That's so Wal-Mart

At the risk of sounding like a total snob, I have a few things to say about Wal-Mart. First, there are a certain type of people {only known as Wal-Mart people}, who somehow crawl out of somewhere, and you will never see them anywhere other than Wal-Mart. Seriously, I've seen things at Wal-Mart that I have never, or will never, ever see anywhere else. You can't make a trip there without coming away with some kind of story. If you stand in line to return something {please, please only do this when absolutely necessary}, there is a good chance you will be there among one or more of the following circumstances--seeing a person with toilet paper stuck to his/her shoes, fresh out of the bathroom; everybody in line impatiently waiting for the lady at the front, who instead of making her transaction is screaming at her daughter over her cell-phone, complete with "that's bull sh**" dialogue loud enough for the entire store to hear; the person behind you trying to make small talk about the new science kit they recieved for Christmas that just isn't that "scientific", snorting and saying "you know" after every sentence. If you stand in line to buy something you get one of two things: the cashier has a comment for each and every item you will be purchasing {that is so adorable, that looks yummy, oh I need to read that, I will have to get one of those etc etc}, or, at some point during the purchase he/she will not even notice as they say a cuss word. It's all like a very bad torture movie that you just can't get out of.

Second, Wal-Mart smells funny {no, it's not funny, it's totally gross}. The only thing I can come up with is that it is the people. I can't even explain the smell, but it's present each and every time, and it's always the same {unless it is a very potent, undisguisable odor coming directly from the person you are next to in line}. It's one of those smells that makes you seriously contemplate whether you should breathe out of your mouth or your nose {sure it smells bad to breathe out of your nose, but your mouth, well, the germs, oh, it's all bad}.

I know people who absolutely refuse to shop at Wal-Mart. No matter what, they would rather drive to Orem or Draper or somewhere totally inconvenient just because they can't allow themselves to make an appearance at the local Wal-Mart. I used to think they were crazy, but now, I wish I had it in me. I frequent the place about once a week {as painful as it is}. Their prices just can't be beat, and I'm a sucker for good deals. It's also very convenient because they have everything. I find myself going back over and over, even though each and every time I leave I swear it will be my last. I don't know, maybe I am one of those "Wal-Mart people" and nobody has told me yet....

Anyway, that was a very long way of getting to my point. My sisters and I were laughing and brainstorming what the new catch-phrase of '08 should be. When you see something totally hill-billy-ish, over the top laughable or downright dorky, my new blurb is "that's so Wal-Mart". Here's to making fun of people. ( I know, I'm terrible!)

It's a New Year

I know, I'm a few days late. The new year is here (by the way, does it drive you crazy when people say "Happy New Years"--it's so Wal-Mart {for a later post, but that's my new saying for 2008}). I love the New Year (which is weird, because change usually doesn't suit me). There is something great about starting over with new goals and new plans. Leaving some things in 2007 is going to be fantastic, and I'm looking forward to 2008. I think it's going to be a great year.

Some highlights I'll be looking forward to:

1. Carly will be 4, and Ashlyn will be 7 (is that possible?)
2. Shane and I will celebrate 10 happy (ok, mostly) years
3. I will turn 30 (I'm thinking big party plans!)
4. Utes will beat BYU in football

And, what's a new year without a few goals in mind:

1. Eat healthier, exercise more (oh, and actually do it this year!)
2. Keep my H2 clean and pretty, in and out
3. Cook more. We eat at restaraunts way too much. (Hey, this may help save money, too!)
4. Have 3 months food storage by the end of the year
5. Be a better (not better, more efficient) housekeeper
6. Be a better mama. Not that I'm a bad mama, I just want to be better.
7. Be a more attentive wife. I want to succeed at once a week date nights (we've tried and failed several times). Cheer more for the Jazz and Bears. I won't cheer for the Cougars, but I'll make you brownies!
8. Try to read 1 book a month (even if it's not mature or educational)
9. Be more charitable
10. Write in a family journal everyday (and blogging doesn't count!) And, complete one entire scrapbook!
11. Spend ALOT less time on the computer, and more with my family

For me, that's a good list. I could improve on alot more, but let's face it, after a few months some of these will already be on the back burner. Oh, and if you know me well enough to suggest things that YOU think I need to improve on, please, feel free to comment.

