year?
6. delivering Christmas goodies...so they are off my counter (i hate clutter)
7. sledding ( i hope there is snow)
8. seeing all my family

8 Things on my Wish list

1. Start saving more
2. Matt and I's tropical getaway/belated 10th anniversary because Matt was gone trip
3. Hawaii next year
4. Summer and the beach
5. getting to the outlet shops eventually
6. "The Office" night...Matt and I always end up laughing until we cry...great stress reliever.
7. a new stereo system so I can play c.d.s downstairs.
8. getting my couch fixed (it was damaged in the move)

So there, Trudy, I finally did it! Sorry it took me so long. I guess I tag Melanie, Nicole, Heather, Stephanie and anyone else who wants too.

Snow...in Southern California!?

Gingerbread houses

Anya's Spelling Bee

Anya recently participated in the School wide spelling bee. She had passed her class level, and then her grade level. She went on to the school level. She didn't win, but we were very proud of her for making it that far. She said that next year she would really study the words, since she didn't study seriously this year. She is so funny! The word that got her bumped was "formaldehyde". The kid right before her got the word "chocolate". Too bad Anya didn't get that word...she would have passed that round for sure! We told her that sometimes spelling bee's don't always show who is the best speller, since it is the luck of the draw. Some words are easier then others. She had fun anyway, and her good friend was in the spelling bee too.

Good Job Anya, we are so proud of you!

Cora's Dance Recital

I am finally getting around to letting you all know about Cora's dance recital! She performed on a real stage, which she was so very excited about. She had a "curtain call" at 2pm for hair and make-up, and then her performance was at 3pm. It went as well as any performance involving three year olds can go. The important thing is they all had so much fun, and they all felt so special for being in the spotlight. We had fun watching, and Matt got to be with us this year, so that made it even more special. Because of the deployment he has not been able to physically be at any of the girls special performances yet. It was great, fabulous and wonderful to have him there! Cora saved her biggest, most special kiss for her daddy!

Cora dressed for her "King and I" performance number

Cora dressed up for her "Doodlebops" number

Getting all dolled up. I think this was her favorite part!