And so ends another holiday weekend....

Well, Thanksgiving is over and now comes the dreaded Christmas rush.  The decorating is done here, but that's it.  I still have to bake cookies and shop....which means I will be shelling out some serious dough.  (Pun not intended but it was a good one!)  The hubby put up the outside lights on Friday, and boy do they look nice!  My youngest dd helped him and they had a wonderful time.  The started at 9 am and finished around 3:30.  I, however, decided to run to Wal-Mart.  Let me just say that going to Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving is insane.  I was weaving in and out of aisles, dodging crying toddlers and wayward seniors.  But, I did get my ten boxes of lights, two extension cords and a packet of replacement fuses.  Oh yes, and my one impluse buy....the new surround sound equipment.  It was on sale for only $49, so I couldn't pass it up!  It actually sounds very good, however, our vcr is not one that can be hooked up to it, so we will have to get one that is compatable.  Which, of course, will shoot that $49 good buy up another $70+ dollars.  Hey, I never said I was a financial genius!  

It's Turkey Day!!!!! (But we're having ham....)

Ahhhh, it's the dawn of another Thanksgiving morning.  Wonderful smells of food are wafting from kitchens across the country....but not from mine.  We are eating at Mom's today and I am in charge of the side dishes; mashed potatoes and broccoli casserol.  This year, with Dad being sick and a houseful of family Mom decided on purchasing the "Ham Dinner" offered by Heavenly Ham. It comes with a ham,and a few side dishes. However, upon seeing the size of the side dishes, we decided that the advertised dinner for "12", would feed 5, if only 2 people ate the side dishes.  So I am bringing the aforementioned potatoes and casserol.  That's fine with me, because it just isn't Thanksgiving without broccoli casserol!  And, it isn't Thanksgiving without turkey....but, alas, it is not on the menu. While shopping last week, our local grocery store was offering a free turkey with a purchase of $75 or more.  Of course, this falls on the day when I swear I will stick to my list and only get what is on sale.  But I say to myself, it's a free turkey.  Who can pass that up?  So, I turn the cart around, and start my shopping over again, adding to the sales items so that I can get my free turkey.  Here's where my math skills fail me.  Instead of keeping the sales item's and actually paying for the turkey for a grand total of $40.92, I spend $75 and get my free $10.92 turkey.  I'll admit, I did need most of what I added to the cart. Of course there were a few nonessentials, but I got my free turkey.  I know what you are saying....why didn't you just pay for the dang thing?  I DON'T KNOW....It just seemed neat to be able to say I got a free turkey.  And really, what tastes better than free turkey?  The whole reason I got it is because I am going to prepare my little family our own turkey dinner this weeked.  That's right; even though I don't have to toil over a hot stove this year, I am going to give my family a traditional Thanksgiving meal.  Yes, it will mean more work for me, dishes to clean up, and Saturday spent cooking instead of shopping, but I am willing to do it. By the way, did I mention that hubby doesn't like turkey?     

Happy Freaking Holidays....

Well, it's done.  I have finished my holiday decorating.  I tell you, I am exhausted!  Here's how it all started....I spent the entire day cleaning, and getting ready to put up the tree since the wee one wanted it up before Thanksgiving.  "Mom, it's tradition!  Can't you have it up when I get home from school?"  Oh sure.  I'll just add that little project to my list! (Oh, and as a sidebar, I was feeling rather "frisky" all day, so I shaved the legs, called hubby with suggestive comments, and couldn't wait to see him when he got home.)  He gets home early, so that he can paint the front of the house.  Fine.  No problem.  All I ask is that he help me move the loveseat into dd's room, so I can put up the tree.  We start moving it, and it won't fit through the doorway.  Then we bang it into the woodwork, scraping the paint and gouging a nice chunk out of it.  And so begins the yelling.  "I'm so glad I came home early to move furniture!  Why do you always have to start these projects?"  (follow that with a string of curse words, especially when he catches his hand in the springs of the pull-out bed).  Frisky level at this point....zero!  And as for my "project", forgive me for being festive and wanting my house to look nice.  So, long story short, things were said, yelling happened, and I ended up in the bathroom crying.  Hubby comes in and apologizes, I begrudgingly forgive him, (can't let him off too easy), and I begin putting up the tree.  All goes fairly well until after dinner, when oldest dd decides not to save the leftovers, but put them down the disposal.  Dinner was spaghetti, so of course, it slides down the pipe and gets stuck.  Disassembly of sink pipes and a grounding later, things calm down and the tree is finished.  Now, that I am able to sit and enjoy the glow of my beautiful tree, my anxiety level is so high that my stomach hurts and all I want to do is go to bed.  So, on that note, I will bid you all goodnight....for tomorrow is another day....whoopie.   

