The perfect tree

Yesterday, we took the girls to the local Christmas tree farm to pick out our tree. It's a bit earlier than usually, but with Einey's birthday party next weekend and Husband working the following weekends, we wanted to go when we weren't rushed. We grabbed a saw and walked down towards the back of the farm. The day, was thankfully, not to bad out. It was in the mid 40's, so definitely not "oh my god, lets grab a tree and go" weather.

We found a great tree and the kids had a blast running up and down and across the rows. Einey thought it was great - just like a maze. And while we didn't take the wagon ride, choosing to walk instead, and Santa wasn't there yet - he arrives next weekend - the girls had fun. I believe this was only the second year we actually cut down a tree (the first year being the year we were married and only because the place where we had our reception gave us a free tree). I think it will be a tradition from here on out.


Today, we decorate!

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I did it! I made it to the end of NaBloPoMo with posting every. single. day. So I guess that means I owe you reader's something. So, tonight I'll draw a random number based on comments and will award one reader a Starbucks gift card. So leave a comment by midnight tonight and I will draw the winner in the morning when I awake. Winner will be announced upon notification of the winner.

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I can't believe you guys don't like free stuff! Not a single person has left a comment to win over here. Seriously, if you click over now, you'll have great odds of winning!

'Tis the season

Do you want to know one of my favorite things about this time of year?

Baking with the girls!

Giving Thanks

I am thankful for:

• waking each morning
• the sun shining
• the off-key notes sang through the house
• the giggles of little girls
• grass beneath my toes
• family and friends
• health
• a warm fuzzy dog
• a warm home
• laughter and love
• kisses and hugs
• hearing "mommy, I wuv you"
• not needing to worry about jobs
• food in the pantry
• birds chirping outside

Wishing you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving!

What's on the menu today? We are having:

Turkey
Mashed potatoes
Gravy
Sweet potatoes
Green bean casserole
Wild rice stuffing
Bread stuffing
Corn
Broccoli
Rolls
Cranberry sauce
Kielbasa
Pirogies (blue berry, mushroom and sour kraut, and potato)
Apple pie
Pumpkin pie
Salad

This is the first year in nine years we are hosting Thanksgiving dinner. We've invited over his parents and my parents. The girls are very excited and cannot wait!

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The wisdom of a six (almost seven) year old

Is insert name here your boyfirend?

No, he's my husband.

You can't get married.

Why not.

Because, you need to be footloose and fancy free right now. You can have a salty husband later.

(conversation between Einey and Meenie, overheard while they were doing crafts)

What do you do in that unexpected time alone?

You play with play dough, of course!

Today, found Meenie and myself alone after school. Einey had pep squad and Moe was invited over a friends house for a play date. So I picked one kid up at school, left one at school, and sent the other on her way from school with another mom. I told Meenie was could do anything she wanted, after all, it's not often that we get to spend time together alone. She thought and thought.

First she suggested the Wii.

The she mentioned play dough.

Once we arrived home, she decided play dough was it. So we pulled out all the beautiful colors of containers of purply-brown play dough and we created. We made chocolate chips. We made hair for Pinkie Pie. We cut, we squished we had fun.

Then we made hot chocolate. Hot chocolate with whipped cream and Halloween holiday sprinkles on top.

And all to soon, it was time to pick up the other two.

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This morning, I had my mom all to myself. She came over after I dropped the kids off at school. We went Christmas shopping. It's not to often that I see her without the kids around. Or one of my siblings. Or my nieces and nephews. It's not to often that we go and do something together, usually our visits are at one another's house. And usually they involve one of us doing housework. Or a party. Or busy with something.

It was nice. Very nice.

And all to soon, it was time to pick Moe up from school.

The Christmas Card From Hell

I thought I was on top of things.

I had my Christmas photo taken.

I had my cards designed by a friend who is a graphic designer.

I went to print them....

And holy crap. They look like shit. I've opened them in numerous programs. My friend opened them in other programs. Amazing. Truly amazing. Go to upload them to any site to print them. Shit. Crap. No way am I purchasing them.

I spent over a half hour on the phone with Shutterfly tonight only for them to tell me that my boarder won't work and to try and use on of theres. Um no. I want MY pictures dammit!

