What a difference a day makes . . . .

Yesterday:

Today : Zooming In On Neighbors House Across The Street:

My car laughing "This is what Amy gets for not parking me in the garage!"

Nothin' but Net:

hodge-podge

Main Entry: hodge·podge
Pronunciation: häj-päj
Function: noun
Etymology: alteration of hotchpotch
Date: 15th century
: a heterogeneous mixture : a class ; jumble

- - - - - - - - - - -
Thanks to dear Webster above . . . I now forewarn you that our Christmas Cards this year are a "hodgepodge" of sorts. No two cards are alike. . . . and considering we send 111 this year . . . that could sound rather impressive HOWEVER I am using some pre-made materials this year. Primarily recycling the fronts & random pieces from previous years Christmas Cards. I always do a collage of clippings from the cards in-erds (the sentiments hand written by loved ones). I keep the fronts of the card for recycling/reusing.

So this is the year of the "recycled christmas cards". And it is quite a hodgepodge collection I must say. They are being mailed a good week later than usual & shall arrive in a mailbox near you soon.

Dont Let Your Nose Fall Off

I was so thankful to the News At Noon and the warning they did on frostbite & how easy it is to be inflicted. The kids had been begging to be able to go outside & finish their snow house and wouldnt believe me that their snow house was now an ice house, and they wouldnt be able to "play in the snow". The news story convinced the kids, with my helpful embelishing that they needed to remain completely covered from the freezing air. I would spend the 30 minutes getting them all bundled up but it was pretty dorky for 5 minutes of play. They were grateful for the 5 minutes they said. Well when I opened the door to let them outside, you could see the panic in their eyes if their scarves would loosen & fall a bit below their nose. . . like their nose would literally fall off if exposed to the air.

I am eeeevil but I couldnt stop laughing as my happy kids slowly walked toward their "ice" house . . . and once they were almost there - I said "Ok hurry, come back in - that was 5 minutes!" Eeeeeeeeevil mama told them I was kidding and they could have 5 more minutes.

The entire time they were out there I never could see Darla's eyes. Nolan is giggling in this picture because he realized how dorky he was when he was whining "I cant breathe mama". He just didnt like being that bundled.

So probably the only good thing about this deep freeze is there wasnt the normal moans & groans when it was time to come in - they were ready to be warm again!

Home

Come warm your mittens at our home. . . complimentary coffee, tea, or cocoa provided.
Name your fancy.

7 Snow Bunnies

3 of ours + 4 of Shawna's = a lot of fun

Our last name

Ok . . . so I have my nifty "Crombie Cards" (wedding, birthday, event invitations & greeting cards clients) . . . . then all our crafty ventures we've always termed "Crombie Creations". Well the "Crombie Craze" continues at our "Crombie Corral" website . . . which who am I kidding?!? Most days it would seem nothing like an orderly corral or even a pasture - no fence at all . . . just wild running abandonment. Moving on . . . up until a couple weeks before marrying Alan I still called him Crombie . . . always have called him Crombie since I was a kid. But now as old married people - when I want to be cutesie or annoying to him . . . I bellow in a foreign italian accent "Crombie-oh-lee-oh-so". In our house we dont like words like "Crummy" or even "crumble". But how many homes have their annual "Crombie Christmas" or their own currency?!! Yep we have Crombie Coins. Oh and dont forget the Crombie Campout, , , and brand new this year?!?!?!?!?! Crombie Christmas Cocoa!! Yup . . . . for only $5 the kids and I made 45 adorable little gift packs for all the nieces, nephews & a few family friends. All I did was put 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix, a big scoop of mini marshmallows & a short chunky candycane stick in the pack.

Next year I might forego all the sewing, knitting, crocheting, & my horrible cross stitching . . .. and focus more on putting together Crombie's Christmas Morning In A Can . . . . well basket is more adorable but I am hooked on the whole "C" thing ya know?! Anyways, for friends & family I would love to not only be able to give them Crombie Christmas Cocoa, but other goodies like homemade banana bread, canned Crombie preserves, etc., Basically a snack basket for families to consume Christmas morning (if they wanted - this would not be enforced or anything). The Crombie Coalition wont fine them or anything. Ok enough Crombie Craze . . . the quality of this random posting is guaranteed to be questionable due to only 4.5 hrs sleep last night & one heck of a busy day. By the way noone can deny that a Crombie Campout doesnt sound way cooler than a Gaskell Campout or Gaskell Cards . . . oh dont forget Gaskell Christmas Cocoa. Yah! Uhhh no thanks! OH - wait . . . in our house we also have 2 hypo-crombie-acs (hypocondriacs). Face it Crombie = Cool.

