Happy New Year to All!

I am off to finish up the decorations and food for my Tropical New Year's celebration at our house. I can't wait to see everyone in their flip flops!!

Happy New Year to each of you!! And here's to a GREAT 2009!!!

I Can't Believe Christmas Has Come and Gone

Maybe it was the constant rush of the whole past year, but I cannot believe that Christmas has come and gone - it all seems a blur. This past year, Blaine and I built our house and spent every waking minute designing, building, re-designing, configuring and budgeting. It seems like only yesterday that I was standing out in the wind and cold with my pink Mizzou hoodie on listening to my Zune while standing on a 2x4 watching Blaine cut concrete very close to my toes. And that was in February!

Although I can already barely remember Christmas (already....pathetic I know), I had a great one. I got lots of new toys - a new purse, a Wii and a new monster truck game (for the kid in me and Blaine), a new paperweight for my desk, cash, gift cards to Boomland Square, Dillard's and Victoria's Secret. I couldn't ask for a better Christmas.

At my families house in Republic, all of us gathered around the living room while I played Santa handing out gifts. The kids tore into their new prized possessions and just seeing their faces light up is priceless. Shania scored the new Rock Band for the Wii. I will tell you that I had no interest in this game at all, really. I never put any thought into it until she asked me to play with her. I am now addicted. It is awesome. I am not sure if it is the thrill of the music or if just whaling on the guitar to an 80's hair band tune is just really that awesome.

At Blaine's mom's house, we gathered again in the living room....but in a much calmer setting. After opening gifts, most of the family left and the rest of us watched movies for the rest of the evening. My body needed to rest after pounding on the drums and slamming on the guitar while belting Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" at the top of my lungs.

After a couple of days of rest and some Nakato's to fill my belly, I took on Rock Band again with Shania. Move over ACDC, here comes me and Shania ready to take you on. When is the next Battle of the Bands?

Expect the Unexpected - even at a Funeral!

As most of you know, my uncle Jimmy passed away a week and a half ago. My mom, dad, little sister and I made the trip to Oklahoma to pay our last respects. We arrived, spent time with family and headed to the funeral on Tuesday. Everything was going fine (at the funeral) until I hear my name - which I thought was a little odd. The preacher had just said "Misti is going to come forward and 'sing'....correction....read a scripture and say a few words." What the heck???, I thought. I am going to do what?

BACKGROUND: The day that Jimmy passed, my mom and I had been talking and I had "volunteered" to read a poem or scripture at the funeral IF it was something that the family wanted and decided upon. But that was the last of the conversation and the last time it was even mentioned - and now it was five days later.

Back to the funeral - my eyes were surely popping out of my head as I made my way to the front of the funeral home. Funerals have never made me comfortable...I am always a bit jumpy, sweaty and clammy while there. Now, I was really sweating. What was I going to read? What was I going to say? The look on my face was a giveaway as to the fact that I was SO unprepared.

When I got to the preacher, I whispered, "you gotta bible?" He handed me one. I said, "do you know what I am supposed to be reading?" He turned to the Twenty-Third Psalms and I began reading.

Now, I am not a shy person....it takes a lot to make me nervous. But for some reason, I was as nervous as a hooker in church...my voice was shaking, my eyes couldn't focus on the words....I was about to lose it. After making it through, I headed back to my seat where I thought I was going to pass out. As I made eye contact with my mom, "she whispered, 'I am SO sorry'" and that comforted me more than she will ever know.

I was done and the funeral was a nice service. After many apologies went back and forth between family members about the surprise reading, I was content with the whole thing. That is until my parent's laughed and pointed out that I had read part of the scripture wrong - because I was practically blind with nervousness. I read Psalms 23:6 like this "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will (NOT) dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

I nearly died. I couldn't believe that I included the word "not" in that scripture. Tears poured from my face as we pulled away from the cemetary. I let out a serious Boo-Hoo...I had just condemned the whole scripture and funeral (in my eyes.) Mom and Dad still had a good laugh about it - and said that Jimmy probably would have laughed too. That made me feel better. Leave it to me to screw up the scripture!

Moral to the story here.....be prepared for anything! You never know what life is going to throw at you!

On the Road Again...

My family and I have hit the road again. We are making our way from Lawton, OK back to Republic just in time for Christmas. One great thing about traveling with Mom and Dad is you get to act like a kid again....Shania and I are vegged out in the back of Dad's truck (literally), shoes off, pillows and blankets near by, eating chips and watching Narnia. We watched School of Rock on the way. Next up...Wild Hogs and RV. Now this non-planning, "I am completely non-in-control travel" is for me sometimes!

Santa is on his way...

It is almost time - the gifts are wrapped, the houses in the neighborhood are lit up and the smell of Christmas goodies is in the air. CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE!

