I can't believe I'm awake....

I just thought I'd put in another entry since I'm actually up this close to midnight! I am usually in bed by now....but tonight my mom found her recovery disk for her computer. I followed the instructions, and now I have a perfectly running year old computer....oops. I suppose I really didn't need to order that new Dell, eh? Well, we will just keep this little secret and not tell hubby....okay?

Betsy and her friends left for their celebration arund 7:30, and then wee one, John and I left for my mom's around 8:00. We spent an hour or so over there. We sat with dad so that wee one and my mom could go outside together and do some sparklers. We left shortly after that since John had spent the day helping a friend move. He was pretty tired....in fact, he's sawing logs in front of the tv as we speak. Wee one, however, is sitting here next to me, feeling rather nauseous. She says she thinks she's going to be sick. "Oh great mom, I'm gonna puke on New Years Eve!" is what she actually said....she drank milk before she went to bed which is always a no-no with her. She is slightly lactose intolerant, has been since she was a baby. I didn't realize that you could be "slightly" intolerant, but the doctor said that certain dairy products may trigger it. She went back to bed, and hopefully she will have a good night!

Hmmmm, what should I do now? I see none of my friends online. They are all probably at teriffic parties, enjoying themselves whilst dancing and singing. *Sigh. I've not made a resolution list because I never keep them. So, this year I resolve not to resolve anything. That should work!

Okay, it's getting late, and I'm getting tired. So, to all of my wonderful friends, I wish you great joy, health and happiness in the coming year. May God bless each and every one of you!

 

 

To all of my wonderful friends....Have a very safe and Happy New Year!

    
          Samuel Thompson wrote: I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December.  I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.

           So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there 
reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. "But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles and we are in the Bible Belt. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect, somebody chanting Hare Krishna? 

           If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to  hear a Jewish prayer.  If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim pray. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome...

           "But what about the atheists?" is another argument? What about  them?  Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer. Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.

           Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us just to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us.

          And if that last sentence offends you, well..........just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long... It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard, that the vast majority 
don't care what they want... it is time the majority rules!

           It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray... you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right. But by golly you are no longer going to take our rights away we are fighting back... and we WILL WIN! After all, the God you have the right to denounce is on our side!

           God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him... 
God bless America, despite all her faults... still the greatest nation of  all....

           God bless our service men that are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God...May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions.Keep looking up...... In God WE Trust

Calendar day....

Today I was on a mission....a mission to find my calendars. I usually get a Far Side calendar each year for Christmas....but for some reason I didn't get one this year. I am also surrounded by calendars here at my desk. I have my desk blotter that I write things on, my "Close to Home" daily calendar (a comic a day type thing), my England calendar hanging on the wall to the right of me, and my Anne Taintor calendar to my left. Why I need four calendars....I do not know. It's kind of a "thing" with me. I already have a 2005 planner for my purse. I still have my 2004 one, which I never even used. I'm enamored with calendars. Anyone care to psychoanalyze that? But I digress....

Wee one and I went to Comp USA to return the power supply that we didn't need, and I looked there for a blotter....nothing. However wee one ended up getting the Sims "Unleashed", which allows the families to adopt pets. She was so excited. I told her she didn't need another Sims game, since she had four already, but she paid for it with her money. We then went to Office Max, where I found my kitchen calendar, which is the new Hallmark "Shoebox" funny one. It's really cute, and is taking the place of my "Far Side" this year. I feel so guilty as I think over the 17 years I've been married, only two of them were non-FS kitchen calendar years! I also got a desk blotter that is decorated with different flowers for each month on it. I couldn't find the blotter I was looking for, which was the Flavia one, and wee one liked this one so I bought it. Now, I had a bad feeling about it from the get go, because I have this "thing" about flowers. I don't like them. They remind me of funeral homes. But, I bought it anyway....$32 for two freaking calendars!

After we were finished there, we went to Borders and guess what? Their calendars were 50% off! So, I got one for above my desk, the "Lang 2005 Folk Art" edition and a daily tear off "Foxtrot" comic one. After we left borders, I couldn't stand it anymore....I went to the car, got the flower blotter and returned it. I know, I know....sounds crazy, but I would not have been happy with it....especially with the month of February which was ::gasp:: ROSES, my most hated flower of them all! I hate the look, the smell....everything about them. I suppose that gets dear hubby off the hook, as I have never asked or complained that I didn't get a dozen! LOL. Of course, I have absolutely no aversion to diamonds, and that would be an acceptable substitute....

So, sometime before the first, I need to get my new blotter. I will hit Office Depot which is where I found this one last year. I also have this ritual where I sit down on January first (not Dec. 31st) and write in/highlight all the important dates. I guess it's a little tradition I enjoy. Santa actually forgot that he hid the girls calendars under the couch in his room....and when I gave Betsy her's she said, "Awesome! I thought "Santa" forgot them this year!" I suppose I am unwittingly training my girls to have a calendar fetish as well!

Not much else went on today. Well, Betsy did go to the mall with her friend in her car today. That was a first. It was so strange seeing them drive off together. She had a blast, and the girl she went with is really nice. She came home with tons of stuff, and used most of her Christmas money. She also brought home a gallon of milk that I forgot when I was out today. It was kind of nice calling her and having her bring it home! LOL.

Well, it's late, everyone is in bed, and I should be too.....night all!

I'm so "Dell"ighted!!!!

Woohoo! Yeah baby, you know what this means....I went online today and built myself a computer!  Dude, I got a *Dell*....the "Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005" to be exact. So, in 3-5 business days, I should have my precious cargo delivered right to my door....and no, it was NOT from the "Dell outlet center", thank you very much!  Dh just walked through the room and grumbled something....from what I can discern it was "mmmph-must-be-nice-grummmmp-stay-at-home-while-I-work-mmmphmmmmumble-new- computer-grummmmble-never-lets-me-on-and-I-pay-for-it...." LMAO....

Anyhoo, I will be giving this old computer to Betsy for her room, since I'll be getting another monitor and printer. Well, actually, she will be getting the new printer since I just bought my cool one. This way she can do homework and not bother me whilst I do my oh-so-important web work (i.e. surfing, iming, journaling, etc.)....

Oh yes, the story behind the firetruck/ambulance. Well, we were all sitting at my mom's on Christmas eve, having a lovely time when the phone rang. It was my mom's next door neighbor who is a single mom with a son who is 12. She was crying hysterically and the only thing mom could understand was 'burn', so she and my aunt went over. Apparently, she had been carrying a pot of boiling water and it spilled down the front of her (navel to knees), and it actually melted her underwear to her skin. They stayed with her and called 911, and they came to the house. They immediately put cooling packs on her, and luckily stopped the burning (did you know that a burn will continue to burn for 10 minutes after the initial spill/fire what have you? You should soak the burned area for 10 minutes in cool water if you ever have this happen!). They said that had we taken her to the hospital ourselves, they would have all been third degree burns....luckily she ended up with first and second degree burns, and they let her stay at home. They showed her son how to change the dressings, and mom and my aunt took turns checking on her during the evening. Usually she and her son go to North Carolina for Christmas with her mother, but this year, he had asked that it just be the two of them at home....poor kid was so scared! About an hour later, wee one asked my mom if she could take one of her birthday cupcakes over to him....I haven't heard how she is doing, but I'm sure my mom will be back and forth between the houses....

My dad had an enjoyable Christmas I think. He actually sat with us while we opened our gifts. A bit of backround on dad....he was always the "showman". People always called him Dick Clark because of his ageless appearance (he did favor him a lot), and his character. In the late 70's through early 80's he would tape record every holiday event our family had; interviewing people and acting like a radio show host. He LOVED to do that. We have hundreds of tapes with him doing that. After the tape recorder he was Mr. Picture....you couldn't do anything at a get together without being photographed. He made picture albums, and they were all dated and captioned....this Christmas my uncle got him a really cool flashlight with halogen bulbs. The light actually looks blue. Dad seemed happy with it....although he rarely smiles, and can't see much of anything, he turned that thing on, and as each of us opened a gift, he would shine the light on them, like a spotlight. It was as if a little piece of my dad was still there....emceeing the evening. After about a half hour, he was ready for bed, and in a tired, quiet, slurred voice, he asked John to tie the flashlight to the bed so if he needed to get up at night....he could shine the light in mom's eyes so she would wake up and help him! He can still make us laugh....that evening when we got home, I said a special thank you prayer for my favorite gift....Mr. Showman making one more appearance.

