It's a THAT FAMILY CHRISTmas!!

"MERRY CHRISTmas?? I thought you said, SCARY CHRISTmas, Mama!"

That Dog taking cover under the CHRISTmas tree

Throwing food for the Reindeer

A big handful from That Kid

Opening his CHRISTmas jammies

"I love these jammies! I will give them a big hug!"

Leaving cookies for Santa...we also left the Reindeer some dog treats. They like those better than carrots!

SANTA CAME!

Walking down the hall to see what Santa brought

"AWWWWWWW YEAH! It's a Zippity!"

"Green paper? For meeeeeeeee? Thank you!"

That Kid got a bike from That Gramma and That Pappy (aka That Mother-in-Law and That Step-Father-in-Law).

Dressed and ready to go to That Gramma and That Pappy's house

A simple request of standing in front of the door for a picture results in That Kid posing

"I'm too cool for this, Mama!"

Unwrapping more presents at home, wearing his new bike helmet. He's special.

The next day, we played in the snow!!!!!

That Dad pulling That Kid's sled back up the hill

That Kid is done with the sled, and wanted to make snow bricks

Rosy cheeks from the cold

"I just want to lay here, Mama. A snow nap sounds nice!"

My real resolution

OK...I had a lot of fun with yesterday's post. I really did learn that only 5% of all resolutions set at the beginning of the year are kept and still going at the end of the year, and while I would love to start smoking, drinking more and spending more time on the internet, my real resolution is to prepare healthy meals for my family, and to eat them as a family.

I got the Deceptively Delicious cookbook for Christmas, and have a plan. On Sundays, I'm going to plan our menu. On Monday, I'm going to buy the food we need for the week while That Kid is at school, and on Wednesdays, prepare my pureed vegetables. I will make sure that I have enough pureed veggies on hand for Monday and Tuesday's meals.

Now, the trick will be having That Dad WANT to sit down and eat with us. He likes to eat late-ish. Around 8:30 or 9:00. That obviously doesn't work for a family with a 3 year old to sit down together and have a family meal. So, That Kid usually eats around 6:30 or so, and we eat later. We prepare two meals. If you could call it that. That Kid usually has lunch meat, fruit, and cheese for dinner. And lunch. And breakfast, if I'd let him. Sometimes he throws in a yogurt.

We'll see if this works. I really hope it does, because I'd like for That Kid to eat more than "butter jelly saniches", lunch meat, and cheese!

New Year Resolutions...

That Mama's Resolutions

Start smoking
Drink more
Spend more time on the internet

That Kid's Resolutions

Bite more kids at school
Make bigger messes with toys
Make Mama go completely gray by 2011

Bring on 2010!!! We're not setting our goals high...we don't want to disappoint ourselves. We learned today in church that only 5% of resolutions set are still in place at the end of the year. I can say that I am confidant I will succeed in keeping my resolutions! ;)

CHRISTmas traditions

This year, I'm making sure we start traditions. Sure, we've had a couple in the past. New PJs opened on CHRISTmas Eve, leaving cookies for Santa and dog treats for the reindeer, a letter to That Kid from Santa, opening our CHRISTmas gifts from each other CHRISTmas evening. But this year, I want to start a couple new ones.

We're hosting CHRISTmas Eve dinner at our house. I'm super excited!! I'm planning for That Kid and That Kid's cousin to sit down and listen to me read T'was the Night Before CHRISTmas after we eat dinner. I'm hoping that every year we host CHRISTmas Eve dinner I can do this. Also, at CHRISTmas breakfast, I'm going to read the CHRISTmas story. I can't decide if I want to read it from the Bible, or just from a storybook we have. This year, That Kid would probably enjoy the storybook more.

Also, That Mother-in-Law and That Step-Father-in-Law are coming over for CHRISTmas breakfast. Biscuits and gravy (using That Papa's gravy recipe...I chickend out and bought frozen biscuits this year), fresh OJ made from our Jack LaLanne juicer, and Scrammies with cheese. And coffee, of course! Then, That Brother-in-Law and That Sister-in-Law will come to open gifts here, and we'll go to That Mother-in-Law's house for an Open House where we'll get to see people we (for the most part) don't know. That Dad will be chasing That Kid through the townhouse, and I'll be sitting there trying to make polite conversation with strangers. Doesn't that just sound like kick-you-in-the-teeth fun??!!?? Did I mention there's no CHRISTmas dinner? Just appetizers. Whoopie! I offered to make something in the crock pot for CHRISTmas dinner, and That Dad said, "We never have anything to eat on CHRISTmas night!" and I told him, "We always have a big dinner in the afternoon!" Oh well...we'll make sammies or something...start another tradition with that, too!

If someone offers you a free bird...

don't take it. That Freaking Bird...That stupid freaking bird...it's so high maintenance! I mentioned before that every THREE WEEKS I have to take him and have his beak trimmed. Thankfully, That Mother-in-Law pays for that. At the last appointment, I asked about giving him vitamins since he doesn't eat very well. Dr. Birdman told me that I should give That Freaking Bird "Sea Water". What's Sea Water??!!?? Here's how you make it.

