Christmas is over?

Where does one even begin? We had such a good Christmas, it was pretty quiet and pleasant, the house remained fairly clean, and my chest became congested. I went to the doctor yesterday, I have bronchitis, a sinus infection and "pre-pneumonia," but I'm already better. (Brian has bronchitis, as well) It truly shows the magic of the Christmas season, that despite being sick, we had a great Christmas.

Anna and Noah were truly spoiled by Santa this year, he's a crazy guy.

I'm thinking I will not be blogging too much over the next week. My family is in town. I have five brothers and sisters (they are all married and they all have children) and we will be celebrating Christmas with them this week. It's a very busy time. A very crowded and chaotic time. A joyous time. We will even have house guests at our home, Brian and I will be sleeping in Sofa City.
Happy New Year! A few pictures for you.

HO HO HO-CHOOO!!

We are still sick. Please note the word "we." This sucks. The one thing I wanted to do today, on Christmas Eve, was attend mass twice. Once this morning because it's Sunday, and once early this afternoon to celebrate Christmas. But we are still in our pajamas. Not only have I been plagued by this terrible cold, but I also have insomnia (for the past three nights) and I am so tired.

I wanted to wake up feeling better, after a long night's rest, get dressed for church, stop on our way home for Dunkin' Donuts coffee, come home, bake cinnamon rolls and have the kids open up the little gifts we bought them and spend the day listening to Christmas carols, wrapping last minute gifts, baking and smelling my plethera of Christmas candles. Instead, we are sitting on our bed, eating cinnamon rolls, I am blogging, the kids are watching a Christmas episode of Little Einstein's and Brian is being paged by his job, in between sneezes.

I also want to mention that my poor sister-in-law is plagued with something even worse. They had planned to visit for the Christmas weekend, but her husband is so sick, they have to stay put all weekend. I feel so bad for them and wish they were here with us. :(

Although we wish we were well and doing all the "Christmas-y" things that people do, we're pretty happy right now, runny noses and all. Sometimes no matter how you plan, it doesn't turn out, but in the end, it all works out.

Merry Christmas, Everyone.

\

It always works out.

I finally have Kleenex

And when I say "Kleenex", I mean "Puffs." I should have purchased "Puffs Plus" because I have a cold. It's December 21st and I am just now starting to get a cold. whatever. Yesterday I had twinges of illness throughout the day, and this morning I definitely felt cold like symptoms, but I still went about my day as if I felt normal. (as a Mom, do you really have a choice?) As the day progressed I just felt worse and now I feel like crap.

It's unfortunate that while feeling like crap I had to go to the store. Wal-Mart Supercenter. I just had to grab a few things as I am hosting Christmas lunch on Christmas Day. (nothing fancy, just spaghetti, friends.) My few things turned into $188. total bullshit. I was waiting in line for a good 10 minutes when the lane next to me opened, I was in prime position to move when this woman, who hadn't even been in line, cut me off. I was SO PISSED. I mean, do you not know proper grocery store etiquette? HUH?? Do you?!!?!?!?!? While steam was flying out of my ears, I remembered a book I read the other day in a store. It actually addressed assholes like this woman who aggravate you. It said "instead of becoming angry at this person, take a deep breath and pray for them." I took a deep breath and I prayed for her. Well, I tried. I really prayed that I could go kick her ass without anyone noticing, but I prayed nonetheless.

I am officially done shopping. Done. My goal is to stay out of any type of store until December 27th. Well, maybe. I really want some Crane Lake Cabernet Sauvignon wine that my friend introduced me to last week. It's divine. But, maybe I'll send Brian. After all, I have a cold.

Apparently

Apparently, Christmas is five days away. For some reason, it seems so far, but when I think back on how quickly each week has gone by...I better get my bootie in gear. Every week in church, I see another candle lit in the Advent wreath and I can't believe how quickly Advent is passing by. I can't believe how quickly life is passing by.

I am also losing my mind. I keep forgetting things. Last week, we ran out of Kleenex. Okay, we didn't run out, I have some in my kitchen, but I like to have a box in my kitchen and a box in my bathroom. I was down to half a box in my kitchen with none in stock. (which is not like me) I went to the store on Friday and forgot to buy Kleenex. I was so frustrated. So, Monday, I had a small list of things and went into Wal-Mart Supercenter with both of the kids. I remembered the Kleenex and $85 worth of stuff. (how does that happen?!) I bought a big three pack for $4.87. I got home and realized I left it in my cart. I wanted to cry but I didn't have any kleenex.

