365: another year is about to end..traditions hold strong

Traditions are a beautiful thing...and this is ours! Camping, like vagrants, on the street of Pasadena every New Years Eve! We wouldn't have it any other way. The campout really started yesterday. Actually, there was no camping, just staking out, chalking, and securing our chalk {from our warm car steps away}. Thanks to Chanin for suffering through that first night with me. We made it fun with movies on the ipad and some hot cocoa..but I'm not going to lie, it was still cold! Monday, the gang all showed up. My husband is the packing genius. He got everything we needed on 1 dolly..even our new inflatable couch {which was quite the attention getter of this years parade}. We had a smaller group this year..just the Warrens, the Rheads, and us. The rest of the group came out New Years morning.  Yes, it is cold! Yes, it's camping! Yes, you have to use porta-potties! And Yes..it is totally worth!  Farewell 2012 and welcome a great 2013!!

364: one of my favorite decorations of the season

The Christmas card wall is by far my most favorite wall in the house!  How I love seeing how friends and family have grown. It brings so much joy to my heart every time I pass by, in fact, I love it so much, I keep it up till Valentines day..which drives Jim crazy! 

363: packing up the fifields

A major loss to our ward and to our social lives!  This morning I helped pack them up. I hate saying good-bye! They will be sorely missed.  Arizona doesn't know how lucky it is to get such an awesome family! 

{but they can only have them for a couple years}

362: 10 years and I'm finally starting Jayden's baby book

After 10 years, I'm finally motivated to get started on the baby books.  Skyler's is done till about 10 months and I've got nothing for Ryder..yet! Thank you Becky Higgins for creating a quick and easy format! I'm loving the simplicity of this, the only snag to quickness..Jayden was born pre-digital, so that means finding negatives and having them reprinted! I forgot what a pain that is. But it will be done! I'm already starting to feel liberated and the mommy guilt is partially subsiding. 

CANT GET ENOUGH OF THIS PUPPY!!! LOVE HIM!

361: les miserable & susan's bday

Happy Birthday Susan! A perfect excuse for a girls night! Food and Les Miserable..doesn't get much better.

360: buddy meets his grandparents

The garage, as messy as it is, is where we found our refuge from the noise of 3 quarreling brothers. Practicing for the rose parade!

My parents and Tella came down to meet Buddy today! It was as instant a love for them as it was for us! He is just THAT irresistible. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Panera {couldn't believe they had never eaten there} and some play time with Buddy. We've got to warm up the babysitter and make her fall madly in love, so much that she can't wait to puppysit!

359: merry christmas and welcome to our 4th boy

Doesn't this face just make you melt? And I'm not talking about the 3 boys on the top of the stairs..albeit cute, they are not as snuggly and fresh! 

This was the best Christmas ever for the Geddie family! After 6 years of putting a dog on their santa lists, they finally got their wish.  BUDDY, is what they named him and he couldn't be any more sweet or precious. At first sight, I became one of them...one of those "pet people"! The ones the swoon and kiss their animals. The one who, before she met him, said it would be an outdoor dog but now lets him have full range of the house.  The one who didn't have the time to train a puppy, but who has suddenly made time. Buddy has brought so much love into our home. He is an instant member of our family and we love him to pieces! 

358: 2nd annual christmas eve light tour

357: way to start off christmas break

 We did not enjoy a very silent night! 

Thank goodness for Jim who ended the Elf's run this year with a bang!

356: sing-a-long at the old's

We were invited to Jim's bosses house in Irvine for a fun, Christmas sing-a-long.  We ate and gathered around the piano and sang all sorts of Christmas tunes. The boys even joined in on a few.

355: jaydens christmas program

Spent the morning at the elementary school today for all the kids Christmas stuff. Is it just me, or am I just fizzling out on all this elementary school fun? I couldn't wait to escape the madness.

354: playing photographer

Took some pictures of my friends family..her in-laws had requested a funny photo for Christmas.  I even convinced her to send out Christmas cards. My job was done!

353: seminary gift

I love this quote from President Monson. I attached it to the gift I made for my seminary students, hoping to remind them the reason for the season.

352: memory lane

I was out doing errands, in the rain, and drove past Marie Callendar's, which I do often, but this time, I had the strongest craving for a chinese chicken salad.  I use to work at Marie Callendar's back in 1992-94 and this salad was my absolute favorite. I haven't eaten here in probably 10 years, but today, it just sounded so good.  Unfortunately, it did not live up to the salad of yesteryears.  They have changed their dressing recipe, which has changed the whole salad. Sad. Sad. Sad. It was quite a let down.

