For the last 3 years I have been collecting disney Movie Rewards. You get the points when you buy Disney movies and go see Disney movies in the theater. I have been saving up to get the Disney Princess TV with built in DVD player ... it is 3700 points = 185 DVDs + some movies in the theater. I have not been going out and just buying Disney titles to get the points, I have only purchased movies that we are interested in owning, lets face it, that's about all of them because I am a Disney freak.
Well on Christmas I finally got the last 200 points that I needed to reach 3700 points. Hallelujah!!! I was so happy. I went online to redeem my points and come to find out that the Disney Princess TV that I have been waiting patiently for, for the past 3 yrs is currently not available. UGGGG!!!! This did not make me happy, I wrote a scathing email to the Disney rewards people asking when it was going to be available again. I got a response yesterday and here is an excerpt from the form letter that they sent me ... they could not even take the time to personally respond to my disappointment.
"Disney Movie Rewards offers many unique and exclusive rewards, and some may be limited in quantity, you may want to consider redeeming your points sooner than later."
Well, duh ... if I would have had enough points I would have redeemed them sooner than later. I am not going down without a fight. If this is the last thing I do I am going to get that TV ... they have not heard the last from Jenny Jordan (did you hear the evil laugh?).
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Disney Movie Rewards
Number 200 is about Chopsticks:P
My 200th blog!!!! Yay!!! I reached my goal of writing 200 blogs before 2009:)
(Megan - I am happy that I had enough material not have to blog about the contents of my fridge)
The day after Christmas we went to Rochester (about 45 minutes away) and went to the Children's Museum. We also went to our favorite Chinese Restaurant for Dim Sum. Hannah and Audrey have mastered Chopsticks. They have been eating all their food with them. It is so adorable.
Persuasion
Great Grandma gave the girls Apples to Apples Jr. for Christmas (they love it).
Here's the set-up: Hannah was the judge for this hand. The green card was 'Frightening'. Wes played the red card 'Power Drill' and I played 'Airplane,' Audrey's card was not frightening so she had no chance of winning this hand.
You could say that Wes and I are pretty competitive people ... so much in fact that we forgot that we need to nurture our 6 year old, not convince her that all her worse fears are going to come true. I started telling Hannah that planes crash and burn and fall from the sky and that is REALLY frightening. Wes is telling her that power drills can go right threw people. Wes looked at me and started laughing and we realized what we were doing ... can you say traumatized? It didn't seem to phase Hannah ... she is so loyal to me that she was going to pick my card anyway. So she picked Airplane (which made me happy), but we are going to have to watch ourselves the next time we play.
Dollhouse Part 1
It was so satisfying to give them such a cherished and heartfelt gift. They have already spent hours upon hours playing with it. I will be taking the girls to the hardware store to buy the paint and we will be painting and decorating the inside. Wes and I came to the conclusion that we were going to kill ourselves trying to finish it by Christmas and also the girls would really have fun giving input and being able to help us with the construction. To tell you the truth we could leave it the way it is right now and they would be perfectly content ... but that is not going to happen.
Christmas
Christmas always goes by so fast. You take so much time preparing for it and then poof it is gone.
Wes and I decided that this year's festivities were going to be very relaxing and spent together having fun. Christmas Eve day we went and saw the movie Despereaux, it was very cute and well done, though the movie was very different from the book.
I had made Christmas Eve dinner the night before. Roast with a Porcini Mushroom Ragu, Marcarpone Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans. Dinner was excellent, if I do say so myself and I am happy that I didn't kill myself making it on Christmas Eve. The girls and I had also made Santa's cookies, so they were all ready to go. The girls were so excited ... I am so happy that as you get older you don't lose that nervous anticipation for Christmas morning. I was just as excited as the girls. After dinner we turned on the Polar Express and then we each got to open up one present. Us girls got into our Christmas jammies and we put milk and cookies and carrots out for Santa and of course his reindeer.
We got the girls to bed (waited about 90 minutes) and then the work began. Our next door neighbor came over and helped Wes move the dollhouse downstairs and I got the privlege of wrapping that bad boy, it took a whole roll and a half of wrapping papper .... it was a lot of fun. (Look at Dollhouse Blog for pics).
I got all the gifts under the tree, did some other "special" duties and hoped we had not forgotten anything. Christmas Eve is what being a parent is all about. I love the feeling of bringing joy and wonder to our little girls and as they get older it gets more exciting for us.
I tried to convince Wes to let me go and wake the girls up so we could open up presents (about 1 a.m.) I have a harder time waiting then the girls do. He said we had to go to bed and get a few hours sleep ... he is no fun.
We opened up the gifts from all our family and friends first and I felt homesick but thankful that everyone had thought of us. Thank you all:)
The girls asked to open the great big gift but we told them that they had to wait and they were very patient and enjoyed everything they received. Hannah got an Art Easel from Santa and it came with paint brushes ... I thought she was going to die from happiness. Audrey was in book heaven (it is Wednesday and she had finished almost a dozen chapter books).
We ate breakfast and played with all of our new toys. We then went and saw Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler. That was a great movie, loved it. We came home, ate Swedish Meatballs, and just enjoyed having one of the best Christmas's ever. This was Wes and mine 10th Christmas ... I can not believe we are in double digits.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Babies For Birthday Presents!!!
Wes's 36th birthday was on the 19th. Our neice was born at 5:00 p.m. on the 19th. Amelia Johnna Jordan, 7lbs 3oz, 19.5 inches long with dark black hair. Wes was so jealous that I got a nephew (Aiden) on my birthday that he had to have one too. We are very hapy that Mia made it safe and sound and that Lauren (my sis-in-law) is doing well.
Wes had to work on Friday so we had his b-day celebration on Sunday. It was a very low key birthday but I think he really enjoyed it (I just asked him if he enjoyed his b-day and he said yes). I made Wes dinner and the cake of his choice. He got a woodworking book and exercise equipment so that he can get buff again ...
I have expressed several hundred times on this blog how much I love and adore my husband. So what's one more time - I love and adore you and hope that you have a memorable 36th year filled with happiness and glad tidings of peace and joy (ok I stole that last part from a Christmas carol) (He just called me a dork, doofus and dweeb). I love you too!!!
Playing Catch-Up
Its been quite busy around the Jordan casa these last few weeks. I am forcing myself to sit down and blog, before I forget everything that has happened.
We went to Niagara Falls for our friends' wedding the first weekend in Dec. It is an extreamly beautiful place to get married - in JULY - it was sooooooo cold. Niagara Falls in December is just painfull! The wedding was very quaint but nice and even though I was an ice cube we were happy to be part of their celebration.
We went and saw Bolt. That is a really cute movie. I think Wes and I enjoyed it just as much as the girls did. Then the Stomach Flu hit ... I am so happy that we got it in the beginning of December and not around Christmas.
Wes and I got this year's Christmas card put together, which always takes so much time ... that also explains my lack of blogging (not to mention the other "project" that needs to be finished by Dec 25th).
Saturday the 13th Wes and I were able to attend the Welch Allyn Christmas party. We had so much fun. We both got gussied up, got a sitter and braved the weather. They had complimentary Valet parking, that made going worth it right there and then. The party was at Welch Allyn's Lodge (In the February issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, there will be an article on the Lodge). A beautiful building, very romantic and rustic ... the snow added a very "Look I'm on the cover of a Christmas Card" kind of feel (maybe that will be next year's card). They had a roaring fire inside and hot chocolate when you walked through the door. There was tons of food. Wes and I had thirds ... I shocked all our friends at the table. I think I finally probed to them that I am not anorexic and do know how to use a fork and a spoon. I will give the quality of food a 7.5 ... not bad for a work Christmas party. The wait staff was nice and very prompt, almost too prompt, you got up to get something and your food would disappear. They had fondue fountains for dessert and several types of pastries.
We went on a horse drawn carriage ride. I know it sounds romantic, doesn't it? Well, I started having flashbacks of Niagara Falls ... it was so cold. Me in my little red dress (which by the way was not too little, just was made of really thin fabric) and heels. I was squished between two of my girlfriends from "work" so that we could share the blanket. Wes sat across from me. I felt so bad for those horses having to take people around the lake, over and over again, in the freezing cold weather.
Before the hypothermia started to set in we made it back to the Lodge and sat in front of the fire to thaw out. Dave Allyn (the great-grandson of the founder of Wes's work) has a band and they were REALLY good. They could play anything. They guy sang an AC/DC song and sounded just like Brian Johnson. It was insane. Anybody that knows me knows that the minute I get the music bug you can't get me off the dance floor ... I am not shy about feeling like I am making a fool of myself. Wes caught the bug, which is really rare, and danced the night away with me, it made me feel so loved and cared for. We had a great time at the Christmas party and it really set the mood to start the holiday season.
We have soooooooo much snow!!!! If places like California and Vegas are getting snow just think how much more we are getting. It is snowing almost every other day and just dropping truck loads ... not to mention how cold it has been. This last Friday (Wes's b-day) we got 10 in. of snow in 4hrs. The girls were sent home early from school. There is no doubt that we are going to have a White Christmas - I am just hoping we do not have a snowed-in Christmas:P
Thursday, Audrey went caroling at the Senior citizens home and at a few other businesses in the community. She has been practicing for weeks and was constantly singing and doing her little dance in preparation for the "Big Event" ... she was so cute. Did you know that they learn hanukkah and Kwanzaa songs also ... eveything has to be so politically correct.
This weekend we had the only family Christmas evernt of the season. We went to Shirley's (Wes's oldest sister) for the girls to exchange gifts with their cousins. Audrey and Hannah each got a Build-A-Bear ...
Attention Grandma: Hannah named her Bear "Violet."
I have about 95% of the Christmas shopping done, that is happy. Hannah has her school Christmas party today, Audrey's is tomorrow. They also have a school sing-a-long tomorrow. Christmas break starts on Wednesday and so does Wes's vacation. Yay!!!
Letters To Santa
For every letter mailed to Santa at Macys $1 was donated to the Make A Wish Foundation.
The Art of the Sale
The second week in December Wes and I did the bulk of the girls Christmas shopping at Target. I am not going to bore you with the details of everthing that we bought for them (there is a point to this blog). One of the items we purchased was the Target Disney Doll Set with 7 of the Princesses in it for $59. Well on Tuesday I was in Target and saw the same Princess set on sale for $42.99 - that is an $18 difference! I asked one of the clerks about their price adjustment policy and she said you have 7 days. I thought that was stupid because I bought it more than 7 days ago ... so I went home, unwrapped it, got my receipt, and returned it. They gave me $64 and some change, I then went to to the toy aisle, picked up the same set for $42.99, and The Little Mermaid 2 ($19.99). I went to the cashier and paid a $4 difference for the set and the movie. Now that is what I call getting your money's worth. I took it home, wrapped it back up, and put it under the tree. The girls did not have a clue. Take that price adjustment Grinches.
I have seen so many ridiculous sales this season that I am glad Wes and I waited until this last week to do each other's Christmas shopping. I am keeping my eyes open for any other sales items we have previously purchased. Happy shopping:)
Twitterpation
We watched the first Mummy movie (Sunday afternoon). It got to the part where Rick and Evie start to fall in love. I asked Hannah if they were Twitterpated yet.
Hannah - "What is Twitterpated?"
Me - "Fall in love."
Hannah - "Yep, they are definitely Twitterpated."
Just doing my part to keep Bambi alive!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Audrey
Audrey donated a foot of her hair to Locks of Love two weeks ago. She did an awesome job. Getting her hair cut did not phase her one bit. Her hair now comes right below her shoulders and it looks GREAT!!! We decided to cut her hair so that she could learn how to take care of it and wash it on her own. It was impossible for her to take care of her own hair when it was to her butt. It has been so nice not having to brush out endless knots.
A Public Service Announcement for those who cut hair for a living (not talking to you Megan) - When a 8yr old girl comes and sits in your chair and asks you to cut off a foot of her hair...DO NOT turn to her and ask her is she is scared and can't believe that she is going to cut off all her beautiful long hair. This is counter-productive and also really ticks off the Mother who is standing there trying to put on a brave show for the 8 yr old girl. Instead, use some common sense and filter what comes out of your mouth so the Mother does not have to give you a dirty look and SHHH you.
We went to a restaurant called Moes (Mexican) after Audrey got her hair cut and the poor little thing ended up getting food poisioning from the Salsa Bar. I felt so bad. She gets her hair chopped off and then spends all night throwing up...on the upside we did not have to worry about her hair getting in the toilet.
On a serious note, I want Audrey to know how much it meant to me that she donated her hair. She did not put up any fuss and did it with a smile on her face. this shows me what a caring and thoughful daughter we have. Audrey's hair is her signature...that is the first thing everyone says about Audrey and she was able to look beyond her physical appearance and give willingly. Your Mommy is so proud of you.
A Little Thanksgiving
Monday, December 1, 2008
Twilight
Wes and I went and saw Twilight on Saturday. I went into the movie with very low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. I thought that the movie followed the book well and had a good representation of the characters. Of course it was not as good as the book but I found that once it was over the movie started to grow on me. Wes really liked the movie and was surprised at how well Stephanie Meyer re-representated the Vampire mythos.
I really liked Edward!!! The actor was hot and I am not ashamed to say so because if he hadn't have been the movie would have been a flop. I thought Edward and Bella had great chemistry.
My First Black Friday:P
Hard to believe that I have never participated in Black Friday seeing that Shyrl is my Mother, but it is true. I am used to Boxing Day but that does not even come close to the the horror/crazy stories of Black Friday I have heard over the years. This year I knew the sales were going to be well worth the effort, and the loss of sleep, so I ventured out into the darkness hoping to find some light and keep some cash in my pocket.
We left Paul's and Janis's house around 11:00 p.m. and headed over to the mall ... The Disney Store was having an amazing sale at Midnight and I was dead set on getting the matching Tree Skirt (they only had 3 left in stock) to match our Minnie & Mickey Tree Topper. The girls thought it was quite exciting that they got to go to the store so late and we were the first ones there...that did not last for long, a crowd started gathering but I must say Disney Folk are very polite and did not try to butt in line. I am happy to report that at the stroke of 12 I was able to get my Tree Skirt at 60% off and the girls their Christmas Jammies also at 60% off. I saved so much money I was able to get myself the matching stocking. I saved $65. I was soooooooo happy:)
I took Wes and the girls home and waited till 3:00 a.m. to head over to our Super Walmart. Now remember this my first experience with this CRAZINESS so I had no idea what to expect. I got there and about 450 people were lined up inside in the front of the store. A Manager was on the P.A. telling all the customers that they were not allowed to have anything in their carts or be by the merchandise until 5:00 a.m. I started questioning my sanity. I knew I was going to save a good amount of money but was waiting in line for two hours with a bunch of WII hungry lunatics ... worth my safety? I guess so because I stayed. The woman behind me was there to get one of the 40 WII bundles they had on sale and she was telling her daughters to do "what ever it takes" to get back to that section. Knock people over, hit them, pretty much anything. She meant it too. All I could think was "Wow" ... I was appalled. The store started to get so crowded that there was no longer a line. At about 4:30 the Manager got on the P.A. and told us we could all go and stand in front of the sale items we wanted. There were well over 1200 people in the store. I have never seen so many people scatter so quickly. I walked back to the DVDs, it was nice to take a stroll with no one around.
Now whoever set up the sale items clearly was not thinking straight. The DVDs were smack dab in between the 52 inch HD televisions and the 32 inch TVs...those people were out for blood, there were only a certain amount and they made it a point to let everyone around them know that they were not leaving without that precious item. It was scary. So I am thinking I am going to get trampled to death just so I can get a few copies of Kung Fu Panda and some Pet Shop Toys. The other people waiting with me to get the DVD's were very kind and we all came up with a plan so we could all get what we wanted. It was refreshing to know that in the midst of all the madness there were still some friendly and kind people not willing to bludgeon you with their cart.
5:00 a.m. hit, and it is still all a blur. I can't even explain the things that I saw or what people were shouting at other people. All I know is that I got my movies and now had to make my way to the other side of the Super Walmart so could get the Pet Shop Toys. I am very lucky I am so small and persistent ... I got crushed in between two carts and trapped in the Video game section (that is where all the maniacs were) but I was able to push my way through and get my Pet Shop Toys. I was full of adrenaline. It was a high I have never felt...the people in the toy section were like hungry hyenas on speed...it was insane.
I started mapping the best way to get to the front of the store and figured that getting to the paint isle would be the safest exit...who is buying paint on Black Friday? It took me about 4 minutes to squish my way threw the crowd and I only had to go a couple of feet. I have never been so relieved to see a can of paint. I finally felt safe, it was a wasteland. I saved about $40. Next year if I decide to brave Black Friday I will definitely go for a bigger item.
I then headed over the the Bonton and got a few games for 50% off. It was not crowded and everyone was pleasant.
I guess I was still really pumped up when I got home because Wes thought he was going to have slap me of sedate me to get me to calm down from the adrenaline. I guess I could not stop telling him about everything that I saw and repeated the story a few times (this is all kind of fuzzy) with more enthusiasm each telling. I ended up getting a few hours of sleep.
Did you know that we had people in our family in all time zones at Walmart for the early morning sale. Andy was Pacific, Mom, Aunt Robyn and Danielle were Mountain, Marcie was Central and I was Eastern Standard Time. Look, we all did something as a family:P
Happy Thanksgiving
I had my most relaxing Thanksgiving ever...I did not cook. I only had to make 3 things (candied yams, a pumpkin cheesecake pie and vegetables...I can do these things in my sleep) and then we went over to our friends' (Paul & Janis) house for Thanksgiving. It was really weird at first. I am so used to doing the whole production and always being so busy that just being able to relax was a little bit of a shock at first. Don't worry, I acclimated. Paul went to culinary school...I think he is our only friend who is not intimated to cook for me. Dinner was lovely, very stress free. What was even better was Wes and Paul doing the Thanksgiving dishes!!! I got to play with their 6 mo old baby boy and plan my attack for shopping on "Black Friday." Wes went out of his way to make sure that I had a peaceful Thanksgiving...I am Thankful for him and his thoughtfulness.
Catching Up
Nut update - I can eat Pistachios...I am not sure quite yet what I think about them. We were at the mall the other day and I finally got fulfill something I have always wanted to do. I got to eat warm Candy Roasted Cashews. They were AMAZING!!! I have so missed out.
It has been snowing like crazy here. We have a ton of snow and it is supposed to snow all week. We put the Christmas tree up and the decorations and that seemed to help with my "snow depression." All of a sudden it seems alright to have snow...just for the sake of Christmas.
I had a Pampered Chef Party two weeks ago. It was snowing really heavy so I had a lot of people cancel but I still had a pretty good turn out. I went to my first Pampered Chef party in October...now only if Williams and Sonoma would start doing parties. Anywho...I thought some of their products were quite good (and some I would not touch with a ten foot pole) and decided to have my own. I made the food and the consultant (who is a friend) demonstrated it. We had Cranberry Fizz Punch, a Dark Forest Trifle and a Mediterranean Cheese Dip. The Cheese Dip was outstanding.
