1.03.2008

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.

1.02.2008

Who Doesn't Like Free?

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

12.28.2007

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.


12.27.2007

The impossible task of

trying to take a photo of Gabe:






12.24.2007

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:

12.23.2007

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

12.22.2007

What Christmas is All About

Preach on Linus!

12.21.2007

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?

12.18.2007

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.

12.15.2007

12.14.2007

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.

12.13.2007

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.

12.11.2007

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....

12.09.2007

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.

12.07.2007

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.