Here we go again....

And so, the spirit of the holiday season is gone, and normal life sets in once again. Specifically, sometime shortly after midnight on the morning of the 26th, when my power supply went out, causing both the motherboard and processor to burn out completely. And yes, this is the freaking computer I bought in August, who's 90 day limited warranty ran out at the end of November. Remind me never again to try to save money buying refurbished. With the money I have spent on refurbished computers, I could have one heck of a new machine. My husband called me the "black widow" of computers. I called him....well....I probably shouldn't say, as I would like to keep my PG rating here in j-land....

My techno-genius brother in law who is here on vacation, came over at 11:30 today and tried to fix my computer. He spent 3 1/2 hours putting different parts in different computers....only to come to the conclusion that "it's toast". However, he is taking my old hard drive home and getting all of my pictures and movies off of it for me, and will burn me a disk of memories....how sweet. Dh and I took he and my sister out to dinner for his efforts.

So, you may be wondering what I am typing this on. Well, I dug out my old computer, did a complete system restore, and the only thing loaded on this bad boy is my AOL. I will make due until I decide what to get....I'm thinking Dell. I've been with HP for a long time, but I think it may be time for a change. I tell ya....it's amazing how much we have come to rely on our computers. It's like my window to the world....replacing good old PBS. *Sigh....

Christmas was good for us. The girls loved all of their gifts. Wee one got the electric scooter....even though "Santa" had a small breakdown at 11:00 pm on Dec. 24th, as he stood in the garage and realized it was missing a part....the part that holds the seat on! I will be calling the 800 number to request the pole, but until then, she is happy just to stand on it and ride. It actually looks like that is how it is supposed to be....I kind of like it better that way. I had draped blankets over it, and she kept looking at it as she opened her stocking....she asked a few times what it was, and finally we let her take the blankets off. When she got them off she stood there with her hands on her cheeks and yelled, "OH MY DEAR LORD!" It was the cutest/funniest thing I have ever seen. She had tears in her eyes and was laughing....she was sooooo excited. John, Betsy and I were hysterical. Needless to say, she spent the afternoon riding around the culdesac. Betsy loved her digital camera and has spent the past few days taking pictures everywhere. I have to be sure to have makeup on at all times....she's a sneaky one!

John was happy with his dvd's. We laid in bed watching them the other night. What a nut....and as for me, I got a griddle from Wee one (which was broken in on Christmas morning with sausage, eggs, and french toast), the second season of Kids in the Hall dvd's from Betsy (woohoo!), and a back massager from John....and oh boy, that thing is almost as good as sex! (There goes my PG rating). It is awesome....It has these shiatsu balls that move up and down your back and feels like someone is actually rubbing you. *Embarassing moment alert* I used it so much the first day that I haven't used it since....my back is sore from it! LOL.

I have more to write....the party at my mom's, the fire truck and ambulance....but that will have to wait till later....(not for my family, thank goodness!)

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas....I will be catching up on journals soon! I apologize for not reading, but, you know....

The true reason for the season....

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeard to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all men."  Luke 2:8-14

Following the crowd....

Okay, okay....I'm going to play along since it is the Christmas season, and it seems that everyone is writing letters to Santa....here's mine! (Apologies to Lanny's wife, as it seems he is the only "male married friend" a lot of us know!)

Dear Santa,

I have been a good girl.

It really wasn't my fault what happened at Kim's Christmas party. It was Kara who spiked the punch with too much grey goose vodka. I can't help it if I drank 4 glasses. It was so good---smelled and tasted just like lemon fresh pine sol.

I thought it was funny when I put Jules's bra on my head and danced the funky chicken on the four poster bed while singing `Super Freak'. I didn't mean to break Kim's walkie talkie and don't know why Kim would sue me for indecent exposure.

I don't remember calling Lanny's wife a foamy mongoose---even though she looked like one with mauve eye shadow and sea foam green lipstick!

And when I threw up on Lori's husband's thigh, it was only because I ate too much of that goulash.

After all that fun, I admit I was a little tired. So I fell asleep on my way home and drove my Mini Cooper through my neighbor's attic. I don't think that was any reason for my neighbor to call me a seductive gorilla and have me arrested for insider trading!

So, Santa...here I sit in my jail cell on Christmas Eve, all racy and spicy. And I'm really not to blame for any of this risque stuff. Please bring me what I want the most---bail money!

Sincerely and expeditiously yours,
Sherry (Really a nice girl!)

P.S. It's only 1,000,000 bucks

And if you would like to play along as well, go HERE!

Comment of the Day....

This is my newest feature. When I read this comment, I just had to showcase it. If you have never read Jules before, please do so. She has some of the funniest entries. My personal favorite being the "oops, that's not a licorace allsort" story.

So here you go, JBCoupe's first "comment of the day"....

I am amazed at those lemons, is everything in Florida extra large, if so I may look for my next man over there ;)..............Jules xxxxxxx
http://journals.aol.co.uk/jules19642001/Itsmylife/

Cookies? I got your freakin' cookies....

What a day, what a day....after getting up wee one and I ran to three stores for last minute things, then came home to begin the baking process. I have to tell you, I think I was a bit overzealous with my cookie plans. I have so many ingrediants, I could bake non-stop till Christmas and not finish! I don't know what I was thinking....I have no one to give the cookies to! LOL....I made up three plates for the guys at work, so that got rid of some of them. My mom baked just as much as I did, so we will be overrun by sweets on Christmas day. Here's hoping my sister and her husband who have been on weight watchers will see the piles and cave....oh, I'm on the naughty list now for sure after that one! Ho-ho-ho....

I let each dd pick out a cookie to make. Betsy chose the peanutbutter kisses and did an excellent job. Of course, I had to stop her when I saw her with the box of baking soda and a 3/4 c. measuring cup in her hand. I asked her what she was doing and she said, "It says right here....baking soda, 3/4!" (roll of the eyes and exasperated sigh aimed directly at me). I patiently asked her to read it again. "SIGH....3/4....oh, teaspoon...." I can only imagine what they would have tasted like. In any case, she did a wonderful job and they are delicious! I didn't mix it or shape it or bake it or even put the Hershey kisses on....she did it all herself.

Wee one chose ginger snaps....and did a great job as well. (Except for the part where she knocked over the brand new bottle of molasses and caught it....upside down. Now I have 1/2 bottle and a sticky floor....)  Her cookies came out wonderfully. She also made the peanut butter sandwich cookies, as you saw in the pictures. They are just ritz crackers with pb spread between them, then dipped in chocolate coating. I thought I had chocolate but turns out it was vanilla....worked just fine though!

I was so organized when I began....you would have been amazed. The kitchen was gleaming, I had my stations ready. The girls were working away....and then I began mixing my first batch of cookies. I put the wet ingrediants in and turned on my beloved kitchen aid....oh how itwhipped up the sugar and butter so beautifully! Then I added the flour mixture. This is where I was reminded vividly of winter in Indiana....I hit the speed button a bit too hard and *poof*, I was instantly transported into a winter wonderland....flour everywhere. The girls just looked at me and rolled their eyes. *Sigh.

It was only 10 minutes later that wee one spilled the molasses. I must say, if you've never cleaned up molasses from a ceramic tile floor, you must! It's quite a work out for the upper body. After that I decided to make the candy cane cookies which called for 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes. Uh-huh, you know where this is going. I gave one good whack and the bag split open....candy cane remnants everywhere.  I have to say, however, I kept my cool and continued on....even making chicken and dumplings in the midst of the mess!

In any case, the cookies are done, I have enough ingrediants to last me until next Christmas, and the kitchen is relatively clean. Can you believe those lemons in the pics? Betsy brought them home from her friend's grandmother. I was amazed at them. As soon as I saw them that line from the Breakfast Club ran through my mind, "Hey Claire....want to see a picture of a guy with elephantitis of the nuts?" Lmao....I just couldn't help it! I haven't cut into them....I wonder if they will be edible?

Okay, it's now 4:33 am and I probably should try to sleep....I think the sugar high is wearing off now. Goodnight all....

I am so behind in my Christmas baking! I was planning on making cookies today, but instead I ended up cleaning the house with the girls. This way tomorrow we can spend the day baking without worrying about cleaning. Of course, it will all start out fun and exciting....

