I Was on a Holiday High

We were on our way to church... it was Christmas Eve.
The kids looked adorable (so did Jeff) & we were excited about the evening & what it would hold.
We were literally singing carols - along with the Baby Einsteins Christmas cd, when Jeff let out a sad sigh, like a twinge of pain.

When I jerked my head in his direction, he motioned to a car on the side of the road. With a driver who was placing wreathes
on crosses.

It quickly jolted me back to reality...their reality at least. My eyes welled up with tears. I couldn't sing again.

But I was thankful. And reminded how truly blessed we are.

bless·ed
–adjective
1.
consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified: the Blessed Sacrament.
2.
worthy of adoration, reverence, or worship: the Blessed Trinity.
3.
divinely or supremely favored; fortunate: to be blessed with a strong, healthy body; blessed with an ability to find friends.
4.
blissfully happy or contented.
5.
Roman Catholic Church. beautified.
6.
bringing happiness and thankfulness: the blessed assurance of a steady income.
7.
Informal. I'm blessed if I know.
8.
Informal. (used as an intensifier): every blessed cent.

The impossible task of

trying to take a photo of Gabe:

From Our Family to Yours...

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Noel (she really was singing that)

Winter Wonderland & We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Confession

Jeff made me confess this...

Gabe's class at church had a book exchange at their party. New or gently used. So, I opted for gently used. And wrapped 2 (in case there was a kiddo who forgot or didn't know) of their like new books. Well, Jeff always helps me get things together on Sunday mornings for church. And a bag got left behind. The bag w/ the books.

Fast fwd to today, the kids are badly wanting to open a present.

So I let them.

The books from yesterday. Jeff said, "Are you really going to be that mean?"

Flynn opened "her" present & tried to act sweet & polite, "Oh wow, look mom...another book like this one."

Then, I was overcome with guilt & let them open a "real" gift.

One of my BFFs, Elizabeth, always remembers my kiddos at Christmas & got Flynn this great dr kit. Which has a pair of glasses with it (?: do doctors wear glasses??). Anyway, she looks darn cute in them:

CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE ASYLUM

Schizophrenia---- Do You Hear What I Hear, the Voices, the Voices?

Amnesia-- I Don't Remember If I'll be Home for Christmas

Narcissistic-- Hark, the Herald Angels Sing About Me

Manic-- Deck The Halls And Walls And House And Lawn And Streets And Stores And Office And Town And Cars And Buses And Trucks And Trees And Fire Hydrants And...........

Multiple Personality Disorder----We Three Queens Disoriented Are

Paranoid---Santa Claus Is Coming To Get Us

Borderline Personality Disorder--- You Better Watch Out, You Better not Shout, I'm Gonna Cry, and I'll not Tell You Why

Full Personality Disorder--- Thoughts of Roasting You On an Open Fire

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder---Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jing le Bells, Jingle Bells

Agoraphobia---I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Leave My House

Senile Dementia---Walking In a Winter Wonderland Miles from My House in My Slippers and Robe

Oppositional Defiant Disorder---I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House

Social Anxiety Disorder---Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

Attention Deficit Disorder--We Wish You......Hey Look!! It's Snowing!!

I'm a little of the 11th & a lot of the 14th

What Christmas is All About

Preach on Linus!

As Promised

The last weekend before Christmas means...

Great Grandma's House:

new markers...

doing art projects...

with your cousins...

glue...

a BIG tv...(and cable!)

a new coat...

making cookies...

and great grandma...

Photos brought to you by one last trip to Grandma's house in Malden, soon to be sold for Grandma's relocation to Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Studly

My dearest Studly, I mean hubby, participated in a teacher basketball game yesterday. And I know, I know, I promised you pictures from the weekend & said I'd post them days ago... but I've been busy helping with preschool parties, going to Christmas programs, and overeating. So be patient, those will be up tomorrow.

I just couldn't resist, posting THIS today:

Here's what I said right after he emailed this to me, just now:

Haha!!! Right after I puked a little in my mouth, I downloaded them.

They may or may not end up on my blog.

Also, I can not be sure I'll ever be turned on by you again.

By the way, Jeff is the only one with his eyes closed... remind you of anyone else?

A+

This is her 3rd week & happens to be progress report time. So I guess she mastered all she needed to in 2 weeks.
Not too shabby!

They Smash it Like Playdough

Yesterday was an exhauting & emotion wrenching day...
I had a mammogram earlier than I had planned on ever getting one, but am glad I did it.

Worst thing I heard yesterday:
"Oh, I'm so sorry, your hand was in that one - we're going to have to do it again."

Best thing I heard yesterday:
"The dr said the scans are clear. It's fibrous tissue."

And once again, I have so much to be thankful & grateful for.

Tune in tomorrow for great pictures from our weekend at Grama's.

