Pure Joy

1. Watching 3 year old compete in Swordplay on the Wii.
2. Watching 6 year old peform on stage (fireplace hearth) using her new karaoke machine.
3. Defeating my sister-in-law in any Wii game by one point (numerous times).
4. Deciding on who was well enough to cook to dinner (everyone was sick).
5. Playing games every night with family.
6. Having nieces and nephews copy my mom's and mine dancing skills.
7. Watching my mom dance on the coffe table.

The Pick up

I was excited about returning to home base (Tara-for those that have seen "Gone with the Wind.") My family made special preparations for my arrival at the airport.


They blended into the environment. They were incognito.



Jealous onlookers at the airport wanted to be part of my family.

Gift giving Quandry

The holiday season can be a difficult time. You have decide who to give gifts and what people to send cards. Are they close friends? Are the worth the stamp? Are they worth the time and effort of hunting the perfect gift for them? Some of you have been smart and have established yourself with the same gift to friends to save stress. Then, the added stress of someone giving you a gift that you had not planned to give a gift, then you feel obligated to give a gift back.(very problematic in the workplace). Then, when you decide to give the same gift to everyone, it needs to be budget friendly. Even $5.00 per person times 20 is $100. That is money you may or may not have. Then, there is the breads, cookies, treats, I do love that these are made with love and taste great. We should not feel obligated to give something every year. STOP FEELING GUILTY! Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't.

Often, we have to give candy or food, this is not good for those of us who are trying to lose weight or not gain any. It is hard to find the perfect gift and make sure you remember everyone. I resorted to giving the gift card of appreciation (a thank you note). It means more because you take the time to think about how the person has affected your life and you are not making them fat. (that is what good friends do). Friends don't let friends get fat!

Shout Out!

1. Thanks to the guy who happened to have a slim jim with him at church and was able to help me unlock my car, because I had left my keys in the car (ps-the car was running).

2. Thanks to the Wal-Mart truck driver who went around me as I was stuck in the snow. He didn't get right behind me. He let me back up and get a running start to get on of the snow.

3. Thanks to the two guys who helped push me out of the ditch that I had slid into.

4. Thanks to everyone who tolerated me driving me on the road with bald front tires.

5. Thanks to a friend for giving me a ride home from church because I was decided to walk to church in the snowstorm after my adventures from the morning.

Woot! Woot!

I have to share exciting news. My JV girls basketball team won their first game yesterday. It was a nail-bitter. We only play two 10 minutes half (running clock). My girls were down by 8 baskets and was able to come back and tie in the last minute of the game. OVERTIME! 2 minutes were added to the clock. My girls played hard, but the scored didn't move for either team. OVERTIME AGAIN! (yes, I almost wet my pants). Then, my girls were able to steal the ball and score in the first 30 seconds of the 2nd overtime. After the girl scored, she went crazy, took the ball slammed it down and ran off the court (as if it was sudden death). Quite funny, I was trying not to laugh and also let her know that we are still playing and the game is not over. We were able to score 3 more baskets, before the game ended and it was official. WE WON!

Holy Tar

This is my new phrase "Holy Tar", I can't believe it has been two weeks since my last post. I have tons of funny stories from teaching jr. high students and helping coaching jr. high girl's basketball, but what if they read my comments about them. Not Cool!

So I decided to rant about being aware of who will or might read your blog or facebook. We are all facebook/blog stalkers. We know we do it. It is the reason we joined facebook right. Please be aware of who you tag in your photos, ask permission. I have found that many people have no idea that once you place something on the web, that anyone can find or see it. Privacy setting can help with what can become a very awkward and uncomfortable situation, but not always. Please be smart, protect yourself and your family. I admit, I thought I was protecting myself, but realized that my blog has my complete name. One day it will change, when I get married. HAHAHAHAH!