Million dollar dog....

I just got back from the vet with my dog, Percy.  I expected to pay close to $100 for the visit, since she wanted to do a certain test....boy was I surprised when the total was $206!!!!  Holy crap!  Do you know how many Christmas presents I could buy for that amount of money?  She took 2 vials of blood and gave him 3 shots.  However, she decided to do a complete lab panel, with a test costing $56 alone!  Sheesh!  I don't know that my doctor does that kind of elaborate testing on me!  Now, don't get me wrong, I want Percy to be healthy.  But $206?  They are testing to see if his pheno med levels are preventing seizures....well, duh, he hasn't had one, so I'd say it was working.  Our old vet never did these kinds of tests.  He checked him, gave him his shots and meds, and sent us on our way.  And tomorrow, she will call me with the results and a prescription for antibiotics....so there goes another $50 at least!  Although, if he needs antibiotics, that's reasonable.  While the assistant was checking Percy out before the vet got in there, she asked if I wanted the "extra" physical to make "extra" sure he was okay.  It was only an "extra" $45.  Needless to say, that was not done.  Well, I need to go and balance my checkbook....I believe it is safe to say my finances have truly gone to the dogs! 

Color me red and green....

Today I began my Christmas decorating.  I know, I know....it's not even Thanksgiving, right?  Well, it's a tradition with me that I have the house decorated for Christmas by Thanksgiving.  Strange?  Perhaps....but the tradition started because family from the south would come up north for turkey day, and we would have an early Christmas with them.  So, even though we are now here in the south, I am still continuing the tradition.  This afternoon I got out my two favorite cd's, "Christmas Sing-a-long with Mitch" and "A Gene Autry Christmas", and cranked up the music.  Then, I went room to room, singing and decorating, and periodically dancing in the kitchen with my 8 year old, while my 15 year old rolled her eyes and went into the other room.  I had a great time.  My husband came in from painting and just shook his head.  "You do realize that it's 78 outside and you are in here playing holiday music and decorating?"  Of course I realize.  I was wearing a tank top and shorts for gosh sake!  But, I didn't let the heat, or the summer-like day get me down, no siree.  I continued on and now, I sit here in front of my computer, basking in the glow of my "computer tree", and from here I can see my dining room "buffet tree".  I can also see the glow of both of my "kitchen trees".  And by Thursday, you can bet I will be finished with the "family room tree", and the "foyer tree".  I also have the 3 "bedroom trees", but they've been up for a week. Hmmmm, maybe that is just too many trees.  But they are so beautiful!  If I could, I'd have 50 trees....perhaps, after Christmas, I should seriously consider "tree-hab"....

Early morning shopping....