I'll get up bright and early and get ready. The kitchen counters will be full of ingrediants, the oven pre-heating, the kitchen aid ready to roll. The girls will meander into the kitchen and decide which type of cookie they want to make. Wee one won't be able to make up her mind, and Betsy will know what she wants, but wee one will get mad because she wants to do hers first. I will gently explain that I can start Betsy on hers while she decides. Bets will begin mixing just as wee one knows what she wants, and then she will start yelling that Bets is taking too long....I'll step in and give her another bowl and the hand mixer, to which she will reply, "Why does Betsy get the good mixer?" Cue Betsy's cell phone, and she will walk out of the room for "just a minute". Half an hour later I will be trying to get  her cookies out of the oven because Wee one will have filled three sheets with cookie dough so close together that it looks like one big glop. At this point I will suggest she go watch a cartoon so that I can get things straightened out....and I won't see either one of them again until 4:00 when the baking is done, dishes are washed and I am ready to collapse from exhaustion. *Sigh....

John took the girls shopping tonight for my gifts. I can't wait to see what they came up with. All I know is that for two years now I've been asking for an ice cream maker, and whatever has been wrapped is definately not big enough, or the right shape to be what I want. Of course, I will love whatever it is....but dang it, I want my freaking ice cream maker! Oh well, maybe I should have written to Santa. I still have to order a gift and buy one more for my grandmother. After that I'm done. Tomorrow I have to go to the bank and deposit some checks, (I know....depositing during the Christmas season....seems backwards!) and stop at the grocery store. I keepforgetting things when I go there. I forgot oj and tea. And you just know I need the juice for all those cookies I'm making....mmmmmmm, juicy!

 I'm taking a cue from Monica and putting in a fun entry for today....that and I'm too lazy to think of anything original! (Thanks "Mon"!)

Three names you go by:
1. Mom
2. Dear
3. SHERRY! (my mother chastising me for less-than-ladylike language....)

Three screen names you've had:
1. Prim8ivegrl (that's "primative" as in the type of crafts I like, not "primate"!)
2. Oceanmist
3. JBCoupe (our very first AOL name that was my husbands, but now I'm stuck with!)

Three things you like about yourself:
1. I'm organized
2. I love cleanliness (and we all know what that is next to....)
3. I have a sense of humor

Three things you dislike about yourself:
1. My procrastination
2. My inability to stick with something long enough to see a change
3. The fact that I'm not a millionaire

Three parts of your heritage:
1. English (Brilliant I say!)
2. French (J'aime mon vacuume)
3. Polish (Bobby Vinton?!)

Three things you don't understand:
1. Quantum physics
2. How anyone can put a white towel on top of a basket full of dark clothes
3. The desire to live in Florida

Three things that annoy you:
1. Typing this and trying not to lose the background code for the third time and having to start over AGAIN
2. People who don't use their turn signals (i.e. the entire city of Jacksonville)
3. Christmas without snow

Three things that scare you:
1. The realization that my first baby is going to be 20 in 3 1/2 years
2. The fact that there are only 5 shopping days left until Christmas
3. That there would be any question in choosing Time's "Man of the Year" when the choices are Mel Gibson and Michael Moore

Three of your every day essentials:
1. Pledge
2. Windex
3. Pine Sol

Three things you are wearing right now:
1. Nightgown
2. A smile
3. Moisturizer

Three thingson your desk:
1. A Christmas tree
2. A ceramic elephant
3. Un-addressed Christmas cards still in the Hallmark bag

Three things you say the most:
1. "Someone answer that freaking phone!"
2. "Don't walk on the floor, I just mopped it!"
3. "You can have the computer in a minute....I'm making an entry!"

Three of your favorite bands at the moment: (at the time of this writing)
1. Maroon 5
2. Yellowcard
3. The Dave Brubeck Quartet

Three people you spend the most time with:
1. Betsy
2. Wee one
3. John

Three things you like about your closest friends:
1. Their sense of humor
2. Their honest-to-goodness caring
3. Text messaging at 11:30 pm

Three things you would want in a relationship:
1. Devotion
2. Generosity
3. Millions of dollars lavished upon me by a generous and devoted man....lol

Three things about the opposite sex that appeal to you:
1. Sense of humor
2. Sense of humor
3. Sense of humor

Three things you can't do:
1. Drink Rum (I'm deathly allergic....so don't send me any rumballs for Christmas!)
2. Play the tuba
3. Relax

Three of your favorite hobbies:
1. Journaling
2. Cooking
3. Oh, now this is just sad....I don't really have hobbies. I don't even know if cooking would count....

Three things you want really bad right now:
1. To move
2. To be independantly wealthy (so I could help others....oh, okay, so I can have an Oreck for every room of the house....)
3. A true passion in life

Three careers you've considered:
1. A lawyer (before I realized the studying involved)
2. A psychologist (before I realized you have to be sane)
3. A writer (haven't we all?)

Three places you would go on vacation:
1. England (if I weren't afraid to fly)
2. The state of Washington in winter (I just think it would be cozy)
3. New York at Christmas

Three things you want to do before you die:
1. See my children happy and successful
2. Live to see my 80's
3. Hit "save" before my connection is lost

Okay, that's it! I am finished....leave a link if you play along....and have a lovely Sunday!

 

Scrambled eggs and shopping....

And so it begins....2 weeks with the kids. Friday was the last day of school before Christmas vacation. We had wee one's party, and a fun time was had by all. They loved the candy cane reindeer and the ornaments. The kids were in rare form....so excited for the holidays and vacation time. Oh, to be young like that again....

That evening we took wee one out to dinner. Betsy spent the night at a friend's house, so it was just the three of us. I have to say, the restaurant was so warm and cozy, and the food was wonderful. As we were sitting there, just enjoying the evening I said, "The only thing that would make this evening better would be if Betsy were here with us," to which wee one replied, "Yeah, but then dad would have to pay more for dinner...." Ahhh, sisterly love....

Wee one had a friend over last night, and they didn't go to sleep until 1:00 am. They came into my bedroom around 11:30 with their pajamas stuffed with pillows and blankets. They looked like mini michelin men. I took them back to the living room where they were supposed to be sleeping and told them that it was time for bed. Apparently they didn't fall asleep for a while after that. Of course it was an evening of Full House on Nick, so they had to watch that. This morning after R went home, we got dressed and ran some errands. I ended up doing a full groceryshopping....with wee one and dh in tow. Now, I know better than to do that....yet I still allowed him to come. We were only in the third aisle and they both had thrown at least $20 worth of things into the basket. I stood my ground however, and firmly told both of them, "That is the LAST thing you get to put into the basket, so make sure it is what you want!" I got a high five from a harried looking woman next to me....

Toward the end of the store I had forgotten something, so I told them to wait by the frozen food for me and I'd be right back. Wouldn't you know, I turned around and they were right behind me! I said, "Didn't I tell you two to wait over there????" Neither one of them can take direction! Actually, wee one was looking at me kind of funny, and when dh turned around she whispered, "I told him to stay where we were, but he wouldn't listen!" I then sent them to pick out ice cream so that I could have a few minutes to peruse the frozen vegetables. I had forgotten my list, so my mind was in a jumble anyway....having them with me was not helping.

We checked out and I was pleasantly surprised at the cost....and then we went to the car. I was helping load the groceries when I dropped the one bag I was carrying. Can you guess what was in it? Yup....18 lovely large eggs. Of course, only 12 made it into my fridge. I can't believe I did that! Immediately dh looks at me and says, "Way to go....why don't you just let me handle things?" I was biting my tongue thinking, I have done this by myself for 17 freaking years and have never broken the eggs before....*sigh.

Right now Betsy is STILL with her friends, wee one is watching Sabrina, and dh is helping a friend. I spent the afternoon watching White Christmas. Oh, how I love that movie....I always cry when the General and his granddaughter walk into the lodge and his infantry salutes him...."We'll follow the old man wherever he wants to gooooo...." Boy, they don't make movies like that anymore, do they?

Well, I suppose I should get going and order my mother in law's Christmas present. Yup, nothing like waiting till the last minute. I still have a few cards to mail....which I am sure will not get there on time. I need to find a "procrastinators anynomous" group online....I'll do it later....

All I want for Christmas is....cavity free teeth....

Today was yet another "dental day", although not for me....but for my darling husband. He was supposed to go in for a cleaning and check-up with the new dentist. This usually takes about 40 minutes, give or take. His appointment was at 1:40....around 5:00, I'm getting a wee bit upset that he isn't answering his phone. Okay, maybe he decided to go Christmas shopping early this year (but then what ever would he do on Christmas Eve? *enter sarcasm here). I call again and the message immediately goes off, so I know the phone is now off. Hmmmm, now that is strange. I proceed to call numerous times with the same results. Then I start to worry. What if he were carjacked or in an accident? Dang it, why isn't he answering the freaking phone? So, I call again and it rings....it's back on....but still no answer. I call repeatedly, and it's off again. Finally I leave a message, (quote "turn your f**** phone on and call me!" end quote).

