Lions, Tigers & Bears - No Really!!!

LIONS

TIGERS




BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!

As many of you know, a few years ago, I developed something that I call Adult Onset Bear Phobia. These beasts have haunted me in my dreams (apparently in my dreams, I am still no match for them as I have awoken several times just BEFORE they bite my head off) and the thought of them has sent me racing down mountains (ok, bunny slopes) on VERY unsteady skis - yes, I know it was winter and they were hibernating, but still. While I am unsure if this is a permanent condition or a temporary one - they say that facing your fears is the first step in recovery.

With a family trip to the San Francisco Zoo planned - it seemed like the perfect opportunity to face said fears. After checking out a bunch of very cool animals - we headed over to the Grizzly Bear enclosure to watch their feeding. Before releasing the bears, the zoo keeper (instead of providing real entertainment and sacrificing herself) spread a bunch of veggies out and then released some live fish into the pool that was visible through the plexiglass. We had front row seats. These giant masses of head-ripping-off-power strolled in, walked right past the veggies and made their way into the pool. The fish didn't have a chance. One of the bears jumped in the water - RIGHT IN FRONT OF US - grabbed the fish and bit it in half. After viewing this, I can honestly say that my fear of bears is justified! For your viewing pleasure - here are some pictures of the bears, along with a bunch of other super cool animals!

Tanner and the Rhino

Madison and the Parrot

My son, oh, I mean a Giant Silverbacked Gorilla!

The Object of My Affection - NOT!

Two Guys and a Girl

Two Blond Headed Beauties

One Very Cool Polar Bear

3 Monkeys and a Giraffe!

Me, My Paintbrush & Bon Jovi

I know that I have briefly (read - repeatedly) mentioned the impromptu painting project that is now 9 days old. In 9 days, we have completed 4 rooms along with one very long hallway. Who knew what a difference color on a wall could make??? Well, apparently most people - my hubby and I are just a little slow in this area! Alas, we are finally in the know! So, with paintbrush in hand, Bon Jovi blasting on the CD player and my rattiest clothes adorning my body - I set to work!

And so it begins! Me - working on the kitchen


Oh - there I am on my ladder

Yep - me again on said ladder

Yep - me again, doing some more ladder work

Uh - the headless painter

Yes - that is a 7-8 ft. Christmas tree BELOW me!

One of the final products!

With all of my experience on the ladder, I am considering a consulting position with the local fire department!

A Few Holiday Celebrations!

In between painting, very little sleep and more painting - we were able to squeeze in a few moments to celebrate the holidays! On Thursday, Markie and I along with the rest of his class (5 8-year old boys with me in my car - potty talk x 5) headed over to a care home to sing Christmas carols to the elderly residents. After warming up my voice and doing some stretches, I was more than ready to bust out some songs! As I told Markie of my plans to sing loud and proud, the look of horror on my son's face that morning was priceless. Because I thought saving him from years of therapy was probably a good parental move, I stayed quiet during their performance - except to keep my young charges in line. A good time was had by all - especially the sweet ladies who lived there!

Markie is way in the back!

Markie giving a gift to one of the residents! (Notice Jack looking into the camera!)

Me and my boy!

Last night (after painting all day - did I mention that we are in the midst of painting the inside of our house??? - 5 days before Christmas!!!) we headed out to celebrate Christmas with Knowles Trucking! Besides the incredible food that we gorged ourselves on and fun time spent with friends, the kids enjoyed a visit and Christmas gift from Santa. Here are the pictures for you to enjoy!

Santa and the 2 goofballs

Madison - way too excited to be sitting on Santa's lap!

Markie getting the goods!

The hubby and me - our annual photo together!

Alright - enough dillydallying - time to get pack to painting!

Where Exactly Did Last Week Go?

After being released from the clutches of those very frightful terrorists, I found myself right smack dab in the middle of what I call "holiday insanity." Pair this with a few impromptu home improvement projects and well, welcome to my world! In a nutshell, here's a brief glimpse into this past week:

• Another fever (Tanner)


• Christmas programs


• Birthday parties (5 different kids)


• Basketball practice/games


• Baking, baking and more baking


• Multiple Christmas Parties


• Making stockings


• Jimmy Buffet cover band concert


• Book Sales


• Repainting (on a whim) family room, kitchen, hallway, entryway


• Cookie exchange - making prize winning cookies!


