Christmas has passed... and so has my motivation.

During the holidays I was on top of it. All of it.
The decorating.
The shopping.
I was ready for Christmas a WEEK into December.

But, now that it's over?
I am dragging ass on the clean up.
My tree isn't down.
My decor isn't packed away.
I have Christmas cards still taped to the wall, and poinsetta's still drape my windows.

I like to blame it on Lee - poor guy.
He's been off for the week, and I always have a hard time getting things done when he's home.
I just want to relax with him, and ignore the fact that I have so much to do.

But, next week is the week.
Kids go back to school, Lee goes back to work, and I no longer have a job outside of the house.
So, no excuses.

It will be done.
It has to be.
Otherwise, I may just lose my mind.

Call me crazy.

I think a few people probably thought I was today while I was out doing returns.
I got a few 'um, what the hell?' looks.
That's okay though - it's bound to happen when you dye some of your hair NEON purple.

Just another one of my impulsive decisions.
I'm sure that there will be many more in my lifetime.
It is me, that we are talking about here.

Kudos to Santa.

An XBOX Kinect was at the top of the kids' wish-list this year.
Honestly, it was at the top of ours as well.
[Hmm. Imagine that... Crazy how that works.]
On Christmas morning: 'Santa' delivered.

For the past 2 days, we have been trying it out like crazy.
We've been jumping, twisting, turning, ducking, swaying, and flapping our arms like lunatics. It's been a total blast.
I think my favorite part just might be, laughing at Lee while he's 'busting a move' on Dance Central.
[Yep. That is some SERIOUS Facebook material right there.]

I woke up this morning actually sore from playing it.
Kinda AWESOME if you ask me. A workout - without even feeling like I'm working out?
UM. HECK. YES.

Christmas - this year.

On Christmas Eve, we celebrated with Lee's family.
Forgetful me - forgot my camera.
So, no pictures from that occasion.
GRRRR.
Kaylee got a GINORMOUS doll house from Karen, Lester, and Grandma Norene, and Moxie girls from the Bennetts.
She LOVES them.
Layton got the ONE thing he was DYING for this year. A Paper Jam guitar, tools, and an Iron Man helmet.
(Poor little Sydney was scared for her LIFE when he had that thing on.)

Christmas Morning started like it does every year.
Santa visited us, and the kids were thrilled when they discovered that he left them an X-Box Kinect.
[More on that later.]

I started the morning off by taking pictures of them opening gifts, but failed to continue throughout the day.
Kinda bummed that I hardly have any.
(Another.... GRRRR.)

We had my parents over, as well as my brother and Jacob for lunch, and the kids opened more gifts for almost 45 minutes.

After that? We spent the rest of the evening in front of the T.V.

It was a great Christmas.

But, I won't lie - I am totally relieved that it is over.

The wish list.

We visited Santa today just in the 'nick of time.'
[Yep. Talk about procrastinating.]
Kaylee had no problem chatting it up with the guy.
She sat on his lap, all comfy and cozy and told him exactly what she wished for this year.
Layton though?
After getting super nervous and uncomfortable, he just froze and then forgot EVERYTHING that he wanted.
It made Lee and I laugh.
It was for sure a FIRST for him.
After leaving - he was in a panic.
He asked how Santa was going to know what he wanted if he wasn't able to tell him.
Kaylee quickly chimed in: 'Oh, don't worry Layton. Santa can read your mind, and plus... he has Mom and Dads phone number.'

This time of year...