Frosty Gets Busted

Over the River & Through the Woods

To Grandmother's House we go.

We don't have a sleigh, but a minivan, loaded down with gifts & goodies.

Here's to good naps in car seats.

And to all a good night.

Santa Had Better Be Loaded

My kids see Santa each year... they sit on his lap (or not)...and maybe I will coordinate a letter to him & from him.
Do I try my hardest to convince them that he is not a myth? Not really. Don't get me wrong, it's fine by me if they think he is going to deliver gifts or even if he knows they're being naughty or nice; but I'm not going to bend over backward to create the story.
When I told Flynn about a month ago, that she needed to think about what she wanted this year, she'd look around & say the first thing she saw. They're actually getting "pat pat rocket" this year from Santa - so I was encouraging her to ask for that. Then she said she wanted a scooter but I convinced her that getting a bike a month ago made it silly to ask for something so similar. She asked for odds & ends - but most of the things she asked for were things she'd just seen on a Sunday morning cartoon commercial (strong dislike for advertisement!).
So imagine our surprise when she announced to us that she'd be asking Santa for a

CAMCORDER

"A camcorder?" I asked her. "You mean like Mommy's???"
"Yes, just like the new one."

Later I tried to explain to her that camcorders are very expensive & not something for little girls. But she has stuck to her guns.
And Saturday when she sat on Santa's lap, that's exactly what she asked for.

And Gabe, he murmured something in Mandarin & slipped off Santa's lap as soon as he could.

If I Could, This Would be our Christmas Card

But it's just too late...and I've gone with something else as you well know.

Anyway, this is true Gingerbread Mischief:

And is just the epitome of their personalities. She's posing (or was right before) & trying to get him in line by grabbing his arm...which just makes him mad & resist & whince - hence that look on his face & his 'pose' (or lack thereof).

And you'll never believe what Flynn asked Santa for....

I Was Criticized -

by my sister who said, "I went on the blog to see pictures with Santa & all I saw was stupid hints from Heloise? Who uses those?!! Do YOU??"

Some people just don't want to hear a good practical use for a lemon.

Hmmph.

Just Call Me Heloise

A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide aknife under the flap. The envelope can then beresealed.(hmmmmmm...)
============================================================== Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
==========================================================For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water andput Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (Wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
============================================================= To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
=========================================================Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped inbaking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
=========================================================== Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
========================================================== Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. And now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors getsharpened this way!
============================================================== Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! (Now, where to put the body? LOL)
========================================================= Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal forinside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks..
====================================================Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't washwindows on! a sunny day.. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
=========================================================== Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
========================================================== Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come You can also do this with towels and linen
============================================================= Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
============================================================= To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
============================================================ To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
==============================================================Spray your TUPPERWARE with non stick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
=========================================================== Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator anditwill keep for weeks.
========================================================= When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness
==============================================================. Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away
==================================================== Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces (Left over wine? What's that?!
================================================================ To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
============================================================== Ants, ants, ants everywhere .. Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor orWherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
================================================================= Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
========================================================== When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
============================================================= Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer. Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush! and flush.
================================================== Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
========================================================= Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
====================================================Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four AlkaSeltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
====================================================== Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water.

Deep Thoughts by Flynn, part 7

She was diligently searching for the magna doodle. She asked for a flashlight to look under the couch, but it wasn't there.
I figured it was downstairs, so I told her to go down & look there.
Just as I predicted, she got 1/2 day down the stairs & retreated back up. As she was making her way though the gate, I asked her, "Why are you not going to look for it?"
"I just don't want to."
I already knew the answer, "Are you scared to go down there alone?"
She confirmed it, "Yes."
"But, isn't God always with us?"
Then, with the wisdom of a wise 4-year old, "Just because God is with me doesn't mean I'm not scared."

Abbott and Costello meet Star Wars

Who's On First?
This is hilariously clever...



Sorry to my family who can't access vids. But this was too great not to post.

Notes from Daddy

...just another reason I love him so.

These were on each of our doors yesterday morning when we woke up.

Even better than a treat in our shoes from St. Nick.

One of the many reasons we love Daddy so.

POST Preschool

When I picked Flynn up, she had a 'funny' attitude. I of course was needing to talk to her teachers, and she was 'hot' to get out the door & go down the wheelchair ramp. She was tired but over-stimulated, so a trip to the playplace was in order.
I despise McD's playplace & would rather clean out my refrigerator - but it was 40 degrees outside & I wasn't taking them to a park to expel energy.
Gabe had been running in circles in the living room. LITERALLY. And I knew he needed somewhere to play hard. But we were only there about 5 minutes when a field trip class -- looking to be 2nd grade'ish, came in to play! What in the world?! All the years I taught & all the years Jeff taught, neither of us ever took our class to McDs to play. That's a cop out. And easy for the teachers to just sit there while the TWENTY KIDS UP IN THE STRUCTURE crowd my kids out. Gabe was just scooting off the slide when a handful of them slid down into his back. I was like, "okay, I guess it's time to go." The kids were not happy. And really, neither was I.
/venting
So on the way home, I was trying to force Flynn to share something, anything, with me about her morning.
She finally told me,
"There was a boy, I don't know his name. But he needed the orange crayon. And I had it. So I gave it to him."
And really... that's all I need to know. ;)

PRE Preschool

Update: Daddy called, Flynn is doing well. He took the morning off to stay/shadow her for 2 hours. Then, she will be there an hour alone (well, w/o us), and I will be picking her up momentarily.