I also go into stores to shop for people and forget to buy them anything. Makes my Christmas shopping days much longer. I also have been forgetting my camera when I attend functions. So much to forget, so many details. So little time. (by the way, I seriously just wiped my nose with my shirt and I did call Wal-Mart and nothing was turned in.)

Last night, my Mommy's Group met. It was really fun. The hostess made dinner for everyone and we had a gift exchange and a cookie exchange. Good wine, good friends, a warm fire. Does it get any better than that? I went to Kohl's at 10pm. It was THE BOMB!! Everything in stock. No lines or crazy people. Good prices.

Yesterday, Anna had her first preschool Christmas party. I helped plan a game, it was fun, they all had a great time. I also met another Mom who I really like. I am looking forward to today because I should be cleaning my house all day today. I'd like wrap some gifts, light some candles, play some music and get grooving. But my head hurts. ugh. I'll just drink more coffee and take more drugs. Here's to good health! Here are a few pictures from yesterday.

The game I created for the kids. Anna is on the lower left.

The classroom.

On our way home from the party.
If anyone asks, I was not taking pictures while driving.

The wonderful teachers.

Confession Monday

I have a confession. I like watching "Little People, Big World." I don't know why. Maybe it's because Matt is always coming up with something crazy to build on their farm. Maybe it's because Amy seems to think her husband is a moron. Maybe I'm intrigued by the amount of help they get on every single project that occurs. Maybe it's because their house is always a disaster area and they actually make me feel like my home is clean. I don't know what it is. But I like it.
Please tell me I'm not alone.

Christmas Consumption

I'm amazed at how suddenly our entire day can be consumed with Christmas preparation & festivites.

This morning, I woke up at 7:30am to get ready for church. This was an exciting day for church, not that every Sunday isn't, but this one was different as Anna and Noah were participating in a Christmas program after church with their Sunday school classes. I baked cookies to bring to the program, I made little gifts for all of the Sunday school teachers, picked out their clothing, gave them baths last night & charged the batteries for the digital camera and the video camera. When my alarm went off I had been dreaming that everything went wrong. In my dream, I forgot the teacher's gifts, we were so late to church we had to sit way off to the side, squished between two families and my cookies were burnt to a crisp. I woke up aggitated and very anxious. Thankfully everything went fine. Last year at the same Christmas program, Anna would escape from her program and run towards me yelling "MOMMY!!!" over and over again, while Noah sat on our laps watching kids singing. This year, Anna sang beautifully while doing all of the hand motions, while Noah, now old enough to participate, sat quietly and contently watched the other children sing. I choked back many tears today watching them both in this program.

We got home at 11:15am. I started to bake cookies for a cookie exchange I was attending at 2:30pm with my family. I baked 9 dozen cookies and made the kids' lunch and ran out the door at 2:15pm. I never sat down. The cookies exchange was great, it was fun to visit. The cookies were outstanding! I came home and Brian had moved his computer desk out of our living room, which is a scary thing because I have never seen him sit anywhere else, so I'm not real sure where he will go now. We have a desk already in our bedroom, so we are utilizing that space to create more space in our living room. I had lots to clean up when I got home, I cleaned, organized, steam cleaned my carpets in the livingroom and I baked six dozen cookies. Why? Because Brian has a cookie exchange at work. After cleaning up the kitchen and putting the kids to bed and I am now sitting down and Brian is at Toys R' Us. At 10:00pm on a Sunday. Christmas makes us do crazy things!

Two weeks ago we bought Noah a train table for Christmas. Today in the Toys R Us ad it was advertised for $30 cheaper. I had already wrapped it. They will do the adjustment, but Brian still has to bring the wrapped gift into the store. For thirty bucks you bet we'll do it! Then on Friday, I purchased Ariel's Talking Salon for Anna. It is the only thing she wants for Christmas. It was $74.99. I have been watching this salon for so long and I have never seen it so expensive, but, I was there, I hadn't seen it anywhere else and I wanted to be done shopping. So, I bought it. I then hit the mall and drove to Target. Wouldn't you know, I found the salon at Target for $59.99. BUT, I didn't buy it and I didn't return the more expensive one to TRU because I was so damn tired and terribly grouchy. To get back to TRU would take me 15 minutes, who knows how long it will take them to return it and frankly, I had to get home. Luckily, I am an ad watcher every Sunday. The Target ad came out today and in the ad was the Ariel Talking Salon on sale for $44.88. NO LIE. Brian ran and jumped happily into the car to Target to buy the salon that is THIRTY DOLLARS CHEAPER! He is, even happier, returning the $75 one right now.

