Well, I hadn't thought about it...

We had a meeting with Alex's teacher a couple of weeks ago. During the course of the meeting she asked what we thought of Alex going to Prom. I was okay with it, although I really hadn't thought much about it before she said something. I figured we would definitely want him to attend next year but I just hadn't given much thought to this year. But before we knew it Alex was going to prom. There were a couple of girls in his regular ed art class that were excited Alex would be attending and included him in their group. Nice nice girls (the girl in the dark blue dress is Grace, who was the organizer and is amazing and beautiful - I'll be forever grateful to Grace).

Alex had a great time. The group of kids were wonderful and he looked like such a gentleman, although I have to admit, to me he looked like my little boy playing dress-up. I'm not sure my heart understands that he is a man (note to self - must let children grow up).

So here are the pictures (most of them straight from the camera so don't expect any superior camera skills).

Think - Think - Think...

and then when it all gets to be too much go and crawl into a honey pot – at least that’s how it works for Pooh Bear (aka Winnie the Pooh). Since I’m trying to steer clear of honey pots and chocolate pots and cookie, cake and chip pots too I’m left with the thinking.


I’ve mostly been thinking about what to do about this darn dog. She really is the nicest dog ever – when she isn’t busy jumping up on people, stealing napkins and food from the dinner table and trying to eat her leash instead of walking on it.
I was home the other day and if she hadn’t been sleeping right at my feet I never would have known she was around except for the occasional hand nudge for a pet. BUT when we do know she is around she is impossible to ignore. When she gets excited she can run over a full grown adult without a second glance. She’s strong and she’s fast and she’s big. I can barely think about giving her away but she really does need some place where she has room to run and roam. Logically I know this would be the best option for everyone - but then my heart gets involved and I just don’t know if I can walk away and never look back. She loves us so much. The kids are ambivalent about her too. I just don’t know what to do. Oh great and here I am crying now because I’m thinking of life without Autumn. I mean really how do you turn your back on your heart???

But what do I do with it???

We have an iPad. I know there are people out there who would be as happy as clams to say they have one of these things and it’s not that I’m not happy but I’m not sure what to do with it to make sure I get the full benefit of this oversized iTouch – KWIM?

The good news is the iPad was a gift. But still I feel a need to justify the cost. I mean really, we’ve got an invisible fence system in the yard that the darn dog completely ignores – so since that hasn’t exactly turned out to be a wise investment - I’m all about value for the dollar lately. I know SOME of you who may be reading right now are thinking “hmmmmm, when has SHE ever been overly concerned about cost or value????” But - IT’S TRUE – sometimes things seem completely frivolous - even to me. I KNOW!
Anyway, the iPad is fun. And you don’t have to be so darn careful when using those pesky fingers on the touch screen. AND there are some fun games – like Traffic Jam (???). But it seems to be missing Fingerzilla - at least I haven’t found it yet. HotY – are you listening – the Fingerzilla application – can you get it? Sorry just a little personal note.
The HotY is using it for reading books (me I like to hold the real things in my hands – hard cover is the best). The kids want to use it for games. David Letterman recently pointed out that it makes a great portable picture frame. All uses well worth the price tag (please envision me rolling my eyes). But it’s a toy so it doesn’t have to have a real purpose right????

Terror at PetCo...

The dog went to the groomers at PetCo today. She had a few areas of matted fur. They said they thought they would have to shave her a bit. I said okay do what you have to do.


On the way back home from our various Wednesday night activities we stopped to pick up the dog. The kids and I waited in the car - all of them anxiosly peering out the back window waiting for our beloved Autumn to appear. And then it all broke loose. There was screaming and crying. I thought someone had slammed their finger in the door or some other tragic accident - and then I saw this...



And this:



Our dog. Our fluffy, happy, people loving puppy is is is - a weasel??? A rat? I just don't even know. The girls were seriously hysterical when they saw her. Lauren cries and carries on every time she looks at Autumn.

Oh Autumn, we are soooo sorry. But it will grow and you'll be all fluffy again soon. And I promise I'll never complain about your poodle cut again. You were a beauty with that look compared to the skin head "do" you're sporting now. Poor puppy...

Easter Egg Hunt - take two...

Same concept different day and location.
That's what happens when your two sets of grandparents live in different places - double the fun - just ask me - I'll tell you - really it's double the fun :-) Oh did I mention I'm super tired and feeling a little punchy? I've been so tired lately I've fallen asleep every night this week before I've finished my prayers (yes, I say my prayers at night - it's in my head and I guess I'd say it's more of a conversation - but still I count it as prayers - THERE now you know another little secret - man you people are nosey ;-))

More pictures.













There are frogs in that pond and they were determined to catch one - they didn't and that's a good thing because I'm sure it would have just led to screaming and really some days there is more than enough screaming (it's all good of course - but still - it's enough).

A fabulous day for an Easter egg hunt...

Our Easter routine was a little different this year. Instead of spending the day with my family (who we will see this weekend) we spent the day with the HotY's family. The location was different but the egg hunt was the same - well not exactly the same since it was in a different yard with different grandparents and cousins but there was an egg hunt and as far as my kids are concerned that's good enough!

Here are some highlights of the day (absent pictures of Alex - who once again was not having much to do with the camera - who knows what that kid is thinking about some days).








Before heading to the hunt there were bunny treats to check out in our own home. The bunny was a little bit restrained this year (that bunny, he's getting smart since Easter candy has been known to hang around until the 4th of July)!



