(Sorry about that one - I am just not feeling creative enough for a better title.)
Good Lord in heaven I AM TIRED! I wish I could blame it on someone or something, but unfortunately the only excuse I have is that I'm a stupid, stupid person. Anyway, I have lots to do today, and I'm so tired I just can't seem to handle getting started. Here is what I need to do:
This, however, is more like what my day will actually look like:
(My posts are really getting horrible.)
Your posts are not in any way horrible, in fact they're wonderful! :) I'm so tired, too...I was wanting to blog, but couldn't muster up any energy to think of what to say...so I think I'm skipping it today.
I always make lists like that and it never happends. And at least you get to go out tonight- I would love to. HAve a great New Years!
You are a Mom... being tired goes with the territory. And as for as your posts... they are great. Brings back lots of memories when the kids were small. Hope you have a great 2005.
A Touch of Style
I love the list of your suposed day to what your acutal day will probably be.
As with all of us it's the spending to much time on the computer blogging.
We are awful. :-)
I would like to take the time to warn all of you about a new product out there, in the Goldfish family of snack crackers.
"We love the fishes 'cause they're so delicious!" (Sorry, it's hard for me to turn off the annoying songs.)
These evil little things are called "Color Changin' Goldfish", advertised to change colors when you put them in your mouth. I happened upon a great Goldfish sale, and seeing as this is one of the 5 foods my kids will eat, I bought up several bags. I decided to give these "Color Changin'" things a try.
They are just like the regular Goldfish, except they have this powdery residue on them that turns a lovely shade of red when it comes in contact with something wet.
They sound fun enough, but don't be fooled. In the hands of a slobbery toddler, they are evil, EVIL, EVIL!! And they are nothing I want to eat, either. (I'm freaked out by the colored ones.) I don't know why I ever bought them.
You form your own opinion - I'm just saying....
Blue Ketchup was the worst we have tried. I learned my lesson from that one.
I'm for anything that's colorfree, dye free, ...um...non sticky is good,...doesn't melt in your hands! I even buy the clear juice pouches for the kids, so if they spill it's not a bright red spot on the floor!
(Introducing her brother to some random stranger.)
Labels: quips
"This is Alex. When he's being naughty, Mommy calls him No Sir!"
I haven't posted about the earthquake or resulting tsunamis, but it hasn't left my mind since hearing about it. I just heard about a mother who while being swept away by the water, holding onto her two little boys (ages 4 and 2) had to make a horrible desicion no mother should have to make. There was no way she could stay afloat and hold both her boys, and knew she had to make a choice. She decided she had better keep ahold of the younger one, and let her older son go. Thankfully that boy was found 2 hours later floating on a door, and the entire family was reunited.
I cried at hearing this story, because I could place myself in that situation and imagine how horrible it must have been for her to let her grip go on her first-born.
Luckily, their story has a happy ending, while so many others' do not. Please pray for these people.....
Wow. I hadn't heard this story. I don't know what I would've done in that scenario. Maybe no one knows until you're there. :( Terrible tragedy. I've been upset for days.
How horrendous. That gives me shivers just thinking about it. To this day, I cannot watch the movie "Sophie's Choice." Just the thought makes me bawl.
Thank God this story had a happy ending!
Catt
http://cativa.blogspot.com
By 
, at
4:25 PM
Vanessa: That doesn't necessarily have such a happy ending if you look at it like this. That little boy has to live the rest of his life knowing that his mom let HIM go, and saved his brother. That is horribly sad...and to think that I get sick in the stomach when I have to take my daughter back to her dads early! Wow...I don't think I could live with myself if I ever was faced with that situation. I think I would save both of them and drown myself. At least they would both live.
By , at
6:50 PM
I have actually thought about things like this in my more morbid moments. I don't know what I would do. And it kills me everytime I hear of a parent that is forced to make a choice.
It's at times like this that I am overwhelmed by the fact that I have three children that are so young and spaced so closely together.
By 
Sleeping Mommy, at
8:16 PM
I can imagine how horrible she must have felt. However, of the many times I read of situations like this, it's always the youngest child the situation plays a favour to.
Nyx
http://anti-thetic.blogspot.com
By , at
11:23 PM
OMIGOSH! That is so sad! I am so happy that story has a happy ending. I could NOT imagine being in that position. That poor woman.
I just hope this physical life is a passing dream. Candles in the wind, dust in the wind with lives shorter than yesterday. I hope I wake up gracefully.
By , at
11:23 PM
I have a dog (well, two actually). She is a normally beautiful pure-bred Chow Chow. I say normally because in the winter it gets harder for me to bathe them, and they get a little on the disgusting side. She is what they call cinnamon in color, and very soft and furry. Her name is Kabiel. (Pronounced cub-yell.) Some of you may know that I use kabiel as my username nearly everywhere on the world wide web, so if you didn't know before, now you know where that comes from. She is now 10 years old, and let me tell you, she started out life pretty ornery, so you can imagine how she has aged. (No, really, she's a sweet dog. She's just, ah... independent.)
Anyway, I'm pretty sure I just saw my dear puppy fly by my living room window, so if you happen to be in Eastern Montana and find her, could you please send her home? (Of course, expences will be reimbursed.) Thank you.
I hate the wind!
Wow -- you have an EXCELLENT blog! Did you make that header?? If so.. GREAT job! How'd you do that?
:)
Tina
tina4her@yahoo.com
By , at
9:54 AM
I thought this post was about your dog being sick or something then I read the bottom and I laughed my ass off. That was funny!
By , at
11:01 AM
If I see him fly by, I'll be sure to let you know!
heather
http://mommislife.blogspot.com
By , at
1:54 PM
Too funny. I had a Chow/Norweigan Elkhound mix who was just as goofy! (Gotta dig out the wedding picture with her in it).
Does yours chase motorcycles and ghosts too?
So I've had the "TMBG Quote of the Week" feature up for some time, and no one has ever commented on it. Not you have to or anything, but really, am I the only fan out there? Doesn't anyone feel like singing along with me?
I have never seen TMBG... matter of fact, I know nothing about it... is this a TV show? A Movie?? I feel left out now :)
By Crayonsetc, at
10:04 PM
No, you're not. I'm not a real fan, but I have a thing for the guys. So, you're not alone out there.
They Might Be Giants are my favorite band! I too sometimes feel as if I am the only one that has ever heard of them. Nice to know I'm not.
By Jon Carpenter, at
12:27 PM
I bet you can't guess what the best part of having a huband who runs a restaurant is!
Leftovers?
By , at
1:16 PM
I would have said leftovers as well... probably really yummy ones... YUMMMMMMMMMMM!
By Jesse Stark, at
2:55 PM
Not having to cook would be top of my list, but i've kinda learnt to like cooking :)
letti.blogspot.com
By , at
3:51 PM
Gee, and my hub (TFB) works at a sponge factory. Yummm-meee!
I'll trade you some Scootch tape for some leftovers!
oooooo, that would be so nice!
The ongoing arg-I mean discussion around here goes as follows:
"What do you want to eat?"
"I don't know, what do you want to eat?"
"I don't care, what do you want to eat?"
And so on and so on...
By Sleeping Mommy, at
4:49 PM
Not just leftovers, the creme brulee leftovers that someone has to eat because there is not a chance it will be worth eating tomorrow.
Not just dessert, it's a public service. (And yes, I'm still drooling over the menu from the opening event.)
Gabriella is quite the little talker. She will start up a conversation with anyone we happen to run across while about town. She loves to announce to the librarian which movies she has chosen for the day. She will jump right in there at a restaurant and order her own food (ALWAYS macaroni and cheese - sometimes we have to "influence" her choice a bit.)
She has turned her love of conversation into a job. She has found it her "calling" to speak for her brother. Now really this is quite a nice service seeing as his speech is limited to "juice", "no", and "ma ma". (He's certain this will get him through life, but I am trying to change his mind on that one.)
So Gabriella goes about her day, speaking her mind and also that of her younger sibling. "Alex wants apple, and I will have yogurt". "Alex is done eating". "Alex doesn't want to play with my Care Bears". And my personal favorite, "Alex is going to vacuum the house, and then start on the windows in the family room". (Opps - sorry. That only happened in my imagination.)
She will occasionally try to speak of others, such as me or Spiral. This usually doesn't work, but you can't blame a girl for trying, right? So far it's cute, but of course with anything involving children, it's going to get messy!
Little Man won't always be nearly-mute, and someday I'm sure will be just as opinionated and out-spoken as his sister. When this happens I really don't think Gabriella will see her "assignment" complete. Oh the fights that will insue over this. Can you hear the excitement in my voice?
Hi, Michele sent me!
Gabriella certainly sounds as if she knows, and speaks, her mind. Very cute.
I've noticed my 2-year-old speaking for the attendants at her tea parties, but I guess there's more in store...
By Isabella K, at
11:55 AM
That is too funny. Mine (who is almost 3) said to me the other day "Are you sure about that Mommy?" I did a double take- then I knew that she got that one from me. I was hoping that the vacuuming and windows quote was true and that I was going to ask you had you got her to do that :)
We were at the Olive Garden and there was this really nice old man. My daughter was ALL OVER HIM and he was eating it up. He had no clue was she was saying, but she kept right on talking - about a mile a minute. What is it that Dr. Phil says?? "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior"? She will be a talker. How wonderful for us...
Goldberry
http://silverlining.typepad.com/silver_linings
By , at
2:59 PM
"Is Daddy the bomb?" Labels: quips
Today I get to claim responsibility for this post over at Golly Blog Howdy! Who knew I had the influence as to coerce such embarrassing moments out of bloggers?! Thanks Mellie, for sharing, and to the rest of you - beware! Perhaps you will be next on my list....
Seriously, that was my biggest fear of childbirth... pooping on the table! Thankfully I avoided it by C-section, but I'm WAY too anal retentive to handle that trauma!!
By SeeingDouble, at
11:54 PM
Golly, I'm pleased to be able to provide you with the...material...you want!
By Mellie Helen, at
4:59 AM
When I was little I remember hearing my parents talking about the movie "The Big Chill". I don't really remember what was said, other than they liked this movie, and it was inappropriate for me and my brother to see. This of course peaked my interest. I never watched the movie, but it remained taboo in my memory even into adulthood.
The same thing happened with the movie "The Shining". I remember my dad sitting down to watch "The Shining", and my mom shuttling me out of the room, telling me it was far too scary a movie for me to see. I am now nearly 30 years old, and though I have seen many a scary movie, "The Shining" still lives in my mind as an out-of-this-world scary movie that I will not watch to this day, even though in actuality it probably isn't at all as scary as some of the movies I have seen.
Isn't it funny how small comments made to us as children can stick with us. I'm not talking about important pieces of wisdom that our parents impart to us that help to shape us into who we ultimately become. I'm talking about the insignificant pieces of a conversation that we carry with us through our lives. Who knows why certain things stick out in our minds while others fade away? (I wonder what pieces of "nothing" Gabriella will remember as she grows older. Right now she seems to remember EVERY word I say!)
Tonight my parents took me and the kids out to dinner, and then stopped by my house to help me get them into bed, because they know Spiral has been working long hours and they are probably worried about my mental well-being. As my mom and I are brushing tiny teeth and reading Margaret Wise Brown books, my dad settled in on the couch to channel surf, and stopped on "The Big Chill". When the lights had been turned out and the last of the good-night kisses doled out, I joined my parents on the couch to finally rest my feet and thank them for all there help.
I was sitting there between them, and we were watching "The Big Chill". I was suddenly eight years old, and I felt like not only was a breaking a cardinal rule (Thou shall not watch "The Big Chill"!), but I was doing it right there in front of the rule-makers themselves. And they were allowing me to watch the movie! What is the matter with these people? Don't they know their little girl is in the room? It was slightly uncomfortable for me - all because of some comments they made about the movie 20 years ago. Comments they probably don't even remember making.
After they left I decided to continue watching the movie. I had a bit of a giddy, naughty feeling about it, because I was obviously doing something wrong. I watched most of it, and when the credits rolled, I thought "Huh". Okay, I can see why a child shouldn't see this movie. (Plenty of sex going on). But as an adult of course it wasn't a big deal. And you know what else? It's wasn't that great, either. Huh.
Boy... that post made me feel old... as one of my favorite movies is THE BIG CHILL.
