Christmas Cards

The dreaded Christmas picture for this year's card....

I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that I am going to have to find an "average" picture for my card this year.  The card from last year was priceless (above).  This year, I am uninspired.  I usually try to set the bar very low so I never have the pressure of trying to do better next time. 

Then the Christmas letter....should I...shouldn't I?   I've already begun reading in the incoming cards.  Of kids who are Baby Einsteins and athletic stars. Parents traveling the world while juggling a million and one responsibilities at home...probably while maintaining a spotless, clutter-free home. 

I'd love to write a letter that says:  my kids are cute, but pretty average.  They played some sports this year...but both had losing seasons.  I continue to gain weight at a steady rate.  We did not stop world hunger or find a plan for world peace.  We maintain a busy life and try to contribute to society by recycling and living within our means. 

WHO WOULD WANT TO READ THAT CARD????  HOW BORING AND NORMAL!!!!

Thanksgiving-Behind Us

We made it through Thanksgiving.  It was a nice time even though we were a little "scared" of the emotional fall out.  My hubby comes from a large family, so it was a significant gathering...close to 30 people.  It went relatively smoothly considering the volume of people.  My parents even joined us which was fun, but always a bit strange for me.  Kind of like a "two worlds collide" type of thing.  I like to snuggle into the comfort of my own family and it always surprises me to think of us as part of this much larger family. 

Christmas is now right around the corner.  I am looking forward to being home and celebrating with the kids.  We are sad to think about Christmas without my Mother-in-law.  She single-handedly shopped for everyone and found the right gift.  It still amazes me that I continue to come across people who she befriended and I don't even live in the same states she did.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday!

When I was pregnant with the Boy, I was unable to travel for Thanksgiving-way too pregnant to sit in the car for 7-8 hours. Although some friends hosted us for a wonderful (and enlightening) Thanksgiving dinner, I just missed sitting around the dinner table with my family. I vowed I'd not miss another.

We are heading to Florida next week but this year I am just wanting it to be over. We have been on FIVE trips out of state since September and I'm just tired of traveling. That, along with it being the first Thanksgiving without my Mother-in-law is making me dread the upcoming week.

I can't wait to get back and put up the Christmas tree and start the shopping and boldly head into 2009...a year with fewer sad memories...I hope.

My Alien Pumpkin

The Boy's Pumpkin

The Girl's Pumpkin

Carving Pumpkins with Auntie

My sister came over to carve pumpkins with the kids...their annual tradition.

She is always a good sport (not to mention talented). They come up with these outrageous ideas and somehow she executes them. The Boy drew his own sketch and expected her to replicate it. To my surprise, she did. Unfortunately, he changed his mind once it was carved. He didn't think it was scary enough (thus the aluminum foil knife added to the top.)

She even carved one for me-an alien. Hilarious!

All I know, is my kids should be grateful for their Aunt. If I was in charge of pumpkin carving, it would be the old school-two triangles for eyes and a jagged mouth.

Halloween 2008

Halloween kind of snuck up on us. Thankfully we had our costumes early-a Genie and a Knight. Our neighbors all met at our house to start Trick or Treating. Next time, I'll take my pictures of the kids before everyone arrives....they didn't want to sit still.

The Girl kept telling the Boy he needed to wear his "accessories" but he didn't want anything to do with the helmet, shield and sword.

It was fun this year. The Boy went with his friends. The Girl went with hers. I was somewhere in the middle. They both had lots of fun.

Disney World

We had the most wonderful time on our vacation to Disney World. My parents joined us which gave everyone the opportunity to ride what most interested them.

The kids held up beautifully. They really bonded over the trip. There was minimal fighting and they genuinely missed one another when they returned to school when we got back. They both are ready to return for another trip. The Boy actually cried as we got on the interstate to return home.

We went to The Magic Kingdom for two days and Hollywood studios for one. I would have loved to stay a week and get in some pool time. Maybe next time!

Pictures to follow. ..we did the Disney Photo pass (where they take pictures for you) so we are ordering the Photo CD. (After we take out a second mortgage to pay for the CD...oh, the price of convenience.)