Alex's basket - minus Alex. At least he is represented :-)



TTFN... word has it that those Reeses Peanut Butter eggs are on sale at Target...

Empty nest...

I miss them...






They are visiting the grandparents this week.



I don't miss this one...



She's still at home.

One thing leads to another...

Last week we replaced the downstairs carpet. It needed it - BAD - besides Alex flooded the bathroom to finalize the deal. While sopping up water I thought "you know what - this is never going to get dry" so I started pulling up carpet, and the pad and then it was a done deal (remember the wallpaper deal - started picking off a little edge - pretty soon the whole room is bare - I can be kind of spontaneous like that). By the time the HotY got home from work my job was done and I was thinking about new carpet. So we picked out carpet - and if you pick out new carpet you might as well do the tile in the bathroom before the carpet because we all know how messy laying tile can be. And once you have everything cleared out of the rooms to make way for the new carpet and new tile you realize some of it just isn't worth putting back in place so you need new furniture and once you have new carpet and new furniture you realize how dingy your walls are so you need new paint to match the new carpet, new tile and new furniture. And once you have new carpet, new tile, new furniture and new paint you realize that the upstairs really needs some work. And so it goes. In reality the furniture isn't new - the living room furniture got moved to the family room and now the living room needs the new stuff - but not until the new carpet and new painting and new flooring in the kitchen are complete. And as long as I'm getting new flooring I might want to think about some remodeling in the kitchen and granite countertops. See one things leads to another. The upstairs work hasn't started yet and will probably be a couple months before it does but the seed has been planted.

Oh and about the kitchen flooring - we have a big patio door in the kitchen with a southern exposure. It gets HOT - so hot that it brings the glue from the current flooring to the surface. YUCK. So what to do? I'm worried about doing hardwood in the kitchen because I'm just not sure it holds up to the wear, the spills, the kids and the dog. I'm afraid to do a Prego type product because of the hot southern exposure. What about tile? I've heard negative things about tile in the kitchen, it's hard on your back, anything that drops is toast, and it's cold unless you are doing heated floors. So what do I do? Suggestions???? Experience? Please feel free to share your thoughts.

TTFN...

Let's not mince words...

So I don't typically write a lot about Alex - I'm not any less proud of him but Alex is a creature of habit and a man of few words. A typical conversation with him goes something like this: "Hi Alex. Hi Mom. How was school? Good How was lunch? Good. What did you have? Baked Potato. What do you want for supper? McDonalds No. What else do you want for supper? McDonalds. Alex we aren't having McDonalds. What about chicken? McDonalds. Alex. Yes mom. I love you. Oh mom. Silence and then McDonalds". As you can see he is a man who does not see the value of idle chit chat, say what you mean and move on. BUT last night I asked him to clear the table (I KNOW - what terrible parents - we give our kids jobs) and handed him my plate. He looked at the plate, looked at me, looked at the plate again and then looked me straight in the eye and said Pain in THE butt. Took the plate and walked away. I looked at Dennis, Dennis looked at me and I really could not help but laugh - which I did not want Alex to see because I didn't want to encourage him to call people a pain in the butt but really it was so darn funny. I guess maybe you had to be there - but really, funny. It was funny stuff - trust me.

TTFN... and I don't care what Alex says I am NOT a pain in the butt :-)

So they say it's your birthday...

Today's the day - for those of you who did not bother to Google Barbie's B-day :-) So far the day has begun well. The HotY wished me a Happy Birthday as soon as I got up, Alex gave me a great birthday hug and kiss and the girls sang me a wonderful birthday duet (they are more excited about the day than I am) and I had a nice birthday greeting on my desk when I arrived this morning. Oh and I stopped at Panera and picked up treats to share the love :-) I don't know that even that doll Barbie could have had such a great day so far.

So here's to a wonderful day and melting snow (because really nothing signifies the beginning of spring to me like my birthday).

TTFN... be happy - eat cake!

It's getting closer...

Barbie (as in Doll - significant other of Ken - sister of Skipper - beloved friend of girls everywhere) and I have a momentous day coming up (I'll let you figure it out). I don't know what big plans Ken has in store for his girl but I'm sure he has nothing on the HotY :-) (I'm still really missing that smilie emoticon - it's been at least two years since I first mentioned this affront and yet has Blogger listened? I think not). Regardless the day is coming. I don't have any big expectations. Truthfully I'd really just like the house cleaning and laundry doing fairy to show up. Now that would be a wonderful gift. If anyone knows where I might find that just let me know - I'm all over it.


So that's it - let the big week begin.

TTFN... and just for the record Barbie is older than me - much older :-)

Panic attack...

I think I can understand panic attacks. I don't know that I have ever had one but this morning I got myself so worked up over "what could happen" that I couldn't move for five minutes. I could just sit there and breathe DEEPLY. I think that may have been close to a panic attack.

I have a friend who is struggling with a very difficult time in her life right now. One night she went to bed and less than 24 hours later her life had drastically changed. She had no idea what was coming when she woke up on that last day of the life she knew - it just happened. Thinking about my friend and how fast life can change - THAT is what can immobilize me for five minutes in the morning.

