Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Why Did I Do It??

Yesterday I was busy working around the house and about 2:15 I grabbed a Diet Coke out of the fridge. Now mind you this is NOT a caffeine free one. I drink it as I am continuing to work around the house.
So last night Alan and I watch the Frasier show ( I think this is some of the best comedy writing ever) as we usually do. At 10:30 we decided to go to bed. I get in bed and I can't get to sleep. I am tossing and turning, no luck. I want to get a good night sleep I have a lot to do tomorrow. I lay there pretending I am going to sleep and NOTHING. I decided to get up. I come down to my craft room and watch Housewives of the OC and it hit me. That stupid Diet Coke is coming to haunt me!! AHHHHH! So I am up till 12:45 watching TV, reading blogs and doing searches on the internet. I am paying for it this morning and see a nap in the near future. I really need to stick to the Word of Wisdom there is a reason for all that is said in it. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Out With 2008 & in With 2009

I am feeling a little sentimental as I write this so bare with me.
This year hasn't been the greatest one but there have been some wonderful things that have come our way. The first is this little man:
What a wonderful blessing he has been to our family. He is such a sweet and good spirited little man. Talmage I would have to say is what I will remember as the best thing in 2008.
Then next great thing would be having Coco and Kyle moved down from Pinetop: I love them and missed seeing Coco so much. She is such a good mom and sweet daughter even when she get's frustrated with me and my craziness.
Living with us, I am sure wasn't the funnest thing for them but it has been great to have them be here.
Kyle was able to get into the Academy & graduate and get a job with Sherri f Joe as a Detention Officer and enjoys his work.
Coco & Kyle buying there own home and it only being 7 minutes away from me. Even though now she has internet service so she probably won't be over to see me. (he he)
I also have this:







Let me guess you don't see anything! You can place your picture here. My sweet invisible friends who I blog to and stalk your blogs and leave comments. Your friendship and the honor of calling you friend. Some of you have lost a dear one and I have prayed for you. Those of you who have shared your joy and sadness I have cheered you on and prayed for you. Thank you for being there!
We (my family) have had a year of struggling to find a job for Alan. Him getting a job then getting laid off. We have had friends move away and some friends pass away this year. We have had an unsure economy, gas prices going crazy and as always on an election year a lot of mud slinging from politicians. But you know when it comes down to it, WE have our family, our faith, freedom of religion, laughter and lot's of love. So as I look on this past year sure I have gotten a little wiser, a little older and a few pounds heavier but I wouldn't trade it for the world with all the lessons I have learned. I am excited about what 2009 holds or should I say what I can achieve in 2009. I spoke of goals or resolutions in a past post and I have been thinking a lot about this the past 2 months. I would like to share with you a few of my goals for the upcoming year.
1. Spend time on what is the most important in my life
2. Lifestyle changes of health & fitness
3. Observe the Sabbath more fully
4. Visit the Temple regularly
5. Love my family more
6. Do more to make our home a place of refuge from the world
7. Organize and prepare for the month ahead
These are just some of the ones I chose to share today. I have been working on the plans of making these things happen in my life.
So goodbye to 2008 and HELLO to 2009!
Tonight we are staying at home and watching movies or TV. If I can find an American Carol we will be watching that. I am making my traditional New Years meal that I have made for the last 20 years. I make a special spread ( shared by my Mother in Love) of cream cheese, apricot pineapple preserves and a tablespoon or two of mustard. Mix this together and let sit. I make homemade rolls and a spiral ham. After the rolls and the ham are cooked put some spread on the roll a little bit of ham and there you go a yummy dinner. Of course you have the cut up veggies and dip, salad, chips and munchies.
Wising you all a fantastic so long to the old year and best wishes for a wonderful New Year. Happy New Year to you all. Drive safe if you have to be on the road and see you next year. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Coversation with E'lyse

