Project 365/361 Fantasy Football Champion (x2)

The picture below is the final score in the championship game in my (hubby's) fantasy football (FF) league. For the 2nd year in a row (and the 3rd time in 7 years), I've won the league.

Fantasy football is a big deal in the household (at least for me), bordering on an obsession. The season starts in August with a live draft where we pick our teams and then continues each week of the NFL season, deciding which players to start and which players to sit. It's an agonizing process that consumes hours each week. The 1st thing I read each morning during the season is a newsletter from one of the websites that tracks player status (i.e. who practiced, who didn't, who is likely to start next week, etc).

I live for FF and life is a little emptier once the season is over.

That being said, and even though I've had a decent amount of success, I can't take credit for being the best player in the league. FF, as with life, comes down to a lot of factors that are outside of our control. There was a team that peaked late in the season and was arguably the hottest team in the league coming into the playoffs. I was lucky enough to play against that team on a week where his star players didn't have good matchups while mine did. I escaped with a victory and made it to the finale. In the championship game, I played the guy with the best record in the league. His team was undefeated until late in the season when a number of his players were injured. Even though his good players played well that day, they didn't score any TD's and that made the difference in the outcome.

The lesson to learn from all this is that life needs to be taken as it comes, with all the things we can't control, while applying as much intensity to the ones we can. That's the best we can do. This year, that was good enough.

The Steel Curtain (my FF team) rocks!!

Fantasy Football Champion (x2)

Project 365/360 Happy Birthday to me

Saturday was my Birthday, 37 years old, YIKES the years are flying by! I had breakfast at Bob Evans with my family, Brent's and my mom. After breakfast Hubby took the little girls home and the rest of us went shopping. In he evening we had Christmas at Hubby's mom's. It was late when we got back but the girls were not tired and CJ wanted to use her new doctor kit on me. She declared me in good health, though she gives a lot of shots and plays with my hair most of the time. In the photo she was listening to my heart with the thermometer! I didn't say she knew what she was talking about.

Happy Birthday to me

Here are shots from Christmas at the Greer's:

CJ lounging with Grandma Greer while MJ crochets with her new yarn.


Heather trying on Lu's Gift (She looks good in them, maybe I should have got her a pair too:) At the Greer's my brother's wife is my niece (Her Step-dad is Hubby's older brother Luther) I really love this as I get to spend holidays with my brother's family at both places!


My brother, Brent, tickling CJ. She was really wound up.



Hubby with his nephew, Brian (also Heather's little brother)

Project 365/359 Christmas Morning (Early)

Christmas morning CJ and Syd were up at 5:45 am, not unusual in our house. CJ normally climbs in bed with us and goes back to sleep and Syd just need a cuddle or two and will go back down and sleep to pass 10 am. But it was Christmas morning! Hubby suggested that the older kids might not want to wait for Syd to get back up so we asked CJ if she wanted to open gifts right now (duh!) She said yes and we woke MJ and JD up, they grumbled a bit but I reminded them that it was Christmas morning and that stopped the complaining short! (JD looks a bit tired in the photo but he did come around in the end) Syd is still holding on to her most favorite gift from Grammie and CJ was ready to open her gifts and Syd's right away, MJ is just thrilled to see what is in the big heavy box that had her name on it (she didn't ask for anything that was that big or that heavy!) After they opened all the gifts, Hubby, CJ, Syd and I all went back to bed and slept until 10:30 while MJ and JD played with their new toys.

Christmas Morning (early)

CJ's big gift was a Cozy car that she absolutely loves (I will have to have this thing in my house until spring because she barely gets out if it) She loaded all her new toys and Syd's up in the car and just sat with them most all afternoon.

JD's big gift was a PSP which he was completely in shock when he opened it (I had told him there was no way I was going to buy him this-Never say Never)

MJ's big heavy box turned out to be a Cricut Create which she loves despite that fact that she did not even know what it was prior to today, she did have to open the box just be sure I was not tricking her (would I do that??) She has used this everyday since she opened it!

I was not joking about CJ opening Syd's gifts, Syd was just not interested in opening them but she did like playing with them after they were opened. CJ is still convinced that Syd gift are hers and she is just sharing them with Syd. Syd is pretty easy going but we did have a few episodes of tears over new toys this afternoon.

All in all we have had a blessed year and we are happy to be spending Christmas together with our family and loved ones.

