The past few years that we have spent Christmas here, in town, we have gone sledding down the street. This year I managed to take a video of it!
12.26.2009
Christmas Day Sledding
The past few years that we have spent Christmas here, in town, we have gone sledding down the street. This year I managed to take a video of it!
12.25.2009
The Sarah Palin Signing Story
This was something I wanted sooo badly to give to both of my grandfathers.
I purchased the book and audio book from Barnes and Noble about two weeks prior to the date of Sarah Palin’s signing event. I saved the receipts. I read all the rules: no photos, no personalizations, 2 books per person, wristband required, no shopping bags, no camping out, etc..
There were lots of rules.
The signing was at 7pm and I could get my wrist band as early as 5am. I had the babysitter all lined up for 3pm. I would go to the Mall of America and stand in line for approximately 4-5 hours.
I caught the 10pm news the night before and found out that....
I was misinformed. The signing was at noon. The sitter wasn’t available. With slumped shoulders and a face full of disappointment, I resigned myself to the fact that I would not be able to get Sarah Palin’s autograph for my Pas. So, I certainly did not get up at 4am to drive to the Mall of America in sub zero temps to get a Barnes and Noble wristband.
Monday, Dec. 7th came. At 3pm the sitter arrived and I headed to the Mall of America to finish up some Christmas shopping. I decided to bring the books and receipts just in case. I knew it wasn’t likely. Her signing started at noon and I wasn’t getting there until 3:20 pm or so.
As soon as I got there I ran to Barnes and Noble. I ran!
“I realize I’m like 10 hours too late. Do you happen to have any wrist bands left?” I begged.
The reply was no. But, I could risk it and get in line anyways. The clerk reminded me that Sarah Palin wasn’t obligated to sign my books since I didn’t have a wrist band. She could quit at anytime.
Well, I’m here. Why not try?
So, I got in line. Surprisingly (I mean, I know this is a liberal leaning state, but I was still a bit surprised.) there weren’t many people in line ahead of me. Maybe 65 people. At the first checkpoint I was asked to remove everything from my pockets. My shopping bags and purse were searched. And I mean, every compartment was unzipped and unsnapped. I was reminded that I could only bring my books and receipts on stage to be signed. I would have to check my coat, bags and purse. I would have to leave my cell phone and camera as well. But, I was allowed to take pictures until the next checkpoint in the line. So, every second I thought I had a decent shot, I snapped. This is the only one that was worth posting.
Waiting in line, I was introduced to Sarah Palin’s mother and father. They were very friendly and allowed me to take their picture. I thanked them for raising Sara as a Christian.
At the checkpoint I dropped everything in my bags, including my coat. I kept my book, audio book and receipt. Just before it was my turn to step onto the stage a Mall employee was frustrated with me because I was bringing up an audio book. She told me that Sara was only signing books and I would need to keep that in my pocket (because I can easily fit 7 cd’s in my pocket, can’t you?) Not wanting to cause trouble, I said okay.
Once on stage I asked the person with Sarah Palin if my audio book could be signed. She said that I should give it a try. So I did.
I set my books on the table and watched. Sarah wasn’t making true eye contact with anyone. She was signing as quickly as possible and occasionally glancing up to smile-again, never really looking at any one person.
Once I got right in front of her, I asked:
“Sara, are we allowed to ask questions?” There were so many rules that I wanted to be sure not to break any of them.
Without looking up and still continuing to sign books, she said-with hesitation, “Yes.”
“Are you that skilled at teasing your hair or do you use the As Seen on TV Bump It?”
(Yes, folks! Believe it.)
Pausing, she looked up. Probably relieved that I didn’t ask her about seeing Russia from her back door, she smiled. She looked me straight in the eye and said, “This (pointing to her hair) is a skilled beehive on my head, girl.” She reached out to shake my hand and I think ask me my name….but the security guard had already scooted me on saying that I needed to get off stage and keep the line moving.
I was then given a website address where I could download a picture after 2 weeks. I keep checking and no luck so far.
I looked back and Sara Palin was standing up. People were clapping and local news channels were scrambling. She was done. She was being escorted off the stage and out of the mall.
The Lord had prepared my way. I was able to get both the book and audio book signed for both of my Pa’s! I am so happy!