So now I have a a few things to try, but none of them involve spending $500 on pictures (which printed professionally would solve the issue). Tomorrow is another day, right?

Oh and the kicker, I usually mail them the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. So not going to happen.

Weekend review

The leaves have fallen.
The weather is cold.
Christmas is almost here.
Nerves are fried.
I can't remember a thing.
There's frost on the windows.
Husband is off of nights.
Moe has a PPT for speech finally this week.
Were hosting Thanksgiving.
Followed a few days later by a cookie party.
Followed a day later by a birthday party.
Christmas shopping (for the girls) is done.
The room renovation is causing me to pull my hair out.

The end.

Photo Hunt Saturday - Reflection

Tis the season!

This was Moe checking out a new christmas ornament today. I love how I caught her reflection in the ornament.

PhotoHunt

All it took was a simple question..

"Mom, can we stop there one day? "

As I looked out the window on the way to bring the girls to school, I saw where Moe was pointing. She was pointing to the small building on the right, across the street from the post office. Already at 8:30 am, there was a line forming in the cold air. It didn't matter that the temperature was a mere 26 degrees. The people in line was waiting, waiting for the door to open at 9:00 am. The building was painted like no others in the area, with murals on the outside. One was a picture of God, and that was the picture that caught Moe's eye. They weren't standing, waiting to see Twilight. Nor were they waiting to buy the newest, hottest toy on the market. Today, like many other days, they were waiting. Waiting in the cold. Waiting to pick up food for their families.

"Mom, I really want to go there. I want to see God."

And in that moment I knew. We would go there. That day. That morning. After we dropped the older two girls off at school. We ran some errands. And before we headed back home, we stopped at the grocery store. My cupboards were full, there was nothing we needed. But we filled the card. Potatoes. Vegetables. Stuffing. More vegetables. Gravy. We filled the cart to the top. And then we checked out. Today, I didn't pull out my bag of reusable bags. I let the fill our cart with paper and plastic.

And then we drove to our last stop of the morning. We stopped at the small building across from the post office. The one we usually drive by. We pulled in and walked inside. The waiting room was full, two hours after we passed it this morning. We went in and said we had some food and could we get some help bringing it in. And older lady stopped Moe to talk to her. And so, back out to the van, with three volunteers in tow, we filled their arms with the food we had. Back into the small building we went. And then, we silently slipped out the door.

"I didn't see God, but I'm happy we gave them some food".

Such a simple question but it inspired me to act. To do something for those people standing in the cold. It something we could do. Moe and I talked the whole morning. She knows why we brought the food and who it was going to. And now, she knows what that little building on the corner is for. It's the local food bank. It's where people who need it, go and get food. For themselves and their families. And we'll go back. Keep going back. As much as we can.

Thank you Moe.

The photo shoot

Last week, I dressed the kids up and we headed out into the woods for our annual quest for the perfect holiday photo. Of course, since they are my kids, there was some complaining. Before they even got dressed, there were complaints of not liking the outfits I purchased "This makes me look fat" and "I don't like the color". Once I wrangled them into their outfits and we arrived at our destination, I heard complaints of "I'm cold" and also, much to my surprise, "I really like this, it keeps me warm".

Here are a few shots that didn't make it to the final for the card.




I thought about bringing the Dog but am so glad I didn't try it. All in all, I got some really nice shots despite not taking too many pictures.

My pictures are now at the graphic designers, awaiting to be turned into a beautiful card. Hopefully I'll have them back tomorrow so I can place my order. You'll have to wait and get the results in the mail!

Taking the day off

I have nothing better to say today - except that I found a dead mouse while cleaning today.

So here, checkout how we recycled a jack o' lantern into a bird squirrel feeder. We filled it with raisins, pumpkin seeds and peanuts.

The Process

My daughter's are not special needs children, however, they have required different services over the years.

Einey, while she didn't qualify, was evaluated for speech issues last year. She speaks great, however, some sounds (mainly her "th's") do not come out as they should. But, it was just that one blend and she didn't qualify. And it's getting better. We make sure we try and correct it. She's also gotten a bit older -part of the reason was it was borderline on the age appropriate list of things she should say at her age.