Instrument Petting Zoo at the High

Target Free Day at the High Museum

We went with some friends to the Target Free Day at the High Museum. It was a wonderful event.

There were crafts and entertainment. There was even a "Instrument Petting Zoo" where kids could try out different instruments with the help of members of the Symphony.

We even peeked at the Louvre exhibit. Both kids were fascinated. I thought they would try to touch everything, but they were just captivated by the pieces. They must get their love of the Arts from their Dad.

Therapy

I sent the Girl to school in the wrong uniform today. In my defense, we've been out of town and I missed the email sent last Thursday with a blurb in the weekly newsletter. I felt AWFUL and am sure that she will be confiding in some shrink in twenty years about how her mother humiliated her.

Thankfully, I won't be alone since my hubby forgot "Pajama Day" when she was three. Although I was in the hospital after just giving birth to the Boy, she still hasn't forgotten and occasionally brings it up.

In over my head...

I'm putting eye drops in my neighbor's cat's right eye three times a day....need I say more?

Lost time

I've heard people say that those with mental illnesses "lose time"...big chunks of it, I guess. Well, I can honestly say I've had a week of lost time. Maybe I should begin to question my sanity.

I feel like my whole week has been derailed with doctors appointments and soccer games and looking for cleats and singing performances and and and...

Now, I'm not complaining. We are all healthy and happy, but I think I've underestimated the time it takes to run this family. Now that my free time is spent working everything else gets done when I get to it. There is no rhyme or reason to when. If my house is just as messy as the day before, I'm considering it an accomplishment...since it's not messier. I've given up getting the mail.

Yesterday, a banner day, I fell off a step stool and managed to destroy our laundry room on my way down. I landed right on my tail bone from about three fell up. My back slammed into the door and I actually cried for a few seconds when I hit. All I could think is "I don't have time to go to the doctor this week."

Also during our great Saturday, the Boy and the Girl were playing upstairs. The Girl went to use the restroom when the Boy decided to barge in. She reacted and slammed the door shut. Unfortunate for the Boy, his mouth is at the exact same height as the door handle. A corner of his front tooth is now MIA. In his usual fashion, he cried for a while but was clueless about the chip for about five hours. Apparently, he had been barging in all day, even when it was locked. I found his overturned piggy bank in his room which supported her claim that he was unlocking the door when she was in there. Okay, he's three, do I really have the longevity to stay at the top of my game for the next 15+ Years? Scary.

I took him to the dentist today and had the tooth filed and smoothed out a bit. Did I mention we were just there last Thursday to check on the Girl's teeth? She has some type of problem with her teeth that resolves itself 2/3 of the time. Guess what...it looks like we are in the 1/3 that needs an intervention. I think I'm going to start writing blank checks and just handing them out to people as they go by.

The good thing about the dentist is they have all those cool arcade games (Centipede, Ms PacMan, Dig Dug, Donkey Kong, etc). Thankfully the kids can't play them for long before they are called back for their teeth cleaning...leaving uninterrupted time for the adults to play.

Trip to Michigan

Where is the mitten? The Boy asked as he looked out the window of the plane as we made our landing approach. I have been pointing out the state of Michigan on the map for weeks. The kids (and anyone else from Michigan) can always pick it out since it looks like a mitten. He finally decided the "clouds must be covering it up".

Me and the kids went up North to visit my Grandmother, my Aunt, my Uncle and my cousins. We hadn't been up to visit in over three years. It's hard to believe.

I was worried about traveling with the kids by myself, but it was relatively painless. The kids each had their backpacks full of "surprise" stuff. The long lines here at home didn't seem to bother them. As we lined up in the security line they each pulled off their shoes and tossed their backpacks in their bins and went through security like old pros. We did wear our crocs and flip flops which made things easier. My eyes were glued to their shoes and we used the escalator-I didn't want my children maimed in a fight between their shoes and the escalator.

On our way back The Girl went through security without any help. I had a flash-forward to her heading off to hike through Europe. The hassle of flying not even a thought in her mind.

