Squeezing it all in- (a clog)

I thought this snap of Yumi helped sum up our weekend. We had a busy one but managed to cram it all together.

Thursday I was stressed. The owner of the pool I work at did something with a project I was working on that offended my manager. I was more upset because the manager I greatly respect and the owner were at odds. Its difficult being in a situation where you have no control and you watch people get hurt.

Friday went better. DS8 turned into DS9, and we took him out for dinner. He choose Red Lobster. He loved his cheesy cheddar biscuit rolls, but my tilapia looked suspicious. I poked at it with my fork and then DS9 said, "Its got Duct Tape in it?" I had been served trout instead of tilapia.

Saturday I picked up Dr. Wayne Dyer's book, Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life - Living the Wisdom Of The Tao. It was just what I needed. I stopped stressing about work.

Saturday night I baked more Domo birthday cake, made a spaghetti supper to enjoy with DMIL, and prepared food for our Sunday family party. We also watched a DVD DS9 had gotten for his birthday, Monster Squad.

Sunday morning, after dreaming about plane crashes all night, I headed into work for our administrative staff meeting. I was nervous about what the owner would say about what had happened on Thursday, but keeping Dr. Dyer's message in mind, I knew I could keep it together. The meeting went ok, but the owner pulled me into her office to apologize to me privately. It was somewhat awkward because I had to be leaving at that very moment to meet my family for DS9's mini-golf party. She was teary and I thought about hugging her, but decided against it because she's said she doesn't like to be touched.

Changing gears was strange. I made it down the road to the party and got everyone started mini-golfing. Everyone seemed to have a good time. DS12 had a hole in one at the black light hole and he ended up winning a free game at the last hole, "Plinko style."

We ended up back at our house pigging out on taco fixings and cake. DS9 loved his gifts and we felt blessed our family could share this day with us.

Through all of this, I still managed to find the time to walk for an hour each day. The last 7 days has proved to me its not impossible. Weekend workouts are a little more tricky but that's because DH is competing with me for the treadmill. He had gotten off and I thought he was done. He came right back after having used the bathroom. Fighting over the treadmill is a good problem to have in a marriage! :) We're going to ask DMIL if we can have her elliptical and then we can work out together. How romantic!!

Well, I have to get going. Our snow is melting fast and the boys want to go sledding before the rain starts. Tomorrow will be cruddy, ice rain with 60 mph winds. Oh joy.

You know you're a cat nut when....

You read a news report that a cougar may be in your area and you want to go look for it!!

http://www.channel3000.com/news/15113257/detail.html

My boys think I'm crazy, but I'm very excited to think cougars may be in our area of Wisconsin. I guess I really wouldn't want to meet one face to face on a hike, but I love cats and would love to see them able to return to wild living.

Staying well for DS8

Its pretty isn't it? I like the protein spikes. I don't want it in my body though.

I know my body is waging a war against the rhino. I'm drinking Emergen-C & tea like I'm an addict. There is always a warm mug in my hand. I'm shoving lots of fruit and veg down my throat and after I spend my hour on the treadmill, I'm taking it easy before I leave for work.

I'm so ready for Spring! My mood has seemed to turn on a dime. Days ago I was feeling it wasn't so bad. The arctic cold air seemed to be cleansing. When you are fighting the rhino though, the cold, dry air doesn't feel so therapeutic anymore.

I must stay well because in just days my DS8 will become my DS9!! I'm so excited for him! I used to feel regret that my babies were no longer babies, and now I'm going through my little boys are no longer little boys. I'm the mom of Tweens! How did that happen?

Today is my last day of obligation and then the fun can begin! Since I don't have to work tomorrow and DH will be out of town rocking it, I'm thinking of kick starting our birthday fun weekend by taking the boys out for Noodles. On Friday I'm sure DS9 will want to eat out at Red Lobster for his Birthday dinner. The only thing he eats there is the garlic cheddar rolls, but this is his favorite. Saturday Grandma arrives and Sunday is official party day.

Wow, I just realized I'll have major food choice challenges ahead of me! I better push away from the computer right now, turn on my favorite cleaning ladies from England and start walking on that treadmill.

Have a great Wednesday!

MLK

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Cabin fever?

I'm going a little crazy. I've been looking all day for my keys, and now I can't find the bird seed! I could have sworn I got a new silicon muffin pan for Christmas, but that too is hiding from me. I'm going to pounce on DH when he walks through the door tonight. Its all his fault right? :)

The snow is coming down big and fluffy. It would be fun if it wasn't so darn cold out! I'm thankful I don't have to work tonight. Good thing too because the key that locks up the pool is on my missing key chain! Grrrrr.....

I made banana bread instead of muffins. I used my mom's healthy recipe. I think I've posted it before, you roast the bananas to bring out more flavor without using fat. The house smells good, and I'm trying to relax with Joss Stone. The Posse is in the basement so I'm staying upstairs. I still don't understand why they have to be so loud. It think its a competitive thing to be heard in the group. Let me turn up Joss a bit more....

I've been reading Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter's book, Everything To Gain, and Barbara Rolls' book, The Volumetrics Eating Plan. Yes, I know these are non-fiction books and I said in 2008 I was going to read more fiction. Old habits die hard.

The Carters are helping me realize life can begin anew at any age, in any circumstance. I was naive thinking ex-Presidents had it made. Being a child at the time when Reagan came into office, I had no idea what the Carters went through. Its inspiring to learn what Jimmy and Rosalynn have done with their lives since leaving the White House! Did you know Presidents have to raise their own funds for their Presidential Libraries?

The Volumetrics book is inspiring me as well. Its basically the same thing you've all heard, eat more fruits and veggies. What I do like about the program is that you don't have to count calories really, if you follow the low energy dense food rule. You also don't have to go hungry.

I've just read everyone should be taking 10,000 steps a day or 5 miles. For kicks I decided to see if I could walk 5 miles on the treadmill. I didn't make it. I watched my favorite BBC America shows, walking for an hour, but I only logged 2.5 miles.  I guess I'll have to work at picking up my pace. I walk so much better outdoors.

I was happy to learn I can eat up to 1831 calories a day and lose weight. The book gives you a formula for figuring that out. Not that I want to count calories!! I did that once and ended up with an eating problem. I kept trying to eat less and less, until I was only eating around 500 a day. Sure I lost weight, but I also screwed up my metabolism, gaining back way more!

Well, I'm getting cold sitting by the window here. I should throw the laundry in, even if that means venturing into the boycave. I'll come back at tea time, with my whole wheat low fat banana bread, and check out everyone's pages.

Take care and hope you're staying warm!

p.s. My mom made me the felted hat. Its very warm and now that I've sewn in the hat band, not scratchy. :)

Warm and yummy!

I cooked up the Spicy Mole Oatmeal chili recipe from the Natural Health magazine. It's very yummy and very easy! No more excuses. I can't say I don't have time to make something healthy and comforting to eat. Here's the recipe:

Spicy Mole Oatmeal Chili

2 T olive oil
1 C chopped yellow onion (1 large one)
1/2 C diced carrots
pinch of sea salt
1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes w/cilantro & lime or Basil & garlic (I went with Basil & garlic)
2 15.5 ounce cans of low sodium kidney beans, drain and rinse
1 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1-2 T chili powder (depends on how spicy you like it)
2 T chipotle sauce ( I didn't have this but used organic salsa.)
1 1/2 C rolled oats
about a cup of water

Heat the oil and cook onions, carrots and salt 3-5 minutes
Add tomatoes and beans
Add cocoa powder, chili powder and mix until incorporated
Add chipotle, oats and water- Go for a thick consistency
Cook 5-10 minutes to break down the oats

Optional- sprinkle cheddar cheese on top to serve- (I'm trying to avoid dairy.)

