Oh my - it's been a fun ride these last several days - just haven't been able to squeeze any computer time in! I'm so stinking excited for Christmas this year. We have the most fun surprise planned for the whole family - it's going to bring lots of laughs - and I can't wait! This week I stitched the
"Christmas" block (in PINK, of couse, to go with my real tree)! Be sure to check out Vickie's blog and Maria's blog to see their cute blocks this week!
Okay, let me see if I can recount the fun goings on here since last week!
Torture At The DMV
Yes, in Missouri (sometimes misprounonced "Misery" by the non-natives), our Driver's Licenses expire on our birthdays. So, I had to get my Drivers' License renewed - and it was a painful experience. I know, you're thinking long lines, but it was something much worse. McStudly is with me, and my number finally gets called. We go to the counter, and the lady takes my old driver's license (from 5 years ago). She asks if the address is the same: yes. Still 5' 5" yes. And, then, the torture comes. So as not to embarrass me, she puts her hand to the side of her mouth so McStudly can't see, and whispers "It says here your weight is "x" pounds." She does this because apparently it is patently obvious from looking at me that I am not nearly as skinny as I was 5 years ago. I seriously contemplate fudging my weight, but I can't do it! So, I tell her, "well it's more like uh, "x" pounds - what can a I say, it's been a rough few years."
Only McStudly knows how to make me feel better after something like that!
Yes, a nice Stella Belgium Beer and some nachos and Gringo Dip at 54th Street will do the trick!
Don't laugh - there is a Method to Our Madness. We have to go grocery shopping - and me going to the store hungry, well it's not good. It might result in would result in me coming home with a couple of boxes of Krispy Kremes which won't help the situation! So, I'm thinking I kept a few pounds off here - plus, I feel better :o)
So there DMV Lady!
JK - really, after some fun at 54th Street with McStudly
I'm feeling all comfy and cuddly again - in, what shall we say, my "Womanly Voluptuousness" :o)
42nd Birthday Weekend
I had a Birthday this past weekend. The McStudly's crowned me "Princess for the Day" and spoiled me rotten (movie, shopping and dinner). The night before, we did our own little episode of "Chopped" in our kitchen!
McStudly Jr. made the salad and dressing:
McStudly Sr. made Steak Tourenedos for the main course:
and I made Chocolate Truffle Stuffed Pastry with Raspberry Sauce
truly a dinner made for a Princess! Thanks so much guys!
Stitching
I've been busy with stitching a few gifts
and cooking for the holidays.
Band Concert & Winter Wonderland
Last night, we got to go to McStudly Jr.'s band concert!
They're awesome - and Oh My Gosh
do I adore this boy! I tell ya!! After that, McStudly and I went to WalMart to do our grocery shopping - and when we came outside - it was a
Winter Wonderland! So pretty - I walked most of the way to the car
with my tongue stuck out to catch some flakes!
Mistletoe
I've got my Mistletoe hanging in the doorway
and I'm going to give every person I love a huge hug and a big kiss on the cheek this year! Except for McStudly - his kiss won't be on the cheek :o)
A Trip Down Memory Lane
McStudly and I were chatting this morning - and I said I can't wait to go in and jump on McStudly Jr.'s bed on Christmas and yell "Get up, get up - Santa came, Santa came." And we took a little trip down memory lane - laughing about Christmases Past. This is how it went very early Christmas morning when the kids were little:
Kids: Get up, get up. Santa came, Santa came.
Me: (exhausted) He did, what did he bring me? Go check and see what he brought me.
Kids: (returning from the tree). Nothing.
Me: Seriously - but, I was so good this year. Go check again.
Kids: (after checking again) Nope, he didn't bring you anything.
Me: I really can't believe that - because I was really good this year. Did you put the water in the microwave for my coffee?
Kids: (back from the kitchen) We put your water in - get up, get up.
McStudly: Did you separate the presents? Go separate the presents in piles with your names on them.
Kids: (getting antsy now) We separated the presents, now - get up. Come on you guys.
McStudly: Did you count them - how many did you get?
Kids: (back from counting - and getting frustrated with us). We each got "x" presents (always the same number for each - Santa is careful about stuff like that). Come on, pleeaase get up!
And, well, eventually - we got up. Were any of you all bad parents like that? In all fairness to us, we had been up until 2 or 3 in the morning the night before - McStudly assembling toys, and me wrapping and filling stockings!
My how things change. When they hit their teens - we got to bed far earlier than them - and it was me - jumping on their beds saying "Get up, get up! Santa came! Santa came! And, their like "Mom get out, I'm tired." (because they're the ones who are up until the wee hours of the morning texting/playing video games)!
Still Ahead
A night out for tacos and cruise through one of our local parks that is beautifully lit up every year for Christmas (with honking in the tunnels and free Cherry Mashes at then end :o) I still have lots of cooking and present wrapping to do - and a Gingerbread House to assemble :o)
Taking Time to Savor The Season
Amidst all the fun and busyness of the season though, I took some quiet time this morning think about how grateful I am for all of the beauty and goodness in the world, and to savor this awe-inspiring sunrise on a snowy morning.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas filled with peace, love, and laughter!
