Sunday, December 21, 2008

6 Crazy/Weird Things...

I may have done this tag before, I can't remember... but here are 6 crazy/weird things about me that you may not know:

1. I absolutely can not stand long fingernails. And by long, I mean any white at the end...at all. I cut my nails (and my girls' nails) probably twice a week at a minimum. Clean and short, that's how I like it. I also get physically sick if I see anyone chewing their fingernails, or actually just putting their hands in their mouth at all. This is the most disgusting habit I can possibly imagine. SO unsanitary. YUCK.

2. When I got my wisdom teeth out a few years ago, the doctor hit a nerve or something, and I still can't feel the right side of my tongue. For a few weeks/months afterward, I would find myself biting my tongue all the time, and causing it to bleed without even knowing it (if that isn't weird, I don't know WHAT is...). I have learned to compensate by only chewing my food on the left side of my mouth.

3. My knees crack really loud EVERY time I bend down. Although it sounds like this might be annoying, I actually like it, like a person likes cracking their knuckles. It's like it releases tension or something.

4. I absolutely must clean my kitchen from top to bottom every night before I go to bed, or else I can't sleep.

5. I wake up every morning at 6 am so I can get showered, dressed, and get one load of laundry started before the girls wake up. If I wake up any later, I honestly feel like my entire day is shot. I would love to be the kind of person that can be more laid back about their morning routine, but I just can't. I get all panicky if I feel unproductive by 9 am or so.

6. I am completely addicted to Carmex. I can not sleep without putting it on right before bed.

Like Crystal said... I tag anyone who can relate!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Princess Pre-School!!

Question: How do you teach a group of 5 two-year old girls about the Nativity?

Answer: I'm not sure I know...but I sure had a lot of fun this morning trying to figure it out!! :)

First, we watched the "Joy to the World" video. The girls really loved all of the animals, the angels, and of course....Mary and the baby Jesus!



Then, we all sat down for a little story-time to learn the Nativity story a bit better...

..and then the girls each got a turn to dress up like Mary, travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem on a donkey (yep, that was ME), and lay their baby in a manger.








Then, we had a few more lessons on "swaddling"... which Ivy turned out to be especially good at!

Then it was coloring time!

Look how well Tatum holds her crayons! Amazing!
Honestly? Could she be ANY cuter???
Shy Miss Claire... (oh, and Xan...she spilled the beans on the baby's name (I think), and I love it!)
I know what Ella is thinking here. "Why the HECK do I always get stuck in this high-chair?" lol


Nice work, ladies!



Then we played games, like, "Find the Star", sang Christmas songs, ate a lot of snacks and apple juice, and then...it was FREE PLAY!





And I know what Ella is thinking here, too... "What? Did someone say CARMEL CORN?" lol


The girls went home with a little foam Nativity kit, a star ornament, their colored Nativity pictures, and some treats in a candy cane.

...and here's the next generation of Princess Pre-School, rearing to go!


I'm just waiting on Aimee, Sara, and Amanda to get on the wagon and populate this group with some more girls! Xan's doing it...why shouldn't the rest of you? lol

So, again...I'm not quite sure if the girls actually learned anything today...but we sure did have a blast trying!

Oh, and here's that carmel corn recipe..., it's SO easy, and SO good. I HIGHLY recommend it!

1 bag microwave popcorn (I like it extra chewy...if you don't then use 2 bags popcorn)
1 stick butter
1/3 cup light Karo syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

Pop popcorn and remove all unpopped kernels. Microwave butter, Karo syrup, and brown sugar for 4 minutes - stir after 2 minutes and again when it is done. Add baking soda and vanilla to hot carmel. Mix well and pour hot carmel onto popcorn. Work quickly and use a plastic spoon to coat all popcorn. Pour onto waxed paper to cool.



Enjoy! I know we did! :)