Calories- 243 makes 8-10 servings

* I thought the oats would be weird but they didn't really effect the taste or texture. The dish really filled me up.

Fluffing my nest

I took this photo of Houdini through the bars of the cage. I used my zoom and I was surprised it worked. He doesn't really stay still on command.

I was domestic goddess today. I scrubbed bathrooms, scaled the laundry mountain, restocked the nest with groceries, vacuumed, cleaned the kitchen and baked cookies. I also cleaned up Houdini and Tornado's nest too. I've been motivated by watching "How Clean Is Your House." I'm scared to death those ladies will jump across the pond and ring my doorbell!

The Posse Rats weren't so bad today. Maybe I was too busy to notice. I did hear they broke the Popsicle limit.

Work went much better last night and it helped to know my manager was having the same feelings I was. Sometimes that's all it takes. To know you're not the only one who's getting dumped on by the general public. Plus, I now have 4 days away, 2 nights on, and then 5 days away!

As long as the heat stays on, I'll be able to handle the arctic blast. I've got plenty of creature comforts and indoor activities to keep me busy. I hope everyone can stay warm and cozy this weekend.

I gotta run. DH just pulled up and Family Fun Night can now begin! Yeah!

Thursday 13... Counting my blessings...

I'm trying to get out of my crabby mood. I thought taking a moment to think of 13 things I'm grateful for will help.

13 Things I'm Grateful For

1. DH brought home movies for the weekend! Elephant, The Royal Tenebaums,High Tension, White Noise 2, Sunshine and Shoot 'Em Up - The movie with my green eyed hottie Clive Owen!!

2. My sister called to warn me-  There is no school Friday or Monday. Expect rats.

3. DS8 is feeling better.

4. The rhino hasn't caught me yet!

5. Trader Joe has a store brand of Emergen-C and its cheaper. My favorite right now is strawberry mixed with Diet 7-Up.

6. Natural Health Magazine - Tomorrow I'm going to try their recipe for Spicy Mole Oatmeal Chili. I've never had chili made with oats and cocoa powder. Sounds interesting! Thinks the rats will like it?

7. I have a 50% off coupon at Joann's! 

8. Tonight's my last night of work for the week!

9. Sunday Football  - I never thought I'd say it, but I'll be hoping the Packers win. (Da Bears are out of it.)

10. Peace and Calm essential oil blend- I use it before I go to bed, but perhaps I'll apply some before I leave for work.

11. Spring is 9 weeks from today!!

12. www.freerice.com  We can't stop playing! My personal best is 37, but I'm determined to reach 40!

13. My Cuddle Duds. Its going to be negative Fahrenheit this weekend. My duds will keep me toasty!

Darkside Dawn is here...

**Warning** This post is very negative. Don't waste your time reading it. It was more for me to vent!

I'm in a crabby mood. Parents at the pool are getting to me. You'd be amazed by the rudeness of people. Of course they're not all this way, but the few bad apples brought me down.

Last night, speaking of apples, there was a mother who insisted the owner of the pool granted a scholarship to her daughter's friend. The friend was not on the class list and the class was full. I apologized and said I would speak to the owner, but we have a ratio rule no more than 4 students per instructor. I kept telling her we would do what we could, but I also had to talk to the owner because she left no notes about this girl or a scholarship. She was angry and she kept slamming her fist on the desk until she hit my half eaten apple. I was so grossed out. Why did she have to touch my food?!!  Why was she leaning so far over the desk to be in my face?! Because she was a bitch who wanted to intimidate. It will be interesting to see what my boss decides to do. This isn't the first time people claim to have free lessons only to discover the boss never promised this. You wouldn't believe the people who try to take advantage.

There are several "creep me out" parents. One of them worked a back door deal with a now fired deck manager to bring his daughter in for lessons without paying. There's also another dad who keeps telling his boys, ages 5 & 7, that their teacher is "so hot." He stares at her in her swimsuit and its disgusting. Every week he brings his boys to the snack counter and then teases them. "Do you want Fruit Snacks?" "Yes!" "Well you can't have them! They are junk." He once tried to get me into a debate about how wrong it is to call them fruit snacks.  I keep all conversation with this creep-o to a minimum. For the record, we do sell real fruit. An apple only costs you .25 cents! Its the cheapest snack at the cabana! Of course he never buys his boys even apples.

I think my biggest pet peeve are the parents who just do not supervise their children. They're too busy on their cell phones or visiting with other parents. We actually had a request to remove toys from the waiting area. "Couldn't you just keep the videos going? I'd rather the kids just sit there staring at the TV."  We used to have a Lego table but we had to remove it because certain kids would take apart the table and use the legs as swords and bats.

Speaking of the waiting room, it smells like the locker rooms. Know why? People change their children in there and every night we have at least one accident on the carpet. We've posted signs and asked people to not change their children there. There are lockers rooms!! Its easier to hose down the floor in there then shampoo the carpet every night. Plus, we do have creep-os remember! Use the changing stalls and please don't expose your children!

The Creep-O numero uno is a mom who spanks her daughter's bare bottom. I watched in horror when this woman gave her 2 year old a red backside simply because she wouldn't put on her swimsuit. (Yes, she was also changing her in the waiting room.) I said to her, "Please stop! We can give you a family swim pass or a makeup date if she doesn't want to swim today!"  Now she takes her into the lobby restroom where I get to hear through the door the poor little girl screaming, "NO POTTY NO!! MOMMY NO!! I DON'T HAVE TO POTTY" followed by the sounds of slapping taking place. That little baby girl is going to grow up with the same problems of sexual abuse victims.

Spanking is sex abuse in my book. We tell our kids no one should touch you where your bathing suit touches you, but in our country (USA) spanking is legal?! I think it should be grounds for child abuse. No where in the Bible does it tell you to hit your children! There are so many better ways to teach your children respectful behavior than to smack them.

Is it legal to spank a woman who yells in your face and slams your healthy snack with her fist?! :) Of course not, I'd be arrested, so why are parents allowed to treat children this way? Why do we give adults more protection than children?

Thanks for letting me vent. If you've actually read this far, I'm sorry. I just had to get it out before I put Darkside Dawn back on her leash. Dawninger needs to have that smile back on her face soon.  Maybe I should work on a Thursday 13 Gratitude list......

Just rambling...

I'm want to be a couch potato. Yesterday we discovered on BBC America "How Clean Is Your House" and "You Are What You Eat". Maybe its because we've been trying to clean up our house and our bodies, but these TV shows have me hooked.

I also saw the LMN network is having a "Stay In Bed" weekend. That sounds good. I'd love to just stay under the covers this coming weekend and watch cheesy, dramatic movies. We have a winter storm moving through tonight and then the temperatures are going to drop way down. Its a good time to hibernate.

I really can't though. I have about a week to clean and prepare for DS8's 9th Birthday. I still can't believe my baby will be 9. We're going mini-golfing at an indoor course. He said he'd also like a bowl of mixed Cheetoes, Puffy and Crunchy styles. I think I'll do the taco bar menu again and allow people to feed themselves.

Today we're suppose to go to homeschool gym class, but DS8 still has a really bad cold. Yesterday he ate almost an entire cantaloupe by himself so hopefully his body is fighting back. He may be a really picky eater, but I love that he loves cantaloupe! I was a grown up before I enjoyed it.

I'm addicted to www.freerice.com (Thanks to Kerry). You must give it a try. I'm doing much better than I thought I would or I'm a good guesser.

Well, I better get my butt moving. Hope you have a great Wednesday!