1/4 tsp of Iodine
1 quart of water

The end.

Except, that's not the end. I have to give That Freaking Bird fresh water every day. With 1 tsp of Sea Water mix in it. This quart of Sea Water, which That Dad had to purchase a $5 bottle of iodine in order for us to have, is going to last us until That Freaking Bird dies.

I also need to give That Freaking Bird a jalapeno every three days. Cut it in half, expose the seeds, and clip it in the cage. Did I mention this bird was FREE??!!??

Having a happy CHRISTmas

This time of year is always hard. You want your kids to have a perfect CHRISTmas; you want your family to be happy. However, what's the price of a perfect CHRISTmas?

I was speaking to a mother today who told me her husband lost his job 2 weeks ago. My mind started spinning. What did I have at home that I could anonymously put on their porch so they could have a happy CHRISTmas? Then she dropped the bomb. "I will go into debt for my kids to have a good CHRISTmas!"

Why? Why go into debt? Presents will come and go. Pieces will be lost. Toys will get broken. This year's big present will probably be sold at a yard sale in the spring. Is it really worth it? The look on your child's face when s/he sees what Santa left them is priceless...but it doesn't pay the bills. Sadly, you can't send pictures of your child as payment for your electric bill (though I wish you could! That Kid is so cute we wouldn't have to pay ever again!).

Oh...and the shortbread came out tasty and delicious. :) Dipped it in chocolate, sprinkled it with sea salt, and we're good to go. That Dad, upon seeing my shortbread said, "Oh! Shortbread!" I thought he was saying it in a "Hey, I love shortbread" way. But a'las...it was "WTF?!? I hate shortbread!" Maybe he should have been a bigger part of the cookie selection process. And next year when I say, "What cookies do you want me to make?" he can say, "I don't wany any shortbread!"

CHRISTmas treats

I have been baking since noon today. That Mother-in-Law came over, and we made her snowball cookies, and her candy cane cookies; and I made dough for snickerdoodles, shortbread, chocolate mint cookies, and jeweled cookies. I have baked the snickerdoodles, and mint cookies, have the shortbread in the oven right now, and will be saving the jeweled cookies for tomorrow. Did I mention it's now 8pm??!!?? My feet hurt. That Kid is on a sugar high that he probably won't come down from until CHRISTmas morning. I just want to crawl in bed and sleep.

Other CHRISTmas treats made this week include, Oreo truffles; Chocolate truffles with Sea Salt (thanks to Ree over at thepioneerwoman.com); fudge (just made that in the microwave...) and sugar cookies (pre bought dough) frosted green (store bought frosting) and decorated with sprinkles and red licorice for That Kid to take to his teachers today.

I love this time of year, but think I'm an overacheiver. Two kinds of cookies would have probably been enough. But I will mention that I cut my list waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back. I was going to make 14 different things. I got smart.

OK...the shortbread is going off. I'm gonna go check this out and hope it turned out well. Otherwise, you'll hear about it tomorrow.

Edward he's not...

About three weeks ago, That Kid started biting. Of course he'd bitten before; earlier in the year he left a real nice bruise on my leg where the little vampire bit me. However, now he's biting other kids.

He has bitten two kids at church, and two kids at school, and tried to bite two more kids at school. I just don't know what to do.

I don't mind being That Mama when it comes to sweets, and tantrums, and over-buying at CHRISTmas...but I'm not going to be That Mama who's kid bites. Who has parents run in the other direction when That Kid walks towards their pwecious kids. Thankfully, That Kid's school has a policy about biting...they won't tell me who That Kid bit, and they won't tell the other mother who bit their child. I wish our church had the same policy. It would make my life so much easier!

No picture with the Fat Man this year!!

Here is last year's picture.

This year's picture had the makings of something quite, quite similar. That Kid was so excited to see Santa, he waved and yelled, "HI SANTA!! HI SANTA!!!!!!" when Santa waved to him, and I said, "Do you want to go see Santa?" "Yes Mama! Yes, see Santa!"

So, That Dad, That Kid, and I all ventured into Santa's wonderland. And guess what? I picked That Kid up out of his stroller, and took him over towards Santa...and he started sobbing. Wouldn't sit on his lap, wouldn't talk to him. He did blow him kisses, though. At least he didn't do like my friend C's little boy does...when people ask him what Santa is bringing him he says, "Santa isn't coming to my house!! He's a robber!"

Maybe next year I'll get another cute picture like I did that first year!

It may just be a sign That Kid watches too much television!

This morning after school, I took That Kid grocery shopping. And he was perfect. Just sat playing with my Nintendo DS. He got a new car for being so good. :)

When we were going in the store, he saw the Subway sign across the parking lot. He yelled, "Eat fresh, Mama! Eat fresh!" Then he saw the sign for Papa Murphy's and said, "HEY! Pizza, Mama!"

He can also sing the jingle for one of the casinos here, along with the Empire Carpet jingle (800-588-2300.......Empire!!!!!!!!!!). Clearly, he watches too much television. The boy can't say his name clearly, but he can sing jingles and knows that Subway's catch phrase is Eat fresh. Fabulous.

