2010 New Years Resolutions

I love a fresh slate.

I've always been open to change and enjoy making adjustments to make our lives better.

This must be why I've been making resolutions since I was a teen!

Looks like I made some last year too.....

hmmmm...I didn't do very well.  Let's try again this year!

1.   Read More Books....

I'm in a nice routine right now of reading for an hour before bed.  I'm loving it!

2.   Learn to Ski...

Currently working hard to lose weight so I can do this.

3.  Lose 30 pounds....

See #2

4.  More Whoopee...

I'm planning a romantic trip with hubby, but we need to *do it* more than once a month.

5.  Take a Cake Decorating Class.....

I want to make a kickass Gingerbread House next year and I'd like to make my kids' birthday cakes....but I need skills!

6.  Focus on the Family....

My monthly plan to keep my family on track and make 2010 the best year ever! Click HERE for the details so you can join in.

So I asked Alex and Mallory what their resolutions are and here's what they said:

Alex:

1.  Eat more Pizza
2.  Eat more Grapes
3.  Love

Mallory:

1.  Be a Princess
2.  Scream more
3.  Ride my bike

Run on over to Nanny Goats In Panties and join the Resolution party! And this time...mean it!  And Linky up with Amber Filkins for Friend Makin Monday!

Focus on the Family: 2010

Did you have a fabulous Christmas? I know I did! I'm happy with my decision to take things down a knotch or two this year;  to do and buy less. The kids had a lot less presents...some people took me way too seriously and didn't send the kids ANY presents. These folks are now on Santa's naughty list....

This year has been challenging for me.  As my kids get older, they are requiring a lot more of my time and attention.  They are learning so fast and they need more of my guidance.  I've always wanted to give them the best childhood that I can and I'm committed to that more than ever.

It's also been a tough year for me emotionally.  My extended family has been broken and torn apart, and after much soul searching and discussion with Calvin, we've decided to just focus on our family and put the past behind us.  We will no longer tolerate bad behavior and sweeping things under the rug.  Our children deserve better.

I'm ready to put 2009 behind me and work on all the ways we can make 2010 the best year ever! And because I love a theme....I came up with one that explains everything that I want to do.

Here's what I'm going to do and if you like the idea...then I encourage you to make yourself a button (with your family's picture) and join me.  The first of every month...I'm going to post my goals for that month.  I'm splitting mine into categories....Family Time, Kid Time, Me Time and Couple Time.

Here's an example of what I'm working on for January:

Family Time....quality time together

• Family Outing....Bowling at Fat Cat's
• Game Night...Chutes and Ladders

Kid Time....play and preschool

•  Play date with friends
•  Visit the library
•  Work on sight words

Me Time....cuz if Mama ain't happy....

•  Sundance Film Festival
•  Read Believe It, Be It by Ali Vincent
•  Time for crafting...make a felt pillow

Couple Time....all because two people fell in love

•  date night to be announced

I'm determined to make this year happy and positive, and for us to grow closer as a family and as a couple. I've been giving a lot of thought to the kind of mom and wife I want to be and it's time for me to take action. Our kids deserve quality time with us and we have so much to teach them.  I want to live intentionally and allow them to grow and thrive.  It's my own little happiness project!

Lastly, every month....I want to focus on gratitude.  The other night, I was standing in the kitchen drying the dinner dishes and Calvin came in and told me that he thinks I'm a wonderful Mom.  I broke down in tears because sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough and the days slip away from me.  In that moment....I was so grateful that I have a loving, thoughtful and generous husband.  I'm so thankful for every blessing that has come into my life since meeting him and making him my family.  Alex and Mallory are so lucky to have him for a Daddy.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.  ~  Gandhi

Okay...so that my plan but I encourage you to make your own to fit your family and your goals.  I'd love to have us all link up so we can share ideas and support each other.  What do you think?

Just a little reminder: The days are long, but the years are short.....

A Grand Time and a New Tradition

Thanks for all of the hugs on Friday.  I felt better putting it all out there and I knew you all would have kind words for me.  Even though I got more upsetting news on Saturday, I decided that it doesn't matter and I'm just going to focus on my family and not let toxic people ruin our holiday.

I found the cure for the Christmas Holiday blahs. Christmas Spirit is residing in Salt Lake City at the Grand America Hotel!