I've got 4 out of 5 covered...

"Dangerous Things You Must Let Your Children Do"

Someone sent me this link to view Gesser Tulley's presentation. Although he isn't a parent, alot of what he says is true. Of course I still believe in being careful!

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/202

If you don't want to take the time to view his presentation, I'll cut to the chase. He lists 5 (really 6) dangerous things your kids should do.


1. PLAY WITH FIRE - We've started fires with magnifying lenses and burnt stuff in our campfire. It was an eye opener seeing how fast dried out Christmas tree branches ignite and burn!

2. OWN A POCKET KNIFE- DS12 actually has 3. Has he cut himself? Yes. Only once though and it was good First Aid practice!  DS8 will be given one as soon as he asks for one.  DS8 has used kitchen knives to cut into foods.

3. THROW A SPEAR- DS12 used his pocket knife and made homemade spears. He set up targets in the yard and had a great time throwing at them.

4. DECONSTRUCT APPLIANCES- I don't think I know any homeschoolers who haven't done this. I have an old toaster, printer and Beta machine waiting for the next urge to hit.

5. BREAK THE DIGITAL MEDIA COPYRIGHT ACT- Ahh.... I plead the 5th.

6. DRIVE A CAR- This is the one we haven't tried yet. If I lived on a farm, with an old truck that wouldn't go faster than 20 miles an hour, maybe we'd try this, but since we don't, I think I'll take the boys Go-Carting as soon as Spring arrives!

The point of his presentation is too often we allow fear to limit our learning. Of course common sense and safety need to be practiced, but sometimes you need to push the envelope.

What would you add to this list?

So Nasty!!

This is why there will be no video games or computer time in our house this week. I finished painting and DH moved the bunk beds into the boys' new room. All of this crap was under their bed!!!!!! I was horrified!!!

I had to leave the room before the nervous breakdown erupted. Once I settled down, rather than yell and scream, I informed them this is their project this coming week. They need to go through all this stuff, throwing away what they don't want and finding a place for the stuff they do. Out of sight, out of mind is not going to cut it.

Their old bedroom has to become the guest room. Once they clear out the junk, I can prime, paint and carpet shampoo, but for now, I have to focus on one room at a time.

Their new room rocks. The paint colors came out really nice and they have much more room. I didn't buy the $5 desks at S.W.A.P. because they were so beat up, but we may have enough room to move the computer desk from downstairs. But that's another project for another weekend.

I'm going to look for under the bed organizers with wheels. I'm not going to allow the frugal mom inside of me to hold back on that one. These kids need help staying organized! I'm also going to look for jungle vine. DS8 wanted a jungle room, but since the boys still want to share a room, I needed to come up with a compromise. I'm going to hang jungle vines around DS8's part of the bunk bed along with his long armed stuffed monkeys and lemurs. I'm also going to look for shelves I can install all along the top perimeter of the room. I'll have to take after pictures once its all completed.

It feels good to get this project going and to bring order to the chaos. There's a satisfaction that comes from fixing your nest and purging the clutter really helps me emotionally. I don't want to be a hoarder, and I don't want my children becoming hoarders either.

At our game day the moms were discussing how to purge toys. Many moms wait for their children to be out of the house so they don't have to deal with the tears, but one mom said she has her daughters right there so they will learn how to let things go. This is smart parenting! I can't wait to start making trips to Goodwill this week!

Friday Fun

We have plans to join our homeschooling friends for Game day. DS8 is hoping we can round up enough players for Apples to Apples.

When we get together for Game days, we also have "Open Mike" which is a sort of show and tell. The kids can share something, perform, bring something they've created, whatever they like. DS8 is thinking of introducing Domo and sharing his latest greatest homemade toy. He blew up the balloon he got from Trader Joes and added a Jelly Belly inside. We've been playing balloon volleyball, keep the balloon from hitting the floor, and making cool sounds as the Jelly Belly bounces around inside. Our favorite is when you get the bean spinning really good with centrifugal force. Who needs high tech?

For supper tonight they have requested we take dad to Taco Bell. Oh yeah! I'm all about that! Yo Quiero Taco Bell!

Hope your Friday is fun too! Have a great weekend!

Why I love my MIL!

(She sends me gems like these!! I loved this and hope you do too! I don't know who wrote it but to me, it sounds like something Erma Bombeck would have wrote? If you know who wrote this, please let me know. Enjoy! )


IF YOU DON'T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOUR LIFE. AND WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED, DO AS I AM DOING AND SEND IT ON.


Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

"How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .. . You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle.. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge .

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is..

10.Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Capitol Building Field Trip

Start:	Jan 29, '08 10:00a
Location:	Downtown

touring the capitol building with our homeschool group
(Bonnie is the coordinator)

Easter

Start:

Mar 23, '08

Easter Sunday

WPA conference

Start:	May 2, '08
End:	May 3, '08
Location:	Oshkosh

Homeschooling conference

InHome Conference

Start:	Mar 7, '08
End:	Mar 8, '08
Location:	St Charles, Il

Homeschooling conference

Joe Jackson Concert

Start:

Apr 21, '08

Milwaukee

Welcome to my crazy.....

I have to paint the boys' new bedroom by this weekend. Problem is I can't pick colors. Don't tell me to ask my children. DS8 goes from bright orange to jungle green. I'm trying for something more neutral and will have longevity. So as you can see, I've got all these paint chips on the wall, and I can't make up my mind. DH suggested khaki and green so I'm trying to stay in that family.

Should I:

A.) Cut apart the swatches and throw them in a hat?

B) Throw darts?

C) Play pin the tale on the paint chip?

D) Go back to the hardware store for even more paint chips. Cut them all apart and start gluing them to the wall in a Seurat sort of way.

Can you see I'm losing my mind!

I also feel like there is so much to do and not enough time. The post holiday pace has actually increased. Plans are being laid forth, and I feel like more and more of my calendar is being filled up rather quickly. I have to trust that we'll get done what needs to get done. Its all about letting go and going with the flow.

DS8 quizzes me

DS8:  Mom, if there was a hole in the earth, do you think you would fall through to China?

Me:  I don't know DS8. We should look at our globe and see if China is on the other side.

DS8:  No Mom!! You would only make it to the middle and then gravity would be reversed! You can't fall to China!

You never know what they're thinking do you!

Another quote I like!

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Other

Too often we give children answers to remember rather than
problems to solve.

--Roger Lewin

Eating Elephant

Bite by bite......

Its got to be because for the past 9 years, we've unschooled. Most homeschoolers I know have too many books and not enough book shelves. We're no different. Today we began to change the guest bedroom into a new bedroom for the boys. The biggest challenge was moving the bookshelves. 

Our home is small. We don't have the luxury of a library room, and as much as I love books, I hate the cluttered look of book shelves. I really didn't want to move the bookcases into the main living areas of the house, so I settled on one in the hallway (photo) and for now, two in our bedroom. You see, I want easy access to our books. I don't want to shove them all down in the basement. I know I'm sacrificing my love nest for now, but after I finish redecorating the boys' new bedroom, perhaps there will be room in the new guest room.

We quickly ran out of boxes to store the books, and I resorted to making stacks in the kitchen. I knew this meant having to touch each book twice- an organizing no no- but I had no other option. Moving the 3 bookcases with the books on them was not going to work. I had to quickly go through and reshelve the books before DH decided to fill them with other stuff like DVDs and CDs. All those empty shelves were so inviting!

The book move took up most of my day, but I did manage to take down the wallpaper border and spackle holes. Tomorrow I will tape and prime.