Merry Christmas!
I purchased the book and audio book from Barnes and Noble about two weeks prior to the date of Sarah Palin’s signing event. I saved the receipts. I read all the rules: no photos, no personalizations, 2 books per person, wristband required, no shopping bags, no camping out, etc..
There were lots of rules.
The signing was at 7pm and I could get my wrist band as early as 5am. I had the babysitter all lined up for 3pm. I would go to the Mall of America and stand in line for approximately 4-5 hours.
I caught the 10pm news the night before and found out that....
I was misinformed. The signing was at noon. The sitter wasn’t available. With slumped shoulders and a face full of disappointment, I resigned myself to the fact that I would not be able to get Sarah Palin’s autograph for my Pas. So, I certainly did not get up at 4am to drive to the Mall of America in sub zero temps to get a Barnes and Noble wristband.
Monday, Dec. 7th came. At 3pm the sitter arrived and I headed to the Mall of America to finish up some Christmas shopping. I decided to bring the books and receipts just in case. I knew it wasn’t likely. Her signing started at noon and I wasn’t getting there until 3:20 pm or so.
As soon as I got there I ran to Barnes and Noble. I ran!
“I realize I’m like 10 hours too late. Do you happen to have any wrist bands left?” I begged.
The reply was no. But, I could risk it and get in line anyways. The clerk reminded me that Sarah Palin wasn’t obligated to sign my books since I didn’t have a wrist band. She could quit at anytime.
Well, I’m here. Why not try?
So, I got in line. Surprisingly (I mean, I know this is a liberal leaning state, but I was still a bit surprised.) there weren’t many people in line ahead of me. Maybe 65 people. At the first checkpoint I was asked to remove everything from my pockets. My shopping bags and purse were searched. And I mean, every compartment was unzipped and unsnapped. I was reminded that I could only bring my books and receipts on stage to be signed. I would have to check my coat, bags and purse. I would have to leave my cell phone and camera as well. But, I was allowed to take pictures until the next checkpoint in the line. So, every second I thought I had a decent shot, I snapped. This is the only one that was worth posting.
Waiting in line, I was introduced to Sarah Palin’s mother and father. They were very friendly and allowed me to take their picture. I thanked them for raising Sara as a Christian.
At the checkpoint I dropped everything in my bags, including my coat. I kept my book, audio book and receipt. Just before it was my turn to step onto the stage a Mall employee was frustrated with me because I was bringing up an audio book. She told me that Sara was only signing books and I would need to keep that in my pocket (because I can easily fit 7 cd’s in my pocket, can’t you?) Not wanting to cause trouble, I said okay.
Once on stage I asked the person with Sarah Palin if my audio book could be signed. She said that I should give it a try. So I did.
I set my books on the table and watched. Sarah wasn’t making true eye contact with anyone. She was signing as quickly as possible and occasionally glancing up to smile-again, never really looking at any one person.
Once I got right in front of her, I asked:
“Sara, are we allowed to ask questions?” There were so many rules that I wanted to be sure not to break any of them.
Without looking up and still continuing to sign books, she said-with hesitation, “Yes.”
“Are you that skilled at teasing your hair or do you use the As Seen on TV Bump It?”
(Yes, folks! Believe it.)
Pausing, she looked up. Probably relieved that I didn’t ask her about seeing Russia from her back door, she smiled. She looked me straight in the eye and said, “This (pointing to her hair) is a skilled beehive on my head, girl.” She reached out to shake my hand and I think ask me my name….but the security guard had already scooted me on saying that I needed to get off stage and keep the line moving.
I was then given a website address where I could download a picture after 2 weeks. I keep checking and no luck so far.
I looked back and Sara Palin was standing up. People were clapping and local news channels were scrambling. She was done. She was being escorted off the stage and out of the mall.
The Lord had prepared my way. I was able to get both the book and audio book signed for both of my Pa’s! I am so happy!
Merry Christmas!
Christmas with Mammy and Papa
One of our Christmas day activities is to go to Mammy and Papa's house! It's a ton of fun. The girls have a blast. There's food, fun and presents.
Okay, okay. I had to put this picture up. It's the first thing we saw when we walked into the house. Uncle Dale was in charge of the turkey! (It was super good, by the way!)
