Ten for Tuesday 12.23.06

About a month ago I wrote, "I am so on top of Christmas this year."

Today I am writing, Ack! Christmas is in 2 days?! Where did the time go? I'm not quite there, but I'm getting close. I should not be blogging right now!

1. This week I took Blake to get his hair cut at Snippits. He was mesmerized, and it was definitely worth the $9.99. Seriously, he sat completely still for 45 minutes---the girl took a LONG time to cut his hair!

I don't know what was going on in his little head, but he had the silliest expression on his face the whole time we were there. I think he was a little embarrassed to have a girl give him so much attention. They had a little TV for him to watch, and Michael sat and played video games the whole time. He kept asking if we could come back some time for him to get a haircut---this from the 5-year-old who still cries and throws a fit every. single. time. Maybe taking the boys there is worth the $16 it usually costs if I don't have to deal with crying boys and all the cleanup. I think Reed might take a little convincing.

The place was completely empty, and the other two girls who were there were totally in love with Ty. They got him to show them all kinds of cool tricks, and Ty just loved the extra attention. When it was time to go, Blake got to put a piece of his hair in a machine that spit out prizes, and he was excited to wear a sticker on his shirt. This was not just your run of the mill haircut place. I was totally embarrassed because I left my wallet home in my other purse. I have never done that before, and I hope it never happens again! I had to call Reed to give me the credit card number over the phone.

Anyway, I think his hair turned out cute, but it's still pretty long, and will probably have to be trimmed up again in a couple of weeks.

2. Big news for us. . . Krysta, Adam and Natalie flew in from Baltimore, and we were so excited to see them. Natalie was just talking up a storm compared to the last time we was her. They will be in town for the Christmas break, and we're exited to be able to spend some time with them.

3. We spent the day on Saturday baking and wrapping and delivering neighbor gifts. Every year it seems like this tradition gets a little more out of control. But, it is so much fun to come home and find goodies on your own doorstep.

This is what we found tonight. Thanks neighbors!

4. If you notice, there was something on the doorstep from my friend Carrie who sells Mary Kay. I asked her to bring me some "Extra Emollient Night Cream," because I've recently discovered that I cannot live without this stuff. A week or two ago I discovered a tube of this in my stash of cosmetics and lotions that I never use but cannot bear to throw out. By the end of the day my hands are dry, cracked, and bleeding. So I started smearing this stuff on my hands before bed and it has made such a difference. If your hands are hurting like mine, you've got to try this stuff!

5. I have also loved getting Christmas letters in the mail. It's so much fun to hear from all our friends and family. To everyone who sent a card this year: Your kids are darling! Thanks for thinking of us!

To all of you who didn't send a card. . . shame on you! Just kidding. . . Sort of!

6. Some of our friends recently moved, and they were getting rid of this snowboard. Reed asked if Michael could have it, and Michael was more than a little bit excited! He's been dying to go and try it out.

7. I'm thinking it's going to be a white Christmas this year. That's just fine with me. . . as long as the snow stops by January. Thank goodness for our neighbor Chuck who so kindly clears our driveway for us. Oh, we are so lucky he moved in next door to us! I tried to go out and shovel yesterday and he cleared the entire driveway in the time I cleared the walk up to the door. I had to stop every three seconds to put someones boot, glove, or hat back on. The kids definitely slow me down!

8. Today I totally biffed it hard core coming down my neighbor's front steps. I was holding Blake, so I couldn't catch myself or break my fall. Luckily he wasn't hurt, and luckily I didn't hit my head or tailbone, but I am going to have some MAJOR bruises for the next while. Ouch! I don't think I have fallen on the ice since I was a junior in high school. I hope I can go another 12 years before it happens again.

9. Today My mother-in-law, Becky, gave me the best Christmas gift---a day away from my kids! I had an appointment with Andrea (the best massage therapist ever) which I totally needed after my trip down the steps today. Then I got to go out to lunch at Cafe Rio (my fav.) with my friend Janie who's in town from California. Three hours of uninterrupted girl talk! I love it!

I also got a phone call from my long-lost friend Megan who called to say she's getting married! Wahoo! I'm so happy for you Megan!

10. Well, off to more Christmas preparations. . .

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!