2009 in Review: Part 2

Scroll down for the first part of 2009.

Now seeing as I didn't blog the first half of 2009, there isn't much I remember.  But I have this great collection of stories from the second half of 2009.

In July, Mommy got it in the face.

In August we found an alligator in our toilet.

In September I confessed my son is an addict

In October, I wrote a letter to Soccer Moms

In November, Dear Hubby learned what happens when all is quiet

In December, I talked alot about Christmas, and had another toilet incident.

So much easier to remember what happened when I write it all down.  While 2009 was a decent year, I know that 2010 is going to be better!!! Happy New Year!

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December. ~J.M. Barrie, Courage, 1922

Run while Mommy counts to 10, very slowly

Ever had that moment where you are not quite sure what you are going to do to your child, but know that they are lucky they are not within arm's length.

My adorable, sweet, precious child decided he should push Mommy to that limit while at a Boxing day party on Saturday.  The kids had decided to run and play on the stairs during this not so casual party. 

By play,  I mean slide down all of them on their butt.  By run I mean chase each other around the balcony area while squealing.

I walked halfway up the stairs and told my boys (who happened to be showing off for older kids) to calm down.  My stepmother was downstairs having a fit at all the noise from the children.   I hissed "quit running and sliding, when you do that it echoes through the house"

T1's response: "when you yell at me it echoes"

1...2...3.... breathe....4......5....6...7...8.9.10

Santa did it!

Mother Nature didn't agree with Santa this year, which made for a very interesting Christmas morning.  While the rest of the country was getting snow - we got a very cold rain.  That's right, we live too far north for warmth, but too far south for snow.  So we got rained on, all day, Christmas day.

Luckily that was about the worst of it.

Except Santa brought his big gift, which involved the twins going on a treasure hunt to find it, which involved going outside, in the rain.

They didn't care.  And in the end they rode their new present for about 5 minutes in the rain.  Yesterday I was able to watch them actally enjoy it for a few minutes before I crashed on the couch again.  What is it about Christmas that wears us out?  After all the prep - we are pooped afterwards.

So today I'm back at work and the kids and hubby are lounging around, or else doing this.

the day after, the day after

It's the day after, the day after Christmas and at my house, this is the day we all crash.  After a week of events and family we all look forward to a day of peace.  Or at least Mommy does.

On the one hand I'm ready for all the chaos to be over, on the other, I already miss all the preparations that were made.  Getting ready for the big day is almost as much fun as the big day itself.

And now here we are -the house needs cleaning, the kids need calming and Mommy isn't even ready to write about the big day yet.  We had a blast and the twins loved their big present from the big man, but that is a post for another day.  Today is a day of rest.

Hope you are all enjoying your day of rest - or shopping (if you're nuts) - or maybe you're family is still around.  Whatever it is - hope it is the best.

Twas the Night Before

In case you haven't noticed I like to take songs and twist them around a bit.  (don't believe me?  I did it for SITSmas and awards day )  My favorite poem to change is Twas the Night before Christmas.  I'm sending it to all my friends this year in new age style (via facebook, because I never got around to printing and mailing them). 

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Every creature was stirring except for my spouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children had been nestled all snug in their beds,

But wouldn't sleep because visions of toys danced in their heads.

And while Daddy was enjoying his long winter's nap,

I was waiting for the twins to try and set a trap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

Hailey sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.

Away to the window she and Morgan flew like a flash,

Tore open the blinds and ripped up the sash.

The moon on the crest of the grass covered in frost

Gave the lustre of new to the toys once lost.

I quieted the dogs for there was nothing to fear,

It's not like there was a sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the carpet

The sound in the night that always makes me fret.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the hallway little man came with a bound.

He was dressed all in paper, from his head to his feet,

And his clothes were all covered in ribbons so neat.

Carrying a bundle of toys he had opened with great care and tact,

And he looked like a peddler, just examining his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His drool on his little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the glimmer of his diaper was sagging like snow.

