Today..

is my husband's 41st birthday. Whew when I write that I feel pretty young! But first, yes, you've guessed it. We had another tantrum episode. I think we can average them down to "2 photo" tantrums before he quits his nonsense and says cheese. Today I told him I was taking the photo to send to grandma to which he shouted, "NOOOOOOO!" "Then stop it", I said.

I sent him on timeout and he didn't like it one bit.

I have to tell you what led to this.

He was jumping like a madman on the sofa, ottoman and the chair. Rolling and tumbling. Back and forth he jumped
ME : Christopher stop jumping on the furniture
HIM : Sorry Mama
Yet he continues to do it
ME : Christopher do not jump on the sofa.
HIM : Sorry Mama
ME : Didn't daddy tell you not to do that?
HIM : Yes mama
He continues to do it and I think I gave him enough chances
ME : Christopher what did I just tell you? If I have to repeat myself again that's it Mr.
He sits on the sofa. His cheeks are red, he is so worked up. He starts back again. What am I a joke? I don't even warn him this time. The TV comes off and I tell him to march upstairs.

After I told him I would send the photo to grandma, he ran downstairs

Cheese!

Cheese! and that was that.

Ok like I said, today is the husband's birthday and it rained just for him, so his job cancelled! He was excited! I mean what are the chances of it raining on his birthday? Yesterday it rained and they made him work in the mud. It was a messy affair. He was quite the sight when he came home. I hope he doesn't get sick. His boots were soaked.

We went to lunch. Grandpa drove from Irvine to meet us. Before lunch we stopped at the mall. He was shopping for his present for himself. He wanted tools and tools is what he got. You should have seen these 2 men in the tools section at Sears. It was a sight. They were both so excited. He bought himself some close ended wrench set that, to me, was way over priced. "It's Craftsman", he said. Yeah whatever! His dad bought him a tool bench. Is that what they're called? Maybe cabinet may be more appropriate. Oh I just checked, it's a Craftsman tool center. The big ones with wheels and locks on them, because God forbid I try to break in there for a screwdriver.

We also got something for me. So goodbye 24 hour fitness. The monthly fees were a gift to them from us. I couldn't go regularly. 10 months this went on for. No more, we both agreed. So this was the present before I got to work on assembling it. It had less screws and pieces than that stupid desk so I was positive I could handle it.


But sadly I got this far and when I turned that back wheel something was rubbing on the inside. It's supposed to be really quiet and since this thing costed way too much money, it has to go back. Hopefully they have more in stock. I saw a scratchy mark on the wheel, like it got damaged in packaging. So Bill at Sears, we'll be calling you tomorrow and this baby's coming back.

Another tantrum!

Just look at that face. I bet you can actually hear the screams that came from that mouth

But it was much shorter this time. So short I only got 1 photo. Maybe I'm on to something here. Why do I feel so bad taking photos of him when he is ill-behaved?

You would think I didn't have anything better to write about. But I do! In fact I have some posts already drafted just waiting to be published but I just HAD to share this with everyone. Haha!

Then he was all better. I am not sure why he chose to cover with his rug but who knows what's going on in that almost-3 yr old head.

How could I have forgotten!

Spots apparently ran away today. Christopher broke off his tail last week and maybe he had had enough of the abuse. But seriously I have no clue where the cow has gone. He had him whole evening and when it was time for bed he was nowhere to be found. I made sure to take him with me when I looked for Spots so he will know I was not telling him tales.

We looked and looked, then I told him Spots is lost. He sighed a bit then he said, "Spots in the garbage?" I told him no he is gone, we don't know where he is but we will try to find him tomorrow and that was acceptable.

He went to bed and hugged Spot #2. He is the backup that we got for him about 1 yr ago. We've made it our business to put Spots # 2 in the bed with him everynight so he can bond with it also just in case something like this happened. Can he give up Spots, the original, so easily?

Tantrum Stopper??

Chris sent me out to have some "me time" this evening. I got some more candles for myself. On the way back he called to find out how long I would be again. I was only 20 minutes away.

