This is Mommy & Daddy...now VOTE

G-r-r-r-r-r-r-i-t

That's what Gabe has learned to do the last few days.

What started out during his high fever, has become something that must feel good to his teeth...

but it does NOT feel good to my ears.

What do I care, he's fever free & has 48 hours of antibiotics under his new leather braided belt?!

Things can only get better.

Especially when you know how to grit your teeth.

This Kid

needs to get better.

He Wins Best Effort

Not wanting to be out-done, Gabe decided to keep his fever in the 104 range last night.... just to be sure we're aware of his contribution to this 110% theme our family has.

I had the early (& much shorter) shift, with him. Hearing him twitch & shake & groan...and his little pathetic cough.

But this not before he puked (again) on Daddy.
PS How do you puke when you haven't eaten for 2 days??

And Daddy finished up the night on the floor beside Gabe's bed. Daddy might try to act like he minds, but he loves sleeping on the floor.

Either way, Gabe better start saving now, for our Mother's Day & Father's Day gifts.

Are You a Good Guesser?

Then head over to my friend, 'MCK Mama''s, blog & play her fun little contest...
I don't know personally, but I hear her prizes never disappoint.

Update: MckMama has revealed the prize, a gift cert from Happy Green Bee, a fabulous kids' organic clothing site. And this contest, man, it IS tough! She's really got us scratching our bloggy heads on this one. Go see if you know what it is.

Here at the Perry House,

when we do it, we do it allll the waaaay.

Like Gabe. He got sick yesterday. And well, he decided, that like his momma getting her review on her job & her pastor saying she puts 110% & all her heart into her job,
well, he decided he would be sick 110%.

In the matter of 24 hours, he worked his temp up to 102 (I think it was 103 this a.m.), he puked after I got him dressed, he coughed all night, and he worked himself into 2 infections (double ear + sinus infection), so the doctor wouldn't feel he'd wasted his time.

Flynn is going for Most Popular at her preschool. I have yet to do a pick-up & not have a parent say, "Oohhhhhhh, you're Flynn's Mom.... little Suzy talks about her all the time."
As if my chest needs help puffing, I admit to being the celeb's mom.
Wonder if she'll put me up in a mansion when we're older.

When Jeff's emergency brake gave out, it didn't just roll a bit. It rolled ALL THE WAY down our subdivision hill, across 2 yards & settled just mere feet in front of a neighbor's home.
Not just once.
But four times friend, four times (each time after having it "fixed").

I didn't tell you this dear internet, but this past summer, Jeff & I contributed to the annual church fourth of July variety show, because, well, we want to be supportive (code word for steal the show).
We didn't just contribute, we put on cheerleader costumes & spoofed the SNL Spartan Cheerleaders. We're that corny. We re-wrote the skit to incorporate inside church jokes about set-up, the Pastor's wife, & other slams. Also, brought down the house with a funky cold medina remix... wherein Jeff may have hollared & kicked over my head.
The skit was such a success, we were encored to do it AT CHURCH, and so, we rallied for help at our VBS through the script. This time, moments before going on, we were given wireless mics. And backstage (literally), right before our entrance, I looked at the mic pack (a pack holding batteries & the necessary mechanisms), then looked down at my lack of pockets. I was wearing a cheerleader skirt & some fitted shortys for crying out loud. So, I opted to tuck the pack safely in my waist band.
Except,
it wasn't so 'safely' tucked.
After a few kicks & double stag jumps, the mic pack had dangerously slid into the crotch of my undies.
Lordy no.
I found myself in that dangerous position I was in, where I looked down to see the toe of my shoe through my bridesmaid's dress.
I knew, that I could not jump, stag, kick, or be too terribly exciting; les my cheerleader spoof would turn into a horror skit, wherein I give birth to a mic pack.

I don't think we'll ever be accused of not giving it enough effort. We might not get the Most Improved Award, or the MVP...Going for the Hustler Hustle award.

Talk About A Freudian Slip

Might as well just let everyone go home at that point, poor guy.

Temper-Temper

My boy is all of 2. He behaves badly...just like any good two-year old.

I ran across some tips from Dr. Harvey Karp...by the way, I [heart] Dr. Karp.