Project 365/358 Christmas at the Hundley's

Thursday we had our Christmas at my moms. Every year we make the kids pose in front of the tree before they can open gifts. They are 4 of us with cameras all yelling "smile" and flashing our cameras at these poor children and they don't know where to look next. My brood is just shy of half of this group and I can only get 2 of them to look at me. After all the gifts get opened and we have all settled down, we watch a DVD that my brother and his wife put together for us. We all supply him with photos from the past year and they set them to music and we all ooh and ahh over them and share a chuckle or two. This has become my favorite new tradition and I hope we can continue to do it in the future. (Thank you Brent and Heather for doing this for us!)

Christmas at the Hundley's

Project 365/357 The joy of hard wood floors

Wednesday was the first full day of Christmas break for the older kids. CJ was on the receiving end of the kids having spare time on their hands. She loves to be pulled around on blankets on our hardwood floor and MJ obliged her. I'm amazed at how long she will let them pull her around in circles!

The joy of hard wood floors

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We hope everyone has a happy and healthy Christmas.

This is our Christmas card for 2009.

Made in PSE 6 by Moe

It finally arrived!

Have you got the newest Scrapbooks Etc. Magazine? Mine arrived in my mailbox this afternoon and you might remember this post.

My Snow Fun LO is on page 6!! I'm so excited to finally see it in print. I still can't believe they paid me for this!!!!!!
Here it is before I mail it out to Scrapbook ETC.

Project 365/356 Scruffy slippers

Tuesday I went to see MJ's Christmas assembly. Her class was playing jingle bells on the recorder. She was in the back on the other side of the gym from where I sat so I could not get a picture of her performing. I did however notice that she was wearing my scruffy slippers! I recall her asking this morning, as I was sleeping off the codeine laced cough syrup if she could take my slippers to school because hers were too small. I thought I told her they were scruffy and should not be worn out of the house. Maybe that is not what I said because there she was up on stage with the darn things on her feet! I'm just glad that nobody seen the inside of these things!
BTW her class and all the others preformed very well despite the scandal of MJ wearing scruffy slippers on stage:)

"Scruffy slippers"

Project 365/355 We got the crud

Monday I took Hubby to the doctor to discover he (and probably the rest of us) have "the crud that's going around" and there is nothing she could give him to cure it. It should last about 10-14 days! No wonder the girls still have some symptoms after a week and a half! The picture is a sampling of the medications we all have been taking this last week or so: eye drops, decongestants, cough syrup, and Halls. Monday night I began to lose my voice (hear the cheers from my family:) thankfully my throat does not hurt as bad as it sounds!

"We got the crud"

Project 365/354 Steelers Game

Posted by Hubby:

Sunday's picture is taken outside of Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. My friend Zack (left, Packers fan), his buddy Ryan (right, Steelers fan), and myself (hubby; check out the face paint!) were there to see the Packers play the Steelers at 4:15 pm.
It's a "bucket list" goal of mine to see a game in every NFL stadium. I'm just getting started, having seen games at Ford Field (Lions), Lambeau Field (Packers), and now Heinz Field (my beloved Steelers).
Going to Pittsburgh was a great experience. We arrived Saturday late afternoon and then spent the evening walking over to the stadium and back (~3 mi round trip). At the stadium gift shop, I picked up "Terrible Towels" for each of the kids. The downtown is well lit and we had no problems walking anywhere we wanted to go.
The weather was good December football weather (cold but no snow), we had really good seats (between the goal line and the 10 yard line, 20 rows from the field), and the outcome of the game was great too (for the Steelers fans in our group). Big Ben threw a touchdown pass on the final play of the game. With the extra point, Pittsburgh squeaked out a 37-36 victory.
Thanks to Moe Momma for letting me get away for a weekend with the boys. Hopefully I can get more of the boys from Gladwin to come along next year and we can see another game in another NFL town (probably somewhere warmer, Tampa anyone?).

"Steelers Game"

Side note: Pittsburgh is a lot closer than you realize - we drove all night and were back home well before breakfast on Monday. This is definitely a trip I will want to make again.

Project 365/353 Making frosting with Grammie

Saturday we popped in on my mom and she whipped up frosting so she and MJ could frost cookies. CJ loved watching her mix it up. When Grammie lifted the mixer head up CJ peered in and said promptly (Her new favorite word) "Gross"! She however loved eating the frosting.

"Making frosting with Grammie"

Project 365/352 Nose

Friday Syd was showing off her latest talent... pointing out her nose. She is very proud of herself when she is doing this. Way to go Syd!

