Wordless Wednesday: I hate the snow.

my year end review...mostly in pictures.

This year was definitely one to remember. I can say that every year is better than the previous year, I must be getting the hang of things...or something like that.

This year we made new friends...went new places... and played like never before.
Paul expanded his business, and if we didn't think that we could get any busier...we did! Paul also decided to get his hernia fixed after having it for 5+ years...
Van figured out her absolute love for grasshoppers... and I figured out that being pregnant is not my cup of tea...although we are excited to add our baby boy!We kept some of the same traditions...
and added some new ones!
We went to A LOT of movies...
and Van was even good enough for Santa to bring what she dreamed of, and hoped for.

But the best thing I did all year was definitely spending time with the people I love the most. We laughed, we cried, we celebrated, we conquered, we ATE, we traveled, we stressed, we changed, and we made it through! Bring on 2010!

dumb.

I might have told myself...after Christmas Vin will be right around the corner.

Well, Christmas is over.

Vin is not right around the corner.

AND I am just disappointed!

Someone please distract me for the next few months!!

-kthanxbye-

Von

P.S. Although the cute new clothes and blankets Vin got for Christmas are making me really excited. Who knew John Deere tractors, polo shirts, and all things boy could make me so happy!

Best of.

my Christmas...

ordering THE BEST Cherry Ricky at Texas Roadhouse.

trying to wake up Van on Christmas Eve multiple times to meet Santa...

she slept through it all, and Paul and I laughed.

the movies. the traditions. the sleepless night because of excitement.

seeing the pure joy on Van's face when she realized Santa DID come.

climbing in bed with Van to snuggle before Paul could wake up on Christmas morning...her eyes were glowing.

hearing Van tell me that she has the BEST Mommy and Daddy EVER.

the nap. the clean kitchen. the crafting.

Van using her electric toothbrush at least 5 times, because she loved it so much.

those uh-mazing socks that my boss gave me.

showering at 5...PM.

being with the three I love the most.

I loves you long time Paul, Van, and Vin!!!

to all of our friends and family

Making a list...checking it twice...

The Santa cookies have been made, the neighbor plates have been delivered, presents are wrapped, the fridge has been stocked...now if the house was just cleaned so that I could relax! ;) I think I am just not going to care, kick my feet up, and get my grub on for the weekend. What are your fun holiday plans?

our manager gifts.

After last years success with our manager gifts, we (as in myself and two friends) had to out-do ourselves. We schemed. We planned. And then we created this...
We got some laughs, which is what we intended. Next year will be better. Yes, we have already discussed our gifts for next year. We will definitely top these cute key chains. *wink* *wink*

Survivor: My favorite show...

Working nights I don't watch that much TV. Just the other day I was laughing at a commercial, and Paul was so confused...I guess the commercial was really old, but I had never seen it before. Survivor is the only show that I keep up on, and have since the first season when Richard Hatch won.
Of course we always have a favorite Survivor. Paul's from the very start was always Russell, I thought that he was too mean...and then something clicked, and I thought he was absolutely fantastic! Van's favorite was "Shambo". Yes, we make fun of her for this, because "Shambo" is so weird! LOL.
Is anyone else into Survivor? It has taken me two days to get over the fact that Russell didn't win. I am so sad!! Did you see the tears in his eyes when they announced the winner...and it wasn't him? Don't you think that Russell deserved to win? Please someone, anyone, be on my side! =)

Santa.

It finally happened at the Sell home this weekend...we threatened Van that Santa wouldn't come if she didn't shape up. Is that horrible? Do you do this? You should have seen Van's reaction after the words spilled out of our mouths...pure horror. It turned in to Van having a really good cry, blotchy face, a headache (for everyone), and her sleeping on the couch...because she may have said that we didn't love her...and after those little words were uttered, we gave in to her every request.
Is this what happens when you threaten your children with Santa? Or do I just have a little sensitive thing on my hands? I am not sure that we will do it again, it might have been a little traumatic for her.

Food Review: My Sugar Donut Shopp

As far as a donut shop this place is our absolute favorite... It is not often that we actually get to have a My Sugar's Donut though. If you don't get to My Sugar's Donut before the sun comes up, you are likely to not get a donut. They only make a certain amount of donuts and when they are gone...they close up shop. We have gone many o'times to an empty case, and we are always so disappointed.
Vin must be a pretty sweet baby, because I crave a lot of sweet goodness...like donuts, candy, ice cream, etc. I especially crave a maple buttercream donut....