...makes me want to pack up the family and go sledding.
It makes me want to rent Christmas movies and stay in my pajamas all day.
I love driving down the streets and admiring all the pretty lights.
I love the smell of my cinnamon 'scentsy' candles as the aroma fills my house.
This time of year gives me a great excuse to shop 'til I drop.
It makes me crave hot chocolate on those super chilly nights, and gives me the urge to bake.
It makes me pray for snow, and I can get away with wearing my cute knit hats everyday.
I love relaxing at night with all the lights off in the house - except for the ones on the Christmas Tree.
I love how Christmas can bring so many people together.
I love seeing people 'give' to those in need, and seeing the appreciation from the ones receiving it.
I love the anticipation of Christmas morning, picturing the kids' faces when they wake up and realize that Santa was here.
This time of year reminds me of how blessed I am.
I'm thankful for my family, my friends, and this life that I live.
This time of year makes me re-play the past year in my head, and also makes me wonder what the next year will bring.
Yes. This time of year is (by far) my favorite.

Instant FAN.

As much as I hate to admit this, Lee's music has rubbed off on me as of lately.
His hard rock choices, (where they just scream at the top of their lungs) usually grates on my nerves. BAD.
I love to complain about it, and normally I do.
He's always begging me to listen to a song, to just try it and see what I think.
Normally? I'm not impressed.
But, this week? That didn't happen.
He downloaded HINDER on my Napster Playlist and I. AM. HOOKED.
I, of course knew who they were. (Lips of an angel was a huge hit in 2006.)
But, other than that?  I didn't follow them.
I didn't know that they were a hardcore rockband.
I didn't know that they were awesome.
Ever since Monday - I have been cranking their newest album [American Nightmare] up in the car, memorizing every word to every bad-ass song, and singing at the top of my lungs.
The louder - the better.
Hey? Who knew that I had some rocker-chic in me?
I'm even thinking that: 'going to a rock concert' just might be on the top of my list of: Things to do in 2011.
[Lee still can't believe it.]
Honestly? Neither can I.

Road Rage.

Okay, so maybe it's not that bad, but driving in these conditions? Well, it makes me want to scream at people.

Holiday traffic is ridiculous.

I swear that every year around this time it feels like I have a sign on the front of my car that reads: Go ahead - CUT ME OFF. I don't mind.

Is it just me, or do people drive worse during this season?

Now, most people reading this (especially the ones who really know me) are probably wondering if I am speaking about myself.

And all ll I have to say to this is: No.
I am known to run red lights, hit young children that run in front of me on purpose, and threaten anyone that is walking in a crosswalk.

Pshh, I don't pull out in front of people.

New Chapter.

I gave my 2 weeks notice today.

With Lee back to work and making plenty - and me wanting to focus a lot more on my Photography business, there is really no need for me to be working a part-time job anymore.

Now, I am guessing that this will be an interesting transition for me, considering it has been my 'normal' for the past 4 years.

I am so thankful that through Lee's lay-off, that we had it to fall back on.
And even though retail was NEVER my dream job - I will miss the people I work with, [especially my super awesome boss - and now, great friend - Sarah.] and of course the handfull of customers that have truly become my favorites.

I have been informed however,  that anytime I need a few days of work - just to call, and it will be done. The busy seasons like Easter, Halloween, Christmas, or... any day of the week in between.
[Feels kinda good to know that I'll be missed as well.]

I find it interesting - how I can be this excited, and completely un-easy all at the same time.

Hmm.... Crazy how that works.

Mr. Destruction.

I have come to realize that it is impossible to find a chew toy that this dog doesn't EAT within an hour.

I would think that since these things are actually made for DOGS - that they would make them to be able to actually hold up to the massive chewing of the animal. No, not the case.

Bentlee goes through dog toys like the average family goes through toilet paper. Very quickly.

I am constantly picking up little pieces of chewed rubber off my carpet, or throwing away the toy balls that he is able to puncture within minutes.

Now, in the dogs defense - Don't get me wrong. I am more than thrilled that he isn't chewing on my shoes anymore. I seriously thought that the 'puppy stage' was going to kill me - or quite possibly him.
I am glad that he actually understands now - what is his, and what isn't.

But, HOLY CRAP. I am buying toys for him almost TWICE a week.

Looks like from now on? The dollar tree will be the only place that I buy dog toys.
Just wish I would have thought of that before NOW.
Which is wayyy too much money later.

