The non-resolutions....

I've decided to do something new this year.  It seems that whenever I make a resolution,  I end up doing the exact opposite of what I intended to do. So, with that in mind, I give you....

"Sherry's List of Opposite Resolutions, 2006"

1. I resolve to enjoy carb, fat and sugar laden foods in order to become the woman I want to be. No longer will I be a slave to celery, fat free dressing and gallons of Crystal Light. I will make it a point to eat well after 6:00 pm, and possibly throughout the evening, whilst sitting on the couch watching tv.

2. I resolve to take a nap for 30 minutes, three times a week. I will trade in my New Balance walking shoes for fuzzy slippers and snooze my way from breakfast to lunch....or perhaps lunch to dinner, whichever fits my schedule. I will not sign up at my local gym,  park further from the doors while shopping, or take the stairs instead of the escalator.

3. I resolve to spend my money like water and not put a penny into savings. I'll use my credit cards until the little strip melts off, and scoff at those who use coupons. All of the clothes I buy will be full price and from the mall instead of outlet stores. I will be the best dressed woman at the debt consolidation office.

4. I resolve to let London have run of the house. I won't take her to obedience school, but give her free reign....my harvest table will be her fantasy chew toy, my carpeting her luxurious outhouse. I will set a place at the table so that she does not have to beg on the cold floor, and make John sleep on the couch so that my precious pooch is sure to have a restful night sleep on our expensive new mattress set. She will be our little princess! (Okay, that last sentence will be true either way....lol).

That is all of the "opposite resolutions" I can think of right now....I'm sure I will remember some more later. Betsy has gone out with friends for the evening, and wee one is spending the night at one of her little girlfriends. Of course, that leaves John and I alone....

We started our romantic evening at my mom's, setting up her dvd/vcr player. After that we had a superb dinner at Steak & Shake.  Then, we came home for a quiet, cozy evening....he is snoring on the couch with London at his feet, and I'm here on the computer. Sometimes I wonder how we went from New Year's out on the town, partying until dawn, to sitting at a hamburger restaurant next to a senior couple out with their two grandkids whilst their own kids were most likely enjoying a spectacular evening somewhere....but what is really scary is that we WANTED to spend our evening like this! I suppose time goes on, we all get older, and things change. But that's okay. I like where I am....and who I'm with. And I suppose, that is all that truly matters.

I wish every one of my wonderful friends a very Happy New Year! Have fun and be safe!

 

Finally a few minutes to sit!

I still can't believe Christmas has come and gone. It seems like we waited forever for it to get here, only to have it immediately leave. Sigh....

We attended the candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve, a wonderful way to begin the celebrating. The service was a sort of "unplugged" version of our usual Sunday mornings with lots of music and even a solo sung by our minister. It was wonderful....who knew he had such a lovely voice! My mom and sister came with us, as well as Betsy's boyfriend. Mom and Jody came home with us and we relaxed in front of the tree for a bit....and opened a few gifts. The next morning the girls were happy to see that Santa had been there, and we spent an hour or so opening gifts. The girls were thrilled with all of their presents....

Of course we also had wee one's birthday to celebrate, so she got to open those gifts as well. Everything she got was somehow related to "The Nightmare Before Christmas". She now has a hoodie, shirt, pj's, slippers, lip gloss,  pillow, blanket, PS2 game, soundtrack and special edition DVD to keep her occupied! LOL. She just loves that movie.

After the gifts were opened, we went to church and then came home to have Christmas with mom and Jody. When my mom came over she gave the girls their gifts....portable dvd players, which they were thrilled with. Each of them also got a tub of chocolate peppermint reception sticks (thin peppermint sticks covered half way up with chocolate) "from" my dad. He always used to have reception sticks on his headboard in the bedroom, and he would share them with the girls. They used to sneak into his room and get them all the time....of course he knew they were taking them but would act like he didn't know where they were disappearing to.

Later in the afternoon we packed up and went to my aunt and uncle's house for dinner. It was a nice visit, thankfully. JB and I put aside work issues and enjoyed the afternoon as a family, which made everything much nicer. We actually had a great time, especially playing bingo. My aunt always has the quirkiest ideas for things to do. Last year she got wee one a set of handbells and after we were done eating, we were each assigned a bell and we played Christmas music. It was hysterical....and after the first 20 or so times, it started to sound pretty good! Of course, I'm not sure how the neighbors enjoyed it, being that we were out on the back porch! This year we had a great time with the bingo. She had bought 10 gifts and wrapped them, so that after someone got a bingo, they could choose a prize. Wee one won the first game, then the second. By the time she won the third game she said she didn't want to play anymore. Janice asked her if there was something wrong and she said, "No, I just think I've won enough. And I want mom to pick a prize instead of me this time." Awwwww.....everyone thought that was so nice....and she ended up being the caller from that point on. We decided since things were moving rather slowly, that we would not clear our cards on the last game to get things going. Of course my sister and I got Bingo at the same time....so like the immature brats that we are, we raced over to the tree and pushed and shoved each other to get the gifts we wanted! LOL....we stayed until 7 and then it was back home to wind down.

I didn't go anywhere on the 26th....I wasn't going to fight the crowds. Of course I have been out since and now have more to pack away until next year. To be honest, I didnt' see anything that was a real bargain....but it didnt' stop me from buying! LOL. I did have all of my decorations down the day after, however, I was told to leave the trees up until New Years. Guess what? I'm taking them down tomorrow! Oh, if you could only see the girls rooms. It looks like a tornado went through them! I can't wait to get organizing!

Okay, I am outta here for now. I have come down with a terrible cough and I feel like my head weighs 20 lbs. I hope that everyone had a merry Christmas!

 

 

Christmas pics....

I am going to put these pics in for your viewing enjoyment....but I'll write later as the dh is standing here, coffee in hand, sighing as he waits to sit down and play spider solitaire. Man, he acts like this computer is his too!

HO-HO-HO

Only 12 minutes left of Christmas Eve....where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday I was putting up my decorations....and you all know what I'll be doing on Monday! LOL....

Tonight was a lovely evening. We went to the candelight service at church at 8, and it was just beautiful. I love it when all the candles are lit and we sing. It is so peaceful, and such a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Today Betsy went for a bike ride with my aunt whilst I finished up baking the rest of the cookies. I had three different kinds that I wanted to make, but I only got one done. My aunt from NC is here, and she stopped by which meant I stopped baking! LOL. We had a nice visit and will see her tomorrow at our family gathering. I knew that wee one would be anxiously waiting for tomorrow, so I let her open one of her birthday gifts. She got "The Nightmare Before Christmas; Special Edition" movie on dvd....but that wasn't the one I wanted her to open. I also got her "Oogies Revenge" for the ps2....but both packages were the same size and shape....so she ended up opening both of them. Needless to say she was well occupied all day long! JB spent the day outside washing the car and waxing it. I have to say (and it's killing me to do so)....the weather was beautiful. Sunny and mid 60's....it felt like the beginning of spring! I was sitting outside in the rope swing, enjoying the breeze as London chased her ball around the yard. I will never get used to winter here!

Santa has already visited, and I see a pile of presents under the tree. It's amazing that you can spend so much money and have such a small pile! LOL. Still, I think the girls will be very happy with their gifts. I have a feeling that wee one is caught between knowing who Santa is, and wanting to believe who she thought he was. She said to me, "I already know the tooth fairy isn't real." I asked her how she knew and she said, "Well, she forgot me TWO nights in a row!" (Hey, I was really tired!!!!) LOL. I suppose they have to find out sometime....still, it will be a tradition I will miss.

Only 4 minutes left until Christmas Day....so I shall go and dream of sugar plum fairies and such....

Have a Very Merry Christmas my friends!!!!

Baking....and baking....and baking....

I spent yesterday baking, however, I don't know what happened to all of the pics I took. Methinks Santa needs to bring me a new camera....or perhaps I'll just wait for the after Christmas sales....

As you can see from the pics, I have made a good start. I have the gingerbread dough in the fridge right now, and tomorrow both girls want to make their "own" batch of cookies. Betsy has agreed to the chocolate Reeces pb chip cookies, and wee one wants to make thumbprints. Yes, leave it to my little culinary delight to want to make the most involved cookie of the year. Maybe once I remind her that those cookies have NUTS on them, she will decide to make something easier. Yeah, like that will deter her....

I have a really cool cookbook that has all sorts of interesting facts in it about food, and it had all of the different names that people call Russian Tea Cakes. There is; Mexican wedding cakes, butterballs, and my personal fav....moldy mice. Hmmmm, I can only imagine ringing the doorbell of a cherished friend, plate of holiday goodies in hand, saying "Merry Christmas! Our friendship means so much to me.....here are some freshly baked moldy mice for you!"

