Week of Christmas

I have really good reasons for not blogging for so long. The week leading up to Christmas was total chaos for me. It started with hosting Marc's work party. Granted it wasn't at my house, but I was in charge of getting all the staff multiple gift cards from all over the mall. Love my hubby for giving me this job the day of the party. I really will do anything for him. We had his office party at Cafe Boa on Mill ave. It was really nice. That was Friday night. Now onto Saturday....Amelia had 2 yes 2 dance recitals that day. One in the afternoon and one in the evening. She was performing in the Spirit of Christmas that was running at Chandler Center for the Arts. Between shows we had to hit a Christmas party at one of our best friends house. Amelia and I left the party went to her 2ND show and back to the party. Marc left the party when I got there to go pick up my brother from the airport. On to Sunday. Josh had to be dressed and ready to go for his play by 8:30 am. His big debut took place at Tempe Market Place. He was great!!! I somehow managed to delete all of the pictures of this great day. It was so awesome that so many friends and family came out to support him. That made him and I feel like a million bucks. After the 2ND play we went to my brother and sister in laws house for their annual Christmas party. Can I just say this is one of my highlights of Christmas. They make all of the food from scratch and don't even blink an eye. My family and my sister in laws family all come. It is so cool that we can chill with everyone and know her family too. Monday we hosted our neighborhood party at our house. Of course it was raining. At this point I am ready to shoot myself. I am dead. Done. But wait we still have to host Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Christmas Eve is always so fun. We act out the story of Christ, have a Mexican feast and exchange presents with Marc's family. Christmas Day we have my family over. The rule on Christmas day with my family is you can't wear any make-up or do your hair. P.J.'s are optional. Marc always makes a ham and prime rib. Wow, I am tired just from writing everything I did. I know this is a boring post but it is more of a journal entry for me. Now for the highlight. I got a new dog!!!! Christmas morning our door bell rang. Amelia answered the door and a box was sitting there. It said open. She did and a little maltipoo puppy jumped out. Her name is Ruby. I couldn't be happier. Marc said someone must really hate him for doing this. I just said you must have been bad this year. Santa obviously thought I have been good. Really good.

PMS

So the kids and I have learned the hard way. Don't let Mom decorate a Christmas tree when it is that time of the month. She is unreasonable, selfish, and in crazy mode. Here is what went down. I wanted a fancy (how fancy can you get when you live at the Pulsifer's) Christmas tree in the "fancy room" and a kid friendly, if you will tree upstairs. I gave the kids the box of all of their ornament's. The ones that they made, the old ones, and yes, the ceramic hand print ones that make a tree want to tip over or lean to one side. They were as happy as clams and went up stairs to work on their project. I got some fancy decorations for MY tree and got busy. Well, of course it took the kids like 2 seconds to decorate their tree. They come running downstairs yelling done. We will help you. Oh, I don't need any help I'm fine. No, really Mom we will as their hands dive into the ornament's. One of my big gold balls - broke within a millisecond. Okay, it all good - don't freak out Christi- stay composed. I let them hang ALL of my ornament's. They were happy, I was happy, all is good until one of the stinkers found another box of OLD ornament's. They all started putting them on the FANCY tree. STOP!!!! We aren't putting those on this tree. Why look it is a picture of me....Look I made this one.....exactly....that is why it isn't going on my FANCY tree. Of course I didn't say that but I sure was thinking that. They were all getting bummed out. Then I caved. I am too much a mom. Go to it girls put them all over the FANCY tree. I am PMS-ing so that is probably why I had unrealistic expectations. So from here on out I won't decorate during that time. Lesson learned. (I only cried for a couple of minutes) Great News after a couple of the ugly ornaments were put on the fancy tree they thought it did look ugly and they took them off. I am so happy for fashion conscious girls on all levels.

Polar Express

Polar Express
Polar Express [Photo]The kids and I went and saw this movie at the IMAX theater today. WOW! That is all I can say. It was the BEST movie I have ever seen in 3-D. It was so cool. The kids loved it and I mean LOVED it! It was fun to get in the holiday spirit. I think this is going to be a tradition for us. While we were waiting to go into the IMAX, good old SANTA walked by us on his way to the "North Pole, if you will". Lilly got really quiet but the other kids were thrilled. I really don't know why because they know that the guy walking by really isn't the REAL Santa. The Real one only comes on Christmas Eve. Anyways, as soon as he passed us Lilly says to me "Santa made my hands get freezing. They are so cold right now." I said "Do you want to go sit on his lap?" To which she replied " I think I will just TEXT Santa what I want this year for Christmas. Can I use your cell phone Mom?" I was laughing at this response coming from my newly 4 year old.

