Saw the funniest thing today . . .

there's this lady nearby who has a ceramic elephant on her front doorstep. She decorates it for the different holidays (bunny ears for Easter, goggles & a snorkel for the summer, etc.). I drove by her house twice today before I could figure out what was on the elephant's head . . . it was a lampshade! Get it??? Lampshade. New Year's. Over-indulging. Ha! ha!

Buddy-Boy

"The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up." -- Mark Twain

Little bit of excitement/drama here last night. Buddy disappeared for over 2 1/2 hours. KJ was hysterical and Chris was in the woods searching for him w/ a flashlight for 2 hours and half the neighborhood was out looking for him (Makenzie & Peyton Keith made their dad drive around in their pick-up looking for Buddy).

Shortly before 7 PM a couple of boys were in the cul-de-sac lighting off fireworks. The dog was on my lap watching TV and was shaking like a leaf. I opened the door and yelled down to Cory & Cole and told them to go to their own street (I'm such a bitch, aren't I??). Buddy ran out the door and ran right to the boys. That was the last we saw of him until almost 10 PM. We called and called for the dog, drove around the neighborhood, etc. Buddy didn't have his collar on so I called several neighbors in case they saw him. Chris & KJ drove up the hill into the new sub-division and found the dog 1.6 miles from our house. Chris said he was just sitting in the middle of the road. I think he went into the woods behind our neighbors house, got disoriented and couldn't find his way back home.

"Behavior is a mirror in which every one displays his own image." -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich." -- Henry Ward Beecher

Rockefeller Pics

We've decided we'll have our pic taken every time we go to Rockefeller Plaza at Christmas. It's a nice holiday tradition! (and yes, T is officially taller than me and yes, I'm wearing heels in this photo).

Back in Bama

Arrived home safe & sound around 1 AM Saturday night / Sunday morning. Drive home was fine; a little rough on Chris. We're glad to be home in our own bed.

We had a great Christmas. PA was FREEZING! My parent's house was like an artic expedition. KJ was able to sled for a little while Sunday so she's happy. She made a snowman she named "Rosie." Rosie was more of a snow puddle than an actual snowman. She also played in the snow at Aunt Lynn's house Friday night and Thursday night KJ & T rode a cardboard box down Lisa's backyard hill for hours. It was SO funny!

NYC was fun on Friday. Gorgeous day to walk around the city. We parked right across from the theater where they film David Letterman and just walked and walked for hours. We hit American Girl (duh!). It was MOBBED and KJ and I waited in a line that wrapped around the corner. I told her she had 5 minutes in the store and if she wanted anything, she better grab it. She bought an outfit for her Emily doll. We also went to FAO (line again to get in but it moved really quick). We saw the tree and had a family picture taken by NBC studios. We did this a couple of years ago so it should be interesting to see how we've grown/changed. We strolled thru Central Park and purused the theater district and Times Square (MTV was setting up for New Year's Eve).

Unpacked the car today and tried to find homes for our new Christmas presents. I'm also trying to catch up on my laundry. Not sure what our New Year's plans our yet; we always seem to throw something together at the last minute.

Uncle George & Aunt Debbie if you're reading this: thank you SO much for the extremely generous gift cards you sent the girls! They arrived late the Friday before we left for PA. The girls can't wait to go shopping! Also, Uncle Geo, I heard you didn't care for my musical selections. What's up w/ that???!!!

Heather & Alison if you're reading this: it was great seeing you both again and I hope you had fun in Chicago! Al, find me on Facebook!

Slide Show December 2007

Holy Cow! It's cold here!

We're in NY until Saturday. Our drive to PA was fine and the dog was really, reallly good in the car (so were Chris & the kids!). Sunday my mom's 2 brother's and their families came over to exchange gifts and KJ was able to get a little sledding in before the rain came and washed all the snow away. Monday we just loafed around (I think I stayed in my pj's all day). T wento the movies w/ Heather & Alison to see National Treasure 2.

Christmas morning was fun. The girls got lots of wonderful gifts. We packed up Wednesday morning and drove to NY. We went to the Palisades Center to see Alvin & the Chipmunks and today we spent the day w/ Chris's brother Drew and his son Travis. Drew looks wonderful...very healthy. It was awesome to spend some time w/ Travis. We never get to see him.