When I got home he had cooked a lovely dinner for me with wine and candle light even! We weren't alone though. Although Alyssa was and still is sleeping, Christopher was sitting doing something, can't recall. He started climbing on the chairs and we told him to stop. His reply, "Ahhhhhhhhhhh....Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...Noooooo....Nooooooo" as you can see. As loud as you could imagine.

I used to do this all the time and I am not sure why I stopped but I will surely start back.

Anytime he threw one of his monster tantrums I used to record it, not just photos. Is that bad of me? He always stopped really quickly though.

Once I was playing it back for daddy to see and Christopher happened to see it and he wanted it off. He really didn't like it. I must say my intentions are not to record him and show it back to him. Somehow that seems wrong. I just want the photo. Maybe that's not right for me to do either.

By the time I had finished snapping these photos he was finished.

One last cry....

One last sad look...

Then he said, "Cheeeeeeeeeze!"

And all was well and back to "normal" whatever that is.

Scrabble, babies and other stuff

After a full day of trash-talking from the husband of how he was going to beat me so badly in this game, I silenced him at about 9pm last night. He was the one who brought out the dictionary in case I "decided to cheat", he said. Needless to say I won.

Friday was a wonderful day. He's been off of work since Wednesday. What a joy! We needed to do some fun things to get our minds away from the sadness so we headed to Sea world but I forgot the camera so no pictures. He did get a fun pass so that he could take the boy without me. It's well worth it, I think, since most of the times we will all be there and my Silver pass covers parking. So we win both ways.

I had mentioned in a previous post how much I wanted another child. Well for the past few days I came to terms with the possibility of that not happening and even though it was my greatest wish I was not sad about it anymore. I really didn't think it would be fair for me to force him into this and believe you me I could have. We all need to be on board for such an event.


Then while we were getting ready for Sea world, my husband spent a really long time just watching Alyssa, Christopher was upstairs. As he walked to the garage, out of the blue came, "maybe we could have another when the boy is 5. I said "Yes" not even knowing what he was talking about. Then I asked him, "have another what?" "Another baby", he says. I replied, "Well wasn't that the plan?" Hehehehe....but here's the catch. We have to move again. Under no circumstances would my husband allow our kids to share a room. Whatever! My brother and I shared a room until I was 6 or 7. As you know, we just moved. So in 2 yrs we must be living in a 5 bedroom/3 bath house, then all lights will be green! Don't ask me how we're going to do this.


So, I'm pretty happy right now. Now I have 2 yrs to lose this weight. I am already holding on to extra weight from 2 kids and there is no way I am going to add a 3rd to that mix.

Tonight the husband went out to see a band play ~ Pennywise. It's the 2nd one this week, the other was on Thursday - Kottonmouth Kings neither of which I listen to I might add. It's all noise to me. So while he's out rockin' I am home cleaning because I'm in the mood to clean. The kids' rooms were done before they went to bed at 8pm, and I moved to our bedroom where all I did was change the sheets because downstairs needs a serious going over. Where does all the dust come from when I cleaned the day before? I even bought a Swiffer Max which I really like.

All under the sofa, on the desk and oh so much crumbs on the carpet. But I swear these are crumbs from my husband, not the kids. Laundry is also being taken care of but I just have one question. What is it that is in my husband's shoes that prevents Clorox from removing the dirt from his socks?

A sad day for us today

Remember this?

Well unfortunately he passed away on Sunday. My sister-in-law called us and told us today. She's very shaken up even though they were separated and had their own lives, they were still very close. We had spoken a few weeks ago and he was fighting really hard after receiving a heart transplant on 1/10/2007. My SIL said he was in the OR for 30 hours. Can that be right? They tend to exaggerate at times but I believe he was in there for a long time.

Apparently he had some serious difficulties. All organs were failing but he made it through. Last week they tried to get him to wake up, he'd been on life support. So Sunday the decision was made to disconnect the machine. I felt so sick this evening when my husband got off the phone with her. All I could think about what his son is going through. She had been more involved with taking care of him than his own girlfriend. It's a shame.

Now they would like to have a service next Saturday. So when we were all supposed to be getting together to celebrate the family's January birthdays, and most of them are born this month, we have to go to this service. Thankfully not the funeral, that I definitely cannot deal with. I don't want to go. I don't do well at these things. I literally get sick but my husband is insisting.

