I have the shakes

I have some catching up to do here. Due to some technical difficulties with our home computer accepting an installation with an upgrade to Vista I have been unable to post anything through the holidays. But with a husband, also going through Battlefield withdrawals, I am sure the computer will be up and going soon.

The time has flown and so much has happened and so much to blog about. Seth has lost his second front tooth - so yes, for Christmas all he wanted was his 2 front teeth. For our parent gift, Sydney has started walking. We spent Christmas eve at my sisters and ate so much that the majority of the prime rib was consumed the next day - a great lunch - and pre-flight meal. Glen and I took off for Arizona to celebrate 8 years of wedded bliss while leaving the kiddos in good hands back home. More on that when I can download pics - but it was a great time.

Now it is New Years Eve and 2007 has about 12 hours left. What will 2008 bring? Here are some of my predictions: Whitney Houston will make a comeback, Britney will continue to surprise us with her creative parenting skills, a new president will bring our guys and gals home, the price of oil will go past $100 and gas past $4. The Anchorage Aaslands may either go up a floor or into a whole new home and I will finish the Gold Nugget Triathlon. Lets see what happens in the next 365 days and 12 hours. Wish you all a happy new year.

Just for giggles

Found

With all that is going on in the world, it is nice to read a feel good story. We live in a large, but small world and sometimes its a good thing.

They are back

Going out to check the mail and noticed that mama moose and Elliot are back. Glad to see them as I have seen some of these critters off the side of the road down after being hit by a car. Its a shame, but when that happens a phone tree is started and some volunteer carvers go to the site to salvage the meat and give to the Brother Francis Shelter or to families who are on a need list. So its not a complete sad story.

but I like the cookie

While I was blogging things were a bit too quiet and so I looked around and guess what I found. A cookie snatcher.

Christmas Prep

Today is the day the snowmen collectime came out of their boxes and into their holiday display. I also got busy in the kitchen - making banana bread, snickerdoodles, and fudge. I like to clean as I go so there is not much of a mess afterwards. Tomorrow Glen, aka. Optimus Prime of the kitchen, will make his treats. The house smelled good and as you can see Seth helped with the cleanup. Maybe we will have time to go do some skating on Potters Marsh

shameful

I have been a sporto all my life, growing up watching the Lakers and Celtics duel, staying up late to watch our olympians go for a medal, and Joe Montana throwing a great pass to anyone who can catch it in the numbers. Is it greed or pride or fame that is driving these people to use this stuff and risk their health. Hello - remember Lyle Alzado who admitted to use and died of a inoperable brain tumor. Having a background in exercise physiology I know this stuff is not needed to be at the top of your game, it just takes work. This shirt gave me an idea - lets have all athletes tested and if positive they go into their own sporting event called the Roid league. Marion Jones can run the bases for Bonds.

A girls night out

Got together with some girlfriends for dinner and The Producers last night. The evening started with a dinner that had great conversation and visiting, but only time for about 1 bite of our entrees because it took them awhile to get it to us, "no talking ladies, eat." A wonderful memory took place - as I reached for bread (because I was starving) I knocked over the salt & pepper shaker which fell onto Julies wine glass that then fell over spilling the wine and breaking at the stem. My dinner is still in the fridge - we joked about taking it into the show with us and if we do this again we might hit McDonalds instead. Once we had our to go boxes we put Cathie, our Katrina Refugee, at the wheel because she opted for coffee and the rest of us had wine in the blood that was taking effect because we had no food to absorb the alcohol and we properly told her we were a bit late and "in Alaska, yellow lights mean hurry up and get through". The Producers stood up to its reputation - even without Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick running the show. One of these days I do plan on getting to New York and seeing these Broadway productions the right way. After the show we headed to Sullivans for dessert and Holly narrowly missed being splashed by a puddle that went spraying about 5 feet into the sidewalk by a passing car. She would have been drenched. My brownie (meant for 2 - and I think they meant thighs) was delicious and I ate every bite of it. Now I need to hit a treadmill and then go home for a filet mignon lunch.