If the weather cooperates we may go into the city Friday. It's freezing here. My feet feel like icicles. We took a little trip down memory lane today ... showed the girls where Chris & I had our first kiss, drove them past our high school, took them past Grammie & Pop's old house, etc.

Pictures to come soon!

"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." -- James A. Baldwin

Holy cow! I can't believe today is Friday. I seriously thought it was still Thursday and my earlier post said, "Thursday To Do" but I have since changed it. I think my brain is cramping up. That happens alot.

Getting some laundry done, just have a few things left to wrap, took some stuff to the Pak Mail to ship (Fed Ex was actually cheaper on one of the packages), got the hubster some things for his stocking and I picked up a sandwich for lunch. KJ spent the night at Lauren's house and Jo called around 1 PM to say that KJ was starting to get one of her headaches and was actually trying to take a nap at their house. I picked her up and the poor thing fell asleep in the 3 minute car ride home. She was miserable. T offered to stay w/ her while I ran my errands. When she gets like this the only thing that works for her is a good long sleep. She slept until 5 PM. She was out like a light.

Not sure how Chris made out on his shopping excursion with the girls Wednesday night. He hasn't asked which wrapping paper he should use and that can't be good (each person gets their own wrapping paper so I don't have to deal w/ tags). I know they went to Barnes & Noble because there was a Barnes & Noble cup of coffee (might have been hot chocolate) on the counter when I got home from Kelley's house later that night. He called T this afternoon and she was whispering. Not sure what the heck that was about.

"The heart has reasons which the reason cannot understand." -- Blaise Pascal

Is it Frickin' Friday already???

This blog entry is going to be short & sweet while I drink my daily cup of tea. Lots to do today. I have laundry/packing to do and I should finish wrapping KJ's presents while she's at Lauren's.

We rec'd LCM's package in yesterday's mail. I luv, luv, luv the Brighton bracelet she sent me and T screamed like a wacko when she realized she wasn't holding just any sunglasses, she was holding VERSACE sunglasses. Yes, my dear wonderful friend has spoiled T-bone once again. First it was the beanie babies in the mid-90's, then it was Vera Bradley bags, now it's designer sunglasses. Even though we're not family, Lisa is like the "cool" aunt to my kids. She has a friend w/ connections and a couple times of year they open to the public and sell their high end sunglasses (maybe it's for charity???). When we saw Lisa in Cincy for the Hoover game, she was wearing Chanel sunglasses and T & ME bugged the crap out of her. "When's the next sale? If I send you money, will you buy me a pair of glasses, etc." KJ also LOVES the authentic Hannah Montanna concert t-shirt Abbie Grace sent her. Very cool.

I forgot to mention in my previous post that the cheesecake we rec'd from one of Chris's vendor's is from Junior's in Brooklyn, NY. Trust me folks, that makes all the difference in the world.

Trying to get some wrapping and packing done today. It's a gray, rainy, windy, chilly day. Perfect for staying in!

Chris got new tires on his car so the girls and I met him for Johnny Rockets to keep him company. It was super windy out and the sky was a beautiful stormy, deep pink/purple/orange. We even saw a rainbow on our way to meet him. Crazy weather here; Jerry Tracy of NBC13 said Saturday will be a record high of 68. Nuts I tell ya'! Nuts!

I fell in the parking lot of Johnny Rockets and now my whole body is sore! My leg slid out from under me and I did a total split. It wasn't pretty.

KJ is at Lauren's and Katie & Kerry are at my house for the night. Somehow I lost in the bargain . . .gave up one child but gained twins.

Spoke to my sister-in-law for a little bit tonight. My neice had to have one of her baby teeth pulled yesterday (she fell and hit the bathtub and the tooth really needed to come out). Steve stayed home from work w/ her today because she's getting a little sick and running a fever (nothing to do w/ the tooth thing). I can not wait to see the kids at Christmas. We didn't make it to PA over the summer so we haven't seen the kids since last Christmas.

Got lots of Christmas cards the last couple of days: the Levs, the Bartons, my cousins in NJ, a couple of people Chris works with and we even got a cheesecake in the mail! No need for a fork, I'll just stick it on my hips, thankyouverymuch!

Dirty Santa

Had our annual dirty Santa party last night at Kelley's beautiful new house. Hope Julie and Glenn are enjoying their new apron! ha! ha! ha!

Congratulations!