A lot of the time we have absolutely no warning what life has in store for us on any given day. Just because my kids are getting up and starting their day just like any other day is not a guarantee that tomorrow will begin exactly the same way. That's scary. I know chances are great that tomorrow will be just like today (or even better) but what if it's not? What if something happens to my kids or the HotY or even that dang dog? I hate that about life - that unknown thing. BUT, as I understand it, there is nothing that can be done to prevent things from happening - unless you are willing to stop living. I thought about it for five minutes this morning (cocooning my family, my loved ones and myself) but then I realized the alternative of not living life completely and staying on the safe side isn't really living life. So here I go (just like everyone else) living another day and hoping for the best.

TTFN... go, live life - sometimes it all turns out much better than we expected - and sometimes it doesn't but at least we are living.

Well....

I could talk about the excellent presentation I attended earlier tonight by Dr. David Walsh about saying No to your children (seriously this was an excellent investment of my time - Say Yes to No is the name of his book - look it up). Yep, I could talk about that, BUT really there are other things to discuss. Other things like the pathetic bachelor (ummm let's see how long that lasts - my money says two weeks - and that is optimistic) and how pathetic it is that the pathetic bachelor is going to be on Dancing with the Stars. COME ON! Of all the pseudo celebrities in the world you people picked the bachelor, that John and Kate chick and Pamela Sue big boobs? Really that's who you picked? I don't even remember the rest of the cast because I was too busy checking out this sad group. I'm thinking the bottom of the barrel has been hit. Every event has a beginning, a peak, and an ending (can you say bell curve) - guess where I think DWTS is on the curve. Yep, BOTTOM OUT! I think I may be out this season - oh wait who am I kidding? I'll so be there but really only to see the train wreck - seriously...

TTFN... Oh and in between the dancing I'll be reading my book and learning to say no to my kids - really, trust me.

There were five in the bed...

and the mama one said Roll Over Roll Over so they all rolled over and NO ONE fell out... That's what it was like in our bed this morning. Two little girls and one big dog plus the HotY and I. It was cozy to say the least. I'm just thankful Alex didn't decide to come in and flop down in the middle - it would certainly have been a full house. Did I mention I'm tired this morning - I can't imagine why ;-)

Girl Scout cookies are in the house. The girls each sold 100 boxes but all are sorted and ready to deliver. I like a good organization project (don't tell anyone).

So there you go - short and sweet for a Monday. I'll save the story of our church going Sunday for later in the week. Let's just say it's never simple...

TTFN... let's hear it for having the bed to yourself!

Does Lauren lick dogs?

I've been finding these little notes from Syd all over the house. I guess the girl has a lot to say. But this note about Lauren cracked me up.



It was actually supposed to say "Does Lauren like dogs?" but she had a small spelling error which totally changed the sentence. Lauren and I thought it was very funny but Syd not so much. Poor girl, but we teased her anyway - Bad mom - I know I know. We weren't relentless but we had fun asking her about things she might "lick" like school, and recess and ice cream (which she really does like to lick).

Anyway, just thought I'd share because I want to document this stuff and you all are the lucky recipients :-)

TTFN... Oh and No Lauren does not lick dogs but she does LIKE them a lot.

Bring on the Saturday...

It has been a long week. Seriously, I can't even tell you. To say I was looking forward to Saturday would be a HUGE understatement. AND I'm very sorry to say the week concluded with me being the worst mom ever by yelling at the girls on the drive from school to dance. By the time we got to the dance studio we were all crying - great job mom :-(

But that was the past and this is the present and the present is Saturday and that's a good thing. I mean it isn't like the Say Yes to the Dress marathon wasn't enough but there was also valentine's mailbox painting and sledding. Did I mention Saturday is a good thing.

So here you go - sledding pictures for you viewing enjoyment.

I think this girl is destined to have a snowboard in her hands - this picture looks a little bit too natural for an over-protective mom's comfort level.

Oh and notice all that dirty snow in the background - it's a way of life this time of year. To say I'm ready for spring is an even bigger understatement than the previous one about looking forward to Saturday. I washed snow pants and coats Thursday night - I actually had a cramp in my hand from the Spray and Wash bottle which was premanently attached to my hand for 45 minutes while pre-treating the winter wear before throwing it in the washer - SERIOUSLY!

I STINK!

Seriously. The HotY bought me new perfume for Christmas. Romance by Ralph Lauren to be exact and I just can't fall in love with the scent. The funny thing is this isn't really a new perfume for me - I've worn it in the past but then changed to Style by Ralph Lauren (which I really really love but it is hard to find - thus the HotY's purchase of Romance) because as much as I liked Romance it just didn't seem to have any staying power. I don't know if this was a universal problem or what because "staying power" is no longer an issue. This new bottle stays and stays and stays with just a little spritz and I'm not crazy about how it smells anymore. Did they change the ingredients? Did I just get used to the other perfume? Has my nose changed? I don't know what the problem is but in my eternal quest to try to find the silver lining and not give up I keep trying to give Romance a chance to smell good again - so far it's not working, I can barely stand to smell myself. Grrrrr. That's $85 we'll never see again - DANG!

TTFN - and that smell in the room - you know that mix of too much, possibly bad, perfume, yes it's me - I'm sorry I'll try not to move and waft the scent around the room.

It's a party...

it's a dog party. Call in the hounds - the NaughtyDoodle turned one today. Yes, it's true, Autumn is celebrating her birthday and in a big way. She snatched two sticks of string cheese and a chocolate chip cookie. When the kids asked what she was getting for her birthday I said "she gets to stay here" that's her present. And after today that is a pretty big deal. So now that she is officially out of puppyhood it gets better from here - right???

