Notes from an Insane Asylum

This year's Christingle Service was so much more peaceful without Miss Ky cracking her head open on the font.

One of the boys (J2, 10 year-old) got Man of the Match for a spectacular game of footy.


We did manage to finally fit in our traditional sugar cookies... on Christmas Eve.

I bet you're wishing you were on our cookie gift list after seeing the feet on the table.

And Christmas morning started at 4 am. with J2 standing by our bed... "Mum, it's Christmas".
"Go back to bed, we told you NOT to get up before 7".

Little voice behind J2: "I was sleeping really good and J2 woke me up".

So three boys climbed into our bed.
and wiggled.
and tossed.
"...One fell out, there were four in the bed...."

At 5 J2 comes back (he's the one that fell out and had gone back to his own bed), "Mum, Santa came and I bet he brought me a Hello Kitty guitar".
"Go back to bed".

I tell my husband who has slept through most of this, "There's going to be one disappointed little boy in the morning".
(snore)

At 6 I convince the wigglers to be calm and J2 to go back to bed with the promise that we'd get up in 30 minutes.

At 6.30 ON THE NOSE, J2 is standing by my bed.

We lumber out of bed, torturing them by saying we wanted to brush our teeth first.

This year, Santa didn't wrap. But he did put jingle bells on the baby gate so we'd know if someone went downstairs.
It did us no good, because as we descended the stairs with sparkling teeth we were met with the carnage of Tasmanian Devils--already dumped Christmas stockings all over and looked- over Santa gifts.
Oh well. Another year down.

I have not visited ONE blog, left ONE comment or replied to most email. I am sorry.
I do have the excuse of packing, a sick little boy,

a hubby deploying soon and my oldest only here for about a week more.

Forgive me?

Addendum: Sick little boy nearly went to the hospital last night (and would have if a call ahead didn't confirm that they were wall to wall people and couldn't guarantee he'd be seen). He may still go today. He's had an on and off fever of 103.9. Yikes. Ain't motherhood fun?

Yes, Young Mother, There is A Santa Claus

It was sometime around 1959 when a chubby little toddler climbed onto Santa's lap and delightfully told him he'd like a big red fire engine put under his Christmas tree.

It was a young mother, living without things she was accustomed to very far away from her family while her husband helped complete the Glen Canyon Dam-- the job they had moved over 1600 miles for.

It was early in the Dam's infancy and the lake hadn't filled quite yet. The hoards of tourists hadn't arrived and the people who did live there, lived in transitional trailers. There was a skeleton of what would soon be a growing community.

Shopping for those pioneer Page-ites was limited. Flagstaff was more than two hours away (and too far for a young family). Kanab Utah was closer, but just as small and limited.

It was with this foundation the young mother frantically waved her arms at Santa mouthing the words "No!" as the cherub smiled in anticipation of that fire engine that jolly old man was agreeing to bring.

The mother, determined not to crush her toddler's Christmas spirit, spent every waking moment trying to make Santa's promise come true, but to no avail. She then began the work of coming up with the excuse of why Santa didn't keep his promise. Living away from family, in a makeshift home where housework was hard was enough. Watching the joyful spirit in your little son die was too much. She was heartbroken.

Christmas Eve arrived as her little boy chattered on and on about the fire engine she knew he wasn't getting. She was determined to hunt whoever was costumed on that faithful day to give him a good telling off.

And then there was a knock at the door.

That young family opened the door to find sitting on the doorstep, a shiny red fire engine.

You see, THAT is why I will never tell my children there is no Santa Claus. My mother found out one Christmas and made sure to tell me every year. I now tell my children when they come to me with their "proof" that he doesn't exists. I believe. I believe there's magic that can change the grumpiest of souls. I believe miracles do happen.

It's the same with the Saviour. Some just don't believe. Some can't stretch their imaginations to think that once, a long time ago, someone loved us SO much, he promised to give us our heart's desires. He kept that promise and sent his only Son.