Amanda & Nathan got engaged last night. Our best wishes go out to both of them! Hard to believe how grown up she is! I think she was in middle school when we first moved here and it's hard to believe she baby-sat the girls for me! Nathan has good taste . . . her ring is beautiful!

Jamie Lynn Spears

is pregnant???

I'm Toast People!

Nice day at playschool. Got lots of nice gifts. Margaret gave me some candles which smell awesome! Ava Clare's mom embroidered us holiday towels. We got a Starbucks travel cup and gift card, some pretty notecards, and a Publix gift card with some chocolate cookie mix.

My morning started off HORRIBLE. Buddy was being So, So, So bad he wouldn't get out from under our bed so I could leave for work. In a fit of fury, I threw the mattress of the frame and grabbed the furry little turd by his neck. I was so aggravated w/ him I practically threw him down the steps. He was so stupid this morning. He wouldn't not get on his bed. He spent the entire morning outside. I thought for sure the dog catcher or the wild coyotes roaming the neighborhood would get him. Then, I couldn't find the lid to my travel mug for my morning cup of tea. I don't ask for much. Just one freaking cup of tea a day. In another it of rage, I just threw all of the tupperware on the floor until I found the right lid. All that tupperware is still sitting there and it's now almost 4 PM. Then, as if that wasn't enough, the god-damn, freaking garage door would not open. I tried that damn thing 10 times. I even went outside, did the garage code and got nothing. I finally call Chris hysterical but he was on a conference call and really couldn't help me. Well, if nothing else false, push the freaking button rapidly until it works. FINALLY, the door opened. Chris called me on my way to work (I was almost 15 minutes late by the way) and asked what he could do to help. I started crying and told him to buy me an economy size bottle of valium and book me for a week at the funny farm.

Rec'd this photo in an e-mail from a friend (not her baby, just one of those e-mails that makes the rounds). Santa looks really relaxed and the baby is just too darn cute! This is how both of my girls liked to sleep when they were little, tummy-to-tummy. Every once in a while KJ will still want to lay down like that w/ me.

T's mouth is still hurting a little and she's not used to the retainer. She's not complaining or anything, but she asked for cup of soup for dinner.

Sent KJ to her bathroom to take a bath (she's been using my shower a lot lately but has been leaving her clothes and dirty towels on my floor so I've put an end to that). Anyway, for some stupid reason I opened the cabinet under her sink and couldn't believe the stuff that came pouring out. I was almost killed by lip gloss, beads and bobby pins. Seriously, I almost lost an eye (which would have been a shame right before the holidays and all). So, at 8:15 PM T hauled the vaccuum up there and I just starting going at it. I made her take EVERYTHING out from under her sink and just starting going crazy w/ the vaccuum. She had Barbies under there w/ one arm missing, Happy Meal toys and enough body lotion and bubble bath to open up her own Bath Junkie store. I think I sucked up enough hair beads to do half of Bo Derek's head in the movie "10." One thing lead to another and we capped off the evening by cleaning her room and the rest of the bathroom. Let's see how long it will stay this way.

Last day of playschool tomorrow until '08. I can't believe it. Our class is really, really sweet this year (I say that every year, don't I? Well, there was that one year I cried a lot. And drank a lot. In the parking lot. And on the playground.). Tracy Lev, I know you know what I'm talking about girlfriend!!!

P.S. If anyone sees my husband before Saturday, tell him to get his ass to the mall!!!

Christmas decorations

This is the big wooden Santa my dad cut out for me last year and my cousin Connie painted. He looks awesome on the front porch!

Front door:

My "Santa Nook" in the foyer:

Additional foyer pics:

The girl's new ornaments this year:

2 Big Events Today . . .

T had her braces removed:

(BEFORE)

(AFTER)

and it was Tacky Day @ KJ's elementary school!!!

(WHO IS THE TACKIEST OF THEM ALL???)

Taylor did great today. Her gums are a little swollen but we surprised Chris at work and he took us out to lunch to celebrate brace-less day at the eating establishment of T's choice (Moe's!). Afterward we each got manicures (T & I, not Chris) and T got her eyebrows waxed. She had a 2 PM appointment at the dentist to have a couple of teeth bonded. It took almost 2 hours and it just about did her in. She's a tired and kind of out of it. Her lips are really swollen and she looks like Pam Anderson or Jessica Simpson on collagen or restalyne injections. Poor little thing's been poked, prodded and waxed but she looks bee-u-tiful!!!