TImes have changed.

I realized the other day - just how much this is true.

I had to pick up the kids early from school for an appointment.
I did the normal, signing the check out form at the front office, and telling the secretary what rooms they were in.
This time however? They asked me to state my full name, what my relationship to them was, and then I was asked to show my ID.
I actually had to take it out of my wallet, and I watched as she looked it over thoroughly, and compared it to the intormation on her computer screen.

I must admit. I was a little surprised.
I thought to myself: this lady has only seen me a hundred times... she knows who I am.

As I waited in the lobby for them, I couldn't help but ponder it - and suddenly, a huge sense of relief actually came over me.

On one hand - yes, it can seem a little ridiculous for me to have to go through that procedure everytime I eat lunch with them, or pick them up early.
But, on the other? This 'annoying little procedure' also keeps my children safe.
This means that some stranger can't just come in there and leave with them.
And, In today's society? This actually happens wayyyyy to often.

So, even though it saddens me that the world has gotten bad enough for our schools to have to do such drastic things, it also comforts me to know that they are doing all that they can to protect our kids.

The ghetto wrapper.

I Absolutely LOVE Christmas.

I enjoy the shopping, I enjoy the decorating, I enjoy the giving, and this year? I have even been enjoying baking [and NOT burning] special goodies.

However, there are 2 things that don't excite me at all about this time of year.
The traffic, (NEW post - coming soon) and wrapping presents.

Ugh. Wrapping presents. Something I dread.

Usually, Lee is the one that does most the wrapping.
If it were up to me - everyone would just get a really pretty bag with sparkly paper.
But, it's Christmas and I can't really get away with that.

Lee has been working and on top of it,  he has been super sick with a chest cold.
So, the last few days I have been wrapping a little at a time.
I will admit: my gifts look a little sad - but, hey... they're almost all done.

Lee was totally surprised to get home from work this morning and see the bottom of the tree paractically stuffed full.
I told him not to look very close - because they weren't too pretty but, he already knew that.

Here are a few examples of my lack of skills:
I am known to use 'scraps' of paper on the back or at the end of my packages when I cut the main piece too small. [and I do this alot.]
I also am known to just skip using a box for those odd shaped items by trying to just make it work. These ones usually end up looking pretty 'special' - if you catch my drift.

My personal oppinion? People just tear them open anyway. Why waste all that time?
C'mon - you have to admit: I do have a point.

Anyway, Being almost done with all of them has me feeling accomplished and pretty excited.

Because, after the holidays?
I'm so going back to being the gift-bag-girl.

Can't we all just run around naked?

Ok. Totally BAD Idea.
However, this does cross my mind everytime I am drowning in a ginormous mound of dirty clothes.

As you can tell - I have a serious problem with doing laundry.
I absolutely hate it.
Other chores, I have no problem keeping up with.
[Lee actually swears that I may even suffer with OCD - when it comes to how picky I can be about it.]
Honestly? There may be some truth to that.
I clean it once a week but it has to be picked up throughout the day, it pains me if there are dishes in my sink, and I must wipe down the toilets daily with a clorox wipe. I. MUST.
Ok. Ok. I'am totally getting off subject.

Anyway - Laundry is my: 'if-I-had-money-to-pay-somone-to-do-this-for-me-I-would' chore.
I can't stand it.
It's the never-ending part that kills me.
No matter how much I do - there is always more waiting.
I am known to let it pile up day after day, then when I have to finally focus on it? I just want to cry like a baby.
[Yes people. I am serious.]

Yesterday was one of those days.
I worked on it for HOURS, and then decided? NO. MORE.
I seriously stress myself out way too much over this.
[See? I told you Lee had a point.]

So, the plan is: A load a day.
No exceptions.

Today? Success.
Tomorrow? Lets hope so.
And someday? When I win the Powerball? I'm totally hiring a maid.