- Dana (www.prettypurpleprincess.net)
By , at
6:07 AM
**waving**
Feeling ancient over here...
(Liz@This Full House)
By , at
7:36 AM
The movie would have seemed better if you were of that generation, as with any movie, it was made for that :-)
By Crazy Single Mom, at
2:11 PM
Oh I do agree. I wasn't saying the movie was horrible - I hope it didn't sound like that. The premise was good - college friends reuniting for the funeral of a friend. I agree that for me it was a little dated. My mom said that what she loved most about the movie was the music, and I admit I know every one of those songs. (because of my mom). It's just that for me there was this build-up because it was "off limits", and then when I saw it, it was just another movie.
Ah...the forbidden fruit.
Catt
http://cativa.blogspot.com
By , at
3:15 PM
I love this post because it is so true. I can really relate! As an adult it's fun to sit back and tell our parents, as well as aunts and uncles, the funny things we remember them saying or doing when we were kids (most of which THEY DON'T REMEMBER!!). It makes me wonder what funny stories our own children will share with us when they are adults.
Some funny things I remember...my mom let me read 'Pet Cemetary' by Stephen King, but she taped paper over all the "bad" parts. Also, they would let me stay in the room when they would watch "older" movies, but they would either make me turn my head and cover my ears during certain parts or go in the other room until it was over.
I remember if someone was kissing on tv, even an innocent kiss on a tv show, I would cover my eyes all embarassed and say to my parents, "DON'T LOOK AT ME! DON'T LOOK AT ME!" LOL
My parents told my sister and I absolutely not to watch a film they'd taped: The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox. Of course we then watched it sneakily (and mostly on fast forward). I still feel guilty about it. I don't remember what was so bad about it except George Segal 'honking' Goldie Hawn's boob!
By Keris Stainton, at
12:27 PM
(Two years old, standing in her room with poop running down both legs, crying hysterically.)
Labels: quips
"I pooped my room!!!"
That is too funny! Don't you just love when they stuff like that :)
Awwww - poor girl! My daughter HATES to pee/poop on herself. It scares her so bad!
By , at
2:05 PM
(Again, let's remember I'm not promising a challenge. These are just for fun. And please people, let's not judge others. Like you have never watched a stupid movie before!)
"You're the worst kind. You're high maintenance but you think you're low maintenance."
Seems to me I remember my brotherinlaw saying that exact thing about me -- and he hadn't even seen the movie at the time -- luckily the hubby actually defended me saying of course I wasn't high maintenance. :) And of course that was before we got married. he he
By Sleeping Mommy, at
4:52 PM
For me, the movies that come to mind are Flashdance and Class. Flashdance I was allowed to watch with the rents, but I had to turn my head during "certain scenes". With Class, I was a teenager and had an Andrew McCarthy obsession, so I wanted to rent Class. Then my parents remembered the elevator scene, which if you haven't seen it, this is lost on you. Needless to say, I didn't see the movie at that time. I found it all ironic though considering I had cable in my room and could see far worse on a daily basis, but I still humored them.
The battlefield is strewn with the wounded. There are many, but fortunately, so far, I am not one of them. The battle always seems to go the same way....
I generally choose an early morning attack, hoping that my enemy will not be expecting me. I shoot down many, and take them prisoner. I single-handedly take them to a torture chamber where I send them through "the machine". I purposely do not immediately return to the battlefield, but instead I lay low and out of sight, leaving my prisoners with time to simmer. I return to them only once to administer an oppressing heat in hopes they will surrender before taking them back to the front lines. I always think I have them where I want them and that I am gaining ground, but as I concure my enemy they only expand in numbers overwhelming to me. How am I to keep up? There are so many of them, and but one of me.
My enemy grows daily, hiding in dark corners. Sometimes Spiral comes to my aid, kicking them back when they encroach on our space, but rarely does he go into battle with me. My children understand little of this hideous war that is endlessly waged in our household, and unknowingly fuel the fire.
The fight began long, long ago, and is ceaseless. Many times I have won the battle, only to find that the next is looming around the corner. Of late however, I am beaten, trampled upon, and left injured and confused, nursing my wounds. My entire family suffers from my defeat. Sadly it is mine alone, as they all have their own responsibilities. I accept this, and hang my head in shame for how I have let them down.
Sadly there is no "happy ending" to my narrative. Lack of motivation and energy (both of which are crucial when going to battle) are just two ways my depression manifests itself. In the coming year perhaps (and this is in no way a "New Year's resolution") I will find the motivation and strength I need to continue in battle, and again win. I will try to organize a battle plan, recruit more help, and find a better war chant than I hate laundry!!. For most it is an annoying daily chore. For me it is an overwhelming task that I dread with every ounce of dread I can muster.
You're not the only one involved in the Battle of Laundry Hill. Not the only one by far.
My favorite is when I find clothes that still have hangers in them...with the price tags still attached to the sleeves in the laundry. OBVIOUSLY these items have not been worn since the last time I did laundry. In fact, they have NEVER been worn. Ugh.
A second favorite is when several items that are STILL FOLDED end up in the laundry together. What are my boys thinking when they throw them in the dirty clothes pile?!?!?
In the neverending battle of laundry, I am in a quandry. I quarantine the socks, leave them no chance of escape, and yet when I get back to them....one had always managed to escape, never to be seen again! Argh!!!
By Crazy Single Mom, at
6:34 AM
I absolutely love this blog! I am a single mother of 3 boys ages, 8, 6, and 4. I am facing the never ending laundry battle myself; Not to mention my biggest war of the year...post Christmas clean-up! I find myself standing in the middle of it all asking myself "where do I start?" I can relate to the lack of motivation - simply because I have learned that it is indeed a losing batter. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our home of craziness to yours :)
Amen Sister! You realize you cannot win. You're doomed from the start. No one will mourn your loss until they run out of clean underware - then the monday morning quarterbacks come out. Ungrateful family.
As a fellow comrade in the Laundry Wars, allow me to share with you a strategy I have recently adopted:
No more clothes for an individual are washed until the previously washed and folded ones are put away. And yes, if often comes down to when they're out of underwear! But none of their dirty laundry gets cleaned until they comply. Even my 2 yr old is able to put items in drawers, albeit not always the correct drawers.
You should just SEE the effect this is having on my beloved husband! And my 4 yr old son, too! Whoo hoo! Why didn't I think of this before?!?
By Mellie Helen, at
3:53 PM
I knew you were talking about laundry by the second line. The laundry is like the poor, it will be with us always. I would love to join a nudist colony, except I need to diet beforehand. When I win the lottery, I'm going to hire a laundry service. Pick up & drop off, fluff and fold. Forget your mansion, your private airplane. FLUFF AND FOLD, BABY, THAT'S MY DREAM!
"I have a rash on my left bottom" Labels: quips
There I was minding my own business, when Gabriella comes running into the kitchen with this goop all over her hands. As I am about to question her, Little Man toddles in after her and I understand. My jaw hit the floor, and I was speechless for a moment.
In that moment Gabriella saw in my eyes the trouble she was in. What had she done? She had smeared A&D ointment all over her brother's head. Now for those of you who are not familiar, A&D ointment is an salve that is good for general minor cuts, skin irritations and such, but it also works wonders on diaper rash. I must also tell you, so that you can truly appreciate the situation I was in, that A&D ointment it very greasy, like Vaseline. It also has a bit of a smell, which while not a bad smell, is one that because of how we use this ointment in our house I associate with diaper changes.
My poor son, who truthfully was perfectly happy having yellowish goop all over his head and smelling like baby butt, was then subjected to an impromptu bath. Normally he enjoys a good bath, but because he just so happened to be suffering from a bit of a diaper rash at the time had to be placed in a lukewarm tub so as not to hurt his tender posterior. I wiped his head with paper towels. I washed his hair five times. Nothing. His head was still a greasy mess. I could run my fingernails across his little noggin and pick up gobs of the stuff.
Meanwhile his bath is getting cold, and he is hungry, and NOT having fun. He's crying like a lost child in a big crowd. I have to find some way to cut the grease. I can't think of anything that will 1) work and 2) I was willing to apply to my baby's head. So I wiped his head with baby wipes (it works on his butt, right?), and thank goodness it worked. I then only had to shampoo his hair two more times until it seemed to be clean.
He was miserable for about an hour after this ordeal, and I was miserable the rest of the day. In fact, you'll note that I am still not completely over it, as I am blogging about it now. Little Man is in no way in danger of suffering from dry scalp in the near future, as his hair is still just a bit oily. And he still smells like a diaper.
(If there is some kind of award for the blog with the longest sentences imaginable, so as to render you unable to remember what the crap it was the beginning of the sentence was talking about by the time you reach the end of it, please notify the judges of this post, for I think I may have it in the bag! Maybe the BOB Awards could add that one for next year!)
Brings new meaning to the term, "Greaser".
By Mellie Helen, at
10:43 PM
Oh poor you! Poor little man!
What worked for a greasy mess for us was Dawn dish liquid. It cuts grease much more effectively than shampoo, but still gentle enough to use on tender little melons.
It could've been worse. It could've been Lansinoh breast goop (which is good for cuts, chapped lips, diaper rash, etc also).
Ask me how I know. ::snicker, snort::
Hope you had a great holiday otherwise.
Omg!! I know it wasn't funny while it was going on, but I sure wish you could've gotten pics of it!!! ha ha
I know A&D Ointment very well...
andrena
http://heavenlyankh.com
By , at
11:04 PM
hah...haha...HAHAHAHAH! i used to do mischevious things like that last time and got my mum crying out of exasperation too.
cheers!
sarah
http://www.tabulas.com/~shireen
By , at
11:49 PM
When I was about 13... fully aware of what was going on... I LET my grandmother put mayonaise in my hair. She had heard that it was good for dry hair. At the time my hair was almost to my butt... It took about a week and 300 washes to get the grease out.
Thanks for reminding me of a childhood memory- I am going to have nightmares of a big mayo jar coming at me.
LOL! :-)
OH-MY-GOSH!!!!!!!! That is a story that will last for years. I know it's hard to imagine now, but I can just picture you all sitting around a table when your kids are adults just laughing your *sses off at this!
One time (as adult) when I got deodorant (the soft creamy kind) everywhere, my husband suggested I clean it up with toothpaste! It cut that greasy stuff in no time flat! Who would have guessed? Maybe it would work on that stuff too...
Ewww!What a mess for you.
Emily aka madmommy
By , at
7:56 PM
Hope your New Year is less messy than that!
Happy Holidays!
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
By :: jozjozjoz ::, at
8:10 PM
One Halloween, Belle turned Zappa into Fonzie with Vaseline. A red-headed freckly Fonzie. He was adorable. But it took me two days to get the vaseline out of his hair. I tried everything. And whatta you know, simple vinegar finally did the trick. Man, he smelled BAD for DAYS.
By Mamacita (The REAL one), at
8:30 PM
Oh I remember having to coat my arms with vasoline when I was younger for a swimming show... and I remember how hard it was to get off. Poor baby. Glad you got it out!!
By Crayonsetc, at
9:30 PM
My in-laws swear by lemon Joy. That's all they have for shampoo in their house. *shakes head* Weird people, they are...
I still believe in Santa Claus. Oh yes, I know there isn't really a large man in a red suit delivering toys to every boy and girl in the world. I know that it is my job as a parent to draw my children into this make-believe story. But I do truely believe that Santa Claus exists in spirit. Even after I found out that he isn't a real person, I still loved going through the motions.
As a mom I love doing it for my kids. Of course it's a little like knowing the secret to the magician's tricks, but it's still fun. Tonight we made Christmas cookies, and went for a drive to look at Christmas lights. I made Rice Cream (a traditional Norwegian dessert), as I do every Christmas Eve. We put cookies out for Santa, and read The Night Before Christmas. (I know, we are very cliche'.)
After the kids were dancing with sugar plums (or whatever) we stuffed the stockings, and brought out Santa's gifts. I stood back and looked at the room from the standpoint of a small child, who will wake up in the morning and really believe that fat man was here. I remember the excitment I would feel deep within me to think that this legendary man had actually been in my house.
I get a twinge of that excitment even now, when I see the cookies and milk left as if Santa were really here - just a drop of milk forming a ring around the bottom of the glass, and one last cookie with a bite taken from it sitting on the plate with a crumpled napkin. That was the sign to me, even more so than the gifts, that Santa was here. I can't wait to get up in the morning and see that excitment on my daughter's face.
