Good Times

I have a few good friends. Sometimes, many months pass before we find time where our schedules allow us to "hang out". But no matter how much time passes, we continue our friendship as though we had just seen each other yesterday. Such is the case with our friends Sue and Gary.

I've known Sue for about 30 years. She married Gary 25 years ago. Their 2 boys are close in age to our 2 girls. When the kids were growing up, we hung out and did stuff together. Now our kids have moved or are moving on. Sue and Gary transferred to a different ward and everyone is still working full-time or more jobs. We don't get to see them very often. Finding opportunities to enjoy each others company is harder to do without kids or a younger persons metabolism.

But we do enjoy their company! Tonight, we went to their home to celebrate New Years with an "old people" party. We ate, played a few games, talked, laughed and caught up with each others news. Then, just before 10pm, we left for home. I'm sure we'll all be asleep before midnight!

Happy New Year to All!

Especially to B, T, M, C & J!

Also to Grandbabies A & B!

Stay Safe!

Love Them!

I'm continuing to browse the photos B scanned for me. I thought some might enjoy these ones. I know I did.

Future and Past Embarrassments

Today, Kaya convinced her "brudders" to dress up as princesses. This was a big hit with her. They never play girls stuff! However, only a few minutes later, they broke her heart when they told her they would not continue to play this girl game with her. She cried and cried! "Miss Jem! I NEED dem to play wif me." So I ended up playing dress up (using blankets for my dresses as none of her gowns fit me) for the remainder of the afternoon. You're Welcome Boyz!

And please to enjoy... another embarrassing photo of C in her youth. I haven't seen much of her these past few days, she's been working and spending time with Jimmy. Love Ya, C! (and T!)

Dress Up

Kaya played dress-up using her new full length mirror (a gift from Santa) and as many nightgowns (easy to take off or put on) as she could find. Her shoe collection is immense! After all, a princess can't just wear a gown, she needs matching shoes too! Her new jewelry box held many of her necklaces, bracelets and rings, while headbands and tiaras completed each ensemble! Adorable!

Watching all of this with Kaya brought back memories of my girls and their dress-up days.

Looking at this picture of C, one can tell that my girls weren't too choosy about what they would dress up in! Nice hat, C! (I bet T is happy I don't have her pictures scanned in yet!)

Kids, They Sure Can Make One Smile!

Today, both parents had a day off, Connor was home for Christmas break and C came with me. I knew I was in for a long day. Too many grown-ups. However, we finally decided to take the kids to see a movie, The Chipmunks, the Squeakuel, at the theater.

Was it a "good" movie? No, it was not. I thought it was better than the first one, but for a grown-up, this was a snoozer. The theater was so full! We ended sitting WAAAY in the back, taking the last 6 seats that were together, in a row.

Kaya loved the Chippettes and was glued to the screen whenever they appeared. At the end of the movie, the Chipmunks and the Chippettes sang "Shake Your Groove Thing". Alvin shouted out, "Shake what your mama gave you!" Kaya jumped up and began to swing her hips. Too cute!

It was snowing huge, wet, pretty white flakes when we got out of the movie. Krista and Brian let us leave a little early (1 hour). Of course, the snow had stopped by the time we got home.

Chinese food for supper, I don't feel like cooking.

T, I hope you're feeling well. I hear you have an eye infection. Take care of it, you're contagious for 24 hrs AFTER you begin medication. Love you, mom

My Foxboro/Gillette/Patriot Experience 2009

What a day! We left the house at 8:30am. My clock says it's now 8:32pm. We got to the parking areas around 10am. Mmmmm, the smells from the tailgaters grills was soo good. Because we weren't "with" any tailgaters, we were directed to a small space up front. Since it was raining at the time, we thought this was a good place, close to the stadium and all. We discovered much later, it was not. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

We crossed Rte 1 to Patriot Place, the new shopping and eating center built by the Kraft family (owners of the Pats). I had brought cash, but didn't want to spend it so early in our day so we walked around, a lot. We got wet from the wind driven rain, even though we had ponchos on.

To get in and around the stadium, one must be ready to... climb. We climbed stairs (5 flights) to get from the ground level to the entrance of the stadium. Then we had to climb long, slowly sloping ramps, about 6-7 stories, to get to our seats at the top of Mount Everest.

Actually, we were about 35 rows from the top of Gillette, but it felt like I was looking down from a tiny peak and if I lost my balance, I would plummet to my death!

Yes, my legs were shaky! I sat in my chair and announced to B that I wasn't moving until the end of the game. Two hours passed before the kick-off and I was finally calming down from the sheer height I was at. Thanks to B, I didn't starve. I even stood up several times to allow other fans to get in or out of the row.

The stadium is very nice. Not a bad seat in the house. Even though I was scared, my view was never blocked. Our seats were on the 10 yd line. The pictures I took show the players warming up. I forgot to take pictures during the game. The rain had stopped by kick-off and that's when Krista and Brian showed up. They took the train in to the game. They were smart.

The game? AWESOME! Only 3 penalties, 2 replays and the Pats won 35-7! The game was over by 3:30!

There was a fan dressed up as Randy Moss that the camera kept showing on the Jumbo tron. It was fun watching #81 interact with the fan via the Jumbo tron. I learned the Pats play a song/chant, "This is Our House" whenever they score. Also, whenever a 1st down was made, the announcer would say, "_________ caught a 4 yd pass. This gives the Pats a... _______, then he would go silent. The whole stadium would scream "FIRST DOWN" while acting out the first down motion.

B made a "HIGH 5" friend. The smell of alcohol was strong by halftime. Every time the Pats did something good on the field, this guy wanted to High 5 everyone he could. Poor B, he was right next to him.

The Pats cheerleaders were modestly dressed and their routines were clean. I observed no gyrating or improper touching. There was a lot of jumping and pom-pom shaking, real pompoms. Actually, the cheerleaders act was like watching a high school game from the 1970s.

We stayed to the end, and then some. I observed an assortment of football players from both teams, form a circle in the middle of the field, kneel down and pray. After, they gave each other hugs and handshakes then headed off to their locker rooms.