Okay folks, I'm going to play the "stay-at-home-mom" card here.  To me, the following is a true perk of being a sahm.  It is the quiet peacefulness of going to the grocery store just after it opens. At this time of day the sweet smell of freshly baked muffins and bread hangs in the air, the aisles seem wider and more spacious, and the early morning dairy stockers smile as they actually place the gallon of milk in the cart for you.  Cans and boxes are neatly placed on shelves, their lables facing forward, so they can actually be read.  The produce department is brimming with fresh, green vegetables that are glowing with the promise of vitamins and minerals in every bite. The fruits are polished to such a high gloss that you almost need sunglasses as you choose between McIntosh and Jonagold.  And then there are the checkout lines....oh the blessed lines!  The clerks are actually standing there waiting for you.  You are most likely their first customer of the morning and they are smiling and chatty. They happily run your items through and if a price check is needed, there are no scowls or heavy sighs.  Just a cheerful call over the intercom, "Jerry sweetie, I need a price check on celery, Thanks hon."  And, my favorite part, the comical retiree who packs your groceries.  "Paper or plastic young lady?"  At this early morning hour, this dawn of a new day, eggs get carefully placed in their own bag.  Bread is ever so gently tucked into the cart, no where near the canned goods.  Then, with a twinkle in his eye, the bagger asks, "May I help you out with your purchases?"  I'm always tempted to say yes, but I see the harried working mother running late behind me, and decide to let her reap the benefits of the early morning glow that surrounds the store. It's an experience that stays with me through my day.  And every time I reach for an egg, or glass of milk, I am comforted by the thought that tomorrow is another day, and I will surely run out of something before then.... 

Advertising the kids....

Have you seen those magnetic sports balls people have on their cars?  They are baseballs or soccer balls, and they usually have the child's name on them and/or their jersey number.  Am I the only one who thinks that this is a really bad idea?  I watched a show where a woman and her daugher were at the ballpark one evening and her little girl asked if she could go play with the other kids while her mother was talking with a friend.  She was allowed to....and was never seen again.  Someone abducted her.  It just seems to me that it is giving potential abductors information they need to stalk a child, by advertising their names and numbers on their cars.  Let's face it, you could follow a car with these magnets, follow the people into the store, and as the kids are looking around, start up a conversation with them, already knowing their name!  What kid wouldn't be excited if someone came up to them saying, "Hey 'Joey', I saw your game last night.  You were awesome!"  We tell our kids not to give out personal information on the internet, we tell them to be careful about talking to strangers.  But hey, that guy knew my name!   I have been seeing cars with the magnets without the names lately, and I think that is a much better idea.  It's sad that we have to live in a time when we can't shout out to the world our children's accomplishments for fear of strangers with sick intent.  I suppose all we can do is teach our children about stranger danger, and try to keep them safe to the best of our ability.   

Trophies and smiles....

Well, last night was my daughter's last basketball game and her awards ceremony.  She was a cross between happy and sad.  She really enjoyed her season, and made so many new friends.  After the game we went into the auditorium for the trophy presentation.  It was so cute!  They had a fog machine, music, (it was the "Y'all ready for this?" song they play at pro games), and they announced each girls name as they came across the stage.  They received their trophies from a Jacksonville Jaguar's football player, #2, Chris something....(hey, I'm not a sports nut!) Then we went downstairs for a pizza party.  Our family had a great time.  She wanted to take her trophy to school today, but I was afraid that it would break in her bag.  She has one of those bags with the wheels, and tends to pull it so fast that it turns over, flops around, you get the idea.  I could only imagine the tears if she broke that thing!  They are offering cheerleading for her age group, and they would be cheering for the 9-12 grade girls season (which would include her sister's team).  When I asked her if she would like to do that, she said, "No way!  I'm don't want to be the one cheering....I want them cheering for me!"  What a nut! 

What is going on here????