It kind of tastes like a scone, but it is a donut...and the frosting...mmm!! I can't even describe how delicious it is.

I don't know what kind of donut this is, but it has that crumb/cinnamon stuff on top.Of course Paul will tell you this donut is better than mine, and I do have to say it is pretty darn close to being in 1st...it really just depends on my mood.

With Christmas right around the corner, and I don't cook, I end up wanting to make a lot more treat runs. What place is a must for you to take a treat run to?

Wanna take a treat run to My Sugar's Donut Shopp?

Here is the 4-1-1

Located at 2126 S 3200 W in WVC.

I would tell you hours, but really they make them up. =)

If you plan on driving over there, and want to call to make sure they still have donuts...801-972-8359

8th day of Christmas

Van's true love gave to her...

Dr. + Shots = No Fun Morning!

9th day of Christmas

Van's true love gave to her...

Van's Baby.

Great Grandma on the Farm sent Van a gift card to buy her something for Christmas. Good thing Santa wasn't planning on bringing her the baby she had on her wish list, because when Van laid eyes on "Sarah/Jenny", she was completely in love. "Sarah/Jenny" came with a binki, a bottle, a sippy cup, a diaper bag, a car seat, and anything else you can imagine...just what Van had been dreaming of. "Sarah/Jenny" even temporarily cries when you take her binki or bottle out...Van thinks this is absolutely fantastic, and makes her cry A LOT. It is what I woke up to this morning.
When I asked Van if she was ready to have a real baby in our house...she enthusiastically said "YES!" Bring on Vin!

proof

I was explaining to my friend how I have "skinny days", and days where oh my good gravy I look HUGE. I think that she thought that I was joking, or trying to make myself feel better. Then Monday happened where she said "Von, you are right...you don't even look pregnant today!" I took pictures as proof that such thing really does take place. This "skinny day" is 25 weeks pregnant...the "XL day" was taken at 24 weeks pregnant. Total random post, I know...I just had to prove to everyone this actually does take place in my world!

being a stay at home Mom.

I dreamed of being a stay at home Mom, I still dreamt of being one until today.

I remember the day that I came back to work after having 10 weeks off with Van. Paul stood in the garage crying with Van in his arms. I was sad, but not as sad Paul was. I was excited to see my friends, and to talk...because I like talking. =) I have worked since I can remember, and I enjoy the feeling of contributing to my needs. I never worry about Van, Paul is a really good Dad. I only hear from Paul while I am at work to make sure that I am doing okay. Paul has been the one to clean up the throw up, the blow outs, and has been there to kiss Van's ow-e's when she falls. I never hear complaints about Van not behaving, Paul being annoyed, or things not going exactly as expected. Maybe that is why it is not as hard for me to go to work...I am lucky to have Paul.

When we got pregnant with Vin it was our hope that I would be able to stay home. I started looking into insurance, we had high hopes after the first couple of initial phone calls. It seemed to be something that might actually come true. Today we got the news that we weren't hoping for...it was going to be too costly. Everyone knows that Paul takes extremely expensive pills for his depression and insomnia...insurance companies triple and quadruple the prices for our insurance because of this. Total lame sauce. I can't say that I didn't shed a tear or two that my dream won't be coming true with Vin. I realized after having a teeny-tiny pitty party...I will be okay, we will be okay.

Being a working Mom is okay too! I am busy, extremely busy...but there is never a dull moment. I really do cherish my time with my family. When I get home from work, I always make sure to give Van extra kisses. When she wakes up in the morning we always have breakfast by the fire, and sometimes even share the same bowl of cereal...just because. We giggle, we play things that Daddy doesn't play, and we always put on our make up together. Van tells me stories, she is growing up so fast. I am not going to waste time being sad about what I don't get, because I have so much already that makes my life pretty darn amazing!

On the 10th day of Christmas

Van's true love gave to her...

On the 11th day of Christmas...

Van's true love gave to her...

Santa Visit: Take 1

Standing in line to see Santa this was the convo...

Mom: Van what are you going to ask for from Santa?
Van: I don't know Mom. I don't know what it's called. It's kinda like a GPS.
Mom: What? I don't know what you are talking about.