To all of you out there in the blogosphere, Happy Holidays. I wish for you good health, much happiness, and just a touch of magic to always remain within you.
Merry Christmas... Michele sent me..
I'll play Santa if you leave cookies :) yummmm
Merry Christmas!!
By SeeingDouble, at
1:41 AM
how sweet! merry x-mas and happy new year.
cheers:)
sarah
http://www.tabulas.com/~shireen
By , at
3:05 AM
What a sweet post! I simply cannot wait until we can do Santa for our kids. Have a happy holiday. =)
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Okay. When I misread Santa Claus for Santa Cruz I knew Christmas day had been a long day that should come to an end.
Merry Christmas, even though Michele didn't send me.
By Aldon Hynes, at
8:11 PM
Your turn - fess up.
*If you need a recap, you can find previous evidence here.
I read my own blog too sometimes and I always find spelling mistakes! I hope your family has an great holiday!
If I wake up in the middle of the night and get out of bed, I have to brush my teeth before I go back to sleep.
Soup must be HOT HOT, milk must be COLD COLD (with a slice of chocolate cake, if possible)
If I eat a full size Snickers bar, I nibble each layer off before going to the next. It is too hard with the minis. A friend got me started on that one!
i so cannot drink bathroom tap water. ever. how gross is that.
i can easily get out of bed in the middle of the night and NOT brush my teeth before going back to bed (lol)
i do, however, have to go kiss my kids before i go back to bed every time i do get up in the middle of the night
By Style Me Organized, at
12:53 PM
Hi, Michele sent me. I found your comments to be a very interesting and wonderful window into your psyche.
I don't eat popcorn any more, de-nutted or not. I don't drink water from the bathroom tap--mainly because I like cold water, but also because I don't keep a drinking glass or cup at the sink.
I repeatedly read my newest blog until it's time for a newer one. It started out as spelling checks, but really I just enjoy reading myself so much that I can't stop. A little bit masturbatory, I guess, but I'm not forcing anyone to look! If you don't like it, just shut up and Pleasure Thyself!
My "default" song lyrics that stream through my mind at random times are from "It's Been A Long Time":
"Kiss me once
then kiss me twice
then kiss me once again,
it's been a long long time..."
[Full Lyrics]
By Ron Southern, at
2:50 PM
Hello, Michele sent me. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
You are on my blog roll and I just wanted to pop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year :)
I love reading your blog!
Hello Michele sent me! And I am so glad she did - because it gave me the oppotunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming New Year! Gotta love that gal Michele!
Just wanted to stop by and wish you a Very Merry Christmas!!
By Crayonsetc, at
5:38 PM
Hey wait a minute - "If I only had a brain" is MY default head-song! Seriously! Now I'm wondering - just how many of us out there have this very song as our default song!?
:-)
I’d unravel any riddle
For any individd-el
In trouble or in pain
With the thoughts I’d be thinkin
I could be another lincoln
If I only had a brain
Oh, I could tell you why
The ocean’s near the shore
I could think of things I never thunk before
And then I’d sit and think some more
If I get in on a side of the bed, I have to get out on the same side. If not, then I am getting up on the wrong side of the bed.
I like my food separated. If I could use divided plates all the time, I would. NO food touching!
Sometimes when I'm bored I read my own blog. And I like it.
My default song is "We built this City." I HATE IT!!!!!
I will drink water out of the bathtub tap water if needed.
I have to hold on to the wraught iron railing on my headboard to fall asleep. I cannot just hang my hand off the bed, it makes my fingers feel weird.
I rub my feet against each other to go to sleep as well.
Other people's bare feet cannot!!!! touch mine. This has resulted in my hubby getting elbowed forcefully more than once.
I have more quirks, but they are WAY too embarassing to reveal here! LOL We're all freaks in our own way!
By SeeingDouble, at
9:33 PM
I do the popcorn thing too! I'll sort them into another bowl and then I'll eat the puffy parts last.
For the young ones in your life (or the young-at-heart) I wanted to bring to your attention this website. Thanks to Norad, you can sit in the comfort of your own home and track Santa on Christmas Eve, all while sipping cocoa and arguing with the relatives. The website is available in 6 languages, and it is very well done.
I just heard about this one last year. Imagine my shock to find out that Norad has been spying on Santa's annual trek for 50 years now! (I know - I really should move the rock more often and look at the world aroud me.) So if you find the blogging world a little slow tomorrow, go check it out. And you, with the carving knife - leave Grandma alone! She's only trying to help!
That's very cool. Thanks.
-Some Random Stranger
(http://evileddie.com/blog)
By , at
12:57 PM
There's also www.northpole.com where you can email santa your xmas list and he'll write you back. I had my class do that this week.
Stealing a moment at the computer to wish you a very Merry Christmas! I'll be talking to you after the holidays! I hope you get the Titanic book you're wanting. :)
My dd so loves that website... she has me log on early in the day and we check the updates every half hour!! (granted it helps that we can see Cheyenne Mountain from our house ;))
By Crayonsetc, at
10:00 PM
I am new to the blogging world and just found your site. Love it! Love it!
Hi there, I clicked the santa tracker, I have to say thank you! My kids are having a blast with it!!!
~Sherri~
Http://whatloveisnt.diaryland.com
By , at
8:41 AM
Michele als sent me because she loves your site. Yes, simply loves it!!
My holiday message to you:
In this season of celebration I also celebrate the wonderful people who have touched my life with their glorious spirit, wit, wonder, and joy. This list of people does indeed include you.
Wishing you love, joy and wonderment during this glorious time of year.
I'm starting to see the signs in Gabriella of a girl ready to pass another milestone and leave naps safely in her past. Someone. Help. Me. Seriously, if it weren't for the hour (give or take) that I get a day while they are both napping, I think I'd be a bald, crazy-eyed woman with a drinking problem.
I knew this would come. I suppose I should color myself lucky that she has been taking naps this long. I know of children who gave them up well before their third birthday. (In fact, I was one of those rebels who stopped napping before I turned two. If only I knew what sleep would mean to me later in life, I would have continued napping until.... Well, I wouldn't have stopped napping!)
So after crying in a dark closet over this for a while I've decided that this isn't going to change my life in the least. If Gabriella doesn't need to sleep during the day, we will just have "quiet time" every day while Little Man sleeps. She will stay in her room and play quietly. She can listen to soft music and look at her books. It will work! It will work!! It. Will. Work.
It will work, won't it?
Keep dreaming. I hope it does work. My grandmother would make me take a nap even through my teenage years. She said if I wasn't going to nap then I could just lay there. Oh how I wish there was nap time for adults. Like right.now.
Darcy, my four-year-old, takes a nap. Almost every day. From 1:00ish to 4:00ish, I make her lay down. She is to stay in bed and stay quiet, and if she gets up, she gets in BIG trouble. Period.
She doesn't need to SLEEP, but she definitely needs that much rest. If she doesn't get it, she is Miss Crabbypantsextrordinaire. It amazes me.
Alex stopped napping when he was one year old.
Strange how kids can be soooo different!
We now have rest time instead of nap time. And it works, mostly. I allow my girls to take books or a few toys with them. Every once in a while they get really wound up, but I can tell a difference if they don't rest at all.
Oh I am dreading that day when mine does not nap. I am all for "quiet time" so I am hoping that it works for you and any tips you might want to send my way-please :) It will work!!!
I totally feel your pain. My three year old gave up his naps before he was two. So when his sister took her regular afternoon nap I enforce a "quiet" time. He got to watch a disney movie by himself of his choice and if he won't stay on the couch resting quietly while he watches then it gets turned off. I so understand your need for that time. I'm most definitely crazy-eyed and wish I had a drinking problems (well almost). Find something that she values and use that to enforce the quiet time. Good luck.
By Sleeping Mommy, at
8:21 PM
Boy, am I incoherent today! Look at all those gramatical errors and typos!
By Sleeping Mommy, at
8:22 PM
As long as you enforce it, it will work. My daughter tends to be very needy, so I have been making her play alone in her room for 30 minutes each day so she can learn to be by herself. So far, so good!
Goldberry
http://silverlining.typepad.com/silver_linings
By , at
9:07 PM
We have quiet time around here. That's when IGBD goes into her room and creates as much chaos as she can while Mommy ignores her. That meets my goal of Mommy Having One Hour of Peace.
I'm writing this as my 4yo lies in bed wide awake and wishing he could get up. I like the idea of 'quiet' time 'cause I can see that naps are becoming a thing of the past for him. Good luck to you :)
I do not have a penis. I am not looking to make my non-existant penis bigger, longer, or thicker. Please take me off your mailing list, and learn to TARGET YOUR DEMOGRAPHIC for cryin' out loud!
On the basis of your comment to Internet spammers alone, I'm an instant admirer. Maybe I should read something else. I will. I hate spammers like God meant us to hate Sin. Since I have almost no recent acquaintance with sin, I feel authorized to HATE spammers and get away with it!
By Ron Southern, at
1:40 PM
That made me laugh- thanks I needed that today :)
Snort! Tell em sista! If only they would listen. Sigh...
By Sleeping Mommy, at
4:24 PM
Don't you have a penis? Buy Ciarlis, also known as super Viagra. It's so strong that you will get one. Please click here to subscribe to our mailing list. You will be notified every day that you should super Viagra.
By Luboš Motl, at
4:45 PM
I would also include in that letter that I am not interested in going to a site with sexy teens nor do I want to purchase vicodin over the internet.
Heatheranne
http://heather-anne.com
By , at
6:11 PM
email spam is, for all intents and purposes, free. targetting email is a waste of time. besides, you may have someone in your life who has a penis who may benefit from the products hawked. in fact, you may benefit from the products as well...indirectly, of course.
By Craig R. Harmon, at
6:17 PM
I'm here via the Jazzy Snowball fight. Leave it to me to walk in during a penis post. And with that, I'm afraid I've got nothing.:(
Another snowball, this one from me, well, cos' Jazzy said so!!
::running away before you get a chance to throw one back at me::
Oh wait, before I run away did someone said the word penis? Oh my.
Penis and a frozen ball....suddenly my evening became more amusing...kinda sad isn't it?
And to that I would add:
"And I do not have a sister or brother who is in pain and needs me to order them illegal vicodan online..."
Thanks for the laugh.
You've been balled. Snowballed that is. Courtesy of Jazzy! Does Viagra work on Snowballs? I guess technically it's the other part of the snow that needs the Viagra. I'll stop now.
My favorite was "Make your dick so hard you can pound nails with it." I even forwarded it to some friends. . .how bad is that, forwarding your spam. I'm sure there's a penalty for that.
The final installment in my "Christmas Toy Shopping 2004" series is advice on what to look for when buying a toy, whether you are a parent, grandparent, great-uncle, second cousin, or family friend who has to brave the toy aisle to find that last minute gift for a child.* I cannot be held accountable for any pain and suffering caused by any toy that goes against the following guidelines. I encourage any of you who can expand on this advice to do so by commenting below.
*Please note: I am not a toy expert, and any tips here should be taken as the opinion of one mom. Also remember that these are general guidelines, and there are exceptions to every rule.
I used to watch SNL much more often than I do now. I always thought those silly, corny "Deep Thoughts, by Jack Handy" were funny. (I know. It doesn't take much to make me laugh. For a depressed person, I laugh a lot.)
My favorite one went something like this: "If God really lives inside us, like some people say, I hope he likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting!"
Do you have a favorite?
My favorite was always "It's such a shame and a tragedy, that even the most close-knit family can be torn apart by something as simple as a pack of wild dogs".
Anytime I see something screech across a room and latch onto someones neck, and the guy screams and tries to get it off, I have to laugh, because what is that thing.
By , at
1:14 PM
I used to have the book that all of the thoughts in there. Was was one about a little boy who asked why it rained and it was because God was crying because something the bad the boy did. I don't remember. I do love SNL though!
One of my favorites:
"If you ever find yourself falling off a building, let yourself go all limp, like a dummy, then people will try to catch you because HEY! FREE DUMMY!
LOL ;)
By Shannon akaMonty, at
2:45 PM
If trees could scream would we still chop them down? Probably, if they screamed all the time. And for no good reason.
Whatshisname and I still laugh about that one.