We had so much fun on our trip. We went the Detroit Zoo. http://www.detroitzoo.org/ It was a full day..a lot to see. I was surprised so many things came back to me from my childhood. The polar bears were awesome! The Penguinarium was still the same. It was like a scene from Happy Feet. I was waiting for one of them to start tap dancing.

We enjoyed the beautiful weather and catching up with family. Eating Frozen Custard. Riding 4-wheelers.

I hope we can all go next time and stay a week. There wasn't enough time! Thanks to our gracious hosts!

A little scare

Last month I had a medical scare. I went to the doctor and they sent me to have things checked out...thankfully everything turned out okay.



The weird thing is how fast life can change. The mere thought of cancer stops you in your tracks. At the same time, you are years down the road visualizing your family without you in it. Wondering if your children will remember you. Wondering what they will remember about you (now that's even scarier). Wondering what will people think when they see the crap in your closets.



Then you snap back to reality. Not wanting to get ahead of yourself. Knowing the chance of getting from here to there is statistically a long shot.



All in all, I want to live my life more intentionally. I feel I live my life like a reaction to the things around me rather than with the kind of purpose I wish I had.

God's word

A day in the life...

Monday we were on our way to soccer practice. The Girl was reading a Bible story to the Boy. The Boy was not happy with the selection. He asked her to read something else..said this story was boring...then when his request was not granted...began hitting and scratching her. All while I am trying to drive.

Of course, she retaliated..hitting and yelling. Finally, mid swing she says, "Stop. I hate You! You need to stop. I'm trying to read God's Word".

Book 'em

Yesterday, The Boy had an unscheduled trip. On our way home from preschool, he repeatedly wiggled out of his seat belt. After telling him to buckle up several times, I finally cashed in on a something I'd been threatening for quite a while. I told him if he didn't put his seat belt on correctly, I was going to take him to the police station. He did not comply, so I drove him to the station.

At first he refused to go in, but I picked him up and carried him to the reception desk and asked for a police officer. One was sitting close by and asked what I needed.

I explained that my son repeated unbuckled in the car and often unbuckled his sister. The officer took my cue and played "bad cop". It's safe to say there was a little interrogation followed by a serious reprimand. The police officer asked his name, age and if his mother had told him to wear his seat belt. The Boy ignored the first two questions, but quickly informed the officer that his mother had NOT told him to wear a seat belt. (I guess that settles it...it's all my fault). The officer didn't bite. He asked him again..."Your mother hasn't told you to wear your seat belt?" "No" he replied again. The officer then took another approach. "Boy, you'd better wear your seat belt. I wear mine. Your mom wears hers. Your mom will get in big trouble if you aren't wearing your seat belt. And if your mom brings you here again and you're not wearing your seat belt, YOU are going to be in big trouble. Do you hear me?" He did answer "Yes Sir" and we left.

Oh , was he mad at me. He told me that I was going to jail. He told me he was embarrassed. He told me "I thought you were taking me to the grocery store".

Did our field trip pay off? Who knows. Only time will tell.

To be honest, I was a bit surprised that the officer was so stern. Although I was grateful.

Go Thunder!

Go #3

Visit with Big Daddy

We had a wonderful time last weekend when Big Daddy, my father-in-law, came to visit. I loved having his company through carpool duty and various other tasks. We surprised The Girl and met her for lunch. Big Daddy got to meet the teachers and see the school. Everyone was on their best behavior...thankfully.

The weekend was filled with Soccer. Friday night game for The Boy and Saturday morning game for The Girl. The weather was stifling. It desperately needed to rain but never did. The kids enjoyed their games, although the skill level of the competitors put ours to shame. This week both kids will have practice, so the next games might be better. The Girl had never played a game of soccer before and all of her practices were rained out, but she still was willing to give it a try. She did a great job.

Soccer Anyone?

The weeks are starting to get busier and busier. Soccer started this week. The Boy had his first game. He was giddy with excitement. After a slow, unsure start, he was running with the pack of three year olds chasing the ball. He scored three of the five goals.