He shoots, He scores

In his first hockey game Seth scored his first goal. The legend will be told as this: On defense Seth knocked down an opponent, cleared the puck against the boards and got a breakaway. In the clear he shot on goal, but the goalie stopped it and the puck rebounded off. Seth, who does not know how to stop yet, was full steam ahead towards the puck and the goal, took a shot and it went in. Stats have officially begun. Mark this date.

Penguin happy slap

Aren't there people you want to do this to?

Believe

The first movie we went to as a family with Seth sitting between us was The Polar Express . Seth sat on the edge of his seat the entire time and it was almost more fun to watch him react to the movie vs watch the movie. The Polar Express has a great message,suspense, and music - and I am not saying that because I am a big Tom Hanks fan. We got Seth a big silver bell that year and you should have seen him shake it to hear the ringing because as he said, "I believe".

Merry Music

Besides baking and eating Christmas cookies I love this time of year for the music. Unlike my good college buddy Laura (hi there, oh your Ravens came so close to giving Brady & Co. a notch in the L column)- I can listen to it all day everyday. We have a radio channel that starts playing Christmas music from Thanksgiving to the 26th of December. I am a fan of the classics sung by Bing, Andy Williams, Deno and Sinatra and even some the more recent voices of the day - but only if the artist sticks to the original sound of the song. I have a very hard time when Mariah Carey is moaning though Silent Night or when Billy Gilman (all of 8 years old) is talking about Decking the Halls or when Kenny G is turning a 2:30 long song into one drown out trumpt tune. And on the same note (no pund intended)I like telling people MERRY CHRISTMAS - not happy holidays or seasons greetings and I heard the other day they want to rename the CHISTMAS TREE to something like season grand tree. UGH. So Laura, next time you hear The Little Drummer boy - best sung by Andy Williams - think of me because that is my favorite. Rump a pum pum.

Still Recovering

 

Our Thanksgiving evening was at soon to be brother in laws Brents home. We had food a plenty and roaving vacuum (roscoe) and good family time.

Amazing 3 year old

I am just happy when Sydney sits nicely in her highchair when she eats and I think at three we were still trying to get Seth to use his riding car. Of course they come from a mom who took the stickers off her rubiks cube to "solve it." Happy Friday

Downtown Moose

This guy has been walking the streets of downtown and got wrapped up in the town square Christmas lights. He then wondered off to Bernies Bungalow, a popular martini bar, and ate a bunch of fermented crab apples and got drunk or had bad gastic distress the biologist said. So what do you call a drunk moose? Buzzwinkle. haha

Meet Elliot and Fran

We had some front yard visitors this morning that prevented Seth from heading off to the bus stop. Every once in awhile you hear of a kid who is waiting at a bus stop, a moose comes over and the kid freezes not knowing what to do. Then amazingly the mooses lays on the kid for a long time. Can you imagine how horrifying that is - not to mention a bit stinky.

Village of Hope

A fellow blogger, modern day version of a pen pal, is doing a Christmas project of making blankets for orphans at Village of Hope and she is needing some help. Her friends started Village of Hope and Nancy and Ben are going over there in April to personally deliver the goods. A great adventure. Please visit The Brannon family on the fellow blog list for more info on how you can help and what inspired her to do this. Sydney just got Baptised with two 1 yr old twins who were adopted from Ethiopia - if that is not a sign to get involved I don't know what is. I added her ChipIn link right under the Christmas Tree (how appropriate).

Ice Fishing - Fairbanks

I have lived in Alaska since I was 3 and this is the first time I have ever been ice fishing. Brent reserved the Ice House and that is really the way to go. It has a nice wood stove and keeps the place toasty - it did help that it was 20 degrees already. Seth caught the first fish of the day and as a proud fisherman, reminded us of it all day. He got a bite and with all the excitement the only thing he could say was "whoa, whoa, I think I got one, whoa whoa" The rule was one fish gets you one doughnut hole. Brent was the master fisherman, pulling one up about every 2 minutes. He even switched holes with Krissy who felt she had a bad hole, but then Brent caught one there as soon as they switched - he was using the yellow cheese wiz type bait with glitter. What a great day and the whole time we are talking about ice fishing part of the Grumpy Old Men movies. I told Brent that even though he was catching all the fish I still won't throw one in the back of his truck.