This is a post about a conversation with my daughter E'lyse. For those who have not read the Twilight series don't read this post. I don't think I give too much away.
E'lyse read the first of the books over the weekend. She keeps telling me details about the characters. Some things I have read on other blogs of those obsessed with this series and from clips on TV for the movie.
E'lyse: So Edward doesn't want Bella to get bit.
Me: Why?
E'lyse: He doesn't want her to become a vampire.
Me: Why? Cause life sucks!! LOL
A little later
E'lyse: Edward is stuck in his age so they have to travel from town to town.
Me: Why?
E'lyse: Getting annoyed with me and my questions. Because he never get's older.
Me: Call the press I found the fountain of youth. LOL
E'lyse trying to not glare at me.
A little later
E'lyse: The vampires don't sleep:
Me: Can he turn into a bat and fly?
E'lyse: No that is a myth.
Me: DAH!!! Vampires aren't real!!!!!!!!!!!!!
E'lyse: And they can't eat real people food.
Me: Saying this with a smile on my face :) That bites!!! HE HE HE
E'lyse walks off as I am bwahahahaing!!!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

FHE FUN

Monday night was family home evening. I wasn't sure what I was going plan being that it took me all day to get Christmas decor down. I normally don't do this till New Years Day but (too long of a story) I decided to do that on Monday. Coco called and invited us to go see the Arizona Temple lights. If you live in Arizona it is a site to see. We usually go every year. So I told Alan when he got home and we thought this would be fun to do. We left shortly after dark to head to see the lights. We had to go pick up Dallas at the mall first. Oh wait we forgot to eat dinner. Actually we decided that we could pick up something on the way. So we met up with Coco, Kyle and Talmage at Chick Fillet. We had a good dinner and it was great to hang out and talk. If you don't know this on the kids meal you can trade in the unopened toy for ice-cream. E'lyse and I were sitting across from each other at the table and I told her I wanted to go see if they would except one of their table promotion clocks to trade in for ice-cream. (it was really cute it had a cow in a bathrobe, slippers and rollers on a clock, this is a cardboard thing display.) I told her she could use the plant. We didn't sweet Alan went up and got us an ice-cream cone. OH MY YUMMINESS! It tasted like my mom's homemade ice-cream.
After finishing dinner we went to the Temple. The lights are amazing! I am always in awe over the time that is put into these lights and the wonderful manger set up with narration. While we were there we ran into Janel & Mark Lamb who are in our ward and she is the pretty lady I wrote about in THIS post . After talking with them for a while, probably too long I love to talk we started walking a little further and met up with Alan
s niece Lorette and her hubby Dave Haynes. We talked with them for a while too. It is so good to catch up with family and friends when you have time to visit. Then we walked around a little bit more and then it was getting close to them shutting off all the lights and we headed out to the van. We are leaving and run into a few more people we know and talked with them for a short period of time. We piled into the van and headed home. Then we stopped for some hot chocolate. Alan, Dallas and E'lyse went in to get it and the little girls and I stayed in the van. We had a nice soothing hot chocolate ride home. Okay it wasn't that cold out but the hot chocolate was good.
Got home way too late and to bed way way too late. But so glad we went it was fun being together at one of the most peaceful places on earth.
Today I have been getting ready for the New Year. Took the kiddos to get their personal items and a few groceries for the family. It was a good time too.
The rest of the day the girls have been riding scooters, playing games, watching TV and a little bit of reading, with Dallas playing his new guitar hero. I have enjoyed
today.
I am curious of what people spend on their groceries? Do you divide your paper products and such from the food and what do you spend? I would love to hear from you all. Have a great Tuesday night. Oh Housewives of the OC is on. Not sure if I will stay up or watch the rerun tomorrow. Hmmm.... probably should watch it tomorrow and get some sleep tonight. Hope you are all ready for a fun New Year. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Monday, December 29, 2008

Monday ALREADY!!