Cute, cheap ideas for neighbors (got this from a differnt blog)

Soup or soup mix - Wishing you a "Souper" Holiday Season!!
Loaf of Bread - For being there when you were "Kneaded", for "Rising" tothe occasion, large or small. For never "Loafing" on the job, for helpingothers to "Heel" with TLC. No matter how you "Slice it", you do a terrificjob loving Others. Merry Christmas!!"
Chex Party Mix - Remember Santa "Chex" his list twice to see who's beennaughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!! Merry Christmas!!
Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's - Hope a merry "HO - HO - H0" fills your heartthe whole year through! (Put a santa sticker on the label)
Wire wisk - (Filled with Chocolate kisses) "We WHISK you a MerryKISSmas!!"
Jar of Jelly - jelly is like love - you can't spread it around withoutgetting some on yourself! Merry Christmas!!
Christmas Tray - We "Tray"sure your friendship! Merry Christmas!
A juice pitcher filled with candy canes- "We pitcher you raising alittle "cane" during the holidays!" Have a merry Christmas!
Paper Towels - "Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!"
Bananas - If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go bananas trying to find a better bunch thanyou!!"think is very dear!!"
Cherry 7-up - "Just a Little Christmas Cheer from Happy Hearts this timeof year!! Merry Christmas!!"
Strainer - (With a christmas bow) " We could'nt restrain ourselves fromwishing you a very Merry Christmas!!"
Box of Light Bulbs - "Have a bright and radiant Christmas
Grater and Cheese - " To a Grate Neighbor! Merry Christmas!"p into a wonderful Holiday season and a Healthy NewYear!"
Christmas Shaped pasta ( Or any Pasta and a bottle of Sauce ) " Have aPasta-tively Happy Holiday!"
Cookie Dough - "Here's a little extre "Dough" for Christmas! Or"Everyone Needs a little extra "Dough" for Christmas!!"
Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake,it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter .... that'sall you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you
Rice Krispie Treats - "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops!.
Toffee or Brittle - "Any way you break it, We think you're thegreatest!"85. Fudge - "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"
Cheese Ball and Crackers - "We don't mean to sound "Cheesy", we justhope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little ChristmasCheer this Holiday Season\
Plant - " The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow!!
Donuts - "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!!

took me 6 days to recover

I am old. It took me 6 days to recover from a concert I took Abby and Josh to. I have been wanting to blog about it, but my ears have still been ringing. So we went to PHOOSON last Friday. It started at 4:30 in the afternoon and we didn't start walking out to the car until 12:20 in the morning. 8 hours of bands!!! That is what I'm talking about. We were 4 row. Just behind a couple of rows of VIP people. We had awesome seats. You could see the bands really good, and even see their facial expressions. It was so much fun. The topper was when Pete Wentz did a stage dive on top of us. Abby got to hold his hand, and well so did I. I know I need to grow up. Josh just touched him. He wasn't into the holding hands with him. I know Pete is married and like 30 at best but he is hot! If he was 18 and I was saying that yes that would be weird, I could be his mom. But with our age difference I could really only quilify as a big sister. So I think it is okay to say he is hot. Abby has always been in love with him. She was shaking after the hand holding. She couldn't even text her friends because of the shakes. Sorry mom if you are reading this. Your granddaughter is in love with a tattooed rock star. Anyways, we had a great time. Here is the line up of who played
Varsity Fan Club - Ya, they aren't going to make it. We were talking to them because they were sitting by us. I asked if Abby wanted to get her picture taken with them. She was like "No Way. Are you kidding me? They totally suck!

Academy Is - they were fun to watch

Second hand Serenade - the guy has a great voice

Jesse Mc Cartney - entertaining but don't really like his music

Katie Perry - She sounded really good and fun to watch

Tokyo Hotel - Sounded good. The leader singer is freaky.

Pussy Cat Dolls - I don't even consider them music. They are just glorified dancers. Funny, it was one of Josh's favorite bands. I wonder why?????

Fall Out Boy- Sounded great. Lot's of interaction with the crowd

Rhianna - Sounded Awesome. She is so beautiful in person

Christmas wish

I love these guys. They are the DJ's for the morning show on 104.7 in the mornings. Now this station doesn't really play the music I like but the morning show rocks! They are so funny. Who isn't looking for a laugh in the mornings? Well, laugh I did not do the other day. It would be the ugly cry. You know the one where your face gets all weirded out looking. Well, I got that way because these guys make Christmas happen for people struggling. You hear a sad story of the people in need and these guys totally set them up. They had the lady on the phone getting help crying, me crying and Lilly crying because she didn't know why I was crying. It was only Dec. 2 and they do this like everyday until Christmas. Boy, December is going to be long. I better get some tissues for my car.