Have a laugh......

on me.... I only wish I had a photo of myself on these 2 occasions to show you so you could form your own opinions.


Joke #1:

I bought some tops, "cleavage exposing" tops...hehehe for myself. I wore one of these said tops a few weeks ago and headed to CVS. I was armed with my coupons and I guess a very pleasing chest view. Hey I have to laugh at it all.

Her best Ms. Evil impression

When I walked up to pay for my things, the man behind the counter couldn't stop smiling with me. He had some years on my husband. I notice these things. All of sudden his voice got so gentle. I wondered what that was about. Anyway, I handed him my coupons. My pre-coupon total was $50+. After this idiot nice man was finished scanning and incorrectly entering "allowance" info (Is that what they call it?) I was a couple nickels over $20. How could that be?

Her new winter bunny house slippers - pink of course

I smiled, a huge smile, said thank you of course and ran out of there so fast because I knew how much my coupons should have deducted. I sat in the vehicle to look over the bill. Aside from my manufacturer's coupons and extra care CVS coupons I had one that allowed me to get one of those free kid hand soaps with the pump ($3.99). I think it's a Kandoo product. Whatever.

Well he took off the entire cost of the Huggies Mega pack that I had purchased and I saw a few of my coupons scanned twice. That alone took of a lot. I laughed all the way home as I was thinking how silly men can be. I thought these systems these days prevent double scanning.

Up and down she went

Joke #2:

I had another "feeling sexy" moment. This seems to be happening quite a bit lately. I had on a really nice top and pants. Simple but nice. A little fitted on the top but loose enough to hide the lovely present my 2 babies left me struggling to lose.

I was all dressed when Christopher came in the room. I'm still laughing when I think about it. I said very confidently mind you, "Christopher, how does mommy look?" He smiled, pointed to my mid-area and said "tummy". Ugh, these kids and their honesty.

Christopher calls the doll - Donald

I tried to make myself feel better here and asked him, "doesn't mommy look pretty?" He pointed at the flower I had in my hair and said, "pretty flower" so I asked him again, "doesn't mommy look pretty?" and because my son doesn't know how to lie yet, he said, "NO". Yelled it as a matter of fact, laughed and ran out of the room. It was as though he knew that was the wrong answer.

When Chris came home I told him of his son's honest comments and he swore I made the whole thing up. "You look very nice dear", was his comment.

Something's terribly wrong here

He's a pretty fish in a fishy kind of way

I took these photos last night as a sort of remembrance thing for the fish. I fear he may not have much longer. He killed his mate some time ago and now he doesn't seem to be doing so well.

Look closely you can see the actual lumps, the pellets, in his tummy

I told my husband I suspect fishy will be no more very soon as he has not pooped in days and continues to eat. Look at fishy's tummy and today I noticed a little bubble like boil on the underside of the belly. As you see below


Is there such a thing as constipation in fish? I've never heard of it but I suppose it's possible.

...and still eating

Silly me

Hmmm....it looks so small in this photo

I could have sworn I posted a photo of the completed nightmare. I am happy with it so far as it does have lots room. Lots more room to store lots more junk.
Can you believe all those pieces made this somewhat small looking thing?
It came with that feature that all these desks have now. A central USB station. It is much more convenient. See the little circular thing with a blue light on the right side of the desk where the hutch meets the desktop. That's it. I hadn't known about this before.

As I sat hour after hour cursing to myself, I thought about the sales person at the store laughing at my husband when he decided this was the desk he was going to purchase.

I imagined this person going home the same day of the sale and telling his entire family and his friends by phone how this unsuspecting man came in and bought this horrible piece.

You've got to be kidding me

I wonder what I did wrong. The husband says he bought this "desk" for me because he loves me. "The one you have is just too small". Now this is true but this is going to take me whole night.

Nuts & Bolts and theTop Of the Desk

Pieces, Pieces.....................................and more pieces

I started at 9:11 pm on Saturday 21st. Wanna guess what time I finished?

This is love? If it is I want no part of it.

The 1st of Many?

Last night, no, yesterday was one of my worse days yet. I think.