I'm anxious to get their room done because then the purging can really begin. DS12 agrees with me, he has too much stuff. Their new room will have "a place for everything" and it will be easier for the boys to keep "everything in its place."  Right now you really can't hang out in their room because the floor space is taken up by boxes of toys, magazines and of course, clothes. I have to go through their dressers because they say they can't find room to put away their laundry. How can this be when they keep wearing the same outfits?!

Its overwhelming when I realize how much stuff I have to find places for. Even just finding space to put the stuff I'm purging is a challenge. I'd like to Freecycle it, but I don't want to have stacks piled up waiting to go. I'll probably just start loading up the van and stopping every day on my way to work at Goodwill drop boxes.

I'll keep telling myself "Take it one step at a time- Bite by bite!" 

I can't wait!

I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas. DH bought us Blind Melon tickets for March 18th in Milwaukee!! He promised to take me to more concerts this year after taking my niece to several Velvet Revolver shows last year.

He's really made good in my book! I love Blind Melon! Of course he's also planning on taking my niece to see Velvet Revolver, for a 4th time, in a few weeks in Chicago. I think if he didn't come through with my Blind Melon tickets, I would have poured the guilt on really thick.

March 18th is going to be so great! It will take me back to my B.C. days (Before Children). This is one date night that will rock! When DH and I began dating in high school, over 20 years ago, this is what we did. We went to concerts. We skipped prom to get tickets for the Amnesty International Concert in Chicago 1986, a decision I don't regret one bit. I saw my favorite band at the time, U2, but I also saw the Police reunite for that concert! It was amazing.

You know what else my DH did this weekend? He brought me red roses Friday night! He's so good to me! He knew I was feeling a little sad since DS12 wasn't going to be home for "Family Fun Night." DS12 spent the night at a Posse Rat's nest instead of mine. I know, I was shocked too. I'm thinking the other Mommy Rats are figuring it out.

Since it was only DS8, DH and myself, we asked DS8 what he'd like to do. He decided we should eat a family fry at Culvers. Of course we get there and the flavor of the day is Chocolate Oreo Volcano. Needless to say my diet plans didn't work out that night.

DS8 craves fries like I crave chocolate.  Its something we both have to work on. For his 18th birthday he has told us he plans to celebrate that milestone by ordering, eating and finishing a Family Fry Basket by himself at Culvers. So mark the date, January 25, 2017, DS(18) will consume the impossible. Of course he'll be full grown with the appetite of a teen aged boy. Maybe he will do it?

BLIND MELON CONCERT!!!!!!!!

Start:	Mar 18, '08
Location:	The Rave

OMG!!! OMG!!!! OMG!!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DH is taking me to see BLIND MELON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rosy cheeks

We braved the negative wind chills to get our need for speed fix. We have a wonderful place to go sledding at our local golf course. We made it up and down only half a dozen times before we needed to get back to our warm home. We'll try to go again today since it should be a little warmer with a high of 32.

Crazy thing is by the end of the weekend, all our snow could melt as we reach almost 50 degrees! This has the boys worried their sledding days will be over, but I reminded them its still only January. We could still have blizzards through March in Wisconsin.

Before we go back to the hill today, I have to be a grown up and meet with our insurance agent for an insurance check up. Blah... I hate these kinds of things. I hope it doesn't take too long. I want to get back to having fun this Friday.

Greeting the New Year...

We had a great time visiting Great Grandma with Domo! For lunch we enjoyed one of the best K-town pizzas in awhile, and the snow held off for us to reach my brother's house for the evening.

We filled up again on fun food - Culvers, and then headed back to my brother's to watch the snow fall, play games and goof around. We decided to head home around 11:00pm. The roads were a little slippery but we made it home safe 2 hours later.

We figured out that we passed the "Clocktower" right at midnight! The Clocktower is a hotel resort in Rockford, Il. As we passed by the resort, the giant clock's hands were together at midnight position. We then saw fireworks go off and realized, we had just greeted 2008!

Today was our last day of holiday goodness. We hosted my parents and sister's family and feasted on taco bar fixings. I made 36 homemade tortillas! A record for me! It went very quick though and the "make your own" tacos, nachos and quesadillas went over really well. I'll have to remember to use this menu again for gatherings.

Tomorrow is back on track day, and I'm not just talking food here. I have been going through library withdrawal!!! I think I'll be there right when it opens, giant totes in hand. I'm going to do my happy, happy, joy, joy dance as the library will be empty except for us homeschooling souls and preschoolers. Maybe afterwards I'll take the boys to the sledding hill where we won't have to worry about running anyone over. I'm even looking forward to going back to work! How twisted is that!!

Happy New Year!

We're road tripping today. First up we'll head to K-Town to visit with Great Grandma. Then we'll head south to party Domo style at my big bro's home. We don't plan on staying late enough to countdown the new year, but we'll see.

Hopefully the weather cooperates. We have a 30% chance of snow today and temperatures will plummet bringing negative wind chills. The crazy thing is next weekend they are forecasting upper 40's. That's Wisconsin for ya!

Domo

A special Valentine's gift.

The adventures of Domo.

Saturday's Date Night!

Last night I saw a non-kid movie in a real movie theatre!! It wasn't any old movie theatre either. We went to Sundance Cinemas in Madison. We're talking reserved seating, real movie ushers that introduce the film, coffee cafe and restaurant!

To take full advantage of the fact we were childless, we decided to see Sweeney Todd. It was the rated R version, but I still enjoyed it. I can't wait to check out a director's cut sometime in the future.

I must be gore de-sensitized after all these years with DH.(That's another subject for another blog.) I really didn't think it was that gory. The blood is so obviously stage blood red for the look of the film. The latte lady next to me watched a good deal of the film between her fingers.

I wouldn't say the movie is scary. It's a musical with a tragic tale. Our 4:40pm show time was a matinée, but I'd give this movie a rating of "Pay full price." My rating system is "Pay full price- Matinee - DVD - See it on cable - Wait for network TV - Don't waste hours of your precious life."

As for the Sundance theatre, I would definitely see another movie there, although DH wasn't sure about the popcorn factor. The place was kind of high brow for a movie theatre and it would have felt funny to order popcorn and junior mints. Everyone I saw held covered cups of joe rather than mega sized buckets.

We will have to make a point to get out without the boys more often. Another resolution for 2008, date nights will have to be more than a few times a year! 

Friday Fun

Aren't these cool?! My parents had a birch tree branch from their land, drilled into candle holders. Now I need to get new candles. I love outdoorsy, natural things like this.

My parents arrived safely last night, but this morning wanted to risk the snow to drive to Stoughton. The town is about 12 miles from us. Its chock full of Scandinavian goodies which is why my mom wanted to brave the snow. I've decided to stay home with the boys and sniff dangerous fumes.

You see it wasn't the ceiling fan that was noticed, it was the mildew on the underside of our tub mat. I promise you right now, if I'm blessed enough to live long enough to visit the homes of my sons' families, I will not point out any dirt or grime I see.

Last night DS8 took out his new Bananagrams game. Its sort of like a portable scrabble. He just wanted to play with the letters. He ended up spelling words and writing sentences on the floor. My favorite was "Soda pop makes you fat."  I was glad he did this in front of Mormor and Grandpa. Maybe now we won't hear, "When are you going to do school?"

DS12 played his new Trama game for the Wii. You get to play surgeon! His patient had been attacked by a bear and had broken bones and deep wounds. You have to work quickly, cutting open the wound just so, removing the pieces of bone and putting them back together. You have to stitch up the wound and inject medications. Its not too bloody, but its pretty realistic. You could point out the educational value as well. Its very cool!