About a half hour later he finally calls. I say where the heck are you???? and he says, at the dentist! I'm like, for four hours????  Apparently since the dentist was going to be gone for two weeks, she decided to do the bulk of the work now, since he was being fitted for a crown....and NO I do NOT mean he is royalty. During the two weeks she is gone, the crown will be made, and he can then finish up his work. He didn't have many problems, which was a good thing since he procrastinated and hasn't seen the dentist in a while. The dentist asked him if he would like her to even out his front teeth for him, and told him she would do it for free since it was Christmas....so he accepted the offer and his smile is now *sparkling white and straight*. Hmmm, free dental work, a four hour appointment....should I be worried?

I finished my sewing today....kind of. I spent the morning with wee one....who is feeling much better by the way. I checked my comments on my last entry, and she read all the well wishes and was tickled pink! (Thanks to all who commented to her!) I did some laundry and then decided I must do my sewing. It all went very well until the last two straps. why is it the sewing machine decides to revolt when I am almost finished? I gave up and myload will be two short....but that's too bad! It's done and I'm tired.

Tomorrow is the party at school. I had some copies made today of a Christmas word find and another puzzle for the kids, and when wee one saw them she said, "Cool! I get a sneek preview!" LOL....the kid is a nut. She helped me staple them together, and picked out the one that was lined up the straightest....she says she wants that one tomorrow. (In case you're wondering, OCD is genetic...LOL.)  She posted an entry in her journal, and basically took it easy all day. The third time she sat down to log onto the computer, she told me, "You know mom, it's good for me to be online. It helps me to develop my typing skills." I can't believe she said it with a straight face....

Well, it's after nine, and that means only one thing....it's after my bed time....night all....

*graphic courtesy of www.msmindy.com

Brrrrsday....

I have my wee one home with me today. She doesn't look so good....she came home from church last night with a sore throat followed by a tummy ache followed by, well, an empty tummy. Poor thing. Then she had a nose bleed in the middle of the night, and she tossed and turned because she was "achey". Now she is sitting on the couch wrapped in a blanket watching Toy Story 2. I asked what she wanted for breakfast and she chose chicken noodle soup, and as we speak she is sipping on some hot chocolate. I had her pop a few motrin, and hopefully that will help. She says her tummy is fine now, but she is so pale. I hope she only has a 24 hour bug....

I ended up doing no sewing yesterday. I knew when I was typing about having a nice, quiet day that I shouldn't be jinxing myself. The dog has been quite itchy lately, and he is predisposed to skin infections. So, as I'm bathing him I realize he is really "flaky" and irritated, so I took him inoto the vet. $217 dollars later he has all of his shots and medicines and I am broke. I tell ya, this "pet" thing is expensive! But, he's worth it. So, after I came home from the vet it was already 12:30, so I decided to have lunch start a load of laundry, clean up a bit....before I knew it it was time for wee one and her friend to get off the bus and to start dinner. Needless to say, TODAY I'm going to sew....really, I am! Of course it is 9:43 and I'm still sitting here in my pj's drinking hot chocolate.

I still have to write out Christmas cards and such....it's the last minute stuff that gets to you, isn't it? Well, wee one is whining for me to come into my room, so I must go and see what she wants. I'm sure it's "mommy time"....

Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.....

In the immortal words of Glenn Frey...."The heat is * * * * ON!". Yes, we officially turned the thermostat from air to heat last night. As we speak we are a frosty 25 degrees. If only there were rain in the forecast we could have had a flurry or two. But, alas, we are only scheduled for sunny, blue skies. I need to get out and get some logs for the fireplace. I love a toasty fire in the winter time. Wee one always wants to roast marshmallows....maybe I should go outside and get some sticks whilst I'm at it....

I only have a few online gifts to order, then I am officially done. Whew! I spread everything out over my bed yesterday to peruse my loot. It's amazing how hundreds of dollars worth of things can look like a small pile of nothing. But, it is the thought that counts, it's the giving not the receiving, it's the spirit of Christmas, (pick a cliche)....

I think today I will spend sewing. I was gone all day yesterday and it will be nice to be able to just sit and relax. I will make some coffee and just zone out to the hum of my sewing machine. Yeah, that sounds gooooood. I left yesterday morning to have my cavity filled (and it went wonderfully....didn't even feel the injection!), from there I went to finish my shopping. Hit 4 stores, came home for an hour during which I organized all gifts and re-hid them, did bills, ate a piece of cold pizza and then headed out the door to the bus stop where....I picked up Wee one, went directly to the high school and got Betsy, then it was off to the post office, bank and my mom's house to drop of the coffee that she likes and was on sale....back home to start dinner, serve dinner and sit down to do a quick load of sewing that dh ever-so-sweetly told me they needed last minute....I think I'm getting a good old-fashioned cold....the kind where you sneeze all the time. It was driving me NUTS last night. I finally took some benadryl and then prayed I wouldn't fall asleep before I was finished. Luckily, it began to affect me minutes after I was done....then I went to bed, slept through my tv show, and didn't wake up till my alarm this morning....I barely remember John kissing me goodbye this morning.

Okay, it's time to get wee one up and running....I hope everyone has a mahhhhhhvelous day!

12 days and counting....

Yeah Santa, I'm making a list too, and it's getting longer by the minute. I got teacher gifts and parent gifts today. I still have to get a work gift for dh, two grab bag gifts and the "odds and ends" left for the kiddies. Not to mention wrapping paper and stocking stuffers. I'm telling you, it never ends....but I enjoy every minute of it. I love this time of year; the hustle and bustle included. Of course, doing my shopping in shorts rather than 4 layers of clothing makes things quicker....but it's not as festive.

This morning we spent four hours between hospitals wrapping up tests for Betsy's kidneys. I'm happy to report that everything was fine, and she is free and clear of those pesky stones. She was happy with the results....and a day without school! Her dad and I took her out to lunch and she enjoyed that. Afterward, she and I went shopping to get a few more things. By the time we got home we were both exhausted....but after a Sunday spent out of the house all day....it needed to be cleaned! So, out came the pledge and windex....and the fun ensued! It was a nice afternoon....and I'm happy to say that everything is once again sparkling and shining in the JBCoupe household.

I got a new candle the other day at Marshalls. It smells so good....I'm going to burn it out before Christmas gets here! It's called Peppermint Ice and it is a Village candle. You wouldn't believe how strong the scent is....and how lasting. I really love my Yankee candles, but the Village ones seem to be stronger.I also have one in Balsam Fir which is in my bedroom, and when I go to bed at night it's like falling asleep in the middle of a pine forest. Mmmmmm.....outdoorsy....

I've gotten most of my work done for the class party and delegated a few tasks to another mom. I went to Michaels today and spent a small fortune on craft items for the kids. I think the party will be a fun one. We are having it on Friday afternoon, so I suppose I "technically" only have 3 1/2 days of freedom left until vacation begins!

Well, I had better get going. Wee one is still watching tv in my room, and it's after nine. She is going to be hard to wake up in the morning! But those "25 Days of Christmas" shows on the family channel are so danged addicting! Ho, ho, ho....

Sunday football....

Well, the Bears didn't fare so well today....they lost to the Jaguars (how embarassing!). Still, we had a good time at the game. We went with some folks from work and another couple whom I did not know. We had great seats, which were unfortunately in the "drunk and rowdy" section. We were surrounded by gin soaked Jag fans....however, being the classy Chicago fan that I am, I sat and politely clapped when the other team scored, even though the f-word was a flyin every time the Bears managed to get a few yards ahead. Am I saying that Jax fans are rude and obnoxious? Well, perhaps, at least the ones I was sitting by....and no, it isn't sour grapes. When you are a Cubs or Bears fan, it's not for the win....it's for the love of the team and a good time.

I am home now with a horrible headache and nausea....dh is suffering from the same thing. I think his may be from beer, as he usually has 3 beers per YEAR, and today he had his yearly limit within 2 hours....lol. Mine, I'm not sure what it is from. Stress, I think.

