What I should have been doing

Instead of being a busy body wife, I should have just stayed down here in the craft room. As you can see, I had a very productive morning. So much fun to use some bright colors. Got my mind off the snow. Happy New Year...now go do something crafty!

The Last Day of 2006

Here we sit, with less than 8 hours left in this year. Reflecting back, it has been a good year. Maybe one of the best in that nothing terrible happened, we found some new hobbies, made some new friends, strengthened some old friendships and enjoyed good health and enough fortune to pay the bills. Yep, on all accounts, looks like it has been a good year for us.

I try to avoid making any resolutions. I do OK with the short term aspect of any resolution. It is the long term follow through that gets me down every time. So, I'll stick with my usual plan to do better and try harder. And when I get off track for whatever lame excuse, then I just need to pick myself back up and get back on track.

One area that I seem to overachieve in and thus needs little of my resolution energies to "do better" has got to be in the role of supportive spouse. Much as I don't care for motorcycles, I've set my fears aside and have not only encouraged Hubby to get a bike, I pushed him over the edge when he was debating whether to buy a bigger/better bike ( I likened his first bike to a vespa in comparison to those that his pals were riding. That apparently sealed the deal: he bought a new bike the next day). I readily approve all day bike excursions because it does so much to help boost his overall attitude towards life. A Happy Hubby makes for a happy home is my motto.

But I think today I crossed the line. I suggested he try to take the bike out. He has been wanting to, but up until today he has listened to that wise inner voice to wait a bit. And then along comes happy wife: You know, if you can just get out of the neighborhood then the roads are dry I said when I got back from shopping. His usual voice of reason (me) was contradicting what his gut was telling him.

Well, the good news is no serious injury occurred. The bad news: well, we're stuck with a sad Hubby/dad for a little bit longer.

Oh well, at least he tried...and maybe now he's got it out of his system? Time will tell...as long as I keep my mouth shut next time.

This time around...

I mentioned that I was caught up on chores, and this time around I was going to scrapbook. Well, I am no longer caught up on chores (in order to stay ahead of any storm, indoor or outdoor, preventive maintenance is required. Nothing chore related has been done in the past 24 hrs). However, I am all finished with my latest Make Her Cry project.

It's a gift album for my BIL and his wife. OK, mostly his wife because guys, well, they just don't get this whole scrapbooking thing. Anyways, it was so much fun to put together and FINALLY I managed to cry while working on such a project.

I don't know the details about their journey to becoming parents (as nosey as I can be, I also know when someone doesn't feel like discussing personal matters). But I have always sensed this was a long time in the making. So when I was working on this page, well, I just lost it. I mean come on: who wouldn't cry after reading this poem and seeing this photo:

The poem reads:

She is his blanket to warm him on a cold winter night. She is the food that satisfies his hungry spirit. She is his shelter from the storm, his comofrt in times of pain, his nursemaid to heal all his hurts. She is the wind that lifts him up when he has fallen. She is encouragement that guides him forward. She is the love that brought him here. She is his mother.

OK, so if that doesn't make you tear up, maybe this one will?

Can you believe next week at this time, I'll get to snuggle and cuddle with this little fella? Never, Never, Never have I looked so forward to a trip to California as I have this trip...leaving snow behind to cuddle with a little guy? What's not to like???? Shamu and Legoland will just be the icing on top of a very delicious dessert!

There is Light at the end of the storm...

In the form of the trash guys coming to pick up my trash! Two weeks worth (at least). I just went outside to tell them Thanks and slip them their holiday tip. (yes, I'm one of those types, I tip the trashmen and I give a gift card to the mailman...because he can't accept cash, can he? Go ahead, you already hate me for doing the right thing, just add this to your list)

I'm oh so happy not to have to look at those trash cans full of stuff any longer. And worry about the critters coming out at night and feasting on the contents...leaving a mess for us to pick up.

How does he do it?