We were heading out to return some pants when while holding my hand Alyssa squatted. We were in the garage and I did not release my grip on her hand. When she stood up the crying began. I thought nothing of it. I know she didn't squeeze her little fingers in the door so we continued on our way to the store.

I notice she only cried when I put her in and out of her car seat and anytime I picked her up with my hands underneath her arm.

I cut my trip short when she just slumped back in the stroller and I realized her left arm hung limp.

I put her to bed as usual but she would not stop screaming. So I brought her downstairs and I held her. For the whole night. This morning it had not improved and she with little sleep and me with none I took her to the nearest ER.

We got there at 12pm and was out by 1pm. I don't know if we had priority since she was a baby and because she screamed murder when the nurse touched her arm but whatever it was I am thankful it was not a whole day event.

The doctor saw us. Alyssa pouting and mommy on the verge of tears. He held her little arm for about 8 - 10 seconds. Alyssa screamed. He told me to comfort her, not to worry and left the room. When she stopped crying he returned.

"Don't worry mom this is very common". Diagnosis: Nursemaid's Elbow.

What? I had never heard of this but he explained and I was hoping these people did not think I manhandled my 15 month old. It's quite common he confirmed and told me it was fixed. Just like that. Call me or come back tomorrow if she
isn't using the arm like she normally would. He explained what may cause this and that some kids are more prone to it.

She was smiling by the time we were walking to the van. This is not the hospital listed on our insurance card, that drive to Children's Hospital was just too far since my baby was in obvious pain and discomfort. I can't wait to see the bill.

It's always something with me

As promised, my cool photos ~ Christopher In Action

I have a joke. The husband got home early today so I decided to head out. After a wonderful play date my kids went to bed from since around 4 today and have not gotten up. So I am assuming they are down for the night. I'm bracing myself for an early wake up cry.


Anyway, so the husband gives me $40.00 and tells me to get him, are you ready:

Sweatpants (not any old ones either, brand name ones)
Bananas (Organic)
Licorice (watermelon flavoured)
Sushi

Now the last 3 were to come from Henry's. And get this, after I laughed at him when he was handing me the 2~$20.00 bills, he added very quietly, and "service tonight please" Ha, isn't he funny?


Okay, now I have been known to work some magic with money but this I could not do. 1st of all the pants alone would exceed the $40 so we'll just stop at that.

I was heading out to get a long sleeve shirt for myself and look at what trouble that got me in.

On the way home, I stopped off at CVS. I need wipes and diapers for the girl. I have been lazy and have been using my son's Pull-Ups on her which by the way are more absorbent than her Huggies Supremes. I am trying ToysRUs brand Boy Pants for Christopher and they are working very well I might add for both of them. I may switch permanently. I got 40 for $8.98. Can't beat that!

Alyssa's unpretty moment

While in CVS I decided to change her diapers since a red tag caught my eye. PlaySkool now has wipes and diapers. I got 52 for $10.99. I'll start using them tomorrow and they have satisfaction guaranteed so I can't lose.

At the register, I noticed the sale price did not come up. She scans my card and it takes off the $4.50 in rewards that I have earned from the last quarter but no sale price. She manually enters the deduction and I leave. I kept thinking that my bill was still high so I sit in the car and look over the bill. Well sure enough the computer did not accept the $3.00 deduction that she had put in plus the wipes sale price did not show up.


I marched back in there after triple and quadruple checking that receipt. I did not want to embarrass myself. My memory may be gone with other things but I am still somewhat sharp in my math. Sure enough after calling the manager they had robbed me some $5. and change. I could get a Starbucks with that!

The nerve of these fools. They apologized and all that mess but just who did they think they were messing with. Ha! I might add I was extremely polite. No rudeness here.

Highly Annoyed

Listen, why the hell do people wait until last minute to get their stuff in order.

This past weekend, because I almost always have 1 or both kids with me I use this convenient service. On Saturday, I used the drive thru at a different location other than my usual and there was a line. 4 cars were in front of me.

No problem, right? I mean how bad can the wait be?

Well, this one car held up the line for what seemed like 10 minutes although I am sure it was closer to 8 minutes. She waited until she pulled up in front of the machine and decided, oh wait now I need to put my money or check in the envelope, fill out the paper, keep all these people waiting because they have nothing better to do, and hold up the line.

