Christmas Cards...

Well, as every year goes, I made Christmas cards!! I know what you are thinking....."WHAT??? She must be on drugs...I haven't gotten a Christmas card from them in how long...IF EVER!!!" Well, I KNOW!!! It isn't that I fail to make them though...it is that I fail to give them out. It's kinda like my birth announcements...if I happen to be showing them to you...you may happen to get one!! SORRY!! But this time...I am making a valiant effort to get them out...well, as valiant as my efforts get that is. I managed to get several out. They may not make it on time for some, but they did go out!! The others who do not receive them, it's probably cause I forgot you. Yes, how rude, I know...but in all seriousness...do you know how hard it is to find addresses when half the people you know don't have land lines??!! And then, if you don't have their number, you are on a scavenger hunt for small clues, or the right person....I JUST DON'T have time. Again...SORRY!!! BUT, all is not lost yet...if you did NOT get one, you can do one of two things...you can look at the picture, even click on it to make it huge, and then say..."Awwww...look at how cute...!!" and then realize that you would have probably just thrown it away later anyways...(how rude, mine stay on my fridge..)(it's okay, i was half kidding...??) OR, you can send me your address, and I will mail you one late!! YAY!!! So now...it's on YOU!!! Merry Christmas!!

What a Man!!!???

HA hA Ha!!! Why oh why is my husband married to me....well, he may be asking that himself right now as he is mortifyingly reading this post...HEHEHEHE!!! I have to say, I have never laughed so out loud at 2:00am as I did making this white elephant picture!! We had a Christmas party last Saturday, and there was a gift exchange...and in my randomness...I thought i would find a naked statue, and plaster a face of brian on it...so funny!! But then, I got a better one....BODY BUILDER!!! Whooo hooo!! I was one loopy "drunk actin" giddy girl! I am surprised I didn't wake everyone. Well, I sent my finished product to Costco, and was so excited to pick it up, but when i got there...they told me there was a copyright on the picture!! AHHHH!!! So apparently the picture I got online had a copyright label on the bottom...(of all the things I photo-shopped...I couldn't cut that off??!!!) So anyways, they continued to pull the picture out and explain, in front of the great masses of people trying to pick up Christmas cards I am sure, why they cant let me have my copyrighted picture. I then had to beg and plead that it was for a white elephant party. Well, after much deliberation, a talk to a manager, and a sworn promise not to sell my husband...they cut the copyright off the bottom, and after a few laughs...I got my picture!!

I went home, and found a beautiful frame to put him in, and then wrapped an entire ball of yarn around it...I know, pain in the butt, what can I say??!!

Well, come to find out, my picture was the first gift to be opened, out of 18 gifts!! It was SOOOO bad!! Brian had asked me what we were bringing before-hand, so that he knew when our present was opened, and I just told him that it was some picture frame thing!! Well, it was....SORT OF!!! I wish I had brought my camera so that everyone could have seen his face...stunned, I think a little pleased, dismay, envy, shock, and maybe a bit smug....!! Well, the way you play, is that the next person can either pick an opened present, or a new one. Not all of the presents were gag gifts, so I am sure the poor girl who got the picture was a little concerned....NOPE!! Another wife in the room actually snatched the picture up!! She claimed that she wanted the frame...but who can deny a picture like that??!! LOL....just kidding! I think she did want the frame...right?? Just the frame...she just wanted the fra..........hmmmmmmm

I guess all in all, I must have done a good enough photo-shopping job, because one of the couples that we didn't know actually thought Brian may have been a body builder....he was very impressed. I laughed when we had to tell him it wasn't real!! Hopefully you all get a laugh too!!!! Sorry babe.....I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I COULD JUST DROOL!!!

Just a Mom?

My mom...an incredible mother...sent this to me, and I wanted to blog it for all you incredible moms that are my friends!! Love you all!!

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is, " explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a ...?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid air and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood!

What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"

And great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates?" I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts " Associate Research Assistants."

She Bangs, she bangs...

