Oops....

When we moved from Indiana to Florida, we gained some and lost some.  Specifically, we lost a huge garage (3 car) and gained a small garage (barely 2 car).  So obviously we lost a lot of storage space as well.  Our 15 year old really doesn't need her bike anymore, as it is not the "cool" thing to ride, so it sits at my mom's house, 5 miles away.  Our 9 year old, however, needs her bike....at all times.  This means we have to squish it in the garage along with my mini-van, the 57 Ford and the motorcycle.  You might remember that she got a new bike for her birthday on Christmas....well, it is bigger than her old one and, thus, will not fit in front of the 57 so that the garage door will close.  So, last night I moved it behind my van (you see where this is going?) in order to close the door.  Now, when I did this, I had a brief flash in my mind of her new bike horribly mangled under my van....but I shrugged off the thought because I am a "good mom", and would "never forget" that I put the "new bike" behind my van.  Well, turns out I am not the "good mom" I thought I was.  I did "forget" and slammed on my brakes this morning, as I was backing out of the garage....unfortunately it was after I heard my van coming into contact with the "new bike".  You know, it's moments like these when things seem to go in slow motion.  I remember turning my head and seeing my daughters eyes grow wide with horror.  She puts her hands to her face and there is an audible, "Moooommmm, NNNOOOOOOO!"  All I can do is look at her and think, "Crap....my husband is going to kill me!"  (There was a previous "wagon incident" in '98).  I got out of the van, and ran to the back.  Apparently somehow, somewhere, someone was watching over the new bike, and all that happened was a tiny scrape....and a bit of a gouge in my bumper.  *HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF!*  My daughter looked her bike over and prounounced it okay, and we got into the car and went on our way.  Oh yes, I did have to endure the taunts and jeers of my teenager and her friend, who said, "And you're worried about US getting drivers liscenses!"  Of course, this little incident will not be mentioned to hubby....there are just some things he doesn't need to know!

Aren't the holidays over yet????

Here we are, day 9 of Christmas vacation (if we aren't counting weekends).  I know that I usually sing the virtues of being a sahm, of enjoying every moment of being with my children but....I NEED a few hours to myself!!!!  I have had family and friends with me for the past week and a half and I'm about to go nuts!  How I long for an hour where no one dirties a dish the minute I drain the sink.  Or, perhaps ten minutes to admire my clean floor before someone walks across it with dirty shoes.  Or the quintessential 20 seconds of QUIET!  Last night I made a beautiful dinner....the lasagna was hot and tasty, flaky garlic bread, toasted to perfection, a salad loaded with fresh veggies and baby spinach, and homemade oatmeal-chocolate chip cake warm from the oven....did I get to sit and enjoy it?  Sure....after I served youngest and friend, (shift change) then oldest and 2 friends (shift change) then crabby husband home late from work.  And let me tell you that the lukewarm lasagna, wilted salad that had all the good veggies picked out of, and cold cake was just wonderful (enter sarcasm *here). I shouldn't complain, I know.  My kids were here with me, I have enough food to feed my family and others, blah, blah, blah....I guess the Christmas spirit has officially "left the building".  I do feel a twinge guilty talking like this....but sometimes you just have to vent.  (Well, that and I still haven't found a therapist around here!)   

Dinner time....

I can't believe how empty the mall was today.  I took the kids there because my dd's girlfriend who is staying with us for a week, swallowed the end of her tongue ring last night at dinner, and needed a new one.  (I know, how gross!  DD will NOT be getting one!).  So, we picked up the boyfriend and went to the mall.  I sent them off on their own, and my little one and I went shopping the sales.  I thought it would be crowded today, but it wasn't bad.  I got three calendars at 50% off, a wall hanging for dd's room, and a new book bag for her as well.  I tell you, those rolling book bags just fall apart if you get the cheap ones.  So, I splurged and got one for $19, on sale from $30.  My dd is thrilled because it has dual wheels.  She was pulling it around the mall saying, "Mom, you just won't believe how smooth this is!"  I tell you, sometimes it doesn't take much to impress a 9 year old.  So, from there it was off to the grocery store for dinner supplies.  I have tons of stuff at home, so why do I feel it necessary to go to the store and buy more????  I don't know.  I forgot to set the hamburger out to defrost, so I needed fresh meat. Anyhoo, it's lasagna (is that spelled right?  It doesn't look right....) and salad and oatmeal cake for dessert.  Yeah, like I need a fat-laden, carb-filled dinner after the holidays.  I really need to lose some weight.  My plan is to try the Weight Watchers points system.  Has anyone out there tried that?  I have heard good things about it.  I am not a candidate for Atkins, because I hate meat and cheese on a daily basis.  SlimFast has worked before, if I needed to lose a quick 5-10.  I actually like SlimFast a lot.  Maybe I will merge the two....do you think I'll lose twice as fast?   

Cor Blimey....what a Christmas!!!!