Sheesh....this is not the first time I got caught behind an idiot. The last time at this same location, 1 car was in front of me but 2 people in this vehicle needed to use the ATM. The driver took unusually long, pulled forward a bit and a younger male stretched through the rear window and tried his hand at a pin guessing game.

He tried several times and when that didn't work, he got on the cell phone and made us wait some more. All the while I uttered the nastiest words under my breath.

Needless to say I won't be going there anymore.

For you Nadiah

Like I said, they are much more easier to pick up than bekel since they don't lay flat on the ground. Atleast I think so.

The husband's favourite photo

Strangely enough I have resorted to my old British spelling ways. I go back and forth but realized that I've been doing it a whole lot. I like it.

This is Chris' favourite one out of the 72 I took. He was in awe of the clarity

I like this oneand this one ~ Ms. Busybody although the quality could be better
and this one

Anyway, we had a chilly but wonderful playdate with our "soon to be relocating friends". I have to confess I got some great photos of the kids if I may say so myself. I will add them to my future posts as I go. I have a pretty cool one of Christopher jumping off a structure.

I was pretty proud of my photo taking skills today.

Sort of funny photo

We have a Dr. in the house

Art Session

He said it was a Dolphin ~ I know you see it right!

The Making of Dots, he went dot crazy

There were many things in here. Circles, the number 4, the letter C, J and G. I took a few videos also but will add it one at a time in upcoming posts. They're kind of lengthy. But you see the yellow figure at the bottom right of the paper? Well that is daddy.

We were supposed to get rain which never happened today. He kept looking up at the ski saying "it's so dark, look at the clouds" When I asked him what this was he said they were Clouds. I replied, "that's quite a nasty storm coming there." Hehehehe

So there you have it. What do you think. Can I frame them and sell it?

They're quite the handful lately

Just laying around

Especially Christopher. I'm not sure what's going on. Well that's not completely true. Daddy has been home early a lot recently and he is not the best at disciplining Christopher. Way before he should have been co-operating with me on this whole discipline business he wasn't. I blame part of his upbringing for this but after I repeatedly spoke to him about it and he barely improved....well that is his own fault. He is trying though.

Still laying around

So now he is acting out. I totally understand the boy. I am sure he is thinking, "well way back when you never told me to stop why the hell are you telling me that now and expect me to listen to you". I've told daddy how smart these kids are from the get go. I am not sure why he didn't believe me. Anyway I got an earful from my mom on the phone and I was so upset, with her bashing my husband for his lack of parenting skills that I told her it was not her place. Well call me stubborn but I am his wife and it's my job to it. Grant it, he's only now coming along after realizing the mistakes he'd made when the boy was younger.

Sour Face

I also started thinking about whether or not I can actually handle another child since these kids are becoming quite the handful here. And it makes me feel somewhat disappointed in myself. In a way I think I am being selfish. My husband wants to retire in 9 years and travel. He won't be able to do that if I have my way. But hear me when I tell you and understand my need to do this. My mother and I are close even though I was hurt by her carrying on today. She has not been present for any of the kid's births. With Christopher I was scheduled to be induced 1 week before she was due to arrive and with Alyssa she was unable to make it until the child was 3 months old. No big deal to some but it is to me.

Alyssa and Bunny playing

Am I being a spoiled brat here? I hope no one thinks so although I may be. Yes I am accustomed to having my way but I think this is different. I love being pregnant. I miss breastfeeding and I had it good with these 2 in that they both slept through the night starting at 8 weeks to the day. I know I may be pushing my luck and end up with a child who is not so easy going but I don't care.

Cheese

My husband is a planner. He has already told me which vehicle I will be driving when the kids are both in school. Well we have this joke right. This particular vehicle is not necessary for only 2 kids. So I tell him if he gets it for me, we would have to add to the family. I'm not sure how this flies with him but anything is worth a try and I am dead serious.

Getting down to business

So that's what's been on my mind. Christopher showed his ass today at the Gardens. I apologize for my yelling today Carrie and thank you for putting the things in the trunk. I just feel so stressed lately and I've really had enough of this boy's tactics.

