We started the day with both Ryan and I having to go into our offices for a 1/2 day. I was planning on taking the day off, but we are so busy so I went in for a few hours. It was very productive and quiet so well worth the trip.

We decided instead of doing nothing (we are kind of on the boring side when it comes to partying) we would invite a few couples over with the kids for a nice home cooked meal and some beverages.

Tommy and Jacki came over with their little girls Tori and Katy. They were here from about 5:00 till 8:00. We had some meatballs, mashed potatoes, and some veggies, dips, and then some desert...very laid back and simple. What was NOT simple is the disaster area that the toys became! Every part of Every toy was EVERYWHERE! They had a great time, but man was that a mess.

Tommy and Ryan did some poppers with the kiddos and Jacki and I enjoyed a drink and caught up.

I again have a new found respect for RSVP'ing. My brother and sister in law were invited, but totally understandable they backed out the day before...they are all sick. I appreciate people not coming over to spread their germs! Plus, I hadn't started cooking or even been to the store yet...not a big deal.

BUT...

We invited another family over and they would not give us a definite answer on if they were coming or not. It was almost as if they were waiting for a better offer. It was a difference between me making 1 or 2 batches of the dinner I was preparing. I sent a text and an email the night before to check and see because I was going to the store. Still no response until...2:30 yesterday saying they were coming and what can they bring AND they were leaving early because they had another place to go. Ugh...what? Were you raised in a barn?! Our shindig was starting around 4 or so and they knew this so that left me 1 1/2 hours to make more food for your family? I don't think so!

I called her back to say that we had canceled it all because we didn't know if they were coming or not. Told her that some of the other people were sick and backed out. Her response, "Well, I'm glad I'm not the reason for you to cancel!" Very inconsiderate. Still love their family to pieces...they have a little boy in Hagen's class and are SO cool to hang out with!

Anywho, our new years "theme" this year is budget and simplicity. We are going to get out of debt as far as our credit cards and we are going to get rid of stuff we are holding onto for NO reason whatsoever.

I am so thankful for everything in my life right now...my hubby who is such a hard worker, great Daddy, and wonderful husband....My baby boy Hagen who is testing his limits lately which he should be, talking so well, eats fairly good, and is very personable...My parents who are so fun to be around, easy to talk to, and so giving and loving to my family...My job that gives me the flexibility to be able to work while still being able to have a hot meal on the table for my boys...My house that is warm...My attic that I have all organized...My friends that are always there for me at the drop of a hat...just very thankful for everything!

In 2010 I hope to become pregnant, I hope to get out of debt, I hope to get a raise, I hope to continue to work on a pattern of working/cleaning/cooking/playing that works with our family, I hope to finally figure out what to put on my walls in my master bedroom...no, there is not one thing on our walls, and I hope to become a better wife and mother as well!

Cheers to a new year!

XO,
Carrie

...do you guys ever just get depressed after Christmas? I mean, I know the year is not over but I just get sad when it is just GONE so fast!

Hagen still talks about Kirby our Elf on the Shelf. This morning he said "Kirby doesn't like to make toys..." What? Where the hell...wait...

You know the old Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer show on TV? The elf on there is named Kirby (now I know how I got the name). Kirby wants to be a dentist...not make toys.

So that is the Kirby that comes to our house...and Kirby is a SHE...

I think part of the depressed state is that I have to work this week. I have one of the partners barking orders at me through IM...while he is off enjoying the holidays with his family. NOW, don't get me wrong...I only work part-time so it is not that big of a deal AND we are doing really good so I need to hire more people so that is why I am working...

I just get so down after Christmas...

On other news, I am going to start shopping around for a twin bed for little man. I think it is time. I'm looking for a black or dark wood twin bed with a trundle that can be concealed WITHOUT using a bed skirt. I have vintage cowboy sheets...looking for a reddish burgundy bamboo blanket and a dark denim comforter...that's what I am doing...

Yeah! Big boy bed here we come!!

Still down though...I want a cheeseburger...stat...

Carrie

Yes, it is that time in Hagen's childhood...the time that I have been dreading...it's come.

"I wanna do it myself!" is yelled to me a thousand times a day. This morning as I woke him up I started unzipping his PJ's "I wanna do it myself!" followed by a whine that just hurts my ears and then SLOWLY takes his PJ's off ONLY to find that the footie part is stuck on his foot. WHINE...