• Eating mounds of said prize winning cookies


• Shopping, shopping, shopping!

Whew! I'll stop there! You get the picture! I wouldn't be surprised if this list looks just like yours! It is the nature of the season! Here's a picture of my Rudolph cookies that won "The Most Unique" cookie award. Enjoy!

Help!!! Being Held Hostage...

Sometimes when you can't imagine things getting any worse - the unthinkable happens! Just when we finally bid a fond farewell to the flu bug that had taken an unwelcome residence in our home and the cure to our cabin fever was in sight - we were taken hostage by a frightful band of rebels.




Their ring leader, Tanner Abdul Ju Bar Stephanovich, (this photo taken with a hidden camera) has proven to be quite ruthless. His skills with a wide variety of weaponry (especially swords and light sabers) have left us fearing for our lives. It is with this message that I urge any readers to please send help. We don't know how much time we have left...

Advanced Degree...

While this isn't a fact that I often share (I am not usually one to brag) but I just felt the need to put this out there in case there is anyone who may need some advice, encouragement or helpful hints in this area. I hold the coveted Advanced Degree (A.D.) in Puke Removal from Carpets (PRfC). Now, I am aware that being a specialist in this is quite rare and highly unusual but I truly am a professional puke remover. I have had countless hours of experience - including several within the last 24 hours - a requirement to maintain my status. With this in mind, please know that I offer this expertise to you free of charge. If you find yourself in a situation that may need my assistance, please do not hesitate to call.

When I Hear That Trumpet Sound...

Oh, when I hear that trumpet sound

Oh, Lord I want to be in that number

When I hear that trumpet sound!!!

Well, the trumpets weren't exactly sounding, but our beautiful angel was at the ready! With Prancer and Pedro (our resident Christmas deer) nearby, the trio was a sight to behold in front of the red and orange sunset. (This picture doesn't quite do it justice!) With this set of three in place, we have officially begun decorating for Christmas! I look forward to using all of my displaying skills (all 2 of them) to make my house into something magical. I will do my best to refrain from mixing Pirates of the Caribbean figurines in with the glass gingerbread house, carousel and rocking horse that we have acquired over the years, but there are no guarantees! The red bow clad Kraken was an excellent addition to the back of the rocking horse and made an excellent centerpiece last year. You just never know what I am going to come up with!

Happy 1st Birthday Gabriella!!!

Today my sweet niece/Goddaughter turns one! Gabriella has blessed our family since before she was born (when we thought she was a he) and continues to do so! We are so thankful that God chose our family to love her and take care of her. She is one very special girl and we are truly lucky to be a part of her life!

Tree-hugging with her favorite Uncle!

Clearly not a vegetarian!

True Love!

3 Little Ladies - Elena, Gabriella and Madison

Inseparable!

Happy 1st Birthday Angel Girl! We love you so much!

We're Home!!!!!!!

It was a week of family, fun and a little bit of freezing! Last Friday (11/21), we made our trek to Boise, Idaho. We grabbed the kids from school and headed out of town! 9 hours later, we pulled into the McHargue driveway ready to make some awesome memories!

With the first two nights spent in Boise, followed by three nights in Tamarack and then three more nights back in Boise - our week was jam packed with fun! Among the many memories we made, here are some of the highlights:

• Gabriella's dedication (we are her Godparents!)
  
• Ice Skating


• Playing in snow


• Hot Springs
  
• Christmas shopping in McCall


• 2.6 mile walks in 19 degrees


• Thanksgiving dinner/dessert


• Madagascar 2


• Countless cups of hot tea


• Boise State Basketball game


• 2 Boise State football games


• Christmas shopping in Boise


• Hiking to the frozen river


• Seeing a fox


• The Turkey Bowl


• Hiking/Rock climbing


• Puzzle building


• Did I mention Christmas shopping on Black Friday???


• Hanging with the family!
  
  
  

Mark, Madison and Tanner

Gabriella Grace - such a cutie face!