When my parents return, my sister will come over and we'll bake Vetebrod, a Swedish coffee bread, very yummy! I can't wait to start smelling the cardamom.

My only worry today is how DH will get home from work. We are expected to get up to 5 inches today with temperatures hovering around 30. I'm sure this will make for heavy wet snow. I really wished he could have stayed home today.

Tonight's family fun will be amped up since our grandparents are with us and my sister and her family will come over. We'll pig out one last time, and I'm sure a marathon session of Apples to Apples will be played. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend!

ATC-Sharpie

Start:

Feb 10, '08

3 for 3 using only Sharpie markers

ATC-I've got the blues..

Start:

Feb 1, '08

3 for 3 color blue theme

ATC-Purple

Start:

Mar 15, '08

3 for 3 color purple

ATC-I am...

Start:

Mar 1, '08

6 for 6

ATC-Weird Creatures

Start:

Jan 14, '08

1 for 1 swap

New Years Eve!

Start:	Dec 31, '07
Location:	K-Town & Chi-Town

Visit G. Grandma and party at Chip's

Making future plans- Thursday 13

Now that we're moving through Christmas and 2007 is coming to an end, I'm planning for future days. This keeps me up emotionally.

Thursday 13- Things I'm planning for 2008

1. READ: My MIL gave me these beautiful bookmarks by Renate Otto. There are 12 of them in a calendar format. I want to read a good book for each bookmark, one each month. Can you recommend any great books I should read this year? I admit I don't take enough time to read fiction. My nose is usually in non-fiction or magazines.

2. AWAKEN MY ARTIST WITHIN: I've also been inspired to get back to my ATCs. I haven't made one in weeks. I've had all these ideas in my head, and I haven't even taken the time to sketch them down in my notebook.

3. GET EVERYONE HEALTHY: DS8's rapid strep test came back negative and this morning he woke up very congested. So YEAH- its probably not strep, Boo- its a bad cold. He has been keeping busy though, reading all his cheat books. (These are video game guides.) DS12 learned to read the same way.

4. CLEAN AND PURGE: We cleaned up the guest room and my parents should arrive tonight! Yeah!! Note to self- dust the ceiling fan as soon as you're done typing this blog entry Dawn!

5. REDECORATE- After cleaning up the guest room, I realized I really am ready to take down the cutesy teddy bear wall paper border the previous family had put up. I want to redecorate this room for the boys and move them into it. Its time to realize our baby/little guy days are long over and we're moving on to pre-teendom.

6. ROCK OUT! DH is watching for ticket sales for us. He's promised to take me to real concerts this year. No sooner had he started planning this, my niece called and asked him to take her to see Velvet Revolver, yet again, a few weeks from now.

7. MOVE MY BUTT!  DH is now running 3 miles a day. He's left me in the dust. Seriously, he's motivating me to catch up.

8. CELEBRATE MY MIDLIFE CRISIS: I will turn 40 in 2008. I want to do something radical. Something I've never done before. Something I never thought I would do. Got any ideas for me?

9. PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH: I keep telling my children to become entrepreneurs. I need to model this myself.

10. MY BABY TURNS 9! I need to start planning his birthday bash.

11. REMEMBER EVERYONE'S BIRTHDAYS:  I'm terrible when it comes to sending out cards. Every year I resolve to do this, but I always fail. Not again this year!

12. FIND DH A BETTER JOB: Maybe he'll work for me when I master #9.

13. MAKE MORE MULTIPLY FRIENDS! "Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other gold...."

Pizza Boobs

Its a sad fact we have no good pizza here in Heavensville. Believe it or not, we drive 25 miles to buy decent pizza. This is a Falbo Brother's pizza and they reheat rather well on a pizza stone. My favorite pieces are those which bubble up. Its very exciting to open the lid and see these. DH saw these and thought they looked like, well, boobs. (He's a guy.)

We enjoyed a nice Christmas Eve filling up on pizza and Christmas went well despite the lack of company. We ended up with so much left over food, most of which is in my freezer waiting for my side to gather this Friday, although Mother Nature could yet again put the kibosh on that. Why are we always getting snow and ice storms when we try to gather?

I'm happy to report Domo made it in time for Christmas morning! He was the first gift opened and he was by DS8's side the entire day and night. He even did pretty good when we played Apples to Apples with Grandma.

I was spoiled with kitchen goodies; aprons, silicon bake ware, bamboo spoons, and an entire set of pots and pans from Great Grandma's kitchen. My DMIL brought me back beautiful ceramic pieces from Spain; an olive oil decanter, olive tray and little bowls. For my non-domestic side DH got me Cindy Smith's new Christmas CD and Linkin Park's latest. Yes, my musical tastes are very diversified. He also gave me a Tai Chi DVD set I can't wait to try.

Today is hard because DH had to go back to work and I'm missing him terribly. I want another 4 days with him now! I'll have to wait another 3 days. :(

Today is also difficult because DS8 woke up with tears in his eyes. "My throat feels like knives." Oh joy. I know what that means. We have an appointment for a throat culture this afternoon. I just hope I can get him on antibiotics before the rest of us get it. DH and I have had hints that something is brewing back there, but I've been drinking Emergen-C like an addict. So far I feel okay but given my track record with strep, I'm being very cautious.

Its not a good time to have a contagious illness. My parents are planning on driving down tomorrow, and we're trying to get my side together once and for all. The cards are stacking up against us though.

From our house to yours...

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas, surrounded by those you love. May God give you peace and many blessings for the new year. 

Peace and blessings,
Dawn and family

Mother Nature 2 Family get togethers 0

Once again the weather has spoiled our plans. We headed out today to drive over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house. We made it about 30 miles before we turned around and headed back. Blowing and drifting over the Wisconsin farm roads made travel very difficult. We hated to disappoint family, but today just wasn't the day for a road trip to K-Town. The forecast is for more snow this afternoon, but its the winds that make this unpleasant. We have gusts up to 50 miles per hour. Hopefully it will all quiet down before Christmas so Grandma can make it to us across those same roads we couldn't make it past today.

Posse Rats are in the boycave. (Blame my Christmas spirit.) DH is cozy on the couch watching the Bears dish it to the Packers. (We happen to be Bears fans living in Cheeseland and in this neck of the woods, this is a common thing.) I'm sitting here with a blanket in my lap waiting for the Jesus' Birthday cake to finish baking. Later I'll have to head out to the store. Don't think I'll walk today though.

I've decided my MIL is bringing so much food, most of which will be meats, I will focus on healthy salads. I'm going to try making a black eyed pea salad along with my must have fruit salad. I may also make my favorite broccoli slaw salad.

Yesterday I went furniture shopping with my sis. I love browsing furniture stores almost as much as browsing craft stores, both of which the rest of my family detests. There is one thing I hate about furniture stores- Sales people! I hate to be sold to. I don't trust them, I don't want to hear their stick, I just want to be left alone. If I have questions I'll ask, otherwise back off. I really was "just looking." Its my sis who is seriously looking for new seating. The prices seemed obscenely high. Its been a long while since I've actually bought a couch- 12 years? I really don't plan on purchasing furniture until the boys are older and the Posse Rats have moved on to trashing college dorm rooms instead of my home.

I would like to try and build lofts for the boys in 2008. They are getting to an age where they need a more grown up, teen room. They currently have bunk beds, but I like the idea of lofts with desk space underneath. Who knows, maybe the day will come where they want their own room. For now though, they enjoy sharing and keeping each other company.

I love when I can hear them talking about stuff before they fall asleep. I don't mean to eavesdrop, but its so gosh darn sweet. Thursday nights are "Monkey Marathon" nights. DS12 has been making up bedtime stories to tell his monkey loving brother.