I go to take off soggy diaper "I wanna do it myself!" OK, then do it. Well, he can't find the sticky thing so I sneak in and help...busted and then he freaks the hell out!

Want Milk?
"I wanna do it myself!"

Want Mickey Mouse Clubhouse?
"I wanna do it myself!"

"I wanna do it myself!" "I wanna do it myself!" "I wanna do it myself!"

SO sick of those words.

But, it all goes away when I get the picture in my head of my naked cowboy playing his guitar...it is a back view with his buns on the ground sitting with his guitar in his lap singing "Big Green Tractor" and Rudolph...so precious!

He was back at school today and it was kinda sad taking him...only about 1/2 the kids were there. I am swamped at work and can't take off right now, so we will just have to move forward.

Boring post...sorry...

Carrie

P.S. My kid is SO constipated from eating a bunch of crap! He is tooting all day and it is TERRIBLE! WE were in Academy getting Ryan some stuff with his Christmas gift card and I asked Hagen, "did you toot?" He politely said OVER AND OVER "No, I didn't toot" for all to hear..."Mama, I didn't toot. Mom, I didn't toot. Mama...Hagen didn't toot". Casey, it reminded me of your video you posted!!

Hagen was PUMPED when he woke up at 8:45 and we told him that Santa came! He is in L.O.V.E with his guitar. Mind you not one person in our family plays the guitar so it is very out of tune. Mr. Dave is a guy that comes to Hagen's school every other Friday or so and he brings puppets and sings and dances and plays the guitar. Ever since the first time Mr. Dave came he has wanted a guitar. It is precious to see him with it laying on his lap singing big green tractor and "playing" his guitar.

He got loaded with gifts this year...ridiculous if I do say so myself. MP3 player, camera, guitar, scooter, laptop for kids, leapfrog game, leapfrog thingie that has a fat pen that reads books to him, a blow up dolphin that is like a punching bag, fire trucks and station, doctor kit, remote control car, Home Depot tool kit for kids, Ice Age movie and Polar Express movie, lunch box, books, nativity for his tree, and MUCH MORE. Let's just say that our families are very generous.

Now the part that I am dreading...I HAVE NO ROOM. We turned under the stairs into a toy area. I took out the coat hanging bar and we put container store shelves in there and it is where all his toys go. It is getting quite full...but it is so fun! Spoiled? Yes, a little, but I am OK with that. He does share so that is good...well, on most days!

Today we are cleaning up around the house, organizing, just chilling. LOVE having Christmas on Friday so that we have the whole weekend to play and straighten up.

We spent Christmas morning as a family and ate pigs in a blanket (Hagen just ate the pig part) and then headed over to Nana's house at 3:00...so fun!

Merry Christmas all!
Carrie

Today was so relaxing and so fun!

Ryan's family and mine are all local, so usually the holidays are great because we see everyone but not great because we are constantly on the go and have to see everyone.

We decided that we would spend Christmas Eve with one side and then Christmas day with the other. This year, we spend Christmas Eve with my side. My brother and Sister in law flew to New Jersey and will spend Christmas with her family, so it was just my parents, Ryan, Hagen and I.

My parents came over around 3:00. Hagen was napping but knew that when he woke up he would be greeted by Papa and Pia and we were having a party!

We decorated cookies for Santa, played in the snow, opened presents, took pictures, put reindeer food on the lawn, ate a wonderful meal, took a bath and put on new PJ's, Papa read Twas the Night before Christmas, and then it was off to bed.

But wait...remember who was starting to freak out at the fact that Santa was going to be in his house? Well, he didn't want to get in his bed...he was terrified. So what do we do? We say Santa is coming tomorrow! Yep, we lied...on Christmas Eve. It's kinda true...I mean, he won't SEE what Santa left him until tomorrow. Poor baby was scared to go to sleep...crisis averted and he was asleep within minutes and never did come out of his room.

Ryan and I solicited the help of Papa to put some toys out. His job was to blow up the dolphin punching bag and to build a castle out of Hagen's new blocks! My job? I had to take bites out of the cookies left for Santa...Ryan had to take little nibbles of carrots that were left for the reindeer. I lucked out for sure.

In true Ryan fashion, he wrapped up the turkey foot for my mom. He made it not look as scary and put some of MY nail polish on the nails...3 coats to be exact. Mom freaked...Hagen grabbed it to show her how it isn't scary. I think Mom thinks we are the grossest people ever...we are...I agree.