It's freeeeeezing outside right now. Of course, it's also 4 am. I woke up and London was on the bed once again (JOHN!!!!) and when she realized I was awake, she attacked me with puppy kisses. I decided before she got too excited, I'd take her out for a potty break....which was obviously needed! I was a bit warm anyway with all the covers and the heat register right above me, so the cool air felt mighty good.

I think I "tested" too many cookies yesterday. I'm thinking about finishing up my baking in a few hours and it's making me nauseous. What am I going to do with all those cookies? I can't help it....I start baking and then I want to see how many I can make. I love watching them pile up on the table. I think I'll take a plate over to my friend today. Her daughter has strep for the holidays....poor kid. And, I'll also take some to my uncle's house on Sunday. I suppose someone will eat them.

Last night at midnight, my mom said that she heard someone ringing her doorbell. She looked out the windows and didn't see anyone, so she said she wasn't going to answer it. She said that whomever it was rang the bell really fast, so she thought it was me (as I love to annoy her by ringing it at least 10 times in a row). Finally the phone rings and it's my sister from Indiana, telling her that her Christmas present is outside her door and would she open it....and there was my goofy sister, standing there with her luggage. She had decided to come spend the holidays with mom, being that it was her first without dad. So, they are making plans for things to do for the next two weeks. I can't believe I'm saying this but....this is one time my sister had a GOOD idea! LOLOL....(Love ya Jody! ;o)

Okay, undie boy just shuffled his way out of the bedroom to find out where I went. I guess that is my cue to go back to bed. Night all!

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

Drinks, anyone?

Let me just start by saying that I am not, by nature, a drinker. I have wine at weddings, and maybe once a year a mixed drink....so having all of this liquor in the house is new to me! Whilst shopping at the World Market, I saw the mix for the Peppermintini and couldn't resist. I love anything peppermint and figured John and I could celebrate the season with a festive drink. Tonight I decided would be the night. I got all of my ingredients together, and caught it on film. I measured out the proportions, and as you can see shook it just right....and ended up with a drink that tasted like....cough syrup over ice. It was horrible! What a disappointment. So, it was on to the 7&7. I didn't hold out much hope for it....however, it is wonderful! So mild and smoooooooth. I'm feeling very, verrryyyyy relaxed right now.....and that is a good thing as I am just about to balance my checkbook after finishing up my Christmas shopping!

We went to the mall yet again today, so that wee one could get her gift for me, and Betsy could get her gift for John. Afterward we went in search of the one thing we wanted to get for my mom....and could not find it anywhere. So, we ended up getting her our second choice, as well as something to go along with it that I hadn't even thought of. Betsy found it and it will be perfect for her! I'm not going to say what it is, in case she reads this....but trust me, she will love it.

I spent an hour or so in my room wrapping things and re-hiding them. I got all of wee one's birthday gifts wrapped as well. I think I bought them MORE this year than any other year....and I was going to cut it down being that the puppy was supposed to be the big gift. However, it seems that the excitement has worn off and John and I are the ones with the new puppy and all of the responsibility. The girls will walk by, give her a pat on the head and run off.....leaving me to walk around all day, talking in baby talk to her, and feeding her Fruit Loops. All I have to do is say, "Does my Lon-Lon want her fruity loops?" and she runs to the pantry and sits so pretty for me. LOL....so much for keeping her on a strict diet! And last night John committed the cardinal sin....he let her sleep on the bed all night. I couldn't believe it when I woke up at 2 am and she was snoring on my legs. He is such a wimp when it comes to her. He calls her his girl, "Where's my girl???? Oh, there she isssss....isn't she a pretty girl?" WTH? Why am I not greeted like that when he comes in from work? Sheesh.

Tomorrow is baking day. I will be baking up a storm all day. I can't wait to sink my teeth into some good, homemade cookies. Last night we went out to dinner and bought a candy cane pie. OMGoodness....it was so good! This restaurant has them every  Christmas and I buy one every year. So rich and creamy and mmmmmmmm good! I wish we had some left. Okay, I'm outta here for the night....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Movie day....

Once again I braved the mall today....this time to purchase dress pants for Betsy, as she had a Christmas party for work tonight. We found some really cute black pants with pinstripes at Gadzooks....along with two pairs of corduory's in chocolate brown and turquoise. I ended up buying them for her, as she didn't have enough money to cover it. She wanted to use what money she had to buy gifts for her sister, dad and me. Awwwww....what a kid. I love shopping for Betsy because she is so tiny. She fluctuates between a 3 and a 5....so I get to spend time amongst the "fashionable" clothes....lol. Of course, I often get the "shouldn't you be on the fat side of the store" look from the sales girls....but that's okay. One of these days I'm going to walk up to one of them with a size 3 and ask, "Don't you have anything smaller? I really love these but they are just too big." LOLOL....

After making the purchases, we walked around the mall so that Betsy could get wee one's present, and wee one could get Betsy's. She had planned on making her a stuffed dog at Build-A-Bear (Betsy had requested it), however the line was out the door. Being that we didn't have much time before the movie started, I told her she could return with her dad when they went shopping on Thursday. She was not happy with me....and begrudgingly followed me out of the store. We ended up at the Disney store where she found the PERFECT gift for her sister. It was on sale for $40, so I told her I would split the cost with her, since she didn't want to spend all of her money....she still wanted to buy something for her dad. Anyway....Betsy will LOVE the gift.

From there we went to the movies to meet up with my girlfriend and her kids. Her son is in the same grade as wee one, and was in the same class with her last year, which is how Kim and I met. I've been teasing wee one for two days saying, "Now, you are NOT to kiss 'M' when the lights go down at the movie," or "you can sit by him, but no holding hands!" LOL....she just turns red and yells MOM! at me.

We ended up seeing Chicken Little....which I thought was a disappointment. I didn't think it was as funny as Disney movies usually are, and not as entertaining. The kids liked it though....which is what mattered. John and I had taken the kids to see Narnia on Sunday and boyoh boy, that was an awesome movie! I highly recommend it....both of my girls loved it, and both of them cried. (I did too....but don't tell anyone!)

I am feeling a little more in the "spirit" of things....although it was hard today with the sun shining and the a/c on in the car! Of course, it was only in the high 50's, but the car was hot for some reason. We didn't have coats on either, just sweaters. I have to say, that the ONLY thing good about Christmas shopping in Florida is that you don't have to fight a coat, hat, mittens, etc., while fighting the crouds as well. I always hated that.

I only have one more person to buy for....but on the off chance that they are reading this, I am not going to say who. I got my mil's gift last night, and even sent a few cards. However, they were only to his side of the family. I am going to assume that my side knows I love them and that I hope they have a Merry Christmas....lol. I've gotten a total of five cards this year (if you count the one from Linen's-N-Things and the one from our realtor), so I don't feel obliged to send many! LOL.

Okay, it's late and I need to get to bed....I finished the ironing tonight (sans burns....yippee!), and I've got baking to start. Not to mention tomorrow is JB's last day of work until the New Year....thank goodness I stopped at the liquor store yesterday! J/K....kind of....

(Oh! I forgot to mention that Betsy got a new job! She will be working better hours and much closer to home. She is excited....she will be working at a grocery store so instead of discounts on crappy frozen yogurt (yuck!) we will get discounts on real food....woohoo!)

"Yes Melissa, there is a SPAM-a-Clause...." lol....

Melissa, you were right....there was spam in my last comment section! I suppose it was bound to happen since there is spam at the top of my journal too....thanks for nothing AOL!

I can't believe there are only 4 days until Christmas Eve. I still have some shopping to do! I also have to bake my cookies. Today I cleaned my room REALLY good....baseboards and all. I organized my closet and did laundry....yet I still have to finish my ironing. Dagnabbit.

As you can see from the pics above, London is growing already! They sure don't stay puppies for long. To be honest though, I can't wait to see what she is going to look like as a big girl! John made me put those pics in here....he was so proud of himself because he finally took a picture of me that turned out! LOL....and now that the little sneak has a link to my journal, he will be checking to see if I put them in. He actually got on my butt today because I hadn't written an entry since Saturday. Gee, thanks hon....why don't you add a little more to my heaping pile of STRESS???? LOL. Just kidding. (At least until I get that matching wedding band! ;o)

Guess what? My Christmas cards are still sitting here....I won't say that I procrastinated too long to send them out....I'm going to say I'm extremely EARLY for next season. It's the Martha in me....actually, she would be very disappointed in me this year. I'm rather far behind. Although, my girls are bought for, and that is what is the most important.

Don't you hate it when you are on the last swipe of a really successful leg shave and you slice your leg? I didn't just nick it, I slid the razor sideways for a nice looooonnngggg cut. I may need a tourniquet.

Sheesh....wee one just came in here and said, "I thought you had ironing to do?" I tell ya....I can't catch a break!

