Ooh.. Aah..

Phew, we survived Christmas!  What an awesomely, hectic weekend!  I was right to be anxious for it though, this was easily my most favorite Christmas so far. :)  We had a few unexpected events, but the important parts, the ones spent with family and Jesus, were well worth the wait and chaos.  Cmas Eve was great with the in laws.  We had a yummy dinner, went to church and then back to Becky's for more food and some gifts.  Lot's of great stuff changing hands there.  Then home for a quick gift before ushering all the little elves to bed.  My favorite part was Cmas morning.  The excitement, the anticipation, the ripping of wrapping paper and the oohs, ahhs and squeals of delight!  (what can I say, Joe's a squealer..hehe)
Oh, here are some pictures real quick..
Here they are anxiously awaiting the moment I put down the camera and they can start opening!

 We like to go slow and steady.. one gift and one person at a time.. oh, and don't forget to ooh and ahh!

 Much excitement over the PS3!

 and much excitement over the trampoline! (Riddocs attempting to lift the box, really, he's not pooping) :P

 a little less excitement..

 enough about them, here's my awesome 'booty'!

Can you tell I like kitchen stuff?  I know some women are insulted when they get a lot of domestic stuff, but not me, the more kitchen gadgets the better!! (I'm using that awesome crock pot you see pictured at this very moment, it's full of meatballs waiting to become yummy sandwiches later!)
Oh, then after we did our family Christmas, Joe's extended family came over and we did lunch and gifts.  Mmm, good food and lots of fun Nerf battles.  And a special thanks to Uncle Jim Bob for helping put the trampoline together! :)

Ok, so now that that parts covered, let me rewind to the morning of Christmas Eve.  I had my very first (in all the years I've been a licensed driver) automobile accident.  I was on my way into Conway to grab some groceries for that nights festivities and my car slid on a slushy spot.  I put it on it's side in the opposite ditch.. oops.  Luckily there was nobody with me and I was uninjured.  My car however is spending some quiet time at the tow lot awaiting the final say by the insurance guy.  Will he total it or fix it? Hmm..?
So anyway, I took some pictures so I could help explain exactly what happened.. if you will direct your attention to exhibit 1. 
I was heading (in my race car) to town..  (la la la la la..)

                                            

 then all of a sudden (with out warning or skidding or swerving) my car hit a slick spot and turned side ways, going down the road at a not recommended angle... (aaauugh!)

 then, going that angle and direction, my cars front end hit the ditch with a motor cracking thwak! (that's not good..)

 and then, after sliding down the ditch collecting dirt into a pile, said dirt caused my wheels momentum to suddenly stop and the roofs momentum took me onto my side.  I ended up on my passenger side, facing back towards home. (holy crap, I'm sideways!)

Luckily (thank you Jesus) I didn't have a kid sitting next to that exploding window and I was able to crawl out through MY window and walk away unscathed.

Oh, and here is a picture of the real car..



So now we're praying for an easy and not too complicated or depressing insurance thing. (come on, mama needs a new car!) ;)

Also unexpected was the stomach bug I got hit with yesterday (the day after Cmas).  I spent about 20 hours in bed or on the couch and lost 4 pounds.. hehe.. a good cheater way to kick off my New Year's diet.  Today I feel 100% better and was able to dismantle and pack away all our beautiful (but in the way) decorations.   *Sigh* I love an uncluttered house. :)

K, one last thing this evening.. I had to take a picture of Riddoc's hair.  One of the things in his stocking was his very own comb (ya I said comb.. I know we're cheap, but my kids are easily delighted).  Anyway, he has his own comb now, so he wanted to do his own hair.  Totally fine with me.  Here is the style of his choice.  (kind of reminds me of a "Something about Mary" style..)

Hehe.. awesome.
Until we speak again and just in case it'll be a while, may you have a safe and happy New Year!! (we should get together and play cards..)