Jesus' birthday cake is done. Its a simple round, white cake on which will go white frosting. DS8 & DH's favorite. I better get up now and bundle up for my run to the Wiggler.

If I don't get the chance to say it later, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas filled with God's peace and many blessings. I have so much to be so grateful for already, I've already been blessed with gifts!

Why My Cat Can't Gain Any More Weight

She's been naughty Santa, but we still love her! She needs new toy mice please, so she leaves her sister Chihiro alone.

I'm not managing to get all that could be done, get done, but that's ok. We'll still have a wonderful Christmas if I don't bake more cookies, buy more gifts, spruce up more rooms. I'm really trying to keep stress levels low. I woke up this morning with a throat tickle reminding me to take care of myself. I've been fighting off colds for weeks now, and I hope I can fight this one off too. I have a terrible track record with being sick on Christmas Day.

Our snow is melting. We've had warmer temperatures and rain. The best part is the fog! I love fog! Its so romantic, mysterious, comforting. It won't stay around though. Our rainy day tomorrow will change over to snow and by Sunday morning we'll have a fresh coat of white! I can't wait!

I want to go see "Sweeney Todd", but I don't know when I'll find the time. I have to work tonight for a friend. Saturday is our last day to wrap presents, clean house and shop. Sunday-weather permitting- we will visit with Great Grandma at my MIL's. (Mmmm. K-town pizza!) Monday & Tuesday we'll have family over. Maybe I can take DH to see it Wednesday? Thursday the 27th, my parents arrive and celebrating starts back up!  Looks like Yumi and I will start those diets in 2008.

Year End Tag

I'm stealing this from Kerry or you could say I'm tagging myself. Please feel free to do the same.

YEAR END TAG

1. Where did you begin your 2007?

In DH's arms, in my living room.

2. What was your status by Valentines Day?

Married with 2.0 children

3. Were you in school (anytime this year)?

What a scary question!!!

4. How did you earn your money?

DH has no choice but to share it with me. I also have my part-time job at the pool.

5. Did you have to go to the hospital?

Almost. I began 2007 still fighting the worse case of strep throat I've ever had. I was on my last antibiotic and if that didn't work, my doctor wanted me in the hospital for IV drugs.

6. Did you have any encounters with the police?

Yes. I locked my keys in the van at the park. (Our small town police still unlock cars.)

7.  Where did you go on vacation?

Same place we always go- Wisconsin Dells and the trip to Grandma and Grandpa's in the north woods.

8. What did you purchase that was over a thousand dollars?

Are you kidding me! Oh yeah. I crowned my tooth this year.


9.  Did you know of anybody who got married?

Nope

10.  Did you know of anybody who passed away?

Yes. My aunt lost her battle with cancer and my sweet Kita girl. I miss her little paws trying to type as I blog. :(

12.  Did you move anywhere?

No

14.  What Concerts/Shows did you go to?

DH got to see Velvet Revolver 3 times, and all I got was a ticket to The Stinky Cheese Man. I think he owes me in 2008 big time!

15.  Are you registered to vote?

Of course

16.  Who did you want to win Big Brother?

I'm fine with Maija. She's a great SIL although she's been neglecting her blog big time!

17.  Where do you live now?

In a van, down by the river. - I don't know why that just popped into my head. (See the answer to #12.)

18.  Describe your Birthday?

I'm too old to remember. I know I wouldn't have cooked dinner that day.

19.  What is one thing you would never do but did in 2007?

Turn 39

20. What was your favorite moment?

Can't choose just one.


21. What is something you learned about yourself?

I like mochas. Coffee doesn't have to be yucky!

22. Any new Additions to the family?

two parakeets

23. What was your best month?

May?? I don't really know.

24. What music will you remember 2007 by?

My musical tastes run more along the lines of Red Hot Chili Peppers, DMB, Blind Melon, but DH introduced me to the guilty pleasures of Fergie, Joss Stone and Lily Allen.

25. Who has been your best drinking buddy?

DH, DS12 and DS8. Our favorite watering hole is Kwik Trip. You can blast your soda pop with different flavor shots! My fav is caffiene free diet with 2 shots of cherry. DH goes for diet Dr. Pepper with 4 shots of vanilla. DS12- root beer with a shot of vanilla, DS8- straight Gatorade.

26.  Made new friends?

YES!!!

27.  New Best Friend?

DH still holds this title

28.  Favorite Night Out?

Favorite Night IN- Family Fun Friday night. We party slumber party style, watching movies until we pass out.  

I love my MIL!

I was going to complain about family drama on my side, but my MIL sent me an email that made me pause, and I decided to let my frustration go.

 "Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back." 

So this post won't go to the dark side, complaining about stressed out family members. I'm forcing myself to see things positively today.

I may be getting sick. I woke up tired and my head feels thick. I'm grateful that after cleaning out my pantry this past weekend, I can say I have lots of tea & Emergen C to drink! I can take it easy, staying warm, staying hydrated, eating fresh fruit and veg until have to leave for work.

I can get through my shift knowing I only have 3 more nights of work this year!

The boys are playing Legos! I've asked them to clean them up in case Mormor and Grandpa make it down just after Christmas. This has motivated them to play with them of course and it also means I can curl up on the couch wrapped up in my down blankie and snooze.

My MIL has made all this yummy food for Christmas, including the meatballs. At first I was going to make the meatballs, and she was bringing Chick Fil A nuggets. She ended up making meatballs. She said I could still make more, but she's a great cook and maybe now I can make something else to nibble on. 

Our Christmas shopping is almost complete. I just need to pick up a few stocking stuffers. I don't have tags made for wrapping, but I think I'll go with my Dad's style of just taking a marking pen and writing names right on the packages. I could even doodle and have fun with this. It all gets tore up anyway.

DS12 asked me if convicts get candy canes in prison. My first reaction was, oh, that would be a nice thing to do. Then I turned to look at DS12 and discovered he had eaten his candy cane into a sharp weapon!! Oh yeah. I guess candy canes in prisons are not a good idea. I've seen DS8 do this with his Push Pops too. You wouldn't think candy could be so dangerous.

Well, I'm babbling again instead of slicing up oranges and cucumbers. I better get moving away from this computer. 

DOMO KUN - All 10 Episodes

We love Domo Kun! These are the short clips from Japanese TV that made Domo a star.

Great weekend in progress

Despite the disappointment of having to miss our cousin's birthday party due to a snow storm, we are making the best of it and having a great weekend. I really can't get over how much snow we have. The past several Christmases have been green, but so far we have around 20 inches.

When the Posse Rats showed up Friday afternoon, I told DS12 they had to play in the snow. My boys actually love the snow and prefer playing in it to playing inside. DH got to play in it too with his new snow thrower! As for me, I've been stowing away the gifts while the boys are out of the house.

I've got my hiding places well camouflaged, and I'm almost ready to start wrapping. Its really not that difficult hiding presents from my family. They don't seem to have the gene that enables you to see something right in front of you.

I'm super stoked Domo has arrived! I know DS8 will go crazy over him Christmas morning! I'm going through the lists and trying to balance it out, making sure each child has the same number of gifts. This is challenging even with only two children. I don't know how my parents did this with 5. There is still quite a bit we need to pick up.

We tried to make pinecone ornaments and failed miserably. This is one of those moments I wish Mormor was still around so I could ask her how she did it. We couldn't quite figure out the pattern. Our felt kept ending up too small for our fat pinecones. I also couldn't get the glue to stick the felt together. I should have tried my glue gun.