It only took 3 years

So after 3 years Josh has said goodbye to his Mohawk. I gotta tell you I was excited but also wondering if I was going to miss it. That hair cut is how I have seen my little guy for the last 3 years. That is what defined him to some extent. People at school knew him by the MOHAWK. I actually felt proud that he felt secure enough as a person to sport a haircut that most people don't have. The reason for the change is that Josh got the part as Charlie Brown in "It's a Charlie Brown Christmas". When he went to the audition the casting director asked if he would be willing to shave it off if he got a part. He said sure with no hesitation. Well, Josh got the part as Charlie Brown. His debut will be December 21st at Tempe Town Market place stage December 21st at 10:00 and 1:00. It is free. Promised a good time!

Turkey day and friends

We celebrated Turkey day with friends this year. Our friends are from France, England, Texas, Nebraska and Arizona. It was a fun group of people. Marc put together a menu and had everyone make special dishes for the feast. It was a banner year as far as food was concerned. I forgot to take pictures of the food. But really who wants to see the food? That's kind of the last thing you want to see again after being stuffed with it the day before. After we ate we played a couple of games, watched football on t.v., and talked. Then it started to down pour rain and the kids went nuts. There were a good amount of kids here who all decided to go play in the rain. It was so fun to watch them laugh and have fun. Even the teenagers who usually too cool for anything played in the rain. They were all pretty wound up after that. Next thing you know the music is pumping and there is a dance party. Nothing like jumping around on a full tummy. It was a great day. Missed my family- but feel lucky to have such close friends to share a special day with. I will get my family on Christmas. Watch out. It's never dull at the Pulsifer house.

Thankful

So many things to be thankful for at this time of year and easy to forget what they are because of the economy. But here is my predictable list:
1. Family
2. House
3. Health
4. Hard working husband that brings home the bacon

Here are my not so predictable things I am thankful for:
1. Quaker Oats cereal - High in fiber which is a good thing
2. Blue finger nail polish - I love this on my toes
3. The move" The Notebook" - so romantic and Ryan Gosling is just too hot in the movie
4. I am thankful that all the workers at Target wear red so I know who to go to when I need help.

Spooning

I got to spoon this little girl last night. Lilly woke up in the middle of the night scared. Of course there I was to help and protect her. She hopped in bed and I snuggled up and spooned her. I was wide awake by this point and started thinking. When Marc spoons me I always feel protected. His big arms wrap around me and I feel safe and secure. It was great being able to wrap my big arms around my little bundle of joy and know that I am making her feel safe and secure. I felt lucky!

My Cribb

Did you ever wonder what the Pulsifer house looked like inside? Here you go. Now you ask yourself "Wow, how does she keep her house so picked up and clean"? Well, these pictures were taken over a year ago for our realtor to use when she listed our house. Needless to say we didn't move and I never had to use the pictures. Being in the blogging funk that I'm in I thought I would put these once in a lifetime pictures to use. So here you go. Sneak peek into to the Pulsifer house...minus the mess that is usually there.

history was made on Nov. 4th

History was made yesterday and I'm not talking about the new President. I am talking about going and getting some blood work done. I went into Sonora Lab at 3:15 to get some blood drawn for some tests. No, I don't have cancer and No I'm not preggo. Well history was made when they called me back after sitting in the waiting room for a WHOLE 5 minutes. Rock on!!! No 45 minute wait like usual. I was excited, happy and more than willing to give them my blood.

Mind games

I have been getting a bit worried about the PF CHANG race I signed up for. I haven't felt real great running and was getting bored. I felt like I had a monkey on my back. My mind was messing with me. I kept thinking how am I going to run this thing in 2 1/2 months? My longest run to date was 6 miles. I was really getting discouraged. So Saturday I went for a run. I was feeling pretty good. My groove was on. So after 2 miles I told myself you are going to break this mental game your brain in playing with you. You are going to break into the double digits today. I did it! I ran 10 miles on Saturday. Wow! Talk about feeling good about yourself. I realized I am in better shape than I thought. All of my training has been working and I am going to reach my goal. I won the mental game! It really is about that. So come Jan. I know I will be ready. I have just enough time to train and tack on 3 more miles to that 10. I should be good to go.

Stressful being a girl

Well these cute little shoes were supposed to be fun for the girls, but as you can see by the later picture they turned out to be pretty stressful. It sure if tough being a girl and trying to look good!

Tagged

I was tagged to go to my pictures to the 4th folder and click on the 4th picture in that folder. Here it is. Amelia's b-day party 2 years ago. It was at Snip It's. Now I tag you.