If you ever drop your keys in a river of molten lava, let 'em go, because man, they're gone.
By , at
9:19 PM
I have three of his Deep Thoughts books, and I would read them with friends and we would laugh our asses off.
Incidently, if you laugh a lot..chances are you aren't depressed. I have had depression since I was 10 and when I get into a really bad bout of depression I don't laugh, giggle, or even smile. In fact, I don't get dressed, out of bed, shower or eat. So...if you can laugh while your "depressed," you probably aren't depressed. You're probably not all that sad, either. Just trying to get attention to me!
By , at
7:52 AM
Today's installment of "Christmas Toy Shopping 2004" covers only a few of the better toys out there, for all of you procrastinators with children to buy for.* Again, this is not a comprehensive list. Please feel free to add your recommendations.
Tomorrow's final installment includes toy buying tips for the childless (or for you parents who haven't figured it out yet.)
*I am not a toy expert. Recommendations made here are mainly for entertainment's sake, and based on nothing more than "it looks good to me". They are not necessarily made based on personal experience with said toy. Opinions here should not be taken as advice.
Princess had some of those when she was younger, we've graduated to leap pad and things like that.
By Crazy Single Mom, at
6:14 AM
I was shopping with my boyfriend for toys for his grandson on the weekend and I stumbled across some of the Baby Einstein toys. They're so great! I've never really paid much attention to baby toys before, but I'm definitely going to keep these ones in mind for when I have kids.
Jen
By , at
7:30 AM
It's been 5 days now. Five days we've been living without the remote control to our DVR. I remember the last time I saw it, and unless I absent-mindedly put it in some bizarre place, Little Man has hid it somewhere. He's found a good place, too, because we've looked in all his usual "I'll just put this here" spots, as well as every other place we can think of. (I'm afraid he may have decided to hide it in a trash bag that I then took out to the garbage.)
Do you have any ideas of where else I can look for this thing?
Oh I am sooooo sorry. I hate it when that happens. I am so paranoid about that I tend to watch the darn thing like a hawk. Besides the buttons on our TV are locked so we can't even work it without the remote control! (Well I can't, my husband can work some magic but I would have to wait for him to get home to fix it and frankly that just sucks!)
Hope you find it soon.
By Sleeping Mommy, at
6:02 PM
Kitty knocked ours into the laundry basket. Cuz I don't always fold the laundry the second it hits the basket (as if!), the remote took several days to reappear.
I was going to say to try the trash cans, but since you already took them out... might be having to pick up a generic one from Wally World ;) I hope you find it!! (it really bites when you can't find it!!) (my resever remote went out... $75 to replace it!!)
By Crayonsetc, at
7:59 PM
My daughter likes to throw things in the toilets, but I don't think I am helping...
Goldberry
http://silverlining.typepad.com/silver_linings
By , at
8:17 PM
In a house with five children, we go through the lost remote thing a lot, and there are several appliances that can only be operated by store-bought All-in-One remotes because the originals have vanished into the ether.
Here is my solution to the general problem.
By Ferdinand T Cat, at
11:04 PM
Wouldn't it be great if, like cordless phones, remotes came with a plug-in pager system? Press a button, and the remote beeps.
Oliquig
By , at
3:49 PM
Even if your munchkin didn't take it, he may know where it is. My mom asked my youngest if he knew where the top to a piano key was and he pointed to the empty key. Mom insisted that he knew where it was. And he did. It had fallen off the key and between that one and the key next to it.
After that I asked him where things were and he often knew. Even when I'd been the one to accidentally stuff the remote in the freezer with the sorbet.
Of course, that quits working around fourth grade because they figure out they have to think to do that.
Suzi from www.myownthoughts.com
By , at
8:31 PM
We found ours last week in the (unlit) fireplace.
Karen
http://verbatim.blogs.com
By , at
12:28 PM
Join me in a three part series I'm referring to as "Christmas Toy Shopping 2004". For the first installment I have compiled for you a list of the most inane (in my opinion) Christmas gifts for this year. This list is in no way comprehensive.*
. Are you serious? I'm suppose to buy my child a doll, that first of all has two other dolls that go with her, so we will have to have all three, and second of all, it's only redeeming quality is it makes noise? It will even tell you what outfit it's wearing. No thanks, I'll pass.
Have no fear! Here at Mommy Matters I am not going to just trash talk. Tune into tomorrow's installment, where I will let you know what you should be getting your kids this Christmas!
*Please note: no personal offence is meant if you have chosen one of these toys for your youngster. The views expressed here are merely my own, are made mainly for entertainment's sake, and are not based on personal experience with the product. No disrespect is meant to those who own, make, or sell these products. I am not a toy expert, and any opinion here should not be taken as advice.
came from blog explosion
i liked that post! there is some REAL crap out there in the stores
looking forward to what we should get them.
I couldn't agree more!! Those are some of the silliest toys out there. Last year, when Princess had only just turned three, someone gave her a sandart set. Now it is nice, and I'm sure older kids would really like it, but a three year old??? That would have been dumped all over the house in seconds, had I actually let her play with it. Instead I returned it and got her a teddy bear, which she still sleeps with and loves to this day.
By Crazy Single Mom, at
5:36 AM
You have me rolling regarding the Boobahs. WTH are they anyway? I don't think anyone knows. Bratz, too - ugh! Even Barbie has a little bit of tact (though it appears she's heading down to the District soon with her lovely new outfits (gag) and make up).
My 4 year old got a baby Chou Chou from someone lately, and while she has loads of fun with her, I can only tolerate so much. Thank god her batteries went dry! (Um, sorry honey. Mommy doesn't have anymore of those kind of batteries right now!)
My 7 year old wants a cd player and at least we agree on most of her music being appropriate. Even what the kids listen to is more risque compared to what we had when we were kids. She'd absolutely die if I used "Happy Birthday from Pooh" off the LP that I had for my 7th birthday! (Hmm....methinks I see some good evil mommy torture ideas coming on! LOLOL!)
I used to stress over presents for the kids when they were little. I really shouldn't have bothered. It didn't matter what we got them - they always ended up playing with the boxes anyway.
Catt
http://cativa.blogspot.com
By , at
9:41 AM
I agree with you on *most* of your toy list, but I bought the Step 2 sand and water table for my kids. They are obsessed with filling containers and dumping them out!! Don't worry, I won't hate you for bashing our Xmas gift, but I will let you know if your prediction holds true!! :)
By SeeingDouble, at
10:13 AM
Bratz! I would never encourage my daughter to be a brat in the first place. I really think little girls need better role models! I just had my first daughter after having three boys. I'm scared to death looking at what's out there for her! My daughter will not be wearing hooker boots and showing everyone her ass! The sand table thing looks like a mess waiting to happen! Who thinks of this stuff!
By , at
11:39 AM
I agree! I think Bratz are horrible. I would never buy my child, or anyone elses for that matter, one.
I agree with almost everything, except the Boobahs. I don't think they are meant to be educational, I think they're for exercize. Think most people use the television as a babysitter and whilst watching Boobahs the kids will be up doing exercise. The same can't be said for Tellytubbies.
I think everyone is in agreement that Bratz are awful.
By Technicolour Nightmare, at
3:41 PM
I keep hearing that there isn't any big hit item this year... apparently this is correct :) DD was trying to get me to look at Giant stuffed Boobahs today... I told her No, she is almost 7!!
By Crayonsetc, at
8:36 PM
Welcome to a brand new feature here at Mommy Matters. Spiral and I often break out with a movie quote during conversation, and then of course the other has to answer back with the name of the movie. I've decided to start the same kind of thing here, because... well... it's my blog, and I felt like it.
I can't promise you these will be challenging. (In fact, I seriously doubt I will be able to stump you all, but sometimes the obvious ones are the most fun.) I also can't promise you I will restrict quotes to movies. And remember, it's just for fun. So let's begin....
"We've got no food, no jobs, our pets heads are falling off!"
thats easy, 'dumb and dummer'
By , at
12:25 AM
Easy yes, but a classic.
Damn! Someone beat me to it! :(
Only easy if you've seen the movie!! That's one I never wanted to watch.
you must have not "wanted to watch it, b/c your taste is humorous movies is obviously tasteless. lol
By , at
3:17 PM
To all those who link to my site, a big thank you! I've been a Slithering Reptile forever, but I just noticed that I am now a Flappy Bird! (I know I shouldn't care, but I can't help but be a little excited.)
Ok... THAT'S IT!!! I've been meaning to find out what those things were, since I am fairly new to blogging, but everyone has one. What everyone else has.... I want! So you have broken the straw on my curiosity camel's back... :D
By SeeingDouble, at
8:25 PM
My parents recently took Gabriella to the mall to help them choose a couple of names from the giving tree.
You know the giving tree. They are in malls all across the country, covered with the names of children of all ages that won't have something special with their name on it under the tree Christmas morning. These kids just want something special for their own, or some new clothes.
My parents do the giving tree every year. We did too, until last year when our finances wouldn't allow it. This year, again, we are just going to be able to give our kids a Christmas, and pay our bills, with enough left over for groceries.
I asked my parents to take Gabriella, because I wanted her to learn the lesson of giving. Giving to someone in need. So we all went to the mall, and Gabriella helped choose two names off the tree. She chose a little girl about her age, who wanted Dora or Strawberry Shortcake things. She also chose a 2 year old boy who needed new clothes.
We then went to Target, where Gabriella helped choose the gifts. We explained to her what we were doing, and why. She really got into it, and was so sweet picking out toys, and telling us "Don't tell her! It's a surprize!"
It touched my heart to see my daughter get into this. It was just what I wanted to happen. I wanted her to understand the spirit of giving, and not just the fun of getting presents. She's three, but I think she got something positive out of it.
My heart broke into pieces though, looking at that tree. It was absolutely covered with names. Talking with the woman running the tree that day, she had a large stack of names that still needed to be put up, just waiting for room. We don't live in an especially large city - I couldn't believe all the names.
I wanted to be able to pick up some names myself. It hurt me so much that I couldn't afford to help one or two of these kids out. It makes me wonder about what Christmas has become. Every year we stress over what to get family and friends. We struggle especially with Spiral's parents. It seems we end up giving them things they already have, or things they don't really like, just because we "have to get them something". Wouldn't that money be better spent on a child that would be happy with any number of things, just because it was especially for him or her?
If you have the means to do so, please go find the giving tree and help a child in need. Donate to your local food bank, or give to Toys for Tots. Make the life of a child a little better and a little brighter.
I hope and pray that every child has something under their tree this year just for them. I hope each one is warm, and safe, and has food to fill their tummies. I hope each one is loved, and feels special. I wish I could change the world, and ensure these things for every child. The best I can do is ensure it for my own.
I can totally relate!! We can barely afford to "do" Christmas this year, since N lost his job in November, but my kids have so much already, and gifts from all sorts of family members! I want so badly to be able to help these needy children here, even if it's something small, but we really don't have it. WTG on teaching your daughter the spirit of giving to those less fortunate!
By SeeingDouble, at
12:08 AM
Our work holds a toy and food drive every year, and I take some of my tips every week and buy either food or toys. This year Princess helped to buy some too. I agree that this is a worthwhile thing!
By Crazy Single Mom, at
8:27 AM
What a wonderful tradition to start with Gabriella! I used to "adopt" a child every year through the giving tree at work. Now that I'm a SAHM, I'll have to find one. It makes me so sad to think of all the children that won't be waking up to a Christmas tree with presents under it. It's so easy to take things for granted.
Vanessa : I remember the year that I had to put Hannah on the "Angel Tree," because I couldn't afford to give her everything that I wanted. To this day, I wish that I could have met the people who bought her gifts and thanked them. It really meant a lot to me. That day I vowed that when I had the money, I would pick 3 names from the "Angel Tree," and buy the kids the gifts that they wanted! I am very thankful for that program!
By , at
6:08 PM
We could barely afford to buy our kids two toys each. We have four kids. We have to decide whether to buy groceries or fix the car. This time of year it always gets tight. My husband is in college and I've been at home. I can't wait until he's done. Then things will get a little better. It still bothers me that my kids complain that they won't get everything they want and some kids won't even get anything and some kids don't even have families. I was one of those kids and I'm trying hard to make it easier on mine. Once we are up on our feet I will definetly be picking a name or two off the tree.
