Christmas Hoopla

We have had a wonderful winter break so far. We started it off with a Christmas program at the kids' school.




We also had my parents and brother here for Christmas. We ate at Red Iguana (as is tradition), we slept, we shopped, we watched movies, read books, and just had a relaxing time. Here are some pictures of the Christmas morning hoopla:





We also had a great time with some friends from Arizona. They have a darling little girl named Lily. She and Natalie were about the same size, but Lily is about 10 months younger! My little girl really is little!
I loved having my family in town, but it is nice to have your house back. Especially when my dad was sick the whole time! I think Natalie, Paul, and I are all coming down with something now. At least I can clean my house at my leisure today and not have to worry if someone will care if the counter in the kitchen is covered in dishes. I think I may do what Paul thinks I do everyday today: Eat bonbons on the couch. I don't think they even make bonbons anymore... I'll have to substitute Rocky Road ice cream :)

The 2nd Most Wonderful Time of the Year

There are three days of the year that I look forward to every year. You've already heard about my first favorite-the first day of school. The day you ship your kids off to learn something other than where the Wii remote control is in the house. My second favorite day of the year is the first day of Christmas break. One of the MANY perks a teacher gets to enjoy is a 2 week break from her job. Trust me, if you have ever taught children, you need this break. It is for the mental health of the teacher and the physical health of the child! (Don't take that comment too seriously).

I do have to say that this year's class has been wonderful. I have such a nice group of kids that I get to teach everyday. I rarely have to discipline anyone for anything more than talking. Most of the kids are harder on themselves than I am on them. It is also refreshing to not only have kids that care about their education, but parents that do as well. I have to admit that this is the first time in my teaching career that I have encountered this type of phenomenon. I would occasionally run into the kid or two that cared in my class and subsequently the parent or two that cared, but not an entire class full of them. It is the way education is supposed to be. I know it is unlikely that I will get this every year, but I'm enjoying it while I have it.

I went to my kids' program at their school yesterday. I felt very lucky to go. Even though I work 1/2 time I still miss a lot of the kids' performances, etc. It was a great performance and it kicked my Christmas break off to a great start. I have some pictures that I will post later.

Now, that I have ALL the time in the world, I can get to my Christmas to do list:
1. Finish my Christmas shopping
2. Finish wrapping all of my Christmas presents
3. Bake and deliver cookies to the neighbors (I wouldn't want to get the lame neighbor/friend award)
4. Clean my house to perfection for my parents and brother by the 23rd.
5. Get the carpet guy in the neighborhood to fix the carpet disaster left in the wake of Hurricane Sadie (She almost got a new home at the dog shelter for that one)
6. Get a replacement fixture for Brook's bathroom. Don't ask me how the light in the shower ended up shattered into a billion pieces one day.
7. Mail my Christmas cards that are quickly becoming "Happy New Year!" cards.

Here is what I hope I GET to do over the holiday break:
1. Sleep in
2. Go out to eat
3. Spend time with my family (only non-annoying members)
4. Shop with all those gift cards and cash that will magically appear in the mail
5. Finish my new puzzle
6. Read a book
7. Play board games

I'll let you know how that works out for me.

The Perfect Nap: A Christmas Miracle

My mom used to say that if she wanted to find us, she would just try to go to the bathroom. Inevitably, we would hunt her down like a mad dog on the highway and have to talk to her right now. From other moms I have heard that the phone is there favorite child tracking device. Pick up the phone to have a meaningful conversation with a friend or family member and "poof" magically your children will appear and they will need you. I personally haven't had problems with finding my children during these times. They, like your children, know when my "sacred" times are. For me, that time is my Sunday nap.

Today, I experienced a Christmas miracle. I took the perfect nap. I woke up on my own accord, totally refreshed and able to finish my day with a smile. I can't remember the last time my Sunday nap produced such an effect. Every time I would lie down, I would hope that my objective of feeling rested and ready to face my harrowing week would be achieved, but alas... The planets would not align. Today they did.