Mad Dogger

Mark and Jack - hard at work drawing wars

Gabriella Grace with her one true love - her Uncle Mark

Little E

Two of my 3 turkeys in the Turkey Bowl!

After a week filled with ridiculous amounts of fun - we are now home and taking this day to relax and recuperate! We look forward to doing it all over again next year!

Brushing Teeth is Hard Work!

Who knew that brushing teeth could be so exhausting??? Tonight, I sent Tanner into the bathroom to brush his teeth - our normal night time ritual. When he didn't come right back, I figured, well, he must be hard at work cleaning each and every tooth! Little did I know, that the task would prove to be so incredibly exhausting! With his toothbrush nearby, he curled up on the couch and called it a day! No wonder it is such a chore to get them to brush their teeth. They must know going in that at the conclusion of this dreaded task that every last bit of energy they possess with be sucked right out of them! It is all starting to make sense now... :)

Oh, Dear Heaven...

Have you ever been in one of those situations when time actually seems to go backwards? Today, I had the pleasure of attending a performance of The Music Man with Markie and the rest of his 2nd grade class. I had been looking forward to this all week. Had I known ahead of time what I was in store for, I would have made plans to be busy - busy doing laundry, busy scrubbing toilets, busy shoving bamboo up my fingernails.


With three extremely bored 8 year old boys next to me and the lord of the dance behind me kicking my chair, it was no wonder I was checking my watch every two minutes - a fact that was pointed out to me during the performance. About halfway through I told the three boys to go ahead and take a nap if they wanted to while I found myself praying that God would kill me now. Thankfully God did not answer that prayer at that moment. Instead, I was blessed with just enough patience and energy to make it to the closing of the performance.


Once we had exited the theater, I asked the Markie if he wanted to see it again. He responded with a "NNNNOOOOOOO!!!!!" I couldn't agree more!

The Brady Bunch

You all know the words so sing with me!


"Here's the story

Of a lovely lady

Who was bringing up three very lovely girls

All of them had hair of gold

Like their mother's

The youngest one in curls..."

OK - so we aren't really the Brady Bunch but when our families are combined there are 3 girls and 3 boys. Because of this, we have unofficially named them "The Brady Bunch." Today I had the pleasure of watching this Brady crew. With Melissa off perfecting her role as radio personality, it was 6 on 1 in the Stephens household! Taking our cue from Noah, the kids paired up and had a blast playing together! While they played, I baked. Everyone was happy!

After lots of food, fun and playtime, our time ended with a well thrown, perfectly timed football launched into my eye. (For those of you who remember - "Now, I'll never be a teen model!") Luckily it was of the Nerf variety but it still hurt nonetheless! It was on that note that we bid a fond farewell to 1/2 of the Brady Bunch.

"The Brady Bunch

The Brady Bunch

That's the way we became the Brady Bunch!"

Good luck getting that song out of your head today!

Going Batty!

With one last (post-Halloween) Halloween celebration on the schedule and my refusal to arrive at said party empty-handed, I whipped up this cake to officially send Halloween out in style!

This is a 4-layer chocolate cake. The topping/filling is made of a cream cheese/sugar/whipped topping combo. The topping is covered in orange and black sugar sprinkles along with miniature candy bats and pumpkins. Bats hand cut out of rolled out tootsie rolls complete the look!

Also on the schedule this weekend was the final celebration for Markie's birthday! Markie's Mud Bowl was a hit! After last night's pouring rain, thunder and lightning we were blessed with absolutely beautiful weather. With blue skies above and surprisingly dry ground below, Markie's Mud Bowl was more like Markie's Little Bit Dirty Bowl.

Markie's Mud Bowlers

The Mud Bowl Ladies - Emily, Riley, Courtney and Madison

Drew - 1 of 2 Mini Mud Bowl Ladies

Demi - The second Mini Mud Bowler

Collin - tearing it up on the field

Tanner - the only child who didn't play football but ended up muddy anyway!

With Halloween and Markie's birthday officially behind me, I am really looking forward to getting into the swing of the holiday season! I can't wait to see what baking fun the next couple months bring!