Pre Christmas Eve

Well, its been a while since I blogged so I thought since I have time and I'm all done cleaning for the night I would relax and do a little typing.

It was a busy week, even though we only had 4 days to work it still seemed like a long one. Nothing too exciting happened at work other than training our temps. They are finally on the phones and most of them are by themselves. It such a good feeling when this happens. The only bad thing is one of 5 temps we hired found a full time job so she quit. It really sucks, but it could be a good thing because maybe we can get a full timer in. We are 2 people short and it's really affecting our numbers, so hopefully by the 1st week in January we will have someone start. We narrowed it down to 2 people so now we left it in the hands of the boss.

We got out of work early today, it's always nice getting out the day before a holiday. We got out at 2! The only thing that kind of sucked was I still had to teach Jazzercise at 4:30, but I came home and got a few things done around the house then went to Jazzercise. I always feel so much better once I'm done and I need the exercise. I have a feeling I will be eating a lot the next couple of days so exercising is the thing to do. After Jazz tonight me, Tom and Brandon headed out to Menards. I was surprised but it was not busy at all. Tom wanted to get some bird seed and it was on sale so we ventured out. We headed home after that to clean.

I got both bathrooms done and dusted. Now that's a chore! Tomorrow I will vacuum and just do some tiding up before the Hillebrand/Barrett clan come over to celebrate Christmas. I love having it at our house. Tom and his mom and dad came up today to help make up the ham and cheese sandwiches and Tom made a couple dips, uncle Dan's dip, Kristi's pretzel dip and an Artichoke dip. I think we'll have plenty. I'm hoping for some left overs to take to the Hendricks Christmas on Sunday. If not we'll be making something else.

I'm hoping to get some pictures so I have something to post tomorrow!

Merry Christmas to all!

Few Christmas Photos

Today I picked up my pictures from Disneyland and they turned out awesome, most of them I posted but I got one picture for one of my new frames I got in CA, not Disneyland, but if I was thinking, I should have bought a picture frame for a couple pictures. Well, here's one of my ornaments. I got a couple wallet size pictures of the ones with Leah and I and it worked out perfect for this frame.ornament. I can't believe how much I miss her, yes I can, duh, she's adorable and such a sweetie. I got my hair done today and was showing my pictures and one of the girls asked if she was mine, I just said "I wish" LOL but one day I will have one little munchkin running around. 2011's going to be the year!

Here's a few other pictures of our house all decorated. My house isn't very clean so these are the only pics that I took.

I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday, it's been a super long week and I'm just ready for the weekend. I have been training all week and it's so exhausting. The 5 girls are finally in there own office doing some work, but there's a couple who's not quite ready yet. Hopefully next week!

We are playing "secret Santa" at work this week, it's so fun. Monday I got a "smores" candle. It looks like a smore without the marshmallows melted. The base looks like a graham cracker then on top of that is a piece of chocolate then there are 2 marshmallows with the candle in that. Super cute! I don't really have anything decorated in my office so now I have a little something. One of the girls was saying I need to bring some pictures in or something so I brought one of my wedding pictures. I will have to start "decorating". Tuesday I got a huge rice crispy treat, almost as big as the one Leah was eating on the way home from Disneyland. Wednesday I got a candy cane filled with sweet tarts. I didn't get anything today, hmm, I wonder who was off today, I might be able to figure out who my SS is. On Monday we get to reveal who our secret Santa's are and give and get a little bigger gift.