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone and now time to start working on Valentines Day!!Ok after all the Christmas things are down. Oh the decorations I have in mind to make I hope will be beautiful. I am working on some organizing and cleaning today. Also working on my 2009 slogan and not coming up with the greatest ideas but still thinking.
On Friday night Dallas was to be home by his 12 curfew but fell asleep on the couch and headed home when waking at 12:30 or so. Well instead of calling us to say what happend he drove WAY too fast and ended up getting a ticket. Doing 70 in a 45! Holy Moly!! What a dork! I asked him why he didn't just call and he said he didn't want us to get mad at him. Okay that worked out well. NOT! We actully weren't that mad but I think he learned a lesson from this. If not maybe after paying for the traffic school and the class he will figure it out.
It has been very quiet around here this morning. Everyone stayed up WAY too late last night, after 12:30 including the little girls and most shocking ME!
I ordered my new planner for this year it is awesome. This is it: Amy Knapp Family Organizer I have used this the past 2 years. I love the Franklin Covey Planner,but right now filling it is a little high priced and doesn't fit my days being a SAHM. This one is $14 and has a place for menus, grocery lists, phone numbers and other important things. I had taken the First Things First class for the Franklin Covey Planner when Alan worked for Shea Homes so I just implement the ideas into this one. Saturday Coco and I went searching for it at Wal-Mart and Barnes and Noble and no such luck so I ordered it on line. I am hoping it will get here in the next day or two to fill with the important dates for the year.
Okay so on with my day. Hope you all had a great weekend and are enjoying kiddos being home from school. Chat with you all later. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
P.S. COCO!!! Show Kyle this little guy. He was on my printer looking at me this morning.
His name is Speedy and he is about 1cm. big. He left us though. Details left in secret.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Turkey TIP

I know another post! I forgot to put this on an early post. I made turkey Christmas day and tried a new way of cooking it. OH MY GOODNESS and YUMMINESS!!! A while back I was watching the FOOD TV and saw a program about this little town called Turkeyville. The couple started a restaurant a long time ago that serves turkey dinners and other turkey dishes 365 days a year. The man that is the owner cooks his turkeys breast down until the last half hour and then flips it over (by it's hind legs! Opps that was my Crocodile Hunter coming out) so the top will brown. This keeps all the meat moist and so good. The family, even my young non-turkey liker, said it was so moist and good.
So next time you are going to cook the large bird try this out I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Feeling a The BLAHS

Yesterday morning I got in my van to go pick up Coco and Talmage for the after Christmas sales and turned on the radio and NO Christmas music. That was when it hit me. OH BLAH! I love Christmas music and singing with the songs, it was now gone on the one radio station that started playing it before the Thanksgiving holiday. I was sad and I didn't have my CD's in my van either.
We only hit 2 stores and then Talmage was ready for a nap. He does get up about 4:30 or so. I had a gift card to use and I bought some useful items: 1 6ft. tree for our bedroom, 2 sets of Christmas plates, ornaments for my Pink tree, a cake plate, new garland w/ lights for my banister, rapping paper (so cute I couldn't pass it up) and 2 magazines. I had fun! Coco got some great deals and is competing with me on the Christmas trees. I couldn't believe all of the wonderful Christmas things were left at the stores.
Then last night Coco called and said that she had a little gift for me that she got on clearance. This is what she got me:
It is a cookie jar and it is big! I love it! Thank you Coco for my cool ornament.
Today Coco and Talmage are coming over to hang out with me while Kyle is at work. So I am hoping to get started on some planning and making of decor for the kiddos bedrooms and Valentines Day. Hope you all have a great Saturday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas everyone!! This morning Coco and Talmage showed up about 4:35 at our house. Kyle had to work today and the inmates have to have someone watching over them. So I woke up the kiddos to open gifts.Last year I got everyone up at 4. Sheesh I am a lazy bum! he he I am sitting here posting this and missing MARKS homemade fudge. Sniff Sniff This would be my brother who went to Colorado with his last daughter and wife to be with the other 4 children for Christmas. Every year he makes chocolate and peanut butter fudge. I know Janel this definitely is NOT on the program for 2009. I wanted to share a few morning pics with you: Dallas and E'lyse
Faith, Gabby and Alan
Talmage, Faith and Gabby
Gabby and Faith on their new scooters.
Talmage in his Elmo PJ's.
After the gifts were open and cleanup done I made bacon, eggs, toast and hot chocolate. Then Dallas and Alan went back to bed. The girls were playing with their toys. Coco was trying to get Talmage to sleep but he just kept wanting to flop around so being the very comfy grandma to fall asleep on I took him for Coco and he was out in a few minutes. Shortly after that my going to bed at 1 am caught up with me and I was out for a while too.
Coco and Talmage went home so she could work on a few things in her home and they along with Kyle will come over again later.
I have a turkey in the oven and it is starting to smell so good. So I am off to do a few things around the house and we are just planing on staying home today to enjoy each other. Hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas. Check in later. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve and Santa w/ PJ's

