It's All About the Presentation

Troy has been wanting to be more independent in so many ways lately. It's pretty cool because he really wants to help around the house--cleaning, helping me straighten and the infamous sanitizing. I think he's expecting an allowance, but we just pretend to be clueless. That will come eventually, but for now, we are just enjoying his helping. He's at an age where it's actually helping too so that's cool. Not like Will's age where his helping turns into "Hey, let's make a huge mess for Mom to do more work". Lately though, he's really been wanting to help make meals, so the other day I told him to go ahead and make his dinner. I was very curious about what he would choose to go with his peanut butter sandwich (because that part was a given). I was very proud when he chose raspberries and tomatoes--I HAVE been teaching him well after all! I did learn something though. Apparently just putting them in groups on a plate isn't enough. It truly is all about the presentation...

What a Winter

This has been the craziest Winter I can remember. I don't know if I remember anything quite like this.
One day it's snowing, the next it's Spring like temperatures. One day it's cold and raining and then we are out in short sleeves. So odd. However, I am seeing a correlation. Don't know if it's an actual correlation, but hey, I am going to run with it. This Winter has also brought the most sicknesses in our household and exercise, rest, vitamins, hand washing--lots of hand washing, and more is not keeping them away. Since December, I feel like a week hasn't gone by that someone in our house isn't feeling ill. December it was all about that nasty lingering stomach bug. January brought colds. February has been coughing, sneezing, ear infections and the latest--pink eye. And no one is immune to any of it. We are all dealing with it and sharing it with all the family and friends we come in contact with. You are so welcome, by the way.
I feel like I have cleaned and sprayed Lysol, wiped down every inch of this house and yet, it's not helping. Apparently, if you are carrying germs, this just spreads them around. Here's hoping I don't get pink eye like the boys or it could get U-G-L-Y!

Downward Spiral

I was hoping that New Years Resolutions would help me, but it's not. I was doing well for a bit, but I have resorted to my old ways of eating. I thought I would start tracking calories again after the new year and I was. Unfortunately, I became too embarrassed to even admit what all I was eating. It was bad. SOOOOOO bad and I am just in shock at the downward spiral I am in. I went back to eating lots of sweets, sneaking/hiding food so my husband wouldn't see what I was eating, a couple sodas a day, eating fast food (and not making the healthier choices that are available). I hate to even admit this at all. I must say that I am far from where I was, but if I don't get it under control, I will be right back where I was. I cannot go back there. I was feeling so awesome and loving my new size. I know I wasn't where I should be but my doctors were so happy that I had lost the weight and did it the right way. Now, I am simply ashamed. I have gained only 5-6 lbs back, but that will quickly change if I don't do something now. So, because Lent begins tomorrow, I am going to give up sweets/desserts and get my eating habits back on track. It's going to be hard and it's going to get ugly as my body adjusts to the change, but I have to do this. Now, if you see me out and about and can tell I am even contemplating chocolate or soda or whatever I am drooling over...feel free to yell at me and snap me out of it!

Eat Dirt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXZEHCv9odA
I heard this song the other day and loved it. It's one of those songs that I can totally agree with on one hand and on the other, never want my kids to hear it. Take a listen and see what you think. No one wants there children to experience pain and heartache, but sometimes it truly can be the only way to truly grow. It also reminds me a lot of someone I am close with who will do anything and everything to protect her children from learning things the hard way. She feels that she "messed up" so much as a teen that her children should just listen to her and avoid doing things she did. However, as much as I understand that, sometimes I think children need to learn things by experiencing. Of course, I will never suggest to my boys that they should do certain things and figure it out (ie. drugs, smoking, drinking..). Will they do it? Who knows, but I can guess they will try no matter what I say, but like I said, I will never encourage it. I am speaking more about things that aren't illegal and dangerous, but events that may be difficult.
This song makes me think about helicopter parenting. You know, those parents who hover and swoop in to help even when it may not the best idea. I strongly believe in being there for your children in every instance (what parent doesn't, right?), but children also need to learn how to solve problems, handle heartache, defeat and yes, learn lessons, even if it's not pleasant for them. I will be there to help when I feel it's needed, but you will not find me making excuses when my children lose, fail or struggle. I will be there to comfort, but I will never blame someone else (unless it's truly obvious it is someone's fault of course ;) ). Is this the best way? No clue, but it's going to be my way so yes, I will let my children "eat dirt".