When's the last time you broke out and . . .

Dropped to the floor in a WILD "BrEaKdAnCe?"

Regular occurrence in our household.

His eyes-how they twinkle! His dimples how merry...

Twas the night before Grandparents Day & All Thru The House
Lots of creatures were stirring, but thankfully not a mouse.

School backpacks were hung by the front door with care
In hopes that Grandpa Bob would soon be there

Darla & Elijah were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of Grandpa's Peanut Butter Fudge danced in their heads

Mama busy in the laundry room, Papa in bed snoring
Hurry to sleep for it soon will be morning

When over on the end table arose such a clatter,
I sprang to the alarm clock & knew what was the matter

Away down the stairs I flew like a flash
Woke up the kids, drew their hot baths

The slow steaming smell of warm oatmeal declared
It was time to eat for he would soon be here

The kids were all dressed & ready for school,
when what do my caffinated eyes should appear

But a handsome extended cab truck
and a Grandpa Bob missing a mustache I fear

With a tall old driver so lively & awesome
It was Grandpa Bob - we knew he would come

More rapid than Casey his coursers they came
He giggled & took them - called them by name

Now Darla - Now Elijah off we must go
To Grandparents Day at your school ya know

Into the truck, down the driveway they went
Mama in her slippers becoming quite bent

For silly mama forgot to take photos of the trio
Had the camera in hand but forgot to use - forgetful me-o

The kids were so proud to have their Grandpa at their side
as they walked their school halls, even took him outside

They shared a nice breakfast and a ton of great laughs
Darla's favorite was interviewing him inside her class

Of course Grandpa Bob endulged them at the Book Fair
& they even remembered young Nolan, who wasnt there

Grandpa Bob came quite a distance to be there for the kids
He never ceases to amaze us - his love & unending kindness!

Happy Grandparents Day To All & To All A Goodnight

You know Dasher & and Dancer. . .

& Prancer & Vixen. . . Comet & Cupid . . . Donner & Blitzen . . . but do you recall the most famour reindeer of all????

Well he wasnt Rudolf but quite a majestic site outside our front door Thanksgiving afternoon.

Consider checking this out

www.facebook.com

I finally caved in & signed up after numerous family & friends kept urging me to. . . . and it has been a lot of fun reconnecting with a lot of people. Warning: the initial setup in terms of tracking down long lost friends etc., is a bit time consuming tho. So make sure you can afford to neglect your home, kids, & life for a while. Hee hee.

A Bounty Of Blessings

Day After Thanksgiving At Our Home . . . .

Granted Darla still doesnt like anyone's mashed potatoes, and Elijah never has cared for sweet potatoes . . . but that aside everything on the menu was a huge hit this year at Thanksgiving! It still never ceases to amaze me how much work & time goes into preparing the holiday feast & the so little time it takes for them to devour it. I am so thankful for this family 'o-mine. They unanimously gave this meal a "10" for delicio-so!

By the way Darla decorated the Holiday Table this year. She is grumpy in the picture because she was growing impatient with her Mama as she was eager to share a suprise with us all regarding the sunflowers at each of our place settings.

Interesting Father & Son Chat

Elijah: Hey papa, today I said hi to Michael's Dads Son, Michael.
Papa: Michael's Dads Son, Michael?
Elijah: Yes Michaels Dads Son, Michael is a nice kid.
Papa: Oh ok.
Elijah: Then Skyler said hey why are you saying hi to Michael?
Papa: Who's Skyler?
Elijah: Michael's dad.

4000 Calories

I heard on a news program this morning that the average Turkey Day Dinner is 4000 calories.

Wont stop me from posting our Thanksgiving 2008 Menu in all its splendor:

Thanksgiving 2008 Menu

Appetizers
Regal Ritz, Relish Tray & Stuffed Mushrooms

Main Course
Roast Turkey & Mama’s Stuffing
Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Twice Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Asparagus
Caramelized Onions & Carrots

Homemade Rolls
Cranberry Sauce & Grandma Jo’s Jell-o

Dessert
Pumpkin Pie & Grandma Kristi Cake

Got PEACE?

This book is incredible and super helpful to those of us who know we need to rely on God to see us thru situations, seek wisdom thru His Word, and pray . . . but still tend to put a lot of energy in trying to fix problems & coming up with answers for life's constant situations on our own. The issue is there always seems to be a situation which can stir up worrying & drama/stress. Say it with me . . . . Ahhhhhhhhhhhh . . . . . (deep exhale) . . . . . PEACE, , , , this book teaches you how to claim it . . . and when you lose it - how to get it right back! Plus it's easy to do!!!