351: white chocolate popcorn

When I had mentioned to Jim that I didn't really have the time to make goodies this Christmas, he gave me that look..the guilt trip look.  I caved, and came up with the easiest, yet yummiest thing I could: white chocolate covered popcorn. Wrapped them up in these little containers and our little elves delivered them for family night. I'll have to admit, I was glad I carved out the time. It's always a nice feeling to drop surprises off for people, especially around the holidays.

350: elf on the shelf

Jim saved me this morning! I woke up in a panic because I had forgotten to move this dang elf!! He told me he took care of it. I'll have to admit, I'm pretty dang impressed with his creativity! This one was a big hit!

349: nativity festival

Every year, our church takes on the ginormous task of the nativity festival. This is something that is nearly a year in the making. Members from the various wards lend their personal creches for 2 evenings to be shared with the community. There is also musical performances and a live nativity.  Who knew there were so many amazing creches in this world?  I had an idea..as I collect them.  We are probably up to about 20+. We love to buy them when we travel. I look forward to adding many to my collection..which means, I have lots of trips in mind!

348: merry moody christmas

It's a Merry Moody Christmas!  Party time with dear friends. Always a great time to be had when in the company of these crazies.  BEST WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EVER:  a LIVE chicken! It made for a very festive and outrageous night!

347: the weather outside is frightful...and i love it

Finally, a full day of rain!!  

346: books & brunch

Loved, loved, loved this book! I have enjoyed everything I've read from this author. She has an incredible way of telling a story and getting you wrapped up into the characters. 

We had our bookclub meeting at South Coast Winery.  Books and brunch..two great things.

345: frosty, the tumbleweed snowman

Random...yes! I see this everyday when I pick up middle school. Next door to this house, the residents have painted a giant batman logo in the middle of their driveway.  

"Birds of a feather flock together!"

344: a treasured box of memories

My mom sent me home with more of my "stuff"! This box is a box of so many childhood memories. Pictures, school work/reports, headgear, memorabilia, etc. Even my ponytail from my first haircut, tucked away in a Clothestime bag..do you remember Clothestime?!! It made my childhood seem like it was yesterday! So glad I was a "saver"!! 

{some might call it a hoarder, I call it a saver!}

343: final day

 One of the most gorgeous trees I ever did see!! The Langham Hotel, Pasadena, Ca.

Just a couple miles away..The Father of the Bride home! Pasadena is a great place for a Sunday drive.

342: universal studios

Day 2 of the party we got to choose our excursion. We choose Universal Studios. We hadn't been there in over 13 years and thought it would be a fun outing for just the 2 of us.  

We happened to hit opening day of the Happy Wholiday and the joyous Whovalation! As part of our ticket, we got the upgraded front of the line pass. I don't think I could have paid the $50 extra if on my own, but it was pretty amazing to walk right past all the lines, right onto the rides! Worth every penny I didn't spend!

341: jims weekend christmas party

 Farkle's being held captive for infringing upon the toys' territory!

We spent the weekend in Pasadena this year for Jim's work Christmas party. For the past 12 years, we've been going to Newport or Dana Point. I loved this new venue..The Langham Hotel. We took charter buses, the first night, to the Donny & Marie Christmas Spectacular at the Pantages in L.A. Now that Marie is family with the owner of Jim's company {his daughter married her son}, we got special after show privileges. It was very gracious of her to meet and greet and take photos with this very large group! She's a tiny little thing, with a rocking body! Mind you, she's got like 5 inch heels on. 

{other than feeling like giants..why are our noses so red?}

340: building lego bridges

Building spiritual bridges with legos in seminary. A different spin to "the wise man built his house upon a rock"..we did the house lesson back in Matthew, now we're building sturdy foundations to bridge us back to Heavenly Father.

 

Farkle has become Nacho and baby nancho's play toy!

339: farkle's at it again

At least he's keeping warm with ear muffs and a scarf.

338: saying goodbye, twice in one day

 Grandma & Grandpa Geddie left to fly home to Denver today! Sad to say goodbye!

Later that night, we said goodbye to another member of our family! She was great while she lasted, a beauty. 4 yrs. 10 months...200,000 miles..yikes! A very fun car to drive, not to maintain!

337: farkle..the naughty elf

Introducing...Farkle, our naughty elf!

336: the old man is 42

 Happy Birthday Jim...42 and looking good!

This is what happens when Ryder tries to get dressed all by himself for church! Solid effort little man!