We got back to the car around 4pm. The tailgaters were still going strong, though the odor was more alcoholic in nature than grill meat. Remember our little spot up front? Well, now it was the back and for the next 2 hours, we were able to get about 2 miles towards home. While in the lot, a car in front of us got a little too close to some partying kids. One of them took offense and approached that car several times in a menacing way. I felt safe though. I'm glad B is so big. Most people are afraid of his size. Finally, around 6pm, we broke free from the traffic jam. We enjoyed a meal at Applebees (thanks Jimmy!) and that was our day at the Pats game. Now it's time to go to sleep.

The day was long, a little scary, lots of fun and oh, so awesome! The Pats are in the playoffs. YEAH!

Go Pats!

My employer has never skimped on giving good/great Christmas gifts. I have 2 beautiful bracelets that I cherish dearly as well as a DS game system. Since C helps out with her children throughout the year, she always remembers C with a gift too. A COACH gift certificate was her present to C this year.

My present from her this year takes the cake. It is AWESOME! I'm very excited to be able to bring B and attend the Patriots vs. Jaguars football game tomorrow in Foxboro! She and her husband will be there as well. Brian has been to a Pats game before, but the rest of us are newbies. Tickets to any Pats game are near impossible to get and if one can find some, they cost a lot! I'm sooo excited to be going! Weather looks wet in the morning, but is expected to dry off and warm up to 50 degrees by game time @1pm.

If the Pats win... playoffs here we come! But if the Pats lose, then the only way they get to the playoffs is through some other teams screwing up.

Thanks Krista! Go Pats!

Christmas 1991

They were so cute back then! Of course, they're beautiful now! T was NOT into co-operating on the day this picture was taken. Look closely and one can see the tear tracks on her face along with her red eyes. C, as usual, LOVED having her picture taken.

Christmas 2009

6:30 am. One of the latest starts to Christmas since children entered our lives.

I was happy that T and M got their gift box from us BEFORE Christmas.

Mmmm! Monkey Bread baking as we opened gifts.

Cats loved the empty boxes and crumpled up paper.

B got food, cookware and other stuff for his backpacking trip this summer.

C's "big" Santa gift was a Garmin GPS for her car. She also got hair products and flip flops.

C gave me Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box DS game! Yeah! I got a big, fluffy, red robe, a pillow and a computer stick of all of my photos of C from B. It took him many days to scan the photos onto this thing so... scanning all my photo albums of T will have to be my Mother's Day/Birthday gift.

Yummy! Monkey bread was tasty.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Me First!

Every morning, I put a 3 oz can of Fancy Feast cat food (with gravy, the only kind they'll eat) into a dish for Gracie and Zee to share. Then, into their UFO shaped "maze" bowl, I put in a cup of dry food, a blend of Purina One and Friskies. This bowl is designed to slow down eating by making them reach their food, with their paws, through small openings on the side. Sometimes, it may be C or B that feeds them, but it's always first thing in the morning.

As I was placing the dish down today, Zee wanted to get that first taste. Zee came up from behind, took her front paw and batted Gracie on her head. This distracted Gracie long enough for Zee to sneak in first and get the first bite. Just like kids! (B says she does this a lot.)

The last thing I do before I leave in the morning, is to hide a handful of treats through out the house for them to hunt and enjoy. They each have their "spots" where they can find and enjoy the treats. Gracie patiently waits, keeping a vigil on the near the fridge (I store the treats in a jar on top) making sure I don't forget to hide them. Zee waits for Gracie to make a move then jumps out in front of her so she can be the first to find a treat. Just like a little sibling!

Gracie is such a good cat, she seems to be OK with letting Zee be "the Boss". Though I notice that when Zee gets too rough at play, Gracie will do what she has to do to get her to calm down and play nice. It may include a well placed "bite" or flattening her larger body and pinning Zee to the ground until she's learned her lesson.

Cats are not people, I know, but I'm finding it interesting to see just how much of their behavior is very much like a humans.

I have today off. I'm going to fill up the freezer with ready to go meals. Shepherds Pie, Chicken Azteca and Stuffed Shells (regular and taco filled) to name a few.

Accepted! Now... How Do We Pay For It?

C received her first college acceptance letter today. She did quite the jig in the family room. Had I known that's what she would do after getting accepted somewhere... I would have videotaped the dance! Now I know what to expect and hope to be prepared the next time.

Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island is the name of the school that has accepted her. Will she actually GO there? We'll see. She has had her heart set (and Jimmy's too) on attending Worcester State in MA as a Business major. There was a mix up in the high school guidance office in sending out the SAT scores and transcripts of several students to some colleges. She believes it's all fixed now. So we wait. Good Luck C!

T goes for another fetal EKG tomorrow. Let's hope Baby A will allow her sibling to be photographed this time. It would be nice to actually KNOW something concrete about the health and prognosis of Baby B's heart. Good Luck girls!

Give A Hug and A Kiss To T Today.

The 1st phone call came before lunch. T had come from having the Fetal EKG for Baby B. The results, while not good, were promising. Baby B's heart isn't growing normal. However, the things that were wrong with the heart looked like things that could be fixed once born.

T was upbeat and sounded relieved. She was off to the ultrasound appointment where she hoped to find encouraging news of what was going on with Baby B's legs.

I made the 2nd phone call as I was driving home. T had just emerged from hearing the ultrasound results and her emotions had changed, drastically.

Baby B does have the condition known as "Mermaid Syndrome". As for the complications associated with this syndrome, much is still unknown. A kidney was seen though its uncertain if it's a functioning one.

T will have weekly Dr. appointments. There will be more tests as well as an amniocentesis procedure done to determine the growth of other internal organs. Baby B is growing, just not as fast as to make the doctors comfortable. T was told by the doctors that they (T and M) need to decide what course of action they would be taking.

Should they go all the way, giving birth early through C-section at the U of VA and hope for the best for Baby B? The doctors there would be prepared for the worst.

Or should they stay with the doctors in Roanoke and after the C-section and let nature take its course?

They told her if Baby B passed away before the scheduled surgery, they would leave the baby there until it was safe for Baby A to be born.