Decking The Halls . . . . ALREADY!

*Thank you radio station K103 for playing all Christmas Music!

*Thank you Thriftway for the eggnog.

*Thank you handsome husband who braved the dark & 37 degree temperatures to put up some of our Christmas lights already! We are the 1st in the neighborhood this year to sparkle! Some years our street is the Peacock Lane on the Mtn...which is sure fun!

How's YOUR handmade Christmas efforts going??? Next weekend we are having our best friends up and us 4 adults & 7 kids are going to be making Christmas Cookies & singing Christmas Karaoke! We will be using Tiffany's cookie dough recipe again this year - thanks Tiff!

Goodwill Toward Men

3 kids thoughtful hearts + 1 push broom + an elderly man's driveway buried in leaves = an opportunity for greatness. The 3 kids took turns sweeping the leaves off of 85 year old Harry's driveway this afternoon. AND THEY ENJOYED IT! I am thrilled to think what this act of kindness might encourage their lil' hearts to do in the future.

To Granny & Grandpa Garber

Since the kids just received new bedding sets this year . . . . we were able to exchange the super nice bedding gift sets my mom & Lynn sent up from CA and the kids were able to get some things they needed & wanted. Darla received a gorgeous 4 in 1 coat, and matching pet/purse.

Nolan & Elijah each received super cozy plush fluffy chair-like pillows for on their bunk beds. Elijah received his very own digital camera with tons of capabilities, and Nolan received ultra cool walkie talkies, complete with voice changing technology.

These 3 younger ones have been sharing the walkie talkies & camera amongst themselves. There are days when I sit in amazement at how thoughtful these lil' ones can be, but then there are the other days where I cry out loud at my obvious failure in training them up right. No perfect strategy but stay optimistic & stay the course, right?!

A Gift That Made Me Cry

Out-of-the-blue I get a phone call from Debbie, a friend up here on the Mtn, and she says:

"Amy I have a bunch of crafting stuff and I was wondering if you wanted it?" She goes on to explain how her mother is into all sorts of crafts but just recently reorganized her supplies and gave Debbie totes, boxes & bags full of HEAVENLY GIFTS to pass on to me.

How in the world could I be sooooooo blessed? It was so cute going thru the treasure boxes - with literally my whole family watching me. Hey - all my kids love doing crafts & art with their mama. . . . so they were nearly just as thrilled as I. I was moved to tears several times as I was in awe of this splendid gift. I mean, this was the most random act of kindness. I was/AM so grateful.

I already used some of the supplies to make this doll last night for a bday gift for a friend of Darla's.

Darla helped make this doll and she was quite excited to watch her friend open the gift at the party today. It is a Angel Doll and the clothes are able to come off without interfering with the permanent angel wings.

Thank you Debbie - you are beyond awesome for thinking of me. I am working on a doozie of a token of appreciation for your mama too. Honestly, I'm blown away!!! Blown away by your kindness.

24 Hour Playdate

Darla spent the night at her friend Madi's.. . . so was missin' my girl.

Madi's brother Parker spent the night here with Elijah & Nolan. . . . . and let's say all these males were enjoying "sister-free" time. Our home was transformed into an indoor play structure - gym - zoo maybe?! I allowed it . . . that was the funny thing about it. I let the boys move the 3 sofas closer to the coffee table in the center of the room & leap from furniture to furniture. They were calling their game "Stupid Bird" . . . and I suggested changing it to "Silly Bird" and they did. They would call out "Silly Bird" as they would fling themselves belly 1st onto a sofa laughing hysterically. No injuries - phew!!!

This 24 hour playdate was different in that they incorporated me in ALL their plans. I had hopes of intermittently getting different projects/chores done . . . but it was hard to complete anything. We were playing Jenga (stacking blocks & you remove one piece at a time from the tower) which was amazing how age appropriate that game ended up being for the 4-6 crowd. The boys played tons of other games like the 80's era "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em" the boxing ring - knock the opponents head off. This involved intense drewling 4-6 yr olds growling at me "Im gonna knock your head off!!!" (Gee thanks-cant get any love here) Of course there were a good dozen different giant 4x4's & race cars zooming thru the house - constantly zipping around my feet. Apparently my floor space was usually the best stunt driving terraine.

No outdoor play because of the torrential rain pouring down. I think these boys may have watched 1 cartoon - that is one 30 minute interval of peace / quiet play. I really wasnt complaining inside my head till about 2:30 when they had me tuckered out and they werent showing signs of tiring still.