We did manage to replace the tree stand! DH held up the tree while I switched out the stands. The original did have a huge crack in it, and its confirmed my carpet is going to need serious shampooing after the holidays. I think the crack happened from the weight of the tree. (I hate plastic!)

We watched Home Alone 2 and DS8 enjoyed telling us which booby traps would have actually killed the robbers and which ones would have only maimed them.  Afterwards we watched Polar Express- much more Christmasy.

Being snowed in, we decided to try a local Italian deli for take out sandwiches, Alberici's. DH had a french dip, and I chose a lemon garlic chicken breast on focaccia bread. It was so yummy, but it stuck with me all afternoon and through out the evening. I think I'm ready to go back to being a vegetarian for 2008. I hate when you eat something that heavy and it sits in your belly like a lead weight. I couldn't enjoy popcorn with our movies because I still hadn't digested lunch.

I've been more of a flexitarian. I had been a vegetarian, along with DS12 but when his check up last year showed he was low on iron, I felt terrible. Omnivore DH thought DS12 should be eating more meat. DS12 and I avoid red meat, but fish and chicken have been on our plates. :(  I've started collecting recipes again from Vegetarian Times magazine, and I'm going to give it another go. A vegetarian diet really appeals to me, its just I trip up due to convenience and old habits.

Well, I've been babbling long enough. If you've read this far, THANK YOU! I'm off to get Sunday rolling. Peace and blessings!

Happy Lucia Day!

I was up early this morning, but didn't bake Lucia buns or make coffee. My family doesn't enjoy them. I'm letting the boys sleep a little longer, and then I'll wake them with a candle in my hand, not my hair, and ask if they want juice and a blueberry muffin. St. Lucia Day is celebrated in Sweden to honor a young Italian girl who gave away her dowry to the poor and was killed for her beliefs. She represents light to a people living in darkness this time of year. Dec. 13th also kicks off the main Christmas season for Swedes. We really do up Christmas!

I've discovered our Christmas tree stand has sprung a leak. All this time I thought our tree was just really drinking up water. Turns out I've been dumping quarts of water into my carpet. A tree skirt is not necessarily a good thing. It hides this fact! We tried to fix it, but the best solution will be to buy a new stand. I'm hoping DH can lift out the tree with decorations and lights still on, and I'll help guide it into the new stand. My carpet is another problem.

We had a great time yesterday at our homeschool Christmas party. We skipped the gift exchange and made the fleece blankets you tie together. In addition to making the blankets to donate, we also made cards for the local nursing home. We also had fun playing Blokus and of course DS8's favorite, Apples to Apples. My gingerbread reindeer all flew away but I had fruit left. Imagine that?

DH told me this morning that one of the partners confessed to him after everyone had left, that he may be leaving the company. If he does this, we're not sure the primary partner will keep the company running. He may just decide to live off his wife's income and his retirement. This means DH really has to step up his job search. Please pray for him to find a new, secure job. This is a huge dark cloud looming over his head, and I know he's worried about providing for us.

Well, I better call my mom and wish her a Happy Lucia Day. I hope your day is filled with joy, and God's peace and blessings!

This kitty's done chasing rats!

The Posse Rats are banished. See what they did to my wall? The pizza sauce is a nice little touch too. I was so upset when I discovered this. Here I had welcomed them into my home, fed them pizza and they disrespect me like this!

Those who know Posse Rat history will remember the big chair incident. I had this overstuffed, oversized chair. They tore off the back cushion and pulled out the stuffing. I banished them back then but eventually forgave them and gave them a second chance. I'm not too quick to forgive this time.

The basement (boycave) wall has this strange textured finish. I don't know if I can still purchase this stuff to repair it. The family who lived here before finished the basement. I may have to just spackle and paint over it. - I mean the boys may have to spackle and paint over it.

The thing is, I know it wasn't my boys who did this. I let in the rats at 10:30. By the time the pizza was ready, DS12 decided he wanted to rest. His head hurt. He ended up on the couch the rest of the afternoon and evening. He ran a low fever but I think this was due to the shots he received on Monday.

I let the rats stay downstairs because I figured they'd just go home to empty houses waiting for their working parents to come home. By 3:30 though I was burnt out. I asked them to clean up and when I saw the only person cleaning was DS8, I hit my breaking point.

Today we will switch worlds and play with our homeschooled friends. We have a Christmas party this afternoon where we plan on playing board games and making cards and crafts for the nursing home. It should make for a better afternoon today than yesterday.

Snow/Ice Day!

What a great day to stay home and bake. I'm grateful my boss called and told me not to come to work! I'm baking up Gingerbread Reindeer and my nest smells so good!!! Thanks go out to Kimberlee for her soft gingerbread dough recipe. I saw a photo of how to add pretzels and M&M's to make reindeer. Rather than use a cookie cutter, I just made ovals and I think they came out cute!

The Posse Rats are in the Boycave. (Where else would they be right?) I plan on getting rid of a few frozen pizzas today with their help. My kitchen will be nice and toasty with all this baking!

Yesterday's doctor's visit went as expected. My boys are overweight, as are DH and I. We'll keep working on this. What I didn't expect was the questions they asked of DS12. This was the first time he was alone seeing the doctor. I found out afterwards he was asked if he had sex, wanted birth control, thought he was gay, had suicidal thoughts or any friends who had suicidal thoughts. Wow.

DH and I have always been open with our boys about sex, answering any questions they may have. We've also shared our values and why we believe the way we do. DS12 said he felt uncomfortable answering these questions at the doctor's office. I had to explain to DS12 that not all 12 year olds have a relationship with their parents where they feel comfortable asking about sex. Dr. Koslov was just trying to protect the health and well being of those children who don't have a grown up they can trust.

I'm a little ticked they asked him these questions without me knowing about it, but I understand why. I suppose they also must screen for abuse. This morning DS12 asked me, "Can women rape men? I mean, that's not possible right?" (I really should call our doctor's office and get a copy of these questions they are asking!) So over breakfast, DS12 and I had a conversation you'd rather not really discuss. I explained to him what rape really was and how, yes, anyone could rape someone. I hate having to talk about these ugly things, but I'd rather my children learn from me that rape is so wrong and not at all what loving sex is suppose to be. I'm so glad we homeschool and my children are comfortable discussing even the most difficult things with us!

The timer's going off! Time to feed the rats!!

Trying not to curse the darkness....

I'm going to be lighting candles today, both figuratively and literally. I forgot to light the advent candles, and I need to remember to let my light shine brightly within me.

This weekend I learned my parents will not be coming down for their holiday visit. It pains me my parents have all this other stuff going on and its gotten in the way of allowing them to visit with us. However, I do worry about them and want them to slow down.

On the way to DH's birthday dinner, we had planned on stopping downtown to look for Domo. The store is smack dab in campus central, lots of one way streets, no parking. I thought DH could drop me off and drive around the block and pick me back up. Right after realizing I was lied to on the phone, (no Domo), DH calls my cell phone in a panic, too much traffic, too much ice and snow. I drop the stocking stuffers in my hand and head out the door to meet DH at the pick up point. I'm left wondering where my easy, fun loving, sense of humor husband has gone to.

Supper was great, once the waiter finally found our table. He more than made up for it keeping our beverages re-filled, giving us a free appetizer and a free dessert!

I was brought back down later yesterday evening when I learned a local boy lost his cancer fight. He shared the same name and age as my DS8 so it hits close to home. I can't imagine losing a child like this, and so close to Christmas.

