Shh....can you hear that???

AHHH!!!! I AM ALL ALONE!

Sam is at a basketball game and Chris just took the rest of the 3 out. I think to buy my Christmas present! YIPPEE!!!!

What do I do?

Do I sit and watch some Dr. Phil that I have DVR'd?

Do I go get something to eat?

Do I watch the news?

Do I take a nap?

Do I read my book that I need to read for book club?

Do I sit here on the internet surfing?

Do I do paperwork that the accountants are waiting for? (I am behind!)

SO MANY OPTIONS!

Tommy's Santa Lesson

I just overheard Tommy telling Katie all about Santa. We are headed to the mall this AM to see him. Katie is telling us she won't go.

This is his details he told her:

• Santa's whole name is Santa Claus
• He comes down the chimney, even though we don't have one, so he comes in the front door.
• He leaves is presents under the tree and in our stockings.
• He gives you TONS of presents.
  
• We can make cookies for him for when he comes to your house.
  
• Lastly, if you don't sit on his lap today and tell him what you want, you will get NOTHING!
  

Bad Mom Award

Yup, I am giving this to myself tonight.

Casey's Chorus concert was tonight. I had it on the calendar for tomorrow.

At 6:10 she says "Mom, did we forget about my concert? I have to be there at 6:30!"

Ugh......

Chris has a meeting at 7:00 that he has to be at.

I have the 2 little ones here who I would rather not take to a 7th grade concert. I am pretty sure everyone there, would rather me not take them too!

What to do..........I call my very dependable friend, Donna. Who has a daughter the same age. She is a good Mom, so I know she has already fed her kids and is dressed and ready to go.

I call her....guess what? She is dressed and ready to head out the door! She came and picked up Casey and took her. THANK GOD!

Want to know a secret? I am secretly excited I didn't have to go. I have sat through every concert for 2 girls since 3rd grade! Sam is now in 9th grade. That is a lot of stinken concerts! **SHHHHH....don't tell****

Kids (and adults) Holiday Party

My circle of friends started a kid holiday party last year. This year I hosted. The kids had fun. More kids added to the group this year! We did a Secret Santa (so we didn't have to buy for all those kids!), ate and did crafts. Fun all around!

Katie, Nicole (and her "cheese" face) Julia. They are all a few months apart. They will be ruling the school later in life!
Nothing like little hotdogs dipped in Spinach dip. (GAG!)
Crafts (Margaret had more fun than the kids!)


Secret Santa
Umm....poor Sean. Beer and a hat. Is that a bad mom moment? (I will be holding on to this Margaret!)

Trying to get all the kids in front of the tree!
YA! It worked!

This is all of them last year!

HOLIDAY SURVEY!

Stolen from my friend Lisa's blog!

Survey-Holiday Edition

Welcome to the Holiday edition of 25 Things About Me. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post. Then change all the answers so that they apply to you.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real this year! Usually it is fake though. I am sick of the pine needles on my floor though. Back to fake next year!

3. When do you put up the tree? Just after Thanksgiving. We were late this year since we went to Florida.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually the day after Christmas. I am tired of it by then!

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, better with booze!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Not sure. I do remember little TV trays we all got. I loved those.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My in laws

8. Easiest person to buy for? My kids. Especially the little ones.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes. I didn't put it up this year though.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? That would be the infamous stocking stuffer my husband gave me a few years back. We said all we would do was stockings for each other. He put in a blindfold and handcuffs in mine. I was so mad!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Rudolph

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? As soon as I can!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Maybe **Blushing**

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham

16. Lights on the tree? Yes!

17. Favorite Christmas Song? Rudolph

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I go to my mom's 2 towns away.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Sure can!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning?Christmas day

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Mean shoppers

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? We have a lot that the kdis made.

24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Ham

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Anything other than handcuffs and a blindfold! =)

Dinner and Shopping

What is better than food and shopping? NOTHING!

I went out with my Mother in Law last night. We did this last year and are going to make it our tradition.

We went to a yummy Chinese place called PF Changs. It was so yummy! Then we shopped until the mall was closing!

I picked up a few gifts for the girls. I will not divulge the info because I know Sam reads this!

I did pick up a gift for Chris from the kids. Every weekend they make pancakes. It is their thing to do. I saw this pan and could not resist! I added this syrup for fun.

I also got a cool scarf for myself at Anthropology. I needed one. No one will buy one......so I did. To: me- From: Me! This store is so cool. They have just some fun, neat things. I got my mom her gift **Again not divulging because I know she read this!**

Almost done with my shopping. Are you?

Mean Girls.......and parents.