I love T so much. I didn't know what to say. "What a tough choice to have to make. I cannot imagine what I might've said if it were me. Don't let others make the choice for you. This has to be yours and M's choice." Man, I am lame.

I've had some time to think and pray. I still think it has to be their choice, but I'd like to put in my 2 cents...

Go all the way! Baby B is fighting a courageous battle for life just to be where its at today. With all the medical advances available to us today, let's give medicine a chance. If nature feels it needs to intervene... let it, but only after all medical procedures and knowledge have been exhausted. Any other issues that will arise should medicine prevail are things that can be worked out. Money, living arrangements, physical disabilities and other unknown problems all have solutions that can be found!

I love you T!

"There's No Place Like Home" or Christmas.

Everyone knows a line or two, word for word from a well read book or movie.

"I'll be back.", "Luke, I am your father.", "To be or not to be..." just to name a few.

I don't remember when I began watching Christmas specials, but I recall the anticipation of waiting until they came on TV every year. I enjoyed every moment of the shows such as Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer or Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Over my younger years I memorized parts of the shows, like the songs, so I could recite/sing them all year long.

Today, during our "quiet time", Kaya wanted to watch Frosty, the Snowman. I love that she has the DVD. She didn't have to wait like I did until it was broadcast on TV.

Anyhow, before she could watch the show, she just HAD to dress up as, Karen, the girl in the show. Wearing a sweater, scarf, boots, a red headband and along with her small collection (3) of snowman ornaments and she was ready for Frosty.

I pushed PLAY and went into the other room to finish up their "mommy" Christmas gift. For the entire movie, she recited the ENTIRE dialog and sang along with the songs, all in her cute little 3 year old style and loud enough for me to hear in the next room!

She shivered with cold, like Karen did in the refrigerated boxcar and cried (yes, really cried!) when Frosty melted in the greenhouse. After the movie, she came running to me to assure me that Santa had saved Frosty and he was OK.

C laughs at me, sighs and rolls her eyes when she sees me watching a Christmas special. T was the kid that enjoyed watching these shows with me. Still does as far as I can tell. Soon, there will be grandchildren running around at Christmas, reciting dialog and singing the songs from the movies!

Enjoy your children this holiday season! Merry Christmas!

I Love You Too C!

With all the hectic, crazy business that Christmas brings and all the discussions about what T's dealing with down in Virginia, I believe that C has forgotten that I love her too.

C is concerned about the welfare of her sister and for the babies. C and T's relationship has never been strong or openly loving so C would never actually "tell" T that she's worried for her. And vice versa.

This is C's senior year of high school. I'm so proud of her. She's doing well in all her classes. She and B continue to send out the college apps, though I have yet to hear that they have scheduled or gone on any college campus tours.

C may not be getting all she asked for on her Christmas list, but then again, neither did I or T or M or B.

C... I love you very much. T needs me and my time a little more than you right now and I hope you understand that. Dad and I will be there for your 19th birthday in May and on Friday night, June 18, 2010 (that's the correct date right?) to see you get your diploma from high school. I promise.

Just Pictures

Christmas Cards

The tradition of sending and receiving Christmas cards has all but disappeared in my life. This is not a complaint. Card exchanges can be time consuming and then what does one do with all the cards year after year? I remember my parents receiving many cards yet they never sent any. As a newlywed and proud parent, I tried to send cards out to all my friends and relatives that I thought would enjoy a card from us (I usually enclosed the kids school pictures) and they usually sent one back to us.

Two years ago, T was getting married. I was so busy with that and work so I only sent cards to family members. As a result, we received fewer cards last year. I have yet to send out Christmas cards this year. This is the last year I have a school picture to enclose so I think I better get to work on it.

We have received 1 holiday card so far this year. I would be sad if this card didn't come. We've been getting a Christmas card from this couple for many years. I must admit, I look forward to their holiday card most of all. I love seeing the picture on the card and how the people of Hawaii depict Christmas. Lots of sun, palm trees and Santa wearing sunscreen, though I do like our NE white Christmases better!

Mele Kalikimaka, Larry and Maryann and Thanks for this years card!

Snow Forts

I took these photos from their front door. It was way too cold to play outdoors yesterday or today for that matter. Surprisingly, my back did not hurt the next day. Maybe I'm not as old as I thought?

Mommy, Kiss My Boo-Boo And Make It Better

I heard those words several times from T as she grew up. Seeing your child in pain is not fun. When her heart was broken by boyfriends, all I could do to help her was to give hugs and tell her all would be right soon enough. Over the past 2 years, I've watched T struggle with her emotions as she suffered through 3 miscarriages. I never knew what to say or do to make her hurt go away. I felt utterly helpless.

News of her expecting twins made me feel excited for her believing she had suffered enough anguish. Now she would feel the happiness and joy associated with having children.

Today, I again felt useless to comfort her. I didn't know what to say to her to make her pain go away. I love her very much. I hurt when she hurts. I can't kiss this boo-boo to make it go away.

So, I ask those who may read this blog, please keep T & M and their little family in your prayers. Especially pray for the health of T and Baby B. They are about to embark on a medical journey that I'm trying hard to comprehend.

We will be fasting for the Fisher family on Sunday, if you wish to join us. Pray for their courage, strength and faith to guide and help them make it through whatever life may hold in store for them.

Thank you.

You're An Imbecile!

These words were uttered by a 5 year old today, directed at his older brother (yes, he was home for another "sick day") after they'd been called to do our Christmas chain project. I don't know what prompted the outburst. I asked him if he knew what "imbecile" meant. Without hesitation he told me, "It means, he's a dumb jerk."

This child has never been at a loss for words. His vocabulary is incredible. He doesn't blindly say words he has heard. He knows their meanings and uses the words properly in his sentences.

We spent hours outdoors in the snow. I built 3 forts, though Kaya calls hers a house. She found an old bucket for a table and uses her sled as a chair. The boys are learning how to have a real snowball fight using their forts. I hope they don't tear down the walls yet. Their forts took a lot of effort on my part to create. Maybe I'll bring my camera tomorrow and snap a photo before they get destroyed.

