Goodbye 2007

and good riddance! I am so glad to see this year go. 2008 has to be better I really don't think it could get any worse than last year.

I wish all my new friends here a very happy, and more importantly a HEALTHY New Year.

I think I will be starting this new year off with a cold. At this rate I think I will be in bed before midnight. Pretty sad really, my mom has the kids for the night my husband and I could go downtown to celebrate but I'd rather order some Chinese, watch a movie and stay home. Must be a sign that I am getting old. (Or just feeling real old tonight).

It's the final countdown

Only a couple days left to sign up. Come join me on Blog 365…



Yes I am a tad insane agreeing to blog everyday for a year. The challenge was laid out before me and I chose to accept it. Will any others join me in this journey? Any other brave souls out there?

http://blog365.ning.com/

13 years and counting.

Today is the 13th Anniversary of my first date with my husband. I sit here and think WOW, I have been with the same man for 13 years now, that is almost half my life. (I'll hit that mark at age 36).

We've had our share of ups and downs over the years,(What couple doesn't?). This past year being mostly hell. Well the last half of it anyways. But we always manage to make it through the rough patches.

No we're not doing anything special today. We went out to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner yesterday. I was in heaven it is one of my most favorite places to eat. It was real nice because we took the girls and my little sister who is staying here for a few days with us too. Thankfully the kids shared a meal thus cutting the cost. Both my girls fell asleep at the table too, granted it was after 8 by the time we got seated and I think all the excitement over the past few days had caught up with them. That and Madeline wasn't feeling that good on Wednesday. I think something she ate at Friendly's didn't agree with her. She was throwing up most of Wednesday night, my poor baby. She was a little bit off yesterday still but worlds better than she was and today she is back to her normal self.

I am gearing myself up Blog 365, blogging every for a year. Can I do it, well I am going to try, gonna make it my New Year's resolution.

Christmas the aftermath

Paper, boxes, and bows oh my!

We are finally cleaned up here. Clothes are put away, toys out of the death traps of those twist ties. (I hate those friggin' twist ties, how many does one doll need? Certainly not the twenty I took off). If someone wants to steal the little brush and jewelry out of the box, fine by me they'd be lost in the black hole that is our toy box by the end of the day anyway.

My husband and I keep getting the evil eye from our oldest daughter. We had bought her those Speed Stacks cups for one of her presents and are having more fun with it trying to beat each other scores than the kids are. Madeline wants to play with some of her sister's toys and vice versa. Lillian is at this moment playing with her sister's Moon Sand (thanks so much Auntie Julie, just you wait until that baby of yours is born, paybacks are a bitch. Remember those words). While Madeline is entranced by her sister's Light Sketcher. At least they share nicely. I am so happy that they are out of the "big, bulky, noisy, light up" toy age.

Merry Christmas my friends!

Just wanted to remind you all it is okay to indulge yourself this holiday season a bit.

Merry Christmas to all!

Merry Christmas my friends! It is going to be a long day. I have to finish up cooking here for later on today and tomorrow. The girls want to put their Christmas dresses on right now. And are not happy that I told them not yet. Lillian woke up first this morning and we heard a loud "Where are the presents?" followed by "It's snowing!" and here I was so hoping for a green Christmas. Have I mentioned I hate the icky white stuff? At least we woke up laughing.

A night out for ME!

Last night I took some "me time" and went to see Sweeney Todd. OMG Alan Rickman and Johnny Depp in one movie I was in HEAVEN! I had to chuckle because Judge Turpin's (Alan Rickman) right hand man in the movie was Beadle Bamford (Timothy Spall) aka Peter Pettigrew aka Wormtail of the Harry Potter movies, Snape and Wormtail together again. And that Ed Sanders who plays Toby, what a cutie and what a great voice voice this kid has. I cannot wait until this movie comes out on dvd.

Madeline was pissed that I wouldn't take her to see it. A movie about a man hell bent on revenge, a barber by trade who slits his victim's throats and then helps the lady who lives downstairs turn them into meat pies is just not suitable for a six year old. I have to laugh though she is so my child. Wanting to see horror films and the likes. I just cannot wait until she is older and can watch them with me.

I'm no Martha Stewart but....

Holiday times brings to mind elegantly set dining room tables, fablous meals, tempting deserts the look almost too good to eat. Yes I'd love to have a Martha Stewart Christmas where everything just looks perfect. But lets face it with two small kids, house work, and Mads activities it just is not going to happen. Well it won't unless I hit the mega millions and can hire some help around here.
Anyways you don't have to be Martha to be able to make some yummy, pretty desserts, and in less than half the time it takes her. I know some Secret Gourmet tricks. Quick and easy fixes that help us moms out. Takes us out of the kitchen and lets us spend more time with our family. I'll be posting more quick and easy, along with normal recipes over at Good Eats. Sweet Treats & Eye candy so be sure to check there too, just follow the link on the main page.

This is a nice treat, that looks pretty and takes hardly any time. Got to love these no bake recipes.

Eclair in a glass

4 HoHo's ( or little debbie swiss rolls )
1 oz of old coffee
1 tub of Cool Whip
2 Chocolate Snack Pack Pudding

Peel the chocolate coating off of the HoHo. (Keep the pieces of chocolate coating together into 4 small piles).
Now cut the HoHo's into 5 small pieces. (4 HoHo's will make 20 pieces. Enough for 4 desserts).

Take a large Glass wine goblet and put 1 small spoon of the chocolate pudding in the bottom of the glass.

Add a shot of coffee to the cool whip . Mix it together so that the cool whip has a light Coffee Flavor.

Now add about a 1/4 inch of the cool whip to the goblet.

Now take the pieces of HoHo and carefully place then along the side of the goblet. Make sure the swirl of the inside of the HoHo is facing out. (Use 5 pieces so that they form a circle in the center of the glass that can clearly be seen from the outside of the goblet).

You will now have a small hole in the center of the glass. Fill that area with the small pile of chocolate coating. (Leave 2 small pieces of coating to decorate the top of the dessert).
Form a layer of pudding by drizzling a tablespoon of pudding over the tops of the hoho's and chocolate coating.

Now put one more layer of cool whip to fill the wine glass to the top. Drizzle a bit more pudding and place the remaining 2 pieces of chocolate coating in the center of the cool whip.

Try Adding chocolate chips or crushed up Heath bars (or your favorite candy bar) to the cool whip.

Enjoy! and Happy Holidays!

Santa's dead!

"You have been such bad girls that he has up and died and you are NOT getting anything for Christmas this year. Not one damn thing!" I just want to scream this at my girls today. You'd think that this close to Christmas that they'd be on their best behavior. Pretty sad that here it is 6:30 and I am needing a drink.

They are driving me up the effin' wall. It has been one of those "mom she's looking at me afternoons". I just want to cry right now. I need a night out all to myself. How I'd love to go see a movie, or just sit at Borders reading a book, sipping on a coffee or tea. A nice quiet place with no children.

.

Why oh why...

Why must those Christmas cookies we made on the 15th taste so good. They are better today then the day they were made. This recipe of mine always tastes so much better after a few days. Santa might not find any left out for him if everyone here keeps on raiding them. Then again this is Buffalo I can always leave him some chicken wings and a nice cold beer.

Christmas Meme

I snagged this from Laney's blog looked like fun.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? - Wrapping paper of course. The kids have a blast unwrapping things.

2. Real tree or artificial? - Artificial all the way. I detest the scent of pine, and the thought of all those pine needles all over the floor no thank you.

3. When do you put up the tree? - We usually put it up the day after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? - Usually the 2nd week of January.

5. Do you like eggnog? -I never had it so I cannot say.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? - a purple am/fm radio with a cassette player.

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? - No.

8. Hardest person to buy for? - My dad and step mom. They have everything they could ever want. We usually give them gift cards for a nice dinner.

9. Easiest person to buy for? - my kids.

10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received? - A long sleeved tye dyed t-shirt witha giant smiley face on the front.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? - Mail.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? - The Nightmare Before Christmas.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? - January I am one of those ones who will buy things all year.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? - yes.

15. Favorite thing to eat/drink at Christmas? - My taco dip, it is a must have on Christmas day in my dad's family.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? - Clear.

