Monday, December 22, 2008

December 13th and 14th

Saturday we were supposed to have Aaron's work Christmas party but he ended up getting called into work instead. So I hired a new babysitter so I could go work out and have some mommy time. The kids loved her. Saturday afternoon I took the kids to the Holiday Sing-a-long at the library. We sang all the regular Christmas songs and then watched Alvin and the Chipmunks via YouTube on the big screen. It was great fun! Afterwards we did a craft and enjoyed yummy sugar cookies and hot cocoa! For some reason I didn't have my camera so I don't have any pictures to post. The kids went home to the Ford's afterwards and Mommy raced (safely) (no accidents like last year)to Cedar Rapids for the Symphony.

This is an annual holiday tradition that my mom, aunts and I have enjoyed ever since I can remember. It's too bad we still cannot convince my sister to join us. Unfortunately, the Paramount Theatre was hit by the unbelievable destruction of the June floods so the show was held at Coe College. All I can say is I love Timothy Hankewich the new music director. I must have thoroughly enjoyed the 23 years of Symphony under the direction of Christian Tiemeyer because I kept going back but I LOVE the surprise factor Hankewich adds to each show. No remember it is the Symphony so typically there is not a lot of singing. This year he had girls come out and sing "You'll be Swinging" which he wrote himself. They were dressed in army uniforms. My camera does not do this justice at all but I loved this. Next they sang "Mele Kalikimaka" Merry Christmas in Hawaiian and again did a fabulous job.

I know I said there's not much singing but they also always include the CR Concert Chorale and the Children's Discovery Chorus which also do a fine job. I love the arts and I only hope that my children will one day possess one of these great talents.

Great Great Great time had once again. My friend Carrie said she wants to join us next year. I hope she does. She certainly won't be disappointed.

I had to drive back home late Saturday night and almost hit three deer standing in the middle of the interstate licking salt off the road. Apparently I was interrupting their midnight snack and they weren't going anywhere for awhile.

Sunday the kids and I met up with a group of friends and went to a local store to paint pottery. Each of the kids chose to paint an ornament for the tree. We were unpleasantly surprised by the weather when we came out. It was 58 degrees all day, I was running around outside with just a sweatshirt on and then when we came out of the store it was pouring down rain. The rain soon turned to ice and snow. The rest of you in Iowa know where we now stand. BRRRR Yuck!

As soon as I pick the ornaments up I will post a picture. They did a very good job. I'm proud of them.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

December 5th, 6th & 7th


My dad turned 50 on December 5th so the kids and I made the trek home. We had a surprise 50th Birthday Party on Saturday. Aaron stayed home and hunted all weekend. Friday night my mom, Dar, S, H, and N went to see Bolt since Madagascar was such a hit. N and S were old enough to sit and watch it. H on the other hand was not as interested. Cute movie, my mom and I laughed our butts off at the hamster.

My sister and I took my dad out to eat at Texas Roadhouse on Saturday night. We created a book consisting of pictures of us kids growing up on Snapfish.com I think my dad teared up! I highly recommend this for any hard to buy person on your list.


After we ate we drove Dad to Bushwood Bar and Grill where his family and friends were waiting to surprise him. Based on the amount of shots of tequila ordered up for this old man I don't think many people remembered my Dad turned 50 not 21! I'm quite certain he did not feel so hot the next morning. But a good time was had by all. Thank you for coming to help us celebrate.

Not real sure what was up with the color of the cake. Perhaps Jule's thought it was my Dad's baby shower?!? I ordered a black and white cake for a male and this is what I got. Great tasting none the less but a little disappointing. I won't go into the glorious gifts my dad received but there were certain a few good ones.



The kids and I got up early on Sunday so we could get back on the road. At home we went over to our good friends house for a surprise visit from...
he had gifts for all of the good little girls and boys. And my we must know some pretty good kids!
We had a wonderful time! Thank you Ford's for hosting this great get together. It was a wonderful way to spend our afternoon.

...because we want to keep in touch