My house was empty when I got home, again. It's nice to have a few moments to decompress before jumping into mom/wife mode. I've made Sloppy Joe's for dinner and a salad to go with them. C's last Christmas present was delivered today. Got to get it wrapped and hidden before she gets too curious. Good thing Gracie and Zee can keep a secret.

Here We Snow!

Well, I got my wish! We received A LOT of snow! More than enough to cancel school and even I got a snow day! YEAH!! After yesterday, I needed this day off.

The snow blower made clearing the driveway a breeze. C took care of the walkways and deck as well as clearing off the cars. Of course, that was 2 hours ago and it continues to snow. Soon we'll be removing a few more inches of wetter snow as the rain/snow line gets closer to our area. The plow just came through for the first time and blocked us in pretty good.

I'd love it if C would make a snowman in the front yard for me. I love seeing snowmen at Christmas time. I said I love seeing them, not making them.

The house is neat and clean so I'm a bit bored, but in a good way. Perhaps I'll wrap some gifts if C promises not to peek.

I love snow days!

Another Week Has Begun

I was so tired last night. Mondays are a long day for me what with taking the little one to dance class at 4:15 - 5pm and all. Also, the cold virus is running through the people in my life and I'm coming down with the sniffles/sore throat thing.

Last night, we won our last fantasy football game. It was a squeaker with us winning by about 3 points. We ended the season with the 4th highest points earned yet we were in 7th out of 10 place with a record of 5-8, missing the playoffs. Three losses should have gone our way. We lost those games by less than 5 points. It was fun, free and maybe we'll do it again next year. We'll see.

Today, Connor got to stay home... again ... #7 sick day this year. With a bit of snow coming in tomorrow, he may make it #8 tomorrow. I tried to keep them busy (Krista was home too) with blizzard pictures (Q-tips and bleach on black or blue construction paper. Use care.), candy cane reindeer (pipe cleaners, googly eyes and pompoms) and finally, the annual gingerbread house! We read more Christmas books, watched the new Harry Potter DVD and spent an hour outside.

Came home to an empty house. Cooking dinner now, then off to bed to keep this bug from getting the best of me.

I hope it snows a lot tonight!

T, I Need an Answer

Why, whenever I attempt to upload a video onto my blog, it won't? I have a cute, 4 1/2 minute clip of Gracie and Zee playing with last nights snow, but I can't get the thing to upload! What am I doing wrong? Or what do I need to do that I'm not doing? Help!

Winter Wonderland

We awoke this morning to about 3 inches of snow. It should have been more, but when the week before it snows is 60 degrees or more, the snow that falls first, MELTS on the unfrozen ground before it finally sticks.

Here is a picture of the view out our front door. T sent me a picture text on my phone yesterday. They got a bit of the white stuff in western Virginia.

Rules I Learned Long Ago

30 days hath September, April, June and November. All the rest have 31 except for February which is all alone at 28 except on Leap Year when it has 29.

This may not be the "correct" saying, but it is the way I remember it, even now.

Other rules that I remember from 3rd grade or so and in my old age, I continue to recite them in my brain whenever I'm writing or reading:

1. When 2 vowels go walking, the first one does the talking.
2. The only time a friend will "end" is in its spelling.
3. I before E except after C or when sounding like A as in NEIGHBOR and WEIGH.

These rules were discussed on our way to and from Maine today. I guess C never learned them judging from the looks and laughs she gave me.

What rules, if any, do you remember that you still recite?

IT'S SNOWING NOW! FIVE INCHES ARE EXPECTED BY MORNING!

Things That Kids Think

I find it amusing to find out what thoughts are going on in a kids head when they are presented with doing something new. It cracks me up!

Yesterday, the kids had made some cards for their grandparents using Christmas stamps and crayons.

Today, I told them, "We are going to the Post Office to get stamps and mail them to Mamma and Gram-Gram."

What did they think I meant?

I would bring them to the Post Office.

The people there would put a stamp on their hand (like the ones you get at the fair).

Then they'd be placed on a truck and shipped to Mamma (Kentucky) and Gram-Gram (Topsfield).

I had been wondering why they didn't show more enthusiasm about running this errand today.

Now I know and can't stop laughing!

Applesauce/Cinnamon ornaments were today's project.

Mix equal parts (1 cup of each made 9 ornaments) of ground cinnamon and store-bought applesauce (homemade is too soupy) until it forms a dough ball resembling cookie dough. Place on a sheet of aluminum foil and place wax paper on top. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick or slightly thinner. Use Christmas cookie cutters just like real cookies. Keep re-rolling and cutting until all the dough is used.

I placed the ornaments on a foil lined cookie pan, made a hole (with a toothpick) in the top for a hanger string and baked them in a 200 degree oven, for about an hour or so, flipping every 10 minutes until all the liquid had evaporated and the ornament was dry and fragile.

OR... one could place them on a cooling rack instead of using the oven and let them air dry for a day or two.

I still have T and C's ornaments from their preschool projects in the 90s. I wrap them in foil every year to maintain the aroma and store them with my other ornaments.

If the ornament should break, just put the pieces into a teacup, cover with boiling water to dissolve and enjoy the aroma one last time before dumping it down the drain.

How Far Would You Go?

C is in love. How do I know this? She would never admit such a thing to me. But why else would she need to go 2 hours north, just outside of Portland, ME, to a sporting goods store to purchase a gift for Jimmy, because he said that's what he would like for Christmas? In case he reads this blog, I won't tell what the gift will be. I love my daughter because I've agreed to drive her to Cabella's.

Her car continues to vomit antifreeze when driving on the highway despite being checked out, repaired and checked out several times since the repair. They can't find what's wrong. She always has a supply of antifreeze in her trunk and has learned how to fill her radiator by herself. But I'll feel better if I drive my car on Saturday.