17. Favorite Christmas song? - Christmas Time by Bryan Adams

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? - Stay at home, the family is all here.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? - yes I can. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen..and I do recall the most famous reindeer of all Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a Star?- A star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? - both :)

I am so going to hell

Today was Ed's first day back at work since the end of June. As you know he has been receiving chemotheapy and radiation threapy for his lymphoma. Things have been looking up for him on the cancer front, his scans show that the tumor has diappeared. His blood counts are excellent. And most of all he is out of the house! That sounds so terrible. I am happy that he is no longer home everyday, all day. I was going crazy at times having him here. He messed up my schedules, he'd let the girls get away with things I would never allow. I felt funny just jumping online off and on during the day like I normally do. He had a tendancy to get underfoot with tasks I was doing here, keeping intrupting me if I was knitting or reading. Silly shit to, "Could you get me a drink? Can you make me a sandwich?" stuff like that. Now if he was bad and hard a hard time getting around, or was feeling really ill from the medications it would have been a totally different story. If you are feeling well enough to go to a sabres game you can get your ass off the couch and over to the fridge. I totally didn't mind doing all of this in the beginning when we weren't sure how his body would react to the medications. But once we had an idea and seen how well he was doing it got annoying at times.

Not having him here has been great, Lillian has been a perfect little angel with no one to rile her up. I only made one lunch. I managed to get more housework done with him gone than I did with him home. Hard to believe I know. The house is quiter, there are no sports on the TV. Hence no yelling at the screen for some botched play. Why people get so involved in a game is beyond me, I always tell Ed that they can't hear him yelling through the television. And a miracle has happened LILLIAN IS TAKING A NAP. She hasn't done this since daddy has been home all day. I forgot how much I just love nap time! So it may seem mean but I am glad he is back at work. I really think it may be good for him too. My main concern is that the cancer he had is an enviromental one, and going back to the place that may have caused it is a very scary thing.

And they wonder why

Ok I have got this blogging bug up my butt now. I created another blog And they wonder why. This one will have no real personal stuff just more humor, observations, and photos, things I find in everyday life to be amusing. It is in the very beginning stages right now, just one posting so far but I promise more will come I just have hundreds of photographs that I need to go through and place into postings.

Just click on the link at the right if you are interested in viewing it.

Can't get warm.

I am freezing! I just cannot seem to warm up at all today. I have on fleece pajama pants a tee shirt and a sweat shirt and I am still cold. Have a terrible headache on top of it. And of course the kids are climbing the walls going stir crazy and my husband is being no help at all trying to keep them quiet. How he can tone them out amazes me. If it weren't snowing and blowing out so much, and if the wind chill wasn't 10º/12ºc I'd send them all outside, and attempt to take a nap. What I wouldn't give for a nice nap in a quite house, no kids, no husband just me. Maybe that should be my Christmas wish. There is a hotel here that offers a dinner/movie/jacuzzi suite combo. Maybe I should ask Santa for that, then leave him and the kids at home and enjoy a nice evening to myself. The more I think about it, the more I am loving the idea. Hey I can try to ask for a spa package thrown in there too. Hmmmm, yeah I like that.

mmm...mmm...good

Oh what a day! I spent all evening baking cookings. Well the cut out cookies anyways. I did most of them with the girls earlier and am just finishing up the rest now. I have one batch left to go, they are in the oven now. When this batch is done that will make 200 cookies. Sad thing is I could probably eat most of them myself. I am going to have to hide some so they last until Christmas last year Ed and the girls attacked them.

The girls had so much fun decorating them. I couldn't frost the cookies fast enough for them. Oy and the colored sugar, so glad I had them decorating them in baking pans. What a mess! I should be frosting the rest of them now but I am sooooo beat. I just want to jump in the tub and take a long hot soak. I don't even want to think about the dishes. I am just going to do them tomorrow morning I think.

It looks like it has started snowing here I wonder how much there will be when we wake up in the morning. I really hope they over estimated the amounts.

Oh well off to finish the job.

beeeeep...This is NOT a test!

The National Weather Service Has Issued a Winter Storm Watch for the area
A Strong Storm Is Expected To Approach The Region Saturday Night. This Storm System Has The Potential To Bring Significant Snowfall To Western New York Saturday Night And Sunday. At This Time, It Is Too Early To Project The Exact Track And Strength Of This Winter Storm Or Potential Snowfall Amounts. Additional Statements Will Be Issued Regarding This Storm As The Event Approaches.

Well crap. They are saying anywhere from 8-24 inches will be dropped on us tomorrow night. Damn that Nor' Easter. It looks like a lot of the snow that we got yesterday had melted. I can see grass again and all of the snow is off my neighbor's pine tree. I was smiling again. Now we get this news (waaaaaah).

I did brave the cold yesterday for a few just long enough to take some snapshots. It kind of sucks in a way now that my husband will be going back to work. He is usually the one that goes out with them to play. I really hate going out in the cold to watch them play in the snow. I don't mind being out there any other time of year. I'm one of those people who is almost always cold. I think 70 is cool weather, and will use a comforter to sleep with then. (Now I use 2 and a fringe fleece one I made).

I just don't do well in the cold weather. Most people will double up their step to get indoors when walking from the car to the place. Not me, it totally slows me down and it seems I move at a snail's pace. I don't know why that is. I need to find some place where it is 75 and above year round. That would be nice. Very nice indeed.

Someone call the doctor QUICK!!

There is something seriously wrong with me. I am still stammering and in quite a bit of shock here. I've checked myself but I don't have a fever. A fever might explain the delirium I have just experienced. Now I'm just scared,
(please someone hold me!).

I was at the kitchen sink doing the breakfast dishes when I looked up and it was snowing. I said aloud to my little one. "look how pretty it looks baby, wouldn't it be nice to go outside and take a walk".

Did I just say that?
Did those words come from my mouth?
(No the couldn't have, they couldn't that is just impossible, INCONCEIVABLE I'd dare to say.)

Now anyone that knows me, knows how I feel about that icky, white, wet stuff. (get your head out of the gutter) Knows that in my household I refer to it as "The bad 4 letter "S" word". Hate is to weak of a word to describe my feelings for this stuff.

So how in the world did those thoughts enter my head? How did those words escape these lips? I never, never, ever would volunteer to go outside in this stuff. I only go it in it when I have to. Daddy is the one that will take the girls out to play in it. I may go out for a few minutes to snap a couple of pictures but that is about it. Like I said I hate it, I hate the cold in general. If I never ever seen the "s" word again I'd be thrilled. My idea of a white Christmas is a white sandy beach. Get the picture. So me saying that I want to go out in it must mean that something is wrong.

Cashier error in your favor...

...do you correct the clerk or pocket the extra cash? What if you have been shorted by this fast food place more times than you can count or received a totally different order on a few occasions? And the only reason you went there was its location and two kids begging to go there. My husband also loves this joint and still continues to go there despite this fact.

The drive thru lane was insane so I parked and took both girls inside to get take out. The cashier was chatting away with other employees as they raced about to fill the drive thru orders, I was trying to keep my girls from swinging from those line dividers that make you feel like cattle. Thankfully there was hardly anyone inside to see them acting that way. Anyway the cashier handed me my change and I just stuffed it into my coat pocket without looking. I grabbed my order from the counter, gathered up my monkeys and left.

When we got home get the kids settled with their food. I grab the change out of my coat pocket and notice that I got my $10 back with some change. I know I handed her a $10. I really didn't feel like bundling them back up to take back the extra money. And like I said we have been shorted by them so many times before that the $10 doesn't even come close covering the costs of what we were missing. So I am keeping it. It may be wrong but so what?

While you are here....

Scroll down to the bottom of my blog and sign my guest map please!
Also tis the season to be giving! If you'd like please leave me a little gift! I'd be more than happy to give you one as well.

Cancer stay away.

After today Ed has two more radiation treatments to go through for his Lymphoma. Then nothing until another C/T, PET scan next month. I hope that this mess stays cleared up. Last scan showed the tumor was gone. I am going to be going crazy next month playing the waiting game.

Boy has his getting cancer at such an early age really changed our lives. Some of it I have to admit for for the better. Doesn't that sound terrible. But this kind of forced him top slow down and spend more time with his family. Well more quality time. I think the girls are going to miss his terribly once he goes back to work. No more Mr. Push Over to help them out, back to mean old mommy.

I just really hope that it does not come back. I know that our lives are forever changed and any little thing might send him into that "could this be cancer too mode?" And I don't think that is any way to really live. Yet it will be unavoidable. I wouldn't wish all that we have gone through this year on anyone. I feel like I have aged a lifetime during this ordeal. I just want some normalcy back into our lives.