Not Me Monday

Last week was not very painful for me. Emotionally, and physically.

Wednesday was not the EDD of my first angel baby Ramen. He would have been six, had he lived. We did not put our CHRISTmas tree up on Wednesday, putting Ramen's ornament on last. That Kid did not kiss Ramen's ornament and say, "I love you, Brother!" and I did not cry. That Onna (formally That Grandma) did not say, "That Kid is going to think his brother is a CHRISTmas ornament!"

Also on Wednesday, I was not helping That Dad by measuring the front porch to determin how many strings of CHRISTmas lights we needed to buy. I was not talking to That Onna on the phone at the same time. And I most definately did not let my grip go on the tape measure. The tape did not fly back in the tape measure at an alarmingly high rate of speed, and did not cut the tip of my finger. I did not lose 4 layers of skin. There is not a huge hole in my left index finger now.

To wrap my week up, on Thursday I was not going to Costco with That Mother-in-Law; That Step-Father-in-Law; That Dad and That Kid. That Kid was not asleep, and when I was not carrying him down two itty bitty stairs into the garage I did not fall. I did not keep a hold on That Kid, and he did not stay asleep. I also did not injur myself. My foot is not injured, and I did not cut my wrist on the cabinets in the garage. And, I did not tell That Dad I wanted to go to Costco anyway! We did not go get several things for CHRISTmas, including That Kid's CHRISTmas pajamas...which are really not a CHRISTmas print but still very, very cute and a great deal. And I did not get a set of CHRISTmas DVDs I have wanted for years. They were not on a very, very good sale. And I did not chose the DVDs over a book for That Kid.

Finally, for you watchers of Desperate Housewives, last night's episode did not traumatize That Kid. He ususally doesn't get to watch Desperate Housewives with me. But, he was asleep when I started it. How was I supposed to know he was going to wake up right before a plane crashed into Santa's Workshop?!? He did not start yelling, "OH NO! OH NO WATCH OUT!" and then when the plane crashed he did not start sobbing. And he most certainly did not, every few minutes after that say, "Plane! Plane crash in house!" and start crying all over again. I did not feel awful. Guess I will not have to be more careful what I'm watching when I think That Kid is asleep and out for the night!

What's your name little boy, what's your name?

We've been working with That Kid, trying to get him to say his full name in case he's ever lost. We say, "Can you say C_______ J________ N_________?" and he says, "Tintin Mehs Gergerber." Not even close. The initials aren't even the same!

That Dad says we'll be watching the news one of these nights when our favorite news anchor will say, "We have breaking news! Tintin Mehs Gergerber has been found. Anyone with information about Tintin, please call the police department so they can reunite this oddly named child with his parents!"

Return of the Ghost

That Kid hasn't talked about his ghost for a while. All of the sudden, he's talking about it (him?) again. He will creep down the hall whispering, "Come on, Mama! Come see ghost!" and will peek around the bedroom door to see the ghost.

Last night, he was walking down the hall looking for the ghost. He went into my bedroom and got up on the bed, then started talking to the ghost. He was saying, "Gramma? Gramma??!!??" not in a "Hey, it's my Gramma" way (which would be extra creepy since Gramma is still alive), but in a "Why are you talking about my Gramma?" way.

Needless to say, That Dad was freaked out. I really need to take pictures and see if something comes out on the camera like my ghost hunting friend from across the pond suggested.

Poop...it's the new "FIRE"

That Kid has taken a disliking to his jammies (or jammas, as he calls them). He yells, "NO! No jammas!" and kicks and flails while I try to put them on him. Once I get them on him, he takes them back off and throws them as far away from himself as he possibly can.

Getting That Kid ready for bed tonight, I put his jammies BACK on him. And he started yelling, "POOP! POOPPOOPPOOP!!!! POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!" like there was some major emergency. I asked him if he pooped, he said no. I asked him if he needed to poop, he said no. I asked him if he wanted to keep his jammies off *just in case* he pooped, and he smiled and kissed my arm. Little manipulator. And his jammies are (currently) on. We'll see if they're still on once I make my return.

Chestnut Pie

Happy Thanksgiving, all! Hope you had wonderful days with your families, and ate yourselves stuffed!

We had an interesting day. It was my first time hosting, and I was excited to do that. Until I woke up that morning only to discover That Kid had found my lipgloss in the middle of the night and decided to finger paint while That Dad and I (sort of) slept. Wednesday night/Thursday morning was not good sleep time. We were up coughing half the night. I seriously have no idea how That Kid found time to fingerpaint on my dresser (and ruin a shirt That Grandma gave him)! I'm just thankful that he didn't decide to go fingerpaint on Mama's new slipcovers in the living room. I would have been eating turkey from the county jail had that happened!

That Mother-in-Law arrived to help me with the turkey about 8:30, and we set the dining room table. After the turkey was done, she left to get herself ready, and came back around noon; bringing That Step-Father-In-Law with him (That Dad still can't remember that he has a STEP FATHER and keeps calling his Step Father "My Father-in-Law". When he tells people that his mother lives with his Father-in-Law I'm sure people think our family is a special sort of crazy. Every time he says Father-in-Law in reference to his Step Father I tell him, "Leave my Daddy out of it!" ;) ).