Alrighty....I'm off to starch, steam and hang my way through Nanny 911 and probably several shows after that!

Sleepy Saturday....

It has been such a lazy day. I got up, let the pup out, then sat on my butt for a few hours, drinking coffee, watching wee one play with her millions of polly pockets, and singing Christmas carols with her. It has been a fun morning. I made a huge crock pot of cabbage soup and have the yeast rolls thawing. It just seemed like a perfect dinner for a cloudy, dreary day. I have to enjoy them when I can here in the sunshine state! It's in the mid 50's as well, which is a nice change.

I have my shopping 99.9% finished. It really wasn't so bad....I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. Of course, my $30 worth of Christmas cards are sitting here on my desk, un-addressed, un-stamped and un-signed. Why do I do that? I put in a Christmas cd this morning and memories of my childhood came flooding back. It's amazing how a song or a smell can take you back to a time so long ago.

So, with that in mind, here is my list of things that remind me of Christmas as a child:

Any Christmas song by Bert Kampfert, Mitch Miller or Gene Autry....my dad would play these albums throughout the season and sing along to them. He would be decorating the tree with the "big" lights, and my favorite strand that was shaped like little packages.

The smell of cherry/almond pipe tobacco and crisp winter air....if I catch a wiff of this I immediatley think of my dad and his pipe. I used to love watching him light it, and the sound it would make as he puffed as it lit. Sometimes, if I begged hard enough, he would take a little puff and blow the smoke into my face....I just loved the smell!

The first bite of a russian teacake (or mexican wedding cake) cookie....these were always my favorite cookies. And it was inevitable that every year in my haste to wolf one down, I would inhale the powdered sugar and have a coughing fit that lasted 10 minutes.

Little candles shaped like snowmen/santa/trees....I can remember so vividly standing in the living room of our first house (I must have been 5 or so), and unpacking the decorations. We had this little set of candles that I just loved. They were so cute....and given to us by a family friend named "Buzz". (I don't know why I remember that!) There was a santa, snowman, tree and, I think, a reindeer. I loved those.

That certain "church dinner" smell....I can't quite explain this one, but ever so often I'll smell it and it reminds me of the Christmas dinners we would have in the basement of the Presbyterian church in Hessville. It is a very distinctive smell....like comfort, love, coffee, and roast beef. I just remember sitting as all the adults would drink their coffee and talk. The ladies would all have beautiful dresses on and sparkling jewlery, while the men were dressed in suits and ties. I would usually have a dress with the obligatory pair of "scratchy tights" that I hated with a passion.

A chocolate-iced cake donut and pint sized cardboard carton of milk....preferrably luke warm....this reminds me of the annual Christmas parties that my father's company would host. When you walked in you would first get in line to sit on Santa's lap or in my case, stand a safe distance away and cling to my father's hand. You were given a stocking that was made of plastic netting (remember those?) and would have smarties, various hard candies, and usually a paddle ball, candy cane, activity pad and those things you write on with the red plastic pencil (that you would always lose five minutes later). From there we would get into lines, according to age, and recieve a gift. You could choose between two different gifts (a music box and a radio-with FM!!!!). After that, you got in the long line and waited to get your donut and milk, and would sit at long tables with kids you didn't know, comparing gifts and trying to open the stockings. My sister's and I loved those parties. I think that the last one I went to was in 6th grade and I got a tennis racket.

I could go on forever, remembering....but right now I have to go stir the soup. Happy Saturday!

Fun at the mall....

Tonight I had to return to the mall....after shopping all day. I bought wee one something for her birthday (Dec. 25th) and after I got it home I realized it was too small. Actually, when I was at the store I questioned weather or not it was the correct size....but the girl had gone to the back twice to exchange things for me and I didn't want to send her back again. After showing the item to Betsy, she said she thought it would be too small too, so I knew I'd have to go back. I have a party at school tomorrow, and I didn't want them to run out of the item, as she had told me that it was the last that they had in stock, so I knew I'd be returning this evening.

I had forgotten that Betsy was scheduled to work this afternoon, and wee one was going to church with her friend....so I kidnapped my husband and we went to the mall together. It was so nice just walking along, holding hands, and window shopping. We exchanged the item and then stopped to get one more thing for Betsy. After that, the smells from the food court reminded us that we hadn't eaten dinner yet....so we decided to grab some Chick-fil-A. I love that place! As we were sitting there , talking about the kids, work, etc., I had such a warm feeling inside....like the holidays were really here. We had so much fun just sitting there and talking. It wasn't a fancy restaurant, but we had what mattered most to both of us....each other.

After we ate we walked the rest of the upstairs, then went downstairs. The place was packed! It just amazes me how many people were out shopping for family and friends. We went past a jewelry store and he wanted to go in to look at rings for me. I told him no way....the salesmen were like sharks, circling the waters, just waiting for their next victim. I did, however, stop to look at the sign and the picture of the pretty diamond ring....and that is when we were attacked. I thought someone said something and I made the mistake of looking over...."Want to try it on? It's on sale!" I said "No" just as John said, "Yes". LOL. So I figured, what the heck.

Holy smokes....I have never tried on a diamond before. It was gorgeous! It was white gold, 1 karat ring. Then he says, "And it's on SALE!" Subtle, huh? So then he shows us the 1/2 karat ring which, of course, was rather small in comparison. I said to him, "Ahhhh, show us the big guns, then bring out the small one. Nice tactic!" He laughed and asked if I wanted to buy it. I said, "No...." and John said "Yes." I looked at him and said in a low voice, "No honey....I don't think so." And he looked at the guy and said, "She will take that one." I was just standing there thinking there is NO WAY I'm going to get this. He said to the guy, "We have been married 18 years and she deserves this....we will take it." I said, "No, I feel guilty...." and the guy says, "He is telling you to take it....DO IT!" So....I did it.

I still can't believe I got it. John was just thrilled. Oh, and it fit....I didn't have to have it sized or anything....so I guess it was meant to be. John said, "Well, I'm done shopping. All I have to get you now is the card!" LOL....what a nut. I honestly did NOT expect that he would do that for me. It was a total surprise. But such a sweet one. Sometimes the guy amazes me....I do love my sweetie!

Tired but can't sleep....

I have a confession to make....I just started my Christmas shopping....today! I know, I know....who would think that the self proclaimed queen of organization would wait this long to shop? Actually, I enjoy shopping late in the season. It just makes it seem more like Christmas. I love the "hustle and bustle". However, this year I found absolutely NOTHING at Toys-R-Us. Thank goodness for Target, which had both items I was looking for! Tomorrow when everyone is where they are supposed to be (i.e. school), I will take all of my purchases out and see where I stand. I'm hoping to only have to get stocking stuffers, and then perhaps a bit of online shopping to finish things.

Today was a bit nippy outside. It only got into the mid 50's, and this morning was downright cold. I was going to take a picture of my thermometer, but, well, I didn't. It was 40 at 8 am, which is pretty good for Florida. It was a very sunny day though....so I couldn't pretend it was going to snow. It will be cloudy again on Thursday, but in the low 70's. Oh well. Wee one actually wore gloves this morning whilst on patrol at school. It was strange getting out our little plastic grocery bag that holds our tiny collection of gloves and scarves. I used to have a closet full of them! 

Awwww, man. I just remembered....tomorrow I have to run to the mall to get a gift certificate for John. They have this stupid "secret Santa" thing at work, where they spend $25 on gifts for one another. They get to write down three things that they want, and the woman he got wants a gift certificate to Victoria's Secret. And I'm not worried at all that he will be giving another woman that kind of thing....as she is 65! You GO girl! LOL.

Well, it is getting late and I've got about 2 1/2 hours before I have to climb out of my warm and cozy bed to take my master....errr, I mean puppy....out for an early morning potty break. I should get my butt to bed. Night all!

Just another Sunday....

Ahhhh yes, December in Florida. Right now John is outside grilling some burgers, and I'm making lemonade....THIS IS NOT NORMAL!!!! Man, I am going crazy here in the sunshine when everyone else is enjoying blizzards. My sister and her husband left to go back home yesterday morning, however, they had to stay overnight in Nashville as the planes were grounded going to Chicago. Seems there was too much snow. They are home now and probably couldn't get up their driveway due to the 10+ inches they received. Lucky....

I tried listening to Christmas music on the way to church this morning, but with the sun shining down on us it just didn't feel right. Luckily it was cold inside the church, and the stage is all decorated with Christmas trees and "snow", so it did feel festive. When we came out of church it was much colder outside, and it had clouded over....so I just pretended that I was in the north and a snowstorm was on the way. It is pretty cold out there right now. I think it's somewhere around 58....JB is grilling in his sweatshirt....and a red one at that. My own, personal Santa....ho-ho-ho baby....lol.