As we get older (& wiser), the meaning of Christmas definitely changes. I remember as a kid I just couldn't wait for Christmas morning. The thought of sugar plums danced in my head as I laid out cookies and milk for ole Saint Nick. My buddy ole pal, Santa Claus, really did treat me well in those days. I remember so many Christmas mornings that just brought sheer excitement and hours of play time.

My memories are fond, but now my memories are even fonder. Christmas is now about family time shared watching the kids open gifts with a sparkle in their eye, sharing a meal together (no matter if it is traditional, delivery pizza, or Mexican - which we are having at the Moore hacienda on Wednesday night) and just engaging in conversation and laughter that only comes when we all are together.

Sometimes I miss the innocence of being a child counting the days and hours before Santa's sleigh would show up, but I realize that playing Santa is much better than waiting for Santa.

So here's to all of the Santa's out there.....safe travels for everyone & Merry Christmas to all!!

**On a side note - I am already south for the holiday. My father's brother, Jimmy, passed away and my family is headed Oklahoma first thing Monday morning. My prayers go out to the whole Moore family at this time. I know losing someone is hard, but it makes it a little harder around the holidays. RIP and much love Jimmy.

A Little Creepy in the House

I was at home last night shortly after arriving home and had been all over the house - taking Katie out, changing out of my work clothes into something much more comfortable and warm, opening the mail....the usual evening rituals. Blaine wasn't home yet; he had stayed at work late and was getting a hair cut. Suddenly, I heard a ring - much like a phone ringing. But it wasn't my phone. I froze - scared that someone was in the house. I practically didn't move for 10 minutes at all...until MY phone rang. I darted from my bathroom to the kitchen to snatch my phone praying that I wasn't about to run into a burgular or the "boogy man" as Blaine calls it.

I didn't see anyone. But I did continue to hear creepy noises. I realize that all of the noises I was hearing was the house settling, the high winds outside, Katie's toenails against our hardwood floors. I couldn't let go of the fact that I had heard something.

As most of you know, I am a scaredy cat! I am a little afraid of the dark, a little afraid of my own shadow sometimes and always paranoid that something bad is going to happen. Toss in a couple of un-nerving movies about vampires and boogy men (Thanks to Twilight and I Am Legend) in the past couple of weeks and you have yourself a spastic, overly-paranoid chick. I swear there are vampires running around in my backyard in the mornings when I take the dog out. Okay...not really, but it does cross my mind.

I sat on my couch lifeless for a while contimplating running for the hills or just sucking it up like a big girl. Blaine called and I told him my fears. I also talked to my mom, my sister and other people....and I didn't dare bring it up. I thought my talking about it would 1) make me look crazy...2) make me more scared and 3) make my mom worry. So I sat there - and then I made a pizza and then I watched TV.

The Boggy Man never got me - as Blaine says - and I didn't have any nightmares. But one thing I learned - STOP WATCHING WACKED OUT SCARY MOVIES!!

Who's Birthday is it Today?

December 18 is the birthday of someone special. Not only was Christina Aguilera born this day, but Katie Holmes was born on this day as well. And they are special people.

Oh geez....I almost forgot....Today is Shania's 13th birthday. Watch out world - you have 3 short years until this go-cart driving teenie bopper will be behind the wheel of a car on a road near you!! (Just kidding, Nia - after seeing your Tony Stewart driving skills at the go-cart track at the lake, I will hop in the car with you anytime. I just don't want to be driving next to you!)

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY, NIA BEAN!!!

Why have I been MIA?

I am not sure why I haven't found the time to blog lately. Maybe because the holiday season is upon us and I just get completely busy with busy-work this time of year. Between shopping, cooking, wrapping, baking, cleaning and work, I guess time has just slipped by.

So here is what I have been up to:
- Last Friday, Blaine and I hosted some co-workers of Blaine's for a little Christmas get together. It was the usual crowd - Larry & Pat (from the lake), Clarence & Debbie and Todd & Mindy. I had a great time and think they did too. The hit of the gathering was a gift Todd & Mindy got us that was a puzzle to free a wine bottle.
- Saturday, Blaine and I went shopping in Columbia. We picked up a couple of gifts and hit the Linen N' Things going out of business sale. I found lots of goodies at 50% off - now that's my kind of shopping!!
- Sunday, a a co-worker (Jennifer) and I spent the day shopping for needy families. We had a fundraiser at work that raised over $2200 and we adopted families this Christmas to help make their holiday a little brighter. What a rewarding experience - I am proud that our little ole state agency was able to help so much!
- Monday was a snow day for the Preston's. We both felt a little snotty and coughy and weren't about to spend hours clearing our driveway (If you haven't seen our driveway, there is a bit of a slope - and just today have I been able to get my car up it.)
Tuesday - today - well...work, work, work. I have squeezed some grocery shopping in there. But not too much more. I have also been working on our New Year's Eve party invites. Hint: flip flops are required for this party....

Burgers & Vampires - Oh my!