Wordless Wednesday

I just love candid photos when I can really capture the boys playing. They may fight at times, but this is them on a regular basis. Just enjoying each other ♥

Winter? What Winter?

One of my favorite things about Virginia is that we get all 4 seasons--just enough to enjoy the weather changes, but not to an extreme (usually). This year is a little odd. We've had some cold temps, but then very above normal temps. Today, for instance, it's almost 70. Feb. 1 and almost 70. My daffodils are starting to come up, trees are budding so everything and everyone is a little confused. Don't get me wrong. I love the warm temps and being able to be outside and be comfortable. BUT, I also love playing in the snow. I mean, my BOYS love playing in the snow. Me, well, I am just too old....but I HAVE to be out there to monitor the boys and make sure they are safe and playing properly. Proper sledding and snowball technique, of course ;)
Well, we've gotten maybe 1/2" of snow and that was gone in no time because the next day, temps were in the 50's so most everyone around here have been begging for snow. I guess we should be careful what we wish for because just a few years ago, it looked like this outside.....

Happy medium???

Adding to the Family

This weekend, we made the decision to add to our family. Two children just aren't enough for us so after much thought and me being very patient (as I was ready weeks ago), we chose to adopt. She's a beautiful 10 month old girl and we are all in love with her. She's very sweet and gentle, but has a little separation anxiety. I think as she gets used to our house to our house and our routines, that will ease up. I really think that she's the perfect fit with our family and will be a great little companion for all of us and particularly the boys.

Meet Sabre :)

I know growing up, having a dog was so perfect for me. I loved having a dog to play with, take for walks, sit with and just to have close by. For me, I wanted the boys to have this as well. After Buffy was hit in September, it was obvious that something was missing from our family. Even though she wasn't playful with the boys and kept to herself, it just wasn't the same. I have missed her terribly and I know the boys have as well. I was ready back in the Fall to adopt, but Jay reminded me that around the holidays was not the best time so I agreed to wait. I have been keeping tabs on the local animal shelter's website to see if there were any dogs that would be good for us and finally went out Friday to look. The first dog I chose to see was very sweet but I found out she was not good with other dogs. I was upset because we go to my sister's and she has 2 dogs so that would have never worked. I was so thankful they were honest with me about that. Then I asked to see a lab/pit bull mix and let's just say, she chose me ♥ She immediately ran over and sat down and put her head in my lap. She was so affectionate and gentle and just so sweet. Jay agreed to go the next day and see if she met his approval and also how she was around the boys. As you can imagine, she was amazing. Troy was a little afraid at first because she immediately ran over to say hello, but he warmed up quickly. Will loved her immediately so we did the paperwork, they gave her a bath and home she came. Troy said later, "Mommy, I love her already" and later I gave Will a kiss and told him I loved him. His reply? "Mommy, I love the dog" so I think this was the perfect time with the perfect dog ♥

Can I Get a Do Over?