Here's what he has to say about preventing meltdowns & fostering good behavior:

AVOID PROBLEM INTERACTIONS
Don't let your tod get over-hungry, overtired, over-bored, or overstimulated
(you just described holiday dinners Dr Karp)

FEED THE METER
Like putting coins into a parking meter, arrange your time to play w/ your kids in lots of little spurts thru the day. Lessening the chance he'll feel the need to explode. Play for ten, cook for ten, play for ten, launder for ten, play for ten ....
(Dr Karp never worked from home)

GOSSIP ABOUT YOUR KID
Stat: "What we overhear is five times more potent than what we are told directly." Whisper loudly in front of your kiddo, like to your hubby, like, "Gabe was SUCH a good listener today, he picked up all his toys the first time I asked."
Dr Karp says this works well with negative stuff too.
(Note to Self: Ask Dr Karp what to do if there's nothing good to report, for days - {just kidding}).

BE A BOOB
Act dorky (comes easily to-um-some-er-moms) to make your kid feel smarter. Let your tot keep a puzzle piece from you or -- let him wrestle you to the floor. Pretend to not know an obvious answer. Pick your battles, to lose lots of them & then win those BIG ones (like GET INTO YOUR CAR SEAT). Laughter, all is well in the world of toddlerdom.

PRAISE
Every time your tod does something cool or nice, draw a little check on his hand (which he might think is cool), and count the checks before bathtime. Catch him being good & reward for a supereffective way to prevent problem behavior.
(Dr Karp, what to do if said toddler is obsessive compulsive & can't handle such disorder as having marks on his hand).

I added sarcasm - but the truth is, these are great tips & come to me at a real timely part of mothering a 2-year old.

Over On My Milk Blog

Looky on the left, there's a link,
I talk about a lady who I strongly dislike right now (so much for my love theory).

You know what I really don't like?

People who AREN'T experts, but who pass themselves off as such.

Go there, you'll know what I mean.

Kinda like that attorney who was on MSNBC last year, who was complaining about the law suit wherein an allergy man was suing McDonald's for the cheese on his big mac:
"The worst a little nibble of cheese is going to do is what? give someone a stomach ache?"

Clearly she hasn't been to my blog entry where I discuss in details our big episode this summer, wherein I gave Flynn a cookie which contained a milk ingredient.

Remember How I Said That Only Certain Things Happen To Me?

I mean it. I am such a dork (circa 1993).

My BFF Heather got married in '93 - so I was 20 & dorky then too. She picked out these really pretty dresses - they were super elegant, black velvet bodice, sleeves with a slight puff (if I remember correctly), & a high waist that started a fuchsia a-line skirt. Complete with a big bow in the back (if I remember correctly). To help me get ready, my mom ironed the skirt part, which was wrinkled pretty badly.

The church was equally as beautiful. Old, stone walls...high cathedral ceilings which echoed every sound. The plan was for me to go down alone, as I was the Maid of Honor, where I would meet the Best Man at the first pew -- which led us to the two stairs leading to a raised level (platform, whatever).

I had on some sassy black bow heels, which made me all that more nervous - as I've never been a high heeled girl; especially when I'm walking down a lllllong aisle, with everyone staring at me.

So it's 'my turn' to walk down. I probably walked really fast, didn't smile, didn't look at anyone, my pits were probably sweaty, & I probably had to pee.

As I ended the aisle, I breathed a big sigh of relief, what with me not falling & all.
I took the Best Man's arm & took that first step.

Then.

RRrrrrrrrrip......(imagine the echo through that old church)

No way. That did NOT just happen.
I looked down to see the toe of my shoe TOTALLY THROUGH the bottom of the dress. Like ALL THE WAY THROUGH.
You know how sometimes a few seconds seem like AN ETERNITY?
That was one of those times.

I had to REALLY quickly figure out how to get my toe back through my dress -- and completely out of the hole, so that I could - you know - go ahead AND WALK(!).
I kinda looked at the Best Man - he looked at me (admiringly I might add, as he had a weird crush on me). I thing I muttered something like
OH LORD HELP ME.

So, I got it out & looked down at this gaping hole hanging down.

Heather comes down the aisle, in all her glory, & the minister begins the Lord's Prayer. Not one of my most reverent moments - I'll admit, but I had to point it out to her & that seemed like the perfect time.

So she busted out laughing. Then, the bridesmaid to my left started laughing AGAIN (but this time she peeed her pants).
Thy Kingdom Come... and three heads of curly up-do's were bobbing up & down in laughter.

One of my many VERY EMBARRASSING moments - that I now can laugh (& laugh & laugh) at.

Maybe if you're REALLY good, I'll track down a photo of this, scan it, & share.

I Was Always Suspicious

LUV part 2

This morning on the way to staff meeting, the 70-year old lady, in front of me on I 55 (& then later behind me), definitely did not love me.

What she did do,

was flip me off.

I sincerely have NO clue why.

But she definitely did. Once when I was behind her. And the other as I was passing her.