The HotY and I are heading for the big city tomorrow to get his new car - I think - assuming everything goes as planned and the car checks out in person. CarFacts says it is a good one. I'm hoping the drivers on the road tomorrow are better than the Walmart drivers I encountered on my way to work this morning. Crabby and frustrated before 8:00 a.m. and on a Monday - oh and did I mention it snowed??? I won't even get into all the happy wonder that made up my day today, seriously consider yourself lucky you didn't cross my path. Hey, they don't call me crabby for nothin' :-)

Okay, TTFN. Things to do places to go - well things to do anyway...

Have I told you lately...

that Conan is on my list. I know I talked about it here (click) and probably elsewhere too. But really it just seems like he is such a nice person. Tonight on his last show hosting the Tonight Show he said something that I thought was very profound and touching. He said, in talking about his own good fortune and blessings, that cynicism has no place in life and if you are kind extraordinary things will happen. Now that is something to think about. It actually made me tear up. Not so much because Conan was saying goodbye but mostly because I truly believe that human kindness is one of the single most powerful forces in life. That's definitely something to think about.

Okay now I'm going to watch the inane performance of Jimmy Fallon, who is NOT on the list. Oh and while we are at it - just WHO are the Roots? I've never heard of this Jimmy Fallon proclaimed worlds best band in my life. Seriously who are they?

TTFN... Tomorrow - do something kind and something extraordinary may happen and even if it doesn't you did something kind...

No, no I do not want to buy a hockey pizza...

It is hockey pizza selling time in my fair city. Hockey is a huge youth sport in our area and each season the hockey playing youth are forced to traverse the frozen tundra to peddle pizzas which bare no small resemblance to a hockey puck. Seriously! But in the interest of youth sports we support the annual hockey pizza sales.

Today my neighbor braved the below zero elements and rang my doorbell - just moments after the HotY and children left the house to run a few errands. Normally I may have ignored the doorbell but since everyone had just left I thought maybe something had been forgotten and one of the kids was at the door to retrieve their forgotten hat or mittens. So I wrangled the dog and opened the door and there stood "K" anxious to show me the very newest in hockey pizzas. And there I stood trying to keep a 40lb dog from bolting out the door while unshowered, unbrushed, unmake-up'd wearing a dirty t-shirt, holey pants and no bra. I very calmly and coolly, as if I were in my finest party attire, said "K" I would be happy to buy a hockey pizza but please come back tomorrow I promise I won't buy from anyone else (which will be an easy enough promise to keep - you don't really think I plan to answer the door again do you?). He said okay and left while I closed the door and vowed never to answer the doorbell before showering again. So there, that's why I didn't buy a hockey pizza today - but I know "K" and he'll be back tomorrow. This time I'll be prepared...

TTFN... invest in a peephole - it may save your vanity.

I've got a PLOODLE...

OMG - the DOG went to the groomers earlier this week for a trim. I expected her to come home looking like a cute Goldendoodle who had just received a haircut. What I was not expecting was a PloodleDoodle. A big shaggy dog with a not quite poodle cut but more than just a trim cut. Really, it was sad and if you think I didn't like it you should have seen Autumn. She moped around all night and then the cat started mocking her - she was one depressed puppy. No one asked for a Poodle (or Ploodle as the girls call her). Who gave these people permission to change our dog???? But we all averted our gazes and rallied around her (Autumn). I tried to tell her it is only hair and everyone has at least one bad haircut in their lives but she knew I was just trying to make her feel better. So for now - I just try to keep her away from the mirrors.

Anyway, I had every intention of showing you pictures of our Doodle turned Poodle but Syd insisted on taking them. I have pictures of the toilet bowl, the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, the dog dishes, the sweater lying on the chair in the living room and the HotY's butt but what I don't have is a picture of the dog (and THIS is why I thank the makers of digital cameras every.single.day because if I spent money developing the pictures that get taken around this house it would not be a wise use of my dollars).

Oh, wait, the HotY just saved the day and snapped a picture of Ms. Ploodledoodle - see for yourself, it's not good. Let's just hope it grows out before the other neighborhood dogs get a look because all the eyeshadow and mascara in the world is not going to detract from this haircut...



TTFN...

Oh and that is one of her chew toys hanging out of her mouth. She's got an oral fixation.

What have I told you???

How many times have I complained about Walmart? How many times have I mentioned the driving skills of SOME Walmart drivers? Did I not even convince Amy that Walmart is not the shopping mecca of the world? That's what I thought. BUT - Look - look at this:



THIS is the HotY's car after a trip to the Walmart area the day before Christmas. He was driving on the frontage road when - BAM a car pulled out of the WALMART parking lot. He (the Walmart driver) didn't stop, he didn't even slow down before pulling out onto the road. RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE HotY. So now do you believe me. DO NOT SHOP AT WALMART. Enough said.

Actually 2009 went out with kind of a bang for us. First the car, and then last Saturday Alex hit a tree, a big tree, while sledding with his cousins. He looks like he got hit by a tree! Scraps, bumps, bruises and one big black eye. A trip to the ER verified he was okay but he took a beating. Poor guy! I'd show you pictures but I think the car is enough for today.

Here's hoping 2010 is a much less accident prone year!

TTFN... and remember - Walmart - it is not worth it no matter how low the cost.

Oh and we are looking at new cars. The HotY is thinking a new Sonata but Syd and I we're voting for the Dodge Charger. I'll keep you updated.

2010 - is this the year...