It was SO relaxing today...no rush, no schedule...just enjoying each other and the snow! Yes, I said snow. This is the first White Christmas in 80 years for us Dallasites. It was BEAUTIFUL!!

Merry Christmas!
Carrie

My Dad is one of the most generous people I have ever known. I am so proud of the man that he is...I have never been embarrassed by him and the things he does (OK so maybe when he embarrassed me when I was a teen, but who can say their parents haven't embarrassed them a time or two).

Every Christmas since I can remember by Dad gets $1,000 in $100 dollar bills, puts them into 10 individual envelopes and gives them to random people and says, "This is from Santa Claus...Merry Christmas." and then drives off and doesn't wait for them to open them.

He gave one to the Sonic girl, one to the parking attendant, pulled up to an old man in a truck and gave one to him, one to a guy walking in the rain in Downtown Plano, one to the young convienience store clerk, etc.

He called this morning to say that he has 3 for me to give. It makes me so excited to be able to do this for someone when otherwise I wouldn't be able to.

What a guy...what an AMAZING person...Dad, so happy that you are mine! And I am the only girl...so I'm your girl...your only...and cute too...and smart...

Love,
Carrie

...and Hagen is crapping his pants.

We are counting down the days until Santa comes and brings toys and things for the GOOD kiddos. Lately it is questionable which list my little guy is on...mostly the good list...this morning? Not so much.

2 more days till Santa! That means two more sleeps, two more naps, two more baths, etc. Everything today is 2.

Now the part that freaks him out. The part where Santa comes to our house when we are sleeping and brings gifts. We tell him that Santa comes ONLY when we are asleep so that we will not actually SEE him. When we tell him this, you can almost see the gerbils on the wheel in his head thinking, "Great, now he's going to come in my room and scare me!"

No no my little precious one...I promise that you will NOT see Santa...I PROMISE! HE WON'T EVEN ENTER YOUR ROOM!

Bottom lip out...quivering...teary eyes...chin down..."Santa comes in 2 days..."

Amazingly Hagen has not rearranged any ornaments on my tree and has not even tried to unwrap ANY gifts under the tree! He even put them there after I wrapped them up! That was his job. I am really kinda shocked that he has left them alone! Of course they are for the rest of the family and not him.

Today is the last day of work until Monday...work is really busy right now which is good. We start the Christmas festivities tomorrow with my parents and then Christmas day with Ryan's family. We switch every year. We make it so that the year my brother and sister in law don't travel we have Christmas with my parents so that we are all together!!

Love all of you...so nice to be able to "talk" whenever I want. I am not a phone person, so blogging is RIGHT up my alley!

Merry Christmas my friends,
Carrie

Well, Ryan came home early! Yep, he arrived in time to shower and get ready for the party on Sunday. I was SO happy that we could go as a family. It was at Glen Eagles Country Club and it was a 2 hour thing..."Whore-derves" were served (I never know how to spell that so I decided to go obnoxious), Balloon clown person, holiday music, trains, etc. It was so fun and Hagen had a blast. I got a glass of wine, kicked back and chatted with the girls and Ryan chased Hagen around. Ahh...bliss. I had one glass of wine and then 3 glasses of Hagen's apple juice! I mean, come on! It just tasted so good!

OK, so the jealous part. Ryan shot a doe...a deer...a female deer, and a turkey. He donated the turkey but kept 2 things ...for Hagen...or to just completely gross me out.
1. a Turkey feather
2. A freaking turkey foot! He duct taped the end where it was chopped but the dang foot is still floppy!

To make matters worse, Ryan, Hagen and turkey were playing with his new monkeys in a barrel and turkey was holding them with his toes! Ugh...GROSS!

Told you you would be jealous...

Late,
Carrie

Saturday night was the night of my company holiday party. Our party is different in that your spouse and your kids are invited. Ryan is hunting...so thank the lord I had another date lined up!

Earlier in the day Hagen and I wanted to get out of the house. So we went to Uncle Julio's and then did a little shopping. We split chicken fajitas and had a great time. We came home for Hagen to take a nap and I got ready while he was sleeping. It was a short nap...but that always means he wakes up a demon. He did in true fashion and I was afraid he wasn't going to come out of it in time for the party.