When Meenie was three (one month after her birthday - which meant she no longer qualified for the birth to three program) she was sick. She contracted encephalitis and as a result, needed OT and PT. it was interesting to watch the process- the initial evaluation with the different therapists. The different session (each, thankfully, in our home) and then the discharge from services- another evaluation with the different therapists.

When Moe turned three, I had her speech evaluated. I took her to our early education center and had her evaluated. Again, they did a full work up, with four different therapists. My reason for having her evaluated - she had poor pronunciation and people had a hard time understanding her. The result - they felt, for her age, she was on target. And ahead in word usage. So no services. Fast forward to this year. She started preschool and within a month, the teacher asked if I minded if she had an evaluation. Of course not. The pronunciation issues were still there and many, many people make comments about not being able to understand her. A few weeks went by and she finally got the evaluation. The result - they'd like to do a more comprehensive evaluation. For what? Pronunciation issues. I believe (but I haven't heard) - that she had the evaluation Wednesday - (her sister informed me she saw her sister in the hall with "Mrs. Speech"). I'm hoping that she qualifies and that she can get the help she needs. But part of me wants to scream and pull my hair out! I wish we could have gotten her in services sooner.

So now we wait. Wait to see if she'll qualify or not. I am thankful, though, that they have access to the speech (if needed) at their school. Since it's a private school, they don't usually have any special services.

The Motrin Saga

I am not a conformist. I make my own rules. I do not follow the crowd. But according to the makers of Motrin - I wore my girls to be fashionable. To be cool. Here's the ad if you missed it before it got pulled.



In reality, I wore my babies for convenience. For ease. To be close to them. For safety. I had three daughters in under three years. By the time the third arrived, I had a 33 month old AND a fifteen month old. Keeping my daughter in a infant seat, didn't always mean she was safe. Same goes for a pack and play. There was always a big sister waiting in the wings, to gently push the baby in the swing, to rock and tip the baby in the infant carrier and to smother climb in and play with the baby in the pack and play. So for her safety (and my sanity) I wore her. She was happy, and I was happy. I was comforted in knowing she was somewhere safe and I was able to get things done around the house.


When we were out, I carried them for a variety of reasons. First, to be able to accomplish simple tasks as shopping. When Moe was born, it was hard to find a shopping cart to hold two toddlers, an infant car seat and the actual items I was buying. Second, Do you know what type of germs live on carseats> Yeah, me too. Third, have you ever actually tried to lug around an infant car seat with a child weighing more than 10-15 pounds? Talk about pain! Fourth, Have you ever tried to cross a parking lot with two toddlers while carrying an infant car seat? As you can see, I still have all three kids, so having my hands free must have been a good thing. Fifth,chasing after two toddlers on the playground while pushing a stroller, only to have them zip under something and head further away from you? Totally not happening on my watch. And lastly, I live in New England. It gets cold for 6 months of the year. My last daughter was born in September. So yeah, keeping her warm was a concern as well.


Now, I didn't start wearing babies on my last child (although this post is mainly about her), but with Einey, my first. The ease and convenience of knowing she was safe was top of our list. We like hiking. Have you ever tried lugging an infant car seat or stroller through the woods? You haven't? Well maybe you should try it!

I've got the best seat in the house!

We started with Einey with a Graco front pack. It wasn't the greatest. She was supposed to fit in it until 20 pounds, but for some reason, once she hit 10, she got stuck in it. We waited a bit and purchased the Kelty Backpack. It is great! I used it for all three of them until they were close to thirty pounds. So we purchased a Kelty Kangaroo when we found out we were expecting Meenie - best purchase ever! Did my back ever hurt? Yes, sometimes, but it was usually when I didn't have the straps adjusted right. If I felt my back hurting, I'd usually remove the carrier and make some adjustments. Many times, I didn't feel anything until I took the carrier off. And that feeling - not pain, just the feeling of having 20 -30 pounds removed from your body. A sort of tiredness, but definitely not pain.

So Motrin - you can suck it.

Video made and originally found here

If I can find other pictures (I know I have more - they just are not digital) I'll add them later!

