my old friend

No, that isn't a jab at her biological age...which IS increasing today by one year. Jen is my oldest, best friend. And she is celebrated today by all who know her, I'm sure. So I wanted to try to come up with my own top ten things about jen that i am thankful for or love about her.

1- above all else, she is my rock. we can live hours apart and only communicate sporadically, bu t i know without a doubt she is there for me, she gets me, she doesn't judge me, she loves me. Period. I hope everyone has a jen in their life.

2- that even though i looked like i came out of a dillards catalog and she looked like she came from a motley crew concert when we met on the first day of seventh grade, we both saw past all of that and immediately bonded.

3- we have worked together, lived together, got married with each other by our side, been pregnant together...and it would never be the same without jen around to share in any special time.

4. how hot she looks in a six flags uniform...

5. she's a wonderful wife to russell and an incredible mom to gunner and raegan.

6. she's so friendly to anyone she meets - when friends can intertwine like mine have it just makes everything that much more fun!

7. she has always been very protective of me - and i need that sometimes.

8. she always, always has a good attitude - the glass half full kind of thing.

9. i love jen's laugh. i don't care what kind of mood you're in, if you hear her laugh you will join in.

10. i think she is what God intended friendship to be like.

Happy Birthday Jeffi! You know I love you!

Our crib

The kids and I made a gingerbread house tonight. Don't be impressed - it was from a handy little kit we found at Target. Hey...it did the trick (and I didn't have to bake one thing). They had so much fun...

Hudson carefully decorating his tree... Tell your gingerbread friends they may want to check out our place before heading over to Shannon's...ours will pass inspection. ;)

Oh Holy Buzz

What - your nativity scene does not include 2 Buzz Lightyears and a Weeble van? Too bad...

Hudson's so proud :)

AAARRRGGHHHH!!!!

1. I hate computers. I hate feeling like I have a pretty good handle on things for day to day normal "stuff" and then have that feeling totally stomped on by something as little as trying to transfer video to the computer. C'mon. Six-year-olds can do this.

2. I hate when it is so cold that I have to wear a coat in the car. I HATE wearing a coat in the car.

3. It makes me absolutely crazy that I cannot do anything for 5 minutes without being interrupted by someone or something. I did not always have ADD, but I have slowly developed it. It's adult-onset, multiple child induced ADD. (In the 4 minutes I have been typing I have been interrupted by Jake twice and Abby once.)

4. As great as Jake is doing, today is NOT great. The arguing is going to drive me to drink. Heavily.


OK - that's all.

My top ten wish list (thanks farnum!)

I have had a really hard time blogging lately...I haven't taken as many pictures as I should, I haven't had time to sit and think and type, I have been too tired to form complete thoughts and sentences...etc. But I read Kathryn's list just now and felt a few sparks of life in my brain. So here is MY attempt at a top 10 wish list for Christmas.

1. That my kids will also know the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. This is so difficult with little ones - especially when they've been royally spoiled by yours truly. But Andy and I really made an effort last year and hope to make an even bigger one this year.

2. That Jake will continue to have "all 3 stars green day Mama". He has done a total 180...thank you Lord.

3. For day to day life to slow down a little bit around here, even if it only happens a few days a week. I want to have more storytime, more family game nights, more movie nights on the couch with Andy, more time white-trashing it on the driveway with Jill...

4. For one day during the break to have NO kids, NO errands, NO chores...just a day to do with as I please.

5. I want a couple of dates with Andy. Yes, I am going to be greedy on this one. I want a movie date. I want a dinner date (to use our Del Frisco's gift cards). I want a couple of hours of uninterrupted conversation. I know it's a lot to but a girl's gotta dream.

6. Amen to Kathryn's wish for a nutritionally significant Dr. Pepper. That would be a much better wish than the weaning I am currently trying to do.

7. To find time/make time/find the will to exercise at least 4 days a week. I have to. I am miserable.

8. For Andy to relax. Truly relax. And be happy.

9. For my knee to heal - completely. And for the desired outcome from my upcoming procedure.

10. For my eyelashes to grow back. Don't ask 'cause I don't have answers.

I hope to have pictures soon of Jake's newest interest...basketball! Until then - stay warm.

Happy 35!

Before I even start, I know I am a day late posting this. Deal - Andy has. :)

Just a little happy birthday post to my OLDER husband. I am not going to get schmoopy right now because A) I feel like I would be repeating myself (see earlier blogs) - which is acceptable and necessary in private...not necessary for the masses (all 7 of you). And B) I am about to burn out. Literally. I am wiped so it is impossible for me to put together too many sentences without starting to sound like Ozzy at this point. The thoughts and feelings are there. The path for them to be expressed is not accessible right now. Soooo.....

Happy Birthday babe...I love you...Aggie Word.