Christmas coal and other goodies.

Christmas coal. That's what I told my kids Santa left for them. Witness the reaction, and Braxton's initial optimism. Hopes quickly dashed, the children fall into utter disgust.

Yeah, I know I am mean- but it makes for the funniest of videos. This is a classic, don't you agree?

There's spies in them there trees!

(One of Santa's Bird Friends.)

Okay, I admit it. I am not above telling others what I want them to hear to produce the end result that I want. This holds true in almost every aspect of my life. It is true that I would excel in the field of politics or political staffer. I am very good at spinning things so as to appear a certain way. Now, how does this and the above picture relate? Good question. I'll tell you how.

If you didn't know, Santa has his own special espionage agents. Sure, they look like harmless birds, but what you don't know is that they are spying on you and reporting their findings back to Santa Claus. Each time you see a bird, you have to be especially good so that they tell Santa all the good things you do.

I have noticed how good my kids are when a bird is around. I think it's working.

The Annual Rudd Christmas Party

Every year, my mom's family throws a Christmas party and it is usually pretty fun. This year was a bummer because my gramps passed away only a few short months ago. He was so sassy, and that is what always made the party a "PAR-TAY". The party was much fun, so I will share some of the good pics I snapped.

Jack wasn't sure about Santa.. that is until he produced a candy cane. Then Jack was totally down with Santa.

Before food:

After food:

Braxton with Santa... explaining the condition of his room (oh no!).



Addie with Santa. Telling him she wants only 2 things: an ipod and a Nintendo DS. Hey, at least they're cheap gifts. (sheesh!)



My Gramma is the best in the west! She is a card carrying member of the red hat club. And she tells everyone. I love her!!

Gramma and Addie.

Grams has some Alzheimer's, as evident in the following video. She forgets what she is doing and figures "to hell with it... I will do a little dance number, instead". She's the best!

Gramma's got skills! At least according to Braxton.

It's a bird! It's a plane.....

No, It's just Jackson scaring the crap out of me by climbing everything he sees. I swear, most of my gray hairs are because of this kiddo! Observe:

And then he gives me this little ditty when he climbs the other chair... like, "Ha! Mom... Relax! I don't need you to worry. I am the master climber!".






I absolutely refuse to push this kid's wheelchair later in life. You know, after the accident. Sheesh!

Paradise Found!

View from the front drive. I know... beautiful!

So, we went up to my dad's house in Paradise, UT yesterday. I love how peaceful it is there. While I am the first to admit that nature and I are not one, this is about as close as I get to being that way. Right after dinner a deer came up to the rear of the house. I told him he was too late for dinner.... :). The only ones that love that home more than I do are my kids. Gramma Kristine and Grammpa Rick have the coolest house, EVER!

For example:

The Barbie Room under the stairs.. oh, shut up! Who didn't want this as a kid?



Braxton in the dog house! There's a tv on a shelf above the door. I think they were watching a Disney movie right then.

The slide from the landing half way down the stairs. Slide goes into the train room.

The Train Room. Love it. It is equipped with sound and flashing lights.

The classroom downstairs.



And, last but not least, the unfinished room that Jack uses as his racetrack!

Overall we had a great Turkey Day, part 2. Weight gain in full swing! Let us all joyfully allow the pounds accumulate!

Thanksgiving and such.....

I admit I have not been as vigilant as I should be, so I guess I will try to play "catch-up".

Ryan's Mom was good enough to come and stay with the children so Ryan and I could go and enjoy the Monday Night Football Game in Denver. We enjoyed ourselves immensely by gorging ourselves at Maggiano's and other wonderful local eateries; sleeping in; experiencing a massage at a local spa; followed by the game. Ahh... what a nice trip. I had a blast. Thanks Ryan!

Thanksgiving was fantastic (if I do say so myself). But, I do have to admit, I was worried about the food. Not because of my mother in law- but because of . . . okay, my mother in law. Surprisingly, it couldn't have turned out better. Really. It was a bittersweet day, since I fixed most of the things my mom loved and fixed for us every year, like pistachio salad, great grandma's stuffing and morning breakfast pull-aparts. Yum.. my favorites!

Braxton made this lovely turkey hat at school for the occasion. How Festive!

Thanksgiving spread! Proof that I actually can cook!

And last, but certainly not least, I have been lost the last few days without my BFF. I didn't realize how much I depend on her to 'talk me down' or just make me laugh. Get home Joon, or else!!! :)

My Favorite Things

I think most of my friends would be able to tell you spot on what I love the most. I love the usual things, like my dear husband & crazy children; my fantastic friends; my car and home. But it's time that the little things in life be given some recognition!

I submit the following for your consideration:

There's nothing better than a good set of black, pointy heels. No, I'm serious!

Diet Coke with Lime...mmmm....






Dinah Washington- - Sings "Relax, Max"
(And any other good old jazz music.)

Funny Faces




And, my mom.
(Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday. )