vacation from blogging...

With all of this extra time on my hands (I love being a teacher this time of year), one would think that I might blog a bit more. Instead, I have put it off. No reason. My natural instinct is to provide an update of sorts.

Laura and I went to see 27 Dresses tonight. LOVED IT! This film is a fairy tale on camera. Since it doesn't come out until January, you'll have to wait, but I would suggest you spend the money to see it in a theatre. (P.S. James Marsden is absolutely adorable!)

On a more serious note, Bobby is back in the hospital. He and my mom (Kelli had to work) went up to Virginia Mason this morning and they are expecting that my brother will be there until Saturday or Sunday. Lame! For those of you who may remember, Bobby was in the hospital last year on Christmas. He told my mom today that he should have gone in last week sometime, but he didn't want us all to spend Christmas at the hospital again this year. Poor guy.

Wii have had a glorious Christmas season around here. Ben is enjoying his new toy and thankfully he has shared it with the rest of us. I have pictures of moms, dads, siblings, and extended family playing Guitar Hero III, bowling, tennis, and all sorts of crazy Wii games. The Mii creations are pretty accurate too. I'll be posting those pictures after I have a chance to sort through them...there are a bazillion. :)

On another random note, my sleeping schedule is all messed up (hence the late night/early morning post). I don't know what to do...

I'll be back again before the weekend is over. I'll be sure to include some great family photos and an update on Bobby's status. In the meantime, he can always use some prayers!

Merry Christmas (it's never too late)!

safeway home delivery (thanks jenny)...

After reading Jenny's post, I decided to give this a try. I had been meaning to stop by the grocery store and pick up some necessities, but I didn't want to. I often dread going and I don't know why that is. It typically takes longer than I planned and I end up spending a ton of money. How does that happen?

On Tuesday, I put my order in - all online. It was super easy. While Ben was home on Wednesday, they delivered the goodies. Ben and I were both really excited about this...it just seems like a no-brainer. So, there were a few glitches (an incorrect yogurt flavor, a box of the wrong dessert item, and a substitution that I wouldn't have chosen), but we decided that it was still worth it!

Now I'll be able to get stuff done around the house, grade papers or watch something on DVR while someone else does my shopping. I think it's a glorious concept! Thanks Jenny! :)

secret santa...

Every year at Maywood, we have the opportunity to participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange. Cute, huh? Honestly, I was super surprised my first year! Since everything has to be politically correct when discussing "winter break" it seemed a bit odd that it was okay for us to do something so festive. However, I was more than willing to embrace the tradition.

Each year I take my time picking out gifts for my person and I wrap the presents just so. I love it all! Unfortunately, I'm the one who also gets forgotten. So, I do my best to take care of my person and then whoever draws my name seems to drop the ball. Did I do something wrong?

(P.S. I don't do the Secret Santa thing to be selfish and I realize that is how it sounds when looking back over this post. It's just a little frustrating.)

guess who...

Guesses?

thanksgiving - round 3...

I loved it...and here are a few reasons why it was so much fun!

Case - I think he is absolutely adorable! I can't wait to see him again! (I'm also a fan of the lady holding him...she's pretty cool.)

How sweet is Tucker? I'm glad I finally had a chance to meet this little man!

Like Kara said, it looks like Chris is just a head and hands - his shirt blends in with the couch. He insists it's camo.

Here's Emily - a mother gracious enough to share her son with us. I was a baby hog all night (I would apologize, but I loved every minute of my time with these little guys). Thank you Emily!

Here's the hostess with the mostest! This whole thing was Kara's idea and she pulled it off with such style...check out her cute outfit! Thanks for allowing us all to invade your home! Such a great idea...perhaps this will become a tradition of sort?!?! (I'm not saying that you always have to host it.)

BFFs - Dusty and Marshall

The Campfield Family

Gunnar was all about the babies - he is so protective. Anytime one of the little guys cried, Gunnar was quick to ensure their safety. He will make a great big brother someday. :)

Thanks again Dusty and Kara! I had so much fun! (Ben did too!)

banana cream pie...

Ben loves banana cream pie! Since it is one of his most favorite desserts, I figured I should probably learn how to make it. A few weeks ago I went searching for the perfect recipe (something low in calories, sugar, fat, etc.) and easy to create. Alas, Ellie Krieger of the Food Network, proved to be my solution.

I made it yesterday for the first time and presented it at Thanksgiving #3. It went over well and I liked it too (I'm not a huge banana cream pie fan). Here's the link to the recipe. I didn't follow it exactly - I opted to use Splenda instead of sugar and I Can't Believe it's Not Butter in place of the real thing. Didn't seem to make a difference.