4 great years down and a happy Life Time to go! : ) Happy Anniversary Bobby. I love you!

Tradition or Superstition?

Do you every wonder why we light fireworks and cheer in the New Year? Well I found some answers to those little traditions we have, and some new ones you may not have known about.

• Kissing in the new year- We kiss those nearest and dearest to us not only to share a moment of celebration with our favorite people, but also to ensure those affections and ties will continue throughout the next 12 months, to fail to smooch your significant others at the stoke of twelve would be to set the stage for a year of coldness.
• Stocking up: The new year must not be seen with bare cupboards, lest that be the way of things for the year. Larders must me topped up and plenty of money must be placed in every wallet in the home to ensure prosperity
• Paying of Bills: The new year should not be begun with the household in debt, so checks should be written and mailed before Jan. 1st. Likewise, personal debt should be repaid before the New Year arrives.
• First Footing: The first person to enter your home after the stroke of midnight will influence the year you’re about to have. Ideally he should be dark-haired, tall, and good looking. Blondes and Red heads are considered bad luck, and female “first footers” should be shooed away before they bring disaster down on the household.
• Nothing Goes Out: Nothing - absolutely nothing, not even garbage - is to leave the house on the first day of the year. If you have presents to deliver on New Year’s Day, leave them in the car overnight… People sometimes soften this rule by saying it’s okay to remove things from the house as long as something else has been brought in first. Something must be added to the home before anything may be subtracted from it.
• Food: Eating of Black-eyed peas on the New Years Day will attract both general good luck (financial in particular) to the one doing the dining. Other “Lucky” foods are lentil soup (because it looks like coins), pork (because poultry scratches backwards, a cow stands still, but a pig roots forward, so… those who dine on pork will be moving forward in the new year), and sauerkraut (probably because it goes well with pork).
• Work: Do something related to your work -and be successful at it - on the first day of the year, even if you do not go near your place of work. Limit your activity to a token amount, though, because to engage in a serious work project on that day is very unlucky. Also do not do laundry , lest a member of the family be “washed away” (die) in the upcoming months.
• New Clothes: wear something new on Jan. 1st to increase the likelihood of your receiving more new garments during the year to follow.
• Letting the Old Year out: At midnight, all the doors of a house must be opened to let the old year escape unimpeded. He must leave before the New Year can come in, so doors are flung open to assist him.
• Loud Noises : Make as much noise as possible! Your not just celebrating; your scaring away evil spirits, so do a darned good job of it!

Do you have any New Year traditions? I have a few... The kissing rule is a favorite, and my Grandma Lil' always made a black-eye pea stew (with ham). Both I plan to continue. Another important one is my wedding anniversary. 12/31/04. When I was a kid, we used to write our resolutions down and share them at breakfast New Year's morning. I can't wait until my kids are old enough for this one. Please share your traditions, I would love to know what you all do to ring in the New Year.

Quiet Bowler Christmas!?!? Unheard of! Well this year was just that. Very simple and very quiet.

Degan had to be woken up this year - by sis - but he quickly found that it was worth it!

Santa didn't check his list twice I see.

"Pink Puter!!!" She was so happy Noni got her exactly what she wanted. Thanks Noni.

Santa got Mommy a babysitter. Just what she needed. Hehehe. below: Noni showing of her new shirt that Santa left her.

Just a few pictures from our Day. The kids loved playing with there new toys, as did I... Thanks Mom for the camera. We had a very yummy simple ham dinner, and ended our day with a new movie. We missed our family and our friends, but it was a great first Christmas in Texas. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Yup, today was another cold day... When it gets this cold, it's just no fun to go out side. I found someone who knows just how I feel!!!