We finished getting appetizers set out for our first round, and That Dad's cousin brought his wife and their family. Had a nice time visiting with the "Thanksgiving Family" (because that's pretty much the only time we see them...unless there's a funeral or wedding, or we need our house refinanced; That Dad's cousin is a mortgage broker.), and after they left That Mother-in-Law and I got dinner ready and set out. Except for the green salad, which I totally forgot to make; and the fruit salad, which I did make but forgot to uncover. Next year I'm making a list. And when That Dad said the Thanksgiving prayer, he made sure to be thankful for the fact that That Kid fell asleep before dinner and we could eat in peace! :)

About 9PM, That Mother-in-Law and That Step-Father-in-Law took off, leaving us pie. Delicious pie with a butter crust That Step-Father-in-Law made from scratch. Pumpkin Chiffon, and Pecan (which is my most favorite pie!!! Especially with a butter crust that tastes just like butter cookies!). As we're enjoying our Pecan Pie, That Dad looks at me and says, "I wonder how this pie would taste with chestnuts instead of pecans? Use the same filling, but substitute chestnuts!" and I told him I wasn't sure, I'd never had a chestnut before. Then, That Dad made the best statement of all time. He said, "You haven't had any of the chestnuts yet?" And it hit me. The bowl of nuts that we have out on the table...the bowl of nuts that each evening, because I love him, I take a few nuts out and crack them for him, the PECANS his mother and step-father brought back from Georgia, are the CHESTNUTS of which he was speaking. Poor guy...he still won't know what chestnut pie tastes like. And he won't be able to roast the chestnuts on an open fire like he was planning on doing...because they're pecans. :)

Mortified. That's all I can say.

Today, That Kid went to school. Since it's Thanksgiving week, he only went to school one day this week...and it happened to be today. And I used my time away from That Kid to go grocery shopping for the big day with That Mother-in-law in peace. We got everything we needed, plus the new Vanity Fair magazine with Robert Pattinson on the cover. (Mama, he's Edward in Twilight. Go find a picture of him somewhere. I swear you will want to print the picture out and carry it around with you like Mimi carried the picture of the goats.)

I went back to school to pick up That Kid, and his favorite aide tells me that his nose has been runny all day, green nasty snot, and he couldn't breath. Fabulous. He didn't have a runny green nose yesterday, he didn't have a green runny nose this morning when I dropped him off (that I noticed). But, after I dropped him off his nose started running green, and he couldn't breath. Now that he's back home, he seems to be feeling better (except at lunch when he had some ice cream and got an ice cream headache. He started proclaiming, "My head hurt!" and then ate some french fries.)

But the green snotty nose wasn't the worst of it. Since there are only six kids in That Kid's class, we are required to provide our own snacks each day. Not a big deal. That Kid loves those yogurt melts from Gerber, along with cheese and breadstick dippers, crackers, raisins, and popcorn. I typically send a sippy cup with juice or milk in it, take the cup out each morning after I pick That Kid up, and wash it immediately. Well...Friday was different. We didn't go straight home. And by the time we got home, I just wanted to rest, and get ready to go see New Moon. I thought nothing of the sippy cup of milk that was sitting in his backpack. This morning when I put the cup of juice in his backpack, I didn't see that the cup from Friday was still in the bag because it was covered by his wipes. However, when I was checking his bag after school...THERE IT WAS. Milk, from Friday, sitting in the bag. That Dad said, "CPS should be here any minute, huh?" I'm sure if it happens again they will...but hopefully his teacher will give me a free pass. I may be That Mama, but I'm not THAT irresponsable! ;)

I don't have a penis

That Kid is sick again. He's been complaining ever since he woke up this morning that his ears hurt, and has been generally clingy and whiny. We're going to the doctor at 11, in case it's an ear infection. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

In an attempt to get things hurried along this morning, I tossed That Kid into the tub with me. I gave him a washcloth with some of his yummy oatmeal baby wash on it, and told him to wash his penis. So he did. And then...the words every mother dreads were uttered from my baby's mouth...

"Where your penis, Mama? It goooooooooooooone!"

I told him Mama has something different, and left it at that. He didn't ask anything else. Nor will he be bathing with me again. Which sucks, because I like to give him his bath while I take mine. It's so much easier that way! Or it was, until this morning.

Sunny greetings from the Golden State!!

That Kid and I have been in the Golden State since Thursday. Yesterday was our first full day. He had a perfect plane ride, and I was just happy we got on the plane at all. Somehow, my brain got everything mixed up and we arrived at the airport at 9am for our 9:55 flight. We got on the plane at 9:45. I had sweat dripping down my face. I looked FABULOUS!

Yesterday, I got my hair cut. I get my hair cut every time I come visit. I have known my stylist since I was 3, and she used to sell me shoes. When the shoe store closed, she became a hair stylist, and has been doing my hair ever since. Yesterday, in a blast from the past, she once again sold me some shoes. :) I am now the very, very, very proud owner (Just ask That Grandma!) of a pair of white and silver Sketcher Shape Ups...and I can't wait to get back to the gym!!