She worked so hard at it, that I'm certain her bony arthritic fingers are aching as we speak. And she no doubt wore herself out working so hard at it, that her afternoon nap was probably an extra hour.

LUV

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

That scripture was provided by my verse o' the day on my side bar...

over there (imagine arrow).

I've been thinking lots. About my personality. My demeanor (sometimes vicious if I may confess).

The fact that I've always prided myself on my honesty, frankness, crudeness, (do I have to keep going?).

First of all, it's not that great to be prideful about anything...but especially those things. yikes.

What must I give up, for God to work in my life?

Read yesterday's post. I was angry. I wanted revenge. Granted, my feelings were valid, and I felt responsibility for my family, but why couldn't I just go to sleep & let it go?

Do I love enough? Let me say, my life oozes with love. I don't need to mention again how much I love my husband. And I love my kids so much it hurts. And you wouldn't believe how much I love all children. The kids at church, I'd do anything for.

And I love food too, in case you hadn't noticed.

But do I live a life of love?

Do I? Really?

So, do I show love everywhere I go? All the time? To everyone? EveryONE?

I think what I make the mistake of doing, pretty commonly actually, is pick & choose what I want to obey out of the bible. You know, the easy ones, like not killing people (altho I considered it yesterday morning, see previous post), and going to church (kinda my job), oh yah-and the one about not fornicating -- I don't do that. But what about the hard ones... like loving. Oh boy, just talking about the changes I need to make ... I'm starting to squint my left eye up like a pirate.

But self, this is not optional.

And if there was one thing that Jesus did all the time, to everyone, all of the time, it was love.

Why Am I Up at 4 a.m.?

I'm furious. Mostly because it's too late now to even go back to sleep. I realize that this won't buy me much sympathy from my insomniac sister who is up this time each day for no good reason.

The other bulk of my anger is due to the fact that my small children are trying to sleep & that that fact plays no hindrance on the partying next door.

Six years ago when Jeff & I were househunting, there were a lot of places we could've bought. Well, there weren't that many, but a few choices.
We chose this subdivision to build in.
A subdivision...
LOTS & LOTS of negatives - no privacy, everyone can see your comings & goings. Not a lot of originality or expression -- homes look pretty much alike. Etc., etc.
BUT, those negatives are outweighed (we thought) by the protection & rules provided by organized neighborhood association.

WRONG-O.

At 3 a.m. Jeff had had enough. He got up, went into the livingroom, looked out the bay window & called the cops. There were about 10 or so cars lining our cul-de-sac, 2 in front of our yard. Music was blaring from the next door neighbor's home. Flynn cried out, not completely awake, but her REM disturbed by the ruckus. He reports the noise. Hangs up. More noise, no cops. 10 minutes later, no cops. People (looking to be early 20s) are leaving this house, armfuls of six packs, getting into cars, & driving away...loudly. A kid cuts across the corner of our lawn, on his drunken route to his piece of crap (& loud) car, obviously intoxicated, singing rap lyrics as loud as his pubescent voice can carry. The proverbial straw was him dropping the "N" word (nothing could make me madder) as he somehow (in a slurred state) was able to remember these song lyrics word for word.
I picked up the phone, told the dispatcher that my husband had called 10 mins prior & that these kids were getting into cars, drunk, driving away. I told him how a truck was about to leave as we were speaking... the driver stood there in the subdivision street, pealing paper off of something (beer bottle, pack of cigarettes?), just dropping it in the road, as if HE'D paid subdivision fees for the roads to be regularly plowed & cleaned. The dispatcher asked for a description of the truck. Like what does that matter? -- whenever the officer didn't show up for another 10 minutes...the truck was LONG gone, with about 4 other kids inside.
When the po po did finally arrive (sorry to Cousin Sarah if you're reading this & feel I'm being derrogative to officers like your dear husband), he knocked on their door, muttered something, then about five more cars left.
But you know who didn't leave? This obnoxious yellow neon, with a retarded spoiler on the back. Who obviously belongs to the boyfriend of the daughter (one of the renters) of the man who owns the home. Who just now, went to his car in a huff. Started it (has one of those REALLY LOUD MOTORS). And then had her follow, upset that he was leaving. She stands at the passenger window (the side closest to my children's windows) & yells for him to open the door. He doesn't. So she yells again, "Open the effing door!" Okay, my blood is starting to boil at this point. Then she starts to knock on the window so hard I'm sure that either its cheap windows are going to crack, or her knuckles will bleed. She yells for him to come inside. His response to her was to REV HIS MOTOR so loud & hard that I'm quite sure his car is broken.
That's when I had reach my breaking point. You know, the point where you excuse yourself from any responsibility of any irrational thing you say or do for the next few minutes.
I ran into the room & grabbed my Old Navy DISCO MAMA GROOVE KITTY pj pants (bcuz I'm tough like that), decided to skip a bra & jacket & was headed for the door. That's when my rational husband, who God purposely paired up with a UNlevelly headed wife, literally hopped into his pj pants & stopped me. "I'll go honey."
It was probably best, he was calm & walked up to the previously mentioned matchbox car & stood there until the punk opened his window. Jeff just said, "COULD YOU PLEASE KEEP. IT. DOWN.??" The boy dropped his head & muttered sorry. He turned off his motor right away & sat in his car for a few minutes, then retreated back into his bloody-knuckled girlfriend's parent's house.
I haven't heard a peep from the house since.