I think my counter is broken.  If it is correct, then 26 people have read my journal today.  Usually, I am the only one reading it....so, I am assuming it's broken.  There is no way I've become interesting overnight!  Well, since I am here, I should mention that we signed all the papers tonight for our home equity loan.  I was up at 2 a.m. worrying wether or not we were doing the right thing.  I just feel better knowing that all of my bills are in one spot, and I only have to write out one check, instead of 5 a month.  And, the interest is tax deductible!  Let me give a plug to e-loan.  We applied on 10-23 and it has been a very smooth transaction since the beginning.  They sent a notary to our house to sign the final papers, and he is mailing them back to the company for us.  Of course, I will be even more happy when the check hits the bank....so check back with me on Friday.  He told me that he "closes" 8-10 home equity loans per day at the beginning of the month, and 12-15 per day toward the end.  I tell you, there must be a lot of people out there struggling with credit card debt!  Hopefully this will be the last time we have to do this.  Well, I should go now....I've got a few cards to cut up!

Good, *sniffle*, morning....

It's been over two weeks and this cold is still hanging on!  Actually, it is much better, but I have sinus pain and pressure.  I probably have a sinus infection, and I should probably go to the doctor....but I'm sick of going to the doctor!  So....I will just wait it out with my trusty bottle of tylenol and box of kleenex.  Cold aside, we had a really nice weekend.  Saturday we went to our daughters basketball game, then she and I went to get my hair cut and then I took her for ice cream.  She just loves going out together and talking.  So, we took our cones and sat outside. I love listening to her talk.  She is such an imaginative and smart child.  I love listening to her tales of school, her thoughts on her teachers, her basketball game, our family.  It's amazing what you can learn just by listening to your child.  I know that I need to savor these moments with her, while she is still willing to talk so candidly with me.  I realize this when I have conversations with my teenager.  She is a really good kid, but I see her searching for her independance.  She tries to deal with problems herself, before coming to good 'ol mom.  I am proud of her for that, but a part of me is so sad that the days of needing "mommy" are almost gone.  I wonder if anyone else feels this way?  When I hear moms at the store telling their chatty children to be quiet, I cringe.  I realize sometimes we get headaches, or have a bad day....there's nothing wrong with that.  But I don't ever want to look back and realized that I had missed out on a moment of conversation with my child. I want to cherish each and every time she has something to say, and to make her feel that she is important.  I hope that my oldest feels that way....and I think she does.  Parenting is such a strange and wonderful thing.  Sometimes I'm scared I'm not a good mom, and other times I feel that I've got it down pretty good.  Whatever the case, I just want my kids to be happy and know that they are loved.   

I forgot to mention....

I forgot to mention....last night I got our family tickets to see the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra's production of Holiday Pops!  It is being billed as a "festive evening of merriment and song" with "yuletide favorites and an audience sing-along".  I am sooooo excited!  And with the coupon in the mail offering buy a seat, get one free, I got us the "good" seats.  WooHoo!!!!

Brrrr....got my wish!!!!

Well, in yesterday's post I complained about holidays in the not-so-cold south.  So, when I went outside with my daughter this morning, as she was walking to the bus stop, guess what?  I nearly froze my butt off!  I am so happy!!!!  I am sitting here typing in a sweatshirt and sweatpants.  It is actually cold here.  You should hear people complaining.  "I'm freeeeeeeeeezing!"  and "Time to get the mittens out."  Florida....land of the wimps!  LOL.  I am so much more in the holiday spirit now.  I'm listening to Christmas music, and I am going to put up my "computer tree" today.  It's the little lighted tree I put next to my computer for the holidays.  This morning I had a steaming cup of coffee and a muffin.  Isn't it funny how just a simple 20 degree change in the weather can lift my spirits?  Of course, according to the AOL weather on the front of my screen, we will be back up to 81 on Sunday, but then it looks like a week of mid 60's to low 70's.  So, I will take advantage of one of the few cold days of the season, and enjoy the holiday spirit that is now running through my veins.   Happy holidays ya'all!!!!

Holidays in the south....