Well, I am sure some of you have noticed my latest moment....BANGS!! Well, it all starts when I have babies...and then like clockwork, at about three months post-pardum, I loose a TON, I mean....TONS and TONS of hair...right along my front hairline!! shoulda taken pictures. So I basically start looking like a cancer patient, and have to wear my hair a PARTICULAR way to hide my receding hairline, and THEN.....dun dun dun...they start to grow back in. Now I don't really know what is MORE frustrating!! They start so tiny that they are glued to my head, and make my long hair look like a wig, and then they go STRAIGHT up!!! So, here is what happened the last time (Parker)I got exasperated with my baby hairs.....

Well, I should have learned the first time, but, you know me....I will totally spaz out on a day that I cannot seem to make my hair manipulate around my growths....so I CHOP bangs....sigh. My poor hair dresser...what will she say this time??? She will probably laugh, and then hopefully fix them. I did do a better job this time, but really, the moral of the story is, baby hairs suck!!

Christmas Dance!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Dear Santa...

Well, we wrote Christmas Wish lists to Santa today...it was, interesting to say the least....

We talked about how they shouldn't just ask for things, but they should say nice things, and be greatful for what he has given them, almost like when they pray, and are thankful to our Heavenly Father for the things in their lives that we are blessed with...

ANYWAYS...

I helped Oakley write hers, and she was sooo sweet. The very first thing she HAD to say was...I LOVE YOU!! and then talked about that she knows his name, and on to some of the things she wanted...barbies, clothes, girl stuff, you know...

Carter sounded his out, and it is cute to see him writing like a big boy. He was sure to thank Santa for the Trampoline that they got last year...

And then there is Parker.... He decided he would draw Santa a picture while I helped Oakley with her letter.

As I glanced over, I said..."Oh nice picture Parker, what are you drawing for Santa?"

He says "Mommy, I'n drawin poop!!"

"What??!!" I started laughing, and then told him "Honey, I don't thing Santa wants a picture of poop..."

He says "Mommy, its a dog poop, dogs have a poop!!"

Me..."Parker, Santa doesn't want a dog poop either!"

Parker.."Okay mommy, I'n drawin him Monster poop!!"

I couldn't handle it any more...I was laughing too hard, and so were the other kids....so, I guess Santa's gonna get a picture of a Monster's poop....??!! All I can say is W-O-W. Where did that come from??!!! Wait...that probably isn't the best mental image either...

Well, he was insistant on gettin his picture done for Santa, he would get down from the table, and then stop, and realize that he had left, and yell...."I gotta make my poop for Santa!!" It was a very, determined yell too....What a kid we are raising...!!!

On that note... Hope you don't have a "crappy" Christmas, and if you do, maybe it is a sweet two year old trying to make the holidays light!! Have a great Holiday season, with many a memories to share!!

The Real Party Begins!

Okay, so all I have to say is that this will be a yearly tradition!! We had a blast!! I wish that I had better planned my preparation, but I think it was still a great time! There is always next year...and the next...and the next....ya well, you get the idea!

So, no, I know what you are all wondering...did we hire adult entertainment?? No No, this is our neighbor, and he dressed like that for free!! Holy Junk was it entertaining though!! We laughed so hard!! Brian and I were dressed as "Edward and Bella" we had contacts and everything!! We were so dumb though...we didn't take pictures!! I had origionally planned, and wanted to have pictures of all the couples at the party...we got side-tracked with all the fun we were havin!! Well, we did get some pictures of the group, and some of the most memorable moments! Thanks everyone for coming, and plan your costumes for next year, cause we will definately have a contest!! This year goes to Forrest Peterson though!! RIGHT ON!!

"SCARY EDWARD"

(Brian has never read the books...this was his best impression of a vampire named Edward....apperantly he things I long for the "bad guys" hehehe)

"CREAM SODA"

( but it looks funny anyways!! Brian didn't want me to post this one...cause even the apperance of evil...but I thought it was too funny to pass up...and i assured him that I would explain!!)