One of the benefits of following people and businesses from your state on Twitter is that you learn all of the fun goings on.  I knew that Grand America had a lovely brunch on Sunday's but once I found out that they were having their 1st Annual Grand Gingerbread Village AND a Teddy Bear Suite with story time.  I knew we had to do this and that we would be making it a yearly tradition.

this little girl got lots of attention....

Let me tell you a little bit about the brunch....so much delicious food.  Lunch time items like cornish game hen and blackened fish in a sauce, quiche, mussels, shrimp and crab legs. An assortment of breads with the best croissant I've ever had.  A juice/smoothie bar, sushi station, a crepe station, an omelet station and (wait for it) a CHEESE STATION.  As if that wasn't enough....they have a short (as in low to the ground)  buffet station for the children filled with all of their favorites....mac and cheese, corn dogs, chicken strips and potatoes.

I wanted to give the DESSERT station it's own paragraph because it was the best selection of desserts ever.  I can never pass up Bread Pudding and it didn't disappoint. Calvin was kind enough to share his Hazelnut Parfait with me and it was the perfect creamy dessert.  As you can see from the picture...Mallory loved the Cherries Jubilee served in a pure chocolate cup.

The staff was so attentive, from the moment we pulled up in front of the building to leave our car with the valet...someone was always helpful and friendly.  The doorman even took us inside to help us find out what time the Teddy Bear Suite opened.  One of the gentlemen running the show kept coming over to ask the kids how they were doing and Alex shared a piece of his pancake with him.  I almost forgot to mention a band playing Christmas music that came over and asked if our kids had any requests.

that wheel really turned...and look at the stained glass windows.

We were so excited to walk around and experience this beautiful hotel.  It has an amazing classy elegance with cute little shops and amazing decor. Mallory was enthralled by the Santa-lires (chandeliers)  There were, I think 12 houses...each made by a pastry chef in the area (the kids ran through so fast that I couldn't take much time to really verify that) and they were amazing.

This one was my favorite.....

Next stop!  The 23rd floor to see the Teddy Bear Suite.  All of the bears (over 300 of them) were donated by local companies in support of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The bears were everywhere...even in the bathrooms!

*********

We are all ready for Christmas...packages wrapped, some cookies (by Bobbi) baked and now we will just relax, watch Christmas Movies with homemade Marshmallows and enjoy this precious time with the kids. The Young and The Relentless will be on a blog break for the next few days. I won't be blogging...just visiting. Also, working on a monthly theme for the new year. I'll announce it on Friday.

*In other news* I have my first appointment to get started on the hCG diet protocol on Wednesday. If you want to see me shrink in the next two months...then run over to my fitness blog and follow me.

Too Much Sadness for One Week.

I can't even think about writing my Christmas update today. I was already struggling with my Christmas Spirit issues and then there has just been so much sadness this week.


Calvin's Great Aunt Rena passed away.  She was an amazing woman and a healer.  She laid hands on him after his near fatal car accident 10 years ago and all of his pain disappeared.  Rest in Peace Rena....

A baby boy the same age as Mallory drowned in his families swimming pool in Florida this week.  There has been lots of drama around this tragedy on twitter.  I feel horribly for this mother and her family.  What I'm going to tell you is....that based on what happened that day....I'm changing my ways.  I will be shutting down my computer more and spending a lot less time on twitter and facebook while my kids are awake.  They deserve to have my undivided attention for most of their day and nothing is more important than their safety and lives.  Rest in Peace Bryson......

I'm heartbroken over the mother that is missing from Salt Lake City.  Susan Powell has been missing for almost two weeks.  It's suspected that her husband is responsible.  He claims he took his children camping after midnight on the day she disappeared.  SERIOUSLY? I don't leave my house in the middle of winter with my kids much less take them camping!  Please pray for Susan Powell.....

Lastly, Calvin's secretary had a baby a month ago and this darling little girl is going in for surgery tomorrow to remove a tennis ball sized tumor from her chest.  Her name is Lexie, please say a prayer for her.

I'm sorry that I don't have happy thoughts today.  The kids just woke up and we're going to have a PJ day and watch Christmas shows and drink Hot Chocolate.  And probably start eating all the candy off from the Gingerbread house we made.

Held For Ransome

Bobbi found this at the bottom of the stairs....we think the kids were
going to write a ransome note but then realized they can't write. We
also think the dog is in on it....

Withdrawls...

I miss my computer...and my friends. I've been using Calvin's laptop a
little but now he's nad at me and won't let me use it. So I'm pecking
this out on my iPhone.