This week is the kids last week of school before Christmas vacation. I didn't realize this....I thought I had two more weeks of freedom....guess I better get shopping! I'm planning on making my cookies whilst the girls are home. I haven't decided on the full list of goodies yet....but Russian Teacakes have been the most requested so far.....our favorites!

Okay, the grill master is in and the onion rings are done....I better get moving!

Nothin' much....

Is it just me or does j-land seem like a ghost town? Aside from the few regulars that I read, it seems a great many have decided to give up their AOL journals and move on to another blogging provider. I was talking to a friend and told her I was going to sit back and see what happens before deciding what to do about the whole "ad fiasco". Actually, although I don't like the ads at the top, I can live with them. AOL is going through many changes, trying to "keep up with the Jonses'" if you will. I'm sure more changes are on the way. It's true that AOL isn't what it once was. However, it isn't the company that makes it "home" to me, but the friends I've made here. So, I will be staying....and hopefully I won't be alone....but it sure does seem quiet around here anymore.

Today I had to take wee one to the dentist. She had a small cavity and has to have a baby tooth pulled. Apparently it is hanging on for dear life, and the permanant tooth above it is beginning to grow in sideways....so in January she will have the little bugger pulled. She was not thrilled with that idea....as well as the suggestion that perhaps she needs braces. We will see about that though. He said her bite is off on one side of her mouth, but other than that, she has nice, straight, evenly spaced teeth. It was suggested that I get braces as a kid, due to a Madonna-esque space between my front teeth....however in high school it closed up and I was fine. I suppose I'll take her for the referral appointment....but you know what will happen....she will suddenly "need" them immediately! Sigh.

London is doing really well....she doesn't potty (or anything else!) in the house during the day or in her cage at night. However....in the evening when she plays with us, it seems she can't control herself! For the past two nights she has had two tinkle incidents per evening. I suppose it may be that she is just so excited to play with the girls....I take her out every time she wakes up from a nap (or every thirty minutes if she isn't sleeping), ten minutes after every drink of water or bit of food, and once in the middle of the night when she wakes up. I suppose she will grow out of it....but until then thank God for the "OUT" spray. I am not kidding when I say it takes every trace of odor out of the carpet. You can also add it to the steam cleaner for those "messy" accidents....but thank goodness that isn't an issue here!

She spends most of her day sleeping and playing on the porch. I hate to say this but....I'm glad the weather has been mild lately. I can keep the sliding door open and she can come in and out as she pleases. For the past two days she has been eyeing a certain ornament on my tree, and today whilst sewing, I thought I heard her in the family room. Well, I snuck quietly to the porch and what did I see? Yup, she had gotten that ornament and was proceeding to give it a good chew! When she saw me she kind of pushed it under her paw and looked at me like, "What? I'm not doing anything!" LOL....I put it waaaayyyy up high this time. Of course, I'll probably be picking up the tree tomorrow after she tries to climb up to retrieve it!

Okay, I'm off to wash my face, brush my teeth and read a magazine for a bit. Tomorrow morning London has her first vet appointment....here's hoping she likes needles!

Pictures to go with the previous entry....dang AOL!!!!

I'm exhausted....

I have come to the conclusion that having a 10 week old puppy requires a higher energy level than a 12 year old geriatric canine. I'm freaking exhausted! Last night I got to sleep at 11:00, only to be awakened at 12:00 by high pitched barking at the foot of the bed. Seems Lady London needed to go out. At first, I thought my darling husband was going to take her out, as he was getting up and turning on the light. However, his contribution to the nightly outing was to open the door for me and hook the leash on her collar. Yeah, don't worry about it....I'll take her out in the cold with my robe on and walk her for 15 minutes while she searches for just the right spot to potty in. Sheesh. Actually, I had just walked her at 10:30 before I got into bed, and I thought she just wanted out of the cage....good thing I took her out as she "christened" the yard twice.

This morning when JB's alarm went off at 4:30, I heard him say, "What are you doing out of your cage?" Seems we have a little houdini on our hands. There is no way that she can squeeze between the slats, they are only 3 inches apart. And anyway, the door to the cage was open. I know it was locked when I put her in....I'm going to have to set up surveillance to see how she is doing it. So far today she has spent her day on the porch, with the sliding glass doors open, chewing on her little toys and taking naps periodically. Right now she is sleeping on the bathroom floor, on a pile of laundry. Yes....I'm getting a little behind. 

Yesterday was our anniversary. We have been married 18 years. That means that for 1/2 of my life I've been married....weird. We went out to breakfast and then did what every couple dreams of doing on their special day....we went to Wal Mart and bought dog toys, shampoo and King of the Hill pajama bottoms. I know, I know....you are all wondering where I found this romantic gem of a man....well, keep your paws off ladies....he's mine! LOLOL....actually, we had a very nice day together. We went to the jewelry store and are having his father's and my father's wedding rings melted together so that he can have a new, sentimental wedding ring. I did peruse the diamonds whilst waiting....but I didn't see anything I really liked. (Lucky for him!) Anyhoo, it should be ready sometime after Christmas.

I bought Christmas cards yesterday. They are really pretty. I have to look and look until I see a design that just "jumps" out at me. I've been all over and finally found some at Hallmark. I used to buy funny ones every year, but lately I've been going for cards with meaning. I guess I'm growing up....lol.

Okay, I hear the pitter patter of little paws on my kitchen floor....so I'm going to go before it becomes the tinkle-winkle of, well, you know....

Pictures, products and a whole lot of bragging....

I have been getting so many comments about London....however, a close runner up are the requests for the name of the spot remover! LOL....so for all of you who would like to know....it is called "OUT!" Pet Stain and Odor Remover. I bought it at WalMart and it has a picture of a cartoon puppy and kitten on the front, holding their noses. This stuff kicks butt....she had an accident (and it wasn't wee wee!) her first night here on my beige colored carpeting, and you absolutely can NOT tell where it was. It took the smell out immediately as well.

Of course....I haven't had to use it since. Why? Well, because I have the smartest dog in the entire world, that's why! After that first night, she has not pottied in the house at all. I take her out on the leash and tell her "go potty" and when she does, I praise her like crazy. The funny thing is, now when I take her out  she immediately goes when I tell her to, and then runs right to me so I can say "gooood puppy, who's the smartest puppy in the world?" lol. I'm sure she will have mishaps, but like Percy, she is training beautifully. After she goes I take her leash off and let her run around and play. She just loves that.

I'm telling you, I was exhausted last night....so much so that I slept until 4:30 and didn't take her out for her 2 am potty break! Apparently she was tired too because she never woke up to remind me! LOL. I took her out at 4:30 and she did her thing, and whined just a bit when I put her back in her cage. However, after a few minutes I could hear her long sigh as if to say, "You know, I am still tired. I guess I'll go back to bed!"

We have a baby gate at the dining room opening and the family room opening, so that she can spend her time in the kitchen (hard floor, easier to clean up any mistakes....although there haven't been any) and our bedroom where her kennel is. After she went outside this morning, I told John to take down the family room gate. She is now allowed into the inner sanctum....and she loves it. She sniffed the tree, checked out the fire place, rolled around on the carpet for a while. It's so cute to see her exploring her new space.

Today wee one has a safety patrol outing to a local fun center. She is really looking forward to it. Of course she also has a unit test on Monday to study for, as well as a report on Laos that she left till the last minute. I have to take her to the library to find a book on it, as the teacher said they had to have at least three different resources. Dang it! We found all the info we needed online last night. Hmmmm, maybe I'll look up a book on the country and write down the title....awwww, I can't do that. That wouldn't be right.....but it sure would make it easier! LOL.

Betsy went to a play last night at the high school. It was a Broadway Review and the kids did songs from musicals. She said it was "awesome". She had a great time and I'm glad. She needs to get out and do things with her girlfriends and just enjoy these teen years. She will have plenty of time later on to go out into the real world and be involved in relationships and jobs. I want her to enjoy her teen years as much as possible right now. She looked so pretty too. It's amazing to think that my adorable little freckle faced girl is turning into such a beautiful young woman. Where does the time go?

Okay, I'm off to the shower and then to the library....

I'm as close to London as I've ever been!!!!

As you can see from the pictures....Christmas came early at the JBCoupe household. Last night John and I picked up our gift to the girls....a healthy, 13 lb. Golden Retriever puppy! She is so adorable....her full registered name is "Lady London Percy's Gift"....London for short. She is just the sweetest thing in the world.

Wee one was at my mom's while we picked her up, and Betsy was at work. I went and picked up wee one and when I brought her home, I sat her on the couch and told her that we had gotten a Christmas gift for her and Betsy and it had come early. I emphasised that she had to share it, and that we were going to let them have it that evening. I told her to cover her eyes and JB put the pup on her lap. Her reaction was something I was totally unprepared for....first the "OooooOOOOHHHHH!" and then she burst into tears. She kept saying, "Is this REAL? Am I ALIVE?" LOL....she was so excited. You couldn't have asked for a better reaction!

