Christmas Traditions

Every year my mom comes over to make gingerbread creations with the kids. This year Jake wanted to do the whole bit, house, sleigh, and train - oh my. My poor mom was hounded for days by Jake who wanted a definite day/time when the gingerbreading would begin. Once he gets an idea in his head there is no sidetracking this boy.

A good time was had by all - here's the final product - another successful year wouldn't you say?

Funny Jarrett story:
I was putting some vicks and socks on his feet last night to help with his cough (old wives tale not sure if it actually works). He was just busting a gut laughing - he's super ticklish.
Joe: "Well, Jarrett, you may get some whoopin's but you can never say you weren't happy as a kid." (He was exceptionally naughty yesterday)
Jarrett: "Yeah, my 'whoopin's'" (he says while holding his hands in the air)
Jen (confused trying to decipher 3yr old speak): "What do you mean your 'whoopin's'?"
Jarrett: "These my whoopins"
Jen: "Your what?"
Jarrett: "These my whoopins" (now acting very Chuck Norris like)
Jen: "Your weapons?"
Jarrett: "Yeah, my whoopins"
Public service announcement - Watch out for Jarrett and his "weapons"...

(OK - this isn't as funny written out - oh well)

Snow Day

I'm not sure if it's global warming or a sign of the apocalypse, but it SNOWED in Vegas today!! Big snow! 'Pennsylvania snow' as Joe called it. The boys were chomping at the bit to get out and play, unfortunately, mom is under the weather (no pun intended) today so they had to wait until Joe got home from work. By then we had a good 3 inches in our front yard. In all my years living in Vegas, I have NEVER seen anything like this... The kids LOVED it!! I think Joe had just as much fun (if not more) as the kids. He is so funny because he wanted to take a walk in the snow like he used to in PA, so he took a stroll to Walgreens and picked me up some TheraFlu and ginger ale - that's true love for sure! Jocelynn was very unsure about the whole thing, but doesn't she look cute all bundled up!

p.s. No School tomorrow - we are really having a "Snow Day"!! So weird...

O Tannenbaum (aka Buddy)

Well, we finally got the tree put up (we are so behind this year). Special thanks to our great neighbors who had a relative selling trees so we go it for FREE & you know I'm all about saving the cash these days! I digress...
The kids had an amazing time putting all the ornaments on the tree. Jarrett however, our little funny man, has taken an extra special liking to the tree which he has named "Buddy". Not only was he giddy while decorating "Buddy", but also gave 'him' a kiss goodnight! I can't imagine what a boring place our home would be without Jarrett - he's such a nut!

Super Saver Club

OK - So I went on my first round trip couponing expedition tonight/morning... I got $300 worth of groceries (good stuff too) for $150!!!! I scooped up 12 boxes of cereal (Kix, Special K, Frosted Flakes, Chex to name a few), enough meat for at least 10 dinners & enough vegetable sides and salads for twice that many. And if cereal gets too boring for breakfast, we have a bunch of muffin mixes, sausages, eggs, and fruit for a morning pick-me-up. Needless to say, our pantry is FULL of good food as well as flours and sugars for baking yummy Christmas treats.
I know this sounds totally cheezy to post my grocery success, but since I took that coupon class I am so EXCITED to be saving 50% of my grocery bills (our biggest monthly expense)!
p.s. My friends Melanie & Keri and I will be hosting a coupon class on January 22 so mark that date and get ready to save $$!!
p.s.s. would have taken a pic of my loot, but since it is quite late/early I just needed to put it away (or hide it in some cases) - next time though

FUNNIEST VIDEO

My good friend Rhonda sent this to me in an email and it was so good I just had to post it for my posterity... I needed a good laugh before heading to bed! Thanks Rhonda!!

So great right! My ward better watch out... if we are still on the activities committee next year we may have to add a talent show - olympic theme perhaps???

New Family Pics

My dear friend Anna-Liisa Sansing took some family photos for our Christmas card... So, those of you lucky enough to be on our list, you get a preview.

If you don't get a card from us, it's not because we don't like you....chances are I won't actually send any out. I have a Christmas box with about 150 cards that I bought last year to send out... I am SO bad at cards - thank you, Christmas, birthdays... I have great intentions - I will buy the card, then not send it - serious personality flaw.

My beautiful girls! It's a good thing they have brothers and daddy has a shotgun.

The boys aren't bad looking either ;-) These two just melt my heart.

My kids crack me up! Jillian is always paying attention to every detail of everything going on around her... Jocelynn just here to have a good time... Jake is in a world all his own... and Jarrett just wants to go go go...

Here's one for the blooper reel... We were trying for a cute shot, but Jake was pretty much done with this whole sharade. He needed a little tap in the butt to keep him in line - just so happens I was caught in the act. Sometimes it is more work than worth it to get pics done, but then you get some photos like the kids' new profile pics and it makes all the fussiness worth it.
Thanks again Anna-Liisa!!