Science Project

For the second year, we've had Christmas dinner at our house. I look forward to this new tradition for a couple of reasons. First reason, Gabby and Holly get to spend all day playing with their new toys. Secondly, I love decorating for Christmas and the last reason is, I enjoy the challenge of being in the kitchen and preparing everything.

This year we decided to have ham as our main dish so, the Friday before Christmas I went to Walmart to make my purchase. As I made my way to the hams, I saw that there were many selections. I had no idea I would have 10 choices to choose from so, it was a little intimidating since this was my first ham I ever purchased. I carefully studied each, compared prices, watched other people as they to looked and make their ham selections. I even asked someone beside me, if she knew how big of ham I should get. I wanted to make sure I picked the perfect ham. After circling twice around, I finally decided on the Smokehouse Brown Sugar Cured Ham. The description on the label made my mouth water so I knew this had to be the one. There was only one thing, it wasn't weighed only a sign in front of the Smokehouse hams saying how much per pound. Being a novice at this, I picked up the ham and did my own weighing in my head and thought it doesn't feel too heavy, I'll get this one. Up to the check out I went. Well, all I can say is the patient couple behind me had to wait an extra 10 or so minutes while the cashier had someone run back to weigh and price the ham. I felt like such a moran. I had this vision that the cashier would be able to type in some numbers and the price would magically appear but, it didn't work out that way. So after apologizing and trying to make small talk to the couple behind me, my ham was returned with a $33.00 price tag. I knew after all the commotion I caused that I had to get that exact ham. There was no turning back!

On Christmas eve around 8:30p.m., I wanted to start preparing the ham for tomorrow's dinner, so I began cutting the netting and paper that completely covered the ham. When the paper fell open, my eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing...green mold and a partially decayed ham. As you can imagine, I was a bit surprised and in disbelief! What now? My husband who had already spent most of the day on Christmas eve running errands for me was going to have to run out again on Christmas day to find another ham. After word spread, Matt's sister Kim, came through for us and donated a ham she just happen to have. Nobody ever has an extra ham. What a relief! Our dinner was saved!! Thanks Kim!!


Check out our science project below. Somebody could have won first prize for this.

Next time, I think I'll go with the ham everyone else is picking. Walmart fully refunded my money with no questions asked.

Fun Monday - Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)

Today's assignment is given by Mommy Wizdom. Here is the assignment:

1) Your job this week is to go out and perform a random act of kindness.

2) Then, blog about what you did and why. How did it impact the person(s) you did it for? And better yet, how did it impact you!? How did you feel after you did it? Would you do it again?

Or

3) If you've had a random act of kindness bestowed on you (recently), we'd love to hear about it. How did it impact you? How did it make you feel? That's it!

First, I want to write about this RAK bestowed on me. This past summer I was watching my nephews for my sister in-law while she was at work. After spending most of the day indoors because it was one of those hot, humid days we often have on the east coast, I decided to take all four kids (my two nephews and my two girls) out for a mouthwatering, thirst quenching snowball. When we arrived at the snowball stand, I went up to check the prices and flavors they had to offer. While I was looking over the menu, I noticed a lady standing behind me, so I turned and told her to go ahead of me and then I went back to my car to help everyone out. When I returned to my car, I checked my pocket book and realized I only had enough money to buy each person a small snowball. After I told everyone to only order smalls, we anxiously walked up, scanned the menu, and placed our orders. When I went to pay, the cashier said, "Oh, you don't owe any money." Surprised and confused, I asked, "Why?" and she replied, "The lady in front of you paid for everyone's snowballs." When I looked for the lady to thank her, she was already driving away.

I will never forget the kindness that came from a complete stranger that day. I love telling that story because it goes to show you there are nice people in this world. It has certainly opened my eyes and made me realize that I wanted to reach out to someone I don't know and touch their life the way mine was touched. Which is why I chose to write about the next RAK.

The RAK I took part in was a mission from our church called Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a mission project to help needy and less fortunate children living in deprived countries, experience the magic and joy of Christmas. Our project was simple. All we had to do was pack up a shoe box full of age and gender appropriate things (i.e, new socks, toothbrushes, small toys), pack them in the shoebox, indicate on a label that is adhered to the top of the box, the age and gender we chose, enclose a check to handle shipping costs, and drop off the box at our church. From there, volunteers delivered our shoe boxes to a staging area where all of the donated boxes were placed into bigger boxes, and then shipped out to children in desperate situations around the world. If you would like to learn more about this organization click here.

I'm so glad I learned about this mission because kids are the joy of my Christmas and I hope our box will brighten and bring joy to the little girl whom we sent our package to. Next Christmas, I'll be happy to package another shoebox for a child who is less fortunate and the year after that.

Thanks for the assignment. I enjoyed sharing my stories and look forward to reading other stories of RAK.

Santa at Hill Top

For the 3rd year in a row, we've taken the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hill Top Barn. A charming country store about 15 minutes from our house that looks like a barn and built on top of a hill, hence the name Hill Top Barn. It's become our "place" to go for pictures with Santa because of three reasons; no long lines like you wait in at the malls, the Christmas decorations placed everywhere making for great picture opportunities, and Santa is the real deal. No fake beard or grey die for his hair. No fake glasses or extra stuffing. He truly is jolly and is great with the kids. Surprisingly though, our cute little Holly who approaches everyone to shake their hands to say hi, didn't think Santa was so great. You'll see in the photo below. I was determined to get a picture with her and Santa though, so, against her will, I grabbed her and threw her into Santa's arms for a quick picture. Hopefully Holly will get a good laugh at that picture one day.

In addition to my sister Kelly and her two girls, Carley and Casey, this year my sister in-law, Kim and her son, Payton joined us along with my other nephews, Jake and Adam. Unfortunately, Payton who is 4 years old, wasn't too fond of Santa either and wasn't in the picture taking mood. But, Jake who is 12 years old and Adam who is 9 years old, were happy to sit on Santa's lap.

Here are a few pictures from today.

Holly's not so jolly.

Jake discussing his wish list with Santa.

Adam's been a good boy this year.

The girls, Carley, Gabby, and Casey

Our gang, Matt, Gabby, Santa, Holly, and Me

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit

We decided to head out today to find a Christmas tree. This is a yearly tradition and now that we have kids, it's even more fun each year.

The sky was gray and the air was nippy but calm. The weather added more excitement to our trip. We bundled up in our winter coats, piled into our car with saw and rope in hand, and began the short drive to a local tree farm. This was our first year going here and we were surprised to find an assortment of quality trees on such a small farm of only 3 acres. $30 for any size or type of tree. We usually stick with Douglas Firs because we like the short firm branches so, off on our search we went. As we walked the rolling hills eyeballing each tree, flurries began falling ever so lightly. How exciting!! The feeling of Christmas sure was in the air. It wasn't long afterwards until we stumbled upon "the perfect tree". We took it home and set it up right away. Gabby couldn't wait to start decorating it. Matt, Gabb, and Holly

The finished product.

Gabby and Holly being silly.