Thanksgiving will be upon us soon, followed closely by Christmas.  So why don't I feel the holiday spirit?  Why does it feel like it is still summer?  Oh, yes....because we are in FLORIDA!!!!  I don't say this as a good thing.  I lived 32 3/4 of my life in Northwest Indiana, and I am not adjusting well to this perpetual summer and half-a$$ed fall and winter!  Now, don't get me wrong.  Not all of it is bad.  I suppose I don't miss the nose-hair-freezing days, and I will say it is nice not having to snowblow my way out the door....but I miss my snow and I miss my fall.  This will be our second year here, and I'm still not used to a warm November and slightly chilly December.  My girls say it's just not Christmas without snow.  However, they weren't complaining last year when they found rollerblades and a skateboard under the tree and were actually able to go outside and use them the same day.  I do enjoy many aspects of life here.  My husband is much happier with his new job and has actual friends.  It was hard for him to have a social life during his 13 year stint on the midnight shift.  My girls are adjusting very well to school and have wonderful new friends.  So, I suppose if my biggest complaint is the weather, I should be thankful.  But dang it....I MISS IT!!!!  I miss hayrides on a cool crisp autumn evening.  I miss our trips to the apple orchard, and the smell of freshly pressed cider (have you ever tried to find a good apple in Florida?  Impossible!).  I miss the excitement of the first gentle snow of the season, and a moonlit walk amongst the pines with the snow crunching under your boots.  There's nothing like the smell of wet wool after a day of sledding, or the feel of a childs cold nose against your cheek as you warm them up.  When we were in the midst of moving, all I heard was, "You are so lucky....moving somewhere warm!"  But, in my heart, I was thinking, then you go.  I'll stay here and snuggle with my hubby under a warm blanket, while listening to the winter wind whip around my window.  Well, with that off my chest, I suppose I will go make my Thanksgiving dinner list.  And NO....we are not having turkey on the grill! 

Ahhhh.....relief!!!!

Let me start by saying that practicing for an ultrasound does not work.  I arrive, having drank the prescribed 40 ounces of water one hour before my appointment.  I have to wait an additional 15 minutes until they call me back, at which time I am beginning to feel the "urge".  I think I'm doing pretty good, considering that I don't feel like I am going to explode.  I get into the room, the technician puts the gel on, begins the proceedure, and says, "Oh my, you aren't even half full yet."  WHAT?  I did what I was supposed to do....what do you mean I'm not ready?  Apparently, different people have different sized bladders, (and I had been stretching mine, duh!)  So, she takes me to the water cooler, gives me two huge glasses of water, and tells me to chug them.  I do, and wait.  A few minutes later I'm back on the table.  "Well, you are almost there.  10 more minutes should do it," and she leaves me to wait.  At this point I am sweating, pacing, and holding myself like a three year old at the grocery store during checkout.  After about 3 minutes, I call her back.  She looks at me skeptically, but has me lie down again.  "Much better!"  she says.  FINALLY!  After three minutes of pushing as hard as she can right on my bladder, she lets me go to the restroom.  Sweet, precious relief!  As I write this, I feel like such a baby, but it helps to get it off my chest.  Thanks for listening....

Practice makes "pee"urfect....

Okay, so you know I am going to have my ultrasound tomorrow....well, I have been practicing for it since Friday.  Now, you may be asking, how does one practice for an ultrasound.  Well, I have been drinking the prescribed 40 ounces of water and then making myself hold it for 2 hours.  I figure, I have to drink it an hour before the appointment, and then I will probably have to wait for a few minutes until they call me back.  I must say, I am getting pretty good at it.  It's takes at least an hour and 10 minutes before I feel the "urge".  I know, I probably sound crazy to most, but I have a phobia about ultrasounds.  It's kinda like a clostraphobic being told they have to have an enclosed MRI.  I panic, start sweating, and ultimately end up a basketcase.  So I figure if I practice, I will be more at ease when the time comes.  An unexpected plus from my obsession driven weekend....I've had a terrible head/chest cold, but as I've been drinking so many fluids, I am feeling MUCH better.  So, there you go.  Nutcase....heal thyself!!!!

I just love being a girl....