This morning, hubby and I were awakened by Thing Two. Calmly announcing "I've got a bloody nose". What amazes me is how does he manage to get out of his cave of a bed, down the hallway, into our room without dropping even a spec of blood. Remaining quiet and calm the entire time. But, once he gets to the bathroom and we get in there to help him, he starts shrieking and spraying blood all over the place?

Now, I"m not really complaining as cleaning a bathroom is way easier than carpet, bed linens and all that in between. I'm just wondering...how does he do it?

PS: He's fine now. Yep, he'd eased up on his saline nose sprays and voila...he gets a nosebleed. Even he made that connection so maybe we won't have an early morning wake up calls again now that he realizes the stuff really does help.

I feel a nap coming on...

Them forecasters are right. It is snowing. Right on schedule with their timeline. And, snowing so hard that I'm guessing chances of trash getting picked up this week are pretty slim. And, since they missed us last week because of that storm, we're now looking at a mountain of rubbish. Joy Joy Joy...

But, the chores are pretty much caught up and I'm hoping to ride this storm out in the craft room. Got me another Operation Make Her Cry underway. Just maybe I'll get it finished before we head out to California next week.

Yet just like last week, the storm moves in and my motivation disappears and all that seems worth doing involves the couch, a pillow and a cozy blanket...maybe after my nap...

It should read S.O.S

Last week, Thing Two needed to apologize to mom. So, with the help of Hubby, he wrote his sorry in the snow. Only, he ran out of room after stomping out MOM. Now as I look at this photo, I think it should read SOS!

Apparently, there is another storm system starting to build. The weather folks are playing it cautious, but if you read between the lines and listen to what they aren't telling us, then one can only assume it means more snow in "measurable" amounts.

Aw, gee, we've never looked so forward to a trip to see Hubby's people as we are to our upcoming California adventure. For as frustrating as my MIL can be, at least they don't have snow! I'm encouraging Hubby to look into renting a motorcycle for while we are in San Diego. I just don't think either one of us can cope with his full withdrawl of not getting a riding fix. It'll be sometime between now and this side of "who knows when" before the roads will be dry enough here to ride. It would give new meaning to "fun was had by all" if he can arrange for a day of riding in SoCal.

Christmas Morning Magic...

Then and Now, the true gifts of Christmas are Peace, Joy and Love..

Christmas Eve with Friends...

My mom was very into cross stitch. One of the last projects she made for me before her illness took over was a stitched quote that I still have hanging on my wall. It reads "Friends are the family you find along the way!" That was certainly Audrey's motto and without a doubt it is part of my personal creed as well.

This evening, our good friends were kind enough to include us in their family celebration. This rather simple invitation on their part, just validated to me the important role that friends play in our lives. And yes indeed, they do become like family. Thank you Zimmers for including us. Your kindness was most appreciated...

Now off I go, because we know that Santa won't come as long as we're all awake...

"Twas the Day before Christmas

And all through the House, creatures were stirring, (perhaps even stir crazy).

The presents are wrapped and ready to go.

The menu is planned, although not as elaborate as I'd originally contemplated.

The House...well, I guess I should sign off and give it a quick 1-2 clean up..

Yep, I'd say we're ready for the big day... Bring it on!!!!

Post Blizzard Smiles...

Forced to stay home, Thing One has been one very happy camper. He's very much like his parents in his homebody nature. Finally this afternoon he ventured out to explore this winter wonderland. And of course, I was there to capture the fun on film.

Hey Mr. Sun, Welcome Back...

We missed you! I know, we're nothing but a bunch of whining, sniveling, unable to please folks. You share with us your warmth some 300 plus days a year. You take a little break for not even 48hrs and we're pleading for your return.

Now, that you are back, can you please get back to work? We got us a whole heap of white stuff that needs to be relocated and with your help, we might just get dug out faster.

But, now don't work too hard. We do after all long for that White Christmas that others around the country are begging for..