The stump of a candy cane he held tight in his teeth,

And the wrapper lay in a pile beneath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A blink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had everything to dread.

The twins spoke not a word, but looked straight at his work,

All the empty stockings caused them to jerk.

All the toys lay spread on the floor in rows,

And giving a nod, they chased him like foes!

Little man sprang to the side of the couch,

He knew they wanted him to say ouch,

But I heard him exclaim, ‘as he ran into bed,

"Merry Christmas to all, that was quite a spread!"

Mom VS Santa

Last week I gave a hint that my favorite gift may be coming from Santa this year. 

It's official.  Santa wrote me a nice long note and told me what super duper big gift he was giving my boys.  Without Santa, my boys wouldn't have recieved such a gift because lets face it - it's way out of our price range.  And for those guessing a Wii (Desert Rose), it's not one of those, this actually costs more. 

I say it's for my boys, but really it is for the twins.  Although Dear Hubby will get just as much joy out of it.  Little Man will be very jealous, until he is older and can steal it from them.

I listened to all the comments on my favorite gift post and I asked Santa to make a treasure hunt to it.  I think it will be so much fun!  He is going to do 10 clues, and they will each be able to take turns figuring out where to go next. 

He has also promised that he will leave them a note with the first clue that says they have to follow Mommy and Daddy's rules on their new gift.  See Mommy likes rules, especially when it comes to toys for boys.

It all sounds so wonderful doesn't it?  It is great, and I am very excited for them.  This is my only problem.  Santa is bringing the big gift, but in order to use the big gift, you need a smaller gift.  This is a part of Mommy's rules.  So, while all my shopping was done last week, today I got to go out in the lovely traffic and go shopping again.  On my lunch break.  To multiple stores.  To find one of these. 

And by the way Santa, this thing cost $100.00 but they aren't getting your gift without it!

Now, the question is when to give them this - before or after the treasure hunt - or should I pretend it is from Santa?

Christmas to do list

My list is long and today it got a little wacky

1. wrap presents CHECK (except for the ones to be delivered Monday)
2. take day off to go to kids school Christmas parties CHECK
3. send hubby to store for mint that I forgot for cookies CHECK (although they had no mint)
4. wait for school to be cancelled for incliment weather to come CHECK
5. incliment weather come NO CHECK
6. bake Mint Oreo Cookies found on Jamie Cooks it Up minus the mint CHECK (and boy are they good!)
7. bake Charleston Chews CHECK
8. bake meringue cookies IN PROGRESS
9. bake butter cookies
10. clean kitchen for fifth time
11. figure out dinner
12. take kids to see the lights at Zootastic

I wonder what tomorrow's will look like. 
How's your Christmas List going?

In all my 30 years of Christmas...

Thirty years of Christmas presents is a lot of gifts, if you include my birthday and any other random gift I've gotten, well that is a WHOLE LOTTA GIFTS!
And Mama Kat wants me to describe a funny or favorite gift that you’ve gotten or have given.

So I was thinking - I talked about the pink jambox the other day in my questions post.

Did I tell you about the year (yes it was the 80's) that I got the black and white polka dot hammer pants I was dying for?  That was the one and only time my mother actually got me exactly what I wanted clothes wise.  And I was thrilled - they went great with my pink sweater.  I even have a picture of me modeling them that Christmas morning.

There was also the year that I got a bicycle!  I had to follow clues and hunt for it.  I was so excited - even if it was green. 

But my favorite, I think it is coming this year!  I am so excited about the gift for the boys.  It is a super duper suprise and it won't fit under the tree.  Hopefully it will all pan out according to plan, and if it does - the look on their faces will be great!!!  I can make them go on a treasure hunt around the house like I did, or maybe I'll just leave directions to go look on the back porch.

What should I do?