Is this the year I finally get my act together and start taking control of my life. Is this the year I stop procrastinating and start making choices that help me? Is this the year I stop acting like a spoiled child and enter the adult world? Is this the year I really become the wife and mother and daughter and sister and friend I know I should be? Is this the year???

I've spent several nights not sleeping and thinking over the past week and what I think is I am not really all that crazy about the person that I am today. I feel like my life is out of control. That I am just passively watching the days pass by instead of making choices and living. That I don't give the love and respect to the people who deserve it. That I am selfish and spend entirely too much time thinking about myself instead of the people around me. Seriously, I guess you could just say I'm sick of myself. But again, is this just a passing phase where my actions are in the forefront of my consciousness and by this time next week I will have forgotten what kind of person I think I am? Or is this the year that I will actually make changes and get out of my comfort zone, confront demons and live? I know what I want to happen, just not so sure of the action plan...

SEVENTEEN...

My baby is seventeen. If that isn't something to shout from the rooftops I don't know what is. Alex had a fabulous birthday. He smiled more today than any other day this whole year. Teenage angst - ugh. I noticed he got a little teary eyed while we sang happy birthday to him but he quickly brushed away the tears with the back of his hand I pretended I didn't see it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this boy - even on his worst door slamming, big attitude days I'll keep him. If you are new to this blog and want to know more about what a gift Alex is you can read here: All About Alex

So now the kids are all snug in their sleeping bags underneath the tree (their yearly tradition), I'm quietly clicking on the laptop, Christmas music is quietly playing on the radio and the snow is softly falling outside. I really hate to leave this bucolic setting but the laundry and last minute wrapping awaits.

Merry Merry Merry Christmas to you and yours. May the love and blessings of the season fall unto you and may all your most heartfelt prayers be answered (and that my friends is as religious as I get - it's a private thing).

Good night. Sleep tight...

The time is near...

It is almost time for the celebrations of the season to begin. It is hard to believe that another year has almost come to pass even with the tumultuous changes and possible new beginnings (which I didn't ask for). Although my job will soon be changing I'm still in denial. Let's hope that the new year will bring renewed enthusiasm and a dose of reality (yes, I do deal in reality - at least some of the time).

So before I go much further I want to say - "Oh My Gosh I am weepy today". You have been forewarned. Maybe it is melancholy Christmas music (seriously, if I hear that shoe song one more time I'm going to forever resign myself to crying all through Christmas). Okay, so now that is out of the way, moving on...

The tree is starting to fill out with presents. Have I ever mentioned how much I love our Christmas tree. Every year I think I should have a party just so I can show off my tree (hey, there are just some things that I can't be modest about). So now that I have a set a great big expectation for everyone about my tree you can now come over and be disappointed :-) It's not 9 feet tall and it isn't movie perfect but I still think it is pretty.

Okay, I just realized I have more shopping to do.

Merry Christmas to all - oh and don't hold your breath waiting for our Christmas card - there may be a slight delay.

TTFN...

I really didn't mean it...

I really didn't mean to let this blog thing kind of drift off into obscurity. It's just that life - well it's been busy. I know I know we are all busy - but really it's true. I've been busy. I'll try to be better in the New Year - really I will.

Today is the HotY's birthday. Another 12 months, another year older, and STILL not yet 40. Come on man, grow up already, you're making me feel old! The perils of marrying a younger man - even though the husband gets older he'll never be older than his wife - consider yourself warned.

So just a quick post with some fabulous advice. I'll write more SOON. Really, it will be soon. REALLY!

TTFN...

The HotY thinks I may overuse Really a little too much. REALLY??????

The DOG stays - at least for now...

Autumn survived her stay at the kennel. We brought her home on Saturday - after doggie proofing of course (doors closed, toys off the floor, butter in the refrigerator...). So far so good. She and I had a moment on Sunday but since then things have been good. Really good, today I was having a very bad morning and Ms. Autumn would not leave my side. She just kept gazing at me with her chocolate brown eyes and giving my hand the head nudge for just a few more pets. No nipping, no begging to play fetch, no trying to steal the kleenexs from the box behind me - just simple dog love and companionship. Callie, the perfect dog, was never one for these quiet moments - she was a very reserved dog - she usually kept her distance. So see Autumn - Callie wasn't better than you at EVERYTHING (don't think I don't know that when we say Callie all you hear is "MARCIA MARCIA MARCIA"

TTFN...

It must be Thanksgiving since...

I've been to Sam's Club to purchase potatoes and dinner rolls

My car was nearly hit in the parking lot by no more than three other cars (remember Sam's is just steps away from Walmart and we all know how those people drive).

I've peeled, cooked, spilled and mashed over five pounds of potatoes.

My children are whining because they can't find the turkeys they made in school.

The dog is at the kennel (she wasn't happy - it was her or turkey dinner - we have our priorities - she would have been able to nab and eat a 20 lb turkey before we knew what happened).

I'm getting excited about seeing my family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

TTFN... I'll let you know if we end up bringing the dog home from the kennel. Right now it's not looking good for her. I'm really enjoying not having to hide the napkins, push food to the back of the cupboards, open the door without stooping over to catch a running dog, and keeping the bathroom doors open. She better hope I get really lonely for her tomorrow :-)

Sometimes it is just so surreal...