I didn't get much sleep as last night at 11:30 the phone rang and that is never a good thing in our house if the phone rings late. It was my mom, who in a very controlled voice told me that she thought something might be "happening" to my dad. I immediately woke right up, and began looking for my clothes. I knew something must be wrong for her to call me because she never asks for help unless it is absolutely necessary. She said that my dad was not able to speak, and could only nod his head to yes or no answers, and that was only after a good 5 minutes of trying to get him to respond in any way at all. She asked him if he could talk and he shook his head no, then he sort of pointed to the phone. She asked him if he wanted her to call someone and he nodded yes, and then she asked if he wanted her to call me, to which he nodded yes.

John and I arrived about 10 minutes later, and he was speaking by this time. Apparently he told her that he couldn't breathe, and when she asked him why he wanted her to call me, he said because he thought he was dying. My poor mother was beside herself worrying....and dad was upset as well. After a few minutes of talking to him, he was responding. When mom asked him if it was okay for John and I to leave, he said, "Yes, they have a ball game tomorrow." OMG....we all laughed so hard at that one....it was a laugh of relief! Only dad would tell us something so scary one minute, then remind us of the game the next! I am so thankful that we live close enough that we can be there in minutes if need be. I'm going to call my mom in a bit and get the update on how he was today. She is most likely getting him ready for bed at the moment, which is quite a job.

Well, I need to get things together for tomorrow. Betsy has her scan for her kidney stones in the morning, followed immediately by her appointment with the urologist. I tell ya, the fun never ends! Have a good night....

Why do I even try.....

AAs you know, I'm the head room mom this year for wee one's class. Her "holiday party" is next Friday, so I had to schedule a meeting for the parent helpers to discuss what we would be doing. Being the obsessed person that I am, I spent yesterday doing a good cleaning, so that all I would have to do this morning would be a quick pick up. I also made a batch of Christmas cookies to nosh on during the meeting. This morning I got up, cleaned up, got dressed, lit my festive-good smelling candles, and brewed a pot of coffee. I got out a basket of wee one's old toys for the toddler that was coming, and turned on Sesame Street for him....it even rained this morning, which made it seem so cozy and festive. Everything was perfect....

Then they both cancelled on me. One mom had bronchitis and needed to rest, and the other one couldn't get her little one to go to the car because it was thundering and he was afraid. So she called me, and I told her the other mom couldn't make it....so we chatted over the phone and made the plans. I'm disappointed that we didn't get to meet in person, as I NEVER have ANYONE over here to visit with or serve goodies to, and during the holidays it's fun to visit with friends (or so I've heard, lol). Oh well. I suppose I can look at it this way....my house is clean, I've got an entire plate of cookies that I don't have to share with anyone, as well as a pot of coffee, it's only 10:15 and it looks like I've cleaned all day. *Sigh....still, it would have been fun to entertain this morning.

In any case, we did plan the party and it should be fun for the kids. It will be the last day of school before the winter break, so we could not plan anything but just have them chat and eat and they'd be thrilled. I remember as a kid, being so excited for the class party. Everyone was in a good mood, the teachers were happy....even the class bully was tolerable on that day! Man, it seems like just yesterday when I was looking forward to those parties. And now, I'm at the end of my 12 year run with my kids. Next year wee one will be in 5th grade, and that will be it for the parties. Where does the time go?

Okay, I'm going to run to the store and get the dog's medicine....after that, well, I dont' know what I will do....I've got an entire day of freeeeeeeeeeeedom~! WooHoo! Have a great Friday!

Mrs. Butterworth's, I love you....

Every morning I wake wee one up at 7 and ask her what she wants for breakfast, and every morning she says the same thing. "What do we have", like during the night the breakfast elves visited our pantry, and magically there were new and exciting breakfast foods waiting for her this morning. I swear, I'm going to print up a menu for her so that I don't have to rattle it off every morning....

Anyway, she "ordered" waffles this morning. Not the *dunking kind but the *regular kind. So I popped them into the toaster and waited. After cutting them up I went to the pantry to get the syrup....here's where my strange problem comes in. I have a bottle 1/4 full of "store brand" syrup sitting in front of a 3/4 full bottle of Mrs. Butterworth's. I stood for a moment, deciding which one to choose. Not because there is a huge difference in taste, I actually like the store brand, but because it was Mrs. Butterworth's.  I actually had a mental fight with myself whilst choosing.

"Oh, just use the rest of the generic stuff....no! there is a good bottle right there!....yeah, like she's even going to notice....but what kind of mother are you if you give her the generic when right there is the good stuff?....oh please, what difference would it make?....well, which one would you choose?....okay, I suppose I would choose the Mrs....see?....*sigh....I wonder if my HMO covers outpatient therapy?"

So, in the end she got the Mrs. Butterworth's. I actually guilted myself into giving it to her. Now, let me say that I LOVE generic. I buy it ALL the time. So why does this bother me? Why do I feel I need to give my daughter the *superior brand? What does it mean that I am divided over syrup brands? I'll tell you what it means....it means the advertising is working! That and I'm completely insane. 
So, to put my mind at ease, I decided to give her a taste test before she brushed her teeth. I put a small amount of *syrup #1 on a spoon, and she tasted it. I then gave her a sampling of *syrup #2. After a bit of deliberation, she came to the following conclusion...."I would have to say that #1 tastes better.", and she made a smiley/yummy face to go along with it. Can you guess which syrup it was?

And the winner is....generic. All that worrying for nothing. So now every morning, I can throw caution to the wind and drown her waffles in glorious, golden generic streams of liquid gold, without a care in the world....yet, I will still get a twinge when I bypass the forlorn Mrs. B, all alone in the back of the pantry. Oh, but fear not....one batch of my chocolate chip pancakes and the old girl will be back in business....as my taste test had a different outcome....

Now you know why....

"A young JBCoupe attempts her first 'sunburst pattern' at the tender age of two. Experts say she has a great career ahead of her...."

Back to the old routine....*whew

<~~~~That is how I feel after this whirlwind visit from my mother in law. We were on the go the entire time we were together, and now, I am sitting here trying to decide what to do first! We took her to the airport this morning, and left with no tears....which was amazing. She usually cries when we say goodbye at the check in point....but today she did good. I think because we were talking about when we would come to visit. After we watched her walk down the corridor to her terminal, we left and went out to breakfast. I know, I know....more food? "Dang, that JBCoupe is going to double in size before the holidays even get here!" Well, I wasn't hungry, but I knew I would never get away with a morning with the hubby without a breakfast stop. We didn't go out Sunday for our anniversary dinner, so we decided to make it an anniversary breakfast. After that we stopped at Pep Boys to look for the scooter wee one wants. We found it, and got a raincheck. I had seen them at Wal Mart months ago, but of course, not since then. Dh suggests we stop there "just to see", and I told him I wasnt' going to go....I was too tired. Needless to say his persistant badgering wore me out and we went. And guess what? Yes....they had two of the scooters. Of course he gives me the "I told you so" look, to which I gave him the "you're number one" retort wtih my middle finger....we ended up buying it and he is unloading it from the car as we speak. He wants to put it together "to make sure all the parts are there", but I know better. He wants to "see if it will hold his smart a** up" and go puttering down the street. We are going to have to get her a good helmet to wear with it (it's the Schwinn S350 electric scooter), as she only has her little bike helmet. She is going to be so excited. I told her if she gets it, that we are going in on the gift with Santa and it will be her birthday/Christmas present. She was fine with it.

I didn't sleep good last night, and I'm so tired right now. There has been a war going on in the house for the past 5 nights that all revolves around sleeping arrangements. Wee one has a bunk bed, so Betsy took up residence during the mil visit. There are two  identical beds, however, there is some problem with the top mattress. Apparently it is hard. No one wants to sleep on it. Along with this problem is the fact that Betsy has to sleep in a pitch black room, and wee one goes to bed with her Christmas tree lights on, as well as a movie in. Needless to say, it's been a battle. I usually don't stand for that kind of crap....but this time I made wee one sleep on the couch in my room. I don't know why, I suppose just to keep things running smoothly. I should have insisted they take turns. So last night, wee one decided to revolt, and refused to sleep in my room. She stomped her feet, crossed her arms, shook her head until her hair was in knots....yet I made her go in my room.  She was NOT happy, but she did it. When I finally came in to bed, she was in my bed and I had to move her to the couch. I was hoping she would sleepwalk her way over as usual, but of course she was fully awake and spent the next 10 minutes moaning and complaining. The next thing I knew it was 4 am and I was squished in my bed between the snoring husband, and the snoring daughter. Jeez! I eventually just got up and figured I'd nap later....I tell ya!