"Nose"

Happy Birthday Little Brother

My darling little brother is turning 32 today! This is photo of him many moons ago, he was bugging me something awful (I have removed myself from the photo- I was looking none to happy!) He always seemed to be pestering me! In this photo, I think he is 13-15 years of age. The thing that strikes me most is the amount of hair he had!
Have a wonderful day little brother. Just so you know I can't remember a day since I moved out of mom's house that you bugged me enough to make me want to throw a hair brush at you:) After all, you are my favorite brother in the whole world. Oh that's right, you are my only brother!

Circa late 80's or early 90's

Project 365/351 What is waiting for me

This morning I tried to sneak in a shower before the girls woke up, I don't often get to do this without an audience anymore. CJ was sleeping in our bed and heard me turn the shower on so she ran in and parked herself. When I got done I found her and Ruby cuddled on the floor in front of the register vent next to my pile of laundry which is on my to do list today. The laundry is piled in every room, some clean and folded, some waiting to be folded and some just dirty. Some things just pile up when the girls are sick.

"What is waiting for me"

Project 365/350 Can't tell by day

What ever Syd has (a cold, I think) it is much worse at night but during the day aside from a runny nose she is herself. Here she is delighted to push a box all over the house. Who needs toys when boxes provide so much entertainment in our house.

"Can't tell by day"

Project 365/349 Sick little girl II

Tuesday morning Syd woke with her eyes matted with goop. Still fever free, she coughed a lot last night but did not throw up again. She did not like her bath this morning, dried snot in not the easiest to remove. CJ is on the mend but still coughing at night. So far MJ and I are illness free, I hope it stays that way. My hands are so dry from the constant washing and antibacterial gels I just hope it is enough to stave off the ickies!

"Sick little girl II"

Project 365/348 Blustery day

Monday was supposed to be Syd's 18 month well baby check up but guess who spent last night throwing up! Hubby was not feeling the greatest as well so he worked from home. He and Syd are fever free but very congested. I rescheduled her Dr visit but I still had to go to Midland to try and straitening out my Christmas card problems. My test print came back way too dark, something to do with my computer not being calibrated right (is that fixable?) So after lightening it up I need to see if it would work. There was another problem with Walmart cropping my 4x6 file but that is a whole other matter. On my way to Midland I took the back way in and took this shot of the snow just blowing across the road almost making it hard to see the road.

"Blustery day"

A touching story.

In case you have not read the story of Stephanie "Niene" Nielson here is the link to the newspaper article about the her recovery from a plane crash that has left her burned over 85% of her body. Such a moving story. I hope you all take the time to read it.

Project 365/347 what do we have here?

Sunday I slept in with the girls after a long night with a sick child. MJ helped Hubby wrap presents. I have rolls and rolls of wrapping paper but Hubby thought he would get away with wrapping my gifts in last weeks grocery ad:) I don't want to look at that ad for the next few weeks so I harassed him until he re-wrapped it. All the while MJ was saying "dad I told you not to wrap in that" He is so excited about it he even offer to let me open it already! Some of you might be surprised (mom) to know I told him that I wanted to wait until Christmas, but I am curious!

"what do we have here?"

Happy Birthday shout out

A Happy Birthday wish to my cousin, Jackie. I hope you are enjoying your day!

Project 365/346 Creative mess

Saturday was Hubby annual Christmas shopping trip with the guys. Gone for more that 12 hours he and his friend do a little shopping and whole lot of football watching and bonding:) This left me at home without my van (it transported 7 of the guys shopping) with one sick girl and one I believe to be on her way to being sick girl and the two older ones climbing the walls because we are "stuck home" I did have a vehicle but was not taking CJ anywhere unless I absolutely had to! While the girls took naps on and off throughout the day I got crafting. What a mess I can make in very short time! I made list notepads for little gifts, the inspiration coming from here. I made them for teacher gifts but I have more notepads than teachers to give them to, they were fun to make. (I was trying to escape with crafting a very easy thing to do for me).

"Creative mess"

Project 365/345 Sick little girl

Still feverish, coughing until she spits up and a goopy eye, CJ has an appointment with the doctor. While I made the appointment she waited for me on the couch. Poor thing just wants to cuddle When I dressed her she complained that her arm, foot, head, back all hurt. I assume she has many body aches. Add it all up Fever + body aches looks like the flu to me!