Our Holiday Trip

I remember the day when I could pack for a 4 day trip the morning of the flight and be good - now is a whole different story. I have to think of the needs of 2 little kids and a hard working husband who may not have time to pack before work and then packs in time before leaving for the airport. It all started by getting Seth out of school early - he really liked that I had the office call him out of class - big deal with the kids as it makes them feel special. We said our good byes and he got a big hug from Ana - hmmmm. Then some kid named Lou came up to give a hug and then 2 other kids - I was seeing a trend and all this time the teacher is trying to practice their puppet show lines and I am trying to discreetly get seth out. We got to the airport and our flight was delayed and overbooked- Bethel was fogged in and we are delayed by an hour. I thought - hey, could we take a bump for some free tickets - I am thinking Mexico or maybe Disney World by that point. In the end it was not needed. We were greeted by happy family members at the airport and more importantly, warm temps. Yes, the heat wave in Anchorage had extended to Fairbanks. Turkey day was spent at soon to be brother in laws Brent's and Krissy's out at North Pole - yes, folks there is a North Pole, Alaska. Food was marvelous and I almost stayed on my Bob Green.s Holiday plan until the desserts came out. Darn those cookie dough truffles, pecan, and pumpkin pie. Friday was an early morning at the local shops for the wonderful black Friday event - something Krissy and I have done when we get the chance - got some savings and actually tolerated the crowds - the yummy mocha and free donuts offered did the trick. Today, we slept in and headed out to do some ice fishing, a first for Seth and Me, and I must say it was a great time. Just got back from David and Kelly Atlee's home, stomach is full of delicious brisket and great catching up on - Apparently, David and Glen have quite the colored past and probably should have been arrested a few times - but now we will chalk it up to Good Times. Tomorrow is a big day for Sydney as she is getting baptised at Pops and Grandmas church with 2 other 1 yr old twins who were adopted out of an Ethiopia Orphanage. Then we are heading home and I will add pics to the whole trip north.

Outside Fun

Shannon and Gabby took Sydney out for a ride on the sled while Seth, in his state of seasonal denial, rode his bike around. This will only last until we introduce skiing or snowboarding.

Do we have enough flour?

So I have been in a few stores the past few days and am amazed that I am hearing Christmas music and seeing Christmas decor. I actually saw some Christmas stuff back in October when I was looking for Halloween items. I refuse to purchase anything for Christmas until after Thanksgiving - my little big corporate rebellion. But I do start planning in my head.

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the baking. I have some great memories of making peanut butter with chocolate kiss cookies, Reeses cups, and sugar cookies with my mom.

Every year Glen and I discuss when to add the chocolate kiss to the cookie - I say right when they come out of the oven and he says when you put the cookie into the oven. See my way, the kiss does not melt down and keeps its peak. Glen wonders how the kiss is going to keep attached if its not melted into the cookie. I tried to tell him the heat of the cookie melts the base of the kiss to the cookie. By the time we agree to disagree most of the chocolate kisses have been eaten anyway. What do you think?

Glen is well known for his Christmas cookies and mails out a bunch to people who apparently expect them every year. Check out this site for some cookie receipes under their KITCHEN link that I am sure I will be trying. Its also a fun Christmas site for kids.

Time for shovels

It finally arrived and now it is time to pick up the shovels. On mornings like this you just want to watch the fluffy snowflakes fall, make pancakes and watch the cowboys play the giants with a big mug of hot chocolate in your lap.

I just can't win

So Seth and I have played Fish and Candyland and I just cannot win. Trust me when I say that the competitive side of me is not letting him win either. I got ahead by getting the ice cream cone and he freaked out and got all upset so I tried doing the sometimes you win sometimes you lose lesson- I just omit the part that losing stinks. Then I drew the gingerbread man and had to go all the way back - I was ONE card away from winning. He of course did a happy dance when he won that game. I am going to bring down Chutes and Ladders now - Game on.

