Christmas

Christmas has come and gone so fast. So much thought, shopping, wrapping, cleaning and cooking goes for the preparation of Christmas and before you have time to sit and enjoy it... it is over. Kind of sad, kind of a relief yes. I was very fortunate to have off from the 20th to the 29th. My week off started out fast and furious! Monday was bitter cold, so for most of the day we hid out in the house, then headed up to Aubrey's Day Care for there Holiday Party. Which I stayed for, and really enjoyed being with all of Aubrey's friends. She is truly blessed to have her "sisters" and her "other mother". They made ornaments and had a gift exchange between all of them. Tuesday we headed to Target nice and early to get the last few minute gifts. Then we were off to the Museum to have lunch with Dale, his wife Jeanne and Jerusha. It was wonderful to be back and feel the holiday spirit. Walking those halls again made me a little teary eyed. Missing all of the good days with my peeps! Aubrey loved all of the tree's and the Confluence Exhibit, which is exceptional! Wednesday, We head off to my mothers out past the air port for our holiday with her. For the most part it was enjoyable. And Christmas morning... we woke Aubrey up at 7:30 and we had so much fun opening gifts. She is very animated and ex centric! I LOVE IT! Then by 9:30 we had to be at Joe's parents, that was complete and utter chaos. Imagine a 12 by 24 room 10 adults, and 5 granddaughter's one being 13 and all of the others under 4. OMG, I needed a Valium. But low and behold we made it though until the issue at dinner. One of my nieces (3) was exhausted and just had a little behavior, my sister in law handled it beautifully! However, of course my in laws, try under minding all of us on our parenting and she stood up to them as well as her older brother! I am so proud of both of them. Do I think my in laws learned anything by it well No. However, they were stood up to! Talk about uncomfortable situation! Then we were off to my parents and I had a wonderful time. It was enjoyable and everyone again like on Thanksgiving really enjoyed each other. Then Friday YEAH the day I look forward to every year, I go shopping with my mother in law and sister in laws, we were shopping by 7am. I actually have clothes now I woke up think hmm which one of you will be the lucky one today. Not O great what am I going to wear. But arrived home to a little princess that looked awful, her eyes were fire red and running green ooze as fast as you could wipe it. I said umm Joe we need to take her to the walk in, he didn't see any reason for that. I didn't give him an option I said go put her shoes on I will go to the bathroom and be right down. Yep Pink eye and an ear infection. So the rest of our vacation we were housebound. But I got all the laundry done all of the Christmas decorations down, and some organizing!

Just one more thing!

I am almost done shopping. I just need something for my in laws. They have everything they will ever need and then some. Any thoughts?

More Bad Weather?!?!!

To all of my far away friends:

Today they are forecasting for 8-12 inches of snow starting Thursday Night into Friday. My God is this normal for December? I have already missed 2 days of work due to ice. I don't want to miss any more, If I can't come in Friday I will have to work Monday and I am supposed to be off all next week!!!!

I guess I should of bought Aubrey that Snow Man making kit at The Christmas Tree Shop. She is just like her mom. She really doesn't prefer snow. I have started calling her "Mini Me" all she needs is another nick name!

Holiday Drama

OMG! My family is crazy, Joe's family is crazy. SO in turn I am going CRAZY!! Not only am I not done shopping, I am the worlds slowest wrapper and that is only half way done. I try to do a lot on my hour Paid lunch, which, being right in the middle of Bingo that is usually not an issue. However, I think everyone in the freaking town is out and believe me when I say, They also are freaking crazy, and mean. I went to the mall yesterday to pick up Aubrey's pictures, and I honestly don't think one person smiled or was even a little kind. One of the things I loved about being pregnant was that EVERYONE was nice to me, and I often said it was like Christmas for 6 months, people holding the door, being friendly, and some even chatty. I don't think I have run into any one with an ounce of kindness this year. So please be friendly to a stranger today!

I'm not the only one

Today I found someone with the same phobia as myself. Yep there is one other person in this world that is afraid of DEER! My new friend at work! And yes she is as afraid as I am, she has screamed and ran back into the house too. Today I will tell her some of my deer tales and well as my dear friend Dales!

Random Updates

I did gain 5 pounds over my Thanksgiving Vacation. I am back down 2.5 so 2.5 more to go. My obsession with food has got to stop.

Aubrey is still telling her poopie that she loves it, and is talking in more sentences and asking questions all the time. Oh and every day I think I should of named her "mini me". HA lucky DOE DOE!

2006 & 2007 Santa Pictures

See how they have grown! Santa's man boobs!!!

Holiday

Thursday Aubrey and I took the day off, to get her holiday pictures done, to visit Santa and to do some Christmas shopping. I had it all planned out in my head where we were going, who we were buying for, and how much each item would cost. However, I forgot my total awesome All Terrain Jeep Stroller with a huge basket underneath. So I borrowed a stroller from my sister in law- let me tell you what a piece of crap.

We got to Sears Portrait studio in time to me fix Princess's hair and use the most disgusting bathroom in the county. And of course the service in the studio is un-be-leave-able! The manager who I refer to as the "sloth" is standing there texting. There is like a 12 year old trying to run the desk and let me tell you by the end of our visit I thought I would have to floor the bitch! Thankfully we got the ONE photographer that has an artist bone. The others well one's nickname is "Sloth" and the other is "Blond Bimbo" so you can draw your own conclusions. Aubrey let Ashly take like 8 or 10 pictures and decided she was done, no holiday backgrounds were even pulled out yet. So her pics are not holidayish. We then went to NY and Company because mom the shopper had a coupon I got 3 fabulous gift for under $50. That was two sweaters and a winter coat. That felt good to cross 3 people off my list. Then we head to a few more stores crossed off a few more people.