He did and we went. We had a great time! There are 2 little boys that are around Hagen's age that were not there, so I was his best friend for the night. We played soccer outside. By us was a group of little girls about 12 years old and Hagen kept stopping and going over to them and saying, "That's my Mama!" I think Ryan needs to work with him on his pick up skills...not sure that is going to work for long!

We had rehearsed in the car on the way on what to say to people. All night he was saying "Nice to meet you" and "Thanks for having me". WAY.CUTE if I do say so myself.

Then...Santa arrived. Hagen started shaking and crying. Santa called his name last and I held him while walking to Santa. Santa gave him a gift (Monkey's in a Barrel) and Hagen was yelling "THANK YOU SANTA! THANK YOU SANTA!" while we were walking away. Again, it was so cute!

He sat at the kiddie table with Savannah and her little brother Matthew and had a great date.

When we left, he gave hugs and kisses High Fives and fist bumps. I was so proud.

Thank you for the great date Hagen. Mama was sad that once again for the second year in a row your Daddy was hunting during her holiday party, but you have been a great date the past 2 years and it makes me so proud!

Love,
Mama

Hagen, you are quite the funny guy! Your sense of humor is getting...well...let's just say it is getting there! You have alot to live up to as your Mama is HILARIOUS! Be patient my little one...

Last night was so much better than Tuesday night. I appreciate all the comments. I seriously felt so low after that night. I was sad...I felt he hated me (to be honest I wasn't really fond of him). Yesterday was so much better! We had a nice dinner (fish, edamame, and mashed potato's) and he ate well, we bathed and got in our PJ's before the 7:00 Christmas special was on and he didn't know but Daddy surprised him by coming in when the show was beginning! I knew, but didn't tell Hagen because we wanted it to be a surprise. He was so happy!

So, when he was in his bath, I was doing the usual soapy hair Mohawk. He checked it out in the drainy thing...what the hell is that thing called...the thing that you can see your reflection. Anyway, he said he was a dinosaur! I did horns next (very fitting from the night before) and he laughed and said he was Shrek! He then wanted to shave my face, his face, his legs, and his stomach and we were done. He wanted me to look like Shrek. That's fairly easy...I put my hair in two ponytail loopy things. He said, "That's not Shrek...that's Mickey Mouse". Sweet baby...sometimes.

So then it was on to get our Apple Cider (I just warm up watered down apple juice for him) and then getting the fire ready. Tell you what, the wood was POPPING like crazy in the fire! At one point, I was tending to the fire and heard a loud pop and then smelled like my hair burned. I checked my hair...nothing...checked my sweater...nothing. Then I saw it. A glowing red ember IN.MY.CARPET. It was about 6 feet from the fireplace. I stomped it out and it only melted a little area and you can't even really see it. I have shaggy brown/tan/black carpet. But Geez! How scary is that! Now, I didn't have the screen closed because I was tending to the fire, but man alive...that freaked me out! I turned the gas off and just let the fire die down.

One more thing...when I picked Hagen up from school yesterday I told him we had to go to the store to get more fruit (more apples, oranges that PEEL correctly, etc.) He said OK and he wanted blue fruit. I said Blueberries? Yep, that's what he wanted. And he got them and eats them like crazy! I hate plain blueberries! Pancakes, muffins, that's good, but plain?! eewww!

While we were getting our fruit he reminded me that he gets a free cookie at the bakery. So we went to get one. WELL, it didn't have M&M's on it! He threw himself on the floor and was screaming. People were walking by me smiling like "I got you sister" and I said, "Hagen, people are looking at you and thinking how sad it is that Santa will be here soon and you are acting like this."

That didn't help. He kept on...I was calm. I then said, "Hagen! We forgot something! You know what we need to get?"

Crying stopped and Hagen said, "What?"

I said "A new scrub brush for Mama's dishes"
Hagen: "OK, let's go"

He helped me pick out a new scrubbie and ate his cookie. Man, I would love to have a short term memory like that!

Tata,
Carrie

...ugh...sorry to vent but I have to do it...I'm in such a pissy mood and am so disappointed in myself and my son.

Let's start the story off by saying that Ryan is out of town...left early Monday morning and will return late on Wednesday night...leaving again on Friday morning and not returning until later Sunday. Hagen will be attending my holiday party for work (kids are invited) for the second year without my husband. It's OK, but I'm wondering if they think I am really married. I will then be going to another holiday party on Sunday with Hagen and without my husband. I wasn't bitter...after tonight I am VERY.BITTER.