DS12 woke up around 2:00a.m. having to vomit. He hasn't done this in a long time. He doesn't have a flu bug. We think its a Chiari thing. Years ago he would always wake in the middle of the night to throw up. I heard many people living with a Chiari malformation have this symptom and sometimes it means you have pressure problems in your spinal fluid. As it turns out, we have a doctor's appointment today. I don't know if he'll order another MRI or not. Because DS12 doesn't suffer very many symptoms, I'm not in a rush to do brain surgery.

Today I'm really going to try and count my blessings, not stress the small stuff, and squeeze my children has much as possible.

Domo Hunt

The things you do for love.....

DS8 has a new fasination, Domo Kun. He's a mascot for Japanese TV. DS8 loves stuffed friends and this dude has caught his eye. He's been promoted to the top of the Christmas list. So I'm heading out today to see if I can find Domo. Why can't my family choose things commonly found in stores nearby?

We also plan to finally treat DH to his birthday supper. I'm really hoping it goes well. We tend to have customer service issues when we dine out. I would love to be a secret shopper. We should start video recording our experiences. Its amazing how we do not get what we ask for.

Gotta run and give DH some TLC!

An unexpected gift

I chased the rats away so we could rest up before DH got home. It was good to have quiet time for an hour. DH got home and decided he'd take a rain check on supper out. We got take out, gave him his gifts and ate birthday cake.

At about 8:00pm, DH got to talking about the snow thrower his friend at work has. As the cake sat in my gut like a lead weight, DH pulled up the Sears website.

"Don't we have a Sears card? They have no interest financing for 1 year if you use your Sears card. And if we order one tonight before midnight, we can save another $50 off the sale price. I believe that's the same deal Bob got at the end of the season last year."

The last time I remembered using a Sears card I worked for Lands End, 3 years ago. I know I did not have a Sears card in my organizer with a valid expiration date. "Didn't we cancel that card?"

"Could you call?"

It was his birthday, so I called and was surprised to hear we still had an account even though I had no clue where the cards were. She offered to send us new ones, but that meant we wouldn't have the new account number to use online.

"You can go to any store with a valid picture ID and they can look up your account for you until your new cards arrive."

At 8:25p.m. I'm calling Sears to see if they have the snow thrower in stock. At 8:30p.m. DH and DS8 are preparing to race the 17 miles to Sears. My stomach really hurts!!!! Must be the take out and cake right?

I say a prayer because DH pulls out of the driveway with stress written all over him. At 8:58 I get a phone call.

"What's your social security number, hon?"

9:20p.m. I'm shoveling the driveway so DH can back up the van to unload a snow thrower. As my arms ache from yet another day of shoveling, I can't help but think how ironic this is I'm shoveling to make room for a snow thrower!!

We are the customers retail professionals fear. We show up at closing, to buy a snow thrower without the actual plastic credit card, asking for interest free financing and requesting for an additional $50 off for joining the Craftsman club. (3 phone calls, & a manager approval)  We weren't alone. DH said while he was there, 4 other customers bought snow throwers. I think I should bake brownies and send them with a thank you card to the Sears manager and staff. I know for a fact they didn't close on time last night.

So right now, in my garage, sitting in a box is a bonus birthday gift. We had discussed getting a snow thrower previously, but it did happen rather suddenly last night. It was a God thing because everything worked out even though by all rational thought, it shouldn't have. I hope DH can assemble it tonight. They are forecasting 4 more inches. 

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posse rats are here, ruining my afternoon. Why can't they come over with shovels in their hands? I think I need a nap. I'm grumpy. 

Snow stress

I didn't sleep well last night. I couldn't fall all the way under. Maybe it was the stress of crawling home in the snow, trying to not end up in the ditch as morons passed me thinking 4 wheel drive couldn't lead to 4 wheel slide.

I got up before dawn to help DH shovel the driveway. We had shoveled it when I got home last night, but we woke to find it had drifted over. Its a battle we lose every winter. We shovel only to have it drift over and over.

We dug out, I kissed DH goodbye and then I moved the van into a position I hope will prevent total drift over. We have to be able to get out later to take DH out for his birthday supper! I'm also hoping the boys wake up feeling better or supper out will have to be postponed.

I'm thankful I don't have to work tonight regardless. Tomorrow I'll have to work a double shift, and I saw they are forecasting 4 more inches. After all our mild winters, it looks like this year will make up for it.

Hear me roar....

Don't you love when you ask for something and you get it!! I heard the sounds of progress and snuck this snap through my window. The frozen solid icebergs have been moved from the front of our house! Yeah! Just in time for the 4 inches of fresh powder we'll get tonight.

Maybe it was my phone call, but I have a feeling our Post Master called to complain when dear Tom Letter carrier was hurt. It also could have been the lady who's house Tom was hurt at. She's actually the Post Master for the next town over. Anyway, I'm happy they took care of it before someone else was hurt. Our house is also a school bus stop and it hasn't been fun watching the cars slide through the intersection.

By bedtime DS12 was feeling sick like DS8. I guess we shouldn't have played in the snow. DS12 didn't sleep very well so he's crashed on the sofa. I asked him if he wanted to watch a movie and he said, "I just want something to make me feel better." Awwww! You know your child is sick when they don't even want to watch TV. At least DS8 seems to be back in action today so maybe this one won't hit us as a category 5.

I woke up with a headache which means my turn is coming. It will probably hit me full force tomorrow since its DH's birthday. I better bake the cake today and finish wrapping up his presents. If we don't take him out for supper, maybe we can still do carry out.

Hope you have a peaceful and blessed day!

I'm a little angry...

I took this picture from the empty lot next to ours. You can see how the plow was alongside the curb but then swerved out quite far. I suppose he was trying to avoid the mail box, but they usually come back and clean this up. They never did.

DS12 and I were out chopping up ice when we saw the letter carrier get his vehicle stuck about a block down the street. We walked down to help push him out. DS12 and I pushed and got him unstuck, but he had been trying to do this himself, alone before we got there. He had already hurt himself. I offered to drive him to the doctor because his arm and shoulder were in pain.  He said he thought he could make it, driving with one arm. About an hour later a substitute letter carrier came to deliver the mail and told us Letter carrier Tom had to go to the ER. I hope he is ok. I'm sitting here wondering if it was really his arm or if he was having a heart attack?

Needless to say, I've left an angry voice message at our public works department!

I should have knocked on wood...

I just blogged this morning on my 360 about how thankful I was that my household has avoided becoming ill so far this winter season. I know we have cold germs trying to break through but so far we've been fighting it off. This afternoon DS8 laid himself down on the couch and told me he had a headache. I noticed his cheeks were extra rosy. He asked for a popsicle and something cool for his forehead.  I had to take his picture because he looked so darn cute!!  I really hope we don't get sick!!

Weekend snow

Saturday we were hit with snow and freezing rain. Thankfully we didn't have to go anywhere. Today we've been digging out.

Its difficult not owning a snow thrower. My arms ache and DH is ready to drop. He not only worked on our driveway but also our neighbor's across the street.

Our neighbors are a very nice, older couple who's children all live far away. Mr. Neighbor needs back surgery soon too. I wish I had a few grand to buy DH a snow thrower. He's the type of guy who would snow throw everyone's driveway on the block if he had one.

The boys played in the snow, until the ice rain soaked through. I now have a huge pile of wet boots, snow pants and jackets, most of which belong to the posse rats. I asked DS12 why they always end up in our basement boy cave. Why am I the only parent who allows children in their home? I'm glad I know where my children are, but I'm not kidding, these kids spend more time in my home than theirs.

Tonight I will get my chance to get away. I'm going to a private shopping event at a bookstore! I'm so excited!!!!! I hope to make a good dent in my Christmas shopping but even if I don't, I will have had time without kids, in a bookstore!!!!!!

Time for tea and a cat nap.