"Sick little girl"

Project 365/344 Snow creature named Lollie

Thursday was a busy busy day! I had plans to go shopping with my mom and brother and Hubby was staying home with the girls for me. CJ woke at 1 am with a fever and a nasty cough. JD woke with a a sore throat and was extremely tired and stayed home from school. The day went smoothly for the most part considering everything going on. I got most of my shopping finished up, Hubby had meetings from home with CJ cuddled on his lap and JD slept off his icky feelings and was well by the time I got home. MJ's snow creature, Lollie, was waiting for me when I got back. CJ was not feeling much better by the end of the day. Flu?? Please no!

"Snow Creature named Lollie"

Project 365/343 Snow Day

Wednesday we woke to a snow covered world. School was canceled and Hubby worked from home. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to get Christmas card pictures taken, for the older two we trooped outside and shot photos and the younger two I staged a photo shoot in the dining room . Finally that task was done!
*a special note- the snow covered pine tree on the right of the photo fell victim to the heavy snowfall just minutes after I took this photo, it simply fell over roots and all. After that MJ set about to rescue the remaining trees and bushes from the same fate.

"Snow Day"

Project 365/342 Checking off my list

Things are getting done, internet shopping is a dream! I have wore out the mail man with packages. Thursday is my scheduled shopping trip with my mom and brother, hopefully that will finish it all up. I'm also looking forward to spending time with them.

Checking off my list

Project 365/341 The first card

The first Christmas card has graced our mail box. It is from my mom. I feel like I'm so far behind, I have not even taken the kids photos! Hopefully this week I can get them to sit still long enough.

The first card

Project 365/340 Nutcracker

Sunday MJ and I accompanied My SIL and niece, Lu to see The Nutcracker. I have heard the music many time before but had never seen the ballet, it was very nice. MJ and Lu seemed too really like it and for a 11 and 6 year old I was impressed with how well they sat through it. The binoculars I brought help a little to keep them occupied and so did the snack bag my SIL packed and sneaked in! Thank you Heather for invited us along.

Nutcracker

Project 365/339 Festival of Lights Parade

Saturday our town had it's annual Festival of Light Parade. My brother's family came to enjoy the parade with us. This year the girls were both old enough to enjoy the festivities. It was snowing just a bit and was not too cold but it great to have the van for the girls to watch from. CJ is still talking about the Elmo balloon days later! We went to mom's house for chili and visited, we had a great time. It was a very nice evening!

Festival of Lights Parade

Project 365/338 Peaceful

There is nothing more peaceful than a sleeping child. No matter at what age I love to see the faces of my sleeping children. I also love that MJ is cuddling her Maddie bear. She is my sentimental child, she wears her heart on her sleeve and is very empathetic to all.

Peaceful

Project 365/337 Holiday Trimmings

I finally finished putting up the inside holiday decor. I doubt I will get to the outside decorations this year. But inside it feels and sounds like Christmas! Now on to Christmas cards! I'm not looking forward to getting the kids to sit for a photo shoot again, I need a new plan...

Project 365/336 Almost off the bottle

Syd is finally learned how to drink from a sippy! I have been trying to take the bottle from her for months with no success. All the bottle and nipples are on their last leg and I refuse to replace the darn things and we don't have many left, I figured it was going to a stand-off (I think she would have won that one). She is not yet willing to give up the bottle completely yet but this is progress, she has figured out how to work the sippy cup! Now I have to work on CJ sharing what she considers her sippys, that will be a whole other matter!

Almost off the bottle

project 365/335 My little word smither

Tuesday evening MJ was working on a special assignment for school. MJ is an avid reader and she goes through quite a few books each week. She has come across a book, Along the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Wilder but authored by Allison MacBride-Allen (?). She has found a few misspellings (this really disturbed her, she is her father's daughter for sure). Her special assignment is to write to the author and let her know of the errors. I'm eager to read this letter and the response from the author or publisher. I'll let you know how it goes.

My little Word Smith

Project 365/334 1st Etsy order shipped

Monday I shipped out my 1st Etsy order. I changed the packing a little and I even like it better than I thought I would. I hope she likes it when it arrives. Now I have few to make up for Christmas and birthday gifts for MJ's friends. I have plans for a shepherds hook bookmark (not sure if that is what they are called but it what they look like) for MJ's tween's leader Miss Stacy who is a Twilight fan, if it turns out I'll list a few on Etsy as well. I didn't realize how much I missed crafting until I started making these pendants.

1st Etsy order shipped

Project 365/333 Must have been a long night

Sunday Hubby picked up JD from a friend's house. His friend had a coed birthday bonfire party and the boys got to sleep over while the girls had to leave at 9 pm. He was not home long before he crashed on the couch. I guess it was a long night.

Must have been a long night