Let me be the first to kick your ass...

back over the border! CANUCKS GO HOME! (So sorry to my Canadian friends, I still love you). But ugh I have had it up to my eye balls with the influx of Canadian shoppers invading my home town. I have never in my life come across such rude, mean, dirty, people. Okay so your dollar is worth more than ours at the moment but please remember you are guests here in this country. You don't need to trash the area, you don't have to be so snotty, bitchy, and down right mean. It is the holiday season after all.

Living near a mall can be hell this time of year especially if you want to go shopping. The fighting for spaces, large crowds can get on a lot of people's nerves. Let me start off by this lady I had an encounter with yesterday night. I went grocery shopping, the store that I frequent has a Shopper's Club card that gives you discounts on a number of select items. I think most stores have this no matter where in the US that you live. I do my shopping fine no problem and I was heading into a lane that had just opened when a lady races to get in front of me. She literally knocked my cart askew to beat me to get in front of me. "Sorry I'm Canadian" was her reply to me when I shot her a dirty look. What the fudge does your being Canadian have to do with you acting like an asshole? "I'm sorry you are a Canadian too, we all can't live in one of the best countries out there" was my sassy reply to her. She muttered under her breath, rolled her eyes and made a face at me. Whatever bitch. So the cashier is ringing her up and asks her if she has a Bonus Card. She had no clue as to what it was and asked the cashier what it was since she was Canadian a point she stressed to the cashier. (She must to like to point out she was Canadian to everyone she comes in contact with). BCL (bitchy Canadian lady) then starts to snap her fingers at me telling me to hand her over my bonus card to use since she was, (yup you guessed it) Canadian and didn't have one.

If it weren't for the fact that you earn points to get money off gasoline there was no way in hell that I'd of let her use mine. But hey its the holidays, Merry Christmas BCL! The cashier and I got to talking while she was ringing up my order. We wondered why she be doing grocery shopping here instead of back home. I can see running in for something like diapers, other baby needs, pop and some chips for the ride home but to do a full shopping order in another country seems way bizarre. I mean there are restrictions on what can cross the border.

Today was a trip I actually went into the mall with the girls and my aunt! I was happy had a decent space lined up, seen someone leaving so I but my blinker on and was waiting for them to leave so I could pull in. The car coming down the aisle opposite me stops to let the leaving car pass then guns it and steals my space, (asshole...Canadian plates). I ended up getting a sweeter parking spot too, just 5 spaces from the door. I have great luck finding parking spaces no matter where I go. Wish I had that kind of luck with the lotto numbers. I was heart broken when I pulled in the parking lot was littered with discarded sneakers, clothing, boxes, bags, tags.

Seems that some Canadians are trying to trick customs to avoid paying those pesky import taxes. As I was getting out of the car, the owner of the car next to me made a trip to drop off packages in the trunk of his. I stroll to the back of my car and am taking out the stroller and I see this bum tossing a shopping bag full of I don't know what under his car. (Canadian plates). I said to him "I hope you aren't planning on leaving that garbage there". He had a colorful response for me. Slammed the trunk shut and walked back towards the mall. I was pissed so I drove the stroller in between our two cars, walked to the back of his knelt down and pulled out the bag from under his and dumped the contents onto his hood and roof, making sure the receipts and tags were plastered to the windows and put underneath his wiper blades. (You don't want to mess with this momma when she is mad). It was a childish thing to do but it made me happy. There are reports all over our local news about Canadians acting in that manner. Heck the local news station caught on film people tossing shoes and clothes into trash bins at the mall, leaving them in the hallways, and dumping all sorts of things in the parking lot. Some local charities have set up collection bins for some of this discarded clothing.

After the mall my aunt took us to a late lunch. It was a madhouse as just about every restaurant this time of year is. We were seated next to a table of 10 (any guesses as to where they were from?) They were running our poor waitress ragged. If I was their waitress I would of spit on their food or in their drinks. The holiday crowds are bad enough alone these poor workers are constantly on their feet. This party behind us was something else. Three members asked for refills on their pop and she asked them all if anyone else wanted any. They said no. I heard them. She goes gets their drinks and brings ours as well. Drops off ours then theirs. Three more people ask for refills then. Um hello you couldn't ask for that two minutes ago when she asked if anyone else wanted some more? That poor girl. To top things off they left her a $5.00 tip. $5.00 for a party of 10 at the Olive Garden. Nice people.

Ain't we cute.

Aww look at those two little sweethearts. That is my sister Julie and me in 1981. I was 5 and she was 2. With Julie's baby due in March I have been feeling nostalgic. So I dug out some baby pictures and found this one. I was taken back at how much my girls resembled us. (See picture below they are 3 and 6 here). I had to convince them that those were mommy and Auntie in the picture.



We went to the mall today and I got them the Rudolph and Clarice animals from Build a Bear. They have been asking for them since they first came out. I even tried bribing Lillian with it, telling her I'd take her to get Rudolph if she'd tell me what Daddy bought me for Christmas. Didn't work, now Madeline would crack and tell me. I am sort of sad she is in school now and not going to the mall with daddy. ;)

Every time you whine or cry, an elf dies.

Did you know that?

Okay I am so going to hell if you believe in it. I don't know why but today the girls were just in that crying, whining mode. Enough so to drive me to drink. Whining about every little thing possible, crying "mom shes looking at me!" CALGON TAKE ME AWAY! Either that or you Senor Jose. (snicker).

Anyways it was really getting to me and I told them that every time you whine or cry an elf dies and that is one less toy you will get for Christmas. It has been working so far knock on wood. They have been quieter and are now playing nicely together. Wonder how long I can keep this belief up?

Yes I am mean I'll freely admit it.

Good Eats, Sweet Treats & Eye Candy

http://goodeatssweettreats.blogspot.com/

I started another blog for one of my favorite things FOOD!
Feel free to visit get some great recipes, (I will be adding a lot more over the next couple of days, I got an awesome peanut butter cup cheesecake one up right now). Also if you'd like to be a contributing poster over there leave me a message and I will add you, so you can share some of your favorites.

It begins and it ends.

Got our first Christmas card in the mail today, I of course already mailed mine. Guess I shamed a family member into sending theirs out early too. Hee hee.

Today was my last day on this Fisher Price mom's panel. (*sniff*) I really do hope that I am called for another one. I met some real nice ladies, had a few laughs. Got paid. But I really like how serious Fisher Price is about parent input in their products. If some of these items don't go into production you can thank me for saving you from tiny pieces that may get lost or from the piercing pain in your foot when you accidentally stepped on one. STORAGE STORAGE STORAGE was this groups manta. We were stressing to them how important storage space for all the pieces the toy comes with is. That if you are going to make a toy with small pieces ie, Polly Pocket please include some sort of storage for said toy. Something like a drawer in the base to keep all the little crap.

Some of the new concepts are really cool and I hope to see them on the shelves in the near future. Plus knowing that I had a say in them makes it even more special. Just like the boxes and ads that my girl's appeared on.

A Christmas Story for people having a bad day....

Not one of mine, but it is something that will put a smile on your face this time of year.

A Christmas Story for people having a bad day....

When four of Santa's elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones, Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her Mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where.... More stress.

Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys.

So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered that the elves had hidden the liquor, and there was nothing to drink.

In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider pot, and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor.

He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritable Santa trudged to the door. He opened the door, and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't it a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?"

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

HA!!! :-) Merry Christmas everyone!

Why would you do that?

What a question to ask someone who just did a good deed. And to say it in such a snippy way really makes me think that society is in a lot of trouble. I did it because it was the human thing to do. The weather here has taken a turn into the winter direction. Bitter cold temperatures, snow, stinging wind. Many of the areas homeless are making their way indoors, malls, stores etc... I ran up to the local Wal Mart this morning and seen an old man dressed in dirty layers, light coat, old hat and ripped gloves. He was counting out change to get a cup of coffee and you could see the look of disgust on the cashier's face. It just broke my heart. I looked through my purse for the subway coupons I was saving. There were 2 buy a 6" sub get one for free. I walked up the man as he was at the coffee station and gave him the coupon and $5.00 enough to get the subs (if he went with the $1.99 6" sub of the day). He started to cry. A grown man started to cry just because I gave him $5 and a coupon. I then went up and bought myself a cup of tea. I couldn't believe it when the cashier looked at me like I was crazy and asked why I'd do something like that. I just told her because it is the right thing to do. What I didn't tell her is that I know what it is like to struggle to make ends meet. How a simple gesture like that means the world to someone who has nothing.