Oooh...That Kid is awake. I better go see him, before he thinks I've left him here!!

Not Me Monday

Today, I did not take That Kid back to the audiologist. He did not do everything he was supposed to do, and was not perfect!!!! :D :D He does not have negative ear drum pressure, meaning that his ear drums aren't moving, probably left over from the croup he's getting over. :'( Luckily, his hearing is just fine!!! Yea That Kid!

Thursday, That Kid and I are not getting on an airplane bound for the Golden State. We have not been flying together since That Kid was 3 months old. He does not have more frequent flier miles than That Dad! ;) This is not going to be a quick five day trip; and we did not pick this week because That Kid doesn't have school on Monday. I am not pulling him out of school for THREE DAYS because he had a teacher planning day. I am not an irresponsible mother, I would not pull him out of school because of a one day event! Because of the negative ear drum pressure, I am not worried about him freaking out on the plane, so I did not buy him benedryl today. I did not give him some this afternoon to test it out and make sure he wouldn't be super hyper, and he did not fall asleep within five minutes. I do not think that benedryl is a miracle drug!!!

We also did not go Christmas shopping at the mall today with my friend and two of her kids. We did not play with puppies, and I did not want to buy That Kid a kitten. A cat, really. I do not love Persian cats, and there was not a Marmalade Persian at the pet store. While we were not shopping, we did not go to Pantera Bread for coffee. I did not, as we were walking out of the mall, spill some of my coffee on That Kid's head, and he did not smell like a Gingerbread latte for the rest of the day. It was not my second favorite smell on his hair, trumped only by the time we did not go to Cold Stone for ice cream when he was just 4 weeks old and his head smelled like a waffle cone for a week after that! He did not look at me and say, "Mah hair!!! Mama's drink!! Mah hair, mah hair!!!!!!" and I did not start laughing. I was also not followed out of the mall by mall security, which did not freak me out. They were not looking at a vehicle that was right by mine, and I was not allowed to go merrily on my way. :)

Finally, I am NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT looking forward to seeing New Moon in two weeks. There is not a group of us going on opening night. We are not going to wait in line for three hours before the show starts in order to guarantee us seats. I am not in love with Edward Cullen the 117 year old vampire. I did not go to a video store that was closing last week and buy a copy of Twilight and a box of New Moon Forbidden Fruits Sweetarts, and I am not re-reading Twilight.

OK, I'm not going back to watch Little People, Big World. I do not think that the Little People are headed for divorce. I do not think there is some strange TLC curse, and that the Duggars better end the show after this season before Jim Bob has to pay child support for those 19 kids!!! Nope...not me!!!!

Kids are intuitive

Recently, That Kid is talking to unseen-by-us objects. He waves at the sky and says, "Hi Ghost!" When he's pressed for information, he tells me that the ghost is white, and nice.

Since my father-in-law passed away, That Kid has waved at nothing. It's only been recently (in the last two weeks) that he actually says he sees a ghost. I know that he recently learned the word ghost at school, so I'm not sure if he just now knows what he's seeing, or if he's just being imaginative.

I did show him a picture of my father-in-law and ask him if that's his ghost, and he told me it wasn't, but then said yes it was. Also, since we've moved into this house (That Dad's childhood home, and where my father-in-law passed away), That Dad has had several dreams about his Dad; more vivid than the ones he had at our old house; and we've both been having dreams that he's called us to help us with things around the house. Like something breaks and while That Dad is trying to fix it his cell phone rings and his Dad is calling with instructions and ideas about how to fix it. It's always stuff in the house, and my father-in-law never wants to talk about things that are going on, just wants to tell That Dad how to repair the problem.

Who knows what's going on. If it truly is my father-in-law That Kid is seeing, I'm glad. I've been sad That Kid wouldn't remember his Grampa, but maybe he'll be able to know that his Grampa loves him and is still there for him...even if he can't hug him.

Wordless Wednesday

The return of the In-Laws

My mother-in-law and step father-in-law will be returning from their summer home in Washington sometime today. And today, of all days, is the day I chose to break down.

I will never be my mother-in-law. And now that we're living in her house, I'm afraid she's going to judge me. I don't keep house like she does, I don't decorate like she does, and I'm just afraid she's going to come in and hate what I've done to her home. I'm afraid at Thanksgiving she's going to hate my turkey, and my gravy...and I don't know why. My mother-in-law is one of the sweetest people I know and we have a great relationship; I know I'm blessed to have such a great mother-in-law. However, I just can't help but feel inadequate.

I never thought I'd have these feelings. And of course, when I told That Dad how I was feeling he said, "Don't worry! We won't even let them in the house!" :)

Not me Monday

That Kid is not home from school today. He does not have a cough that is deep, and nasty, and coming from his chest. I did not have to cancel a whole bunch of appointments today. He was not going to go see that mean audiologist that made me cry last month, and was not going to have his first real check up at the dentist today. That Dad is also not sick, and I do not have a sore throat and cough. We are not a sick family!!!