Today's 60 plus degree weather made Krista allow Connor to play HOOKY! (this makes it 6 days he's missed this year) Man, I forgot how 3 kids behaved when I had them ALL DAY! I brought them to the pet store (cat food and Christmas gifts for Gracie and Zee), let them stay outside and play in the huge puddles from last nights downpours (barefoot and in their underwear) while I prepared lunch. We made 2 Christmas projects (clothespin Rudolphs and Christmas stamps), read several Christmas books, went back outside for 2 more hours (soccer. I was the goalie), watched Christmas DVDs (Grinch and Leprechauns Christmas).

I kept them busy, yet my day seemed to go in slo-motion !

Guess Who?

I expanded my game collection today with the purchase of the new Guess Who? expanded edition game. I thought I'd have a chance at winning a game or two what with the 6 different face boards, the whistles and bells that enhance the play. There's no way to take a peek to "cheat your way to a win" with this version. Surely, I had a chance? Oh no! The kids once again kicked my butt! It was fun to play though.

Property taxes got paid today. I truly dislike writing checks that large. But now we're all set until July. At least our state has no income or sales tax. That makes it feel a little better, though not by much.

Gracie and Zee miss having open windows. B came home to things knocked over from when they were chasing each other around the house today. They're fun to watch when they get crazy like that. Supper is almost done. Good Night.

Duck Hunt

Remember that video game called: "Duck Hunt"? That silly dog giggled at you every time you missed the ducks or he held up the dead ducks for you at the end of the round. I was pretty good at it, but it wasn't a "hard to play" game.

Pow. Pow,Pow,Pow. At first I thought something was going kaput with my car. Then I saw the flock of wild geese fleeing the area above me. I was in the middle of a real life duck hunt! When is hunting season over and why were the hunters shooting their guns so close to the road?

As I turned the corner to continue on my way to work, I noticed that the farm animals in a nearby field had stopped eating breakfast to offer up a moment of silence for their fallen fowl friend. That's what it looked like to me.

"Be kind to our web-footed friends, for a duck may be somebody's mother. You may think that this is the end... well it is." My apologies, for not knowing the author of that song either.

Today, we cut out Christmas shapes from the bottom of a disposable pie pan. Then, using a nail and hammer, we put holes in the shape and tied on a bit of fishing line. What beautiful ornaments! We even attached them together and created a mobile. The day before, we colored and glued clothespins and craft sticks together to create Christmas airplane ornaments. Tomorrow, we'll be making 15" Santa's to display using our folding and cutting skills and glue.

Christmas Comes Early in 2009

My daughter is expecting. That news alone would've been an excellent early Christmas gift. Then came the news that she was expecting twins! Another gift!

C has made Honor Roll, became the varsity boys basketball team manager, will be inducted into the SST National Honor Society, ran a successful food drive and has filled out several college applications. B sold a big service contract which earned a commission payable to him in Feb. 2010.

All wonderful early Christmas gifts!

Now comes the news that Michael has gotten a job! Yeah! At this job, he'll be able to use his skills and his degree, continue his training and education all while financially supporting my daughter (his wife) and the upcoming expansion of their family! He'll be making about as much a year as I do but since the cost of living in VA is lower than up here in NH, they should be OK. That news is the best Christmas present to me thus far.

What might top it?

T getting a drivers license and actually starts driving herself around and the Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box game for my DS (hint, hint C! On sale for $29.99 at Walmart).

Fried Turkey and Other Stuff

After last weekends turkey-fest with the Boy Scouts, B wanted to serve some to his parents. Tonight, we went to their home where he and Charlie heated up the oil and fried up a turkey and potato slices for dinner. Ruth prepared the rest of the meal and as always, the meal was tasty. The turkey was good too. However, even though the skin was super crispy and delicious, the turkey was not "off the charts" and so the ban on frying turkeys at our home will continue.

Beth joined us for dinner as well as C and Jimmy. I think everyone had a nice time. It was yummy for sure, followed by a chocolate cake. MMMMMmmmm!

The cats had a late dinner and are now running all over the house trying to catch and kill some bendy straws. The tree is still standing! C decorated it using only her unbreakable ornaments. I've done some online Christmas shopping this weekend. It makes me nervous doing that kind of shopping, but it beat sitting in traffic and standing in long lines!

I find myself drifting into baby departments more often. I look at all the cool new inventions that weren't there 21 years ago. Prices don't seem to be too high on many items. And then it hits me... I have to multiply that low price by 2! T is having twins!

What's This?

I am using my robotic eye to determine what is this alien object in my living space!

Huh? Did you just tell me to say Cheese? Mmmm, I like cheese.

Shhh! I think I see a bird.

Now, where is the ladder to climb this thing?

Peek a Boo! I see you!

Just a few pictures taken of Gracie and Zee checking out the Christmas tree. Enjoy!

T is for...

• T= tasty turkey, tiny twins by T & M, thankful heart
• H= home for the holidays, happy feelings, hot stuffing
• A= apple pie, aunts, anger-free day
• N= noise, nature, notes from kids
• K= kittens, kids, kind thoughts
• F= fun conversations, full tummy, fuzzy blankets
• U= unity, uncles, understanding
• L= love, laundered clothes, late night movies

I do have much to be thankful for all year round, not only on Thanksgiving. I remember making poems like this as a child and I felt like doing it today. Feel free to make your own THANKFUL list. You'll be surprised how much you can think of in just a few minutes.

Hope you had a great feast and wonderful day!

Cats and Christmas

Today, I began rearranging the family room to make a spot for our tree. This meant that I had to move the litter box ( I got a new one with a roof for privacy and stench control) to be sure it remains out of sight of humans along with a few pieces of furniture. The cats, were in FULL CURIOSITY mode during the whole process. Even when I vacuumed, they peeked around the corner from the safety of the next room to see what I was doing.

The Christmas tree should provide them with much to do and sniff as well as providing us with laughter and mirth as they play with the decor. The fragile stuff will not be on display. I'll be cooking some veggie dishes for Thanksgiving tonight and tomorrow. Good thing cats are carnivores or I'd never get them away from me. Even now, Zee has settled on my chest while I'm typing and Gracie is watching me close by. Am I away from home that much that they think everything I do is new to them?

Well, back to getting Christmas together. T, the books should be there Fri. or Sat. Love You.