Okay, okay. I had to put this picture up. It's the first thing we saw when we walked into the house. Uncle Dale was in charge of the turkey! (It was super good, by the way!)
The girls and the daddy. Notice the little hampsters in their hands...a gift they really loved. (Thanks Nanny for the cute outfits.)
American Girl Dolls--they need no explaining.
Ella picked Felicity and McKenna picked Ivy!
See the little dress that McKenna's doll is wearing? Click here.
The girls started a gag gift tradition a few years ago. Papa pretends to be afraid of mice, so that played into this year's gag gift. Ella and McKenna picked out a little mouse ornament (the mice from Cinderella) and wrapped it up for Papa.
Papa got a little retaliation this year. He wrapped up their favorite veggie! Onions!! He's such a good Papa. The girls' faces light up when he walks into a room.
12.24.2009
Our Family Christmas
Pancakes, Christmas music, presents, then sledding. A fun day of family time. For our family Christmas dinner? Salisbury Steaks.
12.23.2009
An Alabama Christmas Right Here in the Twin Cities
We are so blessed by the generosity of everyone. This post is mostly for family in Alabama. You take the time to think of our family and shop for us. Then you ship gifts to us. We keep them under the tree until the eve of Christmas Eve and then we have an "Alabama" Christmas. (Cioci Lynda and Dad--Your gifts came after we had our AL Christmas. So sorry there isn't a picture of the girls opening them.)
The girls, sporting gingerbread cookie nightgowns, in front of the tree.
Aunt Leigh sent beautifu Princess Belle holiday dresses.
They love their Muskateer Barbies from Cioci.
Thanks for the magazine subscription and new purse and wallet.
And the Holiday Barbies!! Can't forget those.
12.21.2009
The Things They Say
Ella: "Mom, how many times did you marry?"
Me: Knowing that she means 'how many times did you get married?' but not knowing why she would ask such a thing. So, I waited without responding.
Ella: Looking very lost in thought, "Oh, you have two kids so you got married two times!!!"
Me: Knowing that she means 'how many times did you get married?' but not knowing why she would ask such a thing. So, I waited without responding.
Ella: Looking very lost in thought, "Oh, you have two kids so you got married two times!!!"
12.20.2009
McKenna's Christmas Concert
McKenna is in the Children's Choir at our church. She loves singing and is pretty good at it. Our church put on a Christmas Concert and the Children's Choir sang in it. Here are a few pics:
12.19.2009
A Christmas Tradition
Okay, so....blogger has change some things. I am still figuring out photo location on my blog posts. Anyhoo....these photos are of my sister modeling a Christmas tradition on the "Higgins" side of the family. Uncle Dave, without fail, wears this outfit each Christmas. Right now-as I post-he is proudly donning his Christmas apparel. It's complete with slim cut jeans that may or may not be tapered at the leg and stone washed!! You'll notice that Sara has her mouth opened in one of the photos-that is because Uncle Dave walks around with his jaw hanging down as if ALWAYS astonished about something. Ya gotta love him! I do!
12.16.2009
Ella's Christmas Program
Added: I uploaded a short video at the end of this post!
Ella's preschool puts on a Christmas program each year. I remember Ella chose not to really sing last year. Do you remember? But, this year she did. After the show she was pumped up on adrenaline and asked several times to do the show again. I am so glad that preschool has helped to increase her self esteem and confidence! Here are a few pictures for you (I have a digital video but blogger has changed too much and I can't figure out how to upload my video. Once I get that figured out, I will post it. Any advice is much appreciated!). By the way, Ella was a sheep. She stood on the back row for most of it.
Here they are walking into the church. Ella is the "leader of the sheeps" as she would say.
Ella singing next to her good friend E.D.
I love this photo. I apparently snapped mid-word. It's cute, too me.
Both preschool classes. Ella is in the way back row-to the right of the photo.
Ella and Mrs. Barb
Ella and Mrs. Jan
12.12.2009
Merry Christmas
Hopefully, you all got your Christmas card. You probably recognize some of these photots from your card. Each year, Mammy and Papa give the girls beautiful holiday dresses. This year they are sporting the American Girl holiday dresses.
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