Halloween

So our family has never really been into Halloween. Having 4 girls means having a house full of scardy cats. Sorry Josh. I used to decorate for Halloween and try to get into the spirit of the holiday. Nothing too crazy -a witch, some witch shoes, spiders, you know all the stuff you probably put up. But after years of complaining from the girls that it freaks them out I gave all my stuff to my sister. She has a couple of boys who can't wait to get all of that scary stuff out. Well of course this year I get complaining again but now for not decorating. Go figure. Well, it ain't gonna happen people. I loved not having to store stuff and pull it out for a couple of weeks. So then they wanted to talk Halloween costumes. I say we have a closet full of old dance recital costumes take your pick. I can guarantee you will be wearing the most expensive outfit out of anyone. (those dance costumes cost an arm and a leg) Well you can imagine the terror in these girls eyes. "Are you kidding me mom? I have already worn those. I can't wear them again besides they are dance outfits" Do they think they are celebrities and people are keeping tabs on them? So I gave a firm NO I AM NOT BUYING YOU A COSTUME lecture. Like I am going to spend $25.00 x 5 kids for a 2 hour night of walking around in the dark. Hello, who really even sees the outfits? So, my kids decided to spend their own money on their costumes this year. Rachel bought a witch outfit, Josh a scary mask, Amelia stuff to be a Gypsies and Abby a fairy. Let's see if they have buyers remorse Nov. 1st. I have a feeling they will.

Lilly

Here are some random things Lilly says. I think they are funny enough to share.

"Mom, can I have a lonely room?"

(That means she wants her own room and doesn't want to share with Abby anymore)

"Mom, will you pet me?"

(That means she would like me to rub her back and feet.)

"Mom, when will it be up time?"

(When is it going to be morning)

"Can I have some Monka?"

(I want ice cream)

These are just a few of the laughs I get from this girl.

Dream

I love to go to bed at night and fall asleep wondering what I am going to dream about. I am a good dreamer. I am lucky enough to dream in color and remember the dream when I wake up in the morning. I dream at least 5 times a week. It's funny how dreams work and tell a story of my life at the time. If I am really stressed out in my real life I will dream about my days as a waitress at TC Eggington's. The dream will be about having a ton of tables and people to wait on and not being able to keep up. It is usually about not being able to get their drinks out to them. If Marc and I aren't getting along I usually dream about me and some celebrity guy. I have been on a date with Justin Timberlake, Keanue Reaves and Ryan Gosling so far. These dreams really help smooth things over for Marc and I. I sometimes welcome the fight between us so I can have a "Dream Date". So last night I had a dream that I only had about 10 hours to live. It was very disturbing. I remember being really sad and wanting to get things done before I checked out. I remember telling myself "Hey it is going to be okay to die. You can see what's on the other side. You should be excited to be heading there". Thinking those thoughts in my dream really put me at ease. I remember not being scared to die. So any idea what this dream was suppose to mean or say to me? Oh, I didn't end up dying. I lived. I was given a shot of some medication in my arm and Marc said it would make me live. Weird huh!

Laundy

Sometimes doing laundry isn't that bad. Today I came into a good amount of change from people not emptying their pockets. So..... that means diet vanilla coke for me today at sonic!

INSPIRATION

INSPIRATION: arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity. I feel like I need some inspiration to tackle the things I need to do. I need to clean out and organize the kids closets and pantry. I feel like that takes some creativity on my part. I need to find a way to maximize the space we have and to do it in a fashion that the kids can relate to. I need them to be able to relate to how I set things up so there are less messes. Any ideas?

I also need some inspiration for this race I signed up for. It seemed like a great idea 3 months ago. My body is tired and my mind is bored when I run for longer than an hour. After running for 1 hour straight I run out of things to keep my mind off what I am doing. By this point my head phones are all sweaty (it bugs me to no end) and my clothes are soaked. Now running for 1 hour straight for me is only getting through 5 miles. I still need to add 8 more miles onto this. See where I am going with this???? I have ran 6.5 miles as my longest run yet, but this 13 mile race is in 3 months. Can I do it? Give me some inspiration!

What I have been doing with my weekends

This is what has been going on in my life for the past two weekends.

Abby celebrated her b-day at Jestzer's comedy club. Look how pretty she is in her striped shirt she got from my sister for her b-day. Marc and I had a great time hanging with all of these kids. Great bunch of kiddos.

The next weekend was Rachel's b-day. She had a gymnastics meet on her b-day. That brought her some good luck. She got medals on beam and vault. Pretty exciting stuff. Then that night we went and had a family dinner. We always let the kids choose where they would like to eat on their b-day.

We went and ate at La Stalla in down town Chandler. This place has great Italian food. The kids showed great manners and nobody spilled their water. Something about having the cloth napkins kicks them into perfect mode. Maybe I should use them everyday at the dinner table.
This was our posse at dinner.





The next day we went to the Kristi Yamagouchi ice skating show featuring the Johnas brothers. Wow a packed weekend for little Rachel's b-day. Good times.