I am Freezing! Jack Prelutsky I am freezing! I am freezing!I am absolutely cold,I am shivering and shaking like a pudding in a mold.There are glaciers in my stomach,there is sleet inside my bones,I am colder than the contents of a million ice cream cones. I am freezing! I am freezing!From my bottom to my top,all my teeth are clacking madly and I cannot make them stop.Oh I cannot feel my fingers,and I cannot feel my toes,now my cheeks are frozen solid,and I think I've lost my nose. I am freezing! I am freezing!Inside out and outside in,every bit of me is chilly,every single inch of skin,I have icicles inside me and my lips are turning blue,and I'm sneezing as I'm freezing,for I've caught a cold . . .AHCHOOOOOOOOOO!

Cookie Party

Kodi Lynn, Degan, and I hosted our first Christmas Cookie Party. I was so much fun. The kids had a blast, and Mommy got some grown-up time.

Little Luke testing out the cookies... Or should I say Tasting...

Little miss perfect analyzing her choices

And Degan not discriminating.

Jill's little boys going to town... They could not wait to dive in.

It was such a great afternoon... I think we will make it an annual thing.

Teach the Children

Kodi Lynn told me the other day that Christmas was about Santa bring her presents... Uh oh. I was a little embarrassed at myself, that I did not teach her the true meaning of Christmas. So the "Google" fan that I am, I searched Christmas Meanings, and this is what I found. Even I learned something new.

http://www.llerrah.com/truemeaningofchristmas.htm

No, No, No!

Last night I decided to get going on my Christmas gifts (I have been taking my sweet time). I decided to start with Kodi's Christmas dress, and on the first back stitch my machine broke!!! Noooooooooooo! I was so mad, and I have tried everything I can think of to fix it. I think that my only option is to toss it. I have had tiny problems with it before, but they were small enough to work through. I don't really know what to do... If I can't get it fixed, then I can't finish my gifts. I really wish I was back home, Kath would know what to do!

Hallelujah! It's Over!

Finally the challenge is over!! For those who have not read Tad, Cody, or April's blog. Here is the deal... Bobby and Tad's friend Neil was sent to Iraq a few months back, and his troop had sent out a challenge to all of their family and friends. Grow a mustache for a month to show your support. And of course the Guys where all for it! So today is the day, The day when the boys can shave off that disgusting Caterpillar on their top lip.

Record High's (and low's)

Yesterday Round Rock had a record high at 80 degrees. It was such a nice day, like being back in California... But this morning I woke up and this is what I found...

You can't really see the snow in the foreground, but look past the fence. Poor Coy was not happy about his potty break this morning.

Our house. The sun rises in the front of our house, but if you look close you can see the snow in the planters, and on the roof.

The front of our neighbors house. Who would have thought that we were going to have a "Semi"-White Christmas. Oh and if your wondering the temp outside is 27 degrees with wind chill. I'm hoping for at least 70 tomorrow.

December Fun!

We are enjoying our December! My mom is here visiting us, so we are keeping busy. Yesterday our community put on its annual winter winder land event. Fancy for "snow day". Hehehe. Some of our neighbors where there to share the fun.

It was a perfect day... And it's painted all over his face.

Actual size Rachel and me. The Boys dared us. What could we do? Poor Rachel. She got all muddy. Sorry Friend!

Minnie and Kodi on their 30th run.

Kodi looks nervous. I think this was our first ride.

After sledding we came home and decorated sugar cookies.

Yummy! Finger licking good!

He is a pro. I showed him how, and off he went. He wanted no help either. He is such a independent child. Miss Betty Crocker

I don't know why my pictures are loading out of order, but good enough.

Later that night we "Decked the Halls".

Of course Budah had to get in on the action. Hehehe.

Kodi is putting the angel on the top of the tree. Sorry it is so blurry. I will some day get a new camera. Santa? Degers was so excited, he showed Daddy each one of his ornaments.

What a big girl. She is so ready for Santa. Hurry, Hurry Christmas!!!

It looks like he's contributing, but really he is taking off the same ornament over and over again. Ha. He's such a funny boy.

Young Love!