I picked Hagen up from school. The teacher said that he had a great day, took a good nap, and was a good boy. Well, glad he was at school because I swear my kid is still there and I instead picked up Damian...no lie.

We get home and it was melt down before we even got out of the car. It was because he wanted muffins for a snack and I said it was too close to dinner so he could choose between and apple, orange, or raisins. He was not having it. He finally wanted an orange (those little cutie oranges).
I f'ed up and peeled the damn thing for him...he wants to do everything by himself nowadays...bad move on my part. He was livid...He picked out another and was pissed again because it would peel right. He was flipping around on the kitchen floor and I grabbed him pretty quickly and put him in my room...in the dark...we call it the crying/whining room. He was in there for 30 minutes SCREAMING! I went in there and told him it was time to settle down. He was trying to talk and couldn't catch his breath. We sat there for awhile. I was counting to 10...really it was about a million.

We were planning on meeting my Sister In Law and nephew for dinner...she was also a single mom tonight. I called her and said it would be over my dead body if I were to take him out in public. Plus he said he didn't want to go on a date so that was that.

Enter meltdown 2: He decided he DID want to go on a date. Fat chance my little pistol...that ship has sailed and you are eating frozen dinosaur chicken nuggets or meatballs...again, your choice.

We finally sat down to eat (with a damn apple) and I asked him why he is acting so naughty tonight. Poor baby said he misses Daddy. I wonder if it is because I was probably the meanest I have ever been to him...

I hate nights like this. I honestly felt so out of control. I had to count to myself SEVERAL times to calm down. He really doesn't melt down like this but when he does it is terrible.

At one time I was taking him to potty. I helped him take his pants off and saw his bare white butt and just wanted to spank it so bad...I refrained...ladies it was bad.

OK, I'm done...I want to say I feel better...but I really don't. Just want to go to bed.

Carrie

Last night after dinner we were trying to think of something festive to do! It was 6:15ish and bath was in about 30 minutes. I'm a stickler for prompt bedtimes because I have to wake sweet warm baby up in the morning. I hate waking him up! It just seems wrong.

We decided even though it is not Christmas Eve we would go look at Christmas lights! I got a warm blanket and some warm cider in a sippy for little man and we piled in the car jamming out to The Chip monks Christmas CD. Yes, Ryan was about to throw himself out of the car. Me? I LOVE the CD! Love the chip monks! (I also love Gattitown....have I told you? And Sonic Ice Tea)

In my family the tradition was to go look at lights on Christmas eve right before bed to wear us out and make us go to bed so that the elves can get our loot ready!

I vividly remember my Dad (SO much like Clark Griswald) driving our brown benz (turd on wheels) around. Then BAM! BAM! you will never believe what happened. Yes, we were egged on Christmas Eve! Dad bolted out of the car to chase the perps in the dark...never did catch them.

Looking back I would have LOVED to have a hidden video in the car...it would be something like this:

Music in the background (oh the weather outside is frightful....)
Me: Oooo! That's my favorite
Mom: That is nice Carrie now rest your eyes little angel
Matt (my older butt hole, I mean brother): Can we go home yet?
Adam (my little twerp of a brother): Who farted? The windows are foggy
Dad: The next person who farts in this car I'm going to pull over and SPANK!
Mom: David, what do you want them to do...sew it up?
(BAM, CRACK, SPLAT)
Dad: Shit, what was that?!
Adam: Dad said shit...
Mom: Adam, knock it off
(kinda like the scene from A Christmas Story when Ralphie drops the F-Bomb)

Dad: We're going home...AND...you are all going to bed and not to be seen until 8:00AM (yes, we had a time we could not leave our rooms until...pretty smart!)

OK, so last night was not like that. But, we were enjoying it! Not as many lights out this year, but still so pretty! We were about 1/2 way done and Hagen decided he wanted to go home. What?! Bah humbug Mr. Hagen James...BAH HUMBUG. Ryan of course was like, "we're turning around right now my man! Thanks for the out!" Whatever, it was fun...at least I thought so.

Tata,
Carrie

I have been MIA...sorry about that! Lots to post about, but we were having computer issues at home (83 viruses to be exact) so that was putting a damper on my posting! yes...83 viruses. Ryan had the nerve to say "maybe we (he means me) should watch some of the sites we are going to". Honey, I use the home computer to check email, post on my blog and that is about it. Maybe YOU should stop surfing porn and doing fantasy football...that may help! Gah!