My poor Casey is having friend trouble, yet again. The girl just hangs out with the wrong crowd. Apparently they are considered the mean girls. Well, once again, they have turned on her. 6 girls ganging up on her. Calling her names and harassing her. She can't even get through lunch without one of them coming up to hear.

It started a few months back. Her and her BFF got into an argument. It has just spiraled out of control from there. You see, her BFF (I will just refer to her as BFF) and the family used to LOVE Casey. She spent a ton of time over there. When we were in FLA in April, they were there too. She spent several days with them instead of us. Us as parents, were on good terms. We never went out together, but attended kid parties ans stuff.

I wish I had my eyes more open to see what really happens in that family. The kids have no rules. They have a TON of friends over all the time. Swear and have no repect for the parents or grandmother who lives there. If they get grounded, it doesn't stick. They are even allowed to play "Ding Song Ditch" as long as they don't ring the bell of the old lady across the street!

So now, that whole crowd of girls are mad at Casey. They gather at BFF's house and the mother and grandmother feed into the arguement and make it worse. We found out the mother was telling the girls what a "bitch" Casey was. What adult does that? Needless to say, I picked up the phone and exchanged words with her. It was a wasted breath.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. Casey was at a friends house who lives a few doors down from BFF. As always, BFF had about 5 people over. They asked Casey to come to the street to talk. When she got there, they spun it around that Casey wanted to fight them. Ummm......I saw the text messages and that TOTALLY wasn't the case. The GRANDMOTHER came out screaming at Casey! Calling her, get this....."Chicken Shit" and telling her to "Get the F**k back where she came frome!" UH! I was livid! I called once again and got into and arguement with the grandmother (who is in her 70's!) and the mother. How can adults be so immature? Wasted breath again.

It is totally out of control. I have contacted the school and have had talks with Casey. I the School Resource Officer on a personal level and asked him to have a "Cyber Bullying and bullying" talk with the girls. Within 1 hour, I had a call back that he sat ALL the girls in a conference room, with the VP and guidance, and spoke to them.

I feel so awful for her. She cries everyday and every night. She is trying to make new friends and of course the mean girls make fun of that. I try to tell her to take the higher road. Even Sam had great advice. "Kill them with Kindess" she said. When they give you dirty looks, smile back. When they call you a name "Say thanks!" and walk away.

What more can I do. Teenage girls are the worst. They are so mean. =(

Cheerleading Banquet

We just got home from a nice night at Sam's cheerleading banquet. She got her Varsity letter. I asked if she was supposed to put it on a jacket (ya know, like the "olden days") and she looked at me like I had 3 heads! Apparently you just put it on your tack board and every season you get a pin. It is just a display thing.

We all went (except the little kids, Grammy had them). I think Sam was happy Chris came. She may not have said it, but her smile showed when I told her he was coming. I don't think she thought her step dad would come to something like that. It was nice!

Tommy

Do you ever feel bad when your kid is sick? I am feeling like a bad mom with Tommy, like what did he do to deserve this?

The poor kid's asthma has been acting up again. He coughs all night, every night. It happens every winter since he was 1. This is what prompted the Asthma diagnoses. The poor kid takes a daily Asthma medication for it.

The purpose for going to FLA last week was to give his little lungs a rest. It didn't work. He coughed all night unless I went in and held him upright and then elevated his pillows. it has been taking a toll on the both of us.

I went back to the Pediatrician Monday. They now think he may have an allergy. Possibly to dust or something. She gave us some nose spray to see if it helps. If it is an allergy causing it, we should see results by the weeks end and we will end up at an allergy specialist.

I just feel awful. Asthma, glasses and now a possible allergy. What more can go on with him? Don't get me wrong, I am thankful he doesn't have a major illness like some kids, but feel terrible he will have to go through life like this!

Our Vacation in Florida......

I am finally home and getting a chance to post some pictures.

We went to New Smyrna Beach, where my in laws have a home. It was just Tommy, Katie and I. Chris stayed home with Sam and Casey. It was a last minute trip. We decided I would go Thanksgiving night. I purchased my tickets Friday and hopped on a plane Sunday!

Chris took us to the airport. You can see what a Daddy's girl Kate is!


We went to SeaWorld one day. The park was empty. We didn't wait in any lines at all!

Here is Tommy and Katie navigating the way.
The park was decorated for Christmas. It was gorgeous!


Katie didn't want her picture with the tree, just Monkey did!



We saw a neat Polar Express exhibit/movie. You walked through the Artic section that they now called "The North Pole". It was decorated and smelled like Christmas! Santa was even there!
Katie wanted no part of seeing him. Tommy on the other hand, listed off every Transformer he would like.

Me and Shamu



We had dinner with Shamu. It was the highlight of the day. We were so close!




Here is our waiter. I loved him, he carded me then said "Wow, I would never have guessed you were that old!" Hmmm......I think that was a compliment!