After checking NORAD Tracker Santa is in Australia. But early tonight he came to our house. Okay not really it was ME. Dallas was suppose to dress up in my Santa outfit ( ok I admit I am a Christmas JUNKIE!!!!) But he went to see his girlfriend so I did it!
And I had fun. This is Talmage when I came to the door and started up with the HO HO HO. He just kept this smile on his face as I tried to sound manly.


This is Talmage as I was talking to him.
I put the hat on him and he thought it was funny. I love that smile, just melts my heart.
This has to be one of my favorites of the night. He is such a blessing to our family and such a sweet little guy.

Me when I first got dressed and came down stairs. I think I should have used a smaller pillow.
This is me shakin' my money maker!! WOHO Santa's got it goin on!
It is a tradition in our family as it was in my family growing up to get new PJ's on Christmas Eve to wear for Christmas morning. These are the girls and Talmage opening up theirs.
E'lyse opening her PJ's.
Coco and Talmage opening his PJ's
Gabby and Faith after they changed into their PJ's.
This is Dallas with his new PJ bottoms.
And this is a Pillow that his girlfriend, Sarah, made him. She did a great job on it!

We ate probably a little too much, I always make way too much food. We finished watching Rodalf and watched The Santa with Tim Allen. By this time Talmage was really cranky so I held him and he fell asleep but Coco was very tired and Kyle has to work tomorrow so they went home. The girls helped to clean up the living room. Then Faith put out the cookies and candy cane for Santa. The girls then went upstairs to play and watch TV. Alan has been down since he got home so he went to bed and I cleaned up the kitchen, got the food put away and decided to come post this.
I am so greatful for all the wonderful blogging friends that I have made. There are so many talented people who make me laugh, cry and sometimes think a lot of things that might not even have come to my mind had I not read it on their blog. May you all be blessed with a very Merry Christmas or whatever other holiday you celebrate. May we remember the reason for the season and just love one another. Merry Christmas to you wonderful people. HUGS from Arizona, Bobbi Jo

Merry Christmas Eve!

I can't believe it is Christmas Eve! I get my fixed van back this morning hubby and I are going over to pick it up. Coco, Talmage and I are going to run a couple last minute errands after that. I am making some Spicy Meatballs, Puppy Chow and other snacky items to munch on this evening for the family. Planning on just hanging out, maybe watch a Christmas movie or two and enjoy one another s company.
Yesterday I watched Talmage while Coco and Kyle went grocery shopping and getting things moved. We had fun! He was crawling around the house and getting into what he could. He unplugged my white tree in our enty way and started screaming it was funny. Of course I have picture to share with you.
This was after he calmed down. I love the little guy!
I want to wish all of you a wonderful and marvelous Merry Christmas ! May we all remember why we are celebrating Christmas. Our Savior loves each of us and wants us to be happy and to serve others as he has served.
Big Christmas hugs to you all, Bobbi Jo


Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Moving & Family Christmas Party