I just got back from the doctor.  Not only do I have a nasty head cold, she also suspects I may have polycysctic ovarian syndrome.  I've had my "monthly visitor" for over two, yes two, months now, and frankly, I'm tired of it!  It's not uncommon for me, as I've always had less than 3 a year, and usually one that wont quit.  The only difference is that my old obgyn would treat it with a few months of birth control and call it good.  Now with all the advances in medicine, I get to have fasting labs, and two different kinds of ultrasounds before seeing a new gyno.  Whoopie.  You know, I would rather have a root canal than an ultrasound.  I know, I know, it doesn't hurt.  But after having two kids, my bladder is not at it's best.  I am lucky to make it to the bathroom 10 minutes after a glass of water....let alone 40 ounces an hour before!  Aaarrggghhh.  So, anyone reading this journal, think of me on Nov. 11th, 9:30 eastern time.  Send me mental chants of "hold it, hold it, hold it, hold it...."  I will be forever greatful. ;o)

Hmmmmm.....

I wonder....how many people are actually keeping up with the journals they have started?  As for me, I have been enjoying myself.  I love writing and telling stories.  But, as family life gets busy, I find myself not having posted for the day and that makes it seem more like a chore.  I want this journal to be fun, and fresh, and exciting!  But, I don't think my life = fun, fresh or exciting.  And then there's that counter deal.  Imagine my excitement as every time I click on, I see that there has been another reader.  The numbers keep climbing....I must be a literary genius!  Look how many fans I have!  WAIT A SECOND.... every time I check my counter, it is one higher....you mean every time I visit, it counts?  Oh for Pete's sake!  That means that I am my biggest fan!  How depressing!  So, this means that 90% of my viewing public is me.  That is really sad.  So sad in fact, that I think I will just go to bed.  That's right, me, good ol' #152 visitor to my journal.

A Loooooong night....

I am so tired!  I spent the night sleeping on the couch....now, don't jump to any crazy conclusions.  Hubby and I are still enjoying a blissfully romantic marriage.  My sister was flying in from Chicago, and my dad had to stay with me while my mom picked her up at the airport.  My dad has a neurological disorder, so he is not able to do things that require a lot of walking, and he can't be alone, so he was staying with me until they got back, which should have been around 11:45 pm.  So, at 12:30 when I called my mom, she tells me they hadn't even left for the airport because they had just boarded the plane in Chicago!  So....I was up every hour for about 15 minutes at a time, helping dad to the bathroom, until 4:30 when they finally got here.  Of course, I didn't mind, as my dad was so happy to see my sister.  So, my adgenda for the day will consist of taking my daughter to the bus stop, coming home, and passing out on the bed....goodnight everyone! ZZZZzzzzzzzzz

AOL Journals im's take 1....

Okay, I'm going to try the AOL Journals instant message thing. I wonder if it will work? I am surfing the journals right now, something I do in the evenings. I like to see if there are any new, interesting ones in the "stay at home mom" category. I have found a few that I enjoy, but people don't update often. I suppose that means that they have an actual life....unlike me, who is online. Sheesh! Well, I'm going to hit "send". Wish me luck! ;o)

Ahhhh Sunday.....

Well, it is Sunday once again.  We had a nice weekend.  We went trick-or treating on Friday, rented movies on Saturday, and went to church this morning.  The sermon was quite uplifting.  The pastor suggested a quiet time of worship every day, and I think that sounds wonderful.  I need to take time to reflect on my life and what God has done for me.  He has provided me with a wonderful family, home, life.  He has made me aware of how much I need Him.  I am ashamed to say that I go through my week sometimes without consulting Him on the big issues.  I take for granted what I have.  The choices I make are not always the best, and I am not the christian that I should be....sometimes.  So, I am going to make it my mission, to spend time with God daily.  Not just the quick morning prayer to ask for safety and health for my family during the day; but to take the time to thank God for his blessings and to invite him to live in my heart.  God is good....this I know.