The boys were even Marty Stewarts & made homemade cinnamon roles. Here they are before they went in the oven:

So just when I am totally tuckered out and aching for a break - it was time to take these treats out of the oven:

While the boys munched their treat . . . I called my dear friend to swap a Parker for a Darla. Once the swap was complete I initiated "involuntary nap time". This 24 hour playdate was a clear reminder I am old. . . OLD!!!

To Whom Are Called To Serve . . . .

We honor you & thank you!! May God bless you & protect you!

Ooops Spoke To Soon

Well the side job is on hold indefinitely - something about a gas company & the home owner...bummer.

Nolan & Payton both feeling a "little" bit better today but mama feeling "a lot"worst. Pretty much been useless today but have got some reading in when headache would subside. Here is my current reading list:

Just finished "We The Jury" (deciding the Scott Peterson Case). This book, in my opinion, didnt really have a lot of additional facts around the super sad case of Laci & Connor Petersons brutal murder . . . but it was an eye opener to what exactly a jury endures. I am grateful the 3 times I have been summoned for jury duty I have been excused because of life circumstance. Someday I would love to be able to serve in that capacity tho. I have officially now read all books related to the Laci Peterson tragedy. I sure cant grasp why the psycho didnt just divorce the dear sweet Laci - why murder? INSANE! I do praise God that Laci & Connors bodies both washed up to shore together tho. Anyways, I still remember Laci's family & friends in my prayers all these years later.

Sweetie's

Although Nolan & I are sick we did our best to keep our germs to ourselves while we entertained great-nieces Rachel, Emily & Sarah yesterday afterschool while their folks were working. Normal sitter had been up all night while baby James was being born . . . . so I volunteered.

Anyways, six kids and I hung out at a local fav spot and tried sweet potato fries & lemon water for snack. I have to admit Id rather eat a plain ol' baked sweet potato but the kids gobbled the treat up. I have never been a fan of fried food. Plus my cold symptoms - bottom line couldnt even taste the sweet potato just the hot grease. No thanks!

The kids and I also hung out at a new local park while the rain paused. It was a great time. These kids are growing up so fast, you got to gobble up as much time with them as possible nowadays. :-)

Sweet Baby James

So our beautiful niece Joy, second eldest daughter of my sis-n-law Lauri, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday November 5th at 12:27pm. After 12 long hours of laboring hardwork James Christopher arrived weighing a perfect 7lbs 20"long.


Congratulations to the proud Mama Joy & Daddy Jason on their 1st born baby! He is beautiful like his folks.



This sweet baby also reminded me how much I miss my sister Kally's 1st born, Drevin. Wish we lived closer. Love you Drevin!!!!

You Win Some You Lose Some

T E A M W O R K

Well, obviously our home supported primarily Republican Candidates and well uhhhh they didnt fair that well this evening . . .

HOWEVER I thought John McCain's concession speech was full of class & grace. I respect him and thank him for his life of service to this country. I now will shift focus on supporting President Elect Obama. I have a lot of differing views - mainly morality-based ones but I realize just because he has been elected doesnt mean I cant continue to do my part to try & influence positive change.

With God all things are possible. ~ Matthew 19:26

In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:6

"Mom, 2 trees fell down in the yard!"

This is how I was woken this morning 90 minutes earlier than need be. I had already gotten up hours earlier to make Alan & Paytons lunches, then crept back in bed. I have a rotten cold virus, so does Payt & Nolan. But dear ol' Darla & Elijah woke way early & were insisting 2 trees fell down, the result of light wind all night. I have gone out investigating but still as of 1pm this afternoon have yet to locate the "downed trees". I think I will quit looking to be honest.
So like I mentioned 3 of us are feeling pretty crummy . . . . body aches, sinus' pressure, not fun.

On the brighter side of life . . . I received great news that the husband of one of my best friends has found a new job - praise God! AND my own husband, Alan finally got a full week of work in last week. He believes he has also secured 2 side jobs as well, happening in the next couple weeks. THANK YOU GOD! Alan's truck needs some repairs as well. (Not to mention the holidays)
Speaking of Holidays .. . . . we are on board for the handmade christmas. Alan & Nolan have already completed building a beautiful handmade wooden airplane for Elijah. Elijah & his papa have finished a wooden race car for Nolan. Nolan & Elijah have eachother's names for Christmas. Darla is sewing Payton something - and shhhhhhhh Payton is making Darla some one of a kind jewelry as her gift. Alan, if time allows, is building the 2 youngest boys wooden bunk beds for Christmas & refinishing & repairing a oval dressing mirror for Darla (which matches my antique bed & dresser she inherited). . . . . he is making Payton a locking chest which doubles as a bench/coffee table. I am trying my darn'dest to finish the cross stitch pillows for each of the kids. They are all in partially made form. Alan would die if I am able to pull off a king size quilt in his fav earthy tone colors. . . . . I hope to be able to, but our list is long . . . . we have 20 nieces & 20 nephews I have been sewing/knitting for . . . . not to mention our folks . . . . siblings . . . .