This AM started simply enough. Up at 5:45, got in a great circuit training workout, went to shower to find a certain child in my bathroom. Had to wait patiently to be able to move on with my AM routine. Finally get through a shower and off to make breakfast and the phone rings. Nothing major, but my sister is sick and taking off work so I no longer have to get my nephew to and from preschool. You would think that would make my life easier, yet, for some reason I was so thrown off by it. Since we didn't have to rush, I let the boys play longer before leaving for school only to have Will and Troy both resist going at all. Odd,since last night Troy was moaning and groaning saying he wanted to live at school and didn't want to be home.....and then today, he doesn't want to leave home and hates getting ready for school?? Weird, but whatever. I can be a *tad* moody too (just a tad, really). Will decides he would rather stay at home and play guitar so after much pushing, I get them in the car. Finally get Troy to school and use my "free" time to go to Walmart for some groceries and stuff. Drive the 20 minutes there listening to Will moan about how boring Walmart is and how he doesn't want to go and is going to be bad (this after he says he is not going to talk to me anymore???). I get out and realize, in all the chaos of the AM, guess what I don't have? Yep, dealing with the boy's resistance, I left my purse at home. I guess it could have been worse because one time in a sleepy state, I finished shopping and went through the entire line and realized my wallet wasn't in my purse. Gotta look on the positive side, right? So now Will is moaning because he actually DID want to go to Walmart (he's a tad moody too).We head back home and just decide that we'll hang there for a bit and go back later. Fine with me--one of the benefits of staying at home---flexibility! Now, before we left for school, I figured I would get started on the laundry and put the boys clothes in the washer. I go to change them to the dryer and found that Will was soooooo helpful and put his nighttime pull up in the laundry basket instead of the trash can. Have YOU ever washed a diaper--and not a cloth one? This happened once before and it's a MESS. Note to self: don't just dump the clothes in, do it piece by piece. Now Will is groaning because I promised him a snack and I won't stop the clean up to get him one. But again, let's look on the positive side: Will was trying to help and we did used to wash his cloth diapers so it has to be confusing for a 3 year old. So now, I have given up and letting things go to hang out with Will and watch some classic Scooby Doo. It's the cure for what ails ya! Laundry, cleaning the kitchen and Walmart will just have to wait!

It's Official. I am Cheap

Before I met Jay, I was pretty much a spend thrift. If I wanted it, I bought it. If I wanted to give it to someone, I bought it. I really didn't think much about the future (shame on me, I know) and didn't save. If I paid my bills and had money left over, I spent it. Looking back at it, I am so ashamed at my ignorance. Luckily, Jay was very good with money and showed me the error in my ways. Unfortunately, it was too late to create a good savings account, but I became so much better about saving and watching where I was spending my money. Once I became a stay at home mom, an even larger overhaul of my spending habits took place and we have made lots of sacrifices. I still have issues and Jay can get very frustrated with me. Mainly because I tend to want to go out to eat a lot. I mean, I am home and cooking and cleaning for every meal so if a girl wants to take the easy route......Okay, so I am making excuses, but I have gotten better. Still have a long way to go to make Jay happy, but baby steps....
Because of my overhaul of my spending habits, I have noticed that I have become very "cheap". I have found myself going to Target, Walmart, or even the Dollar General and balking at prices and that's about as inexpensive as you can get (minus yard sales, freecycle.com and such). Today, I found myself moaning and groaning at toy companies and realized I have reached a new level of cheap. The boys received gift cards and cash as Christmas/Birthday gifts and were able to spend it before our trip last week. Will chose to buy the VTech Innotab. Troy wanted one for himself as they spent much time fighting over it, but every store was sold out. Mom found a Leap Pad at Walmart and figured it would be perfect. So here's what is happening. The VTech was $80 and the Leap Pad, $100. Although each has games/apps you can download, it's minimal sooooooooo you have to buy an App Card or pay to download games, buy cartridges and such to give them more options. Let's see, with the $20 App card for the Leap Pad, I was able to get Troy 3 things--2 stories and a really boring music game (that he isn't really into). The other games for it are $24.99. Each. Really?? Will had one more gift card to use today and it didn't even cover the a game for the Innotab because those too were $24.99. Each. Really? So we pay a fortune for the games, then the batteries have already been changed. Twice. In one week. And yes, they were the special batteries for electronics--lasted 2 days. So now you have the cost of batteries (and even if you use rechargeables--still expensive as all can be to have 4 sets so one set is always charged up....), you have to buy games or apps tacked on to an already expensive toy. Personally, I am ready to throw the toys out the window because we are going to go broke with just these 2 toys and we have 100 others that need batteries. However, then I would cringe at the amount of money we already wasted. They may go missing next time the batteries die though (which will be today, I am sure) and someone else can pay for those things. I was cursing the electronics companies (and understanding why people buy their young children IPads or Ipod Touches since you can at least get FREE apps that are actually FUN!) all morning. So I am admitting it, I am cheap. I think from here on out I am buying crayons (store brand ones), paper, maybe a coloring book and that's it. They can draw or go outside and run around. So what did Will get with his $20? Two Scooby Doo movies and a fun CD AND had money left over. I started to wonder if it was the same feeling Mom and Dad got with that Atari we had as kids. Whoa!!! Did I just date myself or what?
But anyway, I have decided that I cannot afford to be a parent--between the cost of technology, favor bags for parties, treats for classes, and the amount of food my children eat, I am either going to have to work nights or they are going to get jobs at a very early age. Is 8 too young? Kidding--don't sick Child Labor people on me