By , at
7:53 PM
I struggled with this myself this year. I donated (via shopping at Greater Good) to several worthy causes. I just had a conversation with my mother-in-law today about donating toys. A box she sent (1 of 6) is missing. I told her if she found it to donate it. She said, but the stuff is special, for my granddaughter. I said that her granddaughter has a lot of special stuff. Some girl her age might not have anything. I think my kids understand the concept of giving to those who need more. I think it's great that you're instilling this value at such a young age.
(Gabriella trying to console her little brother, who is sitting not-so-patiently in his high chair, starving hungry, and desperately wanting at the box of dog treats he spies sitting on the counter.)
Labels: quips
"Here Alex, have a carrot! They are like Milk Bones!"
I really do have some errands to run today. (Okay, yes, it's true I'm not done with Christmas shopping yet.) When I went to get dressed this morning I was planning on going out today. But then, I remembered... it's the last weekend before Christmas.
Well nevermind then! You'd have to pay me to take my kids out in those crouds. (You know where I will be Monday morning!)
*Note to self: Start Christmas shopping for next year in March.
I have a few more things to get too (like all the stocking stuff)... but thankfully, dd still has 2 more days of school... I can go while she is there!!
By Crayonsetc, at
5:04 PM
Good Luck on Monday! :)
Chana
www.bunnyburrow.com
By , at
10:39 PM
I do love my TV. It's something I am ashamed of. The TV is always on in my house. Oh we aren't always watching it, but it is always on. It's almost like I can't stand to be without that background noise.
It was that way before I had kids. I actually sit and watch very little television, but I had a daily set of channels I turned on at set times because that's what I would listen to as I went about my day. Now that I have kids, they have picked up on it. They, also, don't really sit and watch a whole lot of television, but it's always tuned into something for them. It's just as bad, I know. I firmly believe that children need to stimulate their minds. Spiral and I prefer for them to have toys that require them to use their imaginations. And yet that stupid box is on from sun up until bedtime.
I have been making an effort lately to change this. Instead of TV shows we will turn on music for background noise. (This does mean more of this.) The kids enjoy it just as much, and for me, well... it's not any worse than listening to Jo Jo's Circus.
The TV has really gotten in the way of my reading lately, as well. (Well, TV, and blogging.) I've just gotten in the habit of surfing blogs and watching TV in the evening instead of reading. The other night I was forced by the lack of a laptop in the house decided to switch the TV off. CLICK It was amazing the change it made in the room. Suddenly I could hear the soft Christmas lullabies wafting from Little Man's bedroom. The Christmas tree seems prettier and the lights brighter with the holiday music. I instantly felt much more peaceful.
I brewed a tall cup of tea, and curled up near the tree under my favorite blanket and started reading that Christmas book I've wanted to read. (See sidebar for title.) I went to bed more relaxed and collected - and happy.
Oh don't get me wrong. I still can't live without my TV, but perhaps this little revelation of mine will encourage me to switch it off more often, and get back to that huge stack of books that awaits me on my nightstand.
I've got the same problem at my house. My daughter doesn't really pay attention, unless it has something to do with Elmo, Oobi or Dora. And of course, as you mentioned. Laurie, and her incredibly contagious songs. I go to work singing about Victor Vito and Freddy Vasco every morning. lol
Jennifer
www.undying-love.com
By , at
5:56 AM
Christine, I have the same problem. I have a couple friends with kids that NEVER have the tv on...I just can't do it. I've gotten better now that it's Christmas-time - I've turned the tv off and opted to play some Christmas CD's. It just seems so quiet and dreary in here w/o it sometimes.
Also, I was going to send you an e-mail, but I'll tell you here...there's a new Titanic book that's just recently been released. The guy was on "The Today Show" a couple days ago. I'm sure you already know about it, if not, let me know, and I'll look up the info for you. :)
The babysitter worked out great. The kids had fun with her, and she did a great job. (Yes, she put Little Man's diaper on backwards, but no harm done.) I probably overpaid her, but the way I saw it, I normally don't need to pay for a babysitter thanks to my ever-there-for-me family, so on those rare occasions when I need her, I'll pay her well so she'll want to help me out again.
On to the restaurant! I dined last night with my mother and father, brother and sister-in-law. The atmosphere was just fabulous! It has the feel of an upscale, big city restaurant, which is like nothing else we have here in this small city. There was a buzz in the air. Everyone there was having a wonderful time!
This was a complimentary meal so that the staff could practice. So of course no expense was spared. (The only catch was they asked everyone at the table to order something different, so that the chefs could have practice with everything on the menu.) Several of us ordered appetizers. I had the hummus with cucumbers, pita bread, and mediterranian olives (please excuse my spelling - I'm in a hurry). It was wonderful! My entree was the salmon, with lemon mashed potatoes and green beans. (I forget what the sauce was on the salmon, but it was very tasty!) The plate presentation was very elegant. I tasted several of the dishes from around the table, including the pork chop (huge!), the Kobe beef (it melts in your mouth!) and the Caeser salad. (The dressing is the traditional, from-scratch dressing - yummy!) There was not a complaint to be had. Besides the servers being a little awkward, everything was perfect.
For dessert we had ice cream on crepes and creme brulee (O.M.G.) Their coffee service includes french press coffee (pressed at the table), including a plate of additions for those who like that sort of thing. (The plate included chocolate shavings - both dark and white, fresh whipped cream, cinnimon sticks, and raw sugar "cubes".) The same plate comes with their tea service, which is loose leaf tea, again steeped at the table, so the tea drinker can decide on the steep time. (Me, being a tea snob, had a little influence over this. I just hate restaurants that bring you one tea bag and a little hot water and leave you at that!)
The whole evening was topped off with a tour of the historic building, hosted by Spiral himself. I seriously could go on, but I'm not sure you're interested, and my kiddos just woke up - it's time to go run errands.
I know some of you have had questions about the restaurant and Spiral's position there. I hope that you understand that he is trying to maintain some kind of anonymity online. Wyoming is a small-town kind of state, and most people here, and certainly everyone in our town, would know exactly which restaurant he works for. He may be more comfortable answering your questions via email in a more "private" setting.
After reading your post, I am so hungry. And the dinner dishes aren't done yet. Unfortunately, I live about 3 time-zones away from the creme brulee. Does it ship well?
Congrats to Spiral, and you as well!
Gosh everything sounds so good! I love the coffe thing at the table. Sounds like my kind of place. Glad that that the babysitter worked out well :)
What's the name of the restaurant? I want to go! ... you know, the next time I'm in Wyoming... %)
The restaurant sounds fabulous. Congratulations! It does sound Yummy but me being here in California doesn't help much-So the next time I am in Wyomming I will have to sniff you out.Cheers!~
Wouldn't you know it - no sooner do I finally empty myself of all my gmail invites than gmail goes and dumps some more on me. Any takers? (If yes, please be sure to send your email address to me. You can email me by clicking the "mattered to me" link below.)
Update - December 18th - invites gone!
I'm still trying to figure out how often they give them. Seems I always have some laying around.
What is g-mail? For us newbies......
I had the same problem, so I was giving them away like Tums to dyseptic old men, and then I actually found people that wanted them.
So, ration carefully, they do quit giving them away after awhile.
I am dying to get my hands on one... so if you are still offering... :)
By SeeingDouble, at
10:50 PM
Oh, and of course my Clicking your email doesn't work... since Earthlink stinks! But you can email me from my blogger profile, or my blog. :)
By SeeingDouble, at
10:53 PM
Those of you who are parents know that we count out time in our childrens' lives with firsts: first bottle, first step, first word, first punishment, etc. We here in the Mommy Matters household are gearing up for another first: First babysitter.
Yes, you heard me right. In my 3 years and 8 months as a mother, neither one of my children has ever had a babysitter. That is not to say that I have never left their sides. When I have the need to run away from them as fast as I can go somewhere without them, I leave them with my parents. Even when we were living in different states, my parents visited often enough that Spiral and I would just take our nights out then, and any other time we could work out child care between the two of us. I have never, ever left my children with anyone who wasn't related to me.
I prefer it this way for a few reasons. First of all, there is nothing more precious to me than my offspring, and so when I can't be there I would like to have someone with them who loves them, and would care for them as I do. Because I learned to be a mother from my mother, who better to care for my kids? Secondly, my family enjoys being with my kids, and don't require any payment besides a heartfelt thank you. You can't beat that!
Tomorrow night, however, is friends and family night at the restaurant, and all of my family will be there. This restaurant is a step above everything else here in town, and though children are welcomed, it's not really what I'd call "kid friendly". Tomorrow evening's event won't be appropriate for them. (I admit it will be fun to go out with all my family sans children!)
I've gotten a young girl to watch Gabriella and Little Man for me. She is a very nice girl, I know her parents, and they don't live too far away from me. All of those things put me at ease. Besides, I won't be gone but a few hours, and plan to be home before bedtime, so she should have it easy.
So how do I know this young girl? (I'm so glad you asked!) I use to babysit her! I'm feeling my years now! She was younger than Gabriella when I started watching her. I babysat her for several years, during which time she had twin brothers come along.
So to recap for you:
Yep - that should cover it.
I hope you have a fun night away from home :)
Although the very thought of leaving my daughter with anyone scares me.
My reasoning is here:
http://undying-love.com/wordpress/index.php?m=200411
By , at
5:21 PM
I recently left Julia for maybe the 2nd time with a babysitter and it was kinda nerve racking, but I loved the night out! I too use family all the time, but sometimes you just have to. I hope you have a fun night out!
The first time I left Princess was traumatic. Not because I didn't know the babysitter,I knew her well as she is a good frind of mine, but because I would be gone from her for a few days. I was going to a training seminar for work. I think I cried all that first night. Now I have a girl in the neighborhood watch her when I go out, and she is wonderful!! Have a great night out!
By Crazy Single Mom, at
8:18 PM
I have yet to leave my daughter with a babysitter. I left her with her grandparent, which is all fine for the exact reasons you mentioned. We left her with my SIL and my daughter screamed at us as we walked out the door, but it appeared that she was just fine within twenty minutes of our departure.
Goldberry
http://silverlining.typepad.com/silver_linings
By , at
9:21 AM
My kids always BEG me to have a babysitter. Sometimes I just get a babysitter for the heck of it. They have soooo much fun. Don't be surprised when they start begging you for one too! Family is great and all but there is nothing as fun as a kiddie babysitter.Have FUN!!!
We've do grandparents and my two bestest sisters-in-law...I don't think it's a matter of being overprotective more than it's easy on the wallet! Oh, and the thought of a non-family member going through my drawers...ewww!
**pause**
Picturing my mother-in-law opening the infamous sock drawer...double ewww!
Have a great time!
(Liz @ This Full House)
By , at
12:52 PM
I hope you enjoyed you and your husband's big night! I know it's a huge step. We've had close friends of our's watch the babies, but they're our age - and also AR's Godparents. I know the first time we get a teenage girl to watch (that didn't really come out right, but you know what I mean... :)), it will be a bit unsettling at first.
I can't wait to hear about your big evening!
Hey, I like these toggle comments. How do I turn these on?
I wish I could say the same, really. Although we've sort of folded our day-care people into our family, it was actually traumatic to me to leave our older daughter with some stranger.
And frankly, since the bleep was unwilling to get involved in potty-training, we still have problems.
I admire you.
With some luck this babysitter will work out. I babysat when I was in my teens and twenties and I love those two kids more than anyone can imagine. They're now in their late teens and 20's and we're still really close, a family without the bloodlinks. I best of luck in finding the right fit.
By , at
11:31 AM
hey you are as old as you feel. no excuses!
By , at
12:28 AM
It's time for me to use my blog once again as a therapy session. This is where I pour out my terrible, awful secrets in hopes that I can change my wicked ways. (I know what you're thinking, and I would just make an appointment with Sigmund, Carl, and Alfred, but the good ones never come cheap, and I have 2 children to spoil this Christmas.)
Back to my problems. I lie to my daughter. When Little Man gets old enough I will probably lie to him as well. I'm seriously ashamed of myself, but it's true, and the worst part is I will probably continue to do this until they start catching on.
The lie I tell most often pertains to her nightly need for water. You know the ol' routine: jammies on, last chance for a snack, brush the teeth, don't forget to go potty, a couple of stories, turn on the lullabies, hugs and kisses and lots of goodnights, blah blah blah. Gabriella requires a glass of water next to her bed for those middle-of-the-night thirst emergencies. (In this case it's a leak-proof sippy cup, because she's three, and loves to make messes.)