Well, today is Election Day . . . . looking forward to the news this late eve.

Oh! One more thing - - - ladies, how many of you do a monthly menu? I have attempted in the past - but this is the 1st time I have strictly adhered to . . . and it was created from taking a full inventory of all the odds & ends remaining in the pantry . . . and then writing a frugal shopping list to accompany those ingredients. My once a month grocery shopping took me to 5 stores this month and took 7 hours, but I saved so much money at one store it took a special over-ride & review of my receipt from store manager because I spent $92 but saved $97. I bought 24lbs of hamburger - which was on sale for $1.57 a lb. . . . over $2 per lb savings - plus because I spent $50 at that store on coupon items . . . I was able to use a special $10 off coupon, hidden in the This Week newspaper. It was a lot of work but the savings was insane this month and the menu delicious to the family. Only 1 night is a easy / cheating night . . . . cardboard pizza & salad. No eating out. Always packing lunches. Breakfast - I have insisted 1 box of cold cereal per week should suffice. We need to change it up - use less expensive oatmeal, pancakes, egg on toast etc., The kids prefer the variety anyways. But in our house - Alan & Payton especially can chow a box of cold cereal in a matter of days it seems.
Alright enough rambling, FOR NOW.. ..... hee hee Oh! Wait I lied - we are so excited to meet our niece Joy's lil' baby on the way. Sweet Baby James is due any day now. She is doing a home birth with midwives. Prayers for a smoothe delivery appreciated. Love to you all, Amy

Darla's Diner

Darla & brother Elijah had a joint-bday party this year. Elijah turned 6 on Nov 1st, and Darla will be 8 on Nov. 8th. Darla's Diner (50's theme) served upright banana splits and sock hopped the afternoon away.

Sweetie pie friends Elayna, Tierra, McKenna, Madilyn, & cousins April & Alissa were there & Darla was so blessed to be in their company. Poodle skirts, poney tails, and dreams come true for our loving girl.

Darla received a keyboard, nail polish kit, lil petshop pets, electronic lil petshop pet, jewely, knitting hoop, comforter, snow boots, & a Hannah Montana 2 karaoke cd.

Elijah's Eatery

Chef Elijah opened his very own restaurant "Elijah's Eatery" in celebration of his 6th Birthday yesterday. He served cheeseburger baskets & fries. Friends Noah, James, Parker, Grandpa & Grandma, & cousins Austin & Ethan came & dined with the Birthday Boy. Great time had by all.

After eating lunch they enjoyed Banana Splits at Elijah's sisters establishment "Darla's Diner".
Elijah's dreams were realized when he received a guitar, a remote control jeep, wooden toys to paint, legos, new snow boots, new comforter, $20, and some hot wheels. Super Joy!!!

Special thanks to all whom helped pull off this special event for our boy!!!

November 1st 2002 he entered the world . . .

Two 1st Place Winners

Darla Diane won 1st place for her her age group . . . . as sleeping beauty with a big Hannah Montana blonde wig. She was yawning & curtsy-ing. The judges didnt get why she was yawning though because when they announced the winner they called her a Princess. Darla is quite the actress though. So amusing to watch.

Nolan Ricky also won 1st place for his age group . . . as Cat In The Hat. This handmade diddy turned out pretty darn cute and Nolan sure played the part I tell ya. His super tall hat had stuffing in it so it stood firm & to attention. We actually were playing a carnival game and the judges came & told us to bring him down because they had already picked him as the winner.

Mr Elijah did not win BUT boy he was cute. He chickened out. He was a handmade multi layer ghost (which he asked to be) . . . but he lost out to his sister AGAIN, a batgirl & Ice Princess. He shrugs it off but as his mama it just makes that more determined for next year. Darla & Nolan both got their pic taken for the local paper.

Payton was a rapper complete with dreadlock wig & spent part of his evening handing out candy to the gobs of gobblins that always hit our neighborhood.

Nerd that I am - I forgot to light the kids pumpkins tho. They reminded me of this at bed time. I also came up short in the homemade stew dept on halloween (this is a family tradition - passed down from Alan's mom) and well . . . uhh ran out of time. Bought a couple CANS and me being the frugal shopper opted for the least expensive brand and uhhhhh....it was NOT tastey. Ick,