Last Thanksgiving Craft 2009

Today was our last craft prior to Thanksgiving. Here's my camera phone photo of our Apple Turkeys! We made more Halloween crafts than Thanksgiving. Over the past weeks, we have made and played the Pin the Hat on the Turkey game, created Pilgrim hats and turkeys out of colored paper and paper plates. A fleet of Mayflower ships set sail and we spent several days talking about and hanging paper Thanksgiving cutouts from my stash. We also read several books about Thanksgiving.

Our favorite Thanksgiving song to sing: (Warning!! The author of this song is unknown to me. I learned it as a child)

Thanksgiving Day is coming. So Mr. Turkey said, "How very careful I must be or I will lose my head." The pumpkin heard the turkey. "I'm frightened too, oh my! They'll mix me up with sugar and spice then I'll be pumpkin pie!"

In case I get busy with the holiday...

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

I Think I May Have Peed A Little...

Ever have one of those days where you see or say or hear something funny or stupid and no matter how hard you try, you can't stop laughing? I haven't had one of those days in quite a while, T was good at making me laugh, so today's laugh felt good.

I now know where Santa keeps his elves when he's not using them. In ELF STORAGE! HaHaHa! No, really! On Rte 125 in Kingston NH, there's a business called, ELF STORAGE!

Ok, Ok, so the "S" was missing its light and it should've read SELF STORAGE, but with Christmas just around the corner, it struck me as very funny. Who knows, maybe they did that on purpose, just for me!

I've updated my Barnes and Noble card for another year, so those who like the discounts in the store or online can continue using my home phone number to enjoy the discount benefits. Just remember, I get emails from them asking me to "review" my recent purchases, so I will know what you bought and when you bought it.

I'm Back!

I came home early on Friday feeling dizzy, light-headed and very tired. I slept most of Saturday. I had a brainstorm to double up on my iron pills. Well, it worked! I'm anemic enough that I have to take 350mg of iron every day anyway, now with the added stress of 3-week long periods, my iron must have gone way down. I didn't enjoy the fogginess in my head at all. I knew the pain wasn't flu related.

It'll be a short work week due to Thanksgiving. We've decided to bring back a real Christmas tree to our home this year. We took a "tree break" last year because we weren't sure how Gracie would treat the tree. We have more confidence in our 2 feline friends. I hope to get the tree in the house on Friday. We'll decorate it on Saturday. Right, B and C?

I've started Christmas shopping. Don't bother looking C! I've hidden the gifts well this year. I'm not sure if my kids want PJ's for their Christmas Eve gift. I'm certain they'll let me know along with style, color and size. I need a Jimmy gift idea.

B spent last Friday night with the Scouts in a cabin at Camp Zion (Onway) in Raymond, NH. On Saturday, he and a few other leaders helped the Scouts DEEP FRY a turkey and had themselves a turkey feast. B will be frying one up for Charlie on Friday after Thanksgiving.

When we moved to NH 10 years ago, I heard too many stories of houses being lost to careless turkey frying. I have banned such a venture on our own property, but if others wish to deep fry on their own property and invite me to partake... I will.

A Walk in the Woods

With teacher-parent conferences today, Connor was home with us for the afternoon.

What to do?

I brought my metal detector and we went out through the backyard and into the woods.

Their neighborhood used to be a large farm, but developers got their hands on it and built stuff. So the "woods" are just a bunch of backyards that the owners kept "natural". One CANNOT get lost in these woods.

We did find some interesting metal things. First, we found a cigarette package. The aluminum foil under the plastic set off the detector. Boring! Next, a dangle-y earring, with a yellowish crystal. Kaya was excited. She kept asking me to find the other one!

We found a shotgun casing as well as a casing for another bullet. There were several trees that made the detector ping. Turns out the trees had grown over barbed wire fences. The boys kept hoping that we would find a treasure and be rich. It didn't happen... today.

Lastly, we found pieces of, what appeared to me to be, an old water bucket used for target practice. After washing, these pieces became interesting to the boys. They saw some ornamental work on the pieces and of course, the ammo casings were cool.

In A Blink of An Eye

Life can change so fast.

Yesterday, I was flying high with news that T was expecting twins. I was going to go down to VA, visit with them and perhaps stay awhile to help out. I had 3 months off at half pay (to insure that I didn't get a job elsewhere) while Krista was on maternity leave.

Today, Krista found out the baby she was to have in early May has passed away. She goes tomorrow for a D&C (or E) I forget, but it was sad news to hear. She seems OK with the situation. Brian appears to be taking it hard.

They told the kids the news.

Connor said, "Well it's sad but now we don't have to buy a van. We can save money."

Colin's' reaction... stay as close as he could to his mother for the rest of the day. He was very concerned about her.

Then there was 3 year old Kaya. I love this kid.

Krista told her that the baby had died and was living with Heavenly Father. She replied, "Heavenly Father will fix it and send it back, right?" Later on during a phone call with her mom, Kaya asked if the baby was OK. She was reminded that the baby had died so she said, "Mommy, you will buy a new one for us?"

I'll need to find a different plan for visiting T and the babes in April. This event may mean the summer trip to Ireland is back on. Too soon to bring that up though.

I need to get to bed early. I'm relieving their Gram-Gram in the morning. Brian has to go to Connors Parent/Teacher conference since Krista will be unavailable. I think he's nervous about that.

Zee is home, well and loud. She has a very tiny suture and a shaved belly.

Two, Dos, Twice, Double, Squared, Couple, WHAT?!

If you haven't guessed by the title... T is having TWINS! I'm still coming to terms with the fact she was pregnant at all and now comes the news that she is expecting TWINS!

WOW!

I only have 1 crib to give her. They know for sure that the babies are NOT identical and that 1 is a girl. The other was too shy today during the 3D ultrasound.

Good things come in groups of 2, right? Twinkies, cherries, 2 for 1 sales for example.

Wow, twins.

BTW, Zee did fine at the vets today, she's staying the night. Gracie seems to enjoy the absence and attention.

Kaya fell down a chipmunk hole up to her hip during our walk in the woods this afternoon. She's fine, but I was worried she had broken her leg, she was worried about her shoe.