Ahhh... To be young again! We met up with our friends at the Terivista Winter Wonderland today. I have yet to download my own pictures, but my neighbor did send me this photo of Kodi Lynn and her first boyfriend Luke. Aren't they cute. She has a thing for younger men. Hahaha. We had a blast! Stay tuned for more pictures...

NO MORE GREEN OLIVES

He was so mad about the green olive.

Feeling the Love

I was tagged with Love! Thanks Amelia! I love reading your blog too.

• 1. Where is your cell phone? Couch
• 2. Where is your significant other? bed
• 3. Your hair color? Yuck!
• 4. Your mother? Strong
• 5. Your father? Far!!!
• 6. Your favorite thing? R&R
• 7. Your dream last night? none
• 8. Your dream/goal? accomplished
• 9. The room you’re in? living
• 10. Your hobby? many
• 11. Your fear? suffocating
• 12. Where do you want to be in six years? same
• 13. Where were you last night? home
• 14. What you’re not? mean
• 15. One of your wish list items? furniture
• 16. Where you grew up? California
• 17. The last thing you did? panicked
• 18. What are you wearing? Jammie's
• 19. Your T.V.? Gray's
• 20. Your pet? Coy
• 21. Your computer? used
• 22. Your mood? Stressed
• 23. Missing someone? YES!!
• 24. Your car? Messy
• 25. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
• 26. Favorite store? Nordstrom
• 27. Your Summer? fast
• 28. Love someone? YES!!
• 29. Your favorite color? Red
• 30. When is the last time you laughed? today
• 31. Last time you cried? today I don't have 7 people to pass too... Because Amelia tagged more than 7. I do have Rachel, and Julia. Two great blogs are better than none!

Meet McCoy

Here is our newest country boy. He is a 8 week old tri-colored Australian Shepherd. He is such a sweet heart. Well... More like a tender heart. He is still getting used to the craziness of a household with two small kids. He has his overwhelmed moments where he hides under the couch, but we are just in love with him, and are smothering him with tons of hugs and kisses. Forgive the fuzzy pictures. My camera stinks!!!

Very over due!

After much harassment I have returned to the blog. Hahaha. You would not believe who has been on me more than anyone. Bobby! Yup, he's hooked on blog surfing. So here is a recap on October. First we have been entertaining... My mom and Grandma Dee came out for a fun visit. We had such a great time being together.

After 4 days of R&R we headed out to my mom's and John's... And what would a trip to Florida be without Disney World. Kodi had a blast! She is a Disney fanatic. I don't think it is entirely her fault though. Here is My Mom, John, and the kids in front of Cinderella's Castle.

Next was Halloween... Unfortunately I don't have a good picture of the kids yet. My camera wont shoot in the dark anymore, so as soon as my neighbor Wendy sends me the pictures, I will post on a F.F.F. (fav. foto Fri.) I do have a cute shot of the kids carving a pumpkin though.

Finally We went up to Tad and Amelia's to spend time with the Mann Family. What a Blast! When I say Busy I mean Busy!

I love this picture of Kodi Lynn. This was her first time getting her face painted. She was so excited. The last time she got her face painted was so funny. I asked her what she wanted to have painted, and she asked for a crayon. What? So she got a pink crayon and pink lips. She was so happy. Whatever? For those who don't know... Her favorite thing to do is color, and LOVES pink.

Fav Foto Friday

I never do this, but it is a great idea. I have been meaning to use this idea on the blog, but I always forget when Friday rolls around. So here is my one of my favorite pictures. We were up at Tad and Amelia's in late March. We were hanging outside with the neighbors. Degan really wanted to ride this bike, so Daddy came to his rescue.

Family, Family, and more Family!