I was not going to go work out for the first time in two weeks. Having That Dad home with us three days a week is not making it difficult for me to work out. I do not tell him that I'm going to work out and he does not respond with, "But don't you want to go out for breakfast while That Kid is in school?" I am not a sucker for pancakes, bacon, and sausage. Especially the fancy flavored ones they have at U Jump right now. I think we're not going to have to go there in the next couple weeks so I can try pumpkin and egg nog pancakes.

That Kid has not lost his television privileges for two whole days. Today is not the first day. He did not throw That Dad's Mp3 player in the fish tank on Saturday, thus causing me to take him out of his costume without getting any pictures and keeping him home; and I did not tell him if he threw anything else in the fish tank he would lose his beloved TV time. Last night, after I put him in bed, he did not come get me and show me that he threw the fancy book light that came with my Snuggie in the tank. I did not make him apologize to the fish, because that would just be bizarre. And, I have not had to only tell him once why the TV isn't coming on today (for him, anyway). Nope...none of this is me. NOT ME!!!

Wanna come help us dig out?

"What are we doing, Mama??"

"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...This is fun!"

"But snow down my neck is SNOW fun!"

"I wanna play out here all day long, Mama!"

Snowballs on That Dog's leg. She had them on all four legs, and her tummy. That Kid thought it was fabulous!

So...two days of snow, and we're at about 18 inches or so. It's been nuts around here. That Kid, who's been in school for a grand total of THREE WEEKS has already had two teacher in-service days, and two snow days. He'll never have a full five day week at this rate! That Dad has been busy with the snowblower (thank goodness for snowblowers!), I've been busy keeping the coffee, hot spiced apple cider, and hot cocoa coming! And cooking. Lots of warm, comfort foods this week (speaking of cooking, I really, really, really want "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" That Grandma!! You can find it on Amazon.)!!

Come on over, help us dig out! I'll give you something warm to drink. :)

More important than anything else...

I have a very dear friend who is very sick right now. Upon a doctor's recommendation, she got the H1N1 vaccine. She stayed up doing research on the vaccine, and when she found out it was available she got it not only for herself, but for her three children as well. Shortly after the vaccination, she started having paralysis and other neurological issues.

Yesterday, she and her husband left for a hospital in a larger city, among other things for a spinal tap. She is very sure that she has Guillain Barre syndrome, that was triggered by the vaccine. She had to kiss her babies goodbye yesterday...the hardest thing she's ever done. Her two sons, Warrior and Forrest, have only been away from her overnight when she gave birth. Her sweet girl Fancy has never been away from her mother overnight, and isn't weened.

Please pray for my friend C and her husband L; their kids, and C's mom and aunt who are watching the kids right now. If C truly has GBS, there will be a very long hospital stay involved. A long stay away from her kids.

C, if you read this, remember that we all love you and there are more people praying for you than you can imagine. You're in my thoughts constantly, and we both know that our God is a God of miracles. He will get you through this.

Really? That really happened?

This morning, That Kid and I went to church, just as we do each Sunday. Hopefully some day That Dad will join us. But, anyway, the reason for this isn't to harp on That Dad for not coming to church. It's to complain about the jerk who, sometime between Friday afternoon and this morning, stole the GPS, radio adapter, and handful of quarters out of the car. None of my CDs were taken (clearly the theif has crappy taste...all my NKOTB CDs were in the car! ;) ), and my sunglasses weren't taken, but whoever did this ripped holes in our dashboard while they were removing the GPS system.

A report has been filed, and I need to find the box for the GPS system to get the serial number and model number for the report. Sigh...and today was going to be such a nice day, too! The sad thing is, I didn't even realize until I'd driven the 8 miles to church that our GPS system was gone. We keep this sticky pad on the dash that we put our cell phones and glasses on and it keeps them there while we drive and the freaking vandals, after ripping the GPS off the dash, put the pad over the holes they created in the leather on the dash.

Never again will I go out to the car and think that the reason there is a bunch of stuff on the passengers seat is because That Dad was looking for something in the console. And I just may go to the kid across the stree and punch him in the mouth...I'm sure he's got something to do with this...

What's that you hear?

NOTHING! SILENCE! BLISSFUL SILENCE!

Since That Kid was born, I can't really say that I've had much time to myself. Usually, That Kid is with me. Or That Dad. But today, That Kid is at school, That Dad is at work, and I'm kicked back. Bad Mama...I know. As soon as I hit "publish" I'm going to go hang up That Dad's clothes and put his drawers in the dresser.

But, I'm also going to take this time to brag on my kid. When he was 18 months old, his pediatrician was concerned because he only used four words. Yes, No, Mama, Dada. She recommended we put him in speech therapy. That started when he was 21 months old. He's now blossomed to at least 130 words. Last night, he was sitting by me when I was talking to That Grandma and That Dog started barking. That Kid looked at me and said, "OH NO! Sissy in trouble! Volcano! Volcano!" He also grabbed the phone from me and told That Grandma, "Phinny and Ferb COOL!" (He loves Phinneas and Ferb on the Disney Channel, and so do That Dad and I! What a great show. If you haven't watched it, you really must check it out!) Really...my baby boy isn't going to be in his special needs class for much longer! Just get him a little more structure, and he'll be going to the red door soon!