So Brave

Most kids on an inservice day get to stay home and relax or moms take advantage of a free full day and take the kids downtown for SHOTS. Fun for all. Seth was brave and when given the choice he went first. He did not cry or even flinch - very impressive. I went second and the nurse must have been nice to Seth because I had to flinch, good thing Seth was holding my hand saying "its not so bad." Then Sydney went and had to get FIVE shots in her little legs and everyone in the waiting room could hear when each one was given. We all deserved Ihop afterwards and all was forgiven.

It begins...

 
If you have a son in Anchorage chances are you are going to introduce him to hockey. We started Seth out at learn to skate and he was a bit wobbly, but soon got right leg dominate and started taking off. A good sign was that he did not get upset when he fell and got right back up. He is on his first hockey team in the Atom division with full gear. He skates for a full hour and comes home exhausted. Anchorage maintains 2 outdoor ice skating areas - one called West Chester Lagoon where they have fire bins and wet mop for smoothness and the other is in the downtown square where they have Christmas lights, fire bins and Coffee stands to keep your insides warm. Got skates and a sled for Sydney and off we go.

3rd tooth gone

 
Seth has had a loose tooth for about 2 weeks now, and his goal was to lose it at school so that he could get a special tooth necklace from the nurse. It actually is a pretty neat necklace - a large plastic tooth that holds the real tooth. As he was eating some Halloween taffy it finally came out. The next morning Seth tells me "I don't talk right." He now has a bit of a lipth with that big gap. So I have one kid loosing teeth and one kid getting teeth - interesting.

Hippo That Lives In A House

Thanks Nancy, this was too great so had to share it on the blog.

Go down to the music and pause so you can hear the hippo report.

Meet Bailey, Calvin and Daphne

Last night as I went to bed I heard an odd sound. It was not a human sound or a pet sound. Then Glen says that sounds like a moose. We opened the shades and in our backyard there were 3 moose. Daphne was making rutting sounds towards Calvin and walking away from him with Bailey, the little guy, in tow. We took pictures, but it was too dark. I am sure they will be around the neigborhood eating all those pumpkins on doorsteps.

Happy Halloween

Seth is Shadow Ninja and Sydney is a bumblebee. I had to take a picture of the grass because we had no snow and loved it. We did not have to cover our costumes with winter gear and walking the neighborhood on pavement was great. The sky cleared up and it was in the 30's. Perfect night.

Emma, Sydney and Aunt Andi

 

Had a very busy past 4 days. It all started on Thursday when I took Seth to swim lessons then off to a high school volleyball match. Friday I took Grandma Thelma shopping and lunch - okay, I said busy but also fun. Still did not find that perfect leather coat. That night Seth and I got to go to a private screening of The Transformers at the Alaska Wildberry Theater and got to eat delicious food from Sourdough Mining Company. Way to go Optimus Prime - Seth could not stop talking about the whole movie. He said he liked the transformer that said "put the cube into my chest." Saturday we woke up to a great breakfast and started work on the bathroom - okay we means Pops and Glen, but I kept out of the way if that counts. Seth had hockey practice and I had to go off and do my last volleyball match at UAA -they have a wonderful 1-14 record. I needed a drink after that match so I went to the Knechts for their Halloween party where I helped Gary end his losing streak of beer pong. Hope to have pics sent to us and I will post. Got home late so slept in. The bathroom is complete - new vanity and toilet and boy does it make a difference so to celebrate Thelma and I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and spent beyond what I was planning - is that the Beyond part? The bathroom does look 200% better. We also got to visit toys r us and they are out of Transformer things - odd to see an empty shelf in that store, but we managed to get some Christmas shopping done. Emma, Dani, Andrea and Tim came over. Showed Tim the nice pic of the Bull moose we had - apparently, the moose have outsmarted the hunters as Tim cannot find any in his permit zone. They are in the burbs. To top off the 4 day spree, I just got back from my gallery shift - the tourist are gone and things are slow. Oh, well I just get to go home and enjoy my new bathroom.

 
Emma thinks that Sydney is her baby doll cousin and I think Sydney likes to play along.

Emma and Sydney