Night at the Crystal Palace

School has started again and my schedule is jam packed. Last night Will and I dropped the kids off at their dad's and thought we would grab a bite to eat. We could not find a single restaurant that didn't have people packed in entry ways or waiting outside. After driving around we joked about going to Buck Owens' Crystal Palace. We got there and there was no one waiting. So we decided to share a plate (it can be a little expensive). Just as we were seated Buddy Owens and the Buckaneers came out and began an hour long concert. We sat and listened to good old fashioned country music with Buddy doing little commentaries. There was a little dance floor for people to dance if they chose to and they even took requests and announced special occasions. They were very fun to watch and made dinner extremely enjoyable. The best part is the food was out of control DELICIOUS!! We shared a file minon, dinner salad, mashed potatoes, and squaw bread with honey butter. Hungry yet? It was very very good.

We had little Isabelle with us and after 45 minutes she folded up her little arms and laid her head on the table and went to sleep. GO FIGURE!! She usually is screaming, squirming, and needing to get out. We get a loud country band in front of her and she falls asleep.

We decided that it was definitely the best "accident" we have made since Isabelle. If there was ever a reason to come back and visit Bakersfield that is the only one I can think of. But, I am going to have Vegas at my fingertips so I am sure I will find a suitable replacement. LOL!

All in all it was a nice break from the crazy schedule that we have been running.

Huff and Puff~ Destiny or Cruel Irony?

If you have followed my dad's blog (The Ramblin Irishman) you will know that about a month ago he spoke of a childhood name that was given to me, "Huff and Puff". There are few things that really get under my skin but that name does. I twas given to me because I would never violently attack my siblings while fighting but I would get mad and "huff and puff" around then house.

For those who don't know I am going back to school to be a Respiratory Therapist. This is a profession that specializes in taking care of the heart and lungs. In my classes the instructors will often refer to shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing as "huffing and puffing". Everytime it is said it is like nails on a chalkboard for me. But I excuse it and pretend that it doesn't bother me.

On Thursday I was in the hospital and was reading the doctor's notes on a patient and in the notes the doctor stated, "Patient came into ER huffing and puffing".

NOW COME ON!! There are plenty of other ways of saying they are having difficulty breathing do we really have to say "HUFF AND PUFF"!!!

So, my question is: Is my new choice of profession Destiny or just cruel irony??

THANKS ALOT DAD!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I am a little late in my Christmas wishes and I apologize. I have been focusing on giving my husband as much love and attention as I can. I am 19 weeks away from graduating and school has had my full attention with the regret that my husband and children have been 2nd focus. I am very blessed with the fact that they don't complain. They only complain when I am grouchy.

All that aside I hope that all you are having a wonderful holiday season.

Secret Santa/Shopping at Wal-Mart

This last week our family went out and delivered Secret Santa gift tins. We made fudge, crispy treats, etc. Each child got to choose a family and then deliver the tin. The best part was we tried to stay anonymous. THAT was fun to watch. The child would sneak up to the door, ring the doorbell, and then run like crazy!! The rest of us would sit in the car watch the process and then squeal with excitement. I am pretty sure we were seen at every house, they just didn't know it was our family. One thing is for sure. I am going to seriously consider putting Sibyl in track. She hurdles bushes like a pro!!!

I am just now beginning my shopping for the kids and it is just what I expected it to be. A bunch of crazy people pushing and shoving each other around glaring at everyone in front of them. But last night at Wal-mart I was determined not to let it get me down. So I smiled, excused myself, apologized, and laughed every chance I got. At first it was comments like "Damn Crackhead", or "Little too much eggnog, huh?" then as time progressed the smiles were produced. Crackhead lady and I kept running into each other. I finally told her I was secretly stalking her hoping to get some good gift ideas. That got a laugh. (Which is what I was hoping for.)

So my challenge to all of you is no matter how awful it is in the stores this season SMILE! Speak in a kind voice and do your best to make the holiday season what it is SUPPOSED to be. Merry, jolly, and peaceful.

Thanks IMMA!!!!

You Are Cupid

A total romantic, you're always crushing on a new reindeer. Why You're Naughty: You've caused so much drama, all the reindeers aren't speaking to each other. Why You're Nice: You have a knack for playing matchmaker. You even hooked Rudolph up!