What is this world coming to???

T and I ran to Target tonight. They have bathing suits out already.

KJ had "hat" day at school today and insisting on wearing a goofy fleece hat that she's had since she was a toddler. It's got a pastel colored M&M print on it. She was so cute. When she put in on her head this morning she said, "Aaaahhh. This hat is filled with memories."

Nice day at playschool today. The babies were good. After work I ran my car thru the car wash and vaccuumed it out. I also ran to the movie theater to buy some movie passes for a Dirty Santa party for T and I bought the girls' dance teacher a gift card to Zoey's (and picked up some marinated slaw for myself!).

Rec'd some wonderful Christmas cards in today's mail. Very creative. The Anton's (our neighbor's in Cincy) sent a really cool card that was a collage on the front. Natalie is a year older than T, I can't remember how old Jack is and Shelby is a year older than KJ. Our friend's the Drivas's also sent a card (didn't know they had another baby!). Their oldest boy, Noah, looks just like Jimmie did when he was a boy. We also rec'd our annual "Crawford Crier" from our neighbor's in MD. We look forward to it every year! My friend Lizz also sent an absolutely gorgeous card of her two little ones, Nicholas & Isabella. The front of the card is a close-up of the kids.

So, tomorrow's T's big day. I'm not sure if she'll be able to sleep tonight. Getting these braces off is all she's talked about for the last several weeks.

Peppermint Stick

OK. I know I just complained a few minutes ago that my feet were frostbitten. However, KJ just handed me a bowl of Mayfield Peppermint Stick ice cream. This stuff is da bomb.

My toesies are frostbitten

I'm pooped and my toes are cold. I love the chilly weather we're experiencing but I hate having cold feet. We had some rain late yesterday afternoon / early evening and that brought this cold weather. It feels like it dropped 25-30 degrees in a couple of hours.

We didn't make it to church this morning. The alarm went off. Chris looked at me, I looked at him, we kind of made weird grunting noises at each other and both rolled over.

I have a feeling I'm getting lacrosse equipment for Christmas. My husband hasn't even STARTED shopping for me yet. At this point everything's been picked over and I'll be lucky to get a sweater w/ one sleeve longer than the other and socks that don't match.

Only 2 days of playschool left for '07. I can't believe it.

T gets her braces off Tuesday...YAY!!! I'll definately have to take some "before" and "after" pics. Funny thing though, she really doesn't know how to smile w/ her mouth open. She just can't do it. She gives a little smirk, a little "knowing" smile. Kind of like Mona Lisa. I don't think I have one picture EVER of T-bone smiling w/ her teeth showing.

Nothing to watch tonight, no Desperate Housewives. Boo hoo. I read somewhere that Lost is coming back January 31 or something like that. I mean, really, why bother? I luv, luv, luv that show but it hasn't been on in so long, I don't even remember what happened.

My To Do List

Christmas is not far away and then New Year's will be upon us. I was blogging earlier today and saw someone's blog about things she wanted to do in her life. Made me start thinking about "resolutions" and decided: "Screw It!" I'm not going to stop doing things in '08, I'm going to start. So, here is my list of things I'd like to do / accomplish (in no particular order):

1.Rent an RV and drive to the Grand Canyon

2.Go to Times Square on New Year's Eve

3.Be a member of Oprah's live audience (the holiday spectacular would be nice!)

4.Hang out at Rockefeller Plaza during the taping of the Today Show and say "Hi" to Matt & Meredith (I've already met Al)

5.Take the girls on a historical tour: Boston, DC, Williamsburg (already done Philly)

6.Take KJ for tea at the Plaza Hotel underneath Eloise's portrait

7.Visit my birthplace

8.Rent a houseboat and hang out on Lake Meade or Lake Powell

9.Learn how to whistle

10.Take a tour of the White House

11.Sleep in a tent

12.Take the girls horseback-riding

13.Go to the Olympics

14..Go to the Super Bowl

15.Walk across the Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia

16.Rollerblade in Central Park

17.Have lunch at Tavern on the Green

18.Be on one of those make-over shows like "What Not to Wear"

19.Do something productive w/ the Sneaky Spot

20.Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

21.While in San Fran, catch a cable car

22.Have a professional family portrait taken

23.Pay my respects at Ground Zero

24.Ride in a real, Venetian Gondola (not the one in Vegas!)

