The year that was....

Before I took a good look at this past year I was totally prepared to be depressed by the memories of '08. The most immediate thoughts that come to mind involve anxiety, frustration and disappointment.

There was the recession, rising gas prices and the election for starters. I think I finally felt like a real live adult when all of those things hit me right where I live.

On a personal level, '08 was the year everything in our family changed. Because of the collapse of the housing industry, Handiman was forced to put his company on hold and get another job. For me, going back to work has proved to be more challenging than I ever imagined. But for all our griping and complaining, we know we're blessed. There are so many people we know and love struggling to find work, pay bills and keep there families together. It's a frightening time.

Add all of that with the fact that my daughter chose this year to stop innocently mispronouncing words and start saying things like "peace out" and "my bad".

Yep, reality hit us like a freight train this year.

So, like I said, I was prepared to leave this year in a trail of tears. But then I did a thorough review of my blog and my pictures and you know what I found? This year wasn't so bad after all. In fact there were quite a few stellar moments.

Like our trip to San Francisco. And our trip to Louisville. And who could forget our trip to Lawrenceburg? Not the Amish. Or me.

It was also the year I found myself face to face with many a celebrity. I managed to successfully stalk the likes of Sandi Patti, Miley Cyrus and Cindy Morgan. I also reached the pinnacle of blog celebrity stalkers when I managed to rub elbows with Boo Mama and Big Mama in one shot.

Then there were some fun times with my peeps. Dancing, tubing, playing Pit and marveling at how Shelly can work vampires, sword swallowers and Mowgli into everyday conversation.

And of course, let's not forget this was the year that brought Super Target to my little town. That is reason alone to call 2008 a rousing success.

So when I think of 2008, I will choose to think of the good times:

I'll think of the genius that brought the red dress and the duck shirt together, meatball subs, Wayne Newton and "You Can't Stop the Peeps." I'll think of Tammy's birthday video tribute and the commotion it caused. I'll remember seeing my article in Home Life, Operation Send-A-Box and Discount Date Night.

I'll think of the Golden Gate Bridge, getting lost in Stinson Beach and hunting for the crazy tree people at Berkley.

I'll also remember banning Oprah, hugging Sandi and seeing Miley on her movie set. I'll think of Lysa Terkeurst, Joanne the Yankee and the travesty that is US Air.

I'll think of the pool, the rodeo and a killer garage sale. I'll remember my new blog design and gaining a new perspective on how evil college friends can be when they discover Facebook.

I'll think of Handiman's arch and Big Nanny's THS.

And I'll always remember this was the year the Ocho learned to ice skate, roller skate, play softball and ride roller coasters. She also decided to come clean about her Indian heritage to Mr. Rob. What a relief.

I'll remember spending the weekend with Tammy, watching Gregg get married and being reunited with "George".

I'll think of holding baby Jonas, welcoming Susannah home and celebrating the Eight Days of Ocho.

I'll think of High School Musical 3, the Heart Walk and Confidence In Christ.

I'll never forget teaching the Virginia Reel, substituting for fifth grade, teaching my first computer class or the car-rider line.

And the memory of Dave microwaving his socks will always be with me.

Not bad, 2008. Not bad at all.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Have a safe and happy new year!

It's all over but the cryin'

Well, it's time for my reflection our Christmas holiday and I'm having a hard time coming up with something original to say. Just like all of you, we spent weeks preparing and decorating and baking and singing and celebrating and then in just a few hours, it was over. The fact that I only have 5 more vacation days left of what has been a G-L-O-R-I-O-U-S time of rest and relaxation only adds to the post-yuletide letdown. Nevertheless, here is a look back at what transpired.

Christmas Eve was spent with Handiman's family. We ate an early dinner and settled in to listen to our annual Christmas story reading. For the first time in Wood family history the three grandchildren can all read so we let them take turns. I'm not sure Tyler, who is 13, was all that thrilled about reading out of a baby book with the two girls but I give him props for going through with it.