Thanks,

Chang Gang

Helping Hands

Well, the men in the cul de sac spent the afternoon helping dig each other out. Again, I never made that connection that life at the end of the cul de sac means you've got more shoveling to do then just the driveway. But, they seemed to have a system down so I just stayed away from it all. Our new neighbor was leading the way to getting out. Is he just a neighborly kind of guy? I mean, he's got a 4wd pickup and was determined to get a path made. Mighty nice of him don't you think? Or perhaps being stuck inside a 3 bedroom house with a wife, 3 kids under age 4 and a great dane you're perhaps a bit more motivated to break the sense of isolation that we are enjoying here in our spacious 5 bedroom, all potty trained home? Hmmmm...the jury is still out on the reason for his kindness but I can happily report, should we need to get out, we now have an exit strategy.

PS: a shout of thanks to Ms. Nancy for the authorized Harley Shades. Thing Two has decided they are his.

Snowed In

Day 2 of the storm and we are indeed snowed in. Although there are countless advantages to living in a cul de sac, I fear we've finally discovered a disadvantage. It won't be enough to shovel out the driveway now will it? And from the looks of things, it appears as if 2 of the neighbors with 4wd drive vehicles (that could help create a path) aren't around.

Oh well, spirits remain high (and spirits also remain well stocked in the liquor cabinet). In all honesty, I am enjoying this forced house arrest. Now, had my Blockbuster home delivery arrived with the first 3 discs of Season Two for House I'd really be enjoying my "HOUSE" arrest.

But, for now, I'm having a good time spending time with my guys.

More to follow (once I recharge the batteries for the good camera. I took these with the spare).

Waiting out the storm

If you are Thing One, you whine because friends can't come over and other plans got cancelled. And then, you find the one that loves you no matter what and drift off to dream about a snow-free day.
If you are Thing Two, you find ways to entertain yourself. So far today, you've helped your dad shovel (help being a term up for debate if you ask Hubby). You also finished your very detailed drawing and started work on your own go-cart, pausing for a quick round of Mario Double Dash for "inspiration".

If you are Hubby, after a delicious and hearty breakfast, you make the difficult trip in to the office. (that would be up one flight of stairs, being self employed and a telecommuter, sometimes has its perks). You take your coffee break and shovel at least 6 inches, with 3 more falling before you are done. Your loving wife announces lunch is ready: beef lo mein and a fresh pot of coffee. You ponder whether you can sleep through the next teleconference and would Raj and the guys over there in Mumbai even notice your snoring?

And if you are me, well, a little baking followed by an attempt to deal with the indoor blizzard that is the craft zone. And you say a little word of Thanks because it looks like we will indeed enjoy ourselves a white Christmas!

The closest thing to heaven on this planet anywhere

Is a quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado snow!

We interupt this blog to bring you

A Blizzard Report!

Or so the weather guys are predicting. We'll see if they are right. They missed their prediction of the start of the storm by a day. Are they making up for it by calling for 14-20 inches of snow to fall between now and tomorrow? Time will tell.

But, you just can't help but smile when you realize how fickle our Rocky Mountain weather is. Yesterday we enjoyed this

Today...who knows what fun we will all experience. We're ready! I really did need milk yesterday afternoon and while there, I stocked up on fun and favorite foods. (Hubby and I will be enjoying us some yummy beef stir fry later on today! Come on over, but don't delay. Hubby can eat the entire contents if I let him!) Thing 2 begged for some eggnog. And Thing 1 has a fully stocked stash of popsicles (yeah, just what most people crave during a snowstorm, eh? I did tell you he's our quirky one, right?)

Such a wise boy

During our evening "talk about the day" time, I asked Thing Two "where do you think you'll live when you grow up?"

With just a momentary pause, he quickly said "well, not Jericho Court, because you live here".
A little longer pause and he says "I guess wherever my wife tells me"

Such a smart little 7yr old we're raising!

On the second day of Track off...

My true love came home from work early and suggested I go out. Well, I should have taken him up on such an offer, but NO, I'm a fool and decided I was in the mood for chores, I'd better just keep plugging away.

So, as of 4pm, I've finished 3 loads of laundry (folded and put away!), wiped down two bathrooms and mopped one kitchen floor....all while the boys have played happily with their friend.

