Christmas

We had a blast this Christmas.  Santa brought Rionn a bike.  He's already ridden it too.  There is so much to post since we've done Christmas over several days.  So I'm going to do this post in pictures.

It Never Rains In California

But when it does, it pours.  And pours.  And pours.  We live in the desert.  Not much rain or snow, or ice.  And I'm definately ok with that until the middle of summer.  But this year has been more wet than usual.  Since Friday, it's rained every day, all night.  Today is Wednesday night and it's still going strong.  Yeah, and it ain't pretty outside either.  The water literally has no where to go.  Luckily they say that it's suppose to stop tomorrow and Friday so maybe we can dry out a little.  But the dogs are loving being inside all the time.  And I guess it gets me into my sewing room.  Isn't much for distractions this way.  But here's a few pictures to show you guys.  The first one is the intersection nearest to our house.  The rest I took while trying to get turned around and find the next closed road.  Glad Rionn is on Christmas break.  Otherwise, I don't know how he would get to school. LOL!

Gingerbread House...Errr Train Station

Tonight was Rionn's Gingerbread House Competition.  He wanted to do a train station.  And luckily grandma got me a train cookie cutter set last year for Christmas.  So we didn't have to go all Cake Boss on this project.  Luckily.  I just wasn't in the mood or in the Christmas Spirit I guess.  But we got it done.  The rules were that it had to be 100% edible.  And the kids had to do most of the work.  So I did the adult stuff.  Baking and cutting.  But Rionn did everything else.  And he was so proud of himself.  So we went tonight to the judging and awards.  And when we walked in there were lots of those boxed sets of gingerbread houses.  Some were homemade and some were ones that you could tell the parents did.  Of course, the fancy ones that the kids probably didn't have much to do with it.  And of course, Rionn was very disappointed.  He's the kind of kid that so competitive that it's a race when we are at the grocery store bagging groceries.  But Cole and I told him he did awesome.  Especially since he followed the rules and did a pretty darn good job.  Of course, I'm the bias mother and he'll always do a great job.  Anyways, here's the kiddo and his train station.  And some others.

Green Belt

Rionn tested for his new belt last weekend.  And now he's officially a green belt. 

His Very First Official School Program

So tonight was Rionn's first school program.  His school had the kindergarten Christmas program.  And it was great.  I really enjoyed it, although I'm a little biased.  He had a blast.  Sang his songs.  And then bowed at the end of the section.  It was cute.  He's the one in the red/black/white vest with diamonds.  He's also the only bowing.  There are 4 parts because each class had their turn being in the front.  Hope you enjoy.

Our Vegas Trip

They Just Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To

So today is the day before Thanksgiving.  And the kid and I went to my parents house.  I made Turkey dinner while my parents were working.  His favorite thing about going to the movies are the roadrunner and coyote clips they show before the movie starts.  So my mom found a whole DVD of looney tunes, most of them roadrunner ones.  And of course he just laughed.  And laughed.  And I started to laugh once I paid attention.  And then I noticed that my parents were laughing too.  Most cartoons these days we pay attention to or we don't.  We laugh at parts but not the whole thing.  But these today we did.  I guess they just don't make 'em like they used to.

I Thought I'd Be Sore

So I've been trying to get in shape.  Not for anything in particular.  Just for me.  And the rest fo the family has been great at supporting me.  So I signed up kickboxing.  And the kiddo's karate studio.  It's only on Saturday mornings.  I'm grateful for that.  But at first I wasn't sure I could do it.  I signed my contract and the teacher let me come to one class before my contract started.  I could barely stand up the next day.  And I could hardly breathe.  It was almost like I had walking pneumonia again. LOL!  And then we all got sick after I babysat some kids, so I missed 3 weeks.  But last week I went and was a little sore.  I mean, nothing big.  Sore like when you move sore.  And then I went yesterday.  And today, I woke up feeling great.  Not sore at all.  And no pneumonia like cough.  It's great.  I think I can do this.  Plus, every other week, I have to take the kid with me.  Not that he's not good.  But there is no one to watch him.  Especially when I have to concentrate so hard to remember all the steps.  But he did great.  Although I'm not sure he was entirely awake.  But I made him some oatmeal, hot chocolate and got his pandora station going on my phone.  And he sat there for the whole hour.  Ate breakfast and drank his hot chocolate, and sat there listening to music.  And then when dad came home, he told him how well I did.  It was fun.  I may love this afterall.