World's Best Dad

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My dad has always been the greatest. He has always been supportive of me and my sisters, no matter what. He has always put our needs and wants before his. People have always been amazed at some of the things that he has done to spend time with us or make sure we weren't "missing out" on the concert of the year, or the big game, or the coolest vacation spot, etc etc.

Years back he took us to the U2 concert because it was so the "it" thing to do, and we had a fantastic time. What other dad dances along to Rage Against the Machines just because? Just last year he took me to see Bon Jovi, and a month later took my sister to see Motley Crue. He took two of my sisters to Chicago last year so they could see Madonna (he opted to drop them off instead of going to that one...)

Growing up I always had the "cool" dad, and it sometimes bugged me when the boys wanted to hang out with him instead of me! It must have been a little tough to have all girls, though, so I'm glad we could provide him with some "sons" every once in a while!

My favorite thing about my dad is that he makes me laugh, and he sits and listens to my every effort to make myself laugh. After BYU beat Utah this year, I went to pick up my kids and he greeted me at the door with a big hug--and then he laughed at me. He truly is the best!

Happy Birthday Dad, we love you!

The Best Kind of Sunday

We are having the best kind of Sunday. First, we went to church in Lindon this morning to listen to my cousin, Becky, speak at her mission farewell. Church is always better when you can listen to someone speak who you know, like, and won't make you wish you were sleeping. (It's great, too, when you know you can leave after the first block.)

Then, we headed over to the house for a Thanksgiving-ish feast. I didn't have to make it or clean it up. There was plenty of good company to sit around the table and visit with--which is something you don't get every Sunday. It was fabulous and yummy. Thank you Marc and Jill!

Now we are home, and for the first time in a couple of weeks we have nothing to do. We can take a nap, play with new toys, lay on the couch and watch tv, and then take another nap. I think I will begin un-decking my halls. I always feel so much better when everything is put away--the house seems so much more open and clean-ish. Happy Sunday, everybody--this is the best kind!

We Believe

This was my Christmas surprise! I had no idea that Shane was planning this. He had my whole family in on it. We went to my parents house for Christmas morning, and he told me that my dad had a surprise in the garage. I went to look and at first I thought "my Dad bought a Hummer?", but it only took a second for me to realize that it was mine and then Shane handed me the keys. What a great surprise! Now I just have to get used to the idea of me driving a tank! It is huge! Thanks, Shane, I love it!

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Christmas has come and gone, but we have enjoyed every single second. We had a great Christmas Eve...we started out at Breakfast with Santa, and then made our way to the Belliston family party {complete with dinner, games and Santa--thanks, Candy, it was fabulous!}, and then came home to make cookies and write letters for Santa, open our pajamas, and watch "Hairspray" to wind down and get ready for bed. There was no excitement lost, let me tell you! By the end of the evening we were all exhausted--but it's a great feeling!

This morning we were up at 7:30 {which was earlier than I expected}, spoiled by Santa, opened gifts, and made our way to the Partridge home for Christmas morning with my family. Everybody was there, and that was great because we only got to have Norm and Rachael for a couple of hours before they had to be to the airport to get back to New Jersey. {We will miss you guys so much!} It has been a fantastic Christmas and I'm sad that it is over.

The great news of the day {well, part of the greatness of the day}...my mom and dad gave me a new camera, so no more blurry pictures, YAY!

The Gingerbread Caper

Ashlyn and her classmates have been very busy this Christmas season. They prepared for months to put on a play, "The Gingerbread Caper". They sang several songs, and each had their own speaking part. It was quite funny and cute! Ashlyn's part was "Oh my, Oh no, he's gone! Is he playing hide and seek?" She worked on this for a month to get it just right, and I must say I was impressed with the emotion in which she delivered it to the audience. We may have an actress on our hands! Carly thought the whole thing was great and she has been singing several of the songs ever since.

Today I got to go and help with the Christmas party in Ashlyn's classroom. It was fabulous. The kids had a great time. I must say these Highland Elementary mom's go all out. We were each in charge of a game, and that was so much fun. We did a craft, and we were complete with a 3 tier punch fountain. Yep, a punch fountain at the 1st grade Christmas party. These kids are living the life I tell ya! They had more fun playing in the fountain than drinking the punch. I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture of it! They were also the only class lucky enough to have a visit from Mrs. Claus. She read them stories, told them all about living at the North Pole, and brought them each a personalized letter from Santa!