Their mysterious good behavior can only mean...they know that HE'S watching and we're getting down to those final days of Santa double checking his list.

Yep, it is the most wonderful time of year!

Next time, I'm paying for shipping!

Bear with me as I share today's grumble. I ordered some pics of my beautiful nephew from Costco. When doing so, I thought "Ah, I"ll pick them up. Save on the shipping cost. After all, there is always something I need from Costco".

OMFSM! Doesn't anyone in/around Lone Tree work? Come on folks, this is Monday. The only people that should be out shopping are us moms and the retired folks. Nooooooooooooooo, it seemed like everyone was there to include me and the Things.

They of course did great. Once again, with that keen sense kids have of knowing "today AIN"T the day to mess with Momma", they were delightful little boys, entertaining each other as we got stuck in traffic getting into the parking lot, inside the store and again, just trying to get out of the parking lot.

Their patience was rewarded with an extra box of Gummi Bear treats.
But next time, I'm paying for those photos to be shipped to the house.

On the First day of track off..

The Things said to me: "We're..." And then they caught themselves before they said THAT B word that mothers everywhere despise.

They are indeed learning....this close to Christmas there shall be no proclamations of Boredom.

Now, I'm all for unmotivated, uninspired, stuck in a rut. But nope, boredom not allowed here.

Craft Crap

That's what Hubby affectionately refers to my assorted crafting supplies. Of course, mostly he does it to tease me. It has become that running joke between us.

But, today I raise the white flag and admit, he's right this time.

A couple months back, Target had these adorable kits on clearance. One was an accordion album and the other was an envelope album. Ooh, they looked so pretty. They were packaged all nice and neatly in this really nicely constructed box and it said "all materials included". Ooh: I loaded up my cart and had that happy glow of "I know what I'm giving to her and her and maybe even her for Christmas!"

I put them in the closet and in accordance with my Holiday schedule (us Martha's have to do the Holiday prep thing in a certain order or else we get all frantic and confused), this morning I pulled the first one out to start working on it.

Ugh! Yuck! I now know there was a reason these kits were marked WAY done. The weight of the paper (or should say lack thereof) is less than the Things stash of construction paper. When I tried to adhere it, it wrinkled something fierce. Still confident I could make use of these supplies, I tried putting pictures on top of the wrinkled cheap paper.

Now I have something with pretty pictures on top of crappy, wrinkled, thin paper. ICKY! The pages look worse than my first layouts I did back in 1995 when I first discovered scrapbooking (and if you craft anything, you know your earliest works are not some of your best work)

He's right...this kit is indeed the epitome of craft crap.

So, my attempt to make some homemade gifts from the heart have come to an end. Tomorrow I'm cleaning it all up and calling it a wrap. 'Tis the season to move on or we'll never make it to Christmas in a sane state.

Oh well, at least my homemade fudge and Carmel corn turned out perfectly....

Appropriately Attired

Realized I didn't blog the photos from Polar Express. Good time had by all. I liked having to party hop between Thing One and Thing Two's classes. Didn't have to get totally involved in any one party scene. Just back and forth between the two, helping a little bit here and there.

Ah, we made it to the finish line...

Track off week is always busy. Toss in Holiday madness. Add in my part time gig that often leaves me feeling, well, suffice to say changes will certainly be a continuing theme for me in 2007! This week seemed like one huge never ending to do list.

Yet the good news is that we made it! Without totally losing it. Without freaking out over some little detail that really doesn't matter ( I admit I came close last night but a session of TiVo watching with Hubby helped me regroup and refocus and turn off my inner-alpha mom). Without Thing Two being expelled for inappropriate dress. Basically it was a week without major stress despite the hectic pace. OK, perhaps the only thing missing was Johnny's brother showing up in his cute little shorts. But, oh well...maybe next time?


And, I even made the grouchy crossing guard laugh! She's a stickler for rules and so I said to my quartet of merry men, "If any of you jay walk (her pet peeve), you'll have to sit out for the first 5 minutes of Happy Hour!". She just laughed and laughed, and now I realize it was a pretty not so Martha comment to shout out with all sorts of listening moms. What's up with that Mom? (and maybe they were wondering how they score an invite, well ladies, my dance card is full!)