I kind of spoiled my person I had, I bought a few things out in CA for her. Monday I got her something cheesy just because I wanted to put it on her desk before I left Friday so it would be waiting for her on Monday, so I went and just got her some candy - Rolo's! Tuesday I gave her some cozy socks with a scented Santa ornament, Wednesday I got her a gift I bought at Home Goods in CA, it was some hot chocolate in what looks like a big Christmas light bulb. I have to say it was so funny, because I put it on her desk while she was on break and when she came back she said she thought it was a "vibrator" you have to know Deona, it was so funny! But she loved it. I guess if you look at it like that it could look like one. Today, I got her some Girradeles Caramels, not sure how to spell that, but they're so good! I had to get a bag for home too. Hopefully Tom didn't eat them all, or the kids! I'm excited for Monday because I have a couple things for her, a new necklace and a bowl and dip spreader, super cute. The necklaces are made by Linda, Tom's mom and his aunt Sandy Bush, that's for you Steph, They are so creative, I know they got the idea from a craft show but I think its amazing how they do all the work. I got to pick on out for myself and I'm going to wear mine on Monday, so when I give Deona her's everyone will want to "buy" one. Lucky for them I will have several on hand just in case. Hopefully I can make a little money for Linda and Sandy.

Saturday snow storm

It's the first time I got to see the snow fall this "winter" and there's a lot of it. The last big snowfall was last Friday and I was in California, so I just got to see it all on the ground.

The freezing rain started last night and into the morning then this afternoon the snow started coming down super thick and heavy.  We had our Jazzercise Christmas party about 10:30 and last until about 1:00. It was kind of a meeting/holiday party. Shelly made a couple of egg casserole and different brunch items. Someone brought a cinnamon roll bake or something like that, it was pretty good. We also had some mimosa's, yummy! We all got a little gift from the new owners, they picked out ornaments for each of us that kind of resembled us, I got a hawkeye hat ornament. It's super cute. I also got a pair of aloe socks and some hand and body lotions. After the party I picked Tom up at his parents, he was helping his dad install handles and knobs on the new cabinets. This was the first time I seen there new kitchen and it looks awesome!

We headed up to mom and dad's after I picked Tom up, we should have went home since the roads were not the best but mom asked for our help with decorating cookies. She really wanted all the kids up, but Lexi was the only one who made it, but we got er all done. We frosted sugar cookies while Lexi decorated with the sprinkles, then we made peanut butter and ritz crackers and almond back pretzels. Mom made some sloppy joe's, she always make such good sloppy joe's. Mom was busy this morning making Chicken noodle soup too, I got to take some of that home for dinner or lunch sometime this week. We didn't stay up at mom and dad's very long because of the weather, it hadn't slowed down the whole time we were up there, so we left about 4:00 or so and the road were not good at all. We got home and started our own cookies, we're having a cookie exchange tomorrow on the Hillebrand side so we made some cookies.

Ok this blog is kind of boring. We just started watching Grey's Anatomy since we can't get any channels on Direct TV because of all the snow. But thank God for DVR! Tom just didn't want to watch any chick flicks so we decided to catch up on Grey's.

McGraw-Hill Christmas Party

This is just one of the many perks that McGraw-Hill has to offer. We got out of work early today to attend this party. Even though it would have been nice having it on a Saturday night, getting out of work 2 hours early wasn't too bad. The only thing that sucks is I have to go to work tomorrow :(

Today was a long day, I have been training a new temp employee and today was a day from, well I shouldn't say, but all I can say is training is very exhausting. You always have your own way of doing things and explaining why and how you do it, its just sometimes its gets very frustrating!  I'm just glad the temps are not working tomorrow and I can get caught up on my own stuff. LOL

So at the Christmas party we got 2 free drinks and a lot of different hor'devours, I have no idea how to spell that word, but they had chicken strips, veggie tray, huge scallops wrapped in bacon, crap cakes, egg rolls, meatballs, chicken on a skewer, jumbo shrimp and I'm sure there are a few things I'm missing, but it was super good. They gave away one prize and it was a nights stay in the Executive suite at the Hotel Julien, unfortunately I didn't win anything. But I did get a few extra drink tickets so the good thing was I didn't even have to pay for a drink! After the party a few of us went down to the hotel bar, the Riverboat Lounge, for double bubble. I didn't have anymore drinks since I had to drive home and it was snowing and raining most of the afternoon so I didn't want to risk anything. I ended up getting home about 6:00 or so. I called Tom to come down, but he wasn't feeling the best so he didn't feel like coming down. I think there's a bug in our house, Brandon has been kind of sick with a sore throat and I have been fighting a cold since I got back from CA, probably the weather change. Anyway it was a good night.