BUT because I get really upset about things, then don't get calmed down (see my high blood pressure problem), I couldn't go back to sleep. Plus -- like right now it's 5:20 -- what good would it do for me to go back to sleep now? To sleep ONE hour?

I'm furious at these kids. Sure, I was a kid once. Went to parties. Stayed up all night. Was silly. TP'ed a few houses. But, why should MY FAMILY's rest (& safety if you ask me), be affected because these kids can afford to rent a home next to mine?

Oh, by the way, we're not just talking about tonight. I forgot to mention that there has been AT LEAST ONE PARTY PER WEEKEND for the LAST 4 MONTHS. Most of the parties, I don't hear unless I'm up with the kids. Or there are lots of car doors slamming.
But this was probably the third time I've called the cops. And probably the 6th time we've lost sleep.

And it's usually a Sat nite. Not a big deal to some but Sundays are my 'big' work day. I get my family up early & we're out the door by 8:15ish to get to church before 9. THAT's my work. To be nice to people & smile & be supportive to volunteers & greet new guests at church & sometimes talk from the stage & try to remember names & teach kids & be ON THE BALL.

My first instinct was that at about 7 a.m., I would move my mini van in front of their driveway & lay on the horn. But I don't want to punish my other neighbors. Plus, that's just vengeance & altho feels good temporarily, will gain us nothing.

My second thought is to go over there one day this week & talk to them. NOT ABOUT THEIR PARTYING but to ask for the dad's phone number (who is still very vested as he was there a month ago putting up Christmas lights). I think he'd be quite interested to know what's going on...and if nothing else I could bring him up to speed on his known responsibilities for his property & the [another less used word for responsibilities] that brings.
I'm sure these girls know now that we're pretty ticked & might not be willing to cough up a phone number. So there will have to be some grand idea I'll have to think of before that.

For now, I'm fuming mad. My Irish-red cheeks are aglow & there's only one thing to do at a time like this...

laundry.

OPERATION: Dinner Surprise a Surprise!

For Jeff's bday, I had a surprise dinner planned for almost a month.
All I told him was to dress up, take the kids to my parents' & come back 'for me'.

Yesterday, while he was at work, I prepared as much of it as I could. Made the pesto sauce, tossed the salad, marinaded the steak. I had to hide all of this as he was home about an hour yesterday between work & leaving with the kiddos.

He thought he was coming back to pick me up... instead he found me waiting (dressed up!) with course 1 (of 5), sitting on the table. We had fancy dinnerware & linens (Thanks to the Caseys), flowers & candlelight, & Jeff's favorite, steak, simmering in the broiler. I planned an hour long playlist of songs perfect for the occasion.

Jeff was very surprised & after a movie (complete with tv trays for dessert, something we never do with the kids around!), I gave him a gift from me, a subscription to '90-Minute Soccer', which he loved. The movie was 'License to Wed' (I highly recommend, very cute -- and HOW COME NO ONE TOLD US?, had 5 of THE OFFICE actors in it).

He was surprised & had thought I was taking him to see Wicked at the Fox. He said it was his best birthday ever. Everyone, all together now, "Aaawwwwww."

Other news, after baking a batch of chocolate cookies, I was doing a deep sweep -- like moving furniture & stuff. Interesting things I found: an alphabet marker, 2 pieces to lite brite, 2 crayons, a slinky, a fork, a matching game, & a marble from hungry-hungry hippos.

We miss the kids & Nana will be bringing them home momentarily. Flynn has a Princess Tea Party to go to. Again with this kid having a social life.

Photos to come...as soon as we find the camera.

Also to come... Gabe's first night in a big boy bed. Will it happen? Will we survive? Will he??

Happy Birthday JD!

The double 3's!