Why I Do What I Do

I have taken on a lot of volunteer work lately. So much that my husband says that I am a "Professional Volunteer" and he's probably right. I get a lot of slack for my meetings, phone calls, emails and such that go along with this, but the truth is I enjoy it. I have posted a lot about being a stay at home mom and the challenges, the good things, the bad things.....and honestly, I wouldn't change it. Are there times when I think maybe I should get a job? Of course. But then I know if I was working, I would wish I was staying at home again so I know that for me, this is the best case scenario. I stay at home with the boys and I work on projects that I feel strongly about as well. Do these projects take me away from the boys and the things I need to do at home? Yes. Does it get frustrating and overwhelming at times? YES! Am I going to stop? No way Jose. I get a lot of people that ask why I take on so much and so here's my answer.
I know I have mentioned it before, but honestly I am too lazy to go back and link and already putting things off by posting (hello procrastination.....) so I will just repeat. I quit working 2 weeks before I had Troy. I wanted to get everything in order and also didn't want to just not show for work one day and that be it. Closure was needed if that's what you want to call it. I tried to keep up with my athletic training certification, personal training certification and teaching licensure but knew it would be YEARS before I went back to work. It is very expensive to keep up with continuing education, licensure dues, membership dues and such so we decided that I was done and when the time came to go back, I would figure it all out. So, basically I gave up everything to be a SAHM. For months I felt very lost. I loved being at home and not having to deal with working and raising a child, but I really was struggling. I was lonely because no one else I knew was a SAHM. I joined a Mommy group but it was a 45 min drive and just got to be too much. My attempts at starting up a group in my area failed, minus the fact that I made really good friends out of it. The group fizzled and now we just get together when we have time. I could go through all the ways staying at home was and is amazing for me, but there was still something that I was always missing so when I started volunteering with certain groups and had things in my life that were not child related, it all came together. I just needed it for me and so I began taking on lots of volunteer work and finally felt fulfilled. I volunteer with church, Relay for Life, a local Breast Cancer fundraising event, and now the PTO and raising money for a new playground. Is it too much? Probably, but I really enjoy each component. Cancer has affected my life in a profound way and by working with the two programs I feel like I am doing something. I am passionate about health and fitness and our community is lacking in this area (I won't get started......) and so working on the playground is very important to me.  Being a part of the PTO is showing the boys that I support their education (plus there's a part of me that really misses teaching so this is a small way to be involved in the school), And I enjoy giving back to our church. I will admit it--I need to feel needed and responsible for things. Yes, I am responsible for enough with the boys and at home, but I needed something for ME.
And there's another component to all this and it's called ENVY. Yep, I am very jealous of the way the boys put Jay up on a pedestal because he goes to work and does all sorts of cool things (in their eyes) and I am just plain old boring Mommy. Yes, one day they will appreciate what I have done for them, but for now, I don't want to be plain old boring mommy. I want to show them that I work hard, that I can do something good, that I can plan events and help get that awesome playground that is in the works and that I care about causes and maybe one day, I will know what it is to be up there on that pedestal.