I feel terrible that this Christmas my kids are not getting a lot. That we couldn't afford what they really wanted, and that most of the money went towards clothes instead of a toys. I am just happy that their daddy will be around this Christmas. That he is responding very well to the chemotherapy. With him not working, the pay cut that the company he works for did, taking away great insurance and sticking us with the crappiest one out there,(doctor visits aren't covered at all) and the out of pocket expenses involved. I nearly had heart attack when we got the bill for just one of his chemo medications it was close to $8,000. Even when we are in the position where we could use some help, there are so many out there that are worse off then us. And even if I can't donate to Toys for Tots this year, or do a Tree Angel for someone. It makes me feel good knowing that I still can do something for someone out there.

So sorry see what no NaBloPoMO does to me.

How sad, I blew the 1st day of December. I didn't mean to I was just out all day I left my house around 9:45 am and didn't get back home until 11:30pm. And I had the girls with me. It was a loooooooong day to say the least.

Between dance class, grocery shopping, home to unload then change our clothes. Off to my niece's birthday party, then out with my aunt to go to the Fairgrounds and visit the lights and Christmas Village they have set up. Followed by a very late night dinner. I just didn't have it in me to get on line last night.

I have a not so busy day planned for today. All I need to do is go and buy the girls some boots. Then come home clean a tad and veg. I like days that I don't have any real plans and can just sit and relax. Ooh maybe I can work some more on the baby blanket I am knitting for my sister. I have been neglecting it for the past couple of weeks. Her baby shower is next month so I better get a move on it.

http://neenspeaks.blogspot.com/

End of the month

Wow did November fly by. I am so glad that I did the NaBloPoMo thing! It really gave me some motivation to actually blog. I have been so terrible at it in the past. Mainly because I think of it more as a journal since who would be interested in anything happening in my boring life here. But I promise to keep it up now. I really do, it might not be everyday but it won't be like the month gaps between my postings like it has been.

It is starting to lightly snow here. There is a storm expected for late tomorrow. I am so not looking forward to it. But hey I really cannot complain since there is no snow on the ground at this moment. In past years we've already had a blanket of snow by this time. It was 25º/4ºc at the bus stop this morning can you say brrrr. Once again Madeline was the only one to take the bus in the morning. (One kid got kicked off the bus again, I hate this little piss pot, and I never say that I hate a child so you know that he is a bad seed. Been a pain in my ass since Madeline was 2 years old. The others just hate playing the waiting game). I should just start driving her into school to I think. We never know when her bus driver is going to show up and it sucks sometimes being forced to be at the stop for a half hour since she might be early or late. I already wrote a note into the school letting them know that I will be picking her up from school everyday instead of her taking the bus home. It is just insane how long it takes her to get home. Most of the time she'll get home at 3:50 after being let out at 3:25, that may not seem to long but when we live 5 streets away from the school, and are the 3rd bus stop on the return trip it is insane. Two other buses pass our stop from her school well before ours even makes the turn onto Parker. (The street where she catches the bus).

I am so ready for a nap right now. I may just lay down on the couch here put the t.v. on and let it be a babysitter for me for a bit. Yes I'll admit it I can be a slacker mom at times. I know that I need a rest when I keep seeing that little red line under words that I normally don't misspell. I am sure if it weren't for spell check this post would be an english teacher's worst nightmare.

Is today over yet?

Please tell me it is I am ready for bed and it just past 9pm. Why is it that when the kids have a day off from school that is the one day they will wake up before the alarm would usually go off? Honestly I thought for sure with letting her stay up later last night I thought for sure that she'd be sleeping in.

Ding dong I was WRONG!

Then again she was excited to see what the tooth fairy had brought her.

I had a parent teacher conference this afternoon. I got nothing but compliments about Madeline. I was told how respectful and helpful she is. What a joy she is to have in class. That was good to hear, it really made me feel proud. Her teacher told me that she is one of the best readers in her class. She is reading at an end of 2nd almost 3rd grade level. (Those that don't know Madeline is in the 1st grade). I don't know how they can tell the difference but Yeah Mads!

Earlier today the girls and I were in the playroom and the television in the living room was on. Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers came on and I just started singing along with the theme song and bopping to the music. I couldn't believe I remembered the words to the song. The characters, the plots. The kids I used to babysit loved that show. Funny how things like that stay with you and get buried in your brain, then once you hear that trigger and BAM! it all comes back.

Big day in our House

BEHOLD THE TOOTHLESS WONDER!

Madeline lost her first tooth today. Well her first tooth the natural way. The front one on the bottom. The one on the top she lost due to a run in with her sister and a toy. She was a nervous wreck all afternoon once she noticed that tiny spot of blood. You'd of thought she was bleeding to death. I did manage to get her calmed down but she wouldn't let me yank it out of her mouth. It was hanging by a thread and bothering her. She couldn't eat well with it still in. I told her to keep pushing it back and forth with her tongue to try to get it out. She went into her bedroom whimpering only to come out screaming with joy about 10 minutes later. Proudly showing me the new space in between her teeth and a tiny tooth in her hand.

So tonight the tooth fairy will be leaving her a five spot since all she has in her wallet is that or a twenty. A Webkinz and a little note.

Wed. November 28, 2007



Dear Madeline ,

Wow - you lost your first tooth!
Well I mean the first tooth you lost on your own.
(I know all about the Lillian thing).
I was so excited when I heard it was loose.
Everyone here in Tooth FairyLand is thrilled about the news, especially me, your own personal TOOTH FAIRY! My name is Audrey.

I took a minute from flying around the world collecting
teeth to write you a special note. After all this is a very special day!

I'm very proud of you. You see I always check those teeth
to make sure they are white and shiny. It looks like you're
doing a great job - keep brushing!

Remember, when you feel that little tickle on your cheek while
you're sleeping - that's the flutter of my wings as I check up on you.

All my best and see you again soon!
Your Tooth fairy
Audrey

Corny I know but I guess I am that kind of mom. I am shocked at how hard this milestone is hitting me even. My baby is growing up. I still cannot believe that she is 6 some days.

My tree is up please leave me a present

Happy Holidays to you!

bgcolor="ffffff" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" />

Ho Ho Ho

After a few minutes and a couple of bribes I got this years Santa picture. All day today my little one couldn't wait to see the Big Man himself. Telling me that she is going to sit on his lap, telling me that she was going to tell him that she wants this and that for Christmas and that she has been a good girl. So I am real excited last she she gave me no trouble at all seeing him, Madeline was a different story.

Well this year talk about role reversal. Madeline was so excited to see Santa, waving at him as I took their coats off and brushed their hair pre-picture. Lillian turned into a little howler monkey "Nooooo!!!" and hiding her face behind her arms. Panic stricken as I undid the belt on her stroller. As soon as I undid it she was refastening it. I told her that Santa had a present for her after she'd go by him. I told her that I'd get her a treat if she went. By now Mads is begging me to go up to him and trying to course her sister to go up too. Telling her that Santa is a good man and that he brings them presents on Christmas.

The promise of taking her to Claires for some new earrings, Christmas earrings I think finally tipped the scales. So she agreed to go up as long as she could stay in the stroller and I went up too. No problem. We tried taking a photo that way but it looked like a disembodied head was in the shot. I somehow managed to get her out of the stroller and onto Santa's lap. Of course at this time the photographer's back was turned as he was talking to the people behind us about package prices. (Speaking of that holy cow did the cost of these pics skyrocket!). Then the faces began. She had all the people around the area in stitches by making goofy faces as the photographer was busy. She was smiling and I was ready to yell at the guy to get to the camera and take the shot as she was happy for the time being. Of course by the time he did I get this look on her face. But at least she didn't have her tongue hanging out or the look of sheer terror on her face.

On another note, drum roll please................ I am done Christmas shopping! FINISHED! Woo hoo! (Throws confetti, blows noisemaker). I picked up a couple of gift certificates for use at over 100 local establishments, restaurants, spas, salons, etc... No more, I can just sit back and relax until Christmas Eve.

Well not really, I still need to make some cookies. But I can start those in a couple weeks and it is not like I have to run around a lot to do that. I think I am doing the cut outs and peanut blossoms this year. Mmmm cookies.

Big news for Madeline

Ok thought this deserved another posting for today. My baby has her 1st loose tooth. She is a bit nervous. Can't blame her from her past dental experiences. I am just dreading her freaking out when she sees the blood. I know that will send her into a tizzy. But now the count down has begun.