The sippy cup stays in her room, and every 3 or 4 nights we throw it in the dishwasher and get her a fresh one. The nights we "recycle" the sippy cup, she insists on "fresh water". Meaning I have to take the sippy cup, dump its contents, and refill it with fresh-from-the-tap water.
Well let me tell you that I spend all day, every day with this little girl, and by the time we get to bedtime I'm in a fairly big rush to turn that light out and hit the couch leaving her behind to dream what I'm sure must be sweet Care Bear dreams. I don't always feel like spending another 90 seconds of my day waiting on her. So on occasion, when she asks for her fresh water, I will lie to her and tell her, "This is fresh water! I refilled it while Daddy was brushing your teeth."
I know this is wrong, and do feel bad. Really I do. But seriously, can you blame me?
No. Not at all!
Don't like to her! You think she just accepts what you say, but she is learning from your body language, voice tone, intonation, etc. Give the girl some clean water!
By , at
3:55 AM
Maybe it's time for "Your a big girl now, it's time for you to get your own water"
By TheBlurredOne, at
9:31 AM
I don't think that your wrong, I'll be the same way when my son gets older, i'm the same way now. He's only 18 months, but after chasing him around the house all day, the last thing i want to do is spend 2 hours getting him into bed.
Jolene
http://lustrous-stars.org/jolene
By , at
11:00 AM
Are you kidding?
Wait till she finds out the truth about Santa Claus!
It won't be the 'fresh water' that will send her to therapy, so relax. Your doing fine.
Sigmund, Carl and Alfred. You know where to find us.
By , at
11:04 AM
I think it's fine. I've done it with my son, and I completly understand wanting to get some me time!
heather
http://mommislife.blogspot.com
By , at
12:50 PM
maybe you can teach her to get own fresh water?
jesse
ipsoblogo.com
By , at
1:20 PM
I think if we are all honest we would say we have lied a little once in a while. And this is coming from a woman who willnot teach her kids their is a Santa becasue it's a lie and yet at times I hvae lied to my kids. how many of us have absent mindedly answered uh-huh to something our kids have said and we have no idea if it's an Uh-huh thing or not. Yes, I think truthfulness is iomportant but I'm jsut trying to say that nobody can get on their high horse and say you're wrong. We've all been there and done that.
Did Mia and Belle or whoever do your blog? She did mine too. I love her work.
By Mrs. Darling, at
2:53 PM
Yikes forgive the spelling above. I offer no excuses. It's just plain not right to type so sloppily. I wont lie. I did it.
By Mrs. Darling, at
2:54 PM
That really made me laugh. I have done the same thing to my boys. You feel a little bad afterwards, too. But then, you did save the 90 seconds, right?
Oh Man, I have even thought of telling that same lie to the dh... but he is too picky and can tell. It happens!!
By Crayonsetc, at
6:00 PM
Girl, I am right there with you! Don't be so hard on yourself. Really. Your daughter will turn out just fine having been deceived about a cup of water. Sometimes a little lie like that means a saving of your sanity. Like when my 3 year old is whining and crying and begging for chocolate milk as we are leaving the grocery store and I say "They ran out of chocolate milk, honey." Or something to that effect. We do the best we can as parents and it sounds like you are doing a bang-up job! Keep up the good work!
You don't give your daughter fresh water everynight?
why don't you re-fill her cup while you are in the bathroom so that you don't have to "waste another 20 seconds on her!" i would think most mothers would be more than happy to get their child a cup of fresh water, because I don't think 2 day old water tastes very good. espeically warm. ew. take the 20 seconds and get her fresh water, for crying out loud. I shutter to think of the germs and things that are in the water she is drinking!
And, I don't like to post annonymously, so my name is Vanessa and you can find my blog at www.atomic-rain.net/QuietInfinity
By , at
8:14 PM
I agree with some of the commenters. She's 3(?) years old. she should get her own water. My daughter is 18 months, and I make sure she helps get her sippy ready for bed time. She'll find one, bring it to me and stand on a stool holding it while I fill it.
I prefer to have a more independant child. There's no reason for me to do things for her, if she can safely do them herself.
But thats just me :)
Jennifer
www.undying-love.com
By , at
9:50 PM
Yikes! This seems to have caused some controversy. Don't worry, I think you're a terrific mom and yes I have lied to my daughter on occasion. To some people 90 seconds may not seem like a lot, but when you're tired at the end of a day, it can seem like an eternity. Princess gets her own water, that I agree with, it may be time to let her help get her own water. Hang in there :-)
By Crazy Single Mom, at
10:38 PM
Girlfriend, I have SO been there! My little one used to always insist on "fresh" water. She never drank it anyway. No harm, no foul. This is minimal. I had my kids convinced for years that they were allergic to dark chocolate. I posted once about all the little "untruths" I have told them over the years. It will give them lots to talk about in thereapy when they're older.
By , at
8:14 AM
That therapy comment was me. Sorry (stupid Blogger not letting me login from BE!).
Catt
http://cativa.blogspot.com
By , at
8:15 AM
I do the EXACT SAME THING every night!
Karen
http://verbatim.blogs.com
By , at
8:17 AM
Nope...don't blame you at all! It's not like you're giving her contaminated water. Some of these other commenters need to CHILL BA-BEEEE....lol By the end of the day we moms are beat, so I little leftover water will not hurt her one bit. You sound like a great mom!
Donna
(www.thruhazeleyes.blogspot.com)
P.S. Blogger would not let me sign in for some reason.
By , at
10:13 AM
Wow, I'm surprised some people got so up in arms about this! I've got 2 two year olds, and I'm TIRED of being their waitress by the end of the day. My big lie is chocolate. My son insists on chocolate syrup in everything, not for the taste, but he like the routine. Water, juice, you name it, he'll grab the syrup and hand it to me. I pretend to pour it in, and he's happy as a clam. No harm, no foul! He's not so ademant about it now, but it used to be the only way I could get him to close the fridge!
By SeeingDouble, at
11:01 PM
is soon to be The Actual Restaurant. There is still work to be done, but opening night is less than a week away now. I was privileged to be able to have brunch this morning with the other managers' families, and the food was FABULOUS!! Absolutely wonderful! Omlettes made to order, fresh fruit (Asian pears, huge grapes and pink grapefruit), bacon, ham, samon hash (which was just delicious!), potatoes, and fruit crepes. Hot coffee pressed right at the table, hot tea (loose leaf, brewed at the table), cold milk and fresh squeezed orange juice. Even if my husband wasn't involved in this project, this would be my new favorite restaurant!
There has been a lot of buzz about the restaurant here in town for a long time - they were originally supposed to open in June. I really hope it does well. I think it's just what this town needs. (Not to mention the fact that my family's livelihood depends upon it!)
Lots of luck to Spiral in the next few weeks and months. I know you can make this project wonderful and successful! I'm so happy for you!
hello, Michele sent me!
i like your site! i wish you loads of luck with the restaurant!
By Style Me Organized, at
2:16 PM
Hi, Michele sent me and now, after reading about the new restaurant, I'm hungry!
Hmmm. Well Michelle didn't send me but I'm wishing the best for your family with the restaurant. I'm sure that it will be a success, the menu sounds yummy. :-)
Hello, Michele sent me. She must know I love to eat!!
Hello, Michele also sent me...well, which of course means that I sent myself. Just dropping by to say hello and to blogroll you.
Thanks for all the wonderful commetns you have left on my blog. Of course I shall need Sigmund, Carl, and Alfred's help with my sudden issue that THEY are blogrolled and not me....but I will get over it...eventually. ::just teasing:: You really do have a great blog.
I wish you and your family well with the new restaurant!!!! And I love Asian Pears :-)
By Crazy Single Mom, at
6:26 PM
mmmmmm...sounds yummy!! Send some my way!
Hi Christine! I just came from Michele's site. Good thing it's almost dinner time here; your post made me hungry. A great opening and lots of luck to Spiral!
I'm so jealous! You've gotten to eat there. I wish we weren't so far away. I've been following the blog as rabodly as I followed the Restaurant. It's so exciting that it's finally happening!!
We call Gabriella a "pixy chick". She's flighty, and happy, with a twinkle in her eye and springs on her feet. She bounces around from one thing to the next. Even now at 3 years old she can still (sometimes) be easily distracted. She is full of innocence. When you look in her eyes you can see a light shining back at you.
Little Man's eyes are different. Yes, they are also full of innocence, but his eyes are deeper. I have always felt from the first moment I looked into them that he is an old soul. I can't explain it really. He seems to have some kind of inner experience, and I can't help but wonder about it. Has he been here before? Who was he? He must be full of joy and tradegy, as only an old soul could be.
Perhaps he was a sea captain, spending his life at sea. Battling the storms, fighting to keep his boat on the water, and seeing his passengers and cargo safely to their destinations. Maybe that's why he loves the water so much now, and will climb in with his clothes on if I leave my back turned.
Maybe he was a mountain climber, ascending the world's highest peaks just to say that he did it. Did he strap on those cramp-ons and dig in with his ice ax to climb to the top of the world? That would explain his apparent need to scale every piece of furniture in our home.
Could he have been a great explorer, searching out wild animals on the African continent? Maybe he hid in the brush, sneaking up on a den of lions, trying to get closer and closer just for the sake of curiosity. That might be why he squeals with glee at the first site of our dogs.
Perhaps he was a poet - a hopeless romantic who was able to pen his inner-most thoughts in a way that made others weep. A gentle, sensitive heart who devoted his life to the expression of love. That must be why he is such a loving baby, who always has a snuggle or a bear-hug for his mommy.
I can't say that I believe in past lives, nor can I say that I don't. I don't know where else that Little Man has been before he came to me. I do know that any experience he was born to me with makes him who he is. He's everything wonderful that a mere human like me could never express in words. It makes me wonder about my own experience. No, I don't think I have any. I'm pretty sure I'm a newbie like Gabriella.
That was beautiful! I too have an old soul, Princess seems to be someone I new once long ago in a previous life, there is such a connection that goes beyond mother daughter bond and the almost 4 years she has graced my life.
By Crazy Single Mom, at
6:29 PM
Spiral's grandmother passed away this morning. She was 99 years old, and one of those women Eddie Izzard talks about that refuse to die. They always joked that the end of the world would come and all that would remain would be Grandma and the cock roaches. If you have a second, go on over and leave a comment for him. He's feeling bad because the funeral will occur at the same time they are doing VIP night at the restaurant in preparation for opening, and he won't be able to go.
I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. (((BIG HUGS)))
I'm so sorry for your loss, and as soon as I finish this I am gonna go and give your husband my condolences.
By Crazy Single Mom, at
6:30 PM
The nominations are officially open over at the Best of Blog Awards, and will continue to be until December 24th. Head on over there now and nominate your favorite blogs. There are some great prizes for the winners, not to mention some great blogs to be discovered.
Go! Get!
(And by the way, I don't see my site nominated yet! - she says blushing and grinning)
funny...I see your site there!
andrena
By , at
4:51 PM
Well would you look at that! I guess I'll have to make good on that bribe, NO NO, I mean "reward"??? (wink, wink)
I didn't see you on my first scroll through (but you were there), so now you are there twice. Like, almost as many times as dooce! (Ok, not quite, but it's a start.)
Pitiful begging, I mean subtle hinting always gets my vote.
Make that THREE times.
By Mamacita (The REAL one), at
12:09 AM
- I have to eat cookies, crackers, etc. right side up.
- I don't like other drivers to see me turn on my headlights, so I will do my very best to wait until there are no other cars around to turn them on. (This rule does not apply if car is parked.)
- I prefer the top half of rolls, bagels, and english muffins, therefore I always eat the bottom half first.
- I don't like to see rings and necklaces crooked. I am able to refrain from going up to strangers and straightening them out, but if you are a friend or relative of mine, I will have to fix it.
- I really like symmetry. When Spiral kisses me on the cheek, I require a kiss on the same spot on the other cheek, to "even myself out".
(Oh come on! Tell me you don't have any little "quirks"!)
...and people raise an eyebrow at me when I insist on eating pizza with a fork
By , at
5:15 AM
I can't sit with my back to a door, I have to see it. I have so many, many more though :-)
By Crazy Single Mom, at
5:34 AM
I only buy the generic crayons because the paper on crayolas give me the creeps.