Do you ever have those moments in your life when you go "hey, wait a minute, how did I get here, when did this happen to me?" The kind of moment that inevitably strikes in the middle of the night - at least that is how it happens for me. There I will be, standing in the dark bathroom, and it hits me - this is my life - this is how it all turns out - huh, when did this happen? I mean really this house, it belongs to me. That guy sleeping in my bed, he's my husband. The angelic, (at least angelic in the dead of night), children, they're mine. WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? Last time I looked I didn't have any of this stuff. I was the child sleeping in the bed. I was the one assuming that all my needs would be taken care of by the woman standing in the bathroom in the middle of the night. I wasn't a grown-up. When did I become a grown-up?

I'm not saying I don't like being a grown-up, I just am not sure when it happened. Deep inside I don't feel like a person who has a house and family and responsibility. It's confusing and very surreal. So I go back to bed and wake up in the morning and totally forget about feeling like I was living in two dimensions.

Maybe I should not have read the Time Traveler's Wife - just think if that were a true story...

TTFN... oh and try to remember to go to the bathroom before you go to bed - it will save you from all kinds of twilight zone kind of thoughts that may keep you awake the rest of the night.

Oh yeah, I forgot...

I'm doing a giveaway:

Glitter Me! It's a giveaway. For every three friends that join the Glitter Me Fan Page I will enter your name for this sign: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19582189
Simply leave a comment in this thread with the names of your friends how have joined. Entries will be accepted until November 25.

And the mother of the year award goes to...

Despite my best efforts my mothering skills have been a little lacking lately. It isn't that I haven't been trying I just haven't been watching the little details (did I mention this is the story of my life - small print - what small print???)

ANYWAY, first there was the day of dance camp the girls participated in which concluded with a mini recital of their new dance moves. I didn't see said recital because I failed to read the part of the info sheet which said "come at 1:00 for the dance review". I walked in the door to two crying children who were heart broken because their mother was not in attendance at the dance party and EVERY OTHER MOTHER IN THE WORLD WAS THERE. It was all very dramatic and I felt like the worst mother in the world. On my way out the door another mom touched me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear "I missed it too". At least I wasn't REALLY the only mother in the world who did not make it to the show.


The following week the girls had a father/daughter dance. To prepare for the event and create a surprise for daddy we went on a little shopping trip and bought pretty party dresses and sparkly shoes. They were so excited. About ten minutes after leaving for the dance the HotY called, this was the conversation "you know the girls look very nice but did you know it was a hoe down?" Ummm no actually I did not know it was a hoe down. I failed to notice that little detail tucked at the bottom of the invitation. BUT I heard they were the best-dressed girls at the event :-)

Sooo all in all it hasn't been a stellar couple of weeks although I think I did redeem myself with a trip to the big mall in the big city. It was all about kids all day long. I haven't given up on winning that mother of the year award yet...

This will make sense...

to some of you and to the other's - just skip it. It has to do with work and I have found that the best policy, in terms of blogging and work, is that the two don't mix. Which is why I make very few direct references to the topic. BUT I found out today that I will be BLUE for at least 14 months and then it is anybody's guess. So there you go. The limbo part of this episode of life has concluded for the time being.

In other news. I hate Halloween. Just for the record. My kids have been fighting over candy for the past four days. My idea of just letting them eat their fill until they were sick and then throwing the rest out was not met with agreement by the HotY. So hey Mr. Crabby, do YOU have a better idea??? I'm waiting.

Do you get the idea that I am a little irritable tonight? Sorry. I'll try to get over myself soon.

That's it. Nothing left to say.

Stay tuned for more shiny and bright posts in the near future. I know they have to be in here somewhere.

TTFN...

It's 4:03 and I can't sleep...

Okay so it isn't really 4:03 but it is 1:03 a.m. Close enough. Have you heard that song by Shinedown - (If You Only Knew). I like it - and that 4:03 line - it's my favorite in the song - I have no idea why, it just is.

I also have no idea why I can't sleep. Or maybe I do. There are just so many things going through my mind right now. There is still that work thing which I'm just not going to talk about. And then there is fall and rain and school and kids and bills and groceries and friends and family and death and fate and seredipity and LIFE. Today, in the midst of it all, I just put my head down on my desk and said ENOUGH and now I can't sleep. See how that all tied together :-)

Typically when I can't sleep one of the standard tricks will do - counting sheep, reading a really boring book, saying the rosary, bugging the HotY - but tonight none of those worked. I'm just so antsy I want to take a walk around the block or something so here I am - working my fingers trying to calm down. It's not working, I'm still antsy. Grrrrrrrrrr. I'm going to be really tired tomorrow.

It's 1:21 now - I'm going to try to sleep...

TTFN.

Will you be my partner...

Sooo, the HotY and I went to a concert on Friday night. Bowfire (click on the name to see more about Bowfire). We really had never heard of them before but the HotY wanted to set up a date night so he purchased the tickets and we went. I'm soooo glad we did despite the fact that I had been getting a little crabby about going (I mean really it snowed 4 inches on Friday - in OCTOBER - you would have been crabby too). We were lucky enough to have seats in the 2nd row and it was fabulous. I love the violin, and all of its string related close family members so the concert really was a pleasure. And sitting so close to the stage was a very fun experience.