1. The baby went down for a nap quickly, quietly, and for a long duration.
2. The remaining child at home did not knock on my door with a stupid question during my nap (a sin punishable by death in my house).
3. The sound of Shania Twain did not blare through the vent from downstairs from my oldest child's bedroom.
4. No well meaning person called to see how I was doing. Which would have forced me to pretend that they had not just woken me up from a dead sleep so I could talk to them about my health. All the while, thinking that my mental health is teetering unhealthily towards insanity.
5. The dumb dog didn't bark, moan outside my bedroom door, or body slam my bedroom door to let me know that she wanted to gain entrance into my room.
6. I had no feelings of mother guilt. You know, "I guess I should get up and make my starving children some food" guilt.
7. I had no project guilt. "I told so and so that I would make them some cookies this week. I guess I should get up and do that since the week is over."
8. I had no Visiting Teacher/Home Teacher disruptions. Nothing tells me you care more than letting me get my Sunday nap.
9. No one knocked on my door. This would have also brought on the dog barking. A double interruption. I would not have recovered from that one.
10. My husband slept soundly beside me the entire time. I hate it when Paul is up putt putting around without me. I see him so little as it is that I get the spouse guilt. I get up and want to be with him.

So as you can see this truly was my Christmas miracle. May you enjoy your time on the phone or your time in the bathroom in peace this holiday season. This is my wish for you.

A Sick Teacher and a Tired Mom

I have two of the best jobs in the world. No other jobs can be as noble as mother and teacher in my opinion. Today, I wanted a vacation from both. Not a pink slip from them, but a vacation. I went to bed last night at 8:30 P.M. because I was nauseous and had a fever. I had been nauseous all day and had soldiered on until my husband got home to take over.

I contemplated calling in sick, but if you have ever been a teacher you know what a pain it is to make up sub plans for substitute. You have to be on your death bed before you feel it necessary to go to all that trouble. The problem with that is that when you are on your death bed sick you get to haul yourself to school, make a billion copies (subs can't do anything else but throw papers at students), write very detailed directions for self-explanatory copies, and get the heck out of there before school starts and your sub doesn't show up and you get the look of, "Please stay" that will surely come. Any other job that a person can have can call in sick and be sick. No one else has to haul their nasty, sick self out of bed to make sure their job runs smoothly. I'll step off my soap box now.

I woke up this morning and felt death bed sick. I hadn't called in a sub yet. Major no, no. I called the system with a hope and a prayer that someone would come. I took a shower, ran a comb threw my hair (barely), and drove to the school trying not to become the third person to throw up in my car. I made it, and managed to make copies, write plans, and escape before the bell rang. Even though my students screamed at the top of their lungs in protest when I passed them in a dead run for the car. It couldn't be helped.

I got home and ate a little and felt a little better. Natalie and I watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, a real classic, and relaxed. 11:00 A.M. came around and I was exhausted. Natalie had been up since 5:00 A.M. with her dad, so I figured she was ready for a nap too. Not so! She screamed for 10 minutes at the top of her lungs, so I stumbled in and brought her to my bed hoping she would sleep. Instead she made babbling noises, blew bubbles, smacked the pillow next to me, snuggled with my foot, sat on my foot, body slammed me. Needless to say I didn't get to sleep.

I know Natalie will be ready for a nap soon. Around 2:15 P.M. Right before I have to pick up the invasion force. Good times.

Christmas Traditions

Ryan brought home a paper from school that asks each student and parent of student to do a presentation or activity of their favorite holiday tradition. I read the paper with mild annoyance and then tossed it aside. Minutes later, Paul picked up the paper and started reading it. Instead of really reading it he asked me what it was about. I guess I can understand that 3 paragraphs may be a bit much to read all at once. I told him that the teacher wanted each kid to do a presentation on their favorite family tradition. He erupted with laughter.

Paul: (Still laughing) What traditions do we have?
Me: Uh.. (desperately thinking) we get a Christmas tree every year, the kids get to decorate their own little tree downstairs, we get pajamas the night before Christmas, we build a disastrous gingerbread house that falls apart and makes me want to pull my hair out, we buy a puzzle and do it over the holiday break.
Paul: (stops laughing when he sees he's stepped in it) Oh.

Well, needless to say the family traditions I have painstakingly instituted have not impressed my loved ones. Therefore, I am asking my very talented friends to tell me some of their traditions so I can pirate them and impress my child's teacher.