Its a party and I am the only one invited!

Sounds like fun huh? I decided to wrap the presents this morning. It was nice in a way. I went down stairs with an oversized cup of hot tea and the iPod clock radio speaker thing I got for a steal on Friday Sat down on the cold floor and started wrapping. I wrapped and I wraped. But I got the job done. Woo hoo not even December yet and I am looking good. I still have a few things I need to pick up for the rest of the people on our list but those will just be gift certificats. Sounds like that is taking the easy way out but for people like my Grandma and dad and step-mom they have everything that they really need and just buy what they want so they enjoy a meal out. Hell I know that I do too. A night off of cooking sounds great to me. (Even better than not cooking is NO DISHES!).

Thanksgiving take 2

Ed's mom is feeling better so she invited us all over for Thanksgiving dinner today. I hope it goes well. I am not in the mood for another meal like that so soon. I really don't want to go. With his mom and sister just being sick I am a tad nervous that he might pick up something. That is the last thing he needs. (That I need too). Oh well lots to do right now got to give the kids a bath and get them dressed. How bad is this almost 1:15 pm Saturday afternoon and the kids and me are still in our pajamas. But hey its Saturday.

Black Friday

Yes I am one of those nut jobs that goes out shopping today. My aunt and I started going out a few years ago together. It has become a much beloved tradition for us. Leaving the house at 3 am or or going to get some coffee, then to wait in lines. SHOPPING, breakfast, then more SHOPPING. Sometimes lunch or dinner too depending on what time it is when we finish. Although I didn't get an early start this year like we do every other year. (Ed had his radiation therapy at 8:30 this morning and I didn't have a sitter). So we finally got out around 10. I got Ed a miter saw at Sears that he has had his eyes on. (I went there alone before I picked up my aunt, it'd be hard to sneak that in the house with him home). Got a great deal on it too. As I was carrying it out of the store to my car this nice young man, I'd say late 20's and he insisted on carrying it to my car for me. I was so touched. It is nice that there are still gentlemen out there. I should add that he was carrying a bunch of bags before hand too. He was walking with his girlfriend. She is one lucky lady if he treats her as nice as he did me a total stranger.

I got some great deals today. I do think it was it going out today.

What a day.

Oy vey... where so I start. Perhaps with the 8 am phone call from my father in law saying that Thanksgiving dinner is canceled because my mother in law has the stomach flu. My husband was out on his morning coffee and paper run. So I call him to let him know and that if he wants turkey to stop off at the store and buy one. He groans, you can tell that he is not that happy and that he was at his mom's last night she should of told him then. I reiterated that she woke up sick. Not like she knew last night, he said "yeah you're right, fine." okay so he comes home with a turkey and tells me "oh by the way I called Dave, (his brother) and invited him over too." Okay I really didn't mind but he should of at least cleared it with me first. That would of been a simple curiosity.

Our house wasn't exactally the neatest this morning as I am still in the process of our Christmas decorating and had some boxes up here all over the living room floor. I had a crapload of laundry that I was sorting. Putting the warm weather stuff away swapping them out with the winter clothes. Putting the too small clothes into donation bags. Stuff I didn't mind having out knowing that no one was coming over. Ed was like "its only Dave". Still between prepping the meal, making the stuffing (which I had to go back to the store to get the stuff to make since I didn't have most the ingredients on hand that I needed on hand), the last thing I wanted to do was clean the room. The kids were climbing the walls, they were driving me nuts. At least Ed helped out some and peeled the potatoes, chopped some onion and celery for me. He helped clean up too so that was one less thing off my mind. But I still was in a frenzy and wound up over the events of earlier. Nothing like trying to put together a Thanksgiving meal in a couple hours.
I did it though, came out real good too. I guess that is all that matters in the end. I am just glad that today is just about over.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

rain rain go away

Really go away it has been raining non stop all day today. With the temperature dropping like it is you all know what that means. Sleet then snow ick ick ick! My least favorite weather. I just am happy that I don't have to cook for tomorrow. Going to the in laws for dinner. Woo hoo. I don't have to cook, I don't have to cook. If you could see me now you'd see me doing a happy dance.

I also got my DGE gift bought, wrapped, packed, just need to go to the post office and ship it. So buddy if you are reading this by some chance I really hope that you like it. But I am not going to spill the beans as to what it is here.

Easy money

WOW today was by far the easiest $40 I ever made. $40 for a ten minute job. Not to shabby eh? I'm part of a mom's panel for Fisher Price. I get called in ask asked my opinions on their products, new designs, packaging etc... each time I go in I get $40 cash for anywhere between and hour to two hours, an hour and a half has been the norm. Today was 1-2-3 all they wanted was our thoughts on new packaging. Ten minutes later we were thanked, handed our money wished a Happy Thanksgiving and left.

Of course I went to the Fisher Price Store right afterwards and spent it on Christmas gifts But every penny in that department helps out.

Feel so accomplished

I got up the rest of my Christmas decorations, took the picture and ordered the holiday cards. It will be cropped and framed of course but here is the original version. Lillian did not want to get out of her dress. It was a battle to get her out of it. Made a ham for dinner with a nice maple glaze with a side of potatoes not really sure what you'd call them just something I throw together and fry up a tad. Everyone loves them, and that is all that truly matters.

Ed's radiation was canceled this morning, his doctor wasn't in and the one doing it had some questions about it and thought it would be best to wait. I guess since the chemo destroyed the tumor he wondered why Ed was there to get radiation with the dose prescribed. I wish I was there to get the full story Ed has a tendency to half listen, you know that selective male hearing. They scheduled him for 8:30 each morning and that is the time that Madeline gets on the bus for school.

Oh and I know that this is silly but I do postcrossing, ( www.postcrossing.com if you want to check it out. You basically send up to 5 strangers in the world a postcard, but never to someone in your own country, then you will get the same number you send out back from somewhere in the world not the person you sent yours to) and I actually got countries that weren't Germany or Finland this time around. My newest batch of cards went to Great Britain, Switzerland, and Japan. Out of 121 sent cards this will be my 1st to Japan, so I am kind of excited to be getting that line on my map. I even got Madeline into it. It is a great way for her to practice her writing and reading plus it means she gets mail which she loves and a nice collection of postcards to boot.

Glad I am not a fan

The Bills got their asses handed to them yesterday by New England 56-10. How embarrassing. I just checked the score now because I know that my husband will ask when I go to bed in a few minutes. I am so happy I don't give two shits about sports otherwise I might be a tad miffed.

Oh Christmas tree & radio boycott.

Well it looks like it is time for me to start my annual boycott of what are usually two of my favorite radio stations. This weekend they switched over to their all holiday music all the time formats. I think that over a month is too long, I'd be happy if they only did it the week of Christmas, that be enough for me in all honesty. Two weeks at the most. It sucks that I won't use two of the pre-set stations on my radio now.

I also did my tree. The girls are thrilled about that. I am still in the process of obtaining ornaments. Yes I am one of those that does a theme tree but it is far from professional looking and I do have a few non-gingerbread ones thrown in there. I try to buy a few new ones every year so one day I will have enough to fill it. The back of the tree is basically bare, and ornaments can get expensive. I know that there is the dollar store and I have quite a few of those already, but I want a variety of gingerbread themed ones not just the same four or five that the store carries over and over. I still need to bring up my other decorations so you are not getting the full affect here.

And soon that fugly rug you are seeing will be gone gone gone. Yes i still am giddy about the new flooring. I just can't wait to start it. Don't mind the globe less light in the background, my girls were horsing around and well you can put two and two together to guess what happened.

The perfect gift!

I am so happy that many stores are having great sales before Black Friday this year. I doubt that I will be able to go since Ed has radition therapy that morning, and I am not taking the girls out in that mess or getting them up that early. I usually leave the house at 3 am. Yes I am nuts I know. I managed to pick up a few things today for some of the kids in the family. I think I will get the rest something at the Fisher Price factory store after my Mom's Pannel meeting this Tuesday. I am so excited about what I got my sister Julie too. I bought her something I know that she will love...