I have returned from the infamous birthday celebration in Springfield. We enjoyed burgers at Fuddrucker's and the movie Twilight at the new theater in downtown Springfield. It was a great time. Shania invited her friend, Victoria, and the whole family joined in the fun (minus Tyler.)

I will have to admit, I was surprised by how the teeny-bopper vampire thriller, Twilight, kept my attention - and so much that I borrowed Shania's copy of her book.

On Sunday, Mom and I hit the mall for a little start-to-finish Christmas shopping. And I can now say, mission accomplished (well...except for Mom's gift, but she was with me so I didn't have a choice there.) It feels great to have completed most of the shopping. I think that I should do the marathon shopping again next year - I found some great things for the family as well as for myself (you just can't pass up a suit marked down to $30 or a very cute dress marked at the same price.)

Who says you can't shop for yourself at Christmas anyways??

The Latest on the Wiegmann's

So you know by now that I have a friend that plays for the Denver Broncos. No...I didn't support this move from the Chiefs, but both Casey and Danni are doing well in Denver. Check out this link to watch a video about life in Denver: http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=49344@kcnc.dayport.com.

By the way - the Broncos put the Chiefs at 2-13 yesterday. Sad, very sad. I just got a text from Danni that said Go Broncos. She is on my list today. Ugh.

Friday Randomness....

** Blaine and I are headed to Springfield tomorrow for a little fun for Shania's birthday. We are celebrating early this year (her birthday is the 18th) so Christmas arrangements don't get in our way. Nia is going to be a TEENAGER! I can hardly believe it! We are having dinner at Fuddrucker's and then heading to see the new blockbuster Twilight.

**Sydni's birthday is also coming up (on Dec. 10) - another milestone in the family. Sydni is turning 15 and will be able to get her driving permit!! If she drives anything like her Aunt MiMi (that's me), stay off of the roads, people!

** I plan to do my Christmas shopping while in Springfield - start to finish. I told Blaine that we are not coming back home until I am done. Wish me luck!

** A sad note - I was introduced to The Beautiful Life of Stephanie Vest blog in September about a wonderful strong woman battling a rare form of cancer. I don't know why I checked into this blog so often - maybe because Stephanie and her husband were from Springfield and went to SMSU. Maybe because she was such an extravagant decorator and dresser. I am not sure what intrigued me to learn so much about this person I have never met. But I did. Sadly, Stephanie passed away two days ago at the Mayo Clinic. I think her and her husband's true faith in God really inspired me. God sure does have a way of getting to your heart sometimes.

Mark Your Calendars...SUNDAY!

Sunday is game day for the Chiefs. And this Sunday is special - we face the Denver Broncos on the road. Although we are 2-10 (I know pathetic), we did in fact beat the Broncos earlier in the year. Beating the Broncos is bitter sweet for me....I have become a bit of a traitor (I know.) However, I am always faithful to my Chiefs.

GO KANSAS CITY!!

The Decor is a Changin'!

Did I tell you I spent Sunday afternoon decorating for Christmas? How could I forget? Not only is decorating one of my favorite things, but I LOVE Christmas decorations. I don't have too many....but dragging them out brings a smile to my face. To top it off, it was snowing outside while I was hanging my ornaments with care - in hopes that Santa will soon be there. Awwww.....the moment was perfect.

I am rather a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas music. Don't be alarmed if I plug my ears, frown constantly and stick my finger down my throat when I hear it. To my defense, when you begin hearing Christmas music sometime in October and it does not quit until January - I feel like saying, "I am going to Jingle your Bell in a minute!" So if you hear that - you can join in my pain or ignore me....either way, it doesn't matter. I will never love Christmas music.

I Will Survive!

That oldie but goodie (I Will Survive) became my theme song for surviving Thanksgiving (and more recently has carried on as a theme song for very different reasons - more on that later). Our holiday celebration went well except for the hour and a half delay in eating. We had everything well calculated as to what went in the oven when. But when more than a few hungry opinions show up....well...things just can get crazy. The rolls went in before the turkey was heated - and that caused a problem. Although Blaine and I have a double oven, someone made the executive decision to bake 50 rolls and the turkey didn't even see the fire of the oven until 12:45 - only 15 short minutes before our 1 p.m. eat start time.

I think we kept everyone happy with great deer sausage (compliments of Brad) and cheese. We also had a cheese ball and I caught a couple of people sneaking rolls before lunch. All that mattered is that we all had a great time. I sure did - I hope everyone else did as well.

This was me & Blaine's first time at hosting such an event. And this was the first time our families had joined together to celebrate a holiday. The kids had a blast in the basement on the Wii (thanks for bringing your Wii, Nia.) Rumor has it - I joined the fun for a little Fergilicious karaoke action with Shania and her new found friend, Yoyo. The adults were able to tell stories and share conversations about numerous topics. I think I heard it all.

All in all, the time we shared with our families meant so much to us. It is rare that Blaine and I get to have family over....and it meant the world to us. Thanks for allowing me to be the pain in the butt I am and demanding that I get to host the holiday.