25.Take a barrel over Niagara Falls (or maybe just go for a ride on the Maid of the Mist, haven't made up my mind yet)

26.Learn how to surf

27.Go whale watching

28.Swim with dolphins

29.Go to Canada

30.Wear earrings more often

31.Learn a couple of really cool hip-hop dance moves

32.Watch a real, live bull fight

33.Learn how to make a really cool "signature" drink to serve at parties

34.Watch Breakfast at Tiffany's w/ T-bone

35.Have a cup of hot chocolate or ice cream at Serendipity

36.Visit Dylan's Candy Bar

37.Ride in one of those boats with the big fan in the back across the Everglades

38.Touch a real, live snake and not get totally skeeved out.

39.Learn to drive a stick shift

40.Go muddin'

I will be re-visiting this list over the coming year and hopefully cross a few things off; maybe add a few things.

Some Saturday Stuff

"Although the world is very full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." -- Helen Keller

Got so much accomplished this morning. Chris & T-bone really helped me deep clean . . . move furniture, dust, vaccuum, etc. I feel like I'm a little bit more caught up on my stuff.

Lauren slept over last night. Santa came to our clubhouse this morning so Chris took the girls down to visit w/ the Big Guy. We had an awesome bacon & egg breakfast when they got home. Chris is playing lax this afternoon and I'm just gonna chill while he's gone. I've got some candles lit and I think I'm going to read for a while. I've got some windows open and the house smells so fresh. I know I should wrap some presents but I just don't feel like it right now. It's still warm here but someone at lunch yesterday said it might get cold enough for us to have some flurries this weekend. Don't know if she was pulling my leg or not!

Speaking of legs, a house in our neighborhood has the lamp leg from a Christmas Story prominently displayed in his bay window. It's hysterical.

OK. T-bone is ROYALLY pissed at me right now because she wants to go to the mall with a bunch of friends. I'm sorry Kiddo. It's just too crowded and too unsafe at this time of year for you and your friends to be running rampant thru the mall. Go ahead. Hate me. Whatever. I'll get over it and so will you.

Fun-Filled Friday

Had such a nice day today. This morning was the pancake breakfast w/ Santa at playschool. It was wonderful to see all the children in their handmade holiday sweatshirts. Saw lots of old friends. Can't believe how big some of these kids are getting! Margaret & I wore our matching Christmas shirts. Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum. Ella stayed w/ me for a while and we kept sneaking into the kitchen to steal some bacon. It was so good and it tasted even better because someone else cooked it.

Afterward we had our faculty lunch at Up the Creek and had so much fun. We need to do that more often! We exchanged Christmas presents. Shawn had my name and gave me a gift card to Barnes & Noble (which will definately be put to good use!) and she made me some beautiful note cards. I work with some very talented ladies. We just laughed and got stupidier as lunch went on. I wasn't even drinking.

Then, I came home to a mailbox FULL of Christmas cards! Yay! I especially love cards w/ photos! My favorite! Our friend Brian from high school sent a card today w/ his beautiful kids, rec'd a card from Andy & Laura out in Breckenridge w/ their 2 cute kids, our neighbors sent a card w/ Evvy & India's pic (KJ's gonna luv it!). Oh, and I also got a card today from my friend Barbara in NJ w/ pics of her 3 kids. I also got Heather's card (no pic!). Rec'd Lynn & Ted's card today, too (no pic!). I finished up my cards last night so now they're in the hands of the US Postal Service. Still need to wrap a few things and get them out in the mail.

KJ is carolling after school today w/ her scout troop at a nursing home and I'm sure T-bone's going to want me to drive her somewhere tonight. I hope she doesn't want to go anywhere near the mall, it was crazy at lunchtime today.

Subbed today for my friend Teresa. Her class is definately a "little busier" than my Monday/Wednesday class. It might also have been this crazy weather. It was almost sort of balmy today. A little humid. Felt like tornado weather. Creepy.

Anyway, it was so nice to see all of my little friends from last year (we're on opposite days so I don't get to see them anymore). Joseph saw me in the parking lot and started screaming my name and my little PH (Sophia) couldn't stop hugging me and kissing me. She is, other than my own 2 beautiful girls, one of the prettiest little girls I have ever seen. She is such a character and I'm so happy her mom is pregnant and expecting a baby girl in April. PH is talking so well. I got to see Henry again and his little cousin Caroline was in my class today. She's such a good little girl. I also got to meet Zachary, the younger brother of Brooke, who was one of my very first students 4 years ago! It's hard to believe I've been at the playschool that long.