Christmas has come and gone and everyone here is thrilled with their gifts.  The girls actually want to be sent to their rooms; as the oldest got a dvd player and mini-fridge, and the youngest got playstation 2 and a mini-fridge.  Hubby got WWII movies galore, a cover for his motorcycle and plenty of reading material.  So, you ask, what did I get?  Well, aside from the homemade 3rd grade ceramic elephant from my youngest, (I had tears in my eyes from the sheer cuteness of it!), and the body massager from my oldest, hubby decided to go with a "theme" this year.  He is usually pretty good about gifts, but this year, he tried to get me things that he knew I liked.  A bit of background to explain the theme; I don't watch much tv, but when I do, 90% of what I watch is on BBC America.  I love all things British, and enjoy an occasional evening at the British pub that is near our home.  I've always wanted to go to England, but doubt I will, since I have a fear of flying!  So, being the perceptive bloke that he is, he decides to go with an english Christmas.  I got a Union Jack sweater and scarf, a UJ flag for the car (when I opened this, I told him I love him dearly, but I am NOT going to stick it out my window!), a key chain, a sticker (which is on my new fridge), an umbrella, a coffee mug (which I am having trouble with....I mean, would it be sacreligious to put coffee in an English mug?  Do I have to switch to tea?), and a baseball cap which I have been wearing most of today.  Oh yes, he also got me six "Mr. Edward's Traditional Mini-Mince Pies".  I tried one, and I am assuming that mince pie is an acquired taste.  My father, however, loved them, so I gave them to him.  (BTW, he also got me a new sewing table....non-british!).  I have to say, I was thrilled with each of those crazy gifts.  Just the fact that he learned how to go online, find the store, and order me something that he knew I would like, makes my heart sing.  He's a "good bloke" and I wouldn't trade him for the world.  I think I'll grab my "ducky" and plant a huge kiss right on his "gob"!

Christmas Morning Mauling.....

It's Christmas morning, and I'm the first one up.  I have decided to take one last, long look at our tree, with the presents beautifully wrapped and placed just-so underneath.  Something catches my eye near one of the gifts.  A slight movement.  I get closer, letting my eyes adjust to the light.  Again I see it, but this time I know what it is....a lizard.  Now, lizards in Florida are like mosquitoes in Minnesota or rattlesnakes in Texas.  It's just part of living here.  ANd they aren't huge, iguana type lizards, but cute green things like the Geiko gecko.  Still, I need to remove him before the kids wake up.  I take a step closer, and he wriggles up the doorway trim.  He stops, eye level with me.  He is strangely cute sitting there, basking in the glow of the holiday lights.  Almost like an ornament.  I step forward for a second, just to see him close up.  It is at this moment that, I swear to you, he SMILES at me, and leaps.  I can't tell you what it's like to feel little lizard feet on your scalp on Christmas morning.  I am frantically trying to brush him out of my hair, spinning around and nearly missing crushing all of the gifts that I had so carefully placed around the tree. I can only imagine the image of the lizard and I, in our silent dance of horror.  Somehow, I must have brushed him off in one of my frenzied grasps, and he landed on the tile floor of the foyer.  After letting my pulse settle down for a moment, I went to the lizard, lying still on the floor.  At that moment, I knew only one of us had come out of our tousle alive. I gingerly picked him up by the tail, and opened the front door.  I threw him toward the yard.  As he flew through the air, I gave him a little salute.  I mean, he did put up a good fight.  Well, I hear the pitter patter of little feet, which means my kids are up, and will soon want to open gifts.  To all of my friends out there in journal land, have a wonderful, merry and lizard-free Christmas! 

Symphony Review

Ahhhh, what can I say?  It was absolutely beautiful!  We arrived in plenty of time, since we had never been to the concert hall before.  We went inside, and were met with a string quartet playing in the lobby.  It was so lovely!  There were many people milling about, just enjoying the sounds and the decorations.  We then went and found our seats, which overlooked the orchestra.  We had a great view of the audience, and the musicians.  I have to say, I have never seen so many people dressed in red and green in one place!  You could see kids straining to see the musicians, laughing and giggling with excitement.  Parents were pointing out the different instruments to their children.  It was quite a family affair.  Many elderly people; the women in festive holiday hats and their husbands with bow ties....it was so cute!  Soon they lowered the lights, the orchestra tuned up, and the maestro walked onto the stage.  He was quite personable, telling cute jokes between songs, and involving a few audiance members in "The Twelve Days of Christmas".  I can't tell you how beautiful the music was.  I just closed my eyes, and I was in another place.  My troubles and worries seemed to melt away, with each wonderful, rich note of music.  It is amazing how music can affect you.  It was warm and cozy inside the music hall; it's not a huge place, very intimate.  My girls loved it, and surprisingly, my husband said several times on the way home how much he enjoyed it.  He said that it was "comforting".  I don't know what it was, but being in that room, with my family and the incredible music, I felt safe.  I didn't have to think about rushing around and shopping, bills or dh's work issues. There was nothing to do but bask in the glow of the season.  It was a beautiful evening....one that I am thankful to have been a part of with my family.  I highly recommend it to everyone! ;o) 

It's Symphony Day!!!!

Well, today is symphony day!  I am so excited.  We go this afternoon....what should I wear?  Hubby asked this question, and I told him since we have orchestra box seats, we have to dress as though we can afford them.  (No one needs to know I got them with a coupon!  LOL.)  Hopefully, hearing the beautiful music will put us more in the spirit of Christmas.  I will report back later and let all who care to know, how everything went. Fa la la la la........