Later on after 11 when Betsy got home, I met her at the door and said, "Go to your room, your dad and I need to talk to you." The look on her face was priceless. JB went in and told her we had something for her and we made her close her eyes. I put the pup on the bed and told her she could look....she said, "OhmygoshsheissobeautifulIcantbelieveit!!!!" LOL....I do believe my girls were not only surprised but thrilled beyond belief!

She slept so well during the night, only getting up once for a potty run. We got her a cool kennel and she loves it. She went in it on her own this morning and played with her toys. It was so cute! She has had three "oopsies" on the floor....one of which was when John was watching her, so I won't count that one! LOL....she seems to understand what going outside is for, so we are off to a good start. Oh, and the pet spot/stain remover I bought is totally kick butt! You can't see or smell any remnants at all....I'm gonna buy a gallon of it!

Anyhoo....just wanted to share the joy this morning....oh yeah....I can already see that my cleaning routine is going to be thrown waayyyyy out of whack! LOL

What it all boils down to....

After reading the following comment, my stress level lifted....and I remembered to count my blessings!

Just so you know, I didn't roll my eyes, I felt tears in my eyes..I love you Mum..I had so much fun and I hope we can bond like this all the time now...even when we're not sick, even when we're pmsing, and even when we're at each other's throats.  You are absolutely awesome and no matter how old I am, you are always my Mommy!  ^_^

*Bets

Owwwwww, my head!!!!

Will someone please take the vice off of my head???? I have had this freaking headache for two days straight. It is definately a tension headache. I broke down and took one of Betsy's migraine pills, and although I am a bit dizzy, it finally took the pain away. I took a nice, hot, leisurely bath and that seemed to help as well.

I was planning on spending a relaxing day sewing and becoming one with the thread....however, Betsy came into my room this morning complaining that her chest was tight and felt like someone was sitting on it. She was also dizzy and nauseated. Of course, that worried me, being that she had already been through a course of antibiotics last week for her bronchitis. I took her to the doctor today and she said that her lung were clear and sounded good. She did, however, say that she had yet another sinus infection, and that was irritating her already stressed throat and chest. She also said that the z-pack isn't the strongest antibiotic to use for a sinus infection, so she gave her a new prescription and said that if she wasn't better by Friday to come back. I felt much better after seeing her and being reassured that she didn't have pneumonia. So, Betsy and I ended up spending a nice day together....even though we were both feeling crappy. It was so nice to spend time with her....it was a bonding experience for us....awwwww. LOL. I'm sure she will roll her eyes when she reads this.

Right now wee one is at church with her friend. For the past three days they have been having spelling bee try outs. She has made it to the very end these past two days, only to miss the last word. I think that this last one that she missed should be stricken from the record, since they gave my Yankee daughter a southern word....shoofly. Who uses shoofly anymore? LOL....she spelled it "shoEfly" lol. Poor kid.

Well, I am getting sleepy sitting here, so I am going to go relax and enjoy the effects of my headache pill....ahhhhhhh, bliss!

Headaches and such....

My head has been pounding since 1:30 today. I took Tylenol but it did nothing to help. I think it's a tension headache. I'm looking forward to lying down tonight and relaxing.

I got up this morning and got myself ready so that I could go to the store after dropping wee one off at school. I had a list of things that I really needed (I was out of Pledge AND Pine Sol! Oh the horrors!), and I wanted to get my shopping done early. I got to Wal-Mart at 7:45 am and got the first parking spot! I guess that's the secret to good parking there....it was pretty empty too, which made it nice. I actually got to walk down the middle of the aisles. Anyway, I got what I needed....and then got sidetracked by the clothes. $100 later....I was out the door with my cleaning supplies, and several new outfits to wear whilst dusting! LOL.

From there it was off to get gas, pick up a prescription and the grocery store. It was so windy and rainy this morning that the electricity went off three times while I was shopping. And let me tell you, it was pitch dark in that store! You could hear the employees yelling, "Time to go home!" LOL. It was another nice, rainy day today.

Yesterday it rained all day as well. Being the good mother that I am....I decided to pick Betsy up at the bus stop so that she wouldn't have to walk home in the rain. Well, of course I put down the garage door to drive the 1/2 mile....and of course, the electricity went out while I was gone. And of course I had latched the top sliding lock on both the front door and the sliding glass door....which meant we were SOL. And....of course....Betsy had to go to the bathroom! LOL. So, we left to pick up wee one at school, figuring that when we got home it would surely be back on....nope. JB came home and we were still sitting in the driveway. Somewhere around 4:00 the electricity came back on and we were able to go inside. Guess what I did before I left today? Yes....I made sure that the sliding locks were open! The weird thing about the situation was....earlier in the day I was windexing the glass door, and when I was putting the slider into place I thought to myself, "Gee, that would really suck if I did this and left, and the electricity went out." Oooooh, spooky!

Betsy just got back from a mandatory meeting at work. Seems the owners sold the business! Fortunately, the new owners will keep the staff that they have, and they also own another shop in St. Augustine, so they will (hopefully) run things better. I'm telling you, Betsy is getting NO hours. Her last paycheck? A whopping $28. She applied at a few places this weekend.

I made a great pie yesterday. Cherry-cranberry....mmmmm. I mixed the remaining homemade cranberry sauce with a can of cherry pie filling and boy was it good! I always do that when I make my homemade sauce. We didn't have enough left over turkey for sandwiches, and I served the last of the side dishes last night with dinner. So, we are officially out of Thanksgiving chow. Whew.

Well, I do believe I will go make myself a cup of coffee, and hope that the caffeine will help this headache. Nighty night!

The Christmas Tour....

I am finally done with the decorating....woohoo! I did, however, forget to take pics of the lights outside. I'll do that later. Wee one is sitting here complaining that I am taking too long with all my pics. LOL....she just doesn't understand that this is my leisure time!

We went to a wedding last night in downtown Jacksonville. Of course it was the same time the annual boat parade on the river was going on, so we hit some pretty unbelieveable traffic! We got there on time, however, and ended up enjoying a spectacular view. The room that the wedding was held in was in a horseshoe shape with the curve being all windows that overlooked the river, with a perfect view of all of the festivities. It was a lovely wedding....the room looked like the inside of a cabin, lit by twinkle lights and a fireplace. Very romantic. JB and I had such a nice time just being together. After the wedding we all went outside on the deck and watched some of the parade while they set up for the food. There were only about 60 people there, and that made it nice. We had finger food and some very good wine. When it came time for the toast, we also got champagne....which was also rather tasty. I ended up drinking mine and John's....and somewhere along the way I began feeling verrrrrry mellow and verrrry dizzy! LOL. I'm a total lightweight when it comes to drinking.

After we ate, they started the fireworks over the river. Holy cow. I've never seen such beautiful fireworks in my life! We were surrounded by two huge bridges....one to the left and one to the right....which were shut down and fireworks were shot off from them as well as the barge in the middle. It was spectacular. All at once both bridges were set off and it was like Niagara Falls with sparklers, raining down into the water. Gorgeous! That was an unexpected treat!

Today we went to church, then to the store for timers to put on the outdoor lights, and then out to lunch. We had a really nice time just talking and enjoying the day. Afterward we came home and everyone went their own way....doing homework and reading and watching tv. It was a nice ending to the long weekend.

So now, I'm off to get things organized for school tomorrow, and to let my darling albeit annoying daughter use the computer!

 

"

Thanksgiving Friday....

Yesterday we had our restaurant dinner for Thanksgiving. It was okay. John and I had chicken fried chicken which was excellent....everyone else had the turkey dinner which was - cold, hard, and icky. Those were the adjectives used to describe it by my girls and my mom, lol. So today, I made the dinner that we missed. Turkey, stuffing, green bean casserol, broccoli and cheese casserol, sweet potatoes and homemade cranberry sauce. Everyone loved it....and I have to admit, it was pretty good! We have pies in the fridge, but everyone is too stuffed to eat them.

Today was also decorating day. John and wee one went out at 8:30 and came in at 3:00. They got the front yard done....1500 lights in the big tree, icicle lights along the roof and the two reindeer, candy cane lights along the walkway, and little spiral white tree. They both said they were too tired to do the back yard, so they will attempt that tomorrow. JB mowed and trimmed probably for the last time until February. I put up the dining room tree and decorated that room, Betsy put up her tree, I did the living room and the kitchen. Tomorrow I'll put up the family tree....I'm too exhausted to even think about it right now.

Tomorrow night we have the wedding for someone at work. It's also the same night as the parade of lights along the river, which means it will be super crowded. I am still not sure what I'm going to wear.  Oh well....I'll figure it out tomorrow.