You could see the kids wondering "is it okay if I TAKE the ball from the other kid". Parents spend so much time telling kids to share...now we're yelling "take the ball" from the side lines. Some kids responded much better than the others. Some ended up on the sidelines sucking their thumbs and twisting their hair...the pressure must have been too much. One kid who was getting tired of running, got his sister's chair and plopped it down in the middle of the field and took a seat.

A few times, when The Boy got close to the goal but overshot it, he'd ball up his hands into fists and push it with the top of his hand. I guess that wasn't "touching" the ball in his mind.

The Girl and her dad passionately yelled from the sidelines. Their shared competitiveness was a bit disturbing.

RIP: Twinkle Diamond Star

Friday night we held a funeral for our fish, Twinkle Diamond Star. "She" had been the Girl's fish for over two years, but the last few weeks have been a downward spiral.

Things have been busy, so we put the fish "on ice" until we could get to the service on Friday. The Girl chose the "headstone" and decorated it.

Busy Week

We've been busy this week finishing up tennis lessons and getting our Soccer schedule for both the kids. This will be our first year doing Soccer. One practice and One game per week/per kid...so it will be a big time commitment. We're not sure if some of the games will overlap. If so, we will have to divide and conquer.

Girl Scouts starts next week for The Girl (I'm co-leading). Preschool begins next week for The Boy. I hope to log some more work hours once we get our school schedules in full swing. I'm ready to reengage my business brain.

If I could only fit in a workout or two!

We've scheduled a trip to Michigan to see some of the family. We haven't been since the Boy was about six months old (he's 3 1/2 now). Can't wait to take two kids on an airplane by myself. (How much is a cocktail on a plane these days?)

Have you heard this song?

The boy came home from Parent's Morning Out singing a classic song.

This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine...

I started singing all the verses right along with him. I just sat back and listened as he got his favorite verse.

Don't let SANTA blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine.

Let the games begin...

The school year has started. Although some Summer days really seemed like they would never end, the overall summer really went by quickly.

The Boy stated a new Parents Morning Out on Monday. Giving the Girl and Me a chance for a "girls day". We had a pedicure and went for "brunch". The kids seemed genuinely glad to be reunited that afternoon. Maybe the time apart was good for everyone.

The Girl started second grade on Tuesday. Her teacher has been at the school quite several years (six I think). She seems great! We're really looking forward to the upcoming year.

Today I am home with the Boy. We will head out in a little while to get his hair cut. (yes it's that time again...isn't it always that time?) In the meantime, I am trying to nurse a sick Betta fish back to life....I've already investigated some euthanasia suggestions. Apparently, cutting it's head off is not humane (oh really??) but letting it swim in Vodka is the method of choice. Now since we are not big drinkers I'm not planning to head to the liquor store to buy a bottle of vodka just for Twinkle Diamond Star. I'm also not ready to solicit my neighbors for a shot of Vodka..."for my fish"....I'm not sure they'd believe me.

Medieval Times

To celebrate The Girl's Seventh Birthday we went to Medieval Times. It was so much fun. The kids were in awe as we cheered on the Blue Knight.

http://www.medievaltimes.com/home.aspx

Little Picasso

Here's the painting the Boy did at his Little Picasso camp in July. He painted it all himself by following the instructions of his teacher. Impressed? We were. His sister...less impressed...more annoyed!

Two more Grocery Shopping Days until school starts

We are in the homeward stretch. School starts next Tuesday and I'm way more excited than my kids.

I can sense that the wheels are about to fall off the wagon. Each day as we venture into public I feel like I'm holding my breath. It's crazy this time of year, there are so many things that need to be done the week or two before school starts, so the fun comes to a bit of a halt. Today we went to the chiropractor. Before hand, I explained the expected behavior, followed by the consequence for bad behavior. Everyone knew the rules. They both started strong but as soon as it was my turn to lay down on the table...unable to view the happenings in the room...the mischief begins.

It's to the point that we are all a bit sick of each others company but I feel like we can hold on for a few more days. When school starts, I'll tell them I miss them when they come home from school...and I will be telling the truth. But I hope I don't come unglued in the meantime.