I'm including a picture that Alex took yesterday.

My Baby's Sick!

Hi.

I was working on a vlog for today.  It was about the little bet I made with my friend Jessica and it involved me going to a store that starts with a W to take a picture.  I decided to vlog about the experience but then I couldn't leave the house because the guy on the news told me not to.  Did I mention we got a foot of snow (EDITED: FOX 13 says we got 12.5 inches) over the weekend?

So...I got nothing.

AND my baby...My MAC.  Is sick.  I can't use it at all and we can't take it to the Apple Doctor in Salt Lake City until Sunday.  Calvin has allowed me to use his lap top in the meantime, but I don't have my lists and my Christmas Music and my pictures.  I'm feeling a little lost.

The good news...is that without my computer available I did some relaxing and reading yesterday and I finally finished Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster.  I'm starting her next book called Pretty in Plaid and I expect I might actually finish it this week.  Maybe less computer time is a good thing...

Happy Monday!

Elfcapade 2009: Poe Lives

It's Friday, which means it's time to link up with Liz, check in with Poe and Vincent and see how the Weiss Children have been behaving this week.  As you recall, last week didn't go so well.  The children got into trouble and the elves were called back to The North Pole by Santa.

While I was in Salt Lake City on Saturday, I received word from Santa that the elves would be returning and he sent evidence that Poe had been revived.  It appears he had to call in the big guns.....Mary, Joseph and Edward.

On Sunday, while Mallory struggled with her religious choices....we did more decorating.  The kids really wanted trees for their rooms so off to Joann's I went to find trees and decorations.

 

I think this was probably their favorite thing they've done so far!

Monday,  we went to a Christmas Celebration at the shopping center where Bobbi works.  We enjoyed hot cider, snacks and a carriage ride in the freezing cold.

Tuesday, the elves returned and brought Christmas dishes for the kids.  They were so excited for them to come back and haven't let them out of their sight...which means they can't do or bring anything else.  Mommy needs to learn some sneak techniques for getting them out of bed after the kids have drifted off to sleep.  Mallory also came down with a bug...and was sick for two days.

Wednesday...Elves were in quarantine.....because they didn't get their flu shots.  So I made some Apple Bread.

Thursday, everyone was feeling better and children had been behaving so....we did a craft!  We started out trying to make a Marshmallow Wreath but I wanted to use glue instead of toothpicks because Alex and sharp pointy objects don't really get along.  The marshmallows slid right off.....so we made some ornaments instead.

Alex...painstakingly applying glitter to his ornament.

Have a great week!  Only 13 days until Christmas!!

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Happy Hanukkah

On Sunday, Mallory and I had a girls day out. We went to Starbucks where she entertained people on their laptops by asking them if they were playing World of Warcraft and inquiring where the heck they thought they were going, when they attempted to leave.

Then we went to the Crap Craft store and she was thrilled to put many spools of ribbon in the cart help me find ribbon for the special order altered clipboards for my friend Jessica. We also picked out some things that you don't get to hear about until Friday.

THEN, we went to Wal*Mart to shop for food and she was appalled at people's outfits and the rambunctious children running through the store. And then she saw him. Santa. If you recall last week's elf update, Santa called Poe and Vincent back to the North Pole because the children had been naughty. I asked her if she wanted to talk to him and she gave him the dirtiest look, yelled 'BRING POE BACK!!' and then crossed her arms in her mad pose. And then she told me that she doesn't like Santa.

She's decided to be Jewish now.

Merry SITSmas!

We wish you a Merry SITSmas and a Happy SITS Year! My wish for 2010 is that my husband stays employed and my butt gets smaller.  I don't ask for much.....


Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme
TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year? 

• A Knife 
• Prep Bowls 
• Marble Pastry Board 
• Case Bottle of A to Z Pinot Noir
• The Pioneer Woman Cooks

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received? 

I can't recall ever receiving a handmade gift.

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle? 

A painting

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?

My class ring my senior year.

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?

Trains and Pink Bicycles

6. What is your favorite holiday foods? 

Rolls, Yams, Ham and Turkey with cranberries

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays? 

It's a secret...my friends read my blog.

8. What is your favorite holiday movie? 

Christmas Vacation

9. Favorite holiday song? 

Sleigh Ride

10. Favorite holiday pastime? 

Baking
Cooking the holiday meal
Looking at Christmas Lights
Watching my kids discover Christmas

Vlog: Connie Escapes

So....I'm switching my vlogs to Monday because I'm going to be doing the Countdown to Christmas with Liz on Fridays.