And then there was THIS guy Bogdan Djukic. Holy Bananas. If you click the link it will take you to a small bio and picture of him - but really - that picture does not do him justice - trust me! What was captivating about him was that he could move! Did I say Holy Bananas before because seriously - Holy Bananas. He had some kind of Brazilian, Argentinian, Latin American, Greek thing going on and it was - well HOT! And when he played the bongos you could see he was dying to break into an all out Samba (and really a bongo playing violin master you just know the guy is good at multi-tasking). So I decided he is the one I want to be my partner when Dancing with the Stars begs me to join their show. I just know we'd win :-) Hmmm I wonder if I did a search I could find his phone number "ummm, hello, Bogdan, you don't know me but I've seen you dance and I want you to be my partner on Dancing with the Stars. What do you think? Are you in?" It could happen - seriously it could.

TTTN... and always try to get in the first few rows you never know what you might see.

I don't really know...

the other day the HotY asked me if I was abandoning my blog - and I'll tell you what I told him - I don't really know. I mean I like writing. I like sharing. I like hearing what you all have to say but lately it seems like it has been such an effort to write. I don't know why - maybe it is because my life is in limbo right now. Maybe it is because things are busy but certainly not interesting - well they are interesting - but not universally interesting. You know? Add to that the fact that I just have not felt chatty lately (I know - but it's true) and you get a neglected blog. That's it. I have no other excuse. It's just too much trouble to be interesting and engaging and entertaining right now. Pathetic, I know. So, for now I'm not ready to commit to saying I'm done with this blog - I'm just on a little break. (Yes, it's true I have a problem with quitting things. Good, bad or indifferent. Sometimes it is a good thing and sometimes it is just prolonging the agony. It's a crap shoot)

TTFN...

My mom is having surgery tomorrow. Please keep her in your thoughts. She has been dealing
with an injury to her leg almost the entire summer and she needs to get healed soon. All this staying at home is really hampering her shopping time :-) Love you mom - everything will be fine.

How much is that doggy in the window...

TOO MUCH - TOO DARN MUCH!!!! If I ever mention I want a dog again - EVER remind me there is not a deal good enough to entice me to say "hey let's get a dog".

Recent events in our home involving one NAUGHTY puppy have made me question the soundness of my judgement.

Yesterday:

One chocolate cake - consumed by a DOG

One Longaberger Basket - shredded by a DOG

Various assorted crayons and socks - demolished by a DOG

One living room table - chewed by a DOG

One homeless dog - saved only by crying children

Okay so we'll keep her but yesterday she was really wearing out her welcome.

And no, that is not a current picture - she is bigger, much bigger - but I had to find something to remind me why keeping her around is a good thing :-)

TTFN...

It was THE social event of the season,,,

for my daughters and the students of their school. The Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction fund raiser. The anticipation in our home was already running high by 9:00 a.m. There was the countdown until the time we would leave (not until 5:30 p.m.) and much speculation about which silent auction baskets were the most desired (I had already ruled out rebuying the basket I put together). The Webkinz basket with the love monkey and the Halloween baking basket were the two key targets. I'm happy to say both girls had their wishes come true. Alex wanted the chocolate basket but really just for the one giant Hershey bar. I didn't bid on that basket but I did stop and get him his very own giant Hershey bar at Target for a lot less than that chocolate basket would have cost me :-)

It was a fun night. There were many activities to keep the kids happy and occupied, a chance for visiting between adults, and good natured competition over the hot baskets. I'm happy to say that my own Girls Just Wanna Have Fun basket was one of the most popular baskets at the event and brought in a nice donation for the school. (I mean really put an entire set of sparkly gel pens, some fun make-up, a feather boa and a crown together and what girl could resist? - My work has been completed :-) I meant to take a picture of the basket before taking it to school but I ran out of time.

So there you go. Now you know exactly what I did this weekend. I know - the excitement of it all :-)

TTFN... Oh and as always if you click on the pictures you can see them larger.

I wanna know...

why, even when I am dead tired, I cannot make myself go to bed early. I think about it. I dream about it but I can't make myself do it, at least not in the summer. But I want to - I really do.

why, no matter what time I get up in the morning, I still end up getting to work at the same time. If I get up early I get there at 7:00. If I get up late I get there at 7:00. It's all relative I guess. But still...

why the HotY is insisting on IM'ing me every five seconds while I am typing this (yes, yes, it is sad but true, although residing in the same house we are usually in different rooms and so he resorts to IM. Fine I do IM also but it is usually to say "hey, come here" Not a fan of the IM)

why I am working tomorrow when Amy and Heather are heading to the big city for shopping and fun. They have both told me it isn't too late to change my mind. Never say never - right?

why, sometimes, no matter what I have to say or what I write the words flow and other times it is just sooooo hard. Nothing comes out right. Nothing sounds good. Everything is disjointed and seems like I am trying too hard. Why can't it always be easy? Okay fine, I know why it can't always be easy, but that doesn't mean I can't wonder about it.

why I am continuing to write when it is so obvious that I have nothing to say. Which leads me to you - why are you still reading. Don't you have things to do? Go, I wanna go to bed :-)

TTFN... Amy and Heather - have fun - I'll be missing you :-)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...

I volunteered to put together a theme basket for a silent auction to benefit the girls' grade school and decided to do a "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" basket. While doing some quick errands while Lauren & Syd were at dance I picked up some things for the basket (a feather boa, a picture frame, a cute wooden sign, glitter pens and a crown shaped chipboard album). Miss Syd and her over eager curiosity couldn't help but snoop into the bags and was sure that such treasures must be meant for only her. I explained that no those items were NOT for her and were intended to go to some other girl whose mommy might buy the basket. I might as well have told her life as she knows it is over. There was pleading and crying and promises of a room which would never be messy again, and then the final proclamation that NO ONE has ever loved dress-up and crafts as much as she does - NO ONE! I didn't give in (aren't you proud of me) and have ruined my daughter's life (I'm sure this is just the first time of many). Girl Drama - I don't think I'm ready for this. I mean not that this is the first time it's happened but it is increasing. When does this peak - please don't say 21 because that might make me cry!