Wordless Wednesday

Saturday, we had this--perfect day for a hike

And the next day? This

My public apology

I have a confession. I have judged. I know it's not up to me to judge and I shouldn't do it, but I cannot help it. Sometimes I hear something and I form an opinion. I think (or say, but I usually keep my judgements to myself) that I would never do that or let me child do that. That being whatever it is that I don't necessarily agree with of course. Sometimes, it's something that most sane people would never agree with either, but sometimes, it's not quite as obvious to others. What I need to apologize for--mainly to my sister--is something I have heard people doing (or in the case of my sister, had to do for her when I babysat my niece) that I just thought was ridiculous. It's piddly, but I do feel horrible for having judged. In this case, That is waking a child early from napping or not allowing them to nap so that nighttime would be easier. I always thought it was so silly and selfish. I had always heard and thought that the more well rested a young child was during the day, the better they would sleep at night because they didn't get overtired (that dreaded overtired every parent worries about). And I also thought that if your child fought you going to bed, you just had to be consistent and they would eventually figure out that you "meant business". Now of course, I know there are children that take fighting bedtime to an extreme and a parent had to take drastic measures, but in most circumstances, I just felt that consistency was key. So why am I apologizing for my judgement now? Three guesses and the first 2 don't count. Will. Now, I am in the same situation. Troy rarely fought going to bed. On occassion, he would, but for the most part, he has always gone to bed and right to sleep (he'll get up before the sun, but that's a different problem). Will? Well, let's just say that I have considered getting rid of his nap--just so bedtime would be easier (can you see my hanging my head in shame at my judgement?) We limit him now and do the exact same thing my sister made me do with my niece--WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T LET HIM SLEEP PAST 2:30......and if you do....AAAUUUGGHHHH!!! When it's 10pm and he's still reading and doing puzzles, it's easy to realize that there ARE some children that just don't need long naps or any at all (as much as we like/need/want that time during the day). What used to be putting them to bed and me vegging in front of the TV/computer or reading has turned into an all out frustration. So now I am taking those measures to ensure that when it's bedtime, Will is ready.
So here's my apology. To all those who have done the waking them up or not allowing them to nap at all......I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I will never judge again. Okay, that's a lie. I will (and will keep it to myself unless it's something really dangerous) but for most things I will understand that there are certain children (AHEM...Will) that keep you on your toes and don't follow all those typical parenting books with the lovely advice most moms have read. So my promise is that until I have been there and done that, I will be more understanding.

My Goals for 2012

I guess you could call them resolutions, but whatever you call them, here they are. I do okay with most of my goals but there are a few that have gotten me each and every time I make them so maybe if I write them down, I will feel more accountable and follow through. So here goes:
1) STOP YELLING (or at least only yell when I really need to)!!!! This gets me every time. I am so horrible with this and fly off the handle so quickly with the boys. It's embarrassing when I think about what the neighbors have heard. I do not curse and don't say hurtful things but I feel like everything I say, I say LOUDLY! So, my first goal is to calm down, take a breath and stop yelling. I know this one is a necessity because I see, rather HEAR the boys copying me.

2) And on those lines--learn the fantastic skill of patience. Every time I read about a parent who says they have learned patience since having children, I want to know how? I feel like my patience went from minimal to nil (hence my #1 Goal to stop yelling). I must have missed this one in parenting classes.

3) Last year, I lost a good amount of weight and reached my goal of 125 lbs. I went from a 12 to a 6 and was so excited. Well, after my surgery in October, I hit a really really really bad place and my exercise pretty much stopped and my eating habits went to pot. Every time I say I will get back to the way I was, I find myself stuffing fudge or a cookie, or a brownie or ice cream (or all of it....) into my mouth. How I have only gained back 4 lbs I don't know. I am holding onto the 120's, but I can see the 130's battling their way back. Tomorrow, I get back to the way I was last year. Am I giving up the sweets? Heck no. But I lost a lot of weight with portion control so I will lose those pounds that creeped back up and hold on for dear life! www.myfitnesspal.com I will be back!

So there you have it. Goals/Resolutions for 2012. I know if the husband were to read these, he would bet money that I would be yelling within 30 minutes so I must prove him wrong!

Our Year in Pictures

As each year ends, I always like to go back through our pictures. There are so many to share, but these are just some highlights of our year. I hope that 2011 was a wonderful year for all of you and may 2012 be AMAZING!

Jan=Yucky weather=lots of indoor fun (which=lots of cleaning for Mom)

 February's Annual tubing trip! This year, Will gets to enjoy too

 March brought a lot of Will asserting his independence--particularly in dressing himself

 Easter with my boys! Poor Troy had taken a horrendous fall and had scars but I couldn't bare to put the close ups of those :(

 May was Relay for Life! Troy really got into it and Will helped entertain

 June--Troy's favorite thing: Mid Atlantic Power Sports Show and Carnival. Dirt bikes and ATV's galore!

 July=Vacation in the 1000 Islands and lots of fun with the cousins!