Now, lets see how long I last before I'm begging to send them back to school. Anyone care to wager a bet?

All Aboard...it's almost time!

For as long as I can remember, the tradition at our school has been to have the first graders Christmas party center around The Polar Express. Long before the movie came out, the kids would wear their pajamas to school and discover that their classroom had been transformed into a train and they were about to take a very special journey. It has always put a smile on my face to see the teachers really giving 110% to making this a special day for their class. Each year, as I watch the first graders march into school, beaming with pride that they get to wear their pajamas ALL day. Well, you can just feel the magic of Christmas flowing through their innocent little selves.

Tomorrow is finally Thing Two's turn to experience the magic and thrill of it all.

But man, talk about an individual taking the fun out of it! I asked him "what are you going to wear tomorrow?" and he says "I don't know, she said they have to be appropriate for school and I'm afraid that mine won't be OK".

So, here is this ever so gentle and rather modest kid of mine, concerned that his jammies won't past muster with the teacher. OK, in today's politically correct society, I see where she may have needed to address a few issues. It is December and you will still have gym and recess so whatever you wear, make sure it is warm enough and covers your body just as much as your regular school clothes do. Beyond that, or using big words that the kids don't understand. So not necessary.

What's the worry? That Jane will borrow mommy's very special nightie? You know the one she wears when the visa bill shows up and she has to show it to Daddy?

Or maybe Johnnie will decide to borrow something from his older brother's closet?

Come on, lets put the fun back in this event and just deal with "inappropriate" issues as they crop up.

I can't believe they call themselves Scrapbookers

For those clueless about a wishblade, it is this gizmo/gadget things that works with your own computer and all your fonts to cut titles. Yeah, like the sizzix only no muscle required, no plethora of dies needed. No searching for snippets of paper to put into the sizzix machine You just type and voila the Wishblade cuts your title or other assorted graphic.

Or so they say.
I must admit, I've never had the pleasure of actually seeing a real Wishblade. For all I know, there are just a bunch of Alpha Scrapbookers, slaving away hand cutting these gorgeous titles and then in standard Alpha Mom fashion they dismiss it is as "oh, just a little something I put together last night!". The concept of a magical machine that does the work is just to throw us not so Alphas off their case.

But just like that little boy up the street who just knows Santa is bringing him a Spy Car, I too hold out hope that there really is a Wishblade out there!

Filling in the blanks...

Ah, a blog challenge that looks rather easy. Let's see if it is as easy as it appears on first glance.

1. My current favorite song is: O Holy Night. Doesn't really matter who is performing it, I like it. And since the radio is set to the Christmas music channel, I'm hearing it a lot!

2. The last book I read was: Suburbanistas by ? It really isn't important. What is important is that this is the first book in a long time I've managed to finish. I've been doing a lot of quitting half way through because I just can't get into the story or I find it boring. So, despite the very basic story line with a predictable plot and only average character development I was able to I finish it. And that my friends makes it a good thing indeed!

3. The last book I bought was: 2 copies of A Year of Wonder. Christmas presents. Now that was a great read!

4. The last CD I bought was: some Thomas Kincaid compilation of Christmas music. Another Christmas present.

5. Another CD I wanted but didn't buy is: Nothing really. Money these days is going to gifts or being set aside for our big California adventure. Besides, I"m just a plain old radio girl.

6. Right now, I'm wearing: jeans with the extra elastic at the waist and my comfy fleece cardigan (it is chilly down here in the basement).

7. The last gift I bought was: presents for my nephew. Shh..his mother reads the blog and she'll fuss at me that I spoil the boy. Yep, I am proud to say I do. Only 2 nephews, it is easy to do.

8. The last time I laughed heartily and loudly: Bolivian Women Wrestling. Hubby and I roar with laughter every time Thing One practices his report. Which by the way, he gives to his classmates tomorrow morning.