Luxury Foldable Massaging Back Rest

Luxurious Relaxation AnywhereRelax in style. The luxury foldable massaging back rest provides soothing deep tissue relief, portable flexibility, and a classic modern design that will compliment any lifestyle. This rest delivers a vibrating massage that melts away lower back tension and reduces the stress and strain of hectic everyday life.Through its’ ergonomic design, the luxury massaging back rest combines easy to fold arms, lightweight design, and a built-in handle for easy storage and portable use. We've brought functionality and style together to create an ideal formof lower back relief and relaxation.Upholstered in camel faux suede andembellished with a built-in beverage holderand convenient side pockets, you can comfortablyrelax in your favorite spot with everything you needwithin arms reach.

I think that it will be one of her favorite gifts this year. I know my back killed me when I was pregnant and I know that hers has been bothersome lately. Hell after reading that description I think I'd like one too.

One lesson I did learn today is DO NOT TAKE KIDS WHEN YOU GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! If at all possible pawn them off on somebody else for a couple hours and do it alone. They only slowed me down and the constant I want that!, me telling them don't touch, stay by me it was totally exhausting.

No my tree is not up either, after the long day I had I just did not have it in me to drag up all the Christmas crap. At least dinner was easy the girls wanted chicken noodle soup and ham sandwiches. Hooray for easy dinner nights, I love those the best. I only wish we could have more of them.

Tis the season...

I know I know I know but it is not even Thanksgiving yet and my new neighbors across the street spent yesterday decorating their house. The guy down the street already has those inflatable character and snow globe things up. It seems that this decorating madness starts earlier and earlier every year. I just don't seem to have that Holiday Spirit yet this year, maybe it is because all we've been through, or just burn out since seeing all the decorations out in the stores since late September.

I did make a fabric wreath for our front door, (I am such a crafting nerd, most of the decorations that I have I made). I am kind of bummed that I won't be able to afford to go to my craft class this year. But I'd rather have my husband's health over a new trinket. I just know that my girls will soon be on my case to get our stuff up. I usually start our decorating the day after Thanksgiving, but like I said earlier my heart is just not in it this year. But I know I need to get moving if I want to get the girls photo cards done. I usually take their picture in front of the tree then order the cards.

Just had a phone call few minutes ago from my sister. I swear I need to reserve a nice padded room in the funny farm for a weekend. My sister is expecting a baby in March. We are planning on her shower for January. Up until now her mother in law has been insistent on the fact that she will be having her own shower for Julie for "her side" of the family. Reason being that she does not get along that well with my mother or step mother. Now out of the blue she wants to combine the parties which means the place we were planning on having her shower is now to small to accommodate the group. I just feel like calling this woman up and telling her too freaking bad. You were the one who made a big stink about throwing your own shower for your family. Live with your decision you dumb cow. I hope that this means that she will be sending some cash our way for the party. She wants us to have the party at a local country club umm there is no way that I can afford to go in and equal share on that and what I can give will not amount to much there.

Did I mention that I really don't like my brother in law's side of the family? The only one I do like out of that lot is my brother in law.

Losing it.

Ok I admit it I am a sap. Some of these holiday commercials that they have started playing are bringing tears to my eyes. If I didn't know any better I'd swear I was pregnant, crying at the drop of a hat and such.

I have had the hardest time falling and staying asleep these past few days. It is killing me. Nothing like looking at the clock and seeing 3:30 am and knowing at 7:00 the alarm will be going off. It is almost like why even bother trying to get some sleep at that point. I am shocked that I am able to function at all. I so need to crash, my body says no no no and my mind go go go, yet I don't think of anything except how tired I am. Oh well I guess I'll get back to some knitting. Julie's blanket is coming along very well its almost done, as are the girls hats and scarf sets. I wonder if there are others like me who project jump or if they tend to stick to one until it is complete.

Mini rant

Know what really pisses me off, these teenagers who dress all in black or dark colors and walk in the street when there are sidewalks available. Then they have the audacity to get pissy at drivers as they go by. Here at 5 pm it is already pretty dark out. I was driving to go and get us some Chinese for dinner and of course there she was. Walking in the street, not some side street but one of the busiest and longest in my area it goes from the heart of downtown Buffalo all the way out to the country. What is up with that? She was alone, all in black, the side walks are clear there is no snow, there is no reason to be in the street. Ugh people like that just drive me crazy.

One of those days...

Been having one of those days today. The kids are not getting along at all. They are driving me up a wall. All I hear is a scream, whine or a cry from them. every few minutes. I need some peace and quiet. I have already threatened them with not going up to my sister's tomorrow. At this pace they are NOT going. Today was her birthday and I am going to take her gifts to her tomorrow since Madeline does not have any school. Our aunt is going to go with us we'll take her out to lunch too. I can't wait to see her I so miss her since she moved. I liked it a lot better when she was five minutes away, this hour stuff sucks especially since my nephew will soon be here. With the way gas prices are skyrocketing I won't be able to get up there as much as I'd like too.

I also went Christmas shopping today and ended up getting a couple things for myself too. Kohl's was having a great sale plus I got one of those 30% off coupons. You have to love an additional 30% off already reduced and sale prices. What I ended up getting for myself is new flatware, it was on sale too boot! The one we had were my grandmothers from when we moved in here. And a digital photo key chain. It is the coolest thing. I love it been uploading pictures to it in between posting here and watching a movie on television here. I have to admit that do I feel guilty about getting myself something especially with all that is going on here though. I did end up getting some great deals and saved a bunch in the process.

Just a thought I have in my head here.

This may seem like a crazy thought, mainly because it is already into the whole cold weather season, and I don't have any of these items on hand or an army of knitters to help me at this point. But I was thinking that I would like to have a decent number of knitted hats to donate to the patients of The Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Maybe some funky looking ones for the children and young adult set, even the trendy older ones. This is something that I could do every year too. I think it would be a nice way to give back to all the people and patients that I have met there. If any of you reading this are knitters and would like to volunteer your needles and send me hats for the cause please leave a comment or a way I can get in touch with you. I am going to bring this up with my knitting group at out next get together. I am sure that they will all help out. I love having a project.

Why am I such a push over when it comes to the kids?

Here I am feeling like crap and I totally forgot that tonight was Reading Night at Mads school. It's an activity filled night and each child gets a nice book to take home. I told her that I wasn't feeling that good that I had a head ache and my tummy hurt and she looked so sad. Begged me to go. Ed was being an ass and said that he didn't want to take her. I mean I did sign up for this thing and the school did buy goodies for all four of us and only two of us ended up going. No way was I going to take Lillian too feeling like this. Luckily Ed said we'll get a pizza for dinner tonight so I won't have to cook since I look like hell.

I threw on some jeans and a decent top. I drug myself to the bathroom to put some make-up on, since like I said I look like hell. If you could only see the dark circles under my eyes, I swear that Bare Minerals make up is a miracle worker I will never use any other brand of make up again. I swear that I didn't look like death warmed over there. I am not one to ever say that I look good, usually when I look in the mirror I want to throw up at what I see. But even I have to admit that I don't see myself as so hideous when I wear this stuff.

It wasn't a bad night and it did go by fast. Mads made a cool beaded bookmark, a couple magnets for the fridge. Got a word search which she loves doing. I need to get her a couple books for her stocking this year. They also had a Chinese Auction to help raise funds for the new playground that they want to build I only had $3.00 on me so I bought $3.00 worth of tickets. Well I won three baskets. I got some looks from some of the parents there but hey I paid my money, I didn't draw the numbers. I got a basket full of mini purses some are real cute and I'd consider using them if I went out for a night on the town but I will probably just give them to the girls to use for dress up play. A porcelain doll, which I will give to my mother in law since she collects dolls, that will most likely be to Grandma from the girls kind of thing since they adore her doll room. The last item I just knew I'd win because I didn't want it at all and I put my last ticket in there just because. It is a pink New York Yankees lunch box. I hate the Yankees. There was also a Barbie paint by number set in the package that I didn't see until we got home so Mads is thrilled with that. She asked if she could use her new lunch box tomorrow. Tomorrow is also a half day and of course no school on Monday so it will be a very long weekend here.

ugh

Okay I think I can say that I am sick now. My head is throbbing, I am freezing, my body aches. Even the hair on my head hurts. I feel like I am going to toss my cookies. You don't even want to know about the other end. I just put my jammies back on, and am hoping that Ed gets back from Roswell soon so that I don't have to move and go and get Madeline from the bus stop. They were so swamped that they pushed back his appointment from this morning to early afternoon.

So right now I put a DVD in for Lillian to watch, she's a girl after my own heart picking out Pirates of the Caribbean ( my little Johnny Depp fan). I so cannot wait until Sweeny Todd is released I have to see that one, and not just 'cuz my Johnny is in it. I love musicals and have been so happy in these past few years that more and more are being made into movies. I could watch them over and over again.