I am scared of the canisters of rolls that pop open so I have to either have someone else open them or throw it across the kitchen so it pops elsewhere.
LOL We all have weird little things.
Danielle
http://www.o-my.us
By , at
6:13 AM
**blank stare**
Um...I don't see a problem?
(Liz @ This Full House)
By , at
8:16 AM
I'm so with you! ha!
I refuse to eat green M&Ms... I haven't eaten one in 5 years now. I won't even eat M&Ms in the movie theater because I can't see the colors enough to make sure I'm not eating a green one!
Tara Nicole
http://www.techtrend.com/blog/taranicole
By , at
10:00 AM
Cookie quirk? Check.
Headlight quirk? Check.
Top half quirk? Check.
Ring quirk? Not really.
Necklace quirk? You mean I'm not supposed to adjust strangers jewelry, too??
Symmetry quirk? You betcha.
And there's anything wrong with all of that...why?
(I also have to eat my food one entire portion at a time in ascending order of flavor enjoyment: beans, yellow veggies, starches, meats)
By , at
10:01 AM
Me too, Me too! I eat my meals one food at a time leaving my favorite dish until last. That means it is usually cold! If we are having a casserole of some kind I pick out veggies first.
I also eat my candy according to color. Skittles are my favorite- all reds together, all greens together...get the picture? I also have to have the same amount of candies in each group. If I have 3 green and only one yellow, someone had better cough up 2 yellows or eat 2 green for me. Silly us! I am glad to know that other people have these freakish qualities.
Well, how else would you eat a cookie? UPSIDE DOWN? No. And I do the headlight thing too. Weird. And the top half of a bagel is totally better. Now either we're both freaks, or neither of us is. Sadly, I think I know which one it is.
Beth
http://supermom3604.diaryland.com
By , at
1:55 PM
That is so weird about the headlight thing. I do it to...thought I was the only one, but why do we care if someone sees us switch on our lights? Even quirkier of me? I feel odd and slightly embarrassed if I see someone switch on their headlights while driving. What is it about that? someone should do a study.
By The Narcissist, at
11:33 PM
I was forced to send Gabriella to her room recently. (Okay, a lot, but let's not go there.) I have to close the door when I do this to keep my Little Man from wandering in and playing with her. You see, Little Man has never known a day of life without his big sister. He follows her everywhere. Anything she does, he has to do. Anything she has, he has to have. When he wakes up from his nap he immediately has to find Ella, and if she happens to still be asleep, it takes every ounce of my attention to keep him from waking her up.
Gabriella doesn't like to be sent to her room, therefore it makes a good punishment when such is called for. She lays on the floor on the other side of the closed door and cries, calling out for me to rescue her from the hell which at any other time is her playground.
There she is, laying on her floor, whimpering at me from under the crack, and Little Man is whimpering himself because of the absence of his playmate. He walks down the hall and lays himself down on the floor next to Gabriella's door. He reaches his hand under the crack and starts babbling to her in his baby talk. She stops crying and starts chattering back to him. There they are, comforting each other in their time of need.
Kids have a way of melting your heart when you are most angry with them.
Kids are the most interesting, fascinating things around. They keep you young, and help you rediscover your innocence, and they also stay cute just so we don't kill them LOL
By Crazy Single Mom, at
5:35 AM
Awwwwwww.
That may be the sweetest thing I've ever read.
If you haven't heard about the Best of Blog Awards yet it's time to take note. These awards were set up to notice the "little people" of blogging, with catagories like "Best Mommy Blog", "Best Literary Blog", and "Snarkiest Blog", just to name a few. Nominations will open December 10th for personal blogs that you think deserve to be recognized. The nominations page is open for "preview" now so you can go take a look. Be sure to stop by beginning December 10th and nominate your favorite blog!
(I'm not good at this whole "blog whoring" thing, but if you are at a loss for a nomination for "Best Mommy Blog", I do believe I would fit in this catagory!)
HOW have I not found you yet?? I have Blogrolled you, Sister. (And you may be a little crazy for wanting one more, but truly, you can't buy entertainment like this.
(Bawling hysterically after being sent to her room for removing every single last baby wipe and "cleaning" her room with them.)
Labels: quips
"No Mommy! Rooms are for sleeping in and playing in, not for locking in!"
My daughter like to do that, too! And she's two! She squeezes all the juices out of them. Grrr.
Goldberry
http://silverlining.typepad.com/silver_linings
By , at
2:48 PM
Dear Lexipro,
You and I have known each other now for quite a while. I will admit that when you came into my life, I didn't expect you to be hanging around this long. I am torn over our relationship, because though I charish you and all you do for me, I really am working toward the day that I no longer need you.
At the present time I rely on you very much. Perhaps I've never told you how very much I need you, and for that I am sorry. I need you Lexipro, and am thankful to have you in my life.
That said, you really dropped the ball this evening. I am terribly disappointed in you, and I expect that this will never happen again. I depend on you to be there for me and do your job to the best of your ability. Not only that, but so does my family. I would hate to see our relationship end on such a note, but I don't mind telling you I'm not afraid to talk to Dr. X about a replacement if such behavior continues. Consider this a warning.
Sincerely, Christine
Isn't it weird how you can be cruising right along and one day it doesn't seem to be working anymore - next day, back to normal. I wonder why that is. I also wonder why so many of us Mom's are on Lexipro ;)
By , at
12:40 PM
Sorry, that was me! Blogger won't let you log in from BE and I forgot.
Catt
http://cativa.blogspot.com
By , at
12:41 PM
I don't know if you know this or not, but Wyoming is very windy during the winter months. Very. Windy. It screams through the trees, sends garbage cans careening down the streets, and is more than a nuisance to the general population. It isn't unheard of to get wind advisories that ban high profile vehicles on certain roads due to wind. Sometimes we have to shovel snow, even though it is not snowing, because of the drifting. It's that bad.
The wind has been howling here now for several days with no sign of stopping. (At this moment it is 43 MPH.) Just the sound of it chills me to the bone, and sets me on edge. Little Man was up several times last night, and I wouldn't doubt that the wind was what kept him up. I need to go out today, but quite honestly I'm afraid my children will blow away from me in a local parking lot and land somewhere in Nebraska. Have you ever had to drive to Nebraska in 43 MPH wind to fetch your children? It isn't fun.
Ooh, I love windy weather. But I can see how sustained winds like that can be a bother. Loved how you described it though, "screams through the trees". :o)
I had to fish my garbabe can from waaaaaay in the back or the property after one windstorm, I feel for you if this is an every day occurence!!!
By Crazy Single Mom, at
7:07 PM
I live in PA... we only get wind sometimes. Lately though, it has been nuts... I actually LIKE the wind, but I DON'T like that it often scares my daughter and causes her to not sleep very well...
By , at
7:15 PM
I live in PA... we only get wind sometimes. Lately though, it has been nuts... I actually LIKE the wind, but I DON'T like that it often scares my daughter and causes her to not sleep very well...
-Mandy(atomic-rain.net)
By , at
7:16 PM
Wow... and here I thought west Texas dust storms were evil! I will steer clear of Wyoming during this time of year from now on. ;) P.S. I love your site!
Have you tried putting a radio (playing softly) in Little Man's room while he sleeps?
Blogger comments suck. I'm getting halo scan.
I don't think I lived anywhere that wasn't windy. It really helps if you have a fireplace and nowhere to go.
Muzikdude (John)
By , at
3:32 PM
I come from New Zealand where it blows continuously most of the year around. It often hits the levels of 70-80 kmph.
I grew to hate the wind. I now live in England where it rarely ever blows. I've been away from NZ for three years now and I still don't miss the wind. Don't think I ever will.
I feel your pain.
Rachael
By , at
6:18 AM
Sounds like you need an alter ego to deal with the wind and the stress. Check it out at Kick Shoe Kooy at cathykooy.typepad.com. It's the home of alter ego therapy--the last frontier for gutsy women.
By , at
7:08 AM
Living in ND my whole life I can relate all to well. It not uncommon here to have winds and snow reduce visiblilty to nothing. Blizzard conditions become a fact of life when you live in a state this flat and this far north.
Holly
By , at
11:08 AM
Hallo. I am posting as anonymous because I do not have a blogger account. I am an eighteen-year-old aspiring knitter, which is only important because I somehow made it from livejournal's knitting community to your blog. (No, I'm not sure how either.) And! I am also from Wyoming. I always feel terribly excited when I "meet" another Wyomingite on the internet... it seems so rare! Of course, now I am horribly curious.. what area do you live in? If you don't mind sharing with the Random Anonymous Girl, of course.
Oh, yeah, I like your blog.
By , at
2:06 AM
Former Wyoming resident for 13 years. I lived in Gillette... and Yes.. I remember rain and all that good stuff, Spring of 84 was the worst...
I miss real snow.. lol.
By Dark Angel, at
2:00 PM
(Gabriella talking to our waitress as we are being seated in a local restaurant for breakfast.)
Labels: quips
"My name's Gabriella. This is my brother. His name's Alex. He's a troublemaker!"
Oh too cute!!!!!
By Crazy Single Mom, at
7:08 PM
hey im only 15 but i hope you have a good night out i know how kids can be i've been babysitting since i was a about 12. hope you have fun and dont worry your kids will be fine.
By , at
10:17 AM
Spiral has been on me lately about what I want for Christmas. Our budget is so tight right now, and I love to spoil my kids, so I've been telling him nothing. He spoiled me with a PDA for my birthday, and an ipod for Mother's Day, while he didn't get anything but homemade gifts. This Christmas he is getting what he wants (x-box) and I resigned myself to going without. I'm okay with that. But he insists that he can buy me something, and so keeps asking.
After I found Beth's Wish List, and I thought it was such a sweet idea, I decided to go ahead and write my own. Here are the rules, which I have lazily (that's a word, right?) quoted from Beth.
"Step One
Make a post to your diary. The post should contain your list of 10 holiday wishes. The wishes can be anything at all, from simple and fandom-related ("I'd love a Snape/Hermione icon that's just for me") to medium ("I wish for _____ on DVD") to really big ("All I want for Solstice is a new car/computer/house/TV.") The important thing is, make sure these wishes are things you really, truly want.
If you wish for real life things (not fics or icons), make sure you include some sort of contact info in your post, whether it's your address or just your email address.
Also, make sure you post some version of these guidelines in your diary, or link to this post (it'll be public) so that the holiday joy will spread.
Step Two
Surf around your buddy list (or your buddy's buddies, or just random journals) to see who has posted their list. And now here's the important part:
If you see a wish you can grant, and it's in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true. Sometimes someone's trash is another's treasure, and if you have a leather jacket you don't want or a gift certificate you won't use--or even know where you could get someone's dream purebred Basset Hound for free--do it.
You needn't spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point isn't to put people out, it's to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf--to spread the joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not--it's your call.
There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Just...wish, and it might come true. Give, and you might receive. And you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special."
And now without further ado, My Wish List:
1. My very own laptop computer (idealy with a DVD player, CD burner, and wireless capability, but I'm not picky!)
2. My daughter to just POOP IN THE POTTY already!
3. A new (flattering) haircut.
4. Gift cards! (I don't think people truely appreciate the gift card. Not only is it a gift, but it's also a reason to go shopping! Nothing better!)
5. A weekly cleaning service.
6. Regular time to myself. No kids, no husband, inside the house or outside the house - just time for me, each and every week! (And a little money for tea at the Metro would be nice. :)
7. A little HTML help. (I'd like to make my very own banners for blog explosion. I do have one running, but it's so basic and lame.)
8. Any good Titanic book that I don't already own. (Even I have a hard time knowing which is which now, but incase you're interested, Spiral, they can be found here.
9. A vacation! (preferably to Europe)
10. An upgraded Haloscan account, so that I can continue to have my comments emailed to me when I make the switch. (Yes, it's coming soon. I just need to find the time to do it).
(Oh yes, the contact info. Click the "Mattered to me" link below this post to email me.)
And one more thing. If you decide to make a post like this for yourself, link to it here - I'd love to see it!)
What html help do you need for banners? Mine are here:
http://technicolournightmare.com/2004/11/banners.htm
if that is the sort of help you need.
I like the cleaning service too.