After the story it was time to watch the kids open their gifts. Per usual, the Ocho came away with quite a haul. The big-ticket item this year was a Hannah Montana Karaoke machine complete with a video camera that projects your image onto the TV screen. I think you all know who was most excited about that present. : )

The shocker of the evening was RubyDooby giving Papa Gator a Wii. Handiman, Uncle Drew, the Ocho and I had an intense and highly competitive bowling competition but eventually relented and allowed Papa to play with it. After all, it is the season of giving.

We rushed home to get ready for bed, put cookies and milk out for Santa and some carrots out for the reindeer. Then it was off to bed for the Ocho. I may or may not have stayed up to do a little karaokeing. I can't recall.

The next morning we awoke to find Santa had left some goodies in our stockings and a few presents for the Ocho under the tree. The old man proved to be fallible this year however. It seems the Build-A-Bear DS game she asked for was defective. This was disappointing for several reasons, not the least of which was that it was the only toy she had asked for. I eventually convinced her that Santa had a deal with our local Target and we could exchange it for a new one. (I won't even get into how the new one was defective too and I searched in 4 different stores the day after Christmas for another one and couldn't find it. She finally settled for a different game. Honestly, the quality of work done by Santa's elves these days just isn't what it used to be.)

After listening to her cry a while over the game, Handiman and I decided to cheer her up by popping "Breaking Free" into the karaoke machine and dazzling her with our duet stylings.

Later that day we headed to my parent's house for Christmas dinner and gifts. We also took along our new Karaoke machine. Not to be outdone on the noise factor, my parents gifted the Ocho with a Sharpay sing-along barbie doll. She comes with a microphone and you can sing "I Want it All" with her. And by you, I mean your daughter. Because she's probably already sick of listening to you sing into her karaoke machine and refuses to let you play with the sing-along barbie now.

That didn't matter. I simply popped a Christmas karaoke CD into the machine and we took turns belting out carols and watching ourselves on the big screen.

And then it was over.

It came and went in a flash and now it's time for the decorations to come down and school to start again.

But the good news is there's only 13 weeks until Spring Break!

Christmastime is here

Perhaps you thought we were boycotting the holiday. Or converting to Judiasm. In fact, we are doing neither. Just because I haven't been posting reports on all our goings-on doesn't me we haven't had things going on. Indeed we have. All of the traditional Wood Life Holiday festivites have taken place. And I can prove it with pictures.

There has been baking:

And cookie decorating:

Gingerbread house assembly:

And festive holiday attire:

A party with our peeps:

Our annual Christmas lights tour:

And, of course, a visit to Santa:

There has also been lots and lots of rest and relaxation. But I didn't take pictures of that because it would have required energy and effort on my part. And it also would have been lame.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

You Can't Make This Stuff Up, Part Deux

I'm glad so many of you enjoyed my story about The Great Sock Fire of '08. And I have good news for you. The weekend fun didn't stop there. Oh no.

For instance, that Christmas party I mentioned that Handiman would be attending alone. That is the same party where, every year, we play that horrible white elephant game and end up with the worst of the worst present because Handiman actually enjoys trying to acquire it. You might remember the stuffed raccoon. Or the ancient tribal masks. I suppose this year it was only fair.

In my absence he was actually going for the good gift (crystal candle holders) but ended up with what I think might be the worst thing we've ever been stuck with.

A Thigh Master.

Yep. You heard me. We are now the proud owners of a Suzanne Somer's original "As Seen on TV" Thigh Master. Which we totally don't need for a number of reasons. Like the fact that I don't exercise under any circumstances. And if I did, we still wouldn't need it because we have that marvelous speed skating simulator in the middle of the bonus room which provides all our thigh-work-out needs.

Since it's not the kind of thing you can re-gift as a serious present for fear of offending someone, I suppose we already know what we'll be taking to the party next year.

As if the Thigh Master and the Sock Fire weren't enough, did I also mention that my Mom went snooping around a part of our church that is being renovated and promptly got her coat stuck in a locked door? Or that my mother-in-law fell completely out of a golf cart right in front of our church?

Oh, we're a refined bunch. And to prove it, tomorrow's Wordless Wednesday post will most likely provide photographic evidence.