Left out

Friday was a first for us. The first day of consoling a child who didn't get invited to a good friend's birthday party. I picked up Einey from school Friday and she asked if she was going over to the birthday party of Cookie ofter school. I told her no, we didn't get an invitation and asked her how she knew there was a party. She said all the girls were talking about it at recess today. You see, they have a class of 15 kids, 10 of them are girls. I saw the mother hand out the invitations the week before to at five girls. It was the first girl sleep over. When we arrived home, Einey was in tears and didn't want to get out of the van. She wanted to play with a friend.

I told her we'd call a friend and see if they could come over, but it would have to be a non-school friend. Because all the girls were going to the party. And her two best friends were playing together already and the other three boys usually stayed for extended day. She didn't want that. In the end, we went over to a friends house. Einey was shy and still sad, but quickly came out of her funk and had a really good time.

I get that parents can't invite everyone to parties. And we don't always attend every party we go to. With three kids in school and involved in other activities, we just can't do it. But it's so hard when you child is the one left out. Left out from a good friend's party. A child who she's been in class with for two years, cheered with for two years, been in brownies with for two years, whose come to her parties for two years and whom she's visited their house a few times in the past.

It's not going to be the last time she's disappointed. But it was definitely the first time I've seen her crushed like this. And it's hard. Her tears broke my heart.

Edit: Things are good now. Einey talked it over and she understands, her feelings are no longer hurt. She's happy and out of her funk.

The power of six

Motherbumper put this out to anyone interested. Since I've been posting everyday and I'm running low on ideas..... I'm in! Here's the deal:

• Go to your Sixth Picture Folder then pick your Sixth Picture.
• Pray that you remember the details.
• Tag 5 others.

Since I'm really low on space on my hard drive (all my pictures are on CD's except my current one's) my picture will be fairly recent. I tend to categorize pictures by month and then date. I used to be able to get a year's worth of picture's on a Cd. Then six months. Then two months. Now I'm lucky if I get one month. I think I need to get an external hard drive.

So let's see - 2008. My sixth file folder is currently August. And here is the sixth picture:



This picture is of Meenie. it was taken August 2nd (I know - I've dated the pictures) at my parent's house. My parents put in a new pool this summer and I believe it was our first visit over there. I'm pretty sure she was either saying "there's no way I'm going in the pool so take this off" or "I have to go to the bathroom so take this off". Eventually she warmed up to the pool (I think on our second or third visit) and loved swimming around. Einey took to it like a fish to water of course. Moe, I think she screamed every time we dragged her in. Maybe next year....

So, now I'm tagging Binky, Toyfoto, Sci-Fi Dad, Fairly Odd Mother and Stimey.

Moe and Mommy coffee time

With the hustle and bustle of back to school time and Halloween, Moe and I had yet to start up our mom and me coffee dates. It's hard with her being at school three mornings a week now. So this afternoon, we met up with this lovely lady and her beautiful daughter for coffee, hot chocolate and tea, donuts and muffins. We met at Starbucks as it was convenient to both of our needs. We had a great conversation and I really enjoyed just sitting and talking (and listening).

Moe was, well, four. She got up and danced. Opened (and threw away) about six dozen straws. Walked over, grabbed a milk and opened it. A tiny box of $1.60 organic milk. Which she declared to be the best milk she's ever tasted.

Then we walked around and I picked up a few things I needed (someone's having a baby soon! - no not me).

It was a great way to spend time.

BTW - Moe informed me as we walked to the car that "it was getting dark because it was raining. Not late. That's all." I guess we just have to ask her the time next time!

Life's little irritations

Yesterday, my mom came over to visit the girls. She doesn't live far away, but hasn't always had a car to come visit with and our schedules have been so busy and her work schedule's been erratic. So our days aligned and she came to visit. I took her upstairs to show her progress on Eineys room and it was about then that it dawned on me. A full sized bed will not fit in the room. At least, not if we want her to keep her bureau/bookshelves. It would give her only 10 inches between her bed and bureau. Holy freaking shit. I already had all the bedding. Almost (thank god I didn't) ordered the mattress/box spring/bed frame. Grrrr! The reason we were going to go with the full sized bed was the crib converted to one and it would save us from buying a headboard and foot board.