9. My favorite holiday ornament is: My collection of Disney ornaments. They just put a big old smile on my face.

10. My house smells like: fried chicken and white rice. Hubby's comfort food. He's got to work tonight (again).

11. The first thing on my to-do list tomorrow is: Attend Thing One's presentation on La Paz. And then, off to work.

12. If I could sit on Santa's lap and believe that he'd bring me whatever toy I wished for, I'd ask for: a wish blade. I so don't need it, but it is a gadget that looks like fun.

13. If I could holiday shop in ONE store, all expenses paid, I'd shop at: Pottery Barn. I"m too frugal to spend my own dimes there. But someone Else's money, why certainly!

14. If an angel alighted on my doorstep today and said, "I'm here to grant a Christmas wish," I'd wish for: Grandma Audrey to be able to have met her three handsome grandsons.

15. When I see a bell ringer while out shopping, I: I wish them a Merry Christmas and drop whatever change I have in my pocket. 'Tis the Season and all.

Spinsters and Tiddlywinks

Earlier in the week, I bought the movie "How to eat fried worms". It looked like a Thing-worthy movie AND it had a coupon for a free ticket to Lego Land (Yahoo: we'll be there in a month!). Last night we watched it together as a family. Reviews were mixed: Hubby thought it was stupid (he's so not in touch with his inner school aged boy). I thought it was OK (not worth buying but again, that whole me and the coupons comes into action, I couldn't resist) and the boys...well, we've had 2 more showing since last night so I'd have to say it is a double thumbs up from them.

Just now Thing Two was giggling about two new words he learned from the movie: "hey mom, I'm sitting on my spinster". Oh really...OK, you have obviously misunderstood the word but I really don't feel like correcting you.

And then there was the new code word for boy parts. They heard tiddlywink. I can so live with that.

But, I'm sure if the fascination with this movie continues, they will learn the correct pronunciation for both words and the joke will no longer be quite as funny. So for now, I'm sitting here, sipping my coffee and chuckling to myself.

*update on to do list: local Christmas cards are further along the path to completion. Christmas shopping also saw a little action yesterday. But the sun is out and the Things need some fresh air so I've put the chores on hold in favor of supervising them in the front yard.

Must Do List

Feel free to ignore this entry. This is just my own personal challenge.I figure if I blog it, then just maybe I will hold myself accountable.



To do this weekend:

1. Finish up Christmas cards. The non-local cards went out weeks ago. But, I had this wild hair to make homemade cards for those in the area. That's about as far as I've gotten: coming up with the idea.


2. Work on cards to go with the assorted gift cards that need to be passed out at school next week. Again, I got the gift cards ordered (here is my shameless plug: use your schools script program if they have such a program. It helps make shopping a little easier and your school's PTO benefits a little bit). But, I need to write a nice little note to go with the gifts. I'm sticking with the predictable but ever popular restaurant gift cards (my favorite imaginary teacher pal, Suite Sioux, has trained me well in the importance of keeping it simple and practical)


3. Do a little baking but DON"T EAT IT ALL. Yes, that means you Miss. "I wonder why my jeans are so tight" Martha.


4. Finish up the Christmas shopping. Those last few items are always the toughest. I'd tell you what they were but Hubby reads my blog (ah, now we know the real reason why I don't bitch about the hubby on the blog! The truth has finally come out.)


5. Figure out where to stay in San Diego. And book the darn room, OK? It isn't rocket science you know. Once again, I am putting way too much time into finding the best deal out there. (ah, but i did finally find a coupon for a free admission to Legoland with the purchase of an adult ticket)

OK, if you read this far, I shall reward your curiosity with a photo. As this has been a rather boring post but just hopefully it will inspire me to stay on task this weekend.

Holiday Moment of Panic

Thing Two announced that they wrote letters to Santa in school yesterday. OK, works for me. Anything that gets them writing is a good thing and I wasn't as worried since the "Santa Spoiler" from last year is in another class. As I'm cleaning out the backpacks, I find the letter to Santa and read it.