Just in the nick of time, Van sees a Wii.
Van sits on Santa's lap, and says...

Santa, I want an XBOX.

Say what, say what!? I'm pretty sure Van has never even played with an XBOX. I haven't even played an XBOX...but apparently that is what Van wants this week.

Van won't be getting an XBOX, but Van will be getting something just as exciting...and something that will make her squeal.

On the 12th day of Christmas...

Van's true love gave to her...

Motherhood Maternity

Where do you buy your maternity clothes? After buying every style of shirt, pants, skirts, and capris at Target...I had to go to the dreaded Motherhood Maternity! Does anyone hate Motherhood Maternity as much as I do for these reasons?

Return policy. Seriously don't buy anything you aren't completely in love with. You have 10 days to decide, tags still must be on, and even then you only get instore credit. If you buy something on sale...it's final. If you buy a maternity belt, don't ever plan on returning that either.

Advertising. This weekend we went in to Motherhood Maternity, and they had a sign that said "Spend $75 get a $50 restaurant gift certificate". Paul talks to lady that is working, and confirms that you will just get a code to redeem it online. Easy enough, huh? I get my code, go to the website, only to find out it really isn't a gift card. It is a spend $25 or spend $35 at a restaurant...and then you can get $25 off or $10 off. That to me is not a gift card, that is a coupon.

Yes, I have a rawkin' new skirt...that I love. I have an orange shirt that was super cheap, because honestly who wears orange shirts...only me! I have a maternity belt that I could once find at Wal Mart, but now the only place I could find it was Motherhood Maternity. I can't say that I won't ever go back, but I hope that Target gets new stock in before I have to.

Sunday...a day of rest.

I'm not sure that you could say that I rest on Sunday's. Most Sunday's feel more hectic than my work week. Today was no exception, but it felt good.
Those muffins I promised Van...got baked.
Those sugar cookies I promised Paul...got baked.
A weeks worth of cereal bowls...got washed.
A movie in bed on the laptop...got watched.
I made it to church...and I am really starting to like being in the Primary Presidency.
I made plates of goodies for some neighbors...I need more plates and icing to finish.
The plates got delivered, and we chatted with new friends.
Oh, I didn't forget to take my daily hot bath...and nap! =)
I think I am ready to say...Bring on Monday!

Boys Like Girls

Love this song.
It's my new favorite.

Van's expecting.

When I asked Van if I could take her picture she said as long as I didn't post it on my blog. So, if you promise not to tell her that I did this...I give you the most hilarious thing our daughter has done recently...Van has never been into babies until the past couple of weeks. She finally asked Santa this week for a new baby, clothes, "things to wipe their bums", and anything else you can think of for a baby.

Can you tell that she might be just a little bit excited to have baby Vin come?? I find her in Vin's room all of the time playing with clothes and looking at his stuff. I am glad that I will have such a big helper.

And yes she did wear this outside, and in the car...I love her!

my first BIG girl tea party.

I got to go to my very first tea party. Yeah, it was a pretty big deal in my world. What girl doesn't like to be invited to hang out with 7 fantastic ladies, drinking pink tea out of an uh-mazing tea set, eating absolutely too die for chocolate cake, and giggling until you get a belly ache? This all came about because Dippidee's Bakery kindly allowed us to review their baked goods for Sassy Scoops. These are the days that I {heart} being a blogger.

I loved the added sparkle to the cake...doesn't it scream tea party!!?

If the chocolate cake wasn't enough to win my heart, Dippidee's also provided each blogger with a sugar cookie that matched the design of our blogs. Each sugar cookie was so creative, and you didn't even have to read the name tags to know which one belonged to each blogger.

I am head over hills in love with Dippidee, can't wait to have an event to order a cake for...maybe Christmas. ;)

Wordless Wednesday: Nothin' Like a Good Ol' Paper Countdown Chain

Nursery Theme

The nursery is painted mostly tan with a green accent wall. I painted the wall when we moved in, because I just really wanted a green wall. Now I am realizing there might not be a lot that matches it. I REALLY wanted to do a dinosaur nursery, but Paul vetoed it. Since he is part of bringing Vin into the world, I let him have an opinion. =) Oh, and repainting is not an option...I just lack motivation for that!
I looked through just what Babies R Us had on their website, and these are ones that I thought might work. What do you think?