You can't make this stuff up

This past Saturday Handiman embarked on a few home improvement projects and I was delighted. This is obviously only because he was embarking on them in someone else's house. He and his best buds went over to lend a hand to a friend whose house needed a few repairs. It was a lovely gesture made even more lovely because it meant he'd be taking his power tools and his sawdust somewhere else for the day. And I'd get the recliner and the TV all to myself for a few hours.

He was gone the entire day and upon returning home had only an hour or so to rest before heading out to our Sunday School class Christmas party. He'd have to attend alone this year since I was already committed to choir rehearsal that night. I could tell he was exhausted and I didn't want to hound him with too many questions but I needed to know a few simple facts. Like who showed up to help? And how much did they get done? And were there any injuries? After receiving the answers and feeling satisfied with them I turned to leave. That's when he said "Oh. I forgot to tell you about my socks." This is the conversation that followed.

Me: What about your socks?

HM: Well, my main job today was repairing the post on their front porch. I was outside almost all day and it was really cold. I didn't realize how much snow was still in front of their house.

Me: Oh. Did your feet get wet?

HM: Ummmmm...Yeah. And they were really cold. So I decided to do what I did at the office the other day when the same thing happened.

Me: What did you do?

HM: I put my socks in the microwave.

Me: What? The.....microwave?

HM: Yep. It worked great.....at the office.

Me: .....wincing....Tell me you didn't put your socks in Nicole's microwave.

HM: Yeah....ummm....well....I set it for a minute and.....I guess that was too long.

Me: No! Please tell me you are kidding!

HM: The next thing I knew I saw flames and I yelled for Keith. "KEEEIIIITHHHH. MY SOCKS ARE ON FIRE!!!!!" So we grabbed them and threw them out in the front yard.

Me: I....what???.....Did you???.......I am not believing this....

HM: ....laughing hysterically......Man, it really stunk up the house and there was smoke everywhere.

Me: So?????????? What did you do??????????????

HM: Oh. I borrowed some socks from Stevie.

Me: NOT ABOUT THE SOCKS!!!! ABOUT THE MICROWAVE!!!!!!!!!!!

HM: I let Steve clean it up.

I must now say some things to my friend Nicole.

First, I am profoundly sorry that my husband defiled your microwave with his socks and then started a fire inside the very house that he was there to repair. However, you will recall I told you something was bound to get thrown into your front yard. It's inevitable.

Also, I have never condoned my husband putting apparel into kitchen appliances. Not at home, his place of business and certainly not at the home of a friend. I assumed he knew that's what dryers are for. We have since cleared that little matter up and hopefully, this won't be a problem in the future.

Snow Day!!!!!

Those two little words used to strike fear and loathing into my life. Now they represent all that is good and just in the world. If there was ever a time in my life I needed a day off, this is it. And ya'll the word just came down. SCHOOL IS CLOSED TOMORROW!!! Oh, there has been much rejoicing in the Wood house tonight.

The snow was completley unexpected, and not altogether welcome earlier tonight. The Ocho's school Christmas program was scheduled for 7:00 pm but around 5:30 we got the word it was postponed. Oh, she cried and whined and moped for a few minutes. Then we received an impromptu visit from Papa Gator and RubyDooby (who were already headed south for the big performance) and the whining ceased. After they left, we decided to has some fun and frolic time in the snow. It was big fun indeed. Made even more fun with the promise of what I was sure to come. I just didn't expect it until morning.

To my surprise I received an email from our headmaster announcing school was out on Friday. That's when the Ocho and I commenced to dancing and singing all over the bonus room while Handiman pouted and rolled his eyes. Apparentley there are no snow days in remodeling. Too bad.

Wordless Wednesday

Just a few reasons why I'm not in good mood

I have laryngitis. Again. No cold. No sore throat. No fever. Just no voice. Terrific.

I have to teach 4 computer classes and sub for the Ocho's class for a couple of hours today. Did I mention I can't talk? At all? This means I'm being sent into a room full of girls with no line of defense. You would think a Christian school would extend more mercy than that.

I'll also be on stage tonight helping to supervise our school's K5 and 1st grade Christmas program. There will be jingle bells involved. Enough said.