And then we stopped to see Santa. AUBREY fell in love as did Santa. Mind you we really haven't talked with Aubrey about Santa or Christmas. So he talked with her she starred and watched his eyes sparkle. And this is the adorable picture we got, because she was turned looking at him and paying no attention to any one else I yelled "hey Aubrey do you want my chap stick." Even a girl in love needs her cosmetics.

All and all we had a successful day and my little princess was an angle.

Random Stuff

Thanksgiving vacation was kind of uneventful, just what I was looking for.

Wednesday night started out a little rough, the normal argument on when to go where for Thanksgiving. After I said what I felt necessary to say I shut my mouth, and actually felt bad for saying some of the things I did say.

Thanksgiving with my family was entertaining, I haven't had that much fun with my siblings ever. We even got GG involved in our antics, she was wearing a black wig and rabbit teeth, I think she really enjoyed herself as well.

But by Saturday I was going a little stir crazy. So I decided to go to by brothers party, well we didn't stay long there friends looked at us like what the hell are Senior Citizens doing here. This day I realized I was no longer the hip young crowd.

Sunday I was thinking well I am ready to go back to work now. We put up our Christmas tree and decorated the house, Aubrey was so excited and a good little helper. We got everything up with out any injuries!

Aubrey did so well with the potty all weekend. Until Sunday, I could only imagine what could be brewing, she hadn't done a poopie in a few days. So I think Joe and I hounded the poor girl all day Sunday, "Aubrey do you have to go poopie" over and over again. We must get on her nerves so bad. I noticed her nose was running so I said "Aubrey, lets go get a tissue." She ran into the bathroom pulled down her pants and started pushing, and pushing and pushing. Well I thought maybe she is a little shy or I may be a distraction. I asked her if she wanted a book of course she did. I just hung out waiting, and she kept pushing. Finally we had success she jumps up like a rocket and says "all done mommy poopie". She immediately tries to pull up her pants I go running in saying no no you have to wipe. No sooner can I get turned around in the bathroom and she is leaning down practically with her nose in the bowl saying "hi poopie". Well I do not want to encourage her talking to her poop so I simple just ignored her. I get her cleaned up and the turd in the big potty she runs over saying "I flush I flush". Then she says "BYE poopie I luv you" Blows it kisses and says again "BYE poopie luv you". WHAT THE HELL is wrong with my kid, this is not normal behavior is it?!?

The Horror or the Holidays

As you all know I joined weight watchers in January and managed to loose 37.5 pounds, and have been maintaining my healthy weight for 4 months now. But I just heard that the average person gains 7 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years. I AM TERRIFIED! They say it is stickier the 2nd time you loose it. I will be chanting my motto "NOTHING TASTES as GOOD as SKINNY FEELS."

Thanksgiving

It seems as this time of year I get very teary eyed, at commercials and emails. This one really pulled at my heart strings as I understand the joy of a child. Being a stand offish or shy person I wanted Princess to touch many lives, by being kind and out going. We often will be out and about and she will say hello to someone or I just see them smiling at her. She randomly will say in her high pitched excited voice "HELLO GG" to any women with the hair or stature of my grandmother. That can be a bit awkward, I just smile and keep walking.



I received this email a few days ago, and have thought about it several times.


~ A Baby's Hug ~ We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'
Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'
Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'
I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity. How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.' If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are. This one is a keeper. 'It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who people think you are......'

Wow it still gets me.

We get so wrapped up in the "commercial" holiday that we forget the true meaning.

Home Coming

Well Husband got home safe and sound last night. My clone aka Princess gave him the silent treatment, she wouldn't even look at him. I think she was really mad that he was gone for so long. Finally Doe Doe got her to break down and the had a great time.

So is Husband being played or are we??? I think he is playing us. He knows we are suckers and he can do WHATEVER he wants and we will forget about it.

One Long Weekend

Husband was out of town this weekend. He calls it Bear Camp I refer to it as "Beer Camp", basically 8 or 10 boys go to State College area, do they really hunt HELL NO. They leave Saturday Morning at 6:00 am, they all jam into 1 or 2 trucks and pull the most disgusting pop up camper I have every seen. They drink the hole time they are there and they don't shower. MY HUSBAND comes home in the same clothes he left in. I KNOW the same UNDERWEAR and SOCKS. It just makes me sick. This has been a tradition of Husband and Brother in Law sense they were little, Father in Law retired years ago and it has become a Frat BOY Weekend. Now mind you most of the boys that do go are Fathers, that act like 8 year-olds. Now that Princess is two, she knows that her dad is not where he is supposed to be so all weekend she says like a parrot. Mom where Doe Doe (yes she calls him Doe Doe). Mom where Doe Doe. How do you explain to a two year old her dad has to have a MAN'S weekend and he will be gone for a few days. I can't tell her he is camping. As she will probably stroke out and think how could he go with out her. So I just saying he is hunting and he is trying to catch a bear. She in her little voice say "O". Like she understands. Then 2 seconds later "Mom where Doe Doe".



I do take for granted how much my little Princess understands but, this I can not get her to understand! Dale says next years she will make him feel guilty about going. We shall see.



But we have had much training potty progress over the weekend, we are almost there.

1st Time

I know it is hard to believe but I am confused---- Looking for a little direction M...