It was also nice to see Tracy today (again, she's Tuesday/Thursday; I'm Monday/Wednesday). We'll all see each other tomorrow for the Santa Pancake breakfast. After that, we'll all go out to lunch and exchange gifts.

I think I'm ginally done w/ my Christmas cards. I bought stamps yesterday and printed out some return address labels tonight. I have to wrap a couple of things and get them out in the mail ASAP.

"Life is a celebration of awakenings, of new beginnings, and wonderful surprises that enlighten the soul." -- Cielo

"Be thankful for every flower you meet, every tree you meet, every being you meet, every person you meet in your life. The more and more you appreciate you will see how beautiful life is you are living in. You will transform. Your world will transform." -- Sri Vast

"In our deepest moments of struggle, frustration, fear, and confusion, we are being called upon to reach in and touch our hearts. Then, we will know what to do, what to say, how to be. What is right is always in our deepest heart of hearts. It is from the deepest part of our hearts that we are capable of reaching out and touching another human being. It is, after all, one heart touching another heart." -- Roberta Sage Hamilton

Another Warm December Day in the Big Old Ham

Yes, it's still warm enough that we have the a/c on. It's ridiculous. I think it's supposed to cool down a little bit the next couple of days.

Babies were very good at playschool today. Meredith fell asleep in her high chair during lunch (I swear, the kid does more sleeping at playschool than she does playing). She so sweet and snuggly, though. I moved her from the high chair and sat w/ her in my arms in the rocking chair. She like my own personal little Cabbage Patch doll. She's got the chubbiest cheeks and the curliest hair. Grace looked super sweet today in her little Christmas outfit. The pants were more like a pantaloon w/ lace & ribbons.

Not much else going on. Tomorrow I'll sub for Teresa and Friday is our pancake w/ Santa breakfast. T came home from school today tired and is upstairs taking a nap. I talked KJ into taking one, too. She's been so cranky and contrary lately. Very argumentative. Honestly, I don't know where she gets it from!!!

Aaaahhhh....I just had some spa services today at Ross Bridge. I plan to put on my thick and fluffy Victoria's Secret robe, some quiet soothing music, my fountain and possibly put some Crest White strips in my mouth and just relax. I had a massage, a pedicure and a microdermabrasion facial. My face feels so smooth. I haven't had a facial in 2 1/2 years (no wonder I was breaking out like a teenager) and I haven't had the microdermabrasion done since KJ was a baby to try and get rid of my pregnancy spots. P.S. Chris, if you're reading this, you know you can always get me a spa package for Christmas, Valentine's Day, Ground Hogs Day, the Ides of March, the Summer Solstice, Flag Day, my birthday, our anniversary, Spring Equinox, Yom Kippour, etc.

Dear Santa . . .

I have been a very good girl this year and I would like this book. I have the one about Europe/Caribbean, I'd like the one about the USA & Canada.

I swear we live on the Surface of the Sun

It's so FREAKIN' hot here. I couldn't take it anymore and we actually have our a/c on for the evening. It was around 78-79 degrees today. I think there's some humidity in the air, too because my hair looks terrible. I'm finishing up my cards in air conditioning 15 days before Christmas. I always thought Al Gore was an ass but now I'm starting to believe in global warming.

No Snapple for You!

Since there appears to be some type of Snapple conspiracy in the greater Birmingham area, I no longer have any Snapple Cap Facts. I do, however, have a couple of Chuck Norris facts:

• A cobra once bit Chuck Norris's leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.
• Chuck Norris can charge a cell phone by rubbing it against his beard.
• When an episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger" aired in France, the French surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be on the safe side.
• Chuck Norris was the first person to tame a dinosaur.
• Chuck Norris once visited The Virgin Islands. Afterward, they were renamed The Islands.
• Every piece of furniture in Chuck Norris's house is a Total Gym.

The Writers Strike Needs to End. Soon!

My husband is watching "Most Shocking Wild Riots 2" (kind of like a mob-scene Cops). God help me.

Correction!

Editor's Note: I erroneously named the Birmingham Business Journal as the Birmingham Financial Times.
My bad.