UH OH! Although it is a nicely written letter it contains a request TOTALLY different from anything we've heard at home. Now I'm way too organized and efficient to be cool with a change this late in the game.

So, I call him upstairs and ask him ever so casually, "can you read this letter for me". (because the item listed is rather pricey and I'm afraid he really wants this listed item. Trying hard not to make a big deal of it as I figure out what to do).

It is only as he's reading his letter that he explained he had to put this request down because what he really wants involves using a "not appropriate for school word." (side note: when did he figure out how to pronounce appropriate correctly?)

? Oh really I said, wondering, does he want a "dammit doll" or a "crap shack"....because really what "not appropriate word" has him changing his mind? After all, this is my people pleasing Thing were dealing with: what word did he possibly want to use that his teacher said nope, try again?

And then I had my light bulb moment: he really wants a Nerf Long SHOT. And he realized shot deals with guns and guns are not appropriate for school. String all these factors together, and yes, he did have to make up a new request.

Ah, now it all makes sense...and thank goodness Santa is well aware of the real request and will set aside this false request to Santa

PS...

1. Library Patrons: I'm serious. It is awful, really awful. Just remove yourself now.
Says she who learned that Hollywood video isn't carrying season two.

2. I forgot to let the folks at Seattle's Best know...you really are the best! I ran out of your stuff two days ago, and I've been in a foul mood ever since...must.re-stock.supply! I'll even buy it without a coupon! (which if you know me, you know i rarely buy anything that isn't on sale or I have a coupon for, at least food wise).

To Whom It May Concern

• The challenge: Write 5 open letters. People, places, objects, animals. It doesn't matter. Write 5 succinct letters and express what you can't express in person. Strangers? People you'll never see again? People you're afraid to be completely honest with? Corporations? Celebrities? Your sister's cats? Write to 'em.Angry? Disgusted?Enthralled?Amused?In awe?Annoyed?Admiring?Write about it. 5 of 'em.

To the 65 Library Patron on the Waiting List for Season 2 of House:
I just read a review and apparently it is a really crappy season.
You should just go ahead and take your name off the list.
Sincerely: Anxiously waiting Patron #66.

Howdy Neighbor:
Yeah, you on the end of the cul de sac. You see me. You see my kids
Try smiling or waving. It is the neighborly thing to do.
OK, so maybe I don't really want to meet you...but could you at least introduce
me to your dog? He looks so friendly.
The lady without the dog on the Court

Ms. Martyr
You do realize nobody likes a martyr, right?
Either do the work because you like to. Or don't do it because it is more than you
can cope with. But please, only at Burger King can you have it both ways.



Missing Bag of Caramel Corn
Come out come out wherever you are!
I know you are hiding in that pantry somewhere.
Because seriously, I don't think I could have eaten all of the caramel corn that was
supposed to have been part of Christmas presents.
Me with the fully belly and caramel corn crumbs on my shirt

Mother Nature:
Much as the Things loved getting to go sledding, can you shorten the duration of the
next storm? Hubby needs to be on his motorcycle if we are all to stay sane and you
just took a little too much time melting the ice this last time. Oh better, yet, just give us
the snow. Leave the ice for the southerners.
Wife who knows a happy Hubby makes for a Happy Home

Making it real...

I just finished helping Thing One with his social studies report. Yeah yeah, I am using the term "help" rather loosely. As it really means, guide, redirect, and pretty much orchestrate the project. I know the teachers aren't fooled with who does what on such projects. But, I don't make the rules, I just make sure the project is completed as assigned. And hey, he used the sizzix machine unsupervised. That counts for something, right?

But over the course of our study, we learned a few things about La Paz. I had to do some serious editing on the "economy" question. Coca is a major export: and we aren't talking rip offs of coca-cola. Yeah, THAT coca. There is also some slave trading going on. And, well, a big time cultural celebration includes fetuses of llamas. Oh why couldn't he have gotten assigned something more benign like Oslo?