Another chance for me to thank you for being the best husband, most wonderful father... and best friend I could've ever imagined. I know I say it too often, but truly, I had to have done something right in the middle of all those mistakes, for God to have rewarded me with you.

I hope this year brings you lots of joy.... no debt... no sickness... and more happiness than you thought possible.

So enjoy your day today...be nice to your students...and anticipate your surprise birthday evening...I won't disappoint.

Happy Birthday,
I love you.

SAYONARA 2007

Omigosh, where does the time go & why does it go so quickly?

Jeff & I were so busy going as many places as we could, without the hindrances of car seats & telling a certain little boy not to lick the handle on the target cart, we didn't talk about this past year.

I think while you have small children, the biggest mistake you make is to not slow down... to not sit down & play. It's always running out the door to dance, to a doctor's appointment, to work, to a party. It's always 'no Momma can't play right now, I've got to fold these clothes', or 'make a phone call' or 'vacuum'.

After our relaxing break, we barely yielded back into the fast lane. Today was our first official back into the swing of things & we were gone most of it.

So, this is my ode to reflection - and thinking of this past year & what it meant to us.

The year started out with sick kids. And Jeff on the mend from his emergency appendectomy. Then, he lost his grandma. Then -- a miracle for the St. Louis area, Shawn Hornbeck & Ben Ownby were found, & returned home to start restoring their young lives.

We found out my aunt was cancer free & rejoiced in that. The kids saw their first movie.

We went to the zoo, to the Science Center, fell in love with Bambi.

We got a "new" playset, was 'promoted' to the position I currently hold, had a great Egg hunt, Flynn started Dancing School.

Went to Grant's Farm, inherited a swimming pool, had a terrible scare with Flynn & an accidental exposure to an "unsafe" cookie.

We celebrated our Cinqo de Anniversary @ a B & B...a complete surprise for me by my romantic hubby.

Bubs got his first Big Boy haircut, we enjoyed yet another wonderful trip to the Beach.

We went camping, Bubs turned 2 (& gave up his beloved Binks). We enjoyed a Cardinal's baseball game.

Flynn started soccer, I made a big butt of myself at a US Women's soccer game, we camped again (& had yet another close call). We trick or treated with the best of them...as a princess & her frog.

Flynn turned 4, we were thankful at Thanksgiving. Flynn officially started preschool.

We were caught up in the merriment of the season, Santa visited us, we were thankful that God sent us His son Jesus, celebrated His birth, & are thankful once again that God has brought us through yet another year.

We anticipate what this year, 2008, will hold for us. The excitement, the growth, the changes, the opportunities.

Our family is not perfect -- pretty far from it actually.

But find freedom in Christ,

“... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15

Oh yeah,

Happy New Year!

Back to the Old Grindstone

The day has come. The break is over. Now me, I worked through the break, but I only work 20 or so hours each work & it's flexible, and some of it is from home.
In other words, my work is a break.

Anyway, this day loomed & so today, Jeff & Flynn were up by 6:00 a.m. & out the door by quarter after.

The house is quiet. I'm sad. I miss Jeff.
But what a great break it was.

Here are some of the things we did...

• Lots & lots sleeping in -- It was as if Santa left some valium under the tree!
• Wearing our PJs 'til 10 or so
• An impromptu trip to Chuck E Cheese
• The day after Christmas we went to see "Munks" (chipmunks as those of us who aren't named Gabe call it)
• Got a new chest for Gabe's BIG BOY room
• Got a new (old, hand me down) bed for G's BB room
• Painted Flynn's New (old hand me down) chest so she'll finally have somewhere to put her clothes
• A trip to the mall per Flynn's request (nite before: "Hey Mom, are we going anywhere tomorrow? Will it be cold? How about we go to the Mall?"
• 2 trips to Target, 2 to Walgreens, 1 to Kmart
• 4 trips to the Redbox to see FRACTURED, RATATOILLE, NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY (we got 5 mins into it & turned it off on account of YUCK), UNDERDOG
• 2 trips to see the pediatrician, Flynn got an extra, unwanted gift, bronchitis
• Several hours of Jeff playing w/ the new Wii at Nana/Papa's
• a fun pj nite at Gammy's -- wherein Jeff & I had a NY's Eve sans children...WOW!
• a nite at Woody's w/ the Frosts

I'm sure I've forgotten lots of it, as excessive sleep has impaired my memory. Let's just say it was lovely.

Thank You Jesus for having a birthday!

And Happy New Year...maybe later, retrospect on '07. We'll see.

Who Doesn't Like Free?

Go here to try to win a free Land's End bag!

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.