Which'>http://www.blogthings.com/whichofsantasreindeerareyouquiz/">Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Angel???

This is the youngest of my children. She is the one my husband and I had together. She turned two yesterday and it is in absolute amazement that I am not bone thin from chasing her around all day. She looks so angelic in this picture you would never imagine that she can manuever herself to the top of the refridgerator, torture the guinea pig, and mark my walls within 10 minutes without breaking a sweat.

I am very grateful for her in my life. We had a very difficult time during the pregnancy and I am very happy that we both made it in good health, in the end. I have called her monkey since the first day she was born, it has been very appropriate. One day we were in a Chinese restaurant and discovered that not only does she ACT like a monkey, but she was born in the year of the monkey.

The one memory I would love to share is when Isabelle met her Grandpa Delaney for the first time. He arrived from Idaho and we were waiting for him to walk up the stairs to my apartment (sight to be seen, for sure). As I held her out for him to see her in his deep, growly voice he said, "Well hello there Isabelle". Her little yes opened up very wide and turned in the direction of that voice. I have never seen such a sight! But the remarkable thing about this child is she is the only person I know who isn't afraid of the growly old bear. I think she has more of her grandpa in her then I truly want to acknowledge.

Christmas meme

Before I begin my meme I just want to let everyone know that I will be posting a picture this weekend and you will see that all my good looks came from my MOTHER!!! just like all of my children look so much like me...we are just beautiful people.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? ICE!! I can't drink the other two, they make me sick.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? I think Santa lost track of me because I have moved so much. (I also think my dad needs to have the "Santa Talk" with my husband.)

3. Colored or white lights on tree/house? White. Then I add the color with the rest of the decorations.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? I HAVE 10 KIDS!! WHAT DO YOU THINK???

5. When do you put your decorations up? The day after Thanksgiving. While all the other lunatics are standing in line for a free $5 barbie.

6. What is your favorite holida dish (excluding dessert)? Green Bean Casserole

7.Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I have been told it was the year we had absolutely no money! It was the best Christmas EVER!! We made gifts for each other and Santa brought our favorite box of crackers, chocolate mints, and a $25 gift card to Wal-Mart in a brown paper bag. I would do it over and over and over again.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? That he's FAT? I have absolutely no issues with that. I say there's just more there to love.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? And ruin Christmas day??? NO WAY!!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I have a fake, pre-lit tree that I put up and the kids do the rest.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? EWWWWWWWWW!!! I am anti-snow ALL THE WAY!! Give me heat or give me death!!

12. Do you ice skate? Refer to my answer above.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My pink poodle made from a hanger and yarn. My sister, Kim, made it for me. I kept it for almost 2o years.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays to you? Having my children and husband with me. When someone is missing it feels weird.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? I really don't have one. Weird, I know.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? When I was kid it was when my dad would read and sing to us. Now, it is driving around and looking at Christmas lights.

17. What tops your tree? A lighthouse with Santa's sleigh circling around it. It's really cool.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? GIVING!! I am like my dad. I like to watch other's enjoy what I have given them

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? SANTA BABY

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Small ones are good.

My wonderful children

One of the things that is so very sad to me, and that I am guilty of, is how hard parents are on their children. We expect so much from them so that they are the best they can be, but rarely recognize when they do well. I am hear to brag about how wonderful my kids truly are.

We are facing what we hope to be the last of the financially tight Christmas'. I know it's not about presents and shopping but I would love to at least ONCE give my kids without wondering how in the heck we keep the lights on. With this in mind we sat all the kids down and discussed our lack of finances. I was expecting moaning and groaning, even a little of the blank stare so they could come back later and say they didn't hear that. But I got the shock of a lifetime.

My kids came back and asked if they could take what money we were going to spend and give it to another family who doesn't have as much. They actually said these words "Mom, can we just not have toys and give them to kids who never get them ever at all?"

I am absolutely floored. I thought that the demands and Santa letters were accumulating and that's why I hadn't received them yet. From what I have learned there are children at their school who have very worn down clothes and are not familiar with name brands and updated toys (such as X-box). So we have decided to put together a list of items and deliver them to a family that the kids are thinking about. (With a little help from the principal, of course)

Now tell me this: Is the gift of giving dead? I don't think so. I know my children have the Savior's love in their hearts and their intentions are pure.

I am one proud momma today!!