10 on Tuesday

1. Busy week! We've been racing around, making Christmas preparations, baking goodies, decorating trees, all very fun. Except for last night, when Rachel was up all night puking with a nasty stomach bug. She seems better today.

2. We took the kids to see Santa last week. Annabel was distraught because she had forgotten the very detailed list she and Amelia had made out. Ben was a man with a mission. He marched up and said, "I want a Thomas." and left. Rachel was so terrified she was shaking like a leaf and was rendered speechless. And then she finally blurted out that she wanted a cupcake maker for Christmas.
3. I cannot mention the cupcake maker without rolling my eyes. Every year the toy manufacturers release and advertise the most ridiculous toy known to man. Inevitably, that is all my children can talk about. Last year, it was Butterscotch- a $250 stuffed miniature Shetland pony that was in every store we entered (including the grocery store). This year it is the cupcake maker (if you really want a laugh, click on the link and read the reviews). I've tried to explain to Rachel that she already has a cupcake maker (me) and has no need for another. Hopefully whatever Santa brings will be so wonderful, she will forget about the existence of the cupcake maker.

4. Question: Has anyone every thrown caution to the wind and snuck on all the Disney rides despite the fact that they were 5 months pregnant? Please note that I in no way condone pregnant ride sneaking at Disneyland, I'm only asking out of random curiosity.

5. Flashback- Growing up, I spent a lot of time working at my Dad's Napa Auto Parts store. As a teenager, I would make deliveries. At Christmas time, we would take goodie plates to all of our biggest customers and they would give something yummy to us. My two favorites were from the Ford Garage (partly because they sent a delicious cheese tray, and partly because I had a small crush on one of the mechanics) and Bob's Auto Clinic. Everyone loved when the plate from the Auto Clinic arrived because it was filled with the BEST. PEANUT BRITTLE. EVER. Seriously. Bob's wife, Ciska made it and every year it was gone within minutes. Want some? Here is the recipe.
6. QOTD: Rachel: Hey Annie! Do you want to come see my puke?

7. Had my name mentioned in the December Creating Keepsakes magazine. That's what they do when they really like your pages, but still don't want to publish them ;) They list your name at the bottom of some obscure page. I didn't even notice it until a friend (after having it in her bathroom for a month lol) called and mentioned it. Still- it made me smile.


8. Please note the Christmas playlist I have linked to the right- enjoy.

9. So far the biggest hit of the Christmas season is this advent calendar I made out of matchboxes. It's filled with little treasures and notes and everyday the children cannot wait to open the little drawers.

10. Tender Mercy: Just before Thanksgiving, Rachel lost her build-a-bear. Each night, we would assure her that we would find it the next day. Everyday, I searched. I called neighbors and friends, to no avail. Rachel would cry every night she went to bed without the bear. Finally, one night I lay awake wondering where in the world it could be. I said a quick prayer for help. Then at three in the morning a voice said, "It's at Old Navy". I had not been to Old Navy for two weeks, and even then it was a quick stop for a birthday gift for Annie. I didn't think Rachel had the bear with her when we were there. Still, the next day, I stopped and asked. An employee went to the back to check the lost and found and came back with the bear. I screamed- I was so happy!