All Done ~ Triangle mama

And lastly, we've decided today to put the boy in a Montessori. My husband actually suggested that I put Alyssa in there too. But when we had discussed this last year the plan was to put Christopher only so that I could spend some time with Alyssa. She's not had my complete attention since she was born and I think it's only fare.

When he told me this I laughed and immediately asked him, "so are you trying to tell me I have to go back to work?" Hehehehe.... "No", he said, "I just think it would be good for you to have some time for yourself." So this thoughtful-non-disciplining-parent of a man that I love has a good heart which is why I nabbed him. I am so scared to "let him go", Christopher that is. Never have I been away from him aside from the day Alyssa was born and a couple of times when my sister-in-law baby sat. Which was only for a couple of hours. Wish me luck!

The Princess is under the weather

When Alyssa had woken up from her nap yesterday she felt slightly warm. She was so clingy so I enjoyed our hugging session. She didn't want to move much so I left her watching a kids music video while I went upstairs to fix the closet door in the crazy boy's room.

Sometimes hugs help

When I was finished I realized it was very quiet. I ran downstairs, to find the TV turned off and her laying on the floor fast asleep. So I ran to get the camera but wildman was so loud he woke her.

I told him Alyssa was not feeling well and although he was quite a handful lastnight, he knelt down next to her and rubbed her back. She still got up though but I managed to take these shots.

Kisses do the trick too

She didn't even eat her dinner but she drank her milk. Poor baby. I still dragged them out today for playdate and although Christopher had fun, Alyssa wanted to be held but that's quite okay.

She no longer has a fever but she is still not her usual self. We'll be heading out again tomorrow to meet with our friends. I just hope she is feeling better.

Oh I took them to Legoland yesterday too and the one time I didn't walk with the camera, I missed som great shots. She is all about walking now. Before she was but would tolerate a stroller. This time I took her out and I held one hand and Christopher held the other and we walked the park. It was so sweet. The park was empty and we loved it. We went to the building spot and we were the only ones in there. It was great. School must be in.

We also went on the little boat ride and Christopher loved it. He was so excited. When we were leaving, only Christopher was holding her hand and I heard a bunch of "awws" and "look how sweet" as we left the park. Christopher was so good I bought him some Bob the Builder Duplo sets.

Look what I discovered.....

hiding away in a folder. Eeek! I believe I was to be induced the following Monday. Horrible....you see me holding on to his changing station? Well it's because I could no longer support myself. Everywhere was swollen

For the whole pregnancy I barely looked pregnant at all and I blew up in the last month. I couldn't even see my toes. I think I have a belly shot of me looking down at my feet before I was big like a house. Maybe I'll gross you all out and post it.

Today's Funny photo

These kids never cease to amaze me. Should we all try to sleep in this position?



What's worse is I didn't wake her.

The women in the house

The fun's over. Until next time mommy.

Grandma and Alyssa

Hey! I'm taller than you Just us girls ~ 3 generations

We were so busy while she was here that we forgot to take photos with Grandma and the kids. Unfortunately Christopher was already strapped in his carseat screaming let's go. So he was not included

This was taken before we piled in the van to take her to the airport this afternoon

Just thinking about things

Let me start off with this story.

Nothing better than an Apple muffin

I took Alyssa to the pediatrician for her shots that never happened due to some lack of communication with myself and the office. The receptionist didn't do her job. I'll get into that on the next post as I don't wish to annoy myself tonigt but we will be changing doctors.


While sitting in the waiting room, I met this mom. Her daughter's name was Lola, very beautiful I think. Lola could be no more than a couple of weeks but she was fast asleep in her carrier and would occasionally smile in her sleep. I said to her mom, "She's having happy dreams" She smiled at me and asked me how old my son and daughter was. She then tells me she dropped of her 4 year old twin boys at preschool for the first time today. She also has a 2 year old son. I said, "WOW! you must be so busy. She laughs again. A few minutes later she takes out an album and shows me the twins with daddy. Very handsome man. I told her how cute they were. And they were too, it was no lie. Then she says, "my husband passed away recently in a horrible car accident." Just like that.