My daughter was trying to ask me a question this morning on the way to school with full knowledge and understanding that I had no way to answer her. When she was met with silence she said "Nevermind. I'll ask Daddy. He's the genius anyway."

Oh yes she did.

No Wonder.......I'm exhausted

After month's of Sunday night classes and 2 straight days of intense dress rehearsals, I took my place on the edge of the stage yesterday morning to feed lines and calm the nerves of anxious soloists.

For the first time in our church's history, the children's ministry was invited to present our Christmas musical in both morning worship services. It was a pretty big deal and not one that we took lightly. Our usual Sunday night crowd is mostly made of up of proud parents, doting grandparents and whiny siblings. They were all still very well represented yesterday but intermingled among them were church members without children who had forgotten that it was kid's musical Sunday and visitors taking in their usual holiday service. We desperately wanted to do well for their sakes. And I think we did.

I've had the task of teaching the Ocho's choir class this year. As much as I have complained about what a big commitment it is and how much time it takes up, I must say it's been a fun time. I've got a great group of kids. Not many hooligans or drama queens, which is a big shift from last years band of bandits. Since I'm pretty sure I'll be announcing my retirement at the end of this choir year, it will be nice to go out with such sweet memories.

Yesterday we had around 175 kids take the stage and sing, dance and act their little hearts out about the birth of Jesus. The musical was entitled "No Wonder" and the main message was taking the ministry outside the walls of the church.

As an added bonus, there was a video slide show at the end with pictures of our choir kids stuffing boxes for Operation Christmas Child (they collected enough stuff for 78 boxes!) along with photos of various kids doing different ministry projects with their families. A few weeks ago, the music ministry assistant asked if I would let them include some pictures of "Rebekah's Rainbow." I loved the look on the Ocho's face when she saw her face on the screen yesterday. It was also humbling and inspiring to see these kids learning at such a young age the responsibility they have to minister to those less fortunate.

My favorite lyric (sung sweetly by 2 first graders) went like this:

"Sometimes I get wrapped up in wrapped up things
The presents and surprises this season brings
But the toys break and the sweaters fade
And the things in the boxes get misplaced
I may be young but I'm old enough
To know my life's about more than all that stuff."

Now that is a good word. And it's made more powerful coming from the mouth of a six year old. This ministry might wear me completely out and test my nerves on more than a few occasions. But it also blesses me and ministers to me whether I want it to or not.

The Office - Why don't you explain it to me like I'm five?

Last night there were tough decisions to make. Oscar discovered a $4300 budget surplus and Michael had to decide what to do with it. New Copier? New Chairs? New Fur Coat? Having worked in an office for years, I'm pretty sure I would have been on Team Copier. And not just because Jim was on that team and I would have enjoyed flirting with him. Not entirely.

Of the many things I loved in this one (which felt a lot like a classic season 2 episode), the best part was Pam. She was confident, forceful and intimidating. And she rocked the lipstick and tousled hair. Lumbar support is obviously a big deal to her. I also loved Jim & Oscar kissing up to Michael. That whole thing was a riot. I also enjoyed the German Mennonite Minister, Andy stepping in it....twice and Michael's $9 pants from the boy's department at TJ Maxx.

Also, having David Wallace, Security Guard Hank and Cousin Mose in the same show was almost more than I could take.

Now on to the quotes:

Michael Scott: You are the silent killer. Go back to the annex.

Michael Scott: Well, I swallowed all your ideas. I'm going to digest them and see what comes out the other end.

Andy: "Walk until you hear the beehive."

Angela: Nana Mimi cannot squat over some trench!

Andy: If we pay extra, could you slaughter the entrees the day before?

Pam: How is it possible that in five years I've had two engagement rings and only one chair?

Dwight: Cats don't make butter.

Pam: Here's what I was thinking: Everyone sits on a chair everyday, but not everyone-
Michael: Sits on a copier.

Michael: It is erkel-nomically correct.

Simplicity

Somewhere in mid-October I starting feeling anxious about the approaching Christmas holiday. I knew that time and money would be limited this year and there were tough decisions to be made. So we're doing things a little differently. Simplicity is this year's Wood Life theme. Here are just a few adjustments that have made all the difference both in our bank account and our state of mind.

