Happy Christmas!!!

Woot! I'm coming at you from sunny Claremont. I hope everyone's had a nice Christmas morning. It was different here with Michael's family, with little to none of the traditions we have with my parents, but it's not bad. I got some amazingly thoughtful gifts and I hope everyone got & gave things they can be pleased with. One of the traditions I wholely approve of was last night's Poker Game with Michael's friends. We had a blast, I learned to play Hearts, and got to hang out with Michael's friends, who are really great. I also enjoyed a very pleasent phone call with the fam this morning (shout out to dad!).

Sorry this is so short, it's time for me to go shower and get started helping cook a 7 course meal for Christmas dinner. Have a lovely day!!!!!

SNOW

It's days like this I wish I had that cord that would let me upload pictures straight away. Alas, i can't find it, so the pretty snow pictures Michael took today remain hidden from your view. However, it's been snowing for us since Saturday and there're buckets of it all over the place. Not to mention I've had two School Cancellations in a row! I am so happy that this storm blew through. It's just what I needed to feel like it's really winter. Yesterday I stayed cooped up inside, reading and doing homework, but today Michael and I ventured out into downtown for some Christmas shopping. We were pretty successful and the walk was awesome. Tomorrow probably means it's back to the same old, same old, but I'll always have my memories of Two-Snow-Days-In-A-Row. Also - I'm getting a new computer. Yeah!! Finally, what types of drinks to you ladies want for next week? Hot - cider, cocoa? Cold - lemonade, punch, soda? Tell me, Tell me, I'm very interested in your thoughts.

And I leave you with a video by my wonderful cousins (the their cousins), celebrating.....SNOW!

Japanese people really know how to entertain

So a few nights ago, Michael and I stumble across some crazy japanese show. At first glance, it seems like that one we all used to watch in high school - the most extreme something or other? Well, this is MUCH better. Better commentary, wilder wipe-outs, and crazy - CRAZY! - stunts. I've taken the liberty of posting some video; The first has the best commentary & the second has some of the insane things they do. It's called "Ninja Warrior". Enjoy:

The thing about December

Hot dang! It's only been one day, but December has been AWESOME. Michael and I drove out to some guy's property and cut down our own Christmas tree. Hopefully, I'll figure out a way to put up a picture. We bought some lights and scrounged around the house, finding 4 ornaments, but we didn't find a good topper. Holiday craft week is fast approaching at school, so I'm sure that I'll have some good stuff for it soon.

Also, for probably the first time in my life, I've got a good handle on my christmas shopping. I have completed 4 1/2 gifts, though I haven't wrapped anything yet because of this little gem of a story: Michael & I go to Target to get this brown wrapping paper so I can decorate it and make it my own. As we're leaving, it's raining, so I unload and shove the cart into the holder. Later, we're eating lunch and Michael says "Hey where's the wrapping paper?" Yeah, I'm just that good.

The thing about November

Does anyone else think that the last week of November is the worst week of the year? So far this month has just been kicking my ass. Every time I finish something, I turn around and there is something else waiting for me. Gah! As much as I loved being home this past weekend (more on that later), going back to work after 5 days off is just stinky! The other thing is that, man oh man, are Michael and I in some serious ruts. He hates his job, I hate that he's so unhappy, and neither of us want to move. We spent forever talking about how sucky it is to be a grown-up. I think Michael's going to be a garbage man & I'm going to be his Ms. MoneyPants.

Although, those days off really were wonderful! I got to be home for my mom's birthday (Daddy I'm still sorry about missing yours: so here's your blog shout-out. I'm not the crappies blogger anymore!!) Turkey day was beyond delicious - all my favorite foods were there: Michael's coleslaw, beer bread, chunky mashed potatoes, and Tiramasu!! YUM. Friday, I got to go out and see some Flagstaff friends & Saturday I had the best time just sitting around the fire with the extended fam and talking.

And to end: Welcome to little Brexlin!!!! I'm so excited that Leish finally popped that little one out. And it's not every child that gets to have an 'x' in their name! I hope I can get time to see her over Christmas - I beat she sprouts like a weed between now and then.