Paul's 30th Birthday

I just realized, looking through my archives that I failed to write about a big event. Paul turned 30 this year! (well, last year now, I guess) For those of you who don't know, his birthday is December 24th. . .that's right, Christmas Eve, and before you ask, YES is sucks! I threw him a surprise party, which wasn't supposed to be a surprise. I really wanted to take him to do something fun for just him for his big birthday, but we just didn't have the money so I decided a party with friends and family was probably the next best thing (and the only thing we could afford).

In the beginning I wasn't trying to hide it from him, but as it got closer and he still hadn't really figured out what was going on I figured there was no reason to spoil the surprise before necessary. I thought there was no way he couldn't know about it. There were all these odd things that didn't add up. For instance,

• I went all the way to Lindsay to make a slide show for his birthday at Becky's house because they have iMovie on their computer so I knew I could do it over there. I know he thought it was odd that I drove to Lindsay because I haven't done that since we moved out here, but I guess not that odd cause he didn't ask too many questions.
• He helped Daniel Netzley move the Saturday morning of the party and I guess I didn't tell everyone it was a surprise. . .I suppose because originally it wasn't going to be, so the last thing he said to Paul before he left was "see you later today". Which, Paul thought was odd, but I guess not odd enough.
• Carolyn showed up before I got Paul out of the house, which wasn't a big deal because I had already told him that she wanted to do something that day since we hadn't all seen each other for awhile. She, of course, brought the boys with her and before Paul left for the grocery store (that's how I got him out. . .we were desperate for groceries) they were talking about food for us all and Frank said "it's your party." lol Yeah, he didn't even HEAR that one. . .or so he says. He responded to Frank, but, alas, he does the same thing to me ALL the time, so I believe him when he says he didn't hear him even though he responded

Anywho, there were a couple other things too, like one-sided phone conversations with people that weren't very obscure. . .or so I thought, and odd visits from his parents (to bring me pictures for his slide show. He wasn't home, but he heard about it). Oh, I love my sweet, oblivious husband.

The party was fun and there were a LOT of people. I don't think any more people would've fit in my house, but I think everyone had a good time. We ended up spending the whole time watching the stupid BYU bowl game (do I sound annoyed?) but whatever. It was his party and that's what he wanted to do. It turned out quite fun. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures, but trust me when I say, it was a good night!

Oh, and in case you're curious, we're leaving the kids to go to San Francisco for 2 days for our 5th anniversary. Yay! I've lived here in Cen. California my whole life and never really been there, sad huh?

"That Mom"

I never thought I would be "that mom". You know the one. The one who freaks out over everything and is constantly worried about her children. The one who misses her kids the second she leaves the house without them and calls the house 3 times during the date she was pushed into going on with her husband just to get away.

But, there I was last night, lying in bed, thinking that we'd only ever left Keith for one night at a time at anyone's house--and I can count the amount of times on one hand--wondering if he would be alright (well not "alright", but happy and. . .well you know what I mean) for two nights without us. Wondering if we should've just reserved the hotel for one night, instead of two, when suddenly I realize: I have become that mom. Well, I'm not "that" mom, but I have become that mom. The one I never thought I would be.

Though I don't worry about Alexa as much since since to her I'm no one terribly special yet--she will still be fed and changed (I worry more about Christy since she will be the one waking up with her at night)--I still think that leaving her for 2 days is an awfully long time. I never left Keith alone until he was over a year old.

I always miss my kids when I'm away from them, but I don't feel the need to call constantly to check up. I will call after awhile just to make sure the babysitters aren't going nuts, but it's not because I worry about the children in those instances so much as the sitter. But, for the first time, for some inexplicable reason I had this urge to make out a list of important things to know for Christy. Things like bedtime, nap time, feeding schedule for Alexa, etc.

I guess now I realize it's normal. . .whatever that means, haha. Part of me has to laugh because it is kind of funny, but the other part of me wants to laugh AT myself just like I laughed at all those crazy women before me who were being so crazy about something that just wasn't a big deal. I guess we all learn our lessons.

New Car!

Well, my last post talked about how we could now afford a car 'cause of the holiday bonus so we went out and bought one! We really didn't plan to get one so quickly, but when we were looking around yesterday we saw a deal we couldn't pass up.



It's a 2007 Mazda 6i (what the "i" means, I have no idea, but that's what he said it was!) It's got about 27k miles on it and it's in GREAT condition. That's not the picture of our actual car, but that's exactly what ours looks like, color, spoiler and all (cept it looks like there's a sun roof and ours doesn't have that). It was a rental before and it'd been sitting on the Michael Toyota lot since September so they were ready to get rid of it. It's got a 6 CD changer too. The best part about it though is that it changes back and forth between an automatic and manual transmission. We got the extended warranty cause I figure with our track record we will be really glad we did.

Maybe I'll actually get to drive it today, haha. Paul test drove it and the guy asked if I wanted to, but with my poor eyes (need to get my new prescription fixed) and it being night and a little foggy and all I didn't want to. Now we can get rid of the station wagon, yea! Merry (late) Christmas to us! Or just Happy New Year, whichever.

Yay for Holiday Bonuses!