 August brought us a huge change with Troy starting Kindergarten ♥

 Summer overall was LOTS of pool time!

 September, Troy decided to try Tae Kwon Do and he's loved it!

We were also blessed with a short overnight trip to Wintergreen! The boys loved it and we had a wonderful time and cannot wait to go back

 October with lots of Halloween fun! This was their favorite thing

 November Will turned 3!!!!

 December with Troy turning 6!

 December also brought lots of fun with Christmas (when they boys weren't bothered by that nasty stomach bug)

 Unfortunately, we did have a huge loss to our family this year :( My poor little girl Buffy left us in September and she is missed terribly :(

The Problem with Being a SAHM

I love being a SAHM. There are times when I wish I did work just for the extra money and responsibility and then I think about it. That money I would make would go to child care anyway so it really doesn't make sense unless I got a job making a good amount (which wouldn't happen as I let all my certifications go). Also, then I would just stress about when I would be able to clean, cook, do laundry, run errands...etc. Sometimes I truly don't understand how working moms do it?? I know there's a huge debate about what's better and in my opinion, there truly is no right answer. I personally think working moms and single moms are amazing! I just don't know how they manage sometimes. But anyway, back to my original idea:
The problem with being a SAHM? For me, I get so excited for holidays and school breaks because that means the boys and I have more people to play with and I am always left a little blah. I forget that for my family and friends that aren't SAHM's:
1) May not get much of a break at all
2) Usually have TONS of stuff they need to do (appts, errands, projects..)
3) Want to just enjoy their family and time off
and
4) Actually want to be at home

I personally get bored being at home, so I plan a lot of activities to get out of the house and take advantage of the time I get with the boys. Plus, the more I am at home, the more projects I see that need attention so I work more on that and the boys entertain themselves. Therefore, I get out of the house so I can focus on fun (and procrastinate a bit). However, I know my sister and her kids just enjoy not being on the go and running here, there and everywhere. So when I get a big idea to do something fun, I forget that it's not actually fun for her--she would rather be home where the kids can actually enjoy their own toys and she can simply enjoy her own home. Like I said, I enjoy staying at home with the boys, but that doesn't mean I actually HAVE to stay in my house all the time. Plus, it gives me time to be more social and actually talk to people and not just those I chat with through Justmommies.com or Facebook (or my imaginary friends as the husband calls them on occasion)--as great as they may be ;)

The Day After Christmas

I adore Christmas. I love everything about it--buying gifts, wrapping, unwrapping, the food--oh man how I love the food...., visiting with family and friends....EVERYTHING. However, I have to be totally honest. I dread getting up the day after Christmas. As a child, it was the best day of the year. No place to go, no school, no big plans. We could simply enjoy everything we were given. As a parent......well, the day after Christmas is dreaded. Not because I don't want to see the boys having fun with their new toys, books, videos, music....Not because I don't want to put new things together. Not because I don't want to enjoy my new items. It's this. The aftermath. The clean up. The figuring out where to put everything and what old toys need to be boxed up again. If only there was a cleaning fairy to come along and help. SIGH. Now it's off the computer and up to tackle the chores at hand. Although, I may get distracted with some of my new gifts along the way.....Merry Christmas all and may 2012 be simply fabulous!

Before:

The gifts nicely arranged in a Troy and Will pile

The After:

Gifts from everyone opened and everywhere, totally taking over the house....

Christmas Pictures from 2005-present

I love looking back at the pictures we have sent in Christmas cards over the past few years and seeing how the boys (and Jay and I) have changed!