Last night I got to pick out my Christmas, a new watch. I can't wait to wear it. Tom thought forsure I would have it one today, trust me I thought about it, but I decided I should wait for Christmas..I don't know if I can, but I'll try. I also got a new pair of earrings. So now that everyone knows what I got for Christmas I won't have to blog at Christmas. Just kidding! I actually enjoy this, not as much as my sister-in-law but I do like it. Luke calls Steph the Blogger stalker. LOL She loves to read blogs and she gets great ideas from them and she writes a great blog. I just ramble on and probably don't make any sense, like right now.

Well, they are calling for snow this weekend so I'm not sure what's going on. I do have a Jazzercise Christmas party Saturday about 10:30 and then mom is making cookies and was hoping the kids could come up and decorate. I think Brandon might, but not for sure. I know Chris and Kristi's boys have basketball so they wont be up so we'll see.

Disneyland vacation part two

It was a long day today so I don't know how my blogs going to sound. First of all, St. Nick came, Brandon and Micayla finally discovered there was something in there stocking. St. Nick brought them each an Disneyland ornament and each a Holister shirt, they both loved it!

Here are some more pictures that are my favorite that I would like to share.

Leah going up to hug Goofy.

Leah being silly with me. She loved to stick her finger in my ear, LOL

 

Right here she's sticking her finger in my ear.

Leah and I before getting on the Winnie the Pooh ride.

Cinderella or snow white's castle, not sure who's, but it sure was beautiful all lit up.

And a huge Christmas tree.

Daddy and Leah

Mommy and Leah

Our 2nd day at Disneyland was just as Magical, we started out the morning at Disneyland park then ventured our way to California adventure, it's right next door to Disneyland. They had a couple of really good rides, starting with Hotel of Terror, Luke and I went on this together and I think I about peed my pants I screamed so loud. I even grab the girls leg next to me along with Luke's but it was awesome! The other ride we went on was Soaring over California, I got to go on this ride twice, first time with Stephanie, she was kind of scared, as we were standing in line waiting an announcement came over and said if you have a fear of flying or are afraid of heights then this ride probably isn't for you, she just kept on talking! She was so brave and we had so much fun, however, I did look over a couple of times and her eyes were closed, but she said the parts she did see was amazing. We went over all parts of California starting with San Francisco, we went over a river, not sure what one, but you could smell the pine trees and when we went over an orange tree field you could smell oranges, it was so refreshing. Then finally we were flying over Disneyland and got the watch the fireworks from up in the air. After Steph and I went on, Luke wanted to go so him and I went, it was just as amazing as the first time.

We watched the parade at California Adventure then started to head towards the big ferris wheel. It was starting to get cold and we were tired, however I wanted to stay and watch World of Color, but it didn't start until 8:15 or so, so after we ate we headed back to the hotel and when we got back the fireworks were going off right out our patio door in our hotel room, it was much more spectacular than were we saw them the night before in the park. It was breathtaking! After the fireworks I decided to walk back to see World of Color, it was tricky getting in since I had to have a special pass which I didn't get or even know about, but I sneaked in and got to see the show, it was beautiful. I have a great video on my phone but not sure how to transfer it, oh well, so after the show I decided I needed a drink and Luke text me and said he's on his way, so I walk towards our hotel and in the Downtown Disney District was a bar, $8 a beer! The money went fast that night. Luke and I had a few then headed down to ESPN zone again, we had some free coupons so we competed against each other, I think I won most of them, but not 100% sure! Luke would probably say he won, but I think I really won. I know I won the racing games and he definitely won the football throwing game. So after that place closed and they closed at 11:30 so it wasn't like 2am or anything, but we wanted a couple more beers and the bartender at the bar said there is a bar in our hotel room, what! We had no idea, so off we went, the only thing bad was I had to drink Budweiser! So needless to say once we got back to the room I was hungry and the night before I got a big bag of kettle corn, it smelled so good and they were cooking it so I bought a bag, well, I was kind of loud and Luke was laughing and kicking her feet that Steph got upset. I'm so sorry again Steph, but we had so much fun and it was great hanging out with me little bro.