I smell Twizzlas

Last night was rough. The kids did not want to go to sleep and I was feeling exhausted from the a/c-free night the night before.

The girl wanted me to sleep with her since the "air conditioning is kinda freaking me out". The boy wanted to read about 300 books. My one and only, just in from the airport, just wanted to get the kids to bed and relax.

I offered up a plan, that seemed like a good idea at the time. At least it kept me out of the immediate equation. The boy could sleep in his sister's room. This freed me from staying with her. Books were no longer of interest to the boy, if he could sleep in his sister's room. My one and only could leave the three-foot stack of books behind and "veg" for awhile.

I could retire to the family room to watch one of the ten "Jon and Kate plus 8" episodes stacking up on our TIVO. No sooner did I sit down in the chair...remote in one hand...twizzlers in the other. I hear footsteps down the stairs. Instinctively, I shove the twizzlers behind my back and stop chewing. Next the boy rounds the corner...all smiles. "Hi" he says "I smell Twizzlas" (there are few Rs in his vocab these days).

Are you kidding me? He could smell them from across the room? Is it really possible? Well he approached me (led by his ultra sensitive nose, I guess) pushed me aside and exposed the Twizzler bag. I relented and gave them each one and sent them back to bed. Yes, without brushing their teeth.

In the end, I had to return them to their own rooms and put them BOTH to bed.

A sigh of relief or is that heat exhaustion?

This week is the first of our summer weeks with a few free days on our calendar. This has worked to our advantage, as our upstairs A/C went out and our free time has been spent at the pool or getting quotes.

It was a balmy 89 degrees one day and 90 the next in our upstairs. My one and only was in humidity-free Denver...coincidence??? You decide! The kids and I weathered the heat by staying up late with "Movie Night" allowing the outside temp to drop. Then we had a sleepover in my room. This may have been a strategic mistake, since it was quite toasty until about 1am (maybe the living room was a better venue).

Thankfully, the next day the air was repaired although it is still struggling to keep up with the Georgia heat. We've come to the realization that a new a/c unit is in our future. I've talked to a few people and will finish up estimates tomorrow and we will be several thousand dollars poorer by the end of the month.

Art Camp

A note from the boy....

I am going to Art Camp this week. I love my friend, Emma, in my class. I love my sister too) I made flowers and I'm painting a picture on canvas. We also have music with Mr. Sean. Mr. Sean is Awesome.

Yesterday, I got my haircut at a real barber shop.

I like to type all kinds of random letters when my mom is typing...so we're cutting my update short.

Girl Scout Camp

A note from the girl....

This week I am at Girl Scout Camp along with five of my friends. We are having a great time. Everyday we have special activities: Outdoor cooking, Swim Lessons and Canoeing. Swimming is Awesome! Hopefully, on Friday we can try "Weird Science".

The only bad part is I have to get up early to be ready to leave at 7:00am.

Ribbon Count

The Ribbon Count:

--First Place: 3

--Second Place: 5

--Fifth Place: 1

Not bad for the first year on the swim team. We are still waiting for this week's ribbons. Her events: 25m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle Relay and 25m Backstroke

The girl is in the closest lane in the attached picture.

Swimmer Update

The girl is suffering from a case of swimmer's ear, but she participated in the final swim meet of the season on Thursday. I think she's paying for it again today, as she is in a great deal of pain again. Poor girl!

Unfortunately, her mother is not the most compassionate nurse...too bad her grandmother doesn't live closer to give her the right balance of love and medical care!

Wren's Nest Fest

We had the opportunity to enjoy the Annual festival at the Wren's Nest near downtown Atlanta. The Wren's Nest Fest takes place at the home (now museum) of Joel Chandler Harris-the Author of Uncle Remus Tales (you remember Brer Rabbit?)

http://www.wrensnestonline.com/index.php

I was a little unsure of how long we would stay when we first arrived. There weren't many people there and it seemed like everyone already knew one another, but we decided to give it a try. We were very glad we did. They had pony rides, a moon walk, snow cones, face painting, cookie decorating and a story telling gallery. Oh the art of storytelling is one I've always coveted. The story tellers were captivating.