I had very big plans for Saturday since I rarely get a day out without my kids (and husband).  Without them, I can move about freely and get so much done.  At least that was what I thought was going to happen.

Much to Bobbi's chagrin...I had a packed schedule with little wiggle room.  I didn't account for traffic, lingering over coffee, multiple bathroom breaks and 1000 trees.

We started off at Caffe d'bolla in downtown Salt Lake City. This is where I had the most amazing cup of coffee and something called a Bubble Tea.  You can read all about my fun coffee experience here.


Our next stop was Home Goods and we had a little difficulty getting there because my navigation system *bitchin Betty* was picking on me.  In case you don't remember...I won a $200 gift card from The Inspired Room to make over my bedroom.  We found sooo much great stuff and I can't wait to get started putting it all together and showing it to you.

Next...meeting JenJen from Tattertots and Jello at the Festival of Trees. She is even more beautiful and sweet in person as she is on her blog and I got to meet three of her four kids too.  We had a great time looking at all of the hundred's of trees and gingerbread houses and even picked up a couple little treats at the Sweet Shop.

Soon, we had to head for home and the Heartland Paper Company in Bountiful.   I'm working on a special order for my friend Jessica and this place has the best paper selection.

I made it home in time to cuddle with the kids for a little while before I headed out again...this time with Calvin.  I told him that I had a surprise for him and to be ready by 5pm.  And I gave him a clue:

The state of being joined.

I was surprising him by taking him to see 2012 at the JUNCTION (hense the clue).  He thought I was taking him to join a gym and I really had him going because Gold's Gym is right across the street from the theater at The Junction!  He was really surprised!

As for the movie....Calvin loved it.  I, was freaking out and scared through the whole thing and half way through I wanted to go home and hide under a table with my kids.  I came to the conclusion that if the world is ending...I just want to go quickly.  I won't be one of those folks racing around trying to survive.  I'll be the one looting the gun store......

I hope you enjoy a little snippet of our day!

Elfcapades 2009: Arrivals and Departures

I'm joining Liz at Sugarplum Creations with the countdown to Christmas!  Every week we'll be posting about our week of celebrating the Holidays with our families.  Grab a button and join us!

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The Elves arrived on Tuesday. They flew in from The North Pole in the snazzie sleigh that Santa got for them last year. They brought the advent box with them and the kids were very excited about that....until I opened the one marked 24 and Alex asked me to pass along a message to the elf in charge of filling the box, that he would prefer M&M's ™ to Peanut Butter Cups. Hey Kid! It's free CANDY...just eat it!

i don't like peanut butter and chocolate OR Rice Krispy Treats

Mallory doesn't remember Vincent and Poe at all. And she was quick to let me know that they were bugging her and she wanted them to go home. She even went so far as to put them back in the sleigh and race around the family room with it...hoping the Christmas Magic would take them away.

get those elfs outta my house

And then later in the afternoon...Mallory brought Poe to me and said he was dead.

The funeral is Friday.

So....Wednesday.  Vincent and a 'Weekend at Bernies' version of Poe (cuz he's dead, yo) brought the kids some Christmas Jammies.  The children were very excited about receiving them and Mallory even thanked Dead Poe before she threw him on the ground...again, saying she didn't like him.

dear departed Poe is laying on Mallory's jammies

At approximately 11:15am, there was another crime scene created in one of the children's bedrooms.  This time the victim was a jar of Grape Jelly from Aunt Juana.  One of the children (neither of them will come clean) opened the Jelly and dumped it on the floor.  Based on my extensive CSI knowledge, and who told and who hid...I surmised that Mallory was the perp.

The cleaning crew that came in (me) was not happy because they were on a break; watching Y&R.  Cleaning up the massive jelly stain turned into cleaning the entire family room and the children hid in their rooms.

At Noon, I got an email from Santa that he was summoning the Elves back to The North Pole and the Weiss Children are now being evaluated.  These little rascals are not taking the threat of the naughty list seriously at all!

BREAKING NEWS! Mallory hates her new flannel footed jammies and refuses to wear them.

Thursday was a better day.  I'm still waiting to hear from Santa if the Elves will be returning and if he was able to raise Poe from the dead. 