Gift Giving: We scaled this one waayyyyy back. Both sides of the family agreed that this year we'd only purchase gifts for the kids. No adult gift swapping whatsoever! As a result, I'm already 98% done with my shopping and I've only been to 3 stores. Forget the money we're saving. I'm so excited I don't have to labor over what in the world to get my brothers-in-law I am beside myself. I am overwhelmed with such freedom and happiness I can hardly contain my yuletide cheer.

Decorating: This year there are no lights on the house, just on the bushes out front. And there's also no Disney Masterpiece. Years back, a family member gave us these huge animated Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pooh and Tigger characters. Every year since, Handiman has used them to create a beautiful snow scene on a ledge in our great room. It was a crowd pleaser and a Handiman trademark. This year, the thought of hauling them all out, climbing up and down the ladder and vacuuming glitter off the furniture for weeks after just didn't seem appealing so we nixed it altogether. The Ocho was a little disappointed but she got over it. (I'm thinking those babies will be prize garage sale material in the spring. Anybody want to make me an offer?)

Christmas Cards: I thought I was being really radical and forward-thinking in deciding not send cards this year. Turns out many of my friends have made the decision too. I'll miss getting them more than I'll miss sending them. But I totally get it. Perhaps I'll post one here like so many are doing.

Our Annual Christmas party: This was the hardest decision. We've hosted this party for our closest friends for several years and I always look forward to it. But between working and the Sounds of the Season Tour 2008, there's simply no time. Thankfully, Trisha offered to host it this year so we're not going to be partyless. Hopefully, I can pick it up again next year. Unless Trisha follows true to form and hosts such an awesome party that nobody wants to come to my silly get-together anymore. It's more likely than not.

So, we're keeping it simple and I'm already enjoying it more than I have in years.

Anyone else? Are you keeping it small? Scaling it back? Leave me a comment and let me know. I could use some more ideas.

Christmas means never having to say you're sorry....

I'm not going to issue any sort of formal apology for my recent disapperance. This is the season of giving. So give me a break.

You should all know by now that even on a normal week I'm finding it hard to post these days. With the recent kick-off of the holiday season, it has become almost impossible. So I'm not sorry and I'm not going to pretend that I am. You can rest assured that everything's just fine here in Wood Life land, although there have been many bloggable moments in the past couple of weeks that have slipped through the cracks.

I suppose for that I am a tad bit sorry.

For instance, I've been the substitute librarian at school all week. I've been stocking shelves and checking out books and saying "SHHHHHHH!". It's all kinds of awesome.

Also, Handiman built his very own speed-skating simulator and set it up right in the middle of our bonus room. He thinks it's great exercise and truly a bargain since he only invested about $10 in the whole thing. He, of course, isn't figuring in the inevitable medical deductible.

In other news, the Little Ocho won a coloring contest at school and cried because she felt bad for the girl who lost. She obviously inherited the gift of mercy from me. Shut up.

Oh, you've missed alot indeed.

But there's not time to back-track now. Tonight kicks off my Sounds of the Season 2008 tour.

For some reason, my musical abilities are in high demand this year. I'm preparing to lend my voice to 3 church Christimas productions and 4 seperate school-related events, all in the span of 3 weeks.

And it all kicks off tonight with this:


Our church is hosting the concert and our choir is backing up Travis on 5 songs from his new Christmas CD "Ring the Bells" (a must have holiday CD. If you don't have it, get it.)

If you're in the area you should definitley check out the concert. It starts at 7:00pm at Thompson's Station Church and tickets will be available at the door. Just hearing Travis sing "O Holy Night" live is worth the price of admission. If what I heard last night at sound check is any indication, the whole evening should be pretty spectacular.

Speaking of sound check, I had a bit of a surreal fangirl moment. As we were taking our places I spotted Cindy Morgan and mentioned to my friend Julie how much I love her music. One of my favorites has always been "Praise the King" which I may or may not have sung as a "special" in church back in the day.

Imagine my surprise when she started singing it during rehearsal and invited our choir to sing along. Had I ever in a million years imagined myself singing that song with Cindy Morgan? No I had not. Pretty cool.

Until next time......