Florida Vacation

Wow, we've had a busy few weeks.

While my "One and Only" went away on business to Niagara Falls, the kids and I headed to Florida to visit the Grandparents. We had a relaxing time...lots of swimming and enjoying life without too much of a schedule.

Our highlights:

• Trip to the farm: We bought corn at the farm. The line was so long so I was hoping that was a good sign and it was. It was DELICIOUS! As we waited, a tractor pulled up and dumped the newly picked corn into the Fruit and Veggie stand. You don't see that in the big city, my friend! I'm not sure my children realized corn came from anywhere other than the grocery store.


• Day at the Beach: We looked like those people in the old Huey Lewis and the News video-"If this is it". We toted all of our gear out to the beach. The adults sat in the shade of the canopy while the kids played in the water. We saw dolphins, a small shark...plus the usual, fish and crabs...not to mention the native creature...the local...complete with cigarette hanging from their lips while they yell at their kin.


• Adjustable Bed and Inversion table: Oh yes...it's like having an amusement park right inside the house. My parents bought an adjustable bed. They have come to terms with their decision and are loving every minute of it. The kids thought it was the greatest thing ever (I'll attach a picture). The inversion table...a contraption that one uses to flip themselves upside down-after securing their legs into these crazy straps. I'm still not sure of the purpose. When I'm on it, I feel like my head is going to explode. Charlie was too small for it. Emma spent several minutes of every day hanging upside down. When the adults refused to get up and strap her in again and again, she learned to do it herself.

Goats on the Roof

Why would they name a store "Goats on the Roof"? Maybe because there are goats on the roof (can you see one by the sign).

Last year we passed by this store...this year we vowed to stop. The parking lot was packed. The kids loved it. There was even a contraption to put goat food into a little container and crank it to the top. The goats stood there waiting at the edge of the roof ready to start snacking.

Don't worry the goats can stroll down a ramp to get back down on the ground so it's not like they are stuck up there. They can also head across some kind of bridge to another building. It's all a bit weird....no doubt it will end up in a Jeff Foxworthy routine one day.

Enjoying the "Rain"

The kids enjoyed the "rain" in the garden in Highlands. All the Aunts worked hard making a beautiful garden even more stunning. When the watering started, the kids grabbed their umbrellas and enjoyed a nice shower.

Can't forget the boy!

A few mornings to myself

The kids are at Vacation Bible School this week and loving it. It's one of the few activites they both seem equally excited about. Every night at dinner we have had song and dance included...complete with "Elvis Finish".

Monday was the first night of tennis lessons for both kids. Next week we will have to bring a spray bottle or something. It was hot! The boy was so excited to have his sister waiting on the sidelines for a change. It's usually him waiting for her.

Tonight is Swim Meet #2 for the girl. I picked up her ribbons from last week's meet. Two second Place and One First place. You go girl!

I've got to retake my certification exam...I missed a passing grade by less than a point! I'm not happy!

The hubby heads for Canada this weekend. Wish I could go with him, but will take the kids on an adventure to pass the time until he gets back.

What's my time?

Our little Swimmer

"The girl" swam in her first swim meet last week. After a scare during warm ups (a mouthful of water), she raced in the 25 meter freestyle, 25 meter backstroke and the 100 meter freestyle relay. She placed first or second in each race. She claims she "saved the day" in the relay... which was a real confidence builder. She can't wait for the next meet.

"The boy" was on a continuing trip the concession stand during the course of the meet. Thankfully, he was taken home to go to bed before we ran out of money. We will be better prepared next time. He has shown very little interest in swim practice until I mentioned we were going to see his sister race. "I want to race" was his immediate response. Maybe it's a boy thing. I plan to have him swimming by next summer, so I can have have one hour each morning to myself...sitting poolside...maybe even enjoying a book.

I'm Blogging...are you kidding me?

I have had enough of that sinking feeling that reminds me that another day has passed and I have not "caught up" with my friends and family. As a result, I am diving into the Blog-zone. It's my attempt to reconnect with those who are important to me while juggling life with "the boy" and "the girl".