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

Warm, humid weekend here in "Boringham." Yes, did anyone read this week's B'ham Financial Times (or whatever it's called). Birmingham is rated as the 46th least fun city in the country. Well shit. I could have told you that. We've lived here for 8 years and have always said other than shopping and eating out, there is NOTHING to do here. We've lived in NY, Annapolis/DC, Cincinnati and now here. I think I'm a pretty good judge of what's a "fun" city. Folks, B'ham ain't it. I'm not going to vent. I'm just gonna let it go. Breathe in. Breathe out. Deep cleansing breaths.

Last night KJ made her reconciliation at church. She wore her cute little new suit but it was very warm in the chapel and took the jacket off. So, she looked like she was wearing a tank top with a skirt. I don't even know why I bother. The priest did a very nice job of talking to the children and customizing the service to 7 and 8 year olds. KJ just about died when he started talking about listening to your parents, fighting with your brothers or sisters, bugging mom at the mall to buy you things, etc. You should have seen the look on her face! She was like: "Oh Snap!!! He's on to me!!" Seriously, she was sweating bullets before she had to go into the confessional. She got really pale and her cheeks turned bright red. Her little friend, Maggie, was sitting behind her and I saw Maggie lean over and say some words of encouragement and give KJ the thumbs up symbol. It was very sweet.

After refreshments in the fellowship hall, we stayed for 5 PM mass. I know!!! 2 weeks in a row for me and the church is still standing!!! I'm on a roll baby!!! Anyway, we sat w/ friends and afterwards we all went out for Mexican. I love the Iguana Grill on Lorna Road. It's beautifully decorated and the mango margaritas hit the spot!

So because we attended church last night and her little class didn't have Sunday school today we all got to sleep in. I was very wound up last night and read for a long, long time in the guest room. I woke up this morning thinking it was around 8 or 9 AM. No. It was 11!!!! I couldn't believe Chris & T let me sleep that long (KJ spent the night w/ the Evvster). I love our new guest room. It's like my own private little 5 star hotel room. I have the whole bed to myself, it's very quiet and the sun doesn't come in that side of the house too early. I love the sheets and comforter set, too.

I'm almost done w/ my Christmas shopping. I have nothing bought for my parents or my mother-in-law. The girls are totally done. I think I'll have some last minute "little" gifts that always seem to pop-up (i.e., dance teachers, Sunday school teachers, grab-bag gift here, dirty santa gift there, etc.). I need to wrap some things (although I took total advantage of stores that offered complimentary gift wrapping). I still need to finish Christmas cards and I have 2 packages I need to ship out. Overall, I'm in pretty good shape!

"The personal life deeply lived always expands into truths beyond itself." -- Anais Nin

Nice & quiet in the house right now. T is babysitting for the 2 little girls down the street and Chris & KJ are at a lacrosse clinic. KJ makes her reconciliation at 3:30 PM today so Chris has to have her home early enough to shower and get dressed. She should have fun today. Several of her friends are in her class: Joe L., Evvy (aka Evster), Maggie (aka Magster).

She was super duper cranky after school yesterday. She didn't want to get a haircut, she didn't want tacos for dinner, she was really whiny and got upset because I didn't have time to meander down the Christmas aisle at Bruno's (it's just candy and junky toys but to an 8 year old little girl I'm sure it's heaven). She got in the car and told me all I do is rush, rush, rush and I never have time for anything. Nothing like a little mommy-guilt to kick-off the weekend.

"I shall love you until death do us part andthen we shall be together for ever and ever."--Dylan Thomas

ME was here for a couple of nights while her parents went out of town. Barely knew she was here at all. She's practically part of the family and knows where every thing is. I think she even made her own breakfast this morning.

17 more days until Christmas . . . I started writing out my Christmas cards last night. I'm up to the S's. I love rec'ving Christmas cards in the mail and I especially like the ones with family photos in them. I love seeing how everyone has changed and grown up. Our old neighbors from MD (now live in KS), always do an AWESOME family newsletter and that is one of the highlights of our Christmas season. My girlfriend LCM usually does a creative card, too. Our old neighbors from OH went to Belize last year and their card was all 5 of them covered in the mud. At first, I thought it was a weird picture to send out for Christmas but when I really looked at it, they all had incredible smiles on their faces and looked like they were having so much fun. I put all of the Christmas pictures we rec'v in a little album on the coffee table so we can look at the photos all year round.