Belated Halloween...Whoops!

Well...What can I say...I do have four kids, and too many businesses. That is an excuse, right?? Okay, well, if that doesn't work for you than, the "better late than never" one should.

So here are our darling little treaters this year. I made Oakleys costume with my non-sewing skills and everything!! Sa-Weet!! We are feeding Carter's Star Wars addiction, anything that growls fit Parker just fine, and our little devil is really just an angel in disguise!!

We took them around the neighborhood, and Parker was sooooooooooo slow!! So then I asked Brian to run home and get the stroller for him, and it ended up taking him longer to get in and out than it did him lolly0gaggin in the first place. What do ya do?? Two year olds!! Well, I went home early to start setting up for our new annual adult Halloween party, and Brian finished out the night with the kids. They made off so great!! Don't really know if that was a good thing or not....

Pumkins au Natural

Well, when you have three kids that all want to get "Pumkined up"...that adds up to three shirts, three sets of pants, and six socks...ya, basically a small load of laundry, so we slimed it down a bit!! We all had a buncha fun, and the kids got their hands dirty, slimy and sticky!! A couple of the pumkins mighta got their faces put on the wrong sides of the pumkins, but hey...it adds character, right??

My Husband

I was tagged by Trina Browning, and got right on this. Thank you for the opportunity to sit and ponder our relationship, and the blessing that I have in my life...Brian!! I need to do this more often...

1. Where did you meet your husband?

In high school, although we never dated then…I did dance with him during one of our dance team performances…it was his girlfriend’s idea too (okay, I may have used a little reverse psychology)!! He also tried to set me up with one of his friends, but we ended up talking the whole time…we were just meant to be…

2. How long did you date before you got married?

We got married after 10 months of dating…

3. How long have you been married?

7 years…no itch!!

4. What does he do that surprises you?

He tries…even when he thinks there is no reason, or if he’ll get anything in return...

5. What is your favorite feature of his?

His face, but more in-particular , his strong chin, his cheekbones, and holy cow, the hottest dimples a guy could have, which is accented by his sweet smile…

6. What is his best quality?

He values our family. He would give up anything outside our household if it meant we would be happy together, and he has told me this even recently. He is our rock and foundation…

7. Does he have a nickname for you?
SHOOT!! The only one I can think of right now is…blush…”bum-licker”…I know…SO ROMANTIC!!! Maybe after he reads this, he will remind me of one I can’t remember!!

8. What is his favorite food?

His mother’s “chicken and rice”

9. What is his favorite sport?

Well, basketball first followed by football (I think), and if he could play either of them professionally, I know he would be on cloud nine…

10. When and where did you first kiss?

We kissed on our first date…we stood outside his house late at night, and after he kissed me I actually asked him if he would be there tomorrow…well, we stayed together outside until tomorrow came and the sun lightened the sky…it was a beautiful dawn…and he is still here

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

We like to go for drives in the dark…to nowhere, and we talk for hours sometimes about our lives, and where we want to end up…

12. Do you have any children?

Four, and we don’t feel old enough, even though having them makes us feel older than we are!! Their names are Carter, Oakley, Parker, and Blazer…all brand names, you’ll have to ask us about that sometime!!

13. Does he have any hidden talents?

Well, he is a goofball, funny, and a real flirt! That is what I love most about him. He doesn’t show it around others, and people have a hard time thinking that he could be obnoxious or rambunctious, but he is both, and I LOVE it.

He is also a great listener…he doesn’t try to fix everything, he lets you work our your resolve, and supports and loves you through it.

14. How old is he?

He is 27 tomorrow!! Happy Birthday baby!! He is the baby too…of his family, and our relationship, by a month and a half…sigh

15. Who said 'I love you' first?

It was him…only after a few weeks of dating. I wanted to say it, but couldn't stand rejection, but we connected so deeply emotionally when we met. We knew we would be together forever…and we will

16. What is his favorite music?

Kinda funny, but he listens to a lot of Rap and Rock…but he likes a variety of others as well

17. What do you admire most about him?

He dreams. Even now, he dreams. He will always have aspirations, and he will make them happen, because he knows what his priorities are. He always puts his lord and his family first…he is the most unselfish person I know. He doesn’t value himself as much as I think that he should He truly is amazing, and I am truly lucky to have a partner like him…

18. What is his favorite color?

I am not entirely sure he has one..