School is now officially out for Christmas break and I can't believe it. This seems like the fastest December ever! It must be true that time goes by faster as you get older, because even last year seemed to move at a more enjoyable pace--this year has gone by way too fast, and there is so much I still want to do!

Called to Serve

A few months back, when we heard that my cousin, Becky, was going on a mission, we immediately thought of having a "missionary" shower. First, because we love to have parties/showers of any kind, and second, because we are so proud and excited for Becky. She's the first Haynie girl to serve a mission and she will be awesome! What made it even better, though, was that we had this shower with girls and guys--and it was a blast. Our guys really know how to party (and Pictionary with Hymns, who knew the men would dominate)! We missed all of those who couldn't make it--so wish you could have been here!

I assigned Chrissy to take pictures for all of you, and she took 1! Yep, one! And it was blurry. I took some and all but about 3 were blurry. Apparantly Santa needs to bring some photography lessons to the Partridge household. So, I apologize. Becky, every picture I took with you in it didn't work. My camera is crappy. I'm sorry--but, hey, you weren't too thrilled about me taking them anyway, right! So, here's a very small taste of the good times...

And what's a party without yummy food (you'd think I'd have waited to take the picture until after ALL the food was out!), and party favors full of chocolate (and a few mints for Jill!)

Thanks for coming everybody! Hope you had a great time! And good luck, Becky, we know you'll be great!

Last Christmas

I decided to do a "flashback Friday". Who knows, this may become a new tradition. For all of you homophobs, I tried to spare you the George Michael, but there just isn't a better version out there, sorry!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Okay, so to add to my last post here is a list of my FAVORITE Christmas tunes this year. Some are my own classics, and others have just become fun recently.

10. "The Nativity Song", a primary song I'm teaching all the kids this year
9. "Santa Claus", Bruce Springsteen
8. "The Greatest Time of the Year", Aly and AJ
7. "Believe", Josh Groban
6. "All I Want for Christmas", Britney Spears
5. "Christmas", U2
4. "Last Christmas", Wham
3. "What Christmas Means to Me", Stevie Wonder

2. "Christmas Medley", Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband

1. "The Forgotten Carols", Michael McLean

Honorable Mentions: "Santa Baby", Madonna; "Hey, Santa", Ashanti; "Rudolph", Jack Johnson; "Joy to the World", Dixie Chicks

Do You Hear What I Hear?

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I love, love, love Christmas music. I have certain songs that I can sing all season long and never get tired of dancing around my house to. There are those that have been favorites of mine since I was little. I have realized, though, that there are a specific few that make me roll my eyes and want to throw whatever listening device I am using out the window. You know the ones--you recognize them within a couple of notes because they bug you so bad. So, here are the 10 worst Christmas songs EVER, according to me. I'm bugged just thinking about them.

10. "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC--This barely even qualifies as Christmas music, but for some reason people out there love it. Not me.

9. "We Need a Little Christmas" by anybody. Totally just bugs me--for some reason it reminds me of annoying neighbors and people who are over-the-top Christmas.

8. "Do They Know It's Christmastime" by Band Aid--They just way overdid this one when they tried to get a whole bunch of celebs together. Whenever I hear it all I can do is picture Boy George, and that ruins any Christmas spirit.

7. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by anybody. Could this song be any more slow, long, and boring? Torture I tell you.

6. "Feliz Navidad"--The song is bad enough, but the worst part is being forced to listen to every RM who speaks Spanish sing along as if they are impressing anybody.

5. "So This is Christmas" by John Lennon--The Beatles suck, and so does this little diddy.

4. "Mele Kalikimaka"--I hate it. That's all I can say.

3. "Where are you Christmas" by Cindy Lou Who--Totally sappy, and the girls voice is annoying.

2. "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney--I seriously want to flop around on the floor, having spasms to the beat of this song. It's that bad.

1. And the absolute worst Christmas song EVER..."Christmas Shoes" by NewSong. By far the dumbest Christmas song I have ever heard. I distinctly remember the first time I heard it a few years back--my face must have been hilarious because I was so in awe over who would ever write or sing such a dumb song and try to make it sad and "heartwarming". Give me a break.

Please fill me in on any I may have missed. I realize I will get some grief over my picks, because frankly, some of you have crappy taste in music. I'm sticking to my fun, upbeat Britney and friends.