So, here I sit, thinking tomorrow I'll  finally get my alone time in the dentists chair....but no....my mom has an appointment at the hospital to learn how to set up the feeding machine for my dad, and I have to go with her. So, I cancelled my dentist appointment, moved it to next week, and am going in the morning. I don't mind though....I know she is nervous about learning all of this, on top of evereything else she has going on....which is a lot.

Well, I suppose I should get going before the girls get home. I'm just glad to be getting back into a routine before Christmas arrives! have a lovely Tuesday....(oh yeah, it's 80 here today....I'm kind of getting used to it....how sad! lol)

The soothing sound of my voice....

I'm adding a few pics to go along with my entry today. I hate to admit it, but it really was a gorgeous day....

I'm so sick of eating!!!!

I can't believe I'm going to say this but....I am so sick of eating out! It seems like we just keep eating and eating while the mil is here. It's getting a bit ridiculous. The girls are loving it, since they can order whatever they want, and of course dh loves it as well. I just keep thinking about the fact that I just bought a bunch of new clothes, and I would like to be able to fit into them before their first washing!

Today we went to the IMAX and saw "Santa -vs- the Snowman". It was the absolute cutest holiday movie ever. Everyone really enjoyed it. The theater is located at the World Golf Village where all the successful doctors, lawyers and your average millionaires live. It's quite a place. The Murray brothers have a restaurant there, "Caddyshacks", and Bill (oh yeah, we are on a first name basis....lmao), has been known to pop in for lunch occasionally. As we were going to the theater, we passed a huge stage that had been set up on the grounds and hundreds of people milling about, lawn chairs in hand, getting ready for some sort of performance. Apparently it was a kids production of the Nutcracker. When the movie was over and we came out, you could hear the music, and we stood and watched the dancers for a while. It was really good. The kids did a great job. I wanted to stay and watch, but everyone was whining that they were cold....so we left. I'm telling you, next year we are going to be sitting out there, watching with our blankets and hot chocolate!

We then headed to Hallmark to get a few things, and out to eat. It was wonderful as usual (we went to the Blue Crab, our favorite restaurant....and yes, I did have crab cakes....they are soooo good!). After dinner, we headed to the park and walked out on the pier to see the boat parade. It was really nice. It was actually cold....but we had coats. There were about 20 boats that were decorated....hundreds of lights, music....it was so cute! The last boat had Santa and the Mrs., and they had a sound system and were wishing everyone a merry Christmas. There were so many kids! They were all cheering and clapping and singing. It was so festive! There were even some fireworks....all in all it was a great evening.

Tomorrow will begin with the early mass, then....well, I'm not sure. I'll tell you this much though....I"m looking forward to Wednesday morning, sitting in the dentist chair having my tooth worked on. Not that I'm having a bad weekend, but I'd do anything, even get a filling, for a little "me" time! LOL....have a good one!

"If you've seen one mall, you've seen 'a mall'" ~ Betty K.

My grandmother loves to shop, and she loves to make up silly little sayings; hence the title of my entry....

However, it was not she that I shopped with today, but my mother in law. We shopped alllll day, but got a lot accomplished. Well, she did, I just carried bags. She got Wee one's birthday present bought and one thing for Christmas that she will let her open before she goes back to Indiana. She is going to leave money for me to buy her the rest of wee one's Christmas gifts. As for Betsy, she bought her something to open whilst she is here, and also bought her Christmas gift, so I don't have to shop for her. She told me that she will just give John and I our money before she leaves. I feel awkward taking money from her....it just doesn't feel right. I have told her time and time again that we don't expect things from her, that her visits are enough. I tell her she should enjoy her money....take a trip, buy something she likes....but she won't do it. She tells us that she and her husband (he passed away in 2000) worked all their lives so that they would have something to leave their children, and that this is what she wants to do with her money. She has set up college funds for the girls, has carpeted her sister's trailer (her sister is very poor and has mental problems), bought her a washer and dryer, food, etc. My mil is a very giving woman, and very stubborn. I have learned not to argue with her when she wants to give me something....still, I feel strange.

Anyway....as for the weekend, I'm not sure what we will do. We have a lot of ideas, but not a lot of time. We want to do the "family" things since the girls go back to school Monday. We are going to the IMAX theater, St. Augustine and possibly a Christmas parade. My mil is Catholic, so John wants to take her to the "oldest Catholic church" which just happens to be located in St. Augustine. They have services on Sunday so we will be attending. I have only been to a Catholic service two or three times in my life, and I believe they were either for a wedding or funeral. I have no idea when to kneel, or stand or sit....I guess I'll just follow the crowd!

I baked a yellow cake tonight with chocolate frosting. It was so cold outside that I put it on the porch to cool, and it only took 20 minutes! I'm so excited about the cold weather! It's much more festive when you have to put on a coat rather than sunscreen to shop. The annual Christmas boat parade is tomorrow night along the St. John's river. When you cross the bridge you can see the boats at the marina all decorated with lights and trees and big plastic Santa's. Some of them are houseboats, and they have satellite dishes mounted along the slips. I would love to live on a boat for six months. I think that would be so cool. Of course, I'd probably get seasick and be in the bathroom or hanging over the side most of the time. However, I would lose weight that way....hmmmm....

Wee one has been watching the 25 Days of Christmas on the Family Channel. She just loves that. All the old shows like "The Year Without a Santa Claus" and "Frosty the Snowman". They give me such a warm feeling when I see them. I haven't seen White Christmas yet this year....I LOVE that movie. You just can't go wrong with Bing Crosby....he's just the MOST! LOL....how 40's of me....

I bought John a Christmas present today. It's the first season boxed set of "The Family Guy". He LOVES that show. Never misses it. It's going to come back to Fox this spring, and we are eagerly awaiting it. Of course we are dyed in the wool Simpson fans, but FG is a very close second. And speaking of new releases....I am anxiously awaiting the 2005 release of "Strangers With Candy....the Movie". OMG....the most hysfreakingsterical television show ever produced. I am such a fan of Jeri Blank....

Sunday is my anniversary....okay, it's John's too, but I never remember to say that! LOL. We will be married 17 years. Man, that is a LONG time to be with ONE person. He sure is a lucky man, I tell ya what. Oh, alright, I suppose I am a lucky woman as well....he's a pretty good guy. He's taking me to dinner and a movie. He said he would rather take me to a B&B, but, well, he never said why he wasn't! I'll tell you why though....poor planning. LOL. I could have very easily planned it, but I wasn't going to. I want him to come up with the idea, make the reservations and sweep me away to a weekend of fun and romance. Of course, if I wait for that to happen I won't be "swept" away so much as "wheeled" away in my chair and the B&B will be named something to the effect of "The Happy Acres Retirement Ranch". *Sigh. That's okay though, as long as it is he and I together, I won't mind. Have a great evening everyone!

My privacy is over....starting now....

And so it begins....my six days of being constantly surrounded by people. Dh is off, MIL is coming....*sigh. I'm sitting here doing my morning "thing", and dh is yelling for me, running around the house, asking for things....jeez!

Anyway....he did fix my vaccum for me, which is wonderful! I've had my Oreck since 1990, and it's been through heck and back. I've run over the cord too many times to count, pulled it out, dropped it, tripped over it, scuffed it, permanently ruined the headlight (don't ask)....but the thing still runs. So today he took it all apart, drilled a hole in the handle and jerry rigged some sort of holder for the cord....it looks like it's new from the factory now! He's such a good handyman....I think I'll keep him around for a while. Right now he is washing my van....

I went to the car to take a picture of the last tree I put up for the season....yes, I have a lighted Christmas tree that hangs from the rear view mirror and plugs into the cigarette lighter....but my camera software is not working! I did everything I knew how to do to get it running properly (yes, my extensive computer knowledge consists of 1. Restarting the computer to see if that fixes it and 2. Cursing loudly when it doesn't), but it still isn't working. I suppose I'm going to have to unload and reload the software. *Sigh. Like I have time for that now! But I digress....I found this little tree about 5 years ago at our local True Value hardware store and haven't seen one like it since. Two of the bulbs have gone out, and regular bulbs don't work in it. I guess I should do an online search and try to find a new one.

OMG....he is in here AGAIN asking me if I'm still online. Sheesh! He's telling me he is going to cut the front lawn after washing my car. Okay, fine....why are you telling me this? Just DO it!