There's a song I love by Nicole Nordman: (on my playlist if you want to hear it)

what if you're right
he was just another nice guy
what if you're right
what if its true
they say the cross would only make a fool of you
what if its true
what if he takes the place in history with all the prophets and the kings
who taught us love and came in peace
but then the story ends
what then

but what if you're wrong
what if there's more
what if there's hope you've never dreamed of hoping for
what if you've just just closed your eyes
what if the arms that catch you catch you by surprised
what if he's more than you know
what if you're loved

what if you dig
way down deeper than your simple minded friends
what if you dig
what if you find
a thousand more unanswered questions down inside
what if you find
thats all you find

what if you pick apart the logic
and begin to poke the holes
what if the crown of thorns is no more than folklore that must be told
and retold

but what if you're wrong
what if there's more
what if there's hope you've never dreamed of hoping for
what if you just just close your eyes
what if the arms that catch you catch you by surprise
what if he's more than you know
what if you're loved

you've been running as fast as you can
you've been looking for a place you can live
for so long
but what if you're loved
what if you just just close your eyes

what if the arms that catch you catch you by surprise
what if he's more than you know
what if you're loved
what if you're loved

You're loved.

What IF there is a Santa? What if he lives in you and me and every other kind person who puts their own needs aside to help someone this year. What if there was a Man who people claim to be something more... would it be so bad to follow His example?

My Christmas wish is that you find (or have found) the magic. If you're not surrounded by love this season, go surround someone who needs it a little more.
Deliver that shiny hope to a young mother so that she can pass it on to her children for years to come.

Merry Christmas!

What are You Saying?

We have a few sayings in our house.

One is "Eternal Perspective" (I guess it's more of a chant really, when the kids have driven us to the edge).

The other is "Hallelujah" (which has to be done in song and has the best effect when the children have pushed us over the edge).

When receiving a certain look from a child, my husband and I will look at one another and say, "Yep, that's the one that will kill us in our sleep".

I frequently say "I want to go home", which is pathetic really because when you're military, you don't really have a home.

With all of that acknowledged,

I have spent some time today pondering how come we've been so blessed. Even though I have spent the last few months looking up at Heaven with the words "WHY?" on my lips when things haven't gone like I would've liked them to, I am grateful for days like these when the "Why?" is in a grateful tone.

Today's saying in our house, "Thank you."

Happy Day Before The Night Before Christmas everyone!

What Friday Meant to Me or OK Kat, I'll Tell You About Twilight!

Chaos. Carefully orchestrated chaos.

The day began at 4 am when the hubby had to leave for Heathrow to fetch the oldest son. His flight to Houston had been cancelled the day before and it was a little hairy for a bit while he tried to get on another one. It worked out that he still managed to get his same connection to London.

At 6, I showered, dressed, cooked breakfast and then began gathering the teachers gifts that needed wrapping while I put 2nd oldest son in charge of making packed lunches for his siblings.

At 8 my doorbell began ringing. Luckily, one of the visitors was there to offer to pick up Miss Ky at 11 in case the Hubby wasn't back since I had a hair appointment at 11:30.

Husband texts that he has the kid and has left Heathrow.

By 8:45, all boys were dressed and heading to school with bags of gifts: One for the head teacher, one for the secretary, and one each for their three teachers and EIGHT full-time class helpers. They were dressed and fed. Don't know if their faces ever had syrup cleaned off.

By 9:30, I was frantically looking for beasty child who was last seen sitting in the middle of a chair in her pajamas with a blanket and a baby singing along with Dora (while I made up the bed and tried to heat the room for oldest son). I found her in the backyard with pjs, wellies and a coat trying to ride her bike.

Husband rings to say he's getting gas in his car and oil for mine.

At 10:00 my doorbell rang again, delivery of a gift from a woman who used to be my visiting teacher and I stood outside in bare feet until I lost feeling in my toes.

10:40 the doorbell rings again. It's my friend picking up Ky--early because she said the traffic was a nightmare in town. I dress her and send her off. Rather than leave because I know the roads and parking will be heinous, I vacuum and finish cleaning up the waffle mess from earlier.

11:15. I'm an idiot. I leave for my ten-minute drive with five minutes to spare on a day when traffic is going to be so bad AND I still have to stop off somewhere to get cash since my stylist doesn't take debit.

11:35. Not only nearly on time, but nearly on time with cash in hand AND still managed to pick up our lease for editing at the Estate agent (next to my bank).

12:10 Looking hawt with my trimmed "do" I stupidly stop off at Tesco to get some Elderflower press for oldest son who hasn't had any in a year. Getting IN to the car park was a nightmare. Finding a spot wasn't so bad. Leaving was impossible. I sat in my car stuck. There were cars behind me that weren't moving. The couple next to me trying to get out, shut off their car and had lunch. I didn't move for 25 minutes. When I managed to back out of my space, it then took me another 25 minutes to creep up to the exit where I was then told to wait so they could try to maneuver a bus out of the roundabout. My children's Christingle Service was starting at 1:45 it was now 1:20 and I still had my 10 minute drive home (sans traffic).

