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