Okay, I had better get going myself and finish up the things that need to be done. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday. I can't even remember what day it is. Wee one had to tell me in the car this morning. She said to me, "Yesterday was hump day mom", to which I replied, "No it wasn't, that's Wednesday." she just looks at me like I'm crazy and says, "Today is Thursday...." jeez. I really need to get with it! Okay, I'm outta here....

Nuttin honey....

You will be happy to know that tonight, I didn't fool around, risking sight and limb (power tools)....I went straight for dh's corkscrew. When I used it on the cranberry wine, the cork slid out easily, with no problem....this time however, it was an s.o.b. to get out. I guess all my prying and drilling had loosened it last time....but, not to worry! After three tries myself, and hysterics from Betsy, I sat the bottle on the floor, had her hold it with all her weight, and pulled like the dickens. After three tries it popped out! And let me say....the blackberry wine is much better than the cranberry. It's sweeter and you can really taste the fruit. You could taste the cranberry too, it was just a little tart. Of course I fixed that by mixing it with ginger ale. (wine connoisseurs across the country are passing out as they read this!)

Anyway, I've been sitting here waiting for dh to get home. He is "wining and dining" bigwigs from Johnson and Johnson tonight. So, as he salivates over some wonderful entree at a fancy schmancy restaurant, I feasted on the last of the leftover stuffing. Oooooh boy. What a dinner. Wee one had mac and cheese, while Betsy had a sub sandwich from the grocery store.

I don't know why but I keep looking at my teeth and running my tongue over them. Remember that old commercial for Pearl Drops Tooth Polish? "MMMMmmmmm, it's a great feeling!" Do they even make that stuff anymore? I miss that commercial. You know how they play old shows from years gone by (ala Nick at Night)? Well, I think they should do a show of old commercials from the 60's, 70's and 80's. I would watch that! Wee one pulled out an old vhs of Rudolph that I taped for Betsy when she was a baby. It had all the old commercials on it, and some of the local broadcasters from the late 80's. It was so fun to watch! I sang along with the old jingles and wee one was amazed that I knew all the tunes. It's funny how you forget those little things.

What are some of the things you remember that you wish they would bring back, or maybe a favorite commercial from the past? I remember wanting my mother to buy me Tickle deodorant. She eventually did, for gym class. I got the one with the pink top. Oh, and those body sprays....crud! What were they called? Someone help me remember! They were in cans, like the ones the "imposter" sprays are in now. (You know, "if you like Red Door, you'll love "Green Window"). I want to say the one I liked was a dark can with a blue butterfly on it. Okay, this is going to drive me nuts until I figure it out! Was it Body something? Image? It was probably early 80's that they were popular.

Okay, I'm off to bed....sweet dreams!

Woo Hoo! Good day at the dentist. Okay, it did hurt this time for some reason....but I only had ONE cavity, and it wasn't in the tooth that is sensitive! That one is sensitive because the gum has receeded a bit. I was horrified when she said that, thinking it might be from some periodontal disease but she said it comes with age and probably "trauma" from brushing too hard! LOL....I guess I had better settle down a bit! Oh, and when I went to pay....I had a credit from last time so NO CHARGE! Yippee! So what did I do to celebrate? Yup, I went shopping and blew quite a bit of money....but I am closer to being finished with my Christmas shopping.

Oh, and whilst at the store, I found my "winter scent"! Now, I know this is going to sound cheesy but, I have to thank Erica and all the ladies in Pine Valley because my new scent is....Enchantment! I saw it there and thought, "Hmmmm, I wonder what Erica Cane smells like...." Apparently she smells spicy....like her attitude. It's a very spicy, woodland scent, not too heavy but definately not light. I love it.

And so, that is my update for the day. Now I really have to start getting things together for the mil's visit. I'm only slightly beginning to panic....which is a good thing!

2 Days till d-day....

Yup, only two days till my mother in law arrives, and my household will go to pot. I always feel strange cleaning with company! I figure I can do two light cleanings while she is here....you know, a quick dusting and vacuuming while John takes her out for a while. And yes, I do always figure out when I will sneak some cleaning in if I have guests....so if you are planning a visit, you will know ahead of time that on at least two occasions, I'll kick you out to clean! LOL....
My sister and her husband are arriving the same day, only an hour after she does. So, we will pick her up at the airport, then have lunch at the little restaurant/bar whilst waiting for my family. My sister and her husband will be staying with my mom. You think my cleaning is crazy....she will just vacuum right around you while you are watching tv. She doesn't care if you are in the house or out! She will windex the tv while you are watching, Pledge the table while you run to the bathroom....and my personal favorite, yelling, "Don't walk in the kitchen, I just washed the floor!" as you are sliding across, arms flailing, while trying to refresh your drink. Yes, I have to say I learned from the best!
The weather has been quite nice this week. We are beginning to see the effects from the cold front, and the next seven days are looking good! With the exception of today, which is supposed to be 79, we are looking at mid 60's and a few days of rain....woohoo! Hey, at least it's something! I still can't get over the fact that it is December. I haven't even begun to shop for the girls. I am so behind! LOL....I just realized it isn't December yet. It's the 30th of November. I've got 16 hours and 38 minutes until December....whew! Just enough time to get my shopping done!
Okay, I've got to get ready for my appointment at the dentist....wish me luck! (I'll be thinking of you Julie, as I'm being scrrrrraped, poked and prodded! lol)

I can't believe it is already 11 am, and I've done basically NOTHING! Well, I have cleaned out my fridge and started to dust....but once again, I keep passing my computer, slowing down, checking my mail, then sitting here messing with my journal. I guess it's just nice to be able to sit down and not be interrupted every five minutes!

I called the dentist to see if I could get in, as it's been around 2 years since I've been there. I can't help it! I get all this work done, then I forget about it until I have a problem. I've never been one to keep up with an appointment every six months. I think I have some kind of "dental phobia". However, I am always sure to take wee one. I need to get Betsy in there, as well as John. Why is it that I put it off? I am meticulous about my dental hygine at home....always brushing and flossing, etc. I suppose I do this because I know I won't be stabbing at my gums with pointy objects....

I am actually cold today. I think I'm becoming a wimp. It's in the 60's for gosh sakes! I have sweat pants and a sweater on....and my fluffy pink slippers. It's supposed to get up to 78 for the next two days, as a warm front is coming through....then dipping back down into the 60's. I saw the weather forecast this morning and it is SNOWING HEAVILY back home in Indiana. I'm so depressed! I may have to go to the store and buy a can of snow spray and do all of my windows. Maybe I'll even get a can of flocking and do the trees outside. Wouldn't that be a hoot?!

Okay, enough of my lazing about....I must clean! I forgot to say that surprisingly, they had an appointment at the dentists office tomorrow morning at 10:30....oh joy. Alright I'm going. Now. Here I go....I'm walking away....riiiiightttt nowwwwww.....

School + Work = HAPPY SHERRY!!!!

I'm so in the Christmas spirit....can you tell? LOL.

We spent the entire day in St. Augustine, shopping and eating. I swear, over the past few days I've gained 4 pounds! I'm going to have to seriously diet when the holidays are over!

I didn't buy anything today. There really was nothing that I wanted. The weather was gorgeous....high 60's with a cool breeze off the water. The skies were a bright blue, with a smattering of clouds. The stores were all playing Christmas music, which was so pretty....except for the store playing "tropical" holiday music. You know, those drums they play in the Carribean? I told Betsy, "That's just WRONG!"

We ate at a little cafe and had the best hamburgers I had ever eaten. They were thick and cooked to absolute perfection. Afterward, the girls got "dots", they are little ice cream pebble looking things that are kept cool with dry ice. Very weird, definately a kid thing....and John and I got turtle sundaes....and yes, they were as decadent as they sound. I tell ya, I'm stuffed still, and it's after nine!

This week is going to be a busy one. My mother in law is coming in Thursday morning, and my sister and her husband are coming in an hour after that. Mil will be here for 5 days, sis for 9. It should be nice though. I'm looking forward to it.

Okay, I'm being distracted by Desperate Housewives....who in the world is going to be knocked off????

 

**Okay, I didn't figure they would kill off any of the main characters....but really, was that woman a "desperate housewife"? big sigh though....for a minute there I thought the frazzled mom was going to be gone....

The true story behind the wine....

Yes, it all sounded so cozy last night....me sitting at the computer, listening to jazz and sipping wine. Oh, but if you only knew what I had to go through to get to it....