And I just have to say, I'm so proud of him today! He was EXCITED to go to school today! He did tell me on the way, "No School, Mama!" and I told him he was going to go see his school friends, and discussed who would be there. He still wasn't too sure, so I told him "School is like green beans for your BRAIN! It helps make your brain big and strong!" And through the purple door he went. :)

Not me Monday

That Family has been busy since moving, for sure! Not only did That Kid start school last week, but we've been making several trips to a certain store that sells things for the bedroom, bathroom, and beyond! We did not go last Tuesday, or last Wednesday, or last Saturday. Saturday's trip did not end up being a great Not me Monday topic. And I did not get a blue Snuggie that I would not be wearing if it were not 80 degrees today!

So........Saturday we ended up not going to that certain store mentioned above. We did not have a coupon for 20% off our ENTIRE PURCHASE. We did not go a little crazy buying things. I did not find an excellent deal on slipcovers for the couch and loveseat in the living room, and we did not get several Christmas presents for That Kid. We're not so prepared for Christmas that we're almost done shopping for That Kid. Nope, not us!

But that's not the best part of the story! Not even close!! Upon returning to That Family Car, That Dad did not unlock the car, throw his keys on the seat and slam the door...only to discover that the car was actually still locked because he hit the wrong button. He did not say to me, "Hey, you have your keys, right?" and I did not say, "Shut up...you're soooooo funny!" He did not pick up the phone to call That Brother-in-Law to ask him to stop by our house and come to our rescue when I did not notice that MY keys were also inside the car, sitting right in the cupholder where I tossed them when we got out of the car to go shopping. And while we did not save $42 on random stuff for the new house, we did not have to spend $85 for a locksmith to come let us in. We were not happy it was only $85. We did not think it was going to be closer to $150, and when the locksmith said, "OK, that'll be $85!" I did not think, "OMG...$185?!? We're eating Ramen for the next month! That includes at Thanksgiving!"

And in great stories about myself, yesterday I did not reach in the fridge for a Golden Arches Apple Pie only to discover they were GONE! I did not say, "Screw you, Pie eater!" and That Kid did not walk around saying "screw you" for the next several minutes. Nope...not me!!

"How's your farm?"

On Facebook, I have a farm. Three, actually. Three farms, a fish tank, and a cafe. And an island. I also have a three year old. A very active three year old who likes to get his toys out of the toy box and scatter them through the house.

I don't think That Dad gets it. He goes to work at 4:50am, and I try to keep things picked up before he gets home at 3:30...but let's face it...That Kid doesn't care if I pick up the house. He wants his toys where HE wants them. He doesn't realize that when That Dad gets home he wants to see the house neatly picked up.

So, honey, when you walk in the house and say, "How's your farm?" I hope you realize that yes, I have tried to pick things up, but That Kid won't let things STAY picked up. I hope you saw this yesterday as, right before the sprinkler man came to blow out the sprinklers I picked up all the toys off the floor and the moment That Kid woke up the toys were in the same spot they were before I picked them up.

And the next time you say, "How's your farm?" you better duck...Thomas the Train just might find your forehead!

We went to the pumpkin patch today!!

And That Kid was so so excited! We got in the car and he proclaimed, "Ready go to pumpkin patch!" and kicked the back of my seat until we left. We were meeting Crunchy Mama and her crunchy kids there, but the friend that Crunchy Mama brought along (with the friend's day care brood) was ready to go right as we arrived so they left. Bummer. But, an even bigger bummer was the fact that the Centennial State has had an unusually cold fall and all of the pumpkins froze. Crunchy Mama managed to find two that were salvageable, but most of them were soft and dented.

So, we get there, see Crunchy Mama and I get to snuggle on Crunchy Baby for a few minutes, and That Kid is fuuuuuuuhreaking out...he spotted a bounce house just like the one That Grandma and That Papa rented the last time we went to the Golden State. And That Kid is ready to get bouncy! Sadly, every day care center in a 50 mile radius of the pumpkin patch had decided it was a great day to bring all of their kids to the patch as well, and Crunchy Mama said that it was too dangerous for That Kid to get in the bounce house because the big kids from the day care centers were being nuts. So, needless to say I told That Kid he couldn't get in the bounce house. I told him he could go through the hay bale maze, or he could look at the animals and see the piggies being fed, but he was NOT going to get in that bounce house. Not not not! Instead, That Kid cried and screamed, and we were swarmed by bees, so we left. And didn't get a single picture. At least I got some delicious pumpkin bread (at $7 a loaf...), and That Dad found two tiny pumpkins and got That Kid a pumpkin shaped sugar cookie (which he got about half of all over his lap, of course!). Maybe next year will be better?

School days, school days...

That Kid started preschool today. He loved it. And he was perfect (so they said...)!! I still can't believe that my baby is old enough to be in preschool (and truly, if he didn't need the extra help in speech/language then he wouldn't be in preschool)!! Here is my favorite pic from this morning (I'm trying not to cry!!)...

isn't he cute, and doesn't he look so so big?!? His school is brand new, and still smells like new paint and carpet! Mmm Mmm!!!!