I am hoping that by Wednesday, we are able to sit and relax and watch movies and enjoy this time...hoping hoping hoping.

By the way, I have another cookie exchange on Tuesday. Anyone want any cookies?

My halls are decked

Hi there! Come on in! Would you like some coffee? Coke? Vodka? Chocolate? A taco? Help yourself!

This is my Advent Wreath. It's on a table when you first enter my home. I actually had to make a wreath because I could not find one in a store near me. Not in Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, Lowe's or Michael's. Pretty sad, I think.

This is my home from the outside.

This is my most favorite wreath on my front door.
Enjoying your vodka, it's good isn't it?

Even prettier all lit up. You're getting pretty "lit up" yourself drinking that vodka so quickly. Slow down, Lushy, save some for the rest of the visitors.

Our tree. A douglas fir. My first real tree.

During the day.

Our Nativity Set. My MIL bought me the set for our first Christmas after we got married. It had the stable, Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the angel. Every year she gives us another piece for Christmas. I love that. What's that? Where's Jesus? oh, the dog ate him. just kidding. We put him away until Christmas morning. Here, have some popcorn.

Better take a sip of vodka after seeing this picture. This is where I hang my cards. Right below the pretty vent in our hallway.

Front entryway table again.

No mantel for the stockings. Just a wall. And my children.

A wall in our living. You dropped some popcorn. Please pick it up.

Anna made a prayer countdown bell at preschool.

Wording on the bell.

Anna's stocking that she made at preschool, placed on her bedroom door.

Above my TV. Thanks for coming by. The cost of the tour is $7/person, please pay my children at the door!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Deck your halls

This is such a cute idea. Tomorrow, I will be posting pictures of decorations around my house. For more information, click on the picture. Go ahead, click it. And then you do the same, mkay?

Great coffee and free donuts.

I have a problem. I go to Dunkin Donuts maybe once a week.* I order a large coffee with extra cream. This habit was created back in August and only when a Weight Watcher weigh in is approaching, do I pass on my coffee. (with the extra cream it's approximately 6-8 points per cup) Well, apparently, we have acquired a friend who works at Dunkin' Donuts. It started a little while ago when my children would yell "hi!" to the gentleman taking my money and delivering my coffee to me. He at first just waved. Then after a few more enthusiastic "hellos" by my children, he finally started to respond with actual words. The first time he spoke Anna about had a heart attack, we were barely out of hearing range when she exclaimed "Mom! The boy with the brown face said hi to me!!" A little over a month ago, he started giving us munchkins. You know, the little balls of glazed heaven that melt in your mouth and attach themselves to my thighs and ass. He would only give us four, which was great, except, Noah doesn't eat munchkins. Therefore I would eat 2 and Anna would devour 2. It's SO nice of him to just give us the little balls of glazed heaven, but, a girls got to watch what she eats and if you throw four balls of glazed heaven into her hands...she's gonna eat em'. quickly.

Today, he crossed the line. He actually took out a bag. I saw it happening before my eyes. I said "holy shit, no! no bag. no bag. Please don't let the bag be for us." It was. A bag full of little balls of glazed heaven that this time, will stick to my stomach, arms, thighs and ass. But damn, they were good. And free.

*I go to Dunkin' Donuts 3-4 times a week.

Quickie

3 things I loved about this weekend. (material things)
1. Peppermint Mochas. It was worth the wait. I was the fifth car in line on a Saturday morning at Starbucks that is located right next to a Target, Kohl's, Best Buy, etc. I hope the 7 cars in back of me felt the same way. (seriously!)
2. This new wrapping paper cutting device thingy. It's awesome. I never use scissors when I wrap gifts, I only use knives, this works out perfectly. (Yes! I started my Christmas wrapping this weekend! YAY!)
3. Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan. It's lovely.