My little man...he really is...he is this little short person that I am just Gaga over. He is so freaking cute! The things that come out of his mouth are priceless. Here are a couple for your reading pleasure:

Hagen: Daddy, what you doing?
Ryan: Making a shake! (protein shake...breakfast)
Hagen: I want a triangle!
Sweet baby thought he was making a SHAPE!

**********************
Anytime Hagen is going potty...
Hagen: Get out! I don't want to get Poo Poo on you!
We have to shut the door and when he is done he says he wants to hear Old McDonald song. We started singing a song of his choice after he says he is done going. It will usually buy enough time for him to actually finish going...good trick!

************************************
Ryan: Hagen, Kirby is watching you. Do you think he is going to tell Santa you are Naughty or Nice?
Hagen: Ninety

************************************
Putting Hagen in his car seat to go to school
Hagen: Oh my Gosh...Oh my gosh...Oh my gosh
Mama: (thanking the lord he is saying gosh and not the lords name in vain) What's the matter Hagen?
Hagen: My Unnerware! My UNNERWARE!!
The crotch buckle thing had caught the back of his pants and pulled them down when I was putting him in his chair. He was bare butted in his seat.

**********************

If I am not doing what he wants me to do he tells me:
Hagen : You be a good gurl mama...

*******************
This little story is actually about mui. I received a gift last year as a joke and I actually love it! They are Mama sized zipper footie PJ's that are bright red with Sock Monkey's for the feet. LOVE.THEM.

I wore them Saturday night and was all cozy by the fire watching TV. The next morning I was still wearing them and was DYING for some Sonic Tea! it was already 10:30 for crying out loud.

I brushed my teeth, put my contacts in, and said screw it...I'm going in my Pj's. I've done it before...no biggie.

So I pull up, order my drink, put my credit card in the thingie and then the tornado came...it sucked the card out of my hand and it flew under my car. CRAP...what to do... The only thing to do was ignore the tons of cars and get out and pick it up. So I did that...but it wasn't just that easy...

You see, when the tornado came it took my card all the way under my car...in the middle. So instead of just bending over and picking it up, I was crawling under my car...in my bright red PJ's...at a busy Sonic. I'm just waiting for my photo to show up on a "Look at the white trash people of McKinney, TX" site...

********************

Last topic of the day...Hagen's Peanut's.

You may remember that he calls "it" his Peanuts...we don't mind...it's kinda cute.

When I picked Hagen up from school yesterday the teacher had told me they kept having to tell him to get his hands out of his pants. He had them in there all day long. They asked him if it hurt and he said, "no it tickles". What?! Oh lord...not ready...not ready...not ready...NO!

So Ryan had the man talk with him tonight and said to try to refrain or whatever he actually said. I'm hoping I have some more years before growdy boy stuff happens. I am FULLY aware that he is just checking things out, but it was such a glimpse into the future that kinda freaked me out!

AND, today was crazy hair day...again...and Hagen was the only one that got the memo...AGAIN. come on parents! Read your kids freaking papers! I don't get it...

Tata,
Carrie

When Ryan and I got married my Mom and Ryan's Mom took the opportunity to give us all the dust covered crap that they saved for us. "Mom, thank you so much for saving my mum from homecoming! I may just have to decorate my house with it!"

OK, so my Mom was actually very good at what she decided to save and what to toss and for the most part what she saved she kept in my old room in my closet which was very neatly organized.

Now Ryan's Mom? Not so much. Thank you so SOO so much for the old Trophies! Man, those are great! Especially the boy scout one...my favorite. OH, and not to outdo the trophies, but he HUGE albums with he sticky paper that has every.single.newspaper article that even mentioned Ryan's name that are overflowing, half sticking, and very yellow?! How can I EVER repay you for such a thoughtful gift? My heart over floweth...

I recently cleaned out the attic (yes, while I had strep and sinus infection...remember the steroid post) and came across all of the boxes from my MIL. I took the albums and gave them to Ryan with a beer and said, "Narrow it down or I am out..." OK, so not so bitchy...VERY close though. Hagen and I left him alone to fill his ego. I came back a bit later and would you believe that he narrowed it down to just over 10 articles! I was SO impressed. and the trophies? 1.ONE.UNO trophies!!