We ended the night seeing the best Shamu Christmas show. Man, those people know how to put a show on. It is amazing.
Katie thought it was to loud



Then she fell asleep!

Vacation is coming to an end.....

We are sad to head home tomorrow. We have had a great time.

We went to SeaWorld the other day. We had a ball! The park was empty! We didn't have to wait in any lines. We saw a cool Polar Express show that then let us through the "North Pole" and we got to meet Santa. Tommy told him the list of Transformers he wanted. Katie would not go near him.

The best was having dinner with Shamu! We sat poolside and had a private show (with many others) and had yummy food. The trainers came to each table to talk to us and answer questions. Tommy's most impoartant questions......"What is Shamu's last name?" Did you know Shamu is ALL the whales last names? We then saw a Shamu Christmas show. I have to say, I have been to SeaWorld 2 other times, this one was by far, the best.

I will have plenty of pictures to show you when I get home. BEWARE!!!

We are here in FLA!

I am here enjoying the warm weather and Florida sun! We are headed to SeaWorld today. Tommy's FAVORITE place. He says it is the "Best place on earth"

I will have no internet for 2 days and have it limited after. =( I am working off my father in laws laptop. He is going away for 2 days and taking it with him. Damn him! Doesn't he know I can't live without it?

I will be back to normal Friday night, when we get home.

Chris is back home with the 2 big girls. He is getting a taste of what I do daily with them. I love it! No one has called me crying yet. Although Casey called and woke me up at 7am yesterday to ask me if we had nail polish remover....grrrr.......


I will "see" you all when I get back!

Honesty Award

I want to thank FireFly Shop for giving me this awesome award! I think it is so cool!

Here are the rules that you agree to when you accept this award:

“When you receive the prize, you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in their content or design. Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing that they were prized with ‘Honest Weblog’. List if you can and/or dare at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!”

So my honest ten things are:

1. I am a disorganized person.
2. I have the WORST memory ever! Even my son has realized this lately! He tells me "You'll forget!"
3. If I don't drink enough coffee through out the day, I get a headache.
   
4. I LOVE Dr. Phil. I may have a secret crush on him. I know, strange.
   
5. My 13 year old drives me insane. For some reason I have less patience with her than the other kids, but I don't love her any less. We just butt heads a lot.
   
6. I LOVE staying at home with my kids. I used to work, but feel I was meant to be a Stay at Home Mom. I think God every day I am able to.
   
7. I DO NOT want to have anymore kids. I have not one urge to have another.
   
8. I love cooking and trying new recipes.
   
9. I am super excited to leave for Florida Sunday with only 2 kids. It is so stressful trying to entertain 4 kids at my in laws.
   
10. I wished I lived in a warmer climate. Although I love being near my family, I think I would be ok if I moved somewhere warmer, like South Carolina.
    

Now to pick my seven blogs, and pass this Honest Award to them:

1. Live Well, Laugh Often

2. Not your Typical Mommy

3. Laughter by the Lakeside

4. Welcome to Our World

5. Life with Boys

6. Life is Not Final

7. The Life and Times of Tanya Rocks

I am headed to Florida!

WAHOO! I am leaving Sunday morning.

Poor Tommy's asthma is kicking in again. He has been coughing for days. Coughed all night last night. I mentioned to Chris that I should take him to his parents place (they have a 2nd home there) for a while to give his little lungs a rest. He said "OK!" I was shocked!

Just Katie, Tommy and I are leaving Sun-Fri. Chris will stay here with the big girls. They actually didn't care we were going.

We will be 40 minutes from Orlando. Tommy wants to go to his favorite place in the world...Sea World. I think that will be the only place we will go in Orlando. I want to just sit by the pool and head to the beach.

Hopefully the weather will do him good. Last year it did!

100th Post!!!!

Wow, my 100th post! Come celebrate with me! In honor if it, I am having family over and serving a huge turkey dinner. Well, ok, it is really Thanksgiving dinner, but I will call it my celebration!

I saw someone write down what they have learned about blogging in their 100th post, so I am going to do the same!

1. 3 Column blogs are easier to organize.

2. Check out Secret's in the Sauce and become part of the blog group. You "meet" many Bloggers. You Blogging life will never be the same!

3. Share funny stories.

4. People like pictures. I am a picture whore......It is my favorite way to share.

5. Comment on other blogs. It gets people motivate to keep going.

6. If you like Blogs, keep them as favorites. If you don't, you may forget them!

7. Don't use your blog to be mean or say hurtful things about others. You never know who is reading! **Although I love razzing on Ms. Nancy, I am thinking she knows nothing about me or my blog**

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Eat and enjoy your day with family!