Keith returned from his business trip and we went to look at Christmas Lights.  They love them so much!  I had to make a quick stop at the store and they requested a treat.  They were relatively good so I bought some pre-made Rice Krispy Treats.  As seems to be the theme....one of my children didn't like them.  Who doesn't like marshmallows and rice cereal?  For crying out loud.....That's fine.  More for me.

 the Griswold's live in North Ogden

I'm hoping that next week will be better and we can actually do a craft and Mallory will warm up to the elves.

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Clearing up the rumors....

I didn't want my little secret to get out. I thought we were being careful and that no one would get hurt. It was so innocent. But I have a confession to make....

Tiger was with ME at Sitscation.

But it didn't work out between us because of his GIANT head and he's a little too handy...if you know what I mean.

In all seriousness....this is the last guy I expected to cheat on his hot wife.  What the heck?  From what I know about him...he came from a great family and was a stand up guy.  Does this mean that all men are susceptible to cheating if the opportunity presents itself? Does this mean that all celebrities can't resist when someone *likes* them?  Does this mean that I have a chance with Chris Gorham?

Quiet Christmas Morning...In the Colorado Snow

Mama Kat's got some great writing prompts this week and this one really called to me:

Describe how you would celebrate the holidays if it was totally up to you and money was not a factor.

I have always had a dream of spending Christmas in a cabin in the mountains. I'm not really sure why because I'm not a skier but I suppose it's possible that growing up in Colorado may have something to do with it.  Here's my dream cabin in the mountains.....

 

And here is where I will sit next to the fire, drinking my coffee in the morning while reading the lastest Jen Lancaster book.

 

Later in the afternoon, when the sun has come up...I will sit here with my glass of Pinot or a warm mug

 of hot chocolate.  I'll bring a quilt that I made myself and the sun will warm my face.

And at night after the kids are duct taped tucked in their beds, Calvin and I will come outside to the fire and drink Irish Coffee and snuggle under a big wool blanket and make smores.

What a wonderful dream....I hope I can make it come true someday.  What's your dream Christmas destination?

Did you see my Cook from the Book Challenge this week?  It was yummy!

I'll Be There For You.....

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.  A.A. Milne 

During my trip to Colorado last week....I made more of an effort to take time for myself. Of course, I'd hoped I'd have more time because I wanted to go to the Boulder/Broomfield area and visit Denise and Cari but time goes so very fast on vacation that I didn't get to. Sorry guys! Next time....

On our way to Denver, we stopped in my old hometown of Greeley. I took Calvin to my old neighborhood and we shared a vanilla shake at the Drive Inn.  It had been way too long since I'd seen my friends and their families. Anne* and Kathy* have been my BFF's for the last 15 years. Through marriages, births of children, and a couple divorces. These girls were with me and helped me through one of the darkest times of my life and I'll love them forever.

Kathy, Me and Anne

A post about girlfriends wouldn't be complete without talking about my day out with Robert*.  He took me to brunch at this cute little place in Cap Hill (more about this later on my food blog, subscribe...so you don't miss it.) and then we went shopping at The Cherry Creek Mall.  We had a blast!  He tried to make me try on a $137,000 ring at Tiffany's, but I refused because if I touched it, I'd want it.  Here we are modeling the latest hat fashion's from Anthropology.

Me and Rob

One night, I went to a bar.  I was going to meet a couple gals that I had worked with previously and a brand new friend that I met on twitter.  Katherine* and I worked at the collection agency together and became fast friends when we discovered that we didn't like most of the people we worked with.  Every morning we'd go down to the coffee shop in our building and grab a coffee and bagel and talk a mile a minute...and then we would talk more at each other's desk.  We also both had a crush on our boss Ken. Martha* didn't come...canceling at the last minute.  Bummer.

 

Me and Katherine

I love meeting new people that I've gotten to know from my blog and twitter.  I'd recently become acquainted with Tina from My Lipstick Life and I was so excited when I found out that she lived in Denver.  She agreed to come out to the bar, even though her daughter was very concerned about her meeting a stranger from the internet.  LOL!  Have you ever met someone for the first time and feel like you've known them forever?  Tina and I could have chatted all night!  AND Kat and Tina live in the same neighborhood and now they are going to be friends too.  Isnt' that awesome?

 

Tina!

*These people do not have blogs OR Tweet.  Crazy right? 

P.S.  I'm noticing a trend here....I only wear black and aqua. Three different outfits....same colors.  Funny!