The End

Dear Blogging World,

Sorry I have been such a slacker lately. Life has been a little bit crazy in the Longstocking house lately.

I've been trying to figure out how to do a year end wrap-up, but I just don't know how to go about it. There have been some big things going on for us this year, but also a whole lot of nothing new. Anyone who reads this blog regularly is going to know about the big stuff, but I'll recap just for something to write about.

Big news number one was when we found out we were pregnant back in May. The first trimester was rough, and working nights didn't help, but I managed to hang onto my sanity (if not my lunch). I'm sure there were times that Curious George wanted to throw me out the window because I was being overly-emotional, ridiculous, or any number of other things. However, he managed to hold back and we've both survived to almost the bitter end.

Big news number two was buying our house in August. We've been so happy here, but are still working on finding out where we fit in our ward/neighborhood. Curious George is working with the priest quorum and I'm the personal progress advisor for the young women. I've got my work cut out for me in the new year with those girls... PP has not been a priority in this ward for awhile.

We are both so grateful to have jobs in this crazy economy. We are grateful for a beautiful home to live in. We are grateful for the opportunity we will have to be parents in a few short weeks. We are grateful to have our families close by and so supportive. We are so grateful for all of the many blessings we receive on a daily basis.

We hope the holidays have treated you well, and wish you health and happiness in the year to come!

The Great Christmas Surprise of 2010

So, I'm pretty much the coolest wife ever (no, I'm not feeling terribly humble right now, thanks for asking). Let me explain:

About a month ago I started pumping Curious George for information on what he wants for Christmas. We generally just do one big gift for each other, and then donate to a Sub for Santa, Angel Tree, etc. Anyway, his list this year was pretty short (and so NOT fun!). It consisted of three things: an air compressor, a new concealed carry gun, or a jack and some workbench space for the garage. Yawn!

So, I was seriously considering getting him the air compressor, except for a few small logistical issues... I'm 9 months pregnant. How the heck would I move it? Also, how could I ever pick the one that he really wanted?

Then I considered getting him the jack and the workbench space. Except, seriously? Boring!

I was completely, 100%, absolutely certain I WAS NOT going to get him the gun. I do not, nor will I ever, think that a firearm is an appropriate gift. Plus, who wraps up a gun and puts it under the Christmas tree? I was not shy about giving him these reasons, either. But then I got thinking... he'd never expect it. He'd be SO excited. And it would pretty much make me the coolest wife ever in his book, especially since I told him if he wanted a new gun he'd have to get rid of one of his others (yes, we're THOSE kind of people).

So, I started doing a little shopping. I checked on KSL. I went to a few gun shops. And I bought him this thing he'd been wanting for months. I wrapped it up in a very sneaky way and put it under the Christmas tree. Yes, I'm a hypocrite. Yes, I am also pretty much the coolest wife ever.

This is where the story gets really good... or is it bad? The following day (yep, as in I bought the gun on Wednesday, and he went out on Thursday) he decided to do a little shopping of his own. He went to the gun shop, and decided to try out this little thing and see if it really was what he wanted. Our conversation went a little something like this:

CG: So, I went to Doug's today.

Me: Oh yeah?

CG: Yep. I wanted to check out the Keltec and see if I really liked it or not.

Me: Oh, ok.

CG: Yeah, I held it. I dry fired it. I really didn't like it. I felt like my finger rubbed on the finger guard weird.

Me: Well, that sucks.

CG: Nah, not a big deal. I'll figure out which one I really want.

Me: No, you don't understand. This really, REALLY sucks. (cue bursting into tears now)

So, needless to say I had to tell him why I was crying. And then he felt bad and tried to backpedal. And then he decided that maybe he was excited about it after all. And now I'm stuck with trying to decide whether to return the gun and get him something else, or just let him know what his present is and deal with it after the holidays.

I'm still a pretty awesome wife, though.