As I mentioned on Saturday that Coco and I were going to start painting her house. We got a very late start and got a good portion of the downstairs and the starting of the loft. I have been feeling like my body is trying to fight off something so I wasn't as productive as I would have liked to have been. So this weekend was filled with Coco and Kyle trying to get housekeeping set up (this is a term my parent's always use). Kyle's dad came down from Pinetop to help out and Alan went over and helped to build shelves in the garage. I can't wait to see the house decorated.
It was odd to wake up this morning to now here Baby Einstein or Elmo playing and see little Talmages face. Hopefully I will see him later today.
Last night was Alan's family Christmas party. This has been held every year since I have been married. The family has grown and the program has changed throughout the years. It was held at Alan's sister and BIL house that has a Grandmothers house that was built for his mom after dad past away. It is in a neighborhood that is known for it's beautiful houses on the three streets. They have their houses decked out each year with a Santa that sits out near the street, passes out candy-canes and talks to the little kids. This is a picture of their house as we were walking up. Linda made the JOY and painted it a couple of years ago..
There was hot chocolate, treats galore and lots and lots of people. We missed the families that were unable to make it. With 9 children there are many grandchildren and great grand children. This is my niece Angela and her sweet little baby, Colton:
The next one is Coco, Kyle and Talmage :
And Dallas & Talmage:.
Here is Gabby and the coloring table and then some of the family members that stayed outside to visit and eat. There were several of the teens and pre-teens that went inside to hang out.
Eating tables in the common area by Grandma's house and then the treat tables by Linda's house. It was nice to see family that live out of state and missed all those who didn't make it. I didn't want to be the annoying relative with the camera so I didn't take as many pictures as I would have like.
Today I will help out Coco and Kyle with watching Talmage or moving things and prepare for Christmas Eve . Have a great day! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Pink Saturday

It seems like I haven't participated in Pink Saturday in forever, so today I am. If you want to check out more PINK SATURDAY gals blogs pop on over to Beverly's blog
How Sweet The Sound and there is a long list to pick from.
Today's post is my beautiful Pink Christmas tree that is in the master bath:
Sweet Pink tree lit up
Silk flowers and beautiful dark Pink ribbon to surround it.
My Pink jewel flower to top it off.
I love this tree it my favorite one in my house and Coco did a great job making it so pretty for me. I enjoy sitting in the bath and having the wonderful glow of Pink in my bath.
Today I am off to help Coco get her house painted and moved in. The family is going over to paint, babysit, put shelves in the garage and other such things to help them get settled in this coming week. The house is pretty but Coco will make it a beautiful home.
I will probably take pictures throughout the day and share them later.
Have a wonderful Pink Saturday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Thursday

I wanted to share something I thought was funny. My Son in Love said to me, after the carolers left last night ,"You are the only person that I know that has more lights inside their house and more trees inside their house than outside!". He should have seen it when I had 48 trees. Long story short when we moved up north into a 1100 sq. ft cabin we had 2 storage sheds for our stuff. We talked and decided we should down size and get rid of items we won't be using. Thinking I wouldn't be living in a bigger house again I started clearing out the storage sheds and gave a lot of stuff to make room and save money on the storage rent. Sniff Sniff well we only have 15 trees now. Oh how I miss my forest! I can't wait till the after Christmas sale. Watch out if you see me coming if you are near the trees.
My hubby said instead of being the lady that they find dead in her home with millions of cats I will be surrounded by my trees!
I am not really crazy I just love Christmas trees!
Speaking of trees, did anyone watch the HGTV White House Decoration show last night? OH MAN!!!!!!!!!!! I would love to work in the pastry kitchen or the decorating, or kitchen in the White House. Okay not now that the new administration is going to be in office but maybe when the Republicans are in again and it is someone worthy to hold the office. ( Don't get me started on politcs!) HEY maybe I will run for President! No they would kick me out I have a hot head. he he
Enough of the rambling and I haven't even had my Diet Coke yet.
Having an odd Thursday not sure why things just feel off.
Talk to you later. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Meet Baaaahb