All I could say was I'm sorry. I looked at her face. She was very beautiful but her face looked swollen from so much crying and her eyes were red and cloudy looking. When I left that place she was on my mind whole day. I am still thinking about her. I couldn't imagine dealing with that and here she was smiling at my son. Just terrible and sad. I really wish her comfort.

It's all about food with Alyssa

My mom's still here visiting and it's been great.

I've decided not to return my purchases as the husband grew very annoyed with me. "Why can't you buy something for yourself and be happy?", he says. Well mothers understand this whole madness. So for the new year I will try to be kinder to myself. I have also vowed to change the way I dress. I don't look that bad, atleast I don't think so but I do know on some of my trips to the store some people may be talking. I could just hear them, "Atleast her kids look nice but look at her! Nasty sweats, hair uncombed and she's wiping crust from her eyes". Oh well. I'll try harder.

Today I cleaned out 6 of my drawers. Most of the clothing in there I parted with. Chris was happy! The baby-food-stained t-shirts that I have been holding on to - gone. Those shorts that a mom should never wear not even inside - gone. Not to mention they will no longer look sexy on me after gaining some serious weight with these kids. Hmmmm....what else...

Oh I also started on the closet but got really tired so I'll continue some other time. I still have 3 unpacked boxes at the side of the bed. So much to do.

What I was really thinking about was my mom. She is 61. We were driving to the mall and she whips out these papers from her bank. "I got some investments for the kids. They get such and such when they turn 18".

Yes that is good but no one wants to have this discussion with their loved ones especially not their mother. It saddened me. Grant it she has many years left with us, God willing. She is in excellent health and such but you know. So she's talking to me about this and all I could muster up to say was "uhhmmm, uh huh....okay" Then she says, "I have to talk to the lady at the bank to find out what happens to the money if something happens to me and I can't pay the monthly fees:. Ugh....I didn't care to hear anymore and I think I shut my ears off because I heard nothing else.

I haven't taken that many photos and those that I have been posting are the husband's handy work. You could probably tell when you look at them.

Now it's finally over

No more dinners at the family, no more visitors and thankfully no more PRESENTS. This sure lasted a long time.

At Liza's ~ Christopher & Maggie

I know it's fun for the kids but half of the toys aren't being played with. Actually more than half. It just seems like a waste even though I have put some away for Christopher's birthday next month. hehehehe...Hey why not?

After an hour or so Alyssa relaxed and had a blast

I found her outfit on sale ofcourse just for daddy ~ on the cuff it said "My heart belongs to daddy"

She and daddy had so much fun

So my mom is here. Has been since Friday. There is only one complaint I have when my mom visits. I always seem to overspend. It sucks. I am holding on to some clothing I got for myself yesterday. I looked at them a few times today thinking really hard about them. Yes, buyer's remorse. The tags are still on. I haven't made up my mind yet. My husband said if he finds them he will rip off the tags so that they cannot be returned. I know I am not the only one who has this kind of trouble spending even the smallest bit of money on myself.

I am hoping things go back to normal in a few days. Well I don't think they will until grandma leaves on Saturday. It's been really nice though. I really needed this break and will truly get one after tomorrow.

Daddy giving Christopher an "airplane"

We've been gallavanting all over the place with and without the kids since daddy had about a week off. I told him to call and let them know if they could do without him please use someone else and to my surprise he did. He needed a break probably more than I. All he did was work work work. I guess it helps if you love your job.

Alyssa and Liza

Tomorrow is Alyssa's 15 month appointment. More shots again only I think it's 2 this time. Poor baby. I also mucht remember to ask the doctor about her feet. Well her left foot in particular which tends to turn inward making her extremely pigeon toed. I read that it's normal at this age, up until 3 years old but my son never did it and her foot never turned inward when she first started walking. I tracked back to some of the first videos I took. So to ease my worries and everyone elses I will remember to ask the doctor.

Cousin Colton put his hat on Alyssa's head ~ they all thought it was cute

Hopefully he tells me she will outgrow this like the books say and she won't need special shoes or braces. I massage the feet daily hoping to relax that muscle if that is what the problem is.

So long folks. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe xmas (if celebrated) and New Years. I need a vacation from all this.