19. Will he read this?

Yes, he checks our blog, and I like him to know he's loved and appreciated.

20. Who do you tag?

Melissa, Robin, and Cynthia

Edward & Bella

Well...I thought I would unite our pictures as one...for that is what we are...a union of two spirits. He hasn't seen his Edward picture yet...but I think that he will dig it!! Even though he has no idea what the heck is going on!! All I know, is that we make one hot Edward and Bella couple...lol!! Its all for fun though, and we can all live in a fantasy world...or is it??

He is My Edward...

Now what husband would pose for a character his wife dreams of at night, whom he cant seem to live up to, in a book he's never read?? DUDE...mine did! Of course, Brian is my Edward, so he will live up to him and then some!! He was so cute cute though posing...I was tryin' to explain to him the character, and how serious Edward is, and how he has this...smirk. Well, I think this is a pretty close "serious smirk," and my Brian is such a guy for lettin' me mess with him!! Here's the latest Cullen...and my partner forever and ever, infinity, and more....

The Cullen Test

So I took the quiz (see below, and try it out yourself..thanks Melissa!!) and I am not Bella after all, I am Alice!! This is what it said about me...

You are intelligent, outgoing & stylish. A true girly girl, you love shopping & makeovers.
Although you are a generous friend, you can be coy, tricky & very persuasive in order to
get your way. You are known to zone out occasionally during conversations, but your
friends forgive you because you are understanding, supportive & know how to throw one
heck of a party!

Well, I am definitely not disappointed, although the Alice in my head looks different...of course...but she is cute and quirky, and actually one of my favorite characters...other than the obvious!!


Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

A New Cullen!!

Hey everyone!! This is my sister-in-Law (for reals and for fun!!) Melissa Rosalie Cullen!! Isn't she just gorgeous??!! I think so. Her transformation was complete last night. We are so happy to have her in the family!! Who will be next??.......makemeacullen@live.com!!

Little Dante!!

I wanted to show off my little nephew that is staying here for the next couple weeks...SO CUTE!! Had to take pictures. His name is Dante Bradford Harold Marker...Wew! He was born on Sept 18th, and he is such a great baby! Love you sis!! You are so good with him, and I wish you were here always!!

I became a Cullen!!

Okay...If you haven't read Twilight, don't worry, you still have plenty of time before the movie comes out!!! I love these novels...I don't recall a time when I felt the way I do about a book!! I finally understand the whole Star Wars obsession!!! I have never wanted to see a movie more in my life...I only hope it doesn't crush all my hopes and dreams by not being what I...and lets face it...what everone expects!!! It has a whole lot to live up to!! Well...this picture is my ODE to Twilight...I am now...

Tamra Bella Cullen...Brian just doesn't know it yet (winks)!!!

P.S. You can click on pictures to make them bigger...to see more details...like my ocher eyes...

**OKAY...I have had several people ask me how I did this...Well, sheer talent baby...but I wont hide it under a bushel any longer...no, I will make you all into Cullens! Just email me a headshot (makemeacullen@live.com) , and I will transform you!! Lets just hope that the Volturri dont get wind of my scheme...(winks)**

My Work-out Routine!!

No...it isn't halloween. Just another day at the gym!! Come on!! This is how we work out at the YMCA!!! Maybe you should go more often!! Just think, you can get an 80's workout in...and then I'll show ya how to stretch!!! Ooooh ya!!

Well, fine, we had a lauch for some of the classes, and did an 80's theme!! I think my co-workers and I pull it off a little too well!! But it is all for fun!! Well...make sure you go to the gym...you never know who you will find...and in what decade!!