I was brief in this post because I was trying to post the video quickly so that the grandmas could see it before work.

So, let me elaborate...

We've been "checking out" preschools for a month or so now. Although Flynn is academically ahead of schedule, she doesn't get socialization - as that's one thing I can't offer her.

Plus, her being at preschool a couple of mornings each week will give me the opportunity to work & be able to concentrate on work (instead of running damage control with she & Bubs).

I'll also be able to put in an office morning here & there. I can't do that w/ her in tow as our office is a very old building & could make her sick.

We heard a lot of the same thing while talking to preschool directors, in that they couldn't guarantee her a safe setting...and sadly, none of them offered to try.

Until MIL suggested [the one we're trying today] & we visited & the teachers were so sweet & reassuring & we heard something we hadn't heard before:

WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO TO MAKE IT SAFER?

As novel as that shouldn't sound, it is! No one else wants to make such an offer.

And so, Daddy spent a couple of hours there today, and we'll pray (again) & make the final decision with her input.

Leading up to this morning, we versed her & rehearsed her on the snack situation...the she takes her own snack & under NO conditions is she to accept a different snack -- from ANYONE (including the teachers). We even made a fun saying, "NO WAY! -- I WANNA STAY SAFE!!"

By this morning, she had me feeling more confident, as she is such a smart cookie & I can't believe that a 4-year old can practice such self-awareness, responsibility, & ownership over her situation. Makes me feel almost comfortable w/ her in someone else's hands.

Now, does this mean that I didn't worry? NO. I had a bad dream last week. I cried the other day. And night before last, I almost had myself talked out of it. I said to myself, "She's just fine here...she doesn't need socialization, she gets it at church....it's even dangerous putting her on the highway 2 extra days a week."

But as much as the bubble sounds appealing, I can't keep her in it. Not her. She's a go get'em girl & she is rearin' to go get.

So, I sat beside her bed a few nights ago. I prayed over her. Besides asking God again to heal her from her allergy, I prayed prayers of protection & safety.

And again last night.

And right before she walked out the door, Daddy & I held her hands & prayed with her.

And I've prayed about 10 million 5 bajillion 7 kazillion times.

I just told my friend Melinda, "It's sooooo hard letting go of your motherly worries & trusting God....One of our hardest tasks as moms!"

It's true. Trusting is easy if you aren't worried. But the true faith takes place when the conditions aren't favorable.

I'm sure we will post another update when she's home...I know she'll have lots to tell me.

She was SO excited to leave for preschool.
Had her bags ready to go before Dad was ready to leave.
He insisted all carrying EVERYthing for her -- but I insisted that she needs to exercise her responsibility at this crucial time!
She stopped & waved good bye.
Then she turned around & said, "Mom! I love you!!"

Melting my heart (even tho I was freezing my chops off).

Here she is reciting all I've drilled her on:

Sorry it's sideways! -- I thought I'd be able to rotate it, but no such luck.

O Christmas Tree

I could not put Flynn off any longer.... I knew this weekend was going to be the one...
the one where we set aside a night to make daddy crawl into the attic & pull down the five boxes of Christmas decorations...
it's so fun to see the things we haven't seen for 11 mos... most we've forgotten about....

and it didn't take long at all with the "two monkeys helping" as daddy said...

here daddy & "the two monkeys" play out the nativity....

and the tree gets an admiring stare by one of the monkeys

Charles Schulz Might Not Approve

">

But it's funny, nonetheless.

And we certainly mean no disrespect, as we ARE HIS BIGGEST FANS around here.

My kids aren't your typical kids... their likes are very unique. They aren't into the Disney stuff, the popular cartoons; and although I realize that a lot of that has to do w/ the fact that it's all rabbit ears here (no cable), I like to think it has a wee bit to do with how we're raising them.

Granted, I'm not abolishing Santa, I'm not denying them tv or electric; however, I try to avoid the commercialism & the hype of most things.

I hope it sticks.

For now, it's a love of things like the Peanuts gang, they were into The Chipmunks (before we saw the trailer of the movie with the guy from My Name is Earl), & they love simple things like Grammy's homemade pillowcases, & hand-painted nesters. They get a kick out of playing candyland. And altho we love us some good movie time, they're happy sitting at the table coloring.
Last night when Gabe was heading off to bed, he turned around & big adieu to the nativity, "bye bye baby Jeees".