Black Friday Hangover

I was one of the crazed women that got up at 4:30 in the A.M. and went to find cheap stuff for all my loved ones. I threw elbows at Walmart for $4.00 pajama bottoms. I karate chopped for shirts at Old Navy. I shot dirty looks at people trying to cut me in line at Toys R Us. By the time I made it to the mall, I realized something. What I was wearing and how I looked was perfectly acceptable for a 5:00 A.M. Walmart trip; not so much for a 9:00 A.M. trip to the mall. I started to feel like a bag lady as I saw women with makeup and outfits that didn't have leftover gravy on them from Thanksgiving dinner. I bought my few items and high tailed it back to the Bitner mobile stocked with cheap stuff.

When I got home I gnawed on a roll from last night to give me the strength to sleep and I told Paul to threaten all children a slow and painful death if they bothered me. I had just fallen asleep when...

Ryan: (knock loudly on bedroom door)
Me: Go away!
Ryan: Can we put up our little Christmas tree downstairs?
Me: NO! And if you bother me again, I may have to beat you!

I think my children will surely have fond memories of the Christmas spirit that was in our home.

Black Friday

Here are a few items that I saw in the Black Friday ads that I have to have. If anyone wants to come along, just let me know. I only have 7 spots in my car heading for Cabela's, so first come first serve ladies!

Everyone in the neighborhood will be totally jealous of this great blow up for my front yard.

Where else would I keep my moonshine?

After long day, I can totally see myself kickin' back in this bad boy!

I think I could totally wear this hat for other occasions besides Halloween.

Brook's getting older, so I think we need one of these when the boys come knockin'.

Lawn ornaments are a must have for the season.

We all know I collect shoes. These buttes will surely turn some heads when I walk down the street.

The Money Ran Out, So the Bitners' Got Creative

Money is always running tight at the Bitner house, so we decided that instead of sending the boys for haircuts, we would just find another hairstyle they could sport around the office and school. What do you think? I think it could be the new rage.



Don't worry, the boys are getting a haircut this week.

These Boots Were Made For Walkin'

Here are some cute pictures of Natalie in her new boots that Grandma and Grandpa bought her last weekend.

8 Things

I got tagged by two people and they were both different, so I figured I'd do it all at once.

8 Things...

8 TV shows I like to watch
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. The Biggest Loser
3. Desperate Housewives
4. Brothers and Sisters
5. The Closer
6. Battlestar Galactica
7. Oprah
8. So You Think You Can Dance

8 Things that happened yesterday
1. Woke up at 5:30 to get some file folders, masking tape, and page protectors for the PTA Reflections contest at Walmart.
2. Went to the my kids' school to receive and organize all incoming Reflections entries.
3. Wondered where all of the other members of the committee were that said they were coming to help me.
4. Went to lunch with Paul and my parents.
5. Picked up my kids from the bus.
6. Picked up my baby sitting kids from the bus.
7. Went to dinner at Wasatch Pizza with the fam.
8. Went to bed exhausted.

8 Favorite Places to Eat
1. Cafe Rio
2. Jimmy John's
3. Red Robin
4. Kneader's
5. Bonsai
6. Citrus Grill
7. Gecko's
8. Crown Burger

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1. Thanksgiving break
2. Christmas break
3. Taking a nap
4. A day when I don't have to worry about money. Yeah right!
5. Tax Return
6. Spring
7. When Obama is sworn in as the 44th President
8. Sleeping

8 Things on my Wish List
1. Mo' money
2. Natalie call me "Mama" on another occasion then when she is mad at me
3. Have a house cleaner
4. Go on a cruise
5. Not to have snow soon
6. My parents moving closer to me
7. Brook's feet to stop growing. She is heading for the men's shoe section soon.
8. Some more baked goods from Natalie H. This is a shameless plug.