Okay, I'm off to crash in the bedroom....I hope that everyone had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

BINGO!

Wee one's Thanksgiving dinner/party at school went wonderfully. The kids were so excited to get their turkey and mashed potatoes. I took my huge crock pot filled to the top with taters....and came home with nothing! We had them frost and decorate their own sugar cookies, and of course they had a grand time doing that. After they ate, I had them play a game of Thanksgiving bingo....which is exactly like regular bingo except there is a picture of a turkey in the free space. LOL.

I had bought four of those huge chocolate crisp moose suckers that Betsy got at Walgreens, as prizes for the games. On the third game, however, what do you think happens? Yup....THREE consecutive Bingo's and only TWO suckers left. Luckily, wee one was one of the winners. I said to the class, "Well, since there are three winners and I only have two suckers.....and my daughter is one of the winners....she doesn't get one!" They all laughed....well, all except wee one. LOL. Actually, she was fine with it, as I promised her I would buy her one this weekend. One of the little girls that won actually offered to give her's to wee one (awwwwww), and another offered to split it. I thought that was really nice.

One thing that happened that I, personally, thought was great....the teacher did not allow the kids to start eating until everyone had been served and was sitting down. When they were all ready, he said, "Now, what do we do before we start eating?" I knew what he meant....he was going to have the kids thank the parents for bringing in the food. However, all of the kids yelled, "Say a prayer!" He had a look on his face that was somewhere between uh-oh and what do I do now? So he said, "Do you guys want to say a prayer?" and they all said yes. He allowed two girls to say a little blessing before they ate. It was so sweet. One little girl gave a traditional versed prayer, and the other made it up as she went along, thanking God for the kids in the class, the parents, the food, and blessings for "those in need". Say what you will, I thought it was wonderful. While we were setting up for the party, there were two kidsthat dressed up....one little boy was George Washington, and he read the first Thanksgiving Proclamation. The other little boy was President Bush, and read last year's. The kids then compared the ideas and issues raised in each. I thought it was a nice way to incorporate history with modern day. A lot of the ideals were very much the same. The kids got a kick out of the boy who wore the knee highs and hat....lol.

Right now JB is outside washing my van for tomorrow's big outing. You know, you have to travel in freshly washed and waxed style! LOL. I vacuumed out the inside, windexed the windows and gave it a once over with my very favorite ALL Fabric Refresher Spray. Mmmmm, smells so good. He is also going to hang my car tree....we had to do a bit of repair on the poor guy....he has gotten kind of brittle over the years! But he still lights up....and that's what's important.

Well, I'm off to wash out my crock pot and fold some clothes. I wish each and everyone of you a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving. For those who are traveling, be careful and have a wonderful trip....and for those staying home with family, enjoy a cozy day with your loved ones!

I'm a bad mommy....

About a week and a half ago Betsy started sneezing and complaining that her throat hurt. I didn't think anything of it and gave her hot tea and tylenol. After about a week she was still complaining, but didn't ask to stay home from school....even attended an all day concert on Sunday. Today she woke up with a slight cough and said she felt like crap. Being that the holiday is coming up, I told her after dropping wee one off at school, I'd take her to Solantic for a quick check up. The diagnosis? "Hmmmm, you must have had an upper respiratory infection for a while. Now you have bronchitis." Talk about feeling like a total a$$! I always take her to the doctor if anything hangs on for 4 days....and every time they say, "It's a virus, give her plenty of fluids and tylenol." Of course the  one freaking time I don't rush her in....is when I should have! The good news is that she has her trusty antibiotic Z-pack, an expectorant, and the remainder of the week off from both school and work to recuperate.

After the doctor I took her to Walgreens to get her prescriptions, and I let her pick out her piece of "sick candy". Yeah, every time the girls are sick and I take them to get the medicine, I let them get a little treat. She chose a huge chocolate crisp moose sucker. LOL. From there we went grocery shopping for our Thanksgiving dinner which I will be cooking on Friday. This year will just be too hard on mom to have our traditional meal at home, so we are going out. Last year, my dad had his final meal by mouth on Thanksgiving at my house....on Friday it will have been his 70th birthday as well. It will be an emotional holiday this year, but I know we will get through it. It helps to know that Dad will be surrounded by loved ones this year, enjoying dinner with his parents and son.

While we were shopping I went through the meat department and guess what they had? The cutest pot roasts on sale....and all of them had Christmas bows on them! You know, I wasn't in the market for one....but I bought one anyway. Presentation is everything I guess! When I went through the checkout, the cashier and both baggers were laughing at it. I told them that the ones with bows were free....I got a laugh....but still paid $10 for it.

We went to the bank after that, and on to one other grocery store for two gallons of tea, sherbet, yogurt and cottage cheese. Oh, and pickles. I never buy the chilled dill pickles, but I though they would be good with leftover turkey sandwiches. (Am I reaching for subjects when I start writing our my grocery lists? lol). When we got home Betsy laid down for the afternoon, and I cleaned up, put away the groceries, then took a bit of a siesta myself. It's "that time" again, and I've been so tired.

I made a baked chicken burrito for dinner. The demonstrator at the pampered chef party made one and it was really good. Of course, I didn't remember exactly what was in it, but I think I got it pretty close. Everyone loved it. Betsy is at work right now, doing her big three hour shift. She is not allowed to take the day off unless she finds her own replacement, and it was too short notice for her to do so. I'm thinking the new sneeze guard at work was a wise investment....KIDDING....lol....

Right now wee one is doing her science vocab next to me, complaining all the while. She just said to me, "Please get me away from learning!" LOL....so I suppose I will turn the keyboard over to her. Tomorrow is the big Thanksgiving party at school which means I have to be up at dawn making tons of mashed potatoes....oh, joy.

Just a bunch of nothing....

I took some pics of my highlights, but they didn't turn out very well. They look really bright with the flash on, but you couldn't see them without it. Plus, I was taking the pics myself and you know how that goes. I decided to go sans makeup today, so there was no way you were going to get a face shot! LOL....I'll do one later. I'm feeling lazy.

Well, not lazy, but depressed. I don't know why. I just feel like crud. I know that I should be counting all of the wonderful blessings that I have in my life....but all I can seem to focus on are the non-blessings. I'm in such a funk. I knew it was bad when I cried at the end of the show I was watching....Food Network's "Championship Pie Challenge"....when the old lady finally won the coveted blue ribbon she had been after for so long. Yeah, there is definately something wrong when I'm weeping over cherry berry pie....

I spent my Sunday buying tons of Christmas decorations, lights, ornaments, lawn decor....I thought it would make me feel better. It did....for about 3 hours. Now I just feel crappy whilst sitting in a nicely decorated house. Sigh.

I did finish all of my laundry and ironing yesterday, so that was a good thing. I also watched The Secret Window while ironing. Talk about creepy! It was really good though.

Okay, I'm off to finish cleaning then I have a few errands to run....have a good one.

Saturday....

This morning I woke up and decided I would wash my hair with a really detergent-y (is that a word?) shampoo and see what happened. I ended up with lather that looked like scoops of orange sherbet. I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed. I had to use two different shampoos....one for the top where the color was so bad, and a medicated one for the back since I must have been allergic to whatever she put on my head, and spent the night scratching my scalp to a lovely shade of crimson. The shampoo made no difference....the color remained. Somewhere between copper penny and prison issue orange. So....I called the salon and thank goodness she was working "on call". I had the receptionist give her a jingle....and two hours later she called me back. I went in and she toned it down quite a bit....and I have to say I'm much happier.

She said that when she was in the back mixing her concoction, she had to use more than last time because my hair was so much longer. The stylist with her told her to double the powder....but she didn't think that she should. They discussed it and for some reason....she decided to go ahead and take the other woman's advice. Whatever....just get the flames off my head! LOL....I will take some pics tomorrow, as I just finished watching Madagascar with dh and wee one, and I was laying down, smooshing my do.

I also re-colored Betsy's hair today. Feria came out with a new product for black hair, that is supposed to lighten it up a few shades. We tried it and while her hair is still darker than her normal color, it looks better. That stuff just was NOT washing out. I told her she is never EVER going to color her hair at home again. EVER. I. MEAN. IT.  She is going to have to go in and have a few inches cut off though. It's pretty damaged on the ends now.  Is there an over the counter shampoo that works as good as the professional ones? Every time I ask they try to sell me the $26 per bottle stuff. I know it probably is the best....but can't they just tell me what to use if I don't happen to have $26 for freaking shampoo? Melissa? What do you think?

Anyhoo....Madagascar was a really cute movie. I stopped at Target today to pick up the hair color and it was on sale. Wee one watched it this afternoon, then again with us tonight. I made some homemade potato bacon soup and apple cinnamon cookies, and we had a little picnic in the living room. It was soooo freaking good!