One fun fact that we did discover and let him include is the new sport of women wrestling. The indigenous women have few means to generate income so apparently a new sport involves wrestling in traditional garb. Honest! I even checked snopes.com this tidbit to make sure it wasn't some urban legend. And here is the proof:

Oh my, I can just imagine the class of giggles when he starts to talk about this being the most interesting thing he learned about his international capital! He will no doubt remain the reigning class clown after his report.

I've found a new favorite

Of coffee that is. Seattle's Best has a flavor called Creme Brulee. Oh my! Yummy!
So yummy that I can't seem to motivate myself to do much beyond sitting and sipping and sighing as I enjoy a really good cup of joe!

What I wish I'd known...

Imagine my delight when reading People, I discover Nora Ephron's words (or pearls) of Wisdom. You just know she's going to have some good ones for this week's challenge. I mean, come on she wrote When Harry Met Sally and directed Sleepless in Seattle. This woman gets it, right? Here are some of my favorites (for the entire article, check out the People extra, 12.6.06, pg 23. Locals, you may borrow my copy).

• People have only one way to be
• Buy, don't rent
• You can't be friends with people who call after 11pm
• You never know
• Anything you think is wrong with your body at the age of 35 you will be nostalgic for at 45 (I'm not at 45 yet, but I oh so get this one already!)
• Write everything down
• Take more pictures
• There's no point in making pie crust from scratch
• The reason you're waking up in the middle of the night is the second glass of wine
• Back up your files
• Never Let them know
• There are no secrets

Glisten and Glide!

Although I'm tired of the cold and wishing it would warm up, I have found a positive spin on this cold snap. You see, usually our snow comes and goes so fast you might be lucky to get one or two days of sledding out of a storm before you are seeing bare grass. That Rocky Mountain sunshine just melts it all away. You must always be prepared to act quickly when it comes to playing in the snow.

But, that is not the case with this most recent storm. Today marked the third day in a row that the Things sledded after school. And I have officially been crowned cool mom for suffering through that cold 3 afternoons in a row while the boys frolicked and played in this winter wonderland. But, it was worth ever frozen digit to see them both laughing and enjoying the simple act of playing in the snow!

Be Safe out there...

Ice is not to be taken lightly...even in these climates where we are supposed to be used to such conditions. A father of a student at the Things school was killed this morning while taking his older daughter to school.

Who knows how A will cope with the loss of his dad. I smile as I recall running into this family within our neighborhood. A was so proud and excited when he spotted me, telling me "HI P's Mom! This is my Dad, we're shopping". And, then whenever A would see me at school he would say "I saw you at the furniture store when I was shopping with my dad."

And although this encounter happened easily some 4 years ago, A continues to retell this story whenever we would meet at school. Over and Over. Always with the same amount of enthusiasm and pure delight. I would tease him "A, we've got to find you a new story to tell".

I'm afraid he got just such a story today.

Yes, A has autism and who knows how he will process this loss. Just the same, my heart is breaking for a family I barely know as they cope with the reality that you just don't know when you'll be called Home.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,2 and 4 - "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heaven:a time to be born and a time to die......a time to weep and a time to laugh,a time to mourn and a time to dance..."

A Snow Day (at least for me..)

It's been snowing most of the day. Just a slow drizzle of flakes. Just enough to make me want to stay home where it is toasty and warm. And so, I've done just that. I gave myself permission today to do what I want to do and forget about what's on the to-do list. So, I got caught up on some of my TiVo (so, what do you think will happen next on Desperate Housewives?), made a batch of carmel popcorn (and assuming hubby doesn't get stuck in too much traffic, there might just be some left by the time he gets here). I then ventured down to the craft room and with Christmas music playing for background, I've proceeded to crank out about 20 cards. Ah...it has been a very good day indeed. And a quick glance at the clock tells me that I could maybe even squeeze in a snooze on the comfie couch before I venture out to collect the Things.

Ok, so that would be pushing it, especially since the shovel is giving me the evil eye and reminding me of a promise I made to hubby this morning to shovel...but once I"m done...if there's time, I might just reconsider that nap!