Christmas is sights, especially the sights of Christmas reflected in the eyes of a child.--William Saroyan

All I want for Christmas is a few prayers

I know this is not my typical post - it is way out of the norm for me. The norm for me is the chaos that having three boys has made in my life. The norm for me is also dealing with a son who was born with a heart defect. And the norm for me is praying each night, especially for children who need it.

During our hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, what are you wishing for?  A new sweater, that bagless vaccum, a new car, diamond earrings.  Maybe you are simpler and just want a job.  I don't have anything on my list this year.  My list consists of lists for others.  Even in these tight times, I'd like to make Christmas special for my boys, but that is not something I pray for each night.  At night I pray for something different.

When you pray at night who do you think of?  Do you think of just your family or do you pray from a list?  Do you remember each and everyone, or do you remember the faces? I admit when there are times I don't remember a name, but just a face or a request for a prayer.  I know that it is okay if I say a prayer for a face, God knows who we are talking about. This Christmas, I am asking you to say an extra prayer, a special prayer for these children, because for them, the norm is they are in need of all our prayers.






         

Remember

This December,

That love weighs more than gold!

~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon

Christmas Questions you say?

Laugh until you Cry tagged me in a little Christmas Meme which is from the Top Christmas Blog.  So if you want to know all about Christmas at my house, read on my friends, read on.

1. Have you started your christmas shopping yet?
Well I bought a little bit, and won a couple of things.  So started yes, but anywhere near finished? NO!  Which is really bad for me.  I usually start mapping out a plan and shopping in October, but this year, well October just slipped right on by - and for that matter so did November.

2. Tell me about one of your special traditions.

If you read my post a couple of weeks ago - you know I am in need of some traditions. I've adopted one Helen gave me that the boys will open one present Christmas Eve (that I've always let them do) and it will be new PJ's.  I like the idea that I can at least make sure they have matching pjs on for all the pictures that are taken Christmas morning.  The only one we have is our annual trip to Mcadenville the city of Christmas lights.  The boys love it - we went last Sunday and even little man kept saying "lights, lights, lights"

3.When do you put up your tree?
The weekend after Thanksgiving.  I prefer one holiday at a time, but as much Christmas as I am able to squeeze in.

4. Are you a black friday shopper?
I wasn't.  Last year was the first time I ventured out and that was because a friend dragged my butt out of bed.  This year, dear hubby had to work, so I didn't make it.  But I feel like I missed some really good deals and a great time.

5. Do you travel at Christmas or stay home?
We don't travel far away - but we do go to the in-laws just down the road for brunch and dinner. 

6. What is one of your funniest Christmas memories?
My favorite -he he he- is from when my brother and I were little.  He really wanted a jambox for Christmas and our very cool aunt got him one with a cassette player and all - it was so great - and I was very jealous.  Until he opened the box and saw it was pink.  That gift went to me - with the promise that he would have another one, wonder if he ever got one???

7. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
There are so many great ones.  I am a big fan of Polar Express - have loved the book since I was a  little girl.  I also have to watch the Grinch every year and Charlie Brown.

8. Do you do your own Christmas baking? What is your favorite treat?
Yes I do my own baking!  I love to cook, good ol' southern food and desserts.  Last year the twins and I made batches and batches of cookies and peppermint brittle for them to package up and give to people as gifts.  My favorite thing to make is fudge, or cheesecake.  I make a mean cheesecake.

9. Fake or Real tree?
I like a real one - sprayed with anti-burn stuff.  But we bought a fake one the first year we were together and it has been that way ever since.  I just can't see spending the money on a real one when I have a fake one (make that 2, someone gave us their old one) right here.

10.  What day does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
Panic - I've never felt any panic before.  Usually I have it all done in a timely fashion and try to enjoy every bit of it.  This year though - there might be a little panic if I don't get some shopping done soon.

11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
Nope - I had that experience once in college when I came home and my step-mother hadn't wrapped anything yet.  And I may be caught wrapping gifts for my mother in law who saves them all for me to do, but all of my stuff is wrapped.  I enjoy wrapping and will take my time in the evenings doing it all.

12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
I'm probably the most excited person Christmas morning, I've always been the first one up and have even woken up my children out of sheer anticipation.  I love to see their faces when they get up and can be found with my cup of coffee in hand sitting near the tree waiting on them.  That is my favorite part - the joy and wonder of their faces first thing in the morning.

13. What Christmas craft do you like best?
I made really neat stockings one year.  But my favorite is making the Gingerbread house, I try to get better each year.

14. Christmas music?
Dear hubby isn't a big fan - although he enjoys the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  I am not picky and love Christmas muic.  The Christmas station has been on in my car since the first day of December.

15. When do you plan to finish all your shopping?
Hopefully before the 20th. I do not want to be caught out the week of Christmas. One year I fogot the gift for my brother and had to go out  Christmas Eve, it was pouring a cold rain and the mall was packed.  It was the most miserable shopping ever. 

The original version of this meme says to tag 5 blog friends, so that is what I'll do. I'm going to tag:
Desert Rose Moments
Diaries of a Coach's Wife
I'm Living Proof that God has a Sense of Humor
Twinsomnia
Anti-Supermom

HELP! How do I not blow Santa's cover???

Have you heard about the Elf on the Shelf? It is all the new rave.  Well, at least at the twins school.  Their teachers each have a Elf on the Shelf who watches the children and then goes back to Santa each night and tells whether they have been 'naughty or nice'.  Each day he comes back to a different spot in the room.

I think it is a great concept, the boys love it.  He comes with a special book and you can name him and 'register' online to get 'adoption' papers.  The boys have fallen in love with the elf, and all in the year I was afraid the magic of Christmas would start to disappear.  They are seven now.

T1 and T2 have been asking for an elf for about a week.  They told me which website I could go to and would ask everyday if I had been.  Well I went.  It's $29.99 for the whole set-up and we don't have an extra thirty bucks for an elf on a shelf.  I nicely told them we just couldn't afford it right now and it was a lot of money.

Last night, T1 politely informed me that I didn't have to worry about getting one anymore.

"Why?" I asked
"Because I wrote Santa a note and the Elf in our class took it to him.  Santa will send you a Elf on a Shelf."
"Wow!" I responded.  Dumbfounded because now I either get to make or break Christmas this year.

There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. ~Erma Bombeck

we need some Christmas Traditions

Everyone has their Christmas Traditions - right?  I'm not so sure we have any - or any good ones. 

We had a tradition where everyone had the same crocheted stocking with our names and year of birth on them.  My siblings and I have them, the twins got theirs, then the lady died and so did the tradition - little man has a plain green stocking.

We always let the boys open 1 gift the night before - but we get to choose.  It's not the same thing each year.

We go to the in-laws for breakfast - but I've been protesting that tradition for years.  I understand it's a special meal she only makes once a year, but I like the kids to be able to relax and open their presents without being rushed.

I've made a tradition of going to see the lights in Mcadenville NC.  The whole town decorates and people come from miles around to see it.  If you are in the area and have never been you are missing out.  I pack hot chocolate and cookies in the car and we drive thru at least twice.

But that is it.  All I have.  I am looking for some traditions to start.  Jolly Mom has some great ones and asked for ours, but I'm stumped.  What traditions do you have that I can steal?

Tradition: sit with husband in a room lit only by tree lights and remember that our blessings outnumber the lights. Happy Christmas to all. ~Betsy Cañas Garmon,

So it's Christmas and you're broke - who isn't?

In case you live in a cave, or aren't from around these parts, we are in a recession/depression (depending on who you ask).  No one has the money to go out and spend loads for Christmas, but we want to give just the same.

Giving is no longer what it used to be.  I have customer's asking for donations to charity instead of their usual gifts.  Families are starting to draw names instead of buying for every single aunt, uncle, cousin, niece and nephew. 

Even with all of these changes, we still have this strong desire to give to our families, especially our children.  We don't want them to see how the economy has affected us on a personal level.  We do not want them to worry about money or the future.

Well either get over it, or get real creative about your spending.

I'm doing both.  The kids aren't going to get what they are used to getting (although I will say my children don't ever ask for much - only one or two things).  And I'm getting creative about my spending.  I'm making a list, or two, or three, comparing deals, prices, freebees, (and entering a few Christmas giveaways).  So I thought I'd share my knowledge with you - so you can get in on these too!

1. Check out the saver websites: Mommy Savers  is a fantastic website that I have been a member of (its free) for a couple years now (and no they did not know I was writing this).  There are all kinds of articles about saving money on any and everything.  PLUS their forum is constantly being updated by people who have found great freebes or awesome online codes or great in store bargains.  Just a sample of what you can find on their site

• 50 free photo cards, including free shipping
• Yankee Candle Coupon - buy 2 get 2 free
• 10 piece Stainless Steel pots and pans for $20.99

2. Check into Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals: We've all heard of Black Friday and you either do it or you don't.  I was one of those who didn't until I saw a couple of deals I couldn't pass up.  Watch these sites and see if it is worth going out on Black Friday.

• Black Friday Ads
• Black Friday

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving and it is the day that all us cyber junkies do all of our shopping - lots of deals are done that day also.

• Cyber Monday Ads

3. Make your own gifts.  Yes it may require a skill and some time, but there are a lot of terrific ideas out there that don't look like first grader crap and mean more when given.  Try these 50 ideas!

4. Win something in Blogosphere:  I may be the only blogger not doing a Christmas extravaganza/gift guide/giveaway, but that doesn't stop me from going to see what is out there and trying to win a few of my gifts.  You get to meet new people, get some great ideas and hey you just might be able to check someone off your list.

• The Five Fish is doing a Holiday Gift Guide that includes some of the most awesome giveaways I've seen!  Like luggage from High Sierra, or a Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit  to make your own soda with.
• My Organized Chaos is also doing a Holiday Gift Guide that includes all kinds of giveaways from Pearl Earrings to Cheeky Umbrellas. 

Any thrifty ideas that I missed?

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.

~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

it's November 3rd, not Christmas!

Today is November 3.
It is not Christmas.
We haven't even made it to Thanksgiving yet.
We just finished Halloween!

Yet, I find myself surronded by Christmas. 

First let me qualify this whole post.  I love Christmas, I love holidays. But I am a one at a time holiday kind of gal.  I may start looking for stuff now - but really my shopping doesn't really start until after Thanksgiving (granted I will not shop on Christmas Eve, did it once and learned my lesson).

I have a friend who starts decorating for Christmas on November first.  She can't wait for Halloween to be over so she can start decorating.  I was in CVS on Friday - they had her beat.  They had Halloween and Christmas decor side by side.

New releases of Christmas music are coming out - it's all I heard about on the radio this morning. 

And then I get here and there are all these Christmas lists - giveaways and such.  I understand that giveaways can't be done at the last minute - and some of them are pretty awesome (The Five Fish has a whole month long series going on, and I did enter for some pearls, new shoes, and a kids kitchen set), but I'm just not ready for Christmas yet.

I want to enjoy the here and now.  I love Halloween and we all got decked out in our costumes (pics of which will not upload for some reason).  We are still eating the pounds of candy left over.  We still have our Jack-O-lanterns outside. 

Next week we'll start talking about Thanksgiving and the kids will start making turkeys out of hands at school.  I'll make my thankful list - because at this time, we need to remember all the things we do have instead of what we don't.

And then later on- I'll go Christmas shopping - probably the day after Thanksgiving - it is the most wonderful time of the year you know!

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present. ~Babatunde Olatunji