ABBA DABBA, T is having TWINS! wow.

(abba dabba is Kayas way of saying abra cadabra)

Weird

I've been watching a strange miniseries called, "The Prisoner". I can't explain it or why I enjoy watching it because I'm not sure exactly what or why I'm watching. It reminds me of "Lost" and I hope that if I can get through it to the end, it may make sense to me.

I think that the show is actually a hallucination inside a bed-ridden woman's' head. Bedridden, because of pills she takes to heal her broken heart. I guess it's one of those things that unless you watching for yourself, it's hard to explain.

It's strange, weird and confusing yet, I enjoy it. Why is that I wonder?

Zee has her operation tomorrow. Kaya had her first play date invite from a girl in her dance class. Too cute! Krista doesn't want to get into the whole "play date" thing and rolled her eyes, but I think I may insist, even if it means I take Kaya there myself. C read the comments left by Uncle Larry and after looking up what the camera looked liked, she smiled, and said, "No Thanks." She also laughed at the old GPS unit he offered. As for B and whether he wants Larry's other goodies? He'll have to ask him. They sound very heavy though.

So? Did It Taste Like Spaghetti?

Honestly?

It was pretty close. The squash has a crunchy texture, like al dente spaghetti, but it didn't slurp or slide around like spaghetti does. It was short strands, like spaghetti that had been cut up before cooking it.

It was very easy to cook. I cut mine in half, seeded it, placed it "cut side" down on a jelly roll pan and put about 2 cups of water in the bottom of the pan. Baked it at 350 for about an hour. The squash has a tough skin, and when it can be pierced with a regular dinner fork, it's done. Under-cooked spaghetti squash is YUCKY!

Then I scooped it out of the shell, tossed in 2T olive oil and salt/pepper to taste.

The squash naturally goes into strands. Use a fork to separate it faster.

I topped mine with marinara sauce and meatballs. A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and I took a bite.

Not bad.

I preferred to have the squash, meatball, sauce and cheese all in one bite. It didn't taste as good if an ingredient was missing from my bite.

Will I try this again?

Probably.

There are many other spaghetti squash recipes out there and I may end up loving one of them.

Spaghetti Squash

Tastes just like spaghetti!

Or so I'm told. I'm going to find out for sure tonight. It's in the oven now. I have marinara sauce for topping as well as some olive oil and Parmesan cheese. If this experiment works, I'll be able to have "pasta" again! If it doesn't tastes good, you'll be sure to hear about it.

Fantasy Football is still on. We have sunk to 7th out of 10. We had a 3 game losing streak followed by win, loss, win, loss. Our points are lower too, thanks to a terrible Chicago defense that managed to give us several weeks of negative points. Got rid of them and went with Miami. Much better results this week.

C has given us her Christmas list. We've managed to raise a daughter with expensive tastes. I hope she knows that we cannot get her everything on her list which includes: A hair straightener AND a curling iron (2 separate appliances). A North Face winter jacket, Uggs boots, Coach sunglasses, car insurance (July 2010-Dec 2010), Reef flip flops, new car speakers, a GPS unit for her car, a new laptop with a carrying case, rain boots, and XL twin sheets for college. Actually, she'll be lucky to get just one of these things from us. Property taxes are due in 3 weeks. I know she won't be getting a computer (until she leaves for college).

Haven't received T's list yet. Hopefully she won't be as expensive. B's asked for certain backpacking equipment for this summers hike on the Appalachian Trail.

Cold, Wet and Dull Day

I was awakened this morning to a cell phone being put in my face. C was showing me a picture proving that Jimmy had finally "bagged" his deer. Kind of gross to see. At least he was able to get back indoors quickly as todays rains have been steady and cold, though not as bad as what the mid-Atlantic states got this week.

I did dishes, went grocery shopping, packed a box to send to T, but didn't get it to the Post Office. I made some homemade beef stew to take the edge off the chill in the air. Played some computer word games to help pass the time. B was helping out with Scouting for Food and C had training seminars for the Rec. Dept. so I was alone most of the day.

T texted me that she felt her baby fluttering last night. She was excited. She is taking a poll about her baby name choices. She thinks either Evelyn Noel or Charlotte Nicole.

Gracie and Zee continue to bring smiles to my face. I love watching them interact. Zee's "operation" is on Tuesday. Shhh, don't tell her.

A First For Everything...

It took some bribery and I had him watch me make it from start to finish, but Colin ate his FIRST cheeseburger today! He liked it! He had tried a burger once before I met him and has never wanted to try one again. He and Kaya ate 1/2 of their burger. I made them thicker than what Kaya would eat at McDonalds. She LOVES cheeseburgers. I hope this means I can stop eating frozen chicken nuggets and fish sticks now!

Other than that... just a regular day.

This Weeks Goings On... So Far...

I heard from Lise, a French exchange student we hosted for 2 weeks in 2006. She says she's doing well at her university studying LAW. She called her type of law, Notaire, which she says is not glamorous or likely to make her rich but she likes it.

I organized Kayas' bedroom. I used "over the door" shoe pockets to keep her stuffed toys and got 2 of those 3-drawer plastic units and assigned each drawer a type of toy. Baby toys were moved to storage in the basement for her new sibling. I did other stuff too that I won't bore you with. Her room looks much better and now she has room to play IN there.

I bought some 90% off costumes for my dress-up collection. I purchased some Playmobil Christmas toys at Target and won some Mighty Max people on Ebay.

Oh, on top of all that, I sort of saw the ultrasound pictures of T's baby. They were blurry, but it was the thought that counts. She's trying to keep me in the loop. Sometimes being so far apart in miles is hard. I've decided to spell my "grandmother" name as, NONI. As I told T, it's hipper, more modern and makes me feel younger.

Just For C

As C went off to bed tonight, she asked if I had updated my blog. It turns out that she enjoys reading my blog before bed. I guess I still read to my kids at bedtime after all.

When did Gracie become QUEEN of the house and get the spot on the couch that has always been mine after 8pm every night? How did I not see this coming? Even T & C know that spot is mine!

And Zee? She's at the top of the basement stairs meowing loudly for C.