Today Gabby had one of her friends at school,( who we will call Heather) because that is her name give her this big purple and white sheep(she said it was a lamb) because of the little boy she likes . Gabby named it Baaaaahb. This is how she says his name every time.
She wanted to make some clothes for him so she got some felt I was throwing away and this is what she came up with. A belt to help him get off sugar (not sure? I think it might be body fat. Hey I should try one of those!) and a tail belt. (not sure about this one either?) I think maybe she has been listening to me too much.
I am guessing tonight there will be a secret meeting with Faith, Gabby, Baaaaahb and the other stuffed animals to introduce him so he doesn't get jumped when Faith and Gabby go to sleep. Now she can say "I have a sheep named BAAAAAHB!" he he
We had a sweet surprise tonight right after dinner. The doorbell rang and then we heard singing. Dallas didn't want to open it so I went over and the scout troop in our ward was there. Boy was there a lot of little boys and their families. So COOL!! I love carolers but they make me cry like singing Happy Birthday, the National Anthem make me cry too. I am such a sap! Last night a sweet family in our church The Lambs brought over some sugar cookies and cinnamon popcorn. YUMMY!! What a great surprise this was. Thank you Janel and family!!
My hubby is at the class that we were suppose to got to but, I have been feeling yucky all day so I didn't go. I am going to take a bath, read and watch a little TV or maybe a Christmas movie till he gets home if I can stay awake. Have a great evening.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo
Today is one of those days I could just lay around and be majorly lazy. I know I have things to do but not feeling up to them. Dealing with some unexplained aches. Maybe old age but I don't think so.
So I decided to take today slowly and enjoy this time before the kiddos are out for Christmas break. I am going to get my housework done, watch the repeat of Housewives of the OC ( I was a good girl and didn't stay up last night) and then work on other things this afternoon.
I wanted to share some pictures that were taken at the end of last week through this week.
Last night we celebrated Alan's Birthday. He requested Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, Corn on the cob and for his Birthday cake since he is not a big fan of cake requested Self Filled Cup Cakes no icing. One of Kyle's friends, Braedon came and stayed with us for the night before he moves back to CA., and Dallas had Sarah over too. So we had a table full of talking and laughter. It is amazing what a girl will do to my son. He actually cleaned up their plates:
I wish she could get him to keep his room cleaned up. He looks like Larry The Cable Guy! he he Git-R-Done!
Dallas, Sarah and E'lyse went Christmas Caroling with the group from our church for a while after dinner.
This is Alan and Talmage Monday night. I guess it was too much excitement for Talmage. Alan is eating this up:
This one is of E'lyse helping Talmage to go to sleep. It gets a little loud and so much excitement around here it is hard for the little guy to get to sleep sometimes:

Finally got the pictures back of Faith and Gabby's Breakfast with Santa that Alan took them to: I wish they would have done the pictures before the face paint. I think Gabby looks like she got punch.
This is a little blurry but so sweet! I put my Santa hat on him and he was having fun with it.
So off I go to start wash and accomplish some items. Have a great day! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Birthday Boy!


Today is my sweet hearts Birthday. 46 years ago Alan was born in a hospital in downtown Mesa, Arizona. He was the 9Th of 9 children.
His three sisters wanted another sister. His name was to be Alice. So his sisters would play dress up with him:

And put wigs on him:
(He would hate me if he read my blog! HE HE)
He is a wonderful husband. My best friend in the world. We can talk for hours, make up stupid songs and love our date nights.
I can always depend on him for a good hug and smooch:
This is us in 1988 in Cedar City Utah.
He is a great father to our 5 children and the Patriarch of the family:

He is a fun Grandpa:

And I love him more than anything! Happy Birthday Big Al!
So if you are out and about and happen to see Alan give him a High 5 and wish him a Happy Birthday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Gingerbread Houses For FHE

Monday night for Family Home Evening I decided it would be fun for the family to make Gingerbread Houses. Well I guess I should call them graham cracker houses, since this is what we used. I made a big old crock-pot of hot chocolate using Janel's recipe ( YUMMY and thank you Janel!) and it was a hit with everyone.
We all had a good time with a few people having some tummy aches afterwords from eating candy and icing. The first is of Coco & Kyles they call it the White Trash Trailer. (Clever) Kyle had never built a gingerbread house before and he seemed to really get into it.

Dallas built this one. Do you notice the ear candy on the side of the roof! This is left over Halloween candy. EWW!
E'lyse made this one.
This is Faiths. Alan had to help with her structure it kept falling apart.
Gabby's little house . I love the big snowman on the side of the house.
This is my log cabin.
The village! May we always stay this close to one another.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo