Happy Birthday Mike!!!

Party season is not over yet for our family. Monday was Mike's 32 birthday. It was a busy weekend of parties: Dinner with his family on Saturday, cake with my family on Sunday and dinner/cake with friends on Monday. Whew! With New Year's Eve on Wednesday and our Anniversary on Saturday I am having a hard time keeping up.... With that said, I hope you had a fantastic birthday babe!

Santa Clause is Coming to Town.....or is He?

Christmas morning began very dismally at the Bollinger home. The boys were disappointed to find coal and a note from Santa in their stockings in lieu of gifts and candy. You see, a couple of days ago they opened presents under the tree and got into some gifts from a certain fat man that were in a fobidden place. As a result, Santa left a note saying they were on the naughty list but that he would give them a choice. Because we celebrate Christ this season and Christ was forgiving, Santa would forgive them if they were good all day and promised to obey mommy and daddy from now on. Or something to that effect. It was a pretty long letter. Don't mess with this Santa!
Tracy was so dejected. Just look at that sullen face. Luckily Santa was forgiving and came later that day while they took a nap. Since then he has been saying, "I am never going to ruin Christmas again!"

When Ev tipped his stocking upside down and saw the coal he was excited. So much for him learning a lesson.

I had to post a pic of my step mom's cute apron.

Ta-da!!! Summer is already trying to steel the show from her brothers.

Here is a sad story of a white elephant gift gone wrong. At the Bollinger party last week I gave this ugly sweater to Mike's grandfather. Well, today is his Grandmother's birthday so we got together for cake to celebrate. I was SHOCKED, to say the least when I saw her donning the ugly sweater! We all exchanged looks of restrained laughter as well as sadness. I feel so bad. She kept saying," I don't know where this sweater came from, but isn't it beautiful?" It is especially beautiful with the gift bow in her hair.

Overall Christmas was wonderful. I absolutely love Mike and our kids and am grateful to have them in my life. Even when they are naughty and get coal in their stockings. I have to admit there have been years when I probably should have gotten coal . I hope each of you had a Merry Christmas too.

Tis the season for great moments

Girls Gone Wild-Christmas

Oh, I love this season because it gives us gals one more reason to get together. Dana hosted this year and she pulled out the most hilarious game. If you watch Ellen you will recognize it. The goal is to get the marshmallow in your mouth while your head is being pulled back by an elastic. Not the most attractive pictures, but definitely the most fun game for a party. I am proud to say I got two marshmallows, thank you very much. I am not so proud to say I got the flossing of my life and my gums still hurt.

"Guys, our moms are crazy. What do you say let's get out of here before we're subjected to anymore of this embarrassment. Mmmmm. Too bad none of us can walk yet."


Summy kept trying to hold Beckem's hand but he wouldn't have it. Look at her sticking her tongue out at him. She wanted his attention so bad but he was playing it cool. Good boy Becks. No kissing until you two get married.

I made everyone these home made slippers. Really they are just feminine pads with Christmas ribbon. Thanks for the idea Carrie. They were a fun gag gift and Summy thought they were quite comfy.

A Gathering of the Bollingers

Christmas with the Bollinger family is always a lot of fun and FULL of surprises. This year the shin dig took place at my in-laws and everything was fabulous. Summer loves her Grandma and Grandma LOVES to show her off. I am grateful Mike's extended family is so close. I have had a great time getting to know his cousins and nothing makes me happier than a huge party with people I love.
I had to take this picture of Steve and Ted videotaping because this is such a Bollinger thing. Everyone gets their camera's out, we wait for them to white balance, we redo shots for the right lighting and the list goes on...... Ted always brings extra lighting too. I suppose that is what happens when you grow up/marry into the TV Specialists family. I do have to say that Mike has more childhood video than anyone I know and I am grateful for it.
Our family talent was a rendition if "My Little Buttercup" (think 3 Amigos). They sang a couple of lines and then Tracy started dancing around like a crazed ninja. Everett just stood there and put his finger up his nose. That is his trademark move and he doesn't care who sees him to it.
Ev was a shepherd for about 30 seconds. He got bored and went to play with Grandpa's train.
I was shocked Tracy was so enthused about participating in the Nativity. He was a wisemen and behaved the whole time.
Summy was definitely not "meek and mild" as baby Jesus. She was kicking her legs in excitement, flailing her arms and blowing raspberries. What a ham. I have no idea where she gets it.Ha Ha Ha.
James sported his Buddy the Elf costume for the festivities. We all gathered round and sang an impromptu version of "Baby, it's cold outside."
Mike's cousin, Sean, brought THE greatest white elephant in the history of white elephant gifts. Mervins was getting rid of EVERYTHING and he picked up this half-mannequin for the party. Bubba is thrilled to put it in his new condo. I told him to put a skirt on it and place his presents underneath it.

Merry Christmas!

Converstations with Tracy.

Mom: So Trace, what should we do on Christmas Eve?
Tracy: Hmmmmm. How about we make cookies for Santa?
Mom:That is a great idea.
Tracy: Well, actually Santa eats a lot of cookies on Christmas. It's not good to eat cookies all the time, so maybe we should just leave him some carrots.

I would love to say his response was due to great parenting on my part but I think it has more to do with the fact he got into a bag of cookies a couple of weeks ago and got REALLY sick. We now have a lock on our pantry.

Dream Center

For our date night this week, I tagged along with Mike and the youth in our ward to the Dream Center for their Christmas Program. These amazing children have only been given the opportunity to learn music since September and they did a great job. The drums were my favorite because you could see the passion in the children as the beat them. I heard one of the little girls was so comforted by them because they reminded her of her home in Africa. Following the program we frosted sugar cookies with the children with the brightest frosting I have ever seen. Some of the kids may have inherited spider-like abilities. Way to go Sam's club.
This little gal was my buddy for the evening. She parked herself next to me during the concert and we had some great conversations. I am terrible that I have already forgotten her name, but I will never forget her cute personality. She was so sweet and spoke of her situation as if it were perfectly normal. She had two sisters die in Somalia from disease and still has one sister there whom she misses a great deal. We talked about the snow and she sang me some songs she was practicing for school. She was fascinated with my camera and took this photo of us (along with MANY, MANY others. I didn't have the heart to take it away from her.)
I feel so blessed my children have food and shelter and all the things they need for survival. When they are sick, I take them to the doctor. When it is cold, we turn on the heat. We all have so much and it is important to remember there are others less fortunate. Even in a time when we are all feeling the pinch of the economy, we are so very blessed. The simple fact you have access to a computer to read this post makes you more privileged than most of the world. Be grateful for what what you have and generous in your time, talents and success. Merry Christmas!

Ugly Sweater Party

No, this was not a gathering of Elementary school teachers. Brandt and Kriste invited us to an "Ugly Sweater Party" and we had a fabulous time. I haven't seen this many holiday sweaters, bell necklaces and tacky earrings since my days at Columbia. I wish we had gotten a photo of all the guys, but they weren't as excited about posing for a picture. Especially after we'd made them watch the video from our 80's night.


Summer did have an ugly sweater too, but she spit up all over it before we could get a good photo of her wearing it. Mike's is pretty awesome though, don't you agree.

BUMBLEBEE SIGHTING!!!

While getting the kids out of the car at the gym the other day, Tracy suddenly yelled out "Bumblebee mom, it's Bumblebee!" I noticed we were parked across from this yellow ford mustang that the boys were sure was their favorite Transformer. I didn't have the heart to tell them he was actually a Camaro in the movie. They both started talking to him and telling him how awesome they thought he was. Then Trace asked me to take a picture of them with him so I could put it on the Blog. Well, here it is. They started getting frustrated when he wouldn't transform. I told them there were Decipticons in the area so he had to stay undercover. That worked then, but when we saw him again today they were not as patient. I have to admit, I wish he would transform too.

WHICH REINDEER IS MIKE?

You Are Dasher

You're an independent minded reindeer who never plays by the rules. Why You're Naughty: That little coup you tried to stage against Santa last year Why You're Nice: You secretly give naughty children presents.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

WHAT REINDEER IS LEESA?

You Are Comet

A total daredevil, you're the reindeer with an edge! Why You're Naughty: You almost gave Santa a heart attack when you took him sky diving Why You're Nice: You always make sure the sleigh is going warp speed

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Novaburn

I feel like I post so many girl's nights it seems like all I do is hang out with my girlfriends. While I am fortunate to do so, Mike and I actually do get a date night in every week. Well, as long as we can find a babysitter, that is. Last week we saw our friends band, Novaburn play at Liquid Joe's. His name is Lance and he is the guitar player on the right. I am always amazed at how well people can play guitar. Unfortunately Mike and I were still on a turkey hangover so we were not the most energetic fans. We did enjoy ourselves though. It was fun to see him in his element. Another fun tidbit is that the vocalist/guitar player on the left is in another band of an old friend of ours.The band is Dirty Birds and they are apparently still around.
His wife, Dana and I were at the NKOTB concert together and I told her he had a lot to live up to (; and he didn't disappoint. It was a fun night of rock, friends, crowd watching and eachother. Date nights are great. I ABSOLUTELY love my kids to pieces, but once in a while it is nice to remember Mike and I are still a couple. And, we like to think we are still cool. If you disagree keep it to yourself. Ha Ha. Thanks for a great night dudes.
They are radical so check them out. Sorry if calling you radical takes away from your hard rock image Lance, but I am a dork and it is one of my favorite words. Check them out at NOVABURN.

An Ode to Thanksgiving

Staying up late to make homemade pies
that surely will add inches to our thighs.
The tables were set, the food was cooked
How delicious Mike's turkey looked!

The feast was on, it was time to say grace

Everett got food all over his face.

Summer enjoyed her first taste of food
It put her in a more Thanksgiving mood.

As the food settled we got in the groove

Playing Rock Band and showing our moves.

A time to be grateful for blessings galore

And stuffing our bellies till they can't stretch anymore.

Later that evening, at precisely midnight
Mel and I shopped with all of our might!

The older I get the more I appreciate Thanksgiving. Growing up we were always in Colorado for hockey tournaments and usually had Thanksgiving dinner at Denny's or the hotel. I LOVE cooking an elaborate meal, decorating the table and gathering with friends and family.
This year we had my brother Mike, his wife Melody, her sister Naomi, Naomi's husband Jeff and 3 gentlemen visiting from India to Mel's office: Mehool, Ranjeeth, and Fishwa. They were good sports to try all of the food and were fascinated by the concept of jello. Mike was excited at the thought of having "indians" for Thanksgiving dinner.
I am blessed to have amazing people in my life. I never feel I am alone or unsupported because of all of you. Thank you for being a part of my life and I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving feast.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fu-un!!!

Dana wore an awesome "unit" (remember those?) and I used more hairspray than any hair-do requires. Seriously, my hair felt like an over styled poodle.

Yo', Jen's bodacious mom and sister threw her the raddest surprise 30th birthday party. We all had to dress up in 80's attire and I think we met the challenge in a boss way. They had a fun "Amazing 80's Race" planned for us so we hit the city in our dope ensembles lookin' for studs and feelin' stellar.
1. Our first stop was our old Alma mater, West Jordan High School, where a basketball game had just ended. We had to make up a schweet dance routine in front of the school and perform it on camera. I think we still have it ladies.
2. Our second stop was the Hummel residence. Amber's parents were waiting for us and when we arrived we had to sing our school fight song. Luckily, we had a poster with words because it has been a while.
3. Next, we hit our old post-game hang out Sconecutter. Sadly, it was deserted. I guess it isn't the "cool" place to chill anymore. We shared a shake and had to answer questions pertaining to our High School days. I was surprised at how much we have all forgotten over the last eleven years. It was great fun reminiscing. We have shared a great deal of ups and downs together. We have also shared too many hilarious moments to count.
4. The night was still young as we made our way to Shopko, a place where half of my friends worked back in the day. We had to find 20 items for $30 and we completely FAILED! We misjudged by quite a bit. Mr. Nellis would be severely disappointed in our math skills.
5. Our last adventure took place at West Jordan Middle School. We had to make up a music video as we sang to "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". We each had to have a solo and I chose to pull out some awesome break dancing moves during mine. A- I cannot break dance and B- my back is never going to heal and C-it was totally worth it. If anyone would like to see the video I am sure it will be on U-tube eventually. That or MTV. We were quite fantabulous.

I absolutely LOVE that nobody acted too cool to participate. If anything I think we are all more adventurous than we were in High School because we couldn't care less what people think of us. (Not that we ever did.) Thanks Gale and Jill for hosting such a fabulous evening and Happy Birthday Jen! I am so glad you were in town for your big day and that we got to celebrate together. It was definitely a night to remember fer sure. For us, and for all who had the pleasure of witnessing our charades. I am totally stoked for the next party.
The Posse


Yearbook Photos

Happy Birthday Princess Oakley

Time goes by so quickly. Tracy's best friend, Oakley, turned five last week. They have been best little buddies since they were literally in diapers. Charity threw the cutest princess party for her. It was fitting to have it centered around Princess Aurora because we caught Tracy and Oakley playing sleeping beauty once. Charity caught them right before the kiss! Oakley has grown up into a strong (in every meaning of the word) girl and we have loved being a part of her life. She is so much fun to be around and we look forward to many princess parties in the future.

Charity made the cutest castle that Everett unfortunately got into before the candles were even lit. He ate one of the sugar cubes off the side. Sorry again, Char'd.

Prince Tracy pinning the lips on Sleeping Aurora.

Tracy slaying the dragon.

Prince Everett

Summers first princess party. She loves her new tutu and cannot get enough of it. She loves to play with it and fluff it around her face. My friend makes them and if anyone is interested I can give you the info. They are great Christmas gifts and so adorable!