7 Things

7 things I can do:
1 – Teach
2 – Keep a dirty house
3 – Order take out
4 – Stick my fist in my mouth. It's a real crowd pleaser.
5 – Write
6 – Spend money
7 – Laugh


7 things I can't do:
1 – Exercise regularly
2 – Keep track of my cell phone or keys
3 – Cook
4 – Have patience with Ryan
5 – Resist a cute pair of shoes
6 – Eat a completely healthy diet
7 – Give up on living closer to my parents someday

7 things I always say:
1 – Move it!
2 – The dog needs...
3 – Keep it down!
4 – Nice
5- You're cute
6- Put your stuff away
7- Our house/ your room looks like a bomb dropped on it


7 things I always eat:
1 – Candy bars
2 - String Cheese
3 - Chips and salsa
4 – Fruit leather
5 – Turkey sandwiches
6 - Honey Bunches of Oats
7 - Oranges/Clementines

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait and Know a Guy Named Jimmy

Paul and I have been at a quandary for some time about exercising. I obviously need to exercise and Paul HAS TO exercise to help his back. We went back and forth about whether Paul should join a gym, but then that leaves me out and it is expensive. We decided to buy a piece of equipment when we had the money. News flash! We never have money. So, we started trolling the DI's in the area trying to find an exercise bike or an elliptical machine. We ran into tons of junk; nothing that you would feel okay about buying. We were just about to give up when Paul got a call at work from our friend Jimmy. He is one of our friends we see at all the Greek events we are frequently invited to. We mentioned at our last Greek birthday party that we were looking for an exercise bike or an elliptical machine. He told us he found good stuff all the time and then sold it for a profit on ebay. He told us he would keep an eye out. We thought we had heard the last of the matter.

Paul got the call from Jimmy about a Reebok exercise bike and thought it would probably be a piece of junk, but Jimmy assured him that it was in mint condition. Paul went down to the Sugarhouse DI and sure enough it was a butte. Here's the kicker. It was only $35!!!!!! Guess how much the same machine would cost you at SEARS brand new right now...$649!!!! It works and it is in excellent condition. It even has a fan, takes your pulse, and has a place for a book. I'm on cloud 9. I love DI!

Opera Clown Car Ride

When you hear the phrase, "We looked like a clown car!" You usually picture a ton of people coming out of a little car. Today, another clown car was born. My two co-workers and I needed to pick up 10 pieces of 96x48 cardboard from Xpedex for our Opera scenery. Our principal gave us the go ahead to go during class since our student teachers had everything under control in the classroom.

We stopped at my brother-in-law's house to pick up some bungee cords. We then headed over to Xpedex. When we got there we were sadly disappointed to discover that the cheap pieces that were only $3.15 were out and the only ones left were $10.30. Luckily, we decided to ask if they had any more of the cheap ones and they did. Saved our taxpayers about $70!

After we loaded the pieces of cardboard onto the car, we had the fun task of bungeeing it down. That was good times. It's a good thing one of the gals is a little on the tall side. Turns out that stupid roof rack that you pay extra for is worthless with bungee cords. Note to self: waste of money.

We finally got the boards bungeed and then eased our way out onto the public roads. All was going well until I had to stop abruptly to turn into the local McDonald's. We heard a lurching sound and all of us used our expletive of choice as we pictured our boards all over 33rd South. Luckily, all was well, but we decided to take it slow with no sudden stops.

We pulled up to the drive thru and we started to order and before we knew it we were being hit on my a Casanova with a Britney mic. Two of us were married, one not. No matter, she quickly slipped out her "Wedding ring" and had it on before he could look us up and down. I'd like to think we made his day.

The rest of the trip is where the clown part comes in. We drove from 33rd South and Main to 5775 South 2800 West. We never went over 22 miles an hour and people had to pass us more than I'd like to remember. Our hands came in handy as we were holding the boards down and preventing them from slipping every time we had to stop or go over a bump. They also would have come in handy if you wanted to keep you drink cool. On our way through West Valley, we even gave some police officers a good laugh. I'd like to think we gave them a good time too. Whatever we can do to spread a little cheer in these tough economic times.

Almost 45 minutes after leaving Xpedex we rolled into the school parking lot. At least we don't have to do this again...until next year.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I have been in an excellent mood all day today. I love presidential elections. There is something about the political process that really gets me going. My students thought I was a hoot as I had them make "Don't Forget to Vote!" necklaces. I seriously whistled as I skipped to my car after work. I knew my opportunity to vote was near.