This is such a busy month. Lynda, Zoe, Livee and Miles came down Friday and hung out all weekend. We had a great time. Sat. night we had movie night... Not the best movie (my fault) but the best company. Sunday we played a "long" game of Monopoly (Bobby's fault:)), I won! Today they left for home :(. Come back soon Carmacks! At 3:00 my Grandma Dee flew in from Oregon. I am so excited that she is here. It has almost been a year since I have seen her. To make a great visit even better, my Mom flies in to Austin tomorrow. They only thing that could make it better, would be for my sis to show up. I have so much planned. Crafts, shopping, and gardening. My Mom, Uncle David and Grandma Dee have the greenest thumbs, and I plan to see if they passed any of their gift to me. My front yard needs a little help. (That's a long story!) Grandma Dee leaves on Thursday. The next Thursday we are off to Orlando, Florida, to meet my mom for a fun trip to Disney World! To end the month right our Friends Rick and April are coming to Dallas on the 30th. We plan on going up there to spend Halloween with them and the family. So the 10 days of rest I have open in this month are going to be used wisely... Make The kids, Bobby's, and my costume. The kids treat bags, and get Carys a birthday gift. Busy might be a bit of an understatement.

To all those Nordstrom Cafe fans...

Since I have moved to Texas, Nordstom is not that close, and to top it off they only serve my favorite item on Fridays. Their Tomato Basil Soup is amazing! So, I was determined to find the recipe for myself. I made it last week and it tastes like the real thing! Ingredients 1 1/8 cups canned peeled plum tomatoes 4 1/2 ounces carrots, chopped 4 1/2 ounces onions, chopped 1 1/8 teaspoons dry basil 4 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, 3 cups water, 1 1/2 oz. chicken base, 1 1/8 cup heavy cream, 1 1/8 tsp salt, 1 1/8 tsp pepper

Directions

• In a large stock pot, sautee the olive oil, carrots, and onions at medium heat for 15 minutes.
• Add the basil, salt, pepper, and tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
• In a large bowl, whisk the chicken base into the water until dissolved.
• Add the water mixture to the stock pot, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 45 minutes.
• Puree the soup using a hand blender while adding the heavy cream until it reaches a thin consistency.

Even if you have not tried this soup at Nordtrom, I still recommend you try it. It has a great flavor, and a perfect fall meal

Remember what I said about Happy Thoughts?

Well, we have a very sweet friend that needs your prayers, happy thoughts, and positive energy. My Friend's daughter is in the hospital on very strong IV antibiotics, due to a infection she got from surgery a few weeks back. She is not in pain, but we need the antibiotics to do the job so that she doesn't have to go back into surgery. She has a great Mom, Dad and brother by her side, as well as other family and friends cheering her on. You can never have to much support, so please send those happy thoughts towards our Minnie. Thanks!

What we have been up to...

Well it's been a while. Still no camera (not a good one anyway), and we have really been keeping busy. Lots of crafty ideas, thanks to my talented sister-in-laws. The kids are doing great. Degers is talking so much lately. He is picking up new words, and saying his old ones so much clearer. We have been doing lots of great things with the kids. Earlier we took the kids to the Waco Zoo for some quality time with Daddy. It was so nice. There was only two other families there with us, so the kids had free reign. They loved it! Below you can see us in the alligator den. Kodi Lynn was a little scared to go in. I love this picture. Bobby found the smallest frog ever and the kids thought it was so cool. Kodi Lynn even held it. They were so sad when Bobby set the frog free. Kodi Lynn hates to set her friends free. Hahaha. You have to enlarge this picture to see the frog better. " Mr. To sexy for my diaper" is more like it. The kids love to run around in the back yard, and since it has cooled off I don't mind being out there either. My recycled pumpkin. I made this out of a bag I had hanging out in my pantry. It has a partner on the other side of the entry table. Can you see the pumpkin Kodi Lynn and I made? The small orange one to the right? Kodi Lynn had a blast painting them. She loves crafts and coloring. I wonder where she got that from. I have always loved Letti's candy jars, so I went and got my own. Thanks Letti for the idea. So that's just a little bit of what we have been up to. I need to get in the habit of carrying my big ol' camera around, so that I can share more often. We'll see?