Life Will Be "Grand"

As you all know, my employer, Krista is expecting her 4th child in May 2010. B says it's job security for me.

What you didn't know is that T is also expecting! From what I understand, until today, she didn't know it either! She was very surprised to hear she was pregnant and just how far along she was too! Early April 2010 is her due time.

She has been expectant before, several times actually, and was unable to carry past the 1st trimester. I know that's been weighing on her.

This time around promises to be different. T tells me that today's ultrasound has shown a healthy baby (possibly a girl) and the heartbeat is very strong. T will be under the care of doctors skilled in the "high risk" pregnancy field.

I'm happy for her and Michael. I know they will have great love for their child. T will be the same age in April as I was when I became her mother so many years ago, so I guess she'll be ready.

Am I ready to be" NONI"? I think so. I hope so. Yeah, I know so. I do wish they lived closer. Stay tuned for Mommy updates in the next few months.

Today 11/10/2009

Happy 40th Sesame Street!

The trip to Christmas Dove went very well except for my dead camera batteries. Kaya cooed and ahhed just like I thought she would. She was drawn to the most expensive things in every collection. Colin... well, after the trains and villages, he became a miniature version of what it is like to shop with B. The sighs, rolling the eyes and "Can we go yet?" every few minutes.

They couldn't wait to get to my house to see the cats and play with ALL the toys. I gave them some treats to get the cats to like them. It worked. Both cats were very curious about these 2 noisy little people who played with tiny things. As you can tell by the pictures (I put new batteries in), fun was has by all today.

Too much fun I guess. The older boy was so jealous, I had to promise him he could come with his siblings to my house tomorrow! Hot dogs and Beans were requested for lunch.

Cute Pics Coming Tomorrow

Last week, I casually mentioned aloud that it would be fun to take the 2 young kids to a Christmas store while the older brother was in school. They remembered and wanted to go today! Alas, dance class was today and we didn't want to chance being late for that.

So, tomorrow I will take them to the Christmas Dove. I know the pickle won't be available, but there is so much for the little ones to see and do there, and purchase too.

A Santa statue to practice sitting on and having your picture taken, several villages with many buildings, venues and trains that do their thing when buttons are pushed by the kids. Toys, lights, ornaments, trees, angels, nativity scenes and decorated trees hung upside down from the ceiling.

I'm hoping to get a few pictures of the AWE in their faces. Then its back to my house for lunch and playtime with Gracie and Zee.

For our annual Thanksgiving movie (after the family meal) we will be seeing the new "The Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey. I love Christmas.

A Forgotten Summer Project

Here they are, modeling their nature shirts we made using nature items and a bleach solution in a spray bottle. We washed them prior to wearing. Connor still likes his enough to wear it. Kaya is still in her princess stage and won't wear it. Colin's is his favorite color, but since it doesn't match his brothers he won't wear it. But they were fun to make. Cell phone camera is not the best at focusing. Sorry.

In a Pickle

A few years back, I came across the tradition of "the Christmas Pickle". Basically, (though there are many versions of the tradition) it's a glass pickle ornament that Santa puts on your Christmas tree as a, Thanks, for the yummy snacks you left for him. Who(m)ever finds the pickle on the tree on Christmas morning, gets an "extra" present.

Well, during my summer vacation, when I was cleaning the house, I broke our pickle. Yes, I keep it on display year round. I love Christmas. With Christmas a few weeks away, I thought I should finally replace it. But The Christmas Dove in Barringinton, NH, the place where I bought the first one, only sells the "gherkin" size now.

I did buy the tiny pickle, but boy, this one will be hard to locate!

I didn't find any new ornaments for either of my kids or an ornament for Zee. I guess I'll shop online for them. Gracie got her ornament last year, a red jingle bell with a gray cat's head on it. Looks just like her.

Leaf Free!

As of 4pm today, our yard is leaf free! B has worked on them off and on the past 2-3 weekends and I started up the blower at noon today for the final clearing. B did come home and the 2 of us got it done. C said she'd cook dinner rather than rake with us.

I know .98 acres doesn't sound like much to rake up, but believe me... IT IS!! My elbows and back are killing me. I have callouses again. The yard looks good though. Maybe we won't need to do more yard work until it snows? Which won't be this week...70 degrees on Monday!!

Gracie was fascinated by the blowing leaves. She was in the windows the whole time watching us. Zee has a shorter attention span. She took a nap.

Neighbors across the street have put their house on the market. The asking price is $199,000. A red "cape" similar to ours and .98 acres of land, mostly trees. There was a young couple with a baby looking at it today. Maybe new neighbors soon?

My body hurts. I must lie down. Or is it lay down? Whatever it is, I must do it.

Food Crafts

TGIF!

Today we churned our own butter. We put 1 cup of heavy cream into a large Mason jar and screwed the lid on tight. Whipping cream works too but it takes longer to turn to butter. We took turns shaking the jar until butter formed, about 5-6 minutes. I drained out the buttermilk (though I hear it tastes good mixed into a pancake batter) then added some water. I shook the water and butter up to rinse off any remaining buttermilk. Then I drained the water off and slid the creamy, soft butter into a dish. I could have added salt or food coloring, but chose not to do so.

Then we made toast. And not just any toast. It was hand painted toast! I mixed a few drops of food color with 1 tsp of milk. I used brand new paintbrushes and mixed up 4 bowls with different colors. They each painted a Canadian White piece of bread, both sides. A quick toasting, then spread on our own butter. Fun and yummy!

Todays Crafty Thing and Zee!

Connor was in school. It was much easier on me today. We did a gluing project. Yes, I know they need to learn to cut paper themselves, but I wasn't in the mood for that, so we just glued my pre-cut pieces together to create a pilgrim turkey. Here's what the finished product looked like.

Zee's sister, Blackie, had her operation today to ensure no new babies! Zee's own operation is 2 weeks away. Our vet keeps them 24-36 hours following the procedure to prevent complications, at no extra charge. After seeing Blackie today, how "out of it" she is, sore and raw, and all the precautions they have to take with her, I've decided... I really like our vet!

ENJOY THE PICTURES!