By Technicolour Nightmare, at
4:16 AM
Great list!
#2 - Oy! We just mastered this one, and yes, it really was :we: - a whole family affair. Now that, that's taken care of, she has suddenly started wetting the bed.
Good luck with your list. I hope you get everything your heart desires, or at least the "poop" and the "cleaning service."
I hope you get some time to yourself. That is one of the greatest gifts, especially if you have small children. I must revise that, if you have children, period!! I have asked for
1. A smaller butt
2. A blow-up boyfriend
I think both are realistic! Santa is magic right?!
Amy
I know you are all just dieing to hear a Gabriella story, but this is one of those moments that touched my heart, and so I'm going to write about it.
Gabriella has been a little butt lately. You all know I love her, but I'm afraid that is the only word that seems appropriate to describe her behavior. We've been struggling to teach her to clean up after herself, use her good manners (which she is normally very good at), and don't get me started on the potty training thing. All of this adds up to mother/daughter face-offs, which are never fun.
The other night after decking our halls with boughs of holly, we were eating dinner, as we are known to do. After pushing her food around her plate and complaining about the cuisine, Gabriella asked to be excused. We bid her farewell, and she was on her merry way, certainly out to destroy something, but because we were free to have adult dinner conversation, we didn't care.
Following a 10-minute silence we decided it was time to check on her, and we both got up and walked toward her room. As we are coming, our daughter starts pleading "No no no! You can't come in my room!"
"Oh, okay. I'm so sorry!" Like that has ever worked! With heightened determination, (and I must admit, fear) we walk into her room to find that she has decorated her room with socks! Little pink and green socks on the knobs of her dresser, white one on her nightstand. Red and blue and teal socks on her headboard.
"Gabriella, what have you done with all of your socks?"
"I'm decorating!"
We didn't get it at first, until she finally said, "Those are the stockings!"
What a cute story! She sounds like a smart little girl.
By Memphis Word Nerd, at
12:36 PM
That is one of the cutest stories I've heard in a long time. I love your blog!
I love your blog too.Actually you were the one who got me to have Emily (cioa! Bella!) make my blog too!I also enjoy your hubbies tales of his restuarant.Come and visit me some time-I would love to have ya! Cori
coricorner@blogspot.com
Being a mommy is something I have always wanted. And now I am one. A dream come true, in a sick, twisted way I suppose. I was very disappointed to find that once the mommy in me came out, the rest of who I am ran for cover. Motherhood must have scared the crap out of those pieces of me, because I'm having a terribly difficult time recovering them.
Success #1. I have rediscovered the piano player in me. You may know from reading my 100 things list that I started playing the piano at the age of 5, and took lessons all through school. There were more years in there than I can remember that I wanted to quit taking lessons, but my mom wouldn't let me do it. (Thanks, Mom!)
I got married, moved to Georgia, and my piano didn't follow me. The lessons stopped, and so did my playing. Besides the occasional pounding out a familiar song, and playing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" for my kids, I haven't played since high school.
Over Thanksgiving while at my parent's house I dug out my Christmas books and sat down at the piano to really play. I couldn't believe the way it came back to me, and how much fun I was having. I was playing Christmas carols while Gabriella sang along. Little Man danced around. I actually felt the pride my mom had in me as she cleaned the kitchen and listened to me play.
Bam! There it was. It was me. Not Mommy, but Christine. It was hiding. It saw me come in the door, two whining children in tow, and it tried to get away, but this time I was fast enough. I saw it and I wrestled it to the floor.
Christine: Mommy, piano player. Not bad. I wonder how many other pieces are lurking out there. I know I heard one whimpering somewhere in the dark last night.
This is refreshing to read: that parents can be individuals as well, outside of their family roles, and share it with family anyway. :-)
I'm a fellow piano player who also started out when she was five; who stuck with it with the help of my mother who also wouldn't let me quick; and who is trying to stick with it for as long as possible.
I find most of the "Mom" blogs out there fairly mundane, but yours hits a spot. I hope you keep on writing.
It does come back -- gradually at first, and then *whoosh*! *grin*
I have been through this twice. I raised two kids to adulthood, became a grandma, and then had another baby. It took a while for the "Misti" to come back the first time. I can't say for sure that she was back until the younger one was five or so.
Oddly, this time I never quite lost her, though it was tenuous for the first 18 months.
Congratulations! It's important to keep our selves. We have so much more to teach our kids than we can as "uber-Mommy". ;)
Misti
As Jack Grows
By , at
10:40 AM
The rest of who you are comes back as the little ones get older. My boys are now 12 and 13. The ages bring different challenges, but I have more time to be more than just Mommy now than I did ten years ago.
Suzi at www.myownthoughts.com
By , at
7:16 PM
I found this little toy at Fickle Whimsy, and thought it fun. Look what it created for me!
What a terrific-looking blog!!! (Hope you don't mind me linking to your site!)
There are so many cool little toys and tools out here. Thanks for the information and link to that one.
By , at
8:12 AM
How fun! That was really neat. :)
By , at
4:19 PM
(As I was bringing Little Man into her room to play)
Labels: quips
"He can't come in here! I'm busy, and he can't take my busies away!"
The "sickies" are making the rounds, and our home is apparently not exempt. Spiral brought it home, and please don't think me cold-hearted when I say that this alone was okay, in that it didn't affect me much.
Then Gabriella got it. This normally would affect me, but it just so happened that we were staying at my parents house at the time, and in her eyes Grandma is so much better than Mommy. When Grandma is around, she is the only one who can do anything right, unless of course she says no, in which case she cries for Mommy. Anyway, I lucked out there.
Now my Little Man has it, and it is definitely affecting me. His little whines and cries are just a sad, weakened version of what they were. His eyes are watery, giving him that "I'm just about to cry" look. When he sneezes he blows snot two feet in front of him, requiring me to have Kleenex constantly at the ready. All in all, he is very pathetic looking.
His room has become a laboratory of humidifiers with essential oils to clear his nose, creams, medications, tissues, and the very worst - the booger sucker. (Nasal aspirator, but we call it a booger sucker.) If you've never had the pleasure of using one of these on a child color yourself lucky. Spiral and I fight over who has to perform this act of torture. (I generally win, due to the fact that he cannot resist my feminine wiles He insists it is this alone that is the reason the kids prefer me over him.)
The inevitable is coming you know. I am next on the hit list. It has already started. I'm pretty sure the kids aren't going to be too sympathetic. They never bring me hot tea or a blankie when I'm sick. Where is my mommy contract? I'd like to renegotiate my benefits!
I remember the booger sucker, and the pathetic looks, and the snot blown two feet away! I feel for your family...hugs to you all...at least from a distance :-)
By Crazy Single Mom, at
6:35 AM
They are nasty little creatures. Much smarter than they are given credit for. It's because they stick together. One goes and they all go. I wrestled with them for half an hour two days ago, and just when I thought I had tamed them, they proved me wrong.
What is wrong? I tested everything. Jiggled every tiny bulb. I finally gave up and started over with a new strand. I checked it carefully before hanging them, so as to avoid any more problems, but as soon as I finish, wouldn't you know it - 3 burned out bulbs. I nearly just left them that way, but decided to press my luck and change them.
They are currently working. They are hanging in my family room window, and if I tilt the blinds a half-turn backward they all blink off. I wish I had never done the lights. My sanity is a very delicate balance these days, and the lights just may be the end of it.
Oh, that is the part I am NOT looking forward too!!
By Crayonsetc, at
11:20 PM
I'm gonna be brave and hang them on some bushes outside...
By Crazy Single Mom, at
5:54 AM
Okay I know this is wrong of me but...I simply pretend that I simply have no idea how to do these complicated light things...and it would be so wonderful if Mr Big and Strong would do it for me.
Yes, i bat my eyelashes and look as innocent as I can imagine. He does fall for it for a moment...ahh, but he does do it.
As I said: yes, it is wrong of me, but I will continue to do it.
I could explain to you why they do that, but it would be supurfulous. Needless to say, I agree. Dispose of them and buy the ones that are wired so they don't all go out when one goes out!
PS: Haloscan rocks.
By Technicolour Nightmare, at
9:57 PM
So because I'm not feeling particularly creative tonight, I thought I'd solicit your opinion on Haloscan. I've been thinking of switching for quite a while, because blogger really does make it difficult to comment, whether you have an account with them or not. Haloscan really seems great from what I see and hear. There is only one drawback for me. I really like being emailed my comments. It's just so much easier than coming to my site and searching all the posts to see if there's anything new. I know Haloscan has that option with the upgraded account, but right now I'm just not shelling out money for such things. (I've got 3 2 kids to provide Christmas for.)
Any thoughts?
I bid Blogger adios just a few weeks ago, and have not missed it. I had become weary of trying to enter comments on Blogger blogs, and I had received emails from fellow bloggers wanting to leave comments, but said that Blogger wouldn't let them. Add in all the downtime, and it was an easy decision. I'm now using WordPress (which is, honestly, not as easy to use as Blogger, but works better), and am 100% Blogger free. Well, except for times like now, when I'm commenting on a Blogger blog...
- Mellie Helen
http://gollybloghowdy.com
By , at
2:21 AM
I have haloscan, and it certainly makes life easier for people to comment.
By Crazy Single Mom, at
6:07 AM
When it comes to commenting on other people's sites, Halo is definitely easier. Blogger can get annoying, but most days I have no problems. I am always anonymous, but it takes like two seconds to add my name and Site.
Goldberry
http://silverlining.typepad.com/silver_linings
By , at
10:37 AM
Two thoughts: 1) I love commenting on people's sites who have Haloscan because it's so easy and fast. 2) Now that you are BlogExploding, people can't sign in to leave Blogger comments. They will all be Anonymous which is doubly annoying.
You could always go to MT! ;)
~Brad
http://almostlucid.com
By , at
11:30 AM
I love, love, love Haloscan. And I went ahead and paid for the upgrade to have comments emailed, and I've never regretted it.
The one thing I don't like about Blogger is the inability to have categories for entries... I guess yo uget what you pay for, right? And it's free, so... Does HaloScan allow categories?
Another option to try might be: http://enetation.co.uk
You can upgrade and have comments emailed to you as well.
By Cassiopeia, at
8:18 PM
Couple of comments:
I like Haloscan on my blogger blog. Since the comments aren't emailed, I read them using my RSS feed of my haloscan comments. Here's a post explaining how to do it: http://tedernst.blogspot.com/2004/09/rss-for-haloscan-comments.html
For categories, I've started using http://del.icio.us as a way around lack of built-in category feature with blogger. http://tedernst.blogspot.com/2004/11/social-dynamics-of-web-follow-up.html
peace,
ted
Yes, switch now, Haloscan is great, I am more likely to comment on people's blogs if they use haloscan comments
By Benjamin Solah, at
8:52 PM
i use wordpress, not that i have really compared it to anything else but it works fine for comments and since i installed the 'spam karma' plugin - i haven't received a single dodgey comment entry
posted by backspin - http://www.ianbacks.com
By , at
5:50 PM
It's much easier for people to post comments with Haloscan, especially those who don't use Blogger. I don't use Blogger, but I have an old account so I log into there if I have to. I'd rather not, though. :) On the other hand if you do have your comments in Haloscan, and if you move from Blogger to some other blog software, you may lose all the comments from your old posts.
I'm on Blogger and I signed up for Haloscan just yesterday, and I have to say I LOVE it. So if you're asking me, I'm saying "Go for it!"
By Mamacita (The REAL one), at
12:36 AM
I was amazed to find that my little blog was reviewed by Russ at blogcruiser. (You can see the review here.) Even more amazing, I was reviewed favorably. Really, when I saw the post titled "Mommy Matters", I clicked it cringing. I was sure I was going to get bashed as a boring mommy blog whose only redeeming quality is perhaps an abstract form of birth control. Imagine my surprize when he said he didn't hate it!
Thanks Russ. I appreciate the good press!
Well, I may not have a Blog Review Site, but I do have a Blogroll, and you have now joined the ranks there. Isn't that exciting? Now three more readers will have the opportunity to click on a link to your site!
- Mellie Helen
http://gollybloghowdy.com
By , at
2:28 AM
Your welcome and thank your for mentioning my blog too. Keep up the great work and having fun at your blog.
By , at
8:26 AM
"I'm getting my friends (stuffed toys) ready for the hard winter." Labels: quips