The next morning we got to sleep in a little, thank God, my stomach wasn't feeling the best but we got to eat in Goofy's kitchen it was awesome, the food was great and all the characters came to our table and talk to Leah, she was mesmerized!

I have to say there were several moments at Disneyland that I had tears in my eyes, just being with my brother and his family was awesome and when they asked me, I knew there was no way I could turn this down, it's a once in a lifetime for me and I hope to pay them back sometime, somehow and I would love to back again someday, especially around Christmas time!

The rest of the week once we got back to Sacramento was nice and relaxing. Steph and I did a lot, I mean a lot of shopping, we shopped till we dropped and we had a blast. We first went to lunch at one of her favorite restaurants called Selland's, we met one of her good friends who is having a baby in the next couple of weeks and the baby is breach :( although she was going to do some acupuncture treatment to help move the baby, hopefully it worked. Steph will have to give me an update. Anyway the food was awesome, I had a roast beef sandwich and it melted in my mouth it was so good. Then off to the mall we went and we were there for about 3 hours! I got some Christmas shopping done and a little shopping for myself.

Friday I went to work with Luke, he had to go to an account and sell some furniture. We played a little stunt on his customer, thank God he was cool with it, but anyway, I went into the store with a packet of fabrics and asked for Jim, I told him my name and that I was his new Flexsteel rep, I think his jaw hit the floor, it was so funny. All I really said after I introduced myself was "let's buy some furniture" he looked at me like I was crazy, then came Luke..It was hysterical. We were there for about 2 hours and Jim FINALLY bought a few items from Luke, yippee! He suggested a great restaurant so Luke and I went for Lunch. I can't remember the name of the restaurant but it was delicious. I had a ruben and Luke had a hamburger.

We headed home and since it was rainy and cold out, Luke and Steph stayed home, I don't blame them, but I spent the rest of night playing with Lele. We did a little trick or treating and jumping on my bed and just hanging out. God I miss her already so much!

My flight was on Saturday and everything went super smooth even with all the snow we got back here. I was glad to be home, but I just wish Luke and his family were closer. We all miss them so so much.

My first day back to work today was long, tomorrow I have to train 5 new temps, not really looking forward to it, but it will all be OK.

Good night!

Patch's scarf and tail coozie

Ok, so since Patches has been losing her hair, her Grandma decided to make a scarf and a tail coozie. At least that's what she calls it. Well, it's super cute and we did get it on her so here are a few pictures. Linda I think you found your calling, LOL

Although it's super cute, it didn't last too long. Tom's trying again, but it will really help her, poor thing.

Disneyland vacation part one

Wow, I don't even know where to begin....all I can say is I had an AMAZING vacation thanks to Luke, Steph and Leah!