I was able to vote without any problems after my PTA meeting. Nothing was going to ruin my experience. There were a few who tried...like the long line I met this morning when I tried to vote before work. Or one of my students going around and telling everyone in the class that Barack Obama kills babies. I finally had to tell him to stop. Or I almost ran out of gas with no way of paying for a fill up because I left my wallet at home. Luckily, I made it to Paul's work and he hooked me up with his ATM card so I could buy gas. Or I was so wrapped up with my election results on CNN I totally forgot to pick up my babysitting kids until 15 minutes later. Luckily they forgave me.

Nothing can rain on my parade today. What an exciting privilege we all have to decide who will lead this country.

Halloween

Halloween was fun this year. It wasn't totally miserable (except for a little rain). Luckily, we hit the trail early, so it didn't matter much. Ryan was at his mom's, and Brook went around with our next door neighbor Brooklyn. We took Natalie around the block. She totally got the whole grab the candy and put in your bag thing. Unfortunately, Brook took off before we could get her picture, so you only get the flower.

We were also able to go to the Draper City Halloween Celebration. It was a great event for FREE 99! They had games, face painting, donuts, cider, stories in the graveyard, and free pumpkins for all the kids.

Women: Better Than A Bag of Chips With Dip

Natalie actually learned to say, "Mama" on Monday evening. It has been a real sore spot for me because she has known, "Dada" since she was less than a year old. This great event has led me to write about some great women that are in my life. They teach me so much about what it means to live up to my divine role as a daughter of God, a wife, and a mother to my children. If I left you off the list, don't be offended. I'm sure you are fabulous, too.

My Mother: My mother is the one I can always rely upon. She does what she says and she does it well. I like to think that she has helped me to become a responsible person and citizen. I am still striving to be as on the ball as she is, but I figure she has had a while to practice.

Delaina Tonks: I always joke with Delaina that she basically runs Draper City on her own. She always laughs it off, but I foresee a key to the city in her future. She is an example of a person who is involved in just about everything that means something to her. She finds a way to balance it all and I think the only thing that slips through the cracks is her time for herself. Her children are amazing and I believe it is because they are quickly picking up from both of their parents that if you care about something in life, you ought to go out and be involved. No backseat riders in the Tonks Family. They are at the forefront of everything that is worthy and good in their sphere of life.

Natalie Holbrook: Natalie is the mom I always wanted be and thought I would be. Sometimes I look at her blog posts and I want to cry that my kids don't have a mom like that. I am of course trying to be a better, creative mom like Natalie, but that is not what she has taught me. Natalie is happy with what she has. She is not one to lament and go on about the trivial issues that I like to burden my friends with. She is content to be the best wife and mother she can be. Dare I say that she thrives when she is allowed to be the creative, fun mom. She never thinks that she is sacrificing herself for her family. She realizes her divine role as a wife and mother and she knows she is blessed. I have learned that I need to be less about me and more about "we".

Roxy Driggs: If you have any conversations with Roxy, you know that she is a riot. Delaina and I would purposely schedule an hour to go visit teach her because she would have us riveted for as much time as she would give us. Although she is hilarious and loves life that is not what really sticks out to me. Roxy is one of the hardest working people I know. I call her the "Eternal Weekend Warrior". I truly don't think she needs a couch or a bed in her house because I'm pretty sure she never sits or lys down. Since she has moved into her house she and her husband have replaced the carpet with hardwood floors, put up new molding throughout the entire house, built a beautiful fence, landscaped their backyard, built a patio, and finished their basement. Not to mention that I see her mowing her lawn in a perfect diagonal pattern every week. She has amazing energy. She makes me tired just writing this post. I can learn a few things about work from my friend and neighbor Roxy.

I know there are a ton of other people out there that are amazing, but my 1 year old needs some love from her "Mama".

Trunk or Treat

We took the kids up to the neighborhood Trunk or Treat. There wasn't a huge turnout, but they had fun anyway. They had an 18 year old kid posing as a magician. The kids loved it, so it doesn't matter what I think.

Karate Chop!

Ryan had his first Karate Tournament today. He did well even though he was nervous.

Scarecrow Festival

We took the kids to the Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point. The kids love the huge bouncy slides and the Jr. Haunted House. It's a pretty good time for very little money. Especially, when the kids bring home two coupons that saved us $20 bucks! I love a good deal!