Oh, and yes, the girls made it all night out in the tree house! They said it was "awesome" and "so cool". LOL....JB said that was worth all the hours of work....awwww. Listening to the girls chattering away last night was so funny. I heard, "He was TOTALLY looking at you!" "I know he was!" "He is so TOTALLY CUTE!!!!" They are too funny....even Betsy was laughing. All three girls have blonde hair, and they all had pony tails and hoodies on. They are still in the adorable stage, but you can see that puberty is on the horizon! Sheesh....why do they grow up so fast????

That was pretty much our day. Betsy is at her friend's house for the night and tomorrow they are going to a concert. I suppose the three of us will go to church, and then I'd like to go to the store and get some Christmas lights. We are due for some new ones for the outside. Yippee!!!! I found a Santa gnome today....but I didn't buy it. I don't know why. Well, yes, because I got wee one three tops and a pair of pants instead. Maybe next time.

Okay, I'm going to go braid wee one's hair (dear Lord, please let her have brushed it before she got into the tub!), and relax. I got no sleep last night. Well, I did get some sleep but woke up with two numb shoulders from being squished into the corner, and a bout of seasickness from him tossing and turning all night in the tiny little bed. Then he has the audacity to get up and say, "I slept horribly. I should have slept in our bed." Well duhhhhh.....didn't I tell you to do that in the first place? MEN!

Highlights....

I'm not sure what I think of my new $125.00 highlights. I know....I didn't expect the sticker shock either. Last time I was there she colored and highlighted and it was $95. I don't know what happened since March. I think this time she charged me separately for both processes. I picked out a richer, deeper base color....a lovely deep chocolate color with a hint of red. For the highlights, a brighter red....but not shocking. I think she left me under the dryer too long with the foils....my highlights are looking more pumpkin orange as the night goes on....I'm not sure if I'm happy with it. Not only that, the color seems to be much stronger at the top (where most of the heat was), than at the bottom. I think I may call her and ask that she tone it down a bit. When I picked the girls up from school this afternoon, I didn't mention my hair....and they didn't notice it until I said something. But when I pointed out my copper penny coif, they both looked at me and said, "Ohhhhhh. Yeah, now I see it." They said it looks good....but I still don't know. My mom liked it....and John didn't notice it either. When I pointed it out to him, he walked all around my head, hesitated for a split second, and then said he liked it. Hmmmmm.....I will see what happens over the weekend, as she doesn't work again until Monday. If it doesn't wash out a bit....as red usually does on me....I may be returning on Monday.

In other news....wee one is having two of her girlfriends over to spend the night in the tree house. JB brought home a box heater for the cool evening air, and we put the tv/dvd player up there as well. We stopped at the store after school for the usuals....bagel bites, push ups and grape Crush in bottles....oh, to be a kid again! As Betsy was watching wee one pondering the various bags in the snack aisle, she said to me, "I wish I were a kid again." LOL....welcome to my world....

DH was a sweetie tonight and got some Mickey D's for us. I was not in the mood to cook....but now, I'm regretting it. My tummy doesn't feel too good. That's twice today I didn't have a good feeling about something, did it anyway, and was sorry with the results. Dang it.

We are still waiting for one little girl to get here. I am the designated "waiter"....as you can't hear the doorbell in either end of the house. So here I sit, whilst Betsy is in her room watching a movie, JB is in the living room doing the same, and the girls are in MY room watching Nickelodeon. Tonight I am sleeping in wee one's room, with the window open so that I can hear the girls if they need me. JB was not happy with that idea and has said he is going to sleep with me. I don't know if he is insane or what....but we aren't in the same shape we were back in the day....there is no way both of our "ample butt's" are going to fit on a twin mattress! LOL....He thinks it will be "romantic" and "cozy". I think it will be "cramped" and "annoying"!

I don't think we have any plans for the weekend thus far. Mom is coming over in the morning so that JB can do her brakes, and that's about as far as the plans go. I can't believe that next week is Thanksgiving already! I have to get going on the turkey bingo game I promised for wee one's party....not to mention I was chosen to bring mashed potatoes for the dinner at school. No sweat, I thought. I'll just get two containers of the pre-made stuff....badda bing badda bang....we have potatoes! However, wee one said, "Oh mom, pleeeeeeeeease make your homemade ones!" Crap. How can I say no to that?

 

This is so cool....giggle....

Give AOL a "pound"-ing....go HERE!!!!

Whatever....

It's amazing what 24 hours can bring. We have gone from a family community of journaling friends to a community divided over banner ads and privacy. I agree that AOL has made a huge error in judgment in putting the ads in our journals. I can understand why the Aim users would have them, but paying customers? I thought that was part of what I got when I agreed to pay for this service. And the reason I chose AOL in the first place was for the sense of community. I was more than happy to pay my $24.95 for easy to navigate message boards (gone), fun, hosted chats where I could meet with other sahm's for a delightful trivia game on Fridays (gone). I loved the fact that our Journaling community had our own little page of AOL journalers, and the excitement of seeing who would make the top five every week (gone). It was like a little family back in the day....but, alas, like most good things it is coming to an end.

AOL is striving to be like all the other ISP's out there, giving up quality for quantity. Well, I tell you what....if someone came out with a service that was full of the things AOL once had, you can bet I'd be one of the first to sign up. I like the quality....and I will gladly pay for it too. I do not like what has happened, it is wrong on so many levels....however, I don't know that at this point I want to leave and start over somewhere else. I have made friends here....lots of them. They are real friends who I care about. I read about them every day....I feel like I'm a part of their lives, and that they are a part of mine. I like this little world I, and others have created and become a part of. I guess the question is....should I let AOL and their advertising drive me away from my happy place? At this point, I'm saying no. For me, I've decided to sit back and see where things go. I know that the banners are here to stay....the loss of membership will be a drop in the bucket to the revenue they will reap with the advertising. Do I agree with it? No. Will I ever click on one of the ads and give them my business? No. I guess that will be my protest for the time being.

There are so many other issues lately that have gotten me down, that I just want to crawl into a hole, and hide out until it passes by. Then again....it's in the passing by that life happens. The good and the bad. It just seems like it's getting harder and harder to keep a happy attitude.

And so, on that jovial note, I shall go and vacuum something.....my answer to all of life's little foibles!

WTH AOL????

What is going on with AOL???? I click on to my happy place (i.e. this journal), and there is no button to add an entry....yet there is a huge BANNER AD on my PAID AOL ACCOUNT JOURNAL. Hello???? I am not using a freebie AIM account, I do not need advertising on my journal thank you very much. This is getting rather frustrating. I am doing this entry via a different browser, thanks to suggestions on the Journals message board. Hopefully this is a one time glitch and things will be up and running again soon.

Anyhoo....

Yesterday I did a bad, bad thing. I didn't mean to do it, but it was one of those things that you just can't help. I took wee one to school in the morning, and dropped her off at the usual time. I left the parking lot and merged into the usual bumper to bumper traffic that is Jacksonville Florida. I was cruising along at a minimal speed with the usual fellow driver up my butt....I had just looked in my rear view mirror to check on how close she was behind me, when I caught a bit of furry movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked over and there on the sidewalk was a squirrel, trying to decide if he should cross the street or not.

Furiously, I began sending subliminal messages to him. "No, don't, stay right where you are! I can't stop or I'll be rear ended! Please, for the love of Pete stay where you are!" He must have been receiving them because he would start....stop....step off the curb....turn....go....no....stop....ummmm....turn.....and then things went into slow motion....

::begin tragic music here::

Slowly, my head turned toward the little guy, just as he began his tragic run across the street. As our eyes met, a lifetime of words passed between us, although neither of us could voice them. I saw the anguish in his eyes as he ran, knowing that he would not make it. And in mine, I hope that he read the sorrow I was feeling as I continued on, not being able to break. As we moved closer to one another, I could see a look of acceptance come over him, as if to say, "It was inevitable....if you hadn't gotten me, it would have been someone else. Don't worry....I'll be fine." Silently I nodded and for a moment, we hung there, suspended in space and time, knowing that the world would go on....and then came the sound no one wants to hear. The quick THUD that let me know Mr. Squirrel had gone on to a better place. A paradise of traffic free roads....fields full of nuts and corn cobs....a place where he can run free for the rest of his days. I did sneak a peek in my rear view mirror and saw that indeed, he was....well....no more. I felt horrible.

Later on in the day, when I picked wee one up, I again had to pass over the "spot" where the tragedy happened. However, I did not see a body....my spirits lifted....perhaps I just stunned the little guy and he got up and ran away! I was feeling much better. I could just see him sitting at the dinner table with friends, a little bandage on his head, telling his amazed friends how he cheated death once again. However....this story has a sad ending. This morning after dropping wee one off I realized why I had not seen him....he was really, really flat. Had the sun not been shining down on the pavement, I would have continued to believe that I had missed him and that he had somehow escaped the tragedy that had befallen him.  I know that it was not intentional, yet still, I feel sad.  I called my husband immediately after it happened for support. He said, "You did WHAT????" Wow honey, thanks for the kind words! Sheesh.