3 things I did not love about this weekend.
1. The 3 inch burn on my forearm that I received while ironing my pants on the floor this morning at 7:45am getting ready for church. Hurts like a sonofabitch.
2. Kinkos. They printed & cut the Christmas cards I designed. I brought them home and was stuffing envelopes when I realized just how poorly they cut them. However, I called them today and they reprinted them for free, without question and they look great. I just hated the extra driving. (and I did use alot of poorly cut ones, I had already sealed my envelopes when I decided to call and complain.)
3. I didn't love not making cookies. I had wanted to try 3 new cookie recipes this weekend. I have three, yes three, cookie exchanges in the next 9 days. I only tried one new recipe and it was boring.
4. I know, I said 3. Noah has a cold. Anna has a sty under her eye.

Oh! I did love witnessing the birth of my friend's son on Thursday night. It was not only beautiful, but so much fun! I had dinner with friends and went straight to the hospital, she progressed famously and had the baby 2 hours after I got there! I was sure I was in for a long night. He was 7 lbs 15.5 oz. 20.5 inches long. He's simply perfect.

I like quickies.

It's not a big deal

I picked Anna up from preschool today and she was in the best, most polite mood. She said "it's not a big deal" a couple of times. I wonder who she learned that from. I wonder if someone is sending her messages spiritually or cosmically to tell me the things that are causing me stress are just not that big of a deal. She also started saying "oh! My fault!" I'm lucky I have this 3 year old girl to remind me to calm down a little.

I am going to dinner tonight with friends. I need a good couple of hours out with friends and food and drinks. I'm lucky I have a husband who says "you need a good couple of hours out with friends and food and drinks. Go early." And he really means it. (I'm also lucky to have those friends to go to dinner with)

I took these pictures of Noah today. He's so bright and amazing. About 7 times a day he says "I want to sit on your lap." I always oblige, pick him up and he just sinks into me. These pictures remind me how precious he is. I'm lucky to have this boy who wants to sit on my lap, but also lets me know that he needs time alone to be with his cars. I totally understand.

He is wearing the same shirt at 13 months that he is wearing today. Same size. He wore a 3T at 13 months. This boy has really thinned out!

bad

I'm in a bad, bad place tonight. (and really have been there all day) So, rather than blog and bring you all down, I would like to know what the hell is wrong with Britney Spears. HAS SHE LOST HER MIND?!?! To see actual footage of her vajayjay, click here and click on the pictures. Actual vajayjay. disgusting. I'll just leave you with this mess.

Bra much?
You are a mother, your kids WILL see these pictures. stupid idiot.

Heatwave

It's 36 degrees outside, it feels like 26. It hasn't been this warm since early last week. I love it!

I took Anna to the doctor today and she has a sinus infection. Poor girl. We took her to the doctor, back on November 18th, but the doctor said she just had a cold. I guess it progressed. The crazy thing about my little girl is that she always acts just fine when she is sick. Over the summer, I was sitting with her on my lap and I felt her forehead against my face and it felt like fire. I took her temperature and it was 105 degrees. I FREAKED. But she was fine. And these days, although sick, she plays and sings and dances, she sleeps well and she eats fine. Yet, she's sick. I keep thinking about how whiny I would be with a sinus infection.

I have attached pictures from Brian's Birthday last week. I made his cake with devil's food cake mix, 1 can of diet coke and 2 egg whites. It was really wonderful, believe it or not, the cake tastes the same, seriously.

I was more tired today then yesterday, I had less energy and was moodier. Brian took the kids downstairs tonight, he cleaned and worked on computers while the kids played. I cleaned upstairs and listened to Christmas music. It was peaceful. Tonight I also weighed in for the month of December at a WW meeting and my weight dropped 1.6 lbs from November 8th. My weighed increased considerably over the past 30 days, so I'm pleased to be back on track.
Here are the pictures.

Anna diligently adding sprinkles to her Daddy's cake. She tends to center them in a big pile in the middle of the cake.

Noah and Anna helping put candles in the cake.

Some very low candles...

About to sing! He's 30!

Happily singing to their Daddy!



The card Anna decorated for Daddy.

A big helper.

Hooray! Shoes! Why isn't Noah in these pictures? Because he's busily playing cars, as shown in the lower righthand corner of the screen.