Paul called me today, and I didn't get the phone call, so he left a message saying a needed to call him. He sounded a little agitated so I was bracing myself for bad news (a ticket or another bill--something like that). Turns out, it was GOOD news! He got his Holiday bonus (which I had basically forgotten about) and it was big! We can afford to buy a car now! Yay!

The conversation started out "Do you want to buy a car?"

And of course I said, "Uh, right now?"

"No, not right now, but soon. I got my bonus." And it was much bigger than either of us were anticipating. I'm very grateful for a responsible company who chose to forgo the big holiday party in L.A. (including the cost of putting everyone up in hotels and such) and instead spending the money on marketing because of the awful economy and holiday bonuses. Cause, let's face it, most of us would just rather have the money anyway, right?

We've been really good about saving money the last few months, but we spent a little more this month than usual and I was guilty feeling and wondering how we were ever going to give Keith any kind of Christmas (not to mention Paul's 30th [so it's kind of an important one] birthday). My only consolation was that I had all the month's bills paid by the 3rd of the month except one $40 bill due on the 30th. But, now I can afford to get him a birthday present, and we can afford to buy a car with a decent down payment (and without using the money we HAVE been saving, so we won't be totally broke) and maybe even buy a garage door opener or something, haha. I would just like to say, I have a very strong testimony of tithing! Just when I start to get crazy about money something happens to make me heave a sigh of relief and realize we're being taken care of.

The Christmas Survey

I opened up Becky's and thought, why not? Especially since my last 3 (or was it 4 now?) posts were pictures.

1. Do you like hot chocolate or egg nog?

I like both, though I don't usually drink my egg nog straight. I prefer to cut my egg nog with some milk to tone down the flavor. And I LOVE gourmet hot coco, mmm.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just put them under the tree?

Of course they're wrapped! What fun would it be if I could see them all??

3. Colored or white lights on the tree/house?

Depends on where they are. If they're on a house, I prefer white lights, or plain blue lights are nice too. But o I like colored lights cause they're just so pretty!

4. Traditional Christmas or contemporary/Mod Christmas?
I'm not entirely sure what a "contemporary" Christmas is, so I guess I'll have to go with traditional. I love the traditional music especially.

5. When do you put up your decorations?

As soon as I can! But certainly no later than the first weekend of December cause if I can't enjoy everything for at least 2 full weeks then it kind of feels like a waste of time and especially money (for the tree and stuff).

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?

I'm really not sure. I can't think of anything that stands out really. Is that sad?

7. What is your favorite holiday memory from your childhood?

I don't really have one. I didn't really like Christmas for a long time. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't love it either.

8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Nope. We never did and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Course, you have to have enough gifts to have something to open Christmas Eve without giving up all of the Christmas fun, lol. And it could be a few years before we get there!

9. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Right now, it's pretty pathetic. There's pretty much nothing on it but lights and two different Fresno Temple ornaments. We have nothing.

10. Snow! Love it or dread it?

Neither. I don't love it, but we don't get it here so I certainly don't dread it. I did while I was in Idaho though cause they never plowed the roads in our town and I didn't like driving on the ice (or Paul having to drive on the ice everyday).

11. Do you remember your favorite gift?

I would have to say probably the Christmas that I got a bicycle. I was sick with the flu (like usual) and laying on the couch and there was a knock (or ring? or nothing? I'm not sure, it was a LONG time ago) at the door and my dad told me I should answer it and it was a bicycle! It was like something you see on a TV show. It was also my first bike and I've only had one other since then. I miss having a bike!

12. What is the most important thing about the holidays for you?

Having my family together, and keeping the spirit of Christmas in Christmas.

13. What is your favorite holiday dessert?

I really can't think of one. I like fudge, though we never made it in our house, and I love good homemade breads like Banana and Pumpkin.

14. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I would have to say probably picking out/decorating the tree. I love the smell it brings into my house and I love how my house feels different the whole time it's up. There's just a different feeling in the air.

15. What tops your tree?

Nothing. We haven't gotten that far yet. This is the first year we've ever had a tree, so we don't have much to put on it, especially a topper. But eventually I'd like to get a star.

16. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?

I like both, but definitely giving. I wish I had a little more money though cause this year I don't have enough to give to ANYBODY and it makes me sad. At least Keith will be able to open presents Christmas morning.

17. What is your favorite Christmas song?
"O Holy Night" for a religious song and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" cause musically it's so much fun and really cool. Also love "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

18. Candy canes?

Love them, but only at Christmas and only in small pieces. Plus, the tree doesn't look complete without them, which reminds me, I need to buy some!

19. Do you feel Christmas is too commercialized?

Uh, yeah! Who doesn't? Well, probably atheists, but other than that. Seriously, Christmas stuff comes out the day after Halloween (sometimes sooner). Give me a break!

20. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

A Charlie Brown Christmas and White Christmas

21. Can you ice skate?

It's been a very long time, but both times I went as a kid I did very well. I was even skating backwards before the day was over.

22. Are all your Christmas presents ready yet?

Nope. They're all in the mail for Keith, hopefully to be here soon, and I have to get a stocking together for Paul (since that's pretty much all we'll be doing). . .oh, and one for Keith, though he still needs a stocking first, haha.

If you'd like to do it, consider yourself tagged.

In the last 10 minutes. . .

So, while I was posting the other blog, I sent Keith to his room for not listening. You saw how he was dressed before. . .check out how he was dressed when I told him he could come out.