My Vacuum Cleaner Sucks… December 29, 2007

Once upon a time I married a wonderful man who truly wants me to be happy. To that end, I was treated to a post-Christmas gift today. We drove to “The City” in search of a Dyson vacuum cleaner. I have had my heart set on a Dyson for years. When we arrived at the sew and vac shop (why do those two always go together?), we were greeted by a young man who harbored more excitement toward vacuum cleaners than any young man ought! I immediately told him that I wanted to buy a vacuum in 30 minutes or less. The kids were shopping with us and only had about 29 minutes of good behavior. I was quickly convinced that a Dyson was not for me, and we came home with a Miele canister vac.

Last night after I took the tree down, I “vacuumed” the whole house. Today when we came home from shopping I vacuumed again, and, boy howdy, did the Miele suck! In fact, it so thoroughly sucked, that the bag already needs to be changed. And I thought I had a clean house.

Let Me Explain… December 28, 2007

A Little Background Info:

1. I love Peppermint Joe Joe’s from Trader Joe’s. They are only available during the Christmas season and they usually sell out before I’ve had my fill.

2. My best friend is a teacher and will not allow me to buy ANY teacher another mug.

3. I gave Violet’s teacher a gift basket for Christmas. It was filled with (what I thought were) amazing treats - including the Joe Joe’s.

4. Violet’s Teacher thoughtfully gave me a “volunteer gift” that was not my style.

The Story:

Today I took the Christmas tree down, packed away all of the ornaments, and vacuumed up a lot of needles. I started thinking about next year and all that we would do as a family. I was almost wishing that Christmas was just around the corner again when I remembered that I had a few of the Peppermint Joe Joe’s left. I made dinner and got the kids to bed. I poured myself a glass of cold milk and got out The Box. It felt rather heavy. I thought I had 2 or 3 cookies left, but upon closer inspection I had a FULLY, UNOPENED box. Yeah for me. My mind was reeling. How can this be? Yeah for me. Then it hit me like a ton of peppermint filling. I gave Violet’s teacher the half eaten box of cookies. Not so yeah for me…or her!

Merry Christmas! December 25, 2007

 

This was the back-drop to the boys’ Christmas program that we did NOT enjoy.  I know, most parents at least pretend to draw pleasure from children’s programs; but not us.  The truth is- It was awful.  The boys did not even make it up on stage.  They saw us, started crying, and stepped out of line.  They then threw fits and were alternately hauled outside.

They looked good though.  They were sporting corduroy pants, button-up shirts and little sweater vests!

I’m Not The Grinch, For Today Anyway December 17, 2007

I love to bake, but I hate to make cookies…especially cut-out cookies. I don’t like how they nag me every 8-10 minutes. I don’t like how some of them demand refrigerator time. I don’t like rolling, cutting, rolling, cutting, and cleaning up flour. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am.

So, when a friend (thank you) showed up yesterday with unfrosted cut-out Christmas cookies I was almost thrilled. I don’t even like to frost cookies. The mess and unending stickiness is almost too much for me to handle. And, then I remembered the new frosting kit I bought. I loaded each “bag” with frosting and let the kids go to town. We all had a good time frosting, licking, and biting our cookies. I would offer you one, but who knows where it has been!

I’m not one for shameless product endorsement, but I do love my Pampered Chef decorator set.

Merry Christmas To All! December 15, 2007

Is it rude to sit at the table and type while I visit with my parents? If no, am I rude if it’s Christmas day? We have declared today “Christmas Day”. With The Pilots’ schedule and the schedule of my sisters’ families, we are enjoying the season and celebrating 3 different times! The kids are a bit confused about which presents they can open and how Jesus can keep having birthday parties.

Each time we come together, we have another opportunity to talk about the meaning of Christmas. Hopefully our children will have a true understanding and a meaningful experience of this season.

Crime Log December 10, 2007

So, Mayberry has its’ own little paper that comes out once per week. Here is the most exciting thing I read last week:

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What is the difference between a goat and a billy goat?

 

Otherwise Engaged December 7, 2007

Me: Let’s go, guys!

Herbie: My legs are busy.

Bigweld: Mine too.

Hurry Up and Wait December 6, 2007

I finally heard from the doctor’s office today. Herbie’s lab results are back. His sedimentation rate (sed rate) is coming down and his CBC (complete blood count) is almost normal.

We have not had another episode since last week, and he seems fine.

The plan is to do more blood work in 6 months and, of course, watch him for symptoms. Symptoms of what, I’m not sure; but we’re watching for symptoms.

While we were busy watching Herbie last week, Bigweld came down with strep and managed to re-infect me. I did not even know the kid was sick until his skin started peeling off of his hands like post-it notes. When the doctor asked him where it hurt, he pointed to his head and throat. I tell you, I HAD NO IDEA! That kid is determined to play every minute of every day, and apparently no stinking strep is going to stop him!

Thank you for all of the prayers and well wishes.

The Birds and The Bees December 6, 2007

Violet and I were watching some show when she got all serious. She turned to me and asked:

“When a boy and a girl sleep together, is the boy always on the driver’s side?”

…hmmm…..

“Are you always the passenger?”

It’s All Fun and Games Until… December 5, 2007

Mama Puts Her Foot Through The Ceiling.

 

 

 

 

 

The Pilot insisted on taking my picture before removing me from the ceiling. Herbie was very nervous and kept saying “mama broke the house”.