But yeah, now we have too, although we did see a bed we liked recently and had commented that it would be great IF we didn't already have a bed for her. It's a bed (up high like a bunk bed) with a build in bureau/bookshelf/computer desk/ secret cubby area in one. So now I guess we have to see if she wants to sleep up higher again. And order a bed. Along with a mattress. And new bedding. I returned the one I had already purchased this morning. I'm not too worried about it as I know they still carry it online, but it's a pain anyway!

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This morning, Husband and I ran some errands. Since he's been on the South Beach diet as well, he's finally been able to drink coffee again. Something he's ecstatic about. So he asked if we could pick up some K-cups he could bring to work.

We were at the little coffee shop in town browsing the K-cups.

Me: That sounds good.

Him: Get some if you want some.

Me: ???? ......................

Me: We don't have a Kuerig (it's on my list!) machine at home.

Him: Oh yeah. Well, um sorry your out of luck then.

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And to continue on....

Today when I picked Einey up from pep squad (cheerleading) they handed up or scedule for times we are required to work the concessions area. I don't mind working, really, however...

They scheduled me on for a time in the middle of Einey's birthday party. So yeah, totally not happening. Nor will I ask family members (which is allowed) to miss her party to sit and collect tickets at the basketball game. Totally not happening.

For the record, I had already informed the coaches that she would not be at that game for the above reason.

Thank You

Thank you for fighting for our freedoms.

Freedom where little girls can walk down the street without fear.

We read the names and we thank you.

Know that you died for us. For us to be kids. For us to grow up. To be free.

We place our hands over our hearts. We clap.

This Veterans Day, we thank you for the sacrifices you made to ensure that we can grow up without fear. To grow up happy and healthy. To grow up free.

What's in a name?

My good friend Binky posted this meme the other day and since I'm totally running out of things to write about, I decided to follow the leader on this one. Unless of course, you'd rather me write about all of the items I've recently purchased at Target now that we have one real close. Too close, if you ask me. Or about how Moe made the first letter of her name in poo the other day. * Total talent there.

*No hands were used in the creation of said letter

Lauren tagged me for this meme I was going to steal...

1. ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car): Prince Town and Country

2. GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Latte Flip-Flop

3. NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Purple Monkey

4 SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Green Banana Daiquiri

5. NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers): Laurent Lloyd

6. STRIPPER NAME (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy): Rose Twix

7. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your fifth grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): God, I can't remember, but I'll guess on this one Lavelle Las Vegas

8. SPY NAME (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Autumn Daisy

9. CARTOON NAME (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now): Apple Socks

10. HIPPIE NAME (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Muffin Willow

So now I'm passing the game and tagging Jennifer A., Clink, and C Sierra.

Making a list, checking it twice...

Can you guess what my kids are doing?

A week ago, Husband and I had no clue what they wanted. They haven't asked for anything specific and seem pleased with the toys they do have.

But, ever since they found the toy books that have started arriving in multitude, they have been meticulously going though them, writing their initials next to much coveted items. Now they've started cutting them out to make sure we see exactly what they want. Einey has taken to writing her lists. And she's smart too, she thinks if she asks for a specific Wii game she wants for her dad, she'll get extra stuff. And while she wants Lego Indiana Jones, I can't see buying it for the Wii as we already have it for the DS. apparently Husband says it's different.

Their list, so far contain everything Barbie and the Diamond Castle related, various Wii games, a doll that uses the potty, a cupcake maker and a three hundred dollar triceratops (which is seriously cool and I actually joked with Husband when we first saw it that if we had a different house/bigger yard, i would buy it)! Also a pet turtle. Which is still under consideration. Do you know how long those suckers live? I still need to do more research on this one. If not, then the grow your own frog kit from tadpoles is a definite.

As for myself, I have actually found some items I would like for Christmas. Too bad they are all fairly expensive (so family, if your reading this, Target gift cards would be greatly appreciated!!!)

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Click on over to my review site to check out my latest review of Barbie and the Diamond Castle on DVD!