And here are a couple pictures from his birthday on Sunday...he had a great day. He stayed home with That Dad while I went to church (he was still sleeping when I was ready to go, and he and That Dad don't get much one on one time...), then I brought home burgers (his favorite!) and we played a little bit; then I went and picked up his dinner and cake (he got pizza, his other favorite!).

"Hi! I'm this many!!"

Cars from That Grandma and That Papa...I'd say he likes 'em a little!

"Is this whole thing for me?!?"

Eating his ice cream the way That Papa must have taught him...

How is it that we went from...

THIS...






to THIS...





in just three short years?!? It seems like just yesterday I got this...





Happy birthday, sweet kid! Mama and Daddy love you very, very much! You've brought us so much joy, and we're so proud to be able to call you our son!!

Let's all welcome That Grandma!!

Ha! Today my mother informed me she found my blog. Even said I was a pretty good writer! :) Thanks, Mama! She also made sure to tell me that my house is a disaster. And I made sure to tell HER that she needed to come help me unpack boxes. But, we decided that the week would go like this...

Monday: Wake up, look around the house, have breakfast and coffee. Discuss where we were going to have lunch. Talk about maybe getting some things organized. Talk about going to the Bullseye store to buy things for the house. Go get lunch. Go to the Bullseye store. Get That Kid a cart full of stuff he doesn't need, get nothing for the house. Decide to go to SteinMart and Kohl's. Buy lots more stuff we don't need. That Grandma has to go back to the Bullseye store for a second suitcase for all the new clothes she just bought. Get back to the house. Decide we're tired. Take a nap. Wake up. Talk about what we're having for dinner. Have dinner. Watch Judge Judy and The Peoples Court, and Desperate Housewives. Have popcorn. Have ice cream. Go to bed.

Tuesday: Starts the same as Monday. Unpack a box. Maybe two. Watch Jon and Kate from the night before. That Grandma mentions how much she dislikes Jon and Kate...throughout the entire episode. Instead of "delete" I hit "keep" and watch it again after she leaves. Talk about where we are going to have lunch. Go get lunch. Come back. Watch The Peoples Court. Watch Castle. Watch Judge Judy. Look around and say, "We're sure not getting much done!" Discuss what's for dinner. Have dinner. Watch another episode of Judge Judy. Watch Boston Legal. That Grandma falls asleep in the glider and her snoring wakes her up. Everybody goes to bed.

Wednesday: See Monday...except That Grandma doesn't buy a third suitcase and we watch The Forgotten instead of Desperate Housewives.

Thursday: That Dad is home from work, he helps us get at least one room organized.

Friday: That Dad is home again, so we decide to take a trip to the museum/zoo/aquarium...where ever. We're not picky. We just want to do something fun after the hard week of organizing we've had!!

Saturday: That Grandma flys back to the sunshine, I sit around crying for the next 2 days.

So, I suppose it's best for That Grandma to not come help organize. As much as I love her, we are smart enough to know that we won't get the job done! However...it would be nice for her to come visit and help me make the new headboard I have decided I want to make since I'm sick and tired of our bedroom furniture and want to sell it all on Craigslist and get a newer, smaller set!

Wordless Wednesday

It's bad, real real bad...

Not Me Monday

Hey all! That Family has been slowly making progress in getting the house put into some sort of order. My internet time has been a few minutes here and there, so I haven't been able to update. However, it *is* Monday and we all know what that means! And this time I have a whole weeks worth of stuff! W00T! This should be good!!

In the last week I have not eaten fast food for every meal every day. That Dad did not say, "We have spent $300 on fast food in the last week!" and I am not tired of hamburgers, french fries, chicken nuggets, and the Arches in general!

Last Tuesday, while we were not waiting for the moving company to arrive, That Kid did not watch Daylight. I did not leave the VHS tape running in the VCR after Ferris Bueller's Day Off was over (note to self...must have an entire post on the awesomeness that is Ferris Bueller!!) He did not think it was awesome (because he does not have an infatuation with tunnels...). He did not get scared a few times, and I did not have to keep reminding him it wasn't real.

As for everything else, we have not been sleeping on the living room floor on an air mattress because our bedroom furniture is not too big for the new bedroom. That Kid's room is not a huge jumbled mess of crap. There are not boxes full of crap in every.freaking.room. Yesterday was not the first day I didn't cry the whole week. It was also not the first time I didn't have to go to the rental.

OK...I better not sign off. My friend's mom is not coming to pick me up to take me to the podiatrist and keep That Kid company in the waiting room while I do not get my toenail removed after I did not run it over while moving a piano two weeks ago. I am not in excruciating pain. Oh...and we did not just use the last diaper in the house! I do not need my Mama to come hang out with me and help me unpack boxes. And I most certainly did not think, while watching The Incredibles last night, that we're going to be just like the Incredibles and in three years I'll be calling That Dad to tell him we're officially moved in because I just unpacked the last box. Nope...not me!!