TTFN,
Kelly
Dear Kelly Cherry Mash,snow on your tounge,honking your horn in the tunnel if only others could enjoy such things.You bring such joy and loving thoughts to us who read your Blog. Wishing you and your sweet family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.Make a Snow Angel for me.
Blessings to you all
Dorris
Posted by: Dorris Carnahan | December 21, 2011 at 03:12 PM
What a FUN post this was ... loved all your pics; especially the one where you're sticking out your tongue! Oh -- and the trip down memory lane...that conversation was hilarious!!!! :)
Posted by: Denise :) | December 21, 2011 at 03:53 PM
Happy Birthday. It sounded like you had a wonderful day. I celebrated by 50th on Sunday and I agree, it is great to just spend the day with the ones you love. Your husband is such a peach. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Deborah Taylor | December 21, 2011 at 05:25 PM
HAPPY birthday...nothing more fun than a birthday, except if you have to deal with that terrible lady at the DMV. FOR real! What a story. Oh, I laughed at your Christmas morning story...funny. Psst, I am having a giveaway, make sure you enter.
Posted by: Kris | December 21, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Happy Birthday, you found the best way to celebrate. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Posted by: wendy | December 21, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Kelly,
Happy Birthday to you!
What a FUN post, Kelly, you make the best fun with your family - you always bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart! I still can't believe the lady at the DMV, though, lol...
Posted by: Allie | December 21, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Have a blessed and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Posted by: Liz M. | December 22, 2011 at 04:56 AM
Happy Birthday Kelly
I wish you have much health and happiness in your life.
May your Christmas Day be harmonious and happy.
Success in 2012
hugs
Posted by: Silvia Lückmann | December 22, 2011 at 05:11 AM
Happy Birthday Kelly ... sorry I did not really have time to read the article carefully as I prepare to leave for a few days to see my children, but the pictures speak for itself lol!
For you and your family a wonderful Christmas... big kiss xxxx
Posted by: Jo | December 22, 2011 at 05:29 AM
It sounds like you had a fabulous birthday. Based on my own non-biased opinion, people born during December are always the nicest. I have no clue what Cherry Mash is, but now I want some.
Posted by: KatieQ | December 22, 2011 at 06:04 AM
I loved the journey on your post this morning Kelly. I can't believe that the DMV lady did that... and your hubby is a keeper for sure for giving you a treat after that!
Your story of Christmas morning kills me... that is so funny! That just cracks me up.
Posted by: Sinta | December 22, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Kelly,
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I wanted to tell you how much I love your outlook and insight on life. You are gifted with your words and I appreciate them. Thanks.
Posted by: Tracey Holzer | December 22, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Happy birthday Kelly, thanks for your lovely posts all year too - have a lovely christmas. Debi
Posted by: Debi | December 22, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Happy birthday Kelly! And have a wonderful Christmas too!It's getting busy and fun here, aaand we have a birthday tomorrow too, my son's, a Christmas baby, born on the 24th. Mery Christmas!
Posted by: Cathy | December 23, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Happy Birthday Kelly and I so enjoyed reading your post. I cant believe they ask you all those questions when you get your license renewed...nothing like that happens here in Australia. I have never walked when snow was softly falling...one day I will and stick my tongue out too :) Have a wonderful Christmas sweetie. Hugs Vicki x
Posted by: Vicki ♥ | December 23, 2011 at 01:24 PM
Hi Kelly,
Belated Happy Birthday Wishes!! You are beautiful, on the outside and the inside! My day would not be as bright without your inspiring and thoughtful insights. Wishing you and your family love, peace, good health and happiness this Christmas!
Posted by: Carol Broughton | December 23, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Wishing you warmest wishes for a wonderful Christmas - stop back by the blog www.shadetreequilting.com I added a couple of my favorite songs to give inspiration. Love your post and fun Christmas pictures - a belated but heartfelt Happy Birthday. Judy C
Posted by: JudyCinNC | December 24, 2011 at 08:04 AM
Oh I love how you sent the kids back and forth.....mine probably would have just opened them without me! Santa was very smart to bring each child the same number of gifts at our home also. Sometimes that was quite a chore for him, but he did it! It's amazing how good the kids could count the number of gifts, but couldn't do their math homework LOL. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Peace and Love be with you.
Posted by: Patty | December 24, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Michele | December 25, 2011 at 03:38 PM
I'm really late reading your post. Happy Belated Birthday, Hope you had a Merry Christmas (I know you did!) and Happy New Year!! I really enjoyed your post Kelly. I'm so glad you are part of my life, in a bloggy way. :-)
Posted by: Linda in Calif. | December 30, 2011 at 07:41 AM