1:35 I whip into my drive and hug Son #1 ("Hi son I haven't seen in a year, let's go now")and we all race to the church.
1:45 The service starts and all was right with the world.
3:00 we make it home, I pack up the oldest and take him to see the new house.
3:40, we're back home and I inhale a salad, put on my Body Shop glitter (in honor of my friend Edward) and by 4 we were off for the cinema. in the rain.

********************WHEW!***************************

Enter the cinema. LOVELY. I texted the hubby to tell him is was the nicest cinema I had ever been in. It was clean, the seats were high-backed and cushy and the steps were all lined with little blue lights. There was a concession trolley at the bottom which was a good idea since so many giggling teenage girls had queued up early and might need sugar.

The energy was the best. The fact that I was the oldest person in the cinema by 20 years was not. There was another adult, but he was actually with his kids. I was there to lust after a 17 year-old vampire.

The orange adverts began. The "tv commercials" played and when the lights dimmed, a wave of anticipation rolled over giggling, wiggling teens (and two old people).

SPOILERS AHEAD:

I don't think Summit intended for the laughter at the points there was some. There was some over-the-top cheesy bits that everyone laughed at. There was some acting that left a little to be desired (hopefully it was a director's mistake and will be fixed by the next movie).

The makeup was disappointing.
I HATED Carlisle's makeup. HATED it.
I was surprisingly pleased with Esme and Carlisle's portrayal. They were warm and appealing-- I hadn't given much thought to them before the movie. One of my favourite parts was Bella meeting the family.

I thought the movie was wonderfully true to the story as everyone said it would be even though it didn't follow the book exactly. I wasn't disappointed at all, but I don't know HOW anyone enjoys it without first reading Twilight AND Midnight Sun. I would've liked to see the restaurant scene have more attention. The movie could have been longer, I wouldn't have minded.

I loved Charlie.

I liked Edward best when he was silly and smiling. I really pay attention in movies and bloopers annoy me-- they had several obvious ones and if I wasn't so busy swooning over Edward, it could've been disastrous.

Sounds like I didn't like it?
I loved it. I will own it. I will go again.

I'll do it because I want to see the other films made. I was a little worried to read that another director would be taking over. I fear that Hollyweird will mess with the story to make it more appealing to larger audiences. If Summit's smart, it won't mess with something that works.

And I wasn't able to stay behind to see Marshall's name in the credits because the girls went flying out of the cinema like there was a fire sale on Edward's underwear or something so we followed. Never did find out where everyone was off in such a hurry to.

Take That! You Little Beasts

Last year,
the twinkling lights, holiday music and a really great gift were just enough to offset the disappointment of my children going through their gifts while Hubby and I were snug in our beds.

This year,
I've been around, read some memes and have discovered that I apparently am part of a small minority that Santa does NOT wrap his gifts for.
I have been declared... a loser (ok, they didn't use that exact word, but we all know it was considered).
So I wondered, how do I switch tracks midway through this child tunnel?

I just do that's how.

Santa has informed me that because Mom and Dad were SO upset about last years' night owls flying about under the tree that he has decided to wrap this year! That'll teach them.
Sad thing is, Santa has bought two rolls of paper so far that have been busted.

Where is Santa supposed to keep that secret paper?

Because You Should Take the Time

Sometimes you have to acknowledge your strengths and your weaknesses.

I could never write a beautiful, powerful post about the woman who gave birth to our Saviour on the most holy night so long ago, but Chris can.

In the spirit of the season, I hope you will take the time to pop over to read it.

"Behold, the Handmaiden of the Lord"

Friday, the 19th of December. Also known in some parts of Texas, Growing Older Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AFF!!!!

That's it.


Were the rest of you expecting maybe I might talk about Twilight?????

Oh, and all she wants for her birthday is ONE HUNDRED comments. Please swing by and grant her birthday wish (make sure to type in big letters, she's aging).

Good Thing SOMEBODY's Watching the Baby

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

We have a "kid's" nativity.
The nice one didn't get unpacked since there really was NO WHERE to put it.


The kid's Nativity was set up by A2 this year (the five year-old).
He painstakingly placed each figure carefully where he thought they should be.
It was a little messed up and his brothers kept telling him so, but we just smiled and said, "Leave him alone, he knows what he's doing".

Then the cards came.

All four children began bringing in handfuls of Christmas wishes home from their friends.

The nativity moved around and squeezed snugly together, but A2 kept making sure he had a fine looking stage for the Holy night.

This is what we currently have marking the birth...
I could get deep and philosophical about how much we're like this scene--everyone so busy with something that we're not even focused on what we should be... but I won't.
I'll just say, I think Flea's Fred and Bessie would be proud.

You Brought a Snack, All Things British

Do you know what today is?

It is officially Twilight eve. Time to get the kiddies snuggled in their beds, so visions of vampires can dance around in mine. One more day...



Oh, did I mention it's ALSO the day my oldest man-child arrives from the states?


He'll be jet-lagged and passed out for the first three days he's here so I have no problem saying, "Welcome home, here's your bed, I'm going to the cinema!"

Footy Mum and I will leave early mainly because it's friday, it's a city and traffic and parking can get maniacal. That leaves the issue of hungry tummys. Not to fear, Cinema snacks are here.
We can get these:
or these:
but we won't be looking for buttered popcorn.

Popcorn is sweet, like a carmel or toffee popcorn but not so sticky as what we're used to. I don't even know why I'm talking about popcorn since it has been BANNED in several cinemas already. (Even more interesting, did you know that some people are unaware we get gouged when buying movie snacks? There's an uproar from folks who are just now realizing this fact).

Never mind, I'm sure we can grab a Doner kebab (remember, say "kuh BAaaB"--like a sheep) afterwards. That or a curry can be picked up nearly at every corner (I love it here!).

Part of the UK cinema experience is the silly anti-cell-phone use (during movie) advertisements. They're fun enough to make sure I'm in my seat on time. (You REALLY should watch one: Val Kilmer, Darth Vader, Snoop Dog, Macaulay Culkin, Joan of Arc ). The rest of the adverts are from auto makers (I could happily skip those and might go back to the concession stand to pick up more fun stuff).

A new house, a prodigal son, a vampire and sweets...

Can one overdose on excitement?!

Do You Hear What I Hear...

A phone, a phone, ringing in the den,
it will bring us good news again,
it will bring us good news again.

(mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm)

Said the E- state Agent to my ear,
"Would you like to move in?" (Would you like to move in?)
"Excuse me estate agent, did I hear?
'Would you like to move in' ?!" (Would you like to move in?)

OF COURSE! OF COURSE! Tell me where to sign,
I will bring my savings, so fine.
All my savings, deposits divine.

(mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm)

Said the E-state Agent oh so dear,
"What a lucky family!" (What a lucky family)
"Yes, estate agent, have no fear,
We're a happy family" (we're a happy family)


We'll move! We'll move, any day is fine,
we will bring our clutter, so fine.
All our clutter, most of it mine.

(mmm mmm mmm)
(mmm mmm mm)
mmmm mmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmm).

It's a great day, share some Christmas cake with us?

Happy Christmas

What Are You Wearing?

I just got invited to out to play by Tiara and Tantrums and the timing was perfect... because I am about to go absolutely MAD sitting here willing the phone to ring. I've developed a twitch in my left eye from all of the stress this last couple of months. (if you wanna play, click on her blog for the Mr. Linky)

What are you Wearing?

The last time someone asked me this, I was new to the internet, in a chat room and I naively described what I was wearing... duh!

I am sitting on a wall just outside of my front garden. I sat on wet moss, and had ivy sneaking up my behind and was really worried that J2 was taking a photograph of my feet (thus the strange bending-over thing I'm doing).

I am wearing my Next jacket bought last year. I had seen it in the shop and bluntly hinted that I really needed it, but when I was in the airport a couple of weeks later faced with a duty-free opportunity, I bought it for myself.
It hasn't always been so snug. That's what two hot water washings and a hot dryer will do to your coat (lice prevention).

White Liz Claiborne long sleeved v-neck T. Of course I am not going to show it, it's flippin' cold here!

Wellies. Of course.

My scarf... yeah. One of my favourite articles of clothing. ever. I purchased it at that cool little shop I told you about that had all of the textiles and shiny things. I'd love to tell you where it was made, but I cut that part off. It's maroon, orange, rust and same green as the coat. My friend has a matching pink one. (You'll notice there's no eye pencil on those eyes. Miss Ky used it colouring on the tv and the wallpaper).The jeans? Just plain old American Levi Strauss. THE only pair my size that the BX has carried in a YEAR. Unfortunate because when I got home I realized they were messed up. The seam on the front left leg curves around to the front where it shouldn't. But I kept them. I wear them... did I mention the BX doesn't seem to think there's anyone here over size 10?


What you get when you sit on wet moss.

The End.

...How Does Your Garden Grow?

First of all, thank you everyone for your well wishes and good thoughts for us to get this house. I can't tell you how you've carried me across a nerve wracking time.

We have put in our offer and now it's up to the owner to accept or reject it. He could wait and hope he gets his desired rental rate. If he chooses to wait, it's finished for us since we are quickly running out of time (it felt really flaky to tell the estate agent that we wanted to be moving in within the first week of January, but he knows our reasons and circumstances). Insert nail biting here.

So.... I promised pictures of the garden. It does need a mowing and trimming, the house has been empty a little while. Even so, I hope you see the magic. I wish I could draw the layout for you...
Near the back, you find little "paths" that lead off around other shrubs and trees. Let's go this way first....

past the apple tree...

I will make mountains out of molehills. Nothing worse than running through the grass to have your foot sink into one of these pesky holes.

...this path leads to a little bench (my bottom is shivering just thinking about sitting on this).

Another turn...

brings you back here

(yes, these pictures were on different days, the sun doesn't just pop out like this)

and that is just the left half of the garden.

You realize I am going to have a hard time sucking it up if this doesn't work out.

Enough about me, (stop laughing) what was the most fun holiday-related thing you did this week?

All That Glisters...

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek


You all know how I love shops that are filled to the brim with eye candy. The more glitter, sparkle and feathers, the better.

We went to see Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon, but honestly, after discovering it would cost us nearly a hundred U.S. dollars to tour the inside, we took pictures of the outside and called us happy.

Right across from the famous house, is a Christmas shop.

See the reflection of Shakespeare's birthplace?

With music rolling out through the doors grabbing at passersby and cinnamon-spicy smells enticing even the hardest Scrooge, I floated in with a huge grin on my face.

That goofy grin soon left when my brain screamed, "Breakable!"
I grabbed as many hands as possible and admonished the kids, "No touching" as they practically reached out with their tongues to feel the textures and absorb the magic.

The Hubby was finally overwhelmed with the sheer impossibility of leaving the store without paying for a broken item or two and took all of the children outside to a candy shop nearby. I then fairy-floated from one room to the next with precious ornaments dangling from my fingers, holding no one's hand while repeating "Stop touching!"

With so much freedom, I couldn't decide between the white feather garland and sparkly white snowflakes or the brightly coloured fairies or the whimsical Santas. I wandered back and forth through the mesmerized crowd.
One of the ornaments looped over one of my fingers was a glittery teapot. I decided I'd need two of those so I rode the shopper wave back to the display.

There they were.

I reached out for my little treasure...
...the teapot slipped from my finger...

and shattered. It looked like sparkling glass pixie dust there on the tiled floor.

One shopper graciously said, "I bet that's not the first time that's happened today".
Yeah.
I owe my children an apology.

Some People...

...sew.
Some people dance.
Some people paint.
Some take joy in motherhood.



Some people coach.
Some people write.
Some people take hot baths.
Some cook.

Some people compose.
Some people decorate.
Some people take beautiful photos to share with the world.
Some sing.

I view possible houses for my family to live in. That's what I do.


If they will accept our offer (the rent is £200.00 more than we want to pay but the estate agent says it is HIGHLY likely they will accept), this is where we will be moving at the first of the year.
It's nearly impossible to view during daylight hours since the daylight is gone by 3.30, but saturday I can show you the gardens-- they are a hide-n-seek heaven.


This is an aga. It's the bee's knees and I've wanted one since we moved here. The kitchen is MY heaven.

The other house hasn't come through and we're nearly out of time. The Hubby leaves just after Christmas and there's too much Air Force legal work not to mention the chaos of a move for me to do without him.
This place also has plenty of room for visitors, do you see yourself making a trip across the pond anytime soon?

fa ra rara ra ra ra ra ra

part two. AND FLEA. I supertag Flea.

Fa rara ra ra, ra ra ra ra!

Deck The Halls Meme

Swiped from Baby Tunnel Exodus (I even took the photo because I didn't know if it went with it or not-- sorry Whitney if I nicked your picture)

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Yes please.

Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree? Sets them under the tree sometime around groggy-thirty am.

Colored lights on tree or white? white on the years I win.

When do you put your decorations up? While the turkey is roasting and the pies are cooling. Thanksgiving Day in our house opens the gates for Mom's Christmas music too.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? You're supposed to eat something other than dessert? Just the good-for-you stuff? Isn't worry-free eating why we have Thanksgiving?

Favorite Holiday memory as a child: I'm not sure it's my favourite, but it's the most vivid. I was about 8 or 9 and just got a new bike. I rode out in the neighborhood to find some kids to ride with. No one was out (might have been a big board game year). A teenager that was normally not very nice to me, played with me all day.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth?

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, and somehow try to manage a reading of the Nativity in the excitement.


How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With ornaments, silly. Oh, you mean traditions? It's mostly me doing it when the kids are preoccupied. It's terrible, I know, but they're boys and they don't really care.

Snow! Love it or Dread it? Yes. Certainly hope for the white stuff at Christmas time, but like Whitney before me, if it comes anytime after Valentine's Day I'm not so thrilled.

Can you ice skate? Like a pro. Ok, maybe not exactly like a pro, but I can get from one side to the other without killing anyone.

Do you remember your favorite gift? Yes, even my old brain can hang on to last year...

What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family

What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Uh... I like the concoctions with jello pudding and cream cheese and whipped cream on a graham cracker crust. Don't know if it's a favorite. I LOVE peppermint ice cream, but don't see that happening here.

What is your favorite tradition? Driving around to look at Christmas lights with the Christmas music blaring. In Flagstaff we'd drive through a live nativity with carolers. In NM, we drove through the area called the "blue light district" where an entire neighborhood decorated in blue lights and we'd all drive with our lights off to gawk in wonder at their walks lined with luminarios (sp?). We'd then visit the wonderful "Santa on Juniper Street" (a neighborhood guy that would sit in a chair --spotlighted, waiting for excited children to approach him for a candy cane and last wish before going to bed).

Which do you prefer, Giving or Receiving? Giving. Absolutely the biggest high.

What is your favorite Christmas Song? Away in a Manger. When it's sung slowly and contemplatively, it makes me cry. Usually the by the time I reach the part...

...I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side...

...my eyes are seriously leaking.

Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I loved them until they started showing up stuck to furniture. They're fantastic on brownies frosted with peppermint & chocolate frosting.

Ever recycled a Christmas present? Um, not saying.

Don't Be A Scrooge! Tag 7 friends to Deck the Halls...
Snooty of course.
Chris, Feel free to post as yourself or under your secret alternate identity: Sharon.
Kathryn, you don't do memes but you do Christmas and you have additional reasons to really enjoy this season, so are you in?
DO I have seven friends?
Footy Mum (she'll have no idea what I'm asking her to do-- we speak a different language)
Gingela5 because I'm sure she'll be able to incorporate Lexi and Sadie in a way that makes me smile.
Straight to your Heart needs to share what she and her gorgeous family do to Deck the Halls.
Chantal, maybe you fit a marathon in during Christmas?

Who Hoot! I found seven people (who may or may not ever talk to me again). Feel free to steal this from me if you weren't tagged. I did.

Just the Facts

I have five children.
The oldest is 2o years old.
I have been a parent for a little over twenty years.
The first 18 of those years, I only had boys.

Boys wipe boogers in places you don't discover until AFTER guests have gone.
They poop in unusual places as well.
When they walk in their sleep, they will sometimes pee in places that can be unsettling.
Some boys have an amazing gag reflex that can cause vomiting in theaters and restaurants.

Armed with this information (ie: I am not a brand new mother of my first child and just now experiencing the "joys" that come with parenting),

can someone please tell me,

does anyone else out here have a toddler they think could just possibly do them in?

Itching to Say...

There's a rumour going about that I am avoiding my blog and bloggy peeps (it's even been suggested I was fishing for comments-- shame on you KD) ;-)

You know rumours are never as good as the real thing...

Seriously, I'm knackered. Just catching my breath with this exciting, glamorous life I lead.

Take today. Please.
Today started like it usually does with the exception that four out of six of us living in this house are now infested with head lice.

Yeah, go ahead and say it. EWWW!

Which means all bedding, stuffed toys, over-sized pillows, sofas, carpets etc... need tending to.

Our tiny dorm-sized washing machine is already going all day every day and I just added about three weeks worth of laundry to my utility area. Comforters won't fit. I can't even wash a flat and a bottom sheet together, so forget pillows. One can bag those things and set them in the garage for a couple of weeks to suffocate the little buggers (sue me), however it's stinking cold here and I kind of like comforters (we're expecting snow and sleet today).

I also have the joy of Miss Ky destroying whatever room I have finished treating. Today as I was on the phone warning our good friends (who had Miss Princess for an entire day last week), she poured her entire cup of orange juice on the sofa table and began "cleaning" with it. Unfortunately, some made it to the carpet as well. Quite a bit actually.

She's gotten used to watching me cry while I clean up her antics, so no worries there.

The icing on the Christmas cookie today was trying to keep her still long enough to remove the unwanted head guests. I bribed her with chocolate and am now wearing proof that she consumed most of two Hershey kisses while in a prone position hanging on for dear life to one of my breasts.

*********************************************************************

Last night was the annual Christmas Card madness. There were 90 cards dedicated and autographed (One with a heart-- the five year-old is starting now), and none of them were for my family or friends. That was JUST the obligatory school cards. When the three boys were nearing the end, it was then discovered that A2 had addressed several cards to the same kids. Three of his friends received three cards each, who knows how many of his other classmates received one.

This post was all typed up as I waited for laundry... the one child we thought was unaffected by the infestation at the beginning of this post has coughed up four little friends hiding on his scalp. NIX for all of my friends, please.

Admit it. You envy me. You want my life, don't you?

NOTICE

We regret to inform you that due to the current world financial crisis (or maybe a single emotional crisis), the owner of this blog has been unable to pay her blog rent and has been evicted.
As you know, the fees on Blogger are really quite affordable (cost: some creative wording occasionally and relatively clear photos for a post or two), but due to mismanagement of her finite resources (Nablopomo), she has gone belly up (in the tub) and refuses to come out until bail has been posted.
Please send any packages containing chocolate or Twilight paraphernalia directly to us to be held until she can again pay her debts to blogciety.
We will also be managing all comments henceforth, so please keep it it under 2000 words

To Sum It All Up

Never agree to 30 posts in 30 days.
I mean, if you can do it, more power to you. But if you find you're typing while your children's giggles are slipping by, it's probably not worth it.

A couple of things I learned from being out here each day is:

There sure is a lack of tolerance for one another's creativity.

For instance, the music divide. Wow. Who would've guessed people could get so upset about music being on a blog? Here's my theory (and you'll notice my music was turned off a month ago), a person's blog is an expression of who they are. Music and the careful timing of songs with posts MAY be the one joyful, self-indulgent thing they did all day. Is it so hard for the anti-music folks to just turn the volume down? And yes, sometimes the music conflicts with a video or with your own itunes player... yaddah yaddah, but if it's so much bother, don't go there. If their blog is SO intriguing that you can't stand to miss a post, well, I think you know what you need to do.

The second thing was the Nablopomo. I really, seriously considered NOT doing it because for some reason people feel that they must read every post to be a loyal follower. That's a huge demand for someone reading 30+ blogs daily. Then I realized, I didn't start blogging to gain readers, I started it as an outlet for some repressed emotions. I decided I wasn't going to freak out if people didn't make it over for every post (to be truthful I didn't make it over for every post-- some were scheduled). I watched followers drop like flies and my feelings weren't hurt. I understood.

So, in summary. It was good. and bad. and I'm not doing it next year.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

"Teacher says, every time a bell rings, another Mom loses her mind!" or something like that.

It's that time again.

Time to eagerly look forward to Christingle Services (and the possibility of a child impaling themselves on the church font or catching another child's hair on fire), the kids' school Nativities to prepare costumes for, Christmas Fairs (where we will donate the prizes so that we can buy tickets to win; bake mince pies and cookies to donate so that we can buy and bring them back home) and church parties (with more themes requiring those of us without sewing abilities to buy costumes).
It will be the crazed insanity of pinning each child to his seat long enough to address Christmas cards to each of his 30 classmates (yes, children give cards here) and A2's incessant declaration of how much closer we are to Christmas since the day prior.

Not to mention meeting the USPS postal deadlines.

Fun times ahead. fun times.

Going, Going, Gone!

I am purging.
The last ten years have revolved entirely around nursing, pooping and nap schedules.

During that decade I have amassed great quantities of "stuff".
I buy scrap book paper because I envision making lovely pages for my children to enjoy when they're older.
I buy rubber stamps, embossing powders, inks and more paper because I can picture the fantastic cards I will make and send.
I bought a sewing machine for the adorable tutus I'd make for Miss Ky, before I knew that Miss Ky would be the destructor of all things if not supervised every second of the day.
There's paint and brushes held over from my artistic life before marriage as well as art books that have only recently been opened by borrowers.

It's all leaving.
The sewing machine just left for $10.00. The violin will be sold for about the same.

They are all reminders of the life I don't live. The life I envisioned when I married. The life one has when one hasn't committed to 10 years straight of diaper changes.

There's a woman who holds onto the photos, letters, memorabilia from the temperamental lover who has dumped her. The handsome single neighbor goes unnoticed by her while she sits alone in her house playing "their" song and mourning the lost love. If she'd just toss out those letters and step outside, she might see what's in store for her....

It's got to be better than this. Constant reminders of what never was.

What are you clinging to that holds you back?

Thinkfull

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ~Cicero



I thank God for this day,
For the sun in the sky,
For my mom and my dad,
For my piece of apple pie!

For our home on the ground,
For His love that's all around,
That's why I say thanks every day!

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
Thats an easy way to start!

For the love that He shares,
'Cause He listens to my prayers,
That's why I say thanks every day!

***************Happy Thanksgiving U.S.********************

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence. ~Erma Bombeck

Going into the Closet

In less than a week I will have completed the 30-day blogging challenge. I'm not sure there was anything to gain from it on your end, but for me, knowing that anything can become blog fodder, I found myself being a bit more introspective.
I'm not always happy when that happens because I find there are some things about me that have changed that shouldn't have.

Take The Chronicles of Narnia for example.

IF you came upon a wardrobe, in an unfamiliar house, would you be brave enough to hide in it? (no one else was thinking about spiders?)

IF you were brave enough to climb in-remember this wardrobe has been under furniture drapes for a while and mothballs came rolling out when you opened it, would you push your way (backwards) all the way through the musty smelling coats to the back?
(Still no spider thoughts?)

IF you would've done these things and backed out into a snowy world, would you then explore it?

Years ago, I would've said, "Heck yeah!" but today I was anxious as that CS Lewis world opened up. I was wondering if I would dare leave that wardrobe for fear of it disappearing.
I might shy away from possibilities for fear of leaving the familiar behind.

How about you? Would you explore or hold onto the wardrobe?

Mail's Here Mail's Here

Here's the mail it never fails it makes me wanna wag my tail when it comes I wanna wail MAAAAIL!
Sorry, everyone should have to suffer that song at least once. Doesn't everyone love good mail? I enter giveaways and exchanges to get it. They're doubly exciting because I get the thrill of shopping for and then mailing something (ok, that part's not the funnest part) and then, ooooh mail.

Here's what those fine folks at the USPS brought to me today...

Gorgeous Christmas ornaments from Rachel at Something to Blog About. She received my name when she entered Abbilyeverafter's Ornament Exchange.

See? FOOD for my tree, did she get it right for me or what? They sparkle (and you know how I love glitter and sparkle). The photo does NOT do these justice, they're lovely. Thank you Rachel!

Next was this bulging box from Jeannie's Happy World. This brilliant exchange was hosted by Mamarazzi from Dandelion Wishes, "Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap".
Can you see how Jeannie hooked me up?! I just have to sell off the children so that I can slip away and pamper myself now. Included in the box was her very own cookbook, a cranberry candle (YUM), Burt's Bee's Lip Balm (my lips are thanking you Jeannie), bath pillow, moisturizing socks and gloves...really, it would take a whole post to list it all, can you see all of the stuff in here?! Note to future swappers: If you draw my name, cry "foul!" because I can guarantee you, my box did NOT look this nice.

And last, but certainly not least... I think I choked up a little on this one....

I actually WON this lovely piece (movie companion) of THEMOVIE I'MSTILLWAITINGTOSEE ~sniff~ from Julie over at My Journey to Family. You know how you win things folks? You latch onto some poor soul and stalk them like they're the only blogger for you Perseverance people, perseverance. Thank you Julie!!

See, I have good days too. Of course it will be hard to beat this one....
What have you received in the mail lately?

Using Our Time Wisely

It was announced before Sunday School that church would be released early. We all made our way into the chapel for a very brief sacrament, and then bundled up to face the drive home. The snow was accumulating and the driving conditions were worsening by the minute, so it was a wise decision by our church leaders to cut the meetings short...

...unfortunately the congregation isn't as wise. We all stayed for snowball fights in our sunday best.

I almost feel like I should wish you a Merry Christmas or something...