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009--Sears Portrait Studio

We sent this one to most everyone

But some of our family got this one as well

2010--Taken by JNicole Photography

2011--This was this year's picture for some

But most got this wonderful picture made by a Siggy Maker on JustMommies.com

And the only reason not everyone did is because I ran out of copies :(

Holiday Memories

It's so much fun having children for so many reasons. One of the best things is telling your children stories about your childhood and people that were in your life. The other day when Troy was sick and I was rubbing his achy belly, I told him all about a cousin of mine I adored. The one that Troy happened to be named after. Troy was so fascinated and it really helped take his mind off of how bad he was feeling. Since then, I have really started telling him stories about my past. Of course, the running joke is that I just don't remember things like they really were so apparently, I had or have a vivid imagination. I guess I should say that I tell him stories of things I *think* happened. (And no, I have done nothing to alter my memories just in case you were wondering). Anyway, the holidays are always a great time sharing what we used to do so these are just a few stories that I have shared with the boys lately.
* My family is HUGE on games, particularly card games. We were always playing some type of card game--Spades, Hearts, Set Back, Rummy and my ultimate favorite--Spoons. I played this so many years and we always looked forward to getting together after eating Christmas dinner and playing. I remember teaching my cousin Laura when she was young and we played very slow and let her win as all good older children do. But the most fun came when she really learned and was a force to be reckoned with! Oh the games of spoons we played. I think there may have even been a few minor injuries fighting over that last spoon! Guess what I taught Troy to play today ;) It won't take him long at all to figure it all out as he whoops me regularly at Uno.

* Dad at the holidays was hysterical. He always acted like he could care less, but he LOVED the holidays, mainly because he loved tormenting us. Let's see: 1) When we were old enough to sleep in, he loved coming in and ripping the covers off our bed or turning the light on because "Mama was too excited and wanted us to open gifts". 2) Every year, he threw gifts in the tree for us to find--and did this even after Troy and Anaka were born so this went on for years. My sister and I couldn't wait to finish opening so we could see where the gifts landed. And yes, after hearing this story, I have to do this for my boys every Christmas. I just can't wait until I can make it a real challenge :) 3) He always swore he never bought anything for Mom and would cause my sister to panic because she knew Mom would be devastated if Dad didn't get her anything. She even bought an extra gift and would wrap it "just in case". He never failed though (although his gift was almost always a candy dish--sorry Mom, had to throw that in there). 4) And oh man how he used to torture us when we were kids. He would go hunting and would always tell us he shot Rudolph. and 5) I swear he would find his gifts early and know what was in each one. I remember Mom smacking his arm all the time when he would "guess" what the gift was.
Sure, he hated the holidays......(hope you can sense my sarcasm)

* For a long time, I was the WORST gift giver. "I am not going to tell you what it is, but it's NOT a ____________" but I think they quickly figured out that it always was exactly what I swore it wasn't.

* I am going to really date myself with this one, but whatever. On Christmas Day, we always got together with my Dad's family. We just lived across the road from Grandma and the cousins came in from another county. So all the cousins would eat and visit for a bit and then they would ask what Jackie and I got. They really didn't care about anything but what fun Atari games they could play. We would then go back across the street and play Atari for quite a while. I will admit, the Wii is fun, but I do miss those Atari games!

Christmas has always been a lot of fun. It's hard since Dad and Grandma have passed but we are so lucky to still have so many relatives close by to reminisce and share with. Oh and Laura, get the spoons ready ;)

Am I the Only One?

For the past few years, I have noticed something. It's probably been this way for years but I never paid any attention until having kids but whatever. At our local (well, 30 min. away) mall, the Santa area is set up right by Victoria's Secret. Makes me wonder why they feel this is the best place? Sure, the kids see it when they walk by to other places, but am I the only one with boys particularly fascinated with half naked women? A little too fascinated for their ages, but maybe they are different?? I don't know since I haven't noticed it with other children before. Anyway, I guess I wonder if I am the only one who finds this odd? I would think they would want the Santa closer to more kid related stores or the kid's play area. I have a few theories though. 1) Having it near VS keeps men from grumbling too much when the kids want to go. I mean, the line today was SOOOO long so what better displays to look at, right? 2) The moms who stand in line for as long as they did today may look over and decide they should treat themselves to something nice since they just dealt with mad chaos for who knows how long? 3) A female decided on the location to show men what they *should* buy their wives.
The husband has his theory which makes perfect sense about how putting Santa near the stores geared towards adults is simply better. The kids are going to want to see Santa wherever he may be so putting it near these types of stores is just smarter. Period. Makes sense, so now I am changing my question to "Am I the only one who has children that are overly fascinated with a 1/2 naked female??? You should see them at the beach! (They have yet to see Santa at the Mall though--not because of this, but because I am too cheap to pay for the picture)

Wordless Wednesday ♥