Blah blah blah

Another boring day here not much going on. Ed had to go for yet another CT scan this afternoon, and tomorrow he is going for another scan, the name escapes me at the moment, probably thanks to the couple of Tequila Sunrises I just downed. Anyways it is the scan he needs before his radiation therapy starts up. So we are about halfway through the treatment phase now. I know it is going to be much different from the chemo he will go everyday now for radiation where as it was every 21 days for the R-CHOP treatments. At least this time we won't have to pay for parking that alone would kill us. It is insane how much some of those garages charge for a couple hours, what a money making scheme. I just hope all goes well with this new treatment. Can't wait to see the reaction to this therapy, I hope it will be better than the chemo, those drugs can be real nasty.

I seem to have gotten this icky cough. Just what I need. I think Lillian is coming down with something she has just been down right miserable these past two days. The fact that she is refusing to nap is no help either. Nor is the weather helping, its too nippy and wet to be going outside to play, plus it is getting dark soon after Mads gets home from school, by the time homework is done and dinner is served it is pitch black out. My body is even starting to give into the darkness so to speak. Here it is shortly after 9pm and I am ready for bed. then again that could be the drinks too, (hee hee).

Yo Gabba Gabba...WTF?!

Anyone else hate this show? Lillian loves it, adores it. I think it is down right creepy. I see this show and scream WTF IS THAT?. One of the characters reminds me of a dildo another a butt plug. What wonderful choices for characters for a show aimed at the pre-school set.

It kind of reminds me of a mix between The Banana Splits and those downright freaky Sid and Marty Krofft shows, H.R. Pufnstuff, (what the hell were they puffin' when they thought of this show?), Lidsville, Sigmund and the Sea Monster. They are also the ones that brought us Land of the Lost.

All I need now if for to to start singing some of the annoying songs that they sing on this show. For example the Snack song, "Snacky snacky snacky snack, snack" Just those words over and over again. Its enough to cause any sane parent to drive an ice pick into their brain.

sNOOOOOw

Eww eww eww and no non NO!!! Not snow. I hate snow! It really coming down here now. It's not the light and fluffy kind either its the big and wet and mixed with hail kind. It wasn't snowing when I took Mads to the bus stop this morning. Ed took Lil out for a drive so I laid back down for about half an hour. I woke up to the sounds of what I thought was rain, how I wish it was rain. Especially since I have a good deal of driving to do today to go to Fisher Price for the mom's panel that I am on. Even here in Buffalo some people tend to drive like an idiot during the first snowfall.

I am so glad that I went out yesterday to get the girls their snow suits. Talk about timing. I don't think that you could have planned that better. I guess his means that I will have to start wearing socks too, sigh. I prefer to go barefoot my tootsies like to be free. But on the up note I can knit more hats scarves and gloves now. :) I mean the girls will need matching sets for their new winter wear right? I am glad I found a hobby that relaxes me so.

I really hate daylight savings.

I really really do. Here it is not even 5:30 est and it is dark outside. Extra hour of sleep my ass! My girls got up earlier than usual today. I feel another cold coming on and I am running on empty here. I really hate this time of year, fall up until this point I simply adore. The kids have been driving us up a wall today, just one of those not getting along at all days, one of those whiney, screaming, "mom she's looking at me!" ones. (I really need a drink or four).

I so don't feel like making dinner tonight, would it be bad if I served the kids cereal and sent them to bed at 6? I mean it is dark outside, they might not know the difference. I know that I am ready for bed right now. Hmmm a nice hot bath, maybe light a candle, grab a book a nice long soak. Sounds heavenly. If I could trust Ed to keep the girls quiet and out of the bathroom I might atempt it, but alas he has football on and for some reason when he watches sports he becomes zombie like. He seems to block out all that is going on around him and just watch the game. It really pisses me off in a way, I mean is it wrong to want a few moments of peace and quiet to myself?

This afternoon we spend a great deal of time going through a lot of the stuff we have here and ended up ditching a lot of it. Trying to clear things out before we lay our new floor. This new floor has been a great motivation to clear stuff out. I only dread the fact that next month we will be bringing in so much more crap thanks to Christmas.

Thank you.

Thank you, two simple words that I never expected to hear but made me feel so good. I was at Ghetto Mart this evening picking up a couple items. I usually try to avoid this particular store like the plague. If you live in my area you know the place. Anyways they had a Slipper Tree for our Children's Hospital. They were asking customers to purchase a pair of slippers and then donate them to the hospital so the kids there could have warm feet while they travel through the halls while there. The hospital is has such great play areas too, play rooms for the kids, computers, game systems, toys, blocks you get the picture. So I buy a pair albeit a cheap one, I actually felt guilty for not shelling out the extra $3.00 for a character one but money is tight here as it is. And it is the thought that counts right?

So I go to the check out and over to the greeter where the sign said to turn in the slippers. The greeter was clueless about this Slipper Tree thing. He had no clue as to what I was talking about. (Way to go Wal Mart, way to train and inform your employees about store going ons). He took them from me and placed them on the table they always have there for lose change donations for the hospital. The security guard stationed at the door observed all of this and walked over to me. He had the sweetest look on his face and his eyes were shining, "Excuse me ma'am", he said "you just bought those slippers for some kid you don't know? You're just giving them away like that?" I told him yes, he then placed his hand on my shoulder and said "thank you, you are going to make some child very happy, God bless that child and you too ma'am, I wish there were more people out there like you". I actually teared up at his words, I didn't do this for any sort of recognition, I just wanted to do a little something to help out the hospital. It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, I wish that I could do more, give more. But that guards words turned the shitty day that I was having into a great one.

Just had to share this

I just got this in an e mail, I know a 3 entry day wow, But I so need to keep this somewhere and I know in my e mail I will eventually delete it by mistake. It put a real smile on my face and I hope that it will do the same to you my friends.


When you have a 'I Hate My Job' day, try this:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed.


Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Now the fun part begins. Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:


'Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized '.


Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times,'I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control at Johnson & Johnson.'


HAVE A NICE DAY AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE A $$ THAN YOURS!

Boo!

How could I forget to post a Halloween pic?
Here are my two little monsters.

November already?

Wow where did the time go to? I cannot believe that the year is almost over already. I mean really we'll blink and it will be goodbye 2007 and hello 2008! I am so not looking forward to this weekend or to winter in general. I really hate turning the clocks back that hour. I hate it when it 4 something it is getting dark out side, I hate the cold temperatures. This morning at the bus stop it was 30ºf. Can you say brrrrr? Of course I don't have any gloves yet and being outside scrapping the ice off your windshield in the bitter cold is so much fun. I do have a new hat though. See Lillian modeling it for me. :) Don't mind her dirty cheeto face.



I drove Madeline to school this morning since she had been chosen to read the Pledge this morning. She did such a good job, yes I had to go and hear her read it over the PA system. What kind of mom would I be if I missed it? I am so proud of her for being chosen to do this, she was hand picked because of the great work she does at school. Her teacher told me how impressed she was by her reading, writing, and artistic skills. She specifically mentioned how descriptive Mads sentences were. She showed me an example of her work and even I have to say that kid has some talent. I mean I know that she is bright but I really have no other children to compare her to. But wow she blew a lot of her classmates out of the water while one kid wrote, Joe has a dog. Madeline wrote My friend Joe has a small brown dog his name is Max. Joe and Max like to play ball. Yeah not bad for a six year old.

I also got Madeline's school picture back today. I wish they would of fixed her hair a tad but not bad overall I think. I just look at this picture and think WTF? When did she get so big? Looking back at her pre K and kindergarten pics she has changed so very much. She no longer has that little girl look (sob..sigh..sniff). She looks so grown up. Also on the Mads front it seems there is a little boy in her class that she likes, I hear he likes her too. Oooo got to love that puppy love. I do have to say that he is one cute little boy though very nice too.

Oh happy day!

Oh joy, oh joy, oh joy! I am besides myself with happiness right now. Finally after eight years of complaining I am finally getting my wish. New flooring! Yippee yippee! This ugly, old thing that has to be close to 20 years old now will soon be gone forever! We bought a maple laminate floor. Big thanks to my sister Julie for giving us a few boxes of the same flooring that she had left over from her floor that I loved. Saved us a bunch of money. Oh the joys of no stains, quicker cleanups, less allergies. (it will really be better now for when we do get finally get that dog too, no pet carpet stains :) )

My brother in law also offered to come over to help us install it. How great is that. So got to make sure we have some beer, pizza and wings from Molino's for them. It is a local pizzeria that they love and miss since moving over an hour away from here. It is the very least that we can do for all that they have done and are doing for us.