I saw in a design blog a cute way to display some important balls. no no ladies...not testicles, but baseballs! You see, my Ryan was VERY athletic and very good at Baseball and Football. He had about 6 baseballs that were important to him. I didn't want them in the little plastic thing that was meant to display them so I put them in an apothecary type jar that was clear. It sits on the bookshelf right next to his trophy and his first batting glove which is ADORABLE! I am so impressed with it!!

The one thing that my Mom did give me when I got married was all of my ornaments. My Mom use to buy me and my brothers an ornament every year...usually depicting what our interest was for the year. One of my favorites was a salt dough one of a little girl ice skating. I LOVE salt dough ornaments! So, when Hagen was born (she gave me my perfectly filled out baby book) I wanted to do the same for him. So I go to the same holiday bazaar every year and mainly for the salt dough couple! The first year was a baby's first Christmas thingie, last year was a little boy on a John Deere Tractor, and this year I was going for a Fireman theme. That old couple ditched! They skipped out and didn't show up this year. Crap...where do you find good quality salt dough ornaments? And NO I am not making one...I like the ones that are made for me.

Ryan said there was a holiday bazaar at his office building this morning so I told him that I would GREATLY appreciate him going to look and see if they have them. He sent me an email and said he found an ornament with a fire house and a hat and says "firefighter" on it and Hagen's name...I am so thankful that he went but am scared of what it will look like. I will keep it and use it as a good story even if it isn't cute...just telling Hagen that his daddy went to a bazaar to buy his ornament will be greatness!

OK, so this went WAY longer than I expected it to!

Ta ta,
Carrie

Today I went to meet Ryan at lunch. It was a longer lunch and I was planning on finishing up some work at home. I decided to head back to the office because I didn't have any of my work stuff with me. Plus, honestly I do get more done in the office. Hello...Dr. Phil is on at 3:00.

So I went back and got stuck on calls, meetings, etc. and was really getting alot done. Next thing I know it is 4:00 (which is the time I usually pick up little man) and I call Ryan and he said he was about to leave and would pick him up. I ended up not leaving until just after 5:00.

I dealt with rush hour traffic for the first time in 2 1/2 years...in the rain...it blew! I didn't get home until 6:00...Ryan was heating up leftovers from the night before and then it was bath and nite nite routine. I was so sad...sad for people that have to do this daily, sad for my brother and sister in law that do this everyday, just sad. Sad that there could be a day that I would have to work full-time again.

I was horrified at the thought of working while being a mom in the first place...that got better knowing that my son was in a good place, making lots of friends, and learning life lessons so that he doesn't get his butt kicked on the playground in Kindergarten. He is learning and LIKES his school. But, the thought of him being there for 10 hours a day CREEPS me out! It's the same feeling I had when I first started working and I'm sure it will be OK...just like it is now. You have to do what you have to do. People are blessed to become parents and sometimes have to make sacrifices to make ends meet.

I am blessed to be able to work and spend quality time with Hagen each day, I am blessed to be doing a job that I enjoy and feel good about (I get people jobs), I am blessed to be working for people that put their families first, I am blessed to have Hagen in a school that I trust and he likes, I am blessed to have a husband that works hard during the day to be home for dinner each night, I am blessed to have family time every day and just love on each other, I am blessed to have all of my immediate family within 20 minutes of where I live, I am blessed that I have a relationship with my parents that I can literally ask my parents for anything or any advise and they will bend over backwards to help or slap me in the face (verbally) with the truth...just blessed...and so thankful...for everything.

Nite,
Carrie

Kirby is our Elf on the Shelf. I named him...Ryan did not approve, but it was already written in the book so it stuck.

To be honest, Kirby is a little jacked up looking...Hagen refers to Kirby as "she". I guess Kirby is a girl.

When we explained that Kirby goes to the North Pole when we are sleeping to report to Santa how we behaved for the day you could just see the wheels turning in his head. I told him that we can not touch Kirby because it makes his magical powers go away.

SO, when Hagen is not being good we tell him that Kirby is watching...he stops and stares at Kirby for a good 5 seconds and then immediately turns to us and says "hold me"...he's scared.

I think the funniest thing coming out of this is when we tell Hagen he needs to behave he tells us "I am being haved..." Cute boy...

When he looks for Kirby in the morning to see where he landed he kinda looks a bit spooked...this morning he was in Hagen's little tree in the family room (the main tree is in the entryway).

Is it wrong to have Kirby out all year?

Carrie