Roscoe Gets the Good Dog Award

So we have 3 dogs.  A Chirussel, and 2 purebred bassets.  Well, Annie, she hates baths and I hate lifting all 70 lbs of her in the tub.  For being a small basset, she sure doesn't pick up well.  I think because she's so long.  And scooby, the Chirussel only weighs 11 lbs, but he's so jumpy and slick when he's wet.  And then there's Roscoe.  About 47 lbs of basset.  And usually he's the trouble maker.  Stealing stuff off the counters, peeing on things in the house, tearing up papers and toys.  But tonight, he was the good one.  He jumped in the shower, laid down, let me wash him, and got out.  Maybe he's tired of being chased down and put outside.

He Does Care

So the kiddo is a big boy in Kindergarten.  And yes, he's already embarassed of his mother.  After the first few days of school, he was dodging my kisses and telling me not to kiss him in front of his friends.  Well, now we drive up  to the curb and he climbs through the front seat and out the passenger door.  Well, everyday this week, he's told me to be safe or do great at work.  And gives me 2 thumbs up.  And then the I love yous come.  So I tell him I will.  And I love him too.  So he then tells me that he's serious.  And shuts the door.  It's cute.  And I am willing to take as much as he gives.  I'm just not dad.  And that's ok.  But I have my moments too.

Right Up My Alley

So once I had a kid, I was excited about PTA and school projects.   However, here, you can't bring anything homemade to school.  EVERYTHING has to be store bought.  Now as a baker by hobby, it's just downright not fun.  Well, my son is finally in school.  And he goes to a science based school.  I got a letter home saying that they are doing a gingerbread house exhibit.  So the kiddo can get awarded prizes for best theme and use and taste.  :)  And the whole thing has to be edible.  It's going to be fun. 

Apparently She's Never Seen My Closet

So my mother in law was over the other day.  And we left to go to the store.  I told her I just needed to get my shoes on then I would be ready to go.   I couldn't find a matching pair quick enough apparently because she came to my room and asked what was taking so long.  And before she could finish her question she said "Oh my God, are those all yours?"  Yep, they are all mine.  She saw my shoe collection.  Then she asked if I wear them all or just have them.  And yes, this Kansas girl who loves to go barefoot and still has a rather large shoe collection where I, yes me, wears strappy heels and boots.   Even my husband said for every new pair of shoes I get, I have to get rid of a pair.  So today, I noticed on my homepage a thing about comfy heels.  So of course, I looked.  And when my husband sat down next to me on the sofa, he asked if I figured out which pair I thought about getting rid of.  Oh, well.  A girl can dream.
By the way, these were my favorite.

Me and MY Family

Hello! I'm Em, or Emi, Emma, or any variation of Emily you can think of.   I am happily married to a wonderful husband.  Who works with the internet every day but hates having to have a facebook, blog or anything else somewhat dealing in social networking.  And then there is my bunny.  He's almost 6.  And he'll let you know it every day.  He's exactly like his father, down to the looks.  But has my attitude and both of our stubborn-esque abililties.  He's too smart for his own words and constantly keeps us laughing.  Now on to me.  I'm a country girl, born in Kansas, who was moved to California as a teenager.  And the country girl inside me still stays strong.  Sometimes, too strong according to the husband and inlaws.  LOL!  I don't want help and don't need it either.  And the kiddo is the same way.