I bought the wine, thinking it was a screw top....however, it was a cork. Being the ultra-classy lady I am, you would have thought I would have a corkscrew....however, my usual Arbor Mist wines don't call for them (nothing but the best for me! lol), so I needed to find another way to open my bottle, which was not the normal wide mouthed bottle, but had a 3 inch long neck that was half the diameter of a normal bottle of wine.

I decided to do a quick search online and typed in "how to open a wine bottle with no corkscrew". I got to a message board forum that offered a few suggestions. First there was the "try to break the vacuume seal between the cork and the bottle with something thin and it should slide out easily". Okay, that sounds simple enough. I'll just reach for my handy, dandy steak knife and shove it between the cork and the glass. It went in easily enough, however, it didn't do the job. As a matter of fact, it started chipping the mouth of the bottle, and wouldn't you know....I didn't put on my safety glasses. So, yes, I got pelted in the eye with a tiny glass projectile that bounced off my eyeball, into the pecan pie plate. After running to the bathroom to assess the damage (there was none, thankfully), I checked the pie. After three bites, I found nothing, and decided to continue trying to open the wine. 

The second suggestion was to "screw a drywall screw into the cork, then use pliers to pull it out. Be sure to grasp the bottle firmly between your thighs...." hmmmm, informative and titillating!  Out to the garage I went and got a screw and dh's drill....yes, I used a power tool....and in it went.I got the pliers, placed the bottle between my knees and pulled with all my might. However, the only thing I dislodged was the screw, and possibly my shoulder....

Suggestion number three was "use the corkscrew thingy on your swiss army knife, it works just fine". I was skeptical of this suggestion, but decided to give it a try. I went and asked dh if he had what I needed, and he did. I got the knife from his drawer, and took it to the kitchen. i wasn't sure it would work as 1.) by this time the cork was half way down the neck and 2.) I had pulled out several chunks of cork and didn't know if there was enough left to screw into. However, I was going to have that relaxing glass of wine if it killed me....so I screwed it in, gave a tug and....

It popped out!

You can only imagine my joy! So, I put the drill away, cleaned up the chunks of cork, grabbed a glass and headed for my computer. I did have a lovely evening, drinking wine by Christmas tree light and chatting with my friend, and doing some online shopping....guess what I bought?!

A plethora of pictures....and a Happy Thanksgiving....

And so another Thanksgiving comes to an end....

Wee one is asleep under the tree, dh is zonked out on the couch, and Betsy went to bed....I am sitting here with my cranberry wine, listening to the Holiday Jazz station on radio AOL, winding down from the days festivities....

We had a lovely dinner. My parents came over, as well as my grandmother and her longtime "friend".  We had wayyyyy too much food, and we all ate too much. It was delicious though. It is also my father's 69th birthday, and we had a little party for him. I got him the new Regis Philbin cd, and my mom got him the Gaither's Tribute to Jake Hess cd and vhs. So, after dinner, she put it in the vcr, and we all sat around, watching and listening to some good old gospel music. I have to say, it was quite a cozy setting! My dad started crying when the first song came on, and said how much he loved the tape. He has a hard time with his emotions due to this disease....but he loved everything, and even tried to sing along! He really enjoyed himself today, and I am thankful for that....

Speaking of being thankful, I have to say that I am so thankful for a lot of things. Food on our table, a roof over our heads, family to love and who loves me. Things we take for granted....the fact that I have clothes to complain about ironing, or a car to put that $2 per gallon gas in....when I see my father struggling to get through another day, it makes me so sad, yet thankful that he has had a long and happy life.  When I see my mother, exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally from taking care of dad, I am thankful that they have each other, and that we are here together, supporting one another.  Even in times of hardship, there are blessings....we just need to open our eyes and realize what we have. I am thankful for a Savior that loves us unconditionally, and makes all things possible. I think this verse says it all, and is what is foremost in my heart today....(thank you Erin for this reminder!)

In Phillipians it says, "Be joyful always, pray continuously, BE THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

And, of course, I am so very thankful for all of the wonderful friends I have met here in journal land. I have met so many spectacular, giving people who have truly enriched my life.  I feel like I know some of you better than my "in person" friends, and I am thankful that you have allowed me to become a part of your lives.

Happy Thanksgiving.....everyone!

Decorating madness....

Oh yes, I've been a busy, busy girl! I'm almost done with my decorating....but not quite. As you can see by the pictures, I'm well on my way to a Christmas wonderland. Betsy informed me that the only room in the house without a tree is the master bathroom....I haven't taken pics of Betsy's tree or thier bathroom tree yet, but I will. Big thrill, huh?

The tree I did tonight in the dining room is my "skinny tree". I used it last year, in place of our usual "fat tree", and never heard the end of it. It wasn't Christmas-y enough. Whatever! So this year it gets put in the dining room....and I must say, it does look lovely. Although, it's missing something. What? I don't know. I'll have to go to the store tomorrow and see....

Today I went grocery shopping and got my freeeeee turkey. Yup, I got that 21 lb. bad boy and he's defrosting on my counter as we speak. He will go in the fridge tonight, but needs a head start since he is rock hard. I got everything else to go with it as well....I had to go to two stores, as the first one was out of the French's Fried Onions for the green bean casserol....oh NO! It's just not turkey day without that! I got the ingrediants for punch with sherbet and cheese balls....I love that for appetizers. No fancy stuff here....I'm looking forward to cooking on Thursday whilst watching the Macy's parade. I know it sounds sappy, but I always get a tear in my eye when I see Santa at the end. I can't help it!

It was soooo warm here today....80 this afternoon. But soaring temps be damned, I put on jeans. I refused to buy a turkey in shorts! It's still supposed to rain on Thursday, and be in the low 70's, so I suppose that is better than nothing. I am so in the mood for cool weather and a roaring fire. I remember winters so cold back home, when you walked outside your nose hair would immediately freeze. Now there's a fun mental picture for you....

I keep forgetting to call my grandmother to let her know what time we are having dinner. We usually eat early, like 1 or so. I hate eating in the early evening. My mil always had dinner around 3 or 4. I think that's too late. If you have it at 1, you can have coffee for breakfast, nosh on the crackers and cheese around 12, and be ready to eat at 1. If you wait any later, you are starving, eat more of the crackers than planned, and ruin the dinner....at least that is my theory.

I did buy myself one special little thing today at the store....some cranberry wine. It just looked so good. It's made at the Tomasello Winery (www.tomasellowinery.com), and they make cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and cherry wine. I can't wait to taste it! However, I am going to save it, cleverly hidden behind the pickles, to savor by myself, after the family has gone to bed, and I'm here online, enjoying a quiet Thanksgiving eve....ahhhhh, sweet perfection.....

TV and Me....

"Sometimes evil drives a minivan...." Okay, now did anyone else other than me, thoroughly enjoy that line from Desperate Housewives last night? I tell ya, I was cracking up....once again the show didn't disappoint. Funny yet emotional, outlandish yet close to home. Watching Lynette's reaction after her dh compared her to Bree....it was so heartbreaking. Trying so hard to be perfect and losing yourself along the way....her speech about feeling stuck in the middle....and of course Bree faced with her husband buying off her kids. The look on her face when her son said he wanted to live with his dad....I couldn't even imagine that kind of pain! And then the accident at the end....where will this story line take us? The whole Susan story is a nice mix of sweet flirtation and comic relief, as well as Gabrielle and hunky lawn boy. Seems her ability to cleverly escape from each tantalizing tryst is getting harder and harder to manage. And did mother-in-law survive the hit and run or not?  Speaking of surviving, it doesn't look as though Edie is going to survive the hit placed on her head; according to the ominous voice over during the teaser for next week....I have to say, I just love this show!

I spent my Saturday running errands around town with my girls and one of Betsy's friends. We hit a bunch of stores, and being the wonderful mother I am, allowed them to choose one item each....anything at all....while shopping at my favorite store. They were less than thrilled....being that it was the Dollar store! LOL....

I decided against the white tree. Dh asked why I didn't get it and I said that I couldn't see wasting money when we already have what we need. I made sure that the girls were in earshot of my comment....you know, a little lesson on being greedy. On Sunday we spent the day working around the house. John worked on the yard and the boat and I scrubbed the girls bathroom. I have to get it sparkling for the mil's visit....which is only a week away....ahhhhhh!

Okay, I'm off to finish my cleaning, put up a tree, make a grocery list, pick up dd from school, make dinner....you know the drill.

Have a lovely Monday....