"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." -- Edith Wharton

18 days & counting!

18 days until Christmas. WOW!

I have been a VERY, VERY good girl this year and here are a few of the things I hope Santa brings me.

Pop Update

Spoke to my mom and my brother a couple of times today. Pop is home safe and sound. One artery has 3 clogs and 2 of those clogs are calcified. The doctor will call them Monday to let them know when his follow-up appointment is. He can still go to Florida, he can still play volleyball and pickleball, he just really needs to watch what he eats and not over-exert himself. Everything happened so quickly, I think they'll have more time to think things thru and ask the doctor plenty of questions next week.

I know I have a lot of housework to catch up on right now but I'm just a little aggravated. I had FoxNews on while I was mopping the kitchen floor and they announced that the 3rd suspect in the Natalee Holloway case was being released from jail later this afternoon. Enough already. I truly feel for Natalee Hollway's parents and I hope they someday find the answers they're looking for but I've got to ask: what the hell are the Aruban authorities doing???? They are playing catch and release w/ these punk ass boys and it's really making a mockery of this whole investigation. I can NOT even begin to imagine what this poor girl's family is going thru. The Aruban authorities are getting the family's hopes up every couple of months and then blowing it.
I will get off my soapbox now.

I got the Hint, Chris!

My dear, loving husband so thoughtfully put everyone's laundry baskets right next to the washing machine this morning. I think he's trying to tell me something.

Keep Pop in your thoughts today. He had his stress test yesterday and did well, however, they "saw something" afterwards. Sooooo, this morning they're going in w/ the camera to see what's happening.

Queen of the Nile

Tonight was KJ's big debut. She opened the show with, "Welcome to our Quest production of 'Feeling Good.' We hope you enjoy the show." She did a great job and even cleared her throat before she approached the microphone.

Looks like someone watches a little too much "America's Next Top Model!"

Chris did a great job decorating KJ's costume. The kids had a really good time and KJ told me they worked really hard and learned new words like "stagnant."

KJ was a teensy bit upset that we didn't bring her a bouquet of flowers like we do for T's opening nights. I told her I would buy her a bouquet of roses when she performed in her first middle school show; not for elementary school. You watch. 4 years from now the little turd will hold me to it.

Just watched KJ's 2nd grade class for about an hour or so. The kids were really, really good this time. This class can be a little wild but today they were busy writing their letters to Santa. There was a great deal of discussion whether his name is Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, etc. One little boy, Kaleb, asked me to "be honest" and wanted to know is Santa is real or not. I told him, "if you stop believing, he doesn't come to your house anymore." I didn't know what else to say. Of course, Elves were a hot topic of discussion, too.

Very nice day here today. A crisp chill to the air but lots of sunshine.

Chris's brother Drew had his surgery today; sounds like everything went well and Drew is in recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts.

KJ's class play is tonight. Chris did an awesome job decorating the t-shirt she will be wearing. Thank God the kids have one creative parent. If it was up to me, she'd be wearing a paper bag. But, you know me, I'd accessorize it very, very well! Ha! Ha!

Miscellaneous Quotes

"Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away." -- Robert Fulghum

"I often hear people say, 'I have to find myself.' What they really mean is 'I have to make myself.' Life is an endlessly creative experience, and we are making ourselves every moment by every decision we make." -- Kent Nerburn

"Never marry a man who hates his mother, because he'll end up hating you."--Jill Bennett

"The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places." -- Author Unknown (and Lord knows I've tried to park in a few!)

"The most exciting breakthrough of the 21st century will occur not because of technology, but because of an ever expanding concept of what it means to be human." -- John Naisbitt

"Joy, sorrow, tears, lamentation, laughter -- to all these music gives voice, but in such a way that we are transported from the world of unrest to a world of peace, and see reality in a new way, as if we were sitting by a mountain lake and contemplating hills and woods and clouds in the tranquil and fathomless water." -- Albert Schweitzer

"Conversation is a meeting of minds with different memories and habits. When minds meet, they don't just exchange facts: they transform them, reshape them, draw different implications from them, engage in new trains of thought. Conversation doesn't just reshuffle the cards: it creates new cards." -- Theodore Zeldin

"By mutual confidence and mutual aid -- great deeds are done, and great discoveries made." -- Homer (not Simpson!)