It all started last Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Tom and Brandon drove me up to Madison at 2:30am, my flight was leaving at 6:30 so we didn't get much sleep, but I was pumped so it didn't really bother me. We got up to Madison about 4:15am or so and decided to do a little "black Friday" shopping since I didn't want to be at the airport super early, just enough time to go through security and hop on the plane, so we ended up going to JcPenney's, I found a really cute pair of shoes and Tom found himself a waffle maker that he's been wanting forever so it was special so he broke down and bought it. So I must say it was worth the trip to the mall. After all that, it was about 5:15 so we decided we better get to the airport. Everything was on time and made it through security with no questions. I did have to take a few things out of my suitcase because it was over 50 pounds. I think it weighed about 54 pounds. But on my scale at home it showed 47lbs. Speaking of my suitcase, we had a little set back about 8:00 on Thanksgiving night as I was packing my bags, I went to zip my suitcase up to weigh it and the zipper broke, I was not very happy. The last thing I wanted to do at that time was go get a new or borrow a suitcase. I called mom and she said to come up and get hers, she's got a big one, so off we went up to mom and dad's, thank God it wasn't at 2:00am, I'm just glad it happened when it did. So mom's suitcase is much bigger than mine and I think it weighs much more than mine with nothing in it, so with all my stuff and a few Christmas presents for Luke, Stephanie and Leah it was pretty full. But the weight on my scale said 47lbs, unfortunately when I got to the airport scales it was 54lbs or so, so I had to take a few things out and put them on my carry on, not that big of deal, but we did have to leave one of Luke's presents back, sorry Luke, Mom will mail it.

All the flights were great, no delays or anything, everything made it to California. Luke picked me up and to there house I went to see little Lele and Steph. It was so great to see them and Leah is getting so big and so smart, it's hard to believe she's already two, but talks like she's going on 5.

Steph had her house all decorated for the holidays and everything was so beautiful. Here's a picture of her tree, I love this tree. I want a prelit one, maybe after the holidays we can find a new one. I wouldn't mind a real tree one day too...

We all left for Disneyland Sunday morning around 10:00, it wasn't the best day for travel as a lot of people were heading home from the Thanksgiving weekend, it was bumper to bumper traffic most of the way. We stopped at a small town, if it was even a town, but the place was absolutely crazy, there were police officers directing traffic when we were trying to leave. We stopped for gas a quick bite to eat at McDonald's, I think we ended up losing about a half an hour by stopping there but it was OK, we were just enjoying each others company. Luke did all the driving! Here are a few pictures I took along the way.

Heading to LA



Leah eating a peanut butter and marshallow fluff sandwich.


Someone's suitcase feel off the top of their car, I bet they didn't even realize it until they go to where ever they were going. I wouldn't wish this on nobody.


The scenery wasn't the best, as it was all flat and lots of different trees, Lemon, Orange and Peanut trees were the most we seen, but once we go to this mountain, things really changed, it was beautiful driving through this mountain.


Pyramid Lake, right in the mountain, it was beautiful.



Disneyland Dr.



We made it to Disneyland, it was Magical from the moment we stepped out of our vehicle.

We got into the hotel about 6:00, we relaxed for a little while then headed out into Disney's Downtown District.

A view from our room.


Luke and Steph upgraded our room so we would be able to see the fireworks out our window and boy did we every, they were beautiful. My good camera does not take good night pictures and my little camera I took specifically for night pictures, and I forgot my charger at Luke and Steph's house so I only got a few night pictures. The others are on my phone and I don't know how to upload pictures from that.

One of the many Christmas trees.


I should break this blog up, but if I go to bed now, my husband will be upset with me because he knew I was up late while I was on vacation and he kept giving me the business about coming home and going to be at 9:00 because I was up past 11:00 in California everything night, sorry sweetie, but I don't think I'm going to be able to stay up that late.

So Sunday night, Luke and I went out for a couple of drinks so Leah could go to sleep, she had a big day ahead of her. ESPN Zone was just around the corner from our hotel so we went over there and had a few drinks and played a few games, this place had an upstairs that had different games like race car driving, basketball and football throwing, we had a blast but weren't out too late because the park opened at 8:00 am and we were going to be one of the first in line to get into Disneyland. We were up at 6:00 and were fourth in line! If you can't believe it, here's proof.


Luke and Leah patiently waiting for the gates to open. She was so excited.


Our first picture inside Disneyland park.


More pictures to come, I'm heading to bed!