I know I have been doing a lot of writing about my kids lately. It's an easy topic and right now I need easy topics. There is a lot of stuff going on and I just can't talk about it which is making me feel very - I'm not sure what it is making me feel but I will say it isn't good. Hopefully things will start to sort themselves out in the very near future. Don't you hate it when people are all elusive and secretive? I hate that but sometimes you just can't spill your guts - it just isn't in the best interest of anyone. So thanks for putting up with the never ending kid stories. I know not everyone is entertained by this stuff but it does give me something to talk about.

Oh and as for the "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" basket I'm going to be making a trip to Claire's boutique for some glittery goodness and the big prize will be a pink MP3 player (anyone know of any good deals on a pink MP3 player?) BUT if you have any other ideas bring it on - I'm aiming for the tweens so seriously, if you have any ideas let me know - I'm running out of good stuff.

TTFN...

So much for that record...

At the end of the 2008-2009 school year Lauren had the honor of receiving a certificate for excellent attendance since she did not miss a single day of school. She won't be receiving that honor this year. This morning, five minutes after school began, Lauren threw-up, which is really strange as she isn't a thrower-upper and she was fine this morning. I spoke to the school nurse and found out she had fallen on the playground and really scraped up her hand which she said hurt so bad it made her throw up. Okay I can buy that - but even though she wasn't really sick she still had to come home - throwing up at school is an automatic get out of class free card. The HotY stayed home with her and nursed her wounds.

So it was just Syd at pick-up from school. Since the HotY was home with Lauren & Alex I took advantage of the freedom and Syd and I did a couple of errands before going home. While riding in the car I had a great time visiting Syd's world. She told me all about Lauren throwing up "mom, she came in the room, looked at her owie and threw-up - I guess SHE won't be a nurse". I couldn't help but laugh. Syd was very matter of fact about this - there is no question - nursing is not in Lauren's future. Syd has also informed me that Wyatt is "no longer on her mind" she has moved on. That's a relief as Wyatt is now a 7th grader and that is a complete world away from 1st grade. Then she said "do you wanna know who is on my mind - Gabriella - she's my best friend. Her mom is going to have a baby - I think we should go watch" I said "watch what" to which she replied "watch her have the baby". Well of course Syd would want to go watch. She'd want front row viewing - the girl is nothing if not curious. I told her I didn't think we would be watching but she thought if I called Gabriella's mom and asked her if we could watch she would say okay. Yep, I'm sure she would :-)

When we got home Lauren was full of questions about Syd's day. What they did in gym (we ran the 400 mile dast (I believe this was the 400 meter dash) around TWO sets of cones). What they had for lunch (pizza - the LITTLE pizzas) and if she brought any work pages home (she forgot). I love listening to their conversations and am continually amazed at how much they are growing up. Add that to the fact that I now have a Junior in High School and I'm feeling OLD!

TTFN... and if you think of a new career for Lauren, now that nursing is out of the question, let me know :-)

Two down - one to go...

The girls started school today. They were so excited to get started they were begging to go early. I was so excited for them to get home this afternoon I was hoping they would be let out early (what can I say - we have problems with anticipation). Of course when I asked for the details of their day they weren't sure they could remember - until I stopped asking. Funny how it works that way.

Syd's big news was her sighting of Wyatt (you didn't think that story had ended did you - if so, you must not know my daughter) and how glad she knew he was to see her. I have no doubt it was true - you can't question that kind of confidence :-) (I am still so sad there is no smilie emoticon on Blogger - what is wrong with these people???). Anyway... Lauren had a great day and is very excited to be sitting in the front row. She also let me know there is another set of twins in the class this year - they're different though - they talk a lot (I'm only reporting it like I hear it...).

After school pick-up I decided to be super mom and baked chocolate chip cookies. My super mom efforts need some improvement. I pulled out the ingredients, read the recipe, thought about doubling the batch (as long as I was going through all the effort) and then changed my mind. Or I thought I had, until I was in the middle of the recipe and realized that although I had followed the recipe for the eggs, vanilla and butter I had doubled the amounts of sugar - UGH - sooooo a double recipe it was. THEN, I don't what I was thinking but as I was mixing the dough I put the bowl down (it's one of those KitchenAide stand mixer lever dealies) while the mixer was going - and then I put it back up - still not turning it off and then just stood there and thought WHAT AM I DOING??? I'm not a dumb girl - really I'm not - but - well, at times I can be flighty. Ask my brother, who sometimes asks me how someone so smart can be so dumb. Although really, it's not dumb, it's just - distracted - or flighty. There are times when my distraction can become almost chronic. My flighty ways have even earned me a nickname among my immediate family and NO I'm not sharing - truly there is no one beyond the sacred inner family circle who knows this nickname. Not Roxann, not Amy, not my kids. Only recently was the HotY given this super secret information. Seriously. I KNOW - people are always surprised by my ability to keep a good secret - I don't understand why - but there you go - I CAN keep a secret :-)

So there you go a flighty post about my flighty ways and the first day of school. I thought it was a natural fit. I mean really, the kids are "flying" the nest.

TTFN... harsh morning sunlight does not good photos make.