Anyway, that is my tragic story for the day. I think I'll spend the rest of the day in quiet contemplation of the meaning of life....sigh.

Sunday night....

Ahhhh, it's a nice, quiet Sunday night....the MIL is back home  again in Indiana and things have gotten back to normal here. We spent the day putzing around the house....which was just what I needed. I cleaned the entire kitchen....moving things around, washing down all of the cabinets and the baseboards, organizing the fridge/freezer and pantry. I keep going in there looking at it and feeling all warm inside. It looks great! I even steam cleaned my rugs. Yesterday I helped Betsy move her room around before she went to work. It was her suggestion, not mine. She came into the computer room and said, "Mom, I just have the urge to move my furniture....I want it to feel cozy for the winter."  Ahhhhh, a girl after my own heart! I have to say we did a great job and it looks wonderful.

 Saturday we saw Wallace and Gromit, The Curse of the Were Rabbit. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly suggest you do. It was wonderful! Both kids and adults will love it. The girls laughed through the entire thing.  The theater was pretty empty, being that Chicken Little was playing at the same time. We saw the previews to that one and it looks pretty entertaining.

I can't believe it's the middle of November already. It seems like it's September with the warm weather. It is supposed to get into the mid 70's at the end of the week....well whoop de do. Wee one and I were just in the bedroom watching Home Alone and when they showed the outside of Kevin's house, she said to me, "Now THAT is what Christmas should be like." I have to agree with her there. It just isn't Christmas without snow....however unless it "freezes over" here (and yes, I am implying something by saying that! LOL), we won't be enjoying a White Christmas.

Well....I suppose I shall be off. Time for the Simpsons and then it's bedtime for the wee one. Night all....

TGIF....

****Edited by me after reading my first few comments....I do not have a tree up in my HOUSE....I meant putting a tree GRAPHIC in my journal!!!!! LMAO....even I am not that compulsive! LOL                               I feel strange puting a Christmas tree in here when we just got back from the beach! We took the MIL to St. Augustine this morning, and then on to the beach for a few pics. The sand was so white, and the water is beginning to get cold....not quite body numbing but cold enough. We started off at Cracker Barrel which was sooo good....I was freaking starving! We all got the "holiday sampler" which was just what it sounded like....a sampling of everything. I am still full! Tonight we are going to take the girls to the movies to see Wallace and Gromit, and I'm looking so forward to it. We have loved them since Betsy was small. This will be our "farewell" outing for the MIL, as she is leaving tomorrow morning. I have to say, we have had a great time with her and I will miss her when she leaves!

Oh yes....our trip to Disney. I think we all enjoyed it much more than Universal. It was another day of perfect weather, a bit warmer (low 80's) and sunnier but still pleasant. There was no humidity which helped a lot. The park was more crowded, but in the areas that we weren't really planning on going (for the younger kids). Thankfully, wee  one got over her fear of the rides and rode both Splash Mountain and....oh crud....I can't remember the name of the other roller coaster. It's right there next to splash....not space mountain....anyhoo, they had a ball on both of those rides. However she did say that the "Small World" ride creeped her out, and she wasn't crazy about the Pirates of the Caribbean either. I think because you feel sort of closed in (like the "other" ride that we shall not speak of). The lines weren't long at all....as a matter of fact, we walked right into the Pirates and were immediately seated on a boat. It was great. We did take the steam engine train around the park which was relaxing. As for souvenieers....Betsy got a P of the C shirt and a stuffed Simba, and Wee one got a Jack Skellington purse. They didn't ask for much....which was nice! The only bad part of the day was when they were all on Splash Mountain, and I decided to be sneaky and grab a hot dog....I was starving! So, I get one, and set myself up to watch them come downthe ride. I take a bite of the hot dog....and let me just say that "hot" is the operative word here....and it burns the top of my mouth so bad that I immediately get a blister that bursts, and I'm left with 7 remaining inches of hot processed meat that I can't enjoy.  Not to mention the $3.00 bag of salty chips. I did manage to drink the coke....although each mouthful was like gargling with hydrogen peroxide....the bubbles and the "sizzle"....ouch! Guess that will teach me to be a pig! Later on I tried a cup of pineapple sorbet which felt good and bad at the same time. Good when it cooled it down, and then bad as the acidic juice hit it. I tell ya, I can't win! LOL.

All in all I give Disney 4 ****'s. It was a great day. I'm glad we finally took the girls. They really enjoyed themselves. Even Betsy told me that she enjoyed spending the time with family. Awwwww. See? It really is the happiest place on earth!

My trip to Orlando. By Sherry B.

First off, I must say that my camera battery ran out of juice, which means I did not have as many pics of Disney as I wanted. Hopefully the girls caught more on their cameras. I won't know until they are developed....

We started out at Universal Studios. It was so nice....and so not crowded! The wait time for every attraction? 5 minutes tops. The day was partly cloudy which was just perfect....in the mid 70's. We began at the Shreck 4-D attraction which was so adorable! We sat in a movie theater type deal, with our funky glasses as the characters jumped off the screen. The seats moved along with the carriages, and when donkey sneezed, a mist of water covered our faces....it was hilarious!

After that is was off to the Back to the Future ride. Now, John has been talking about this forever....and we were all excited to go. We got right in and I should have known bad things were going to happen when they put you in the little "holding room" for your instructions. A 5X8 room with a locked door behind you and elevator doors in front. After a good five minutes in there, we were led to the car. It was the five of us, and two adult men and a little boy. We get in the car and as she locks us in, mumbles something about "is anyone claustrophobic?" I barely catch what she says when the lights go out and the horror begins....

The screen opens and the car starts jerking you around like a rag doll. You truly, TRULY feel like you are flying through space. I have wee one in front of me saying, "MOM GET ME OFF THIS THING!!!!" and me thinking, "Holy s**** I'm going to die." So, with the grace and elegance of oh, let's say a raving lunatic, I scream, "WILL SOMEONE PLEASE STOP THE RIDE???? PLEASE???? ANYONE????" I don't know who was more horrified....me or the guy in front of me who turns around with a look of "for the love of GOD, if you are going to puke lean over the side!" At this point my MIL is on one side of me laughing and yelling, Betsy is on the other side with her arms around me calmly saying, "It's okay mom, it will be over soon", and wee one in the front with her head between her knees. I don't know how long the ride was, as I spent my time with the palm of my hands pushing my eyeballs practically through my skull, repeating over and over the Lord's prayer. When it ended, the guy in front of me says, "Are you okay????" LOL....I mumbled that I was and shot out of the ride, through the door and into the fresh air. I didn't even wait for wee one! (Nice, huh?)

When we got out, John begrudgingly stepped over to me (at that point he did not want to be seen with the "crazy woman") and asked if I was okay. I told him I was, although I was shaking so bad I could barely walk. Wee one was clutching my hand so hard I lost feeling for a while. She said she cried a little, and then decided to cover her head. She said it worked....she also said that the little boy next to her yelled over, "this is fun, isn't it?!" to which she replied, "UH NOOOO!" lol. In any case....that was the last ride wee one and I went on that day. We spent our time checking out the shops and walking around while John, his mom and Betsy enjoyed the MIB ride, the Mummy, Earthquake, Twister, Jimmy Neutron....even ET! LOL....However, wee one did decide to try the Woody Woodpecker roller coaster after seeing the three year olds on it....she said it was fun and went on it three more times~!

We did see a few shows as well, which were not scary at all....Animal Planet Live was okay. Not what I thought it would be though. Two dog tricks, a few birds, and a monkey. They brought out a snake for a few minutes too. It was mostly a big commercial to get folks to watch Animal Planet. They had a big screen above the stage and kept showing clips from all the shows. Heck, I could watch that at home! We caught the Blues Brothers giving a concert on the street, which was great. They had the characters down pat! It was really good. Then we saw the Beetlejuice show. Now, I figured it would be cheezy....and it was....but it was so good! We all enjoyed that one. Very funny, entertaining....good music too! I have to say that Betsy thoroughly enjoyed this park. She and her dad had a great time together, riding the crazy rides and having a ton of fun. I guess it was a kind of "bonding moment" for them....which right there was well worth the admission price!

And so....that ended our day at Universal.

Sherry's Travel Ratings:

Universal Studios....**** stars
Time of year to go.... definately November. No crowds,
beautiful weather
Stay away from.... Back to the Future (for the love of all that is holy run as far and as fast as you can!)

(Since the MIL is pacing about, I suppose I should save the Disney tales for my next entry....until then!)