Let's go back to the whole Peanuts fascination...
When Gabe was tiny, we got the Peanuts "triology" for Christmas. Flynn was freshly 2 & started calling the movie, "Brown". The following year, Gabe was one & almost old enough to join her in the appreciation. Last spring we borrowed "Snoopy Come Home" from Ms Renee (I promise, we will return it Renee) & it spawned an even deeper love for the dog.
Its usual spot is in the dvd player of our car, where it gets watched continuously. Part of me feels bad that they're held captive during travel & they spend most of that time watching the movie, but when I turn around & see their faces, I don't feel so bad anymore...

There's one particular scene "Fun-damental Friend-ependibility", where Snoopy is getting a bath by the little girl who found him. When the scene is approaching, they start to anticipate it. Flynn will look at Gabe, Gabe at her, & they start to laugh. And when the really funny scenes come on, they're sharing it in explosive laughter... and it's as if they're just feeding off each other. If one by some very rare chance, has lost attention, the other will call it back for the best parts..."Bubby Look!"

I know that this stage might not last. Soon they'll be 'big kids' & will have the interests of most kids.

But for now, we're able to enjoy movies together...

and do the Peanuts dance.

Murphy's Law & I hate Murphy

Wrestlemania at the Perrys

I hate Murphy, but he loves us... that Murphy & his bloody law.

The way Murphy's Law pertains to us:

1. Today, the first day Flynn had take a nap in several days, Gabe doesn't ... for the first time in probably a month.

2. The other day, Flynn slept past 7, for the first time in months. Gabe however, was up at 6:30.

3. Flynn was supposed to give preschool a "trial run" Tues. She was sick.

4. We pay for dancing school, whether or not they attend. The 2 sick spells Flynn's had have both fallen on a Monday.

5. After Jeff paying approx $400 in contributions to shower gifts (he added it up) to showers for people at work & me paying a smaller amount than that, we ended up giving birth while neither of us had full time jobs. Thus, being jipped out of work showers (counter-murphy= having good family who threw showers for us).

6. Jeff was convinced to lease with a mutual friend as the leasor, who said to him upon leasing, "Just drive it, don't worry about mileage, etc.". When the contract was up & the miles were exceeded, the friend was no longer there. Hence us purchasing the said car, for the same amount we could've bought it for 5 years prior. Leasing = paying for said car TWICE.

7. My mom might be able to retire in 2 years. Dang you Murphy, Flynn will be in kindergarten by then & I won't need her as a babysitter.

8. Flynn has a modeling offer, to make $300 in a couple of hours. The gig, while we were on vacay.

You might say that's how the cookie crumbles. I tell you that cookies are no good for you.

Counter Murphy = God's blessings...There are more than 8 of them. *wink*

Daddy's Catnip

Gabe's first Thanksgiving, he & Daddy did some hardcore napping. I was on the mend from surgery, so Jeff had to be the attentive caretaker, as Gabe was only a couple of months old.

Their nap schedule went something like this:

Thanksgiving, 4 hour nap, together, on mom & dad's bed

Friday, 4 hour nap, together on couch

Saturday, 3hour nap, together on dad's bed

Sunday, 2 hour nap, together, can't remember where

We laughed & joked at how the nap length seemed to decrease & this was of course, based on how long Gabe would stay asleep.

Jeff said it was as if Gabe was weaning him off naps...so he could return to work that Monday.

This is Jeff & Gabe a few weeks ago. Since Gabe is a "big boy" now & naps in his own bed, he & Daddy can't officially lay down & nap together.

But they find their ways around it.

PS Check out Daddy's foot rest. He was upset when I took the matching ottomon/foot rocker & put it in the closet to make more "play room". Now he just grabs random objects....you know, like a soft fire truck.

Remember this from last year?

Now the whole family is elved!
(clicky-click, but warning, uncontrollable laughter is sure to follow!!)
And I think it's hilarious (& appropriate) that I'm the most seductive dancer of the bunch.

Some Princesses & A Couple of Princes

Once upon a time, a little girl was turning four. She believed she was a princess. So she asked her mom to throw her a princess party.

But she wanted to invite her friend & cousin who were very much not princesses... so they were princes.

So she did, and they all came to her royal party, and had a royal ball.

They played 'Kiss the Frog'.

They enjoyed White CASTLES (get it?!)...

They enjoyed dairy-free 2 bite brownies.

And made crowns, fabulous enough to be worn in a castle.

They had a time of dress up....

And found MAGIC dragon eggs....jewels in sand....and played Princess & The Pea.

The Queen & The Princess were very happy (& tired) after the wonderful party.