Other news over here; Ed is done with chemo! Yeah! He still is going to go for radiation therapy to be on the safe side. His doctor's say that the chances of the lymphoma coming back are very slim. So another big yeah there. It still seems surreal to me at times these past few months and all that we've been through. I wouldn't wish it on anyone though its been a rough ride. I am just so lad that things health wise are getting back on track, now only if his job situation would.

Little Miss Sally

Today at dance she had her Halloween party look at my little Sally.







She makes me so proud by choosing to be nothing cutesy for Halloween. Last year she went as a dead pop star. She is really a girl after my own heart.

All set costume wise for Halloween

Lillian finally decided on what she wanted to be for Halloween.

Jack Skellington from Nightmare Before Christmas!
Madeline is going as Sally from the same movie. My mother in law made her the costume. (Those girls did me proud choosing something on the darker side. I am so into Halloween, but really not into the cutesy stuff, give me zombies, vampires, werevolves and the likes of those).

I was out and about today and decided to go to the mall to pick up her costume.
Lo and behold it was on sale! YIPPEE!! 50% OFF (I did a lil dance in the Disney Store).



I also picked up a costume for myself since it too was 50% off, in fact all the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff was 50% off. I need to go back and get some more

So just like Mads I too am going to be Sally


I also picked up these for myself, gonna use them as pj's




I got all of this stuff believe it for the full price of the adult costume.

I love it when I can get deals like this.

sort of bummed

I talked to a lady from the greyhound rescue group and was told that there are not a lot of dogs available at the moment and that there are people on the list ahead of me. It is racing season now and the dogs are on the tracks but those that don't do so well might be released before the end of the season but come spring there will be a whole new crop that will need homes.

I <3 this time of year.

mmm....fall

I love this time of year, pretty colors, cool days, perfect nights for sleeping. Today smelled so crisp and clean. I had my windows open to air out the house a bit. There is something about this time of year that makes me crave beef stew as well. Tonight for dinner I cooked us up a pot. It was good today but tomorrow it will be even better. It is always better the next day. It really warmed out tummies. Another thing that I love about this time of year is something I hate as well. The fact that it gets dark earlier, the only reason I love it is a very selfish one. My kids see that it is dark outside and they will tell me that it is bedtime. :) So here it is 7:45 and they went to bed on their own. I just hope that they stay there but so far for the long run. So far its been quiet they went into their room around 7:30. (cross your fingers for me). It is nice sitting here alone in the quiet, Ed is at the Sabres hockey game tonight maybe I will break out a drink sit back put my feet up on the couch, turn on the tv and knit some. Or I just may stay here on the computer too. ;)

Wheels have been set in motion...

I just sent our information to a local greyhound rescue group. So hopefully soon we will be adding a member to our family here. After researching a few breeds we have agreed that this is the perfect dog for us.

Also its a boy! Yes Julie found out that her baby has a penis so I will be having a nephew come March. I started to knit him a hooded receiving blanket. It feels so warm already. Madeline wants me to knit her doll Vanessa one. Vanessa is a Lee Middleton vinyl life sized new born doll. Lillian has one too, a boy she calls Benjamin. Funny thing is about these dolls is that they are as long as mine were at birth and they weigh more then mine did. Hard to believe that a doll weighs more then my babies did. Madeline was 5lb 13oz and Lillian was 6lb 14oz. The dolls are 7lbs.

In a way I am a tad disappointed it is a boy. I have a ton of baby girl stuff here I have been saving. But at least all those noisy infant toys that Auntie Julie bought my girls can be returned to her now. (evil laughter) Would it be bad to get an unborn baby a drum set for this Christmas?

Tick tock tick tock

Well it happens to us all I guess. I am blaming the colder weather. I over slept this morning, not by too much but by enough to have to leave the house with wet hair. Since Madeline was moved into the next level for her dance classes, her class switched days and times. I mean I knew that it would happen and I am so proud of her for being one of the three kids from her class last year to advance to the next level. But they are held on Saturday mornings. One of the days I could actually sleep in. Add to the fact that I will have at least a 10-15 minute wait it seems at the Tim Horton's window to get my morning dose of caffeine ( I can not function without my morning tea), meaning that I have to leave our house a tad earlier to get it.

Well I usually get up between 7 and 8 on Saturday mornings, today I woke up at 9:15. So I woke Madeline up, gave her her tights and leotard to put on and jumped in the shower. Got out quickly dried off threw on some clothes. Told Mads that she needed some clothes to put on over her dance stuff since it is now cold out here. And we were off. Did I forget to mention that while all of that was going on Lillian was throwing a fit because she wanted to go too, and good ol daddy staying in bed. Lovely right. At least we made it there on time.

Picture day & attack of the squirrels

Boy has a lot changed since I was in elementary school so many years ago. I just got back from visiting Madeline at school for lunch time. The people taking the school pictures were also set up in the cafeatorium (combo of the school's auditorium and cafeteria) . I was shocked at how many of the kids were in jeans and a tee shirt. I can see my mother having a hissy fit over this. While I am not one to overly dress my daughter for school I do try to make sure that her school wardrobe consists of more than ratty jeans and tee shirts. Yes she will wear jeans now and again even some days jeans and a nice tee shirt. But I was like come on now people its picture day, surely you have a nice outfit that you can send junior off to school in. Another thing that shocked me was the lack of mothers helping the photographers out. I mean back in the day when I was small there were always moms there helping out making sure the kids hair looked good. That shirts were buttoned correctly that stains on shirts were somewhat cleaned up. And we always got that comb, it just wasn't picture day without that free cheap plastic comb. Seems now they will just shoot the picture no matter how the kid looks. I was pissed last year when in Mads spring picture no one bothered to fix her pig tails. So the photo came back with her hair all lopsided. I've dabbled in photography, even had a few paying shoots and I would never never ever take a pic where I felt that the subject didn't look presentable.

Now on to part two, what is with all the squirrels around lately? I have never seen so many before. Backyard, front yard, next door, across the street, every where I look I see at least one bushy tail. It drives me nuts, (no pun intended) when people will say "oh look how cute they are", um hello...they are just rats with a bushy tails, much like seagulls are just rats with wings. These "rats" are getting so bold here too coming right up on my front porch, maybe within a couple feet of us when we are outside. I have never seen then act this brazen here before. I just cannot wait for winter in a way, (did I just say that? Must be getting sick), at least then I won't have to see them any more. Well at least not until spring right?

Grocery store dramas

This afternoon I took the girls to Tops to do some grocery shopping. They wanted to sit in the cart with the two plastic seats. I strapped Lillian in and was helping Madeline adjust her straps when I heard a blood curdling scream. A bee had stung Lilly on the palm of her hand. She is freaking out as the bee is trying to free itself. Maddie is freaking out because she sees a bee. This was my first dealing with a bee sting as a mom. I managed to pull out the stinger and I start walking to customer service to see if they had anything I could put on it. But of course there was a line a mile long. People are now stopping and turning towards the lady with the two screaming kids, and tongues are wagging. I mention to them that my little one was just stung by a bee in the foyer. I walked up to the cashier at the check yourself out station thinking she might have something in her little desk there.

I am tapped on the shoulder by a lady and she told me that she was just at the front desk and asked for a manager to assist me. She is trying to help me get the girls calmed down. She even went as far as giving them both a dollar. She was a real sweet lady. The dollar worked for a few minutes too. The front end manager came up to me and asked what happened. Lilly showed her her hand and told her that a bad bee stung her between her sobs. She looked at her hand and told me that she thought that I had gotten the stinger out. (I had already known that since I pulled it out). She went to the aisle with all the medicines and came back with some anti-bacterial, medical spray and a band aid. Funny how band aids make everything better. She also gave each girl a candy bar. I thought that was very nice of her.

I ended up seeing that manager again while I was checking out. Seems that the chicken I had purchased rang up at a whopping $807.49 when it was scanned. It was marked $7.49. So when the cashier put her light on for assistance and it was her that came to my rescue once again. She made some joke about this just not being my day. Adjusted the price for me and called the meat department about their little error while the cashier finished checking me out.