I've had real trouble with my holiday goodies this week. I tried, first, to make my Grandmother's Cherry Bourbon Balls. I don't particularly love bourbon balls, but these are made with cherry licqueur and are better than most. Besides that, I had all the ingredients on-hand and knew I'd need to fill up some Christmas tins as gifts for our neighbors, and these are good for filling. But my walnuts were much too old. The finished product tasted stale slash awful, and ended up in my garbage disposal. Dismay.
I also made the most delicious of recipes, Swistle's mint-chocolate wonder. I do that in cookie form, and they turned out wonderfully! However, I didn't eat them all as quickly as I would have liked, and even though I've stored them in an airtight container, they're dry and crumbly now. Sigh.
Then I tried making what I call "Melanie's Extra Rich Chocolate Graham Bites," but surely they have a real name. I don't know. Those tasted good, but they were a bitch to get out of the pan. I used Pam, even, but they were so sticky and gooey and did not deliver on their promise that I could "cool completely, then turn out and cut!" Like it's so easy! "Ha, ha," they said.
Since they turned out the best, albeit the most sinister (and since they are the one recipe I can remember because it only has 3 ingredients), they are what I'll share today. Enjoy!
1 1/3 c. (I think... just use a whole sleeve) graham crackers, finely crushed
1 6-oz bag semi-sweet morsels (I sometimes use a few white choc chips to make my 6 oz, if I don't have a whole bag of regular)
1 can condensed milk
Mix up the ingredients. Pour into a 9x9" greased pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cool completely and turn out, then cut into 1 inch bites.
Tuesday, December 23
Saturday, December 20
Friday, December 19
7 Quick Takes For a Friday
---1---
Is it REALLY Friday? Finally?? This week has seemed so long! So much to do! Wednesday and Thursday I just took the night off, though, from decorating or laundering or present-wrapping or baking. Last night I watched two episodes of 30 Rock, played on Facebook, and did little else. Tonight, though, I have to get productive. I'm planning to 1) bake something and 2) really give the kitchen a thorough cleaning before ALL the cooking of next week must begin.
---2---
Any Ally McBeal fans still out there? I find myself amused lately in the Unisex. (We actually DO have a Unisex! True story! It's a one-holer so you won't find someone of the opposite sex IN THERE, but it functions for both.) Seems I get to the office first nowadays, and this predicates something that makes me unreasonably happy.... I get a Fresh Bowl. Just like The Biscuit! Hee hee. I chuckle to myself every time. (And reading all his other eccentricities on that linked page makes me miss that show so much!) Strangely, I have never once listened to the show's CD which someone gave me as a Christmas gift several years ago. Might have to remedy that.
---3---
I'm having a hard time deciding WHAT to bake. I want to do some things that AJ will like, such as the easy cookies shaped like reindeer, that you make by slicing pre-fab cookie dough, pinching it in the middle, and putting on a red hot candy for the nose and mini-pretzels for antlers. BUT! Those aren't necessarily portable and I'm also baking for neighbors and coworker gifts. There are several old family recipes (Cathedral Candies, Sand Tarts, Bourbon Balls) but I'm feeling like they're a lot of trouble. Then there's Holiday Snow which is delicious, but not a cookie. What to do.
---4---
I'm getting tired of sharing our bed with AJ. God bless him, he comes in every night, and begins by sleeping on the floor right next to our bed (I toss one of our extra pillows down there to get it out of my way, and it has become HIS pillow). Later, though, once I'm GOOD AND ZONKED, he taps me on the arm and climbs into bed behind me. Sneaky kid -- I think he KNOWS I'm so far gone he can get away with it. I barely remember him doing this each night but I know I sit up so he can scoot into the middle. And then, 2 hours later I'm getting kicked in the back or poked up the nose. Last night I came to and dragged him back to his bed. He returned AGAIN. Usually, though, I don't even come to the first time.
What was I posting about it being a privilege yesterday? Hrmph.
---5---
Don't know what to do about Christmas Mass, as usual. It's so NOT a good time for Mass, y'know? (Isn't THAT the most despicable thing for a Catholic to say?) For one, it's a Wednesday/Thursday. For another, the 4:00 p.m. vigil Masses are packed with kids whose parents don't want to have to dress them up and haul them out the next morning. I hate the crowds even though I know, it's lovely that everyone wants to be there. But the next morning.... who wants to dress the kids up and haul them out?! There are presents! And coffee! And secular Christmas to celebrate! Plus, my in-laws aren't Catholic and none of THEM wants to get dressed up... You can suggest Midnight Mass and that I should just go alone, but ... whine. I don't want to be ALONE, and I need to get some CHURCH instilled in my kids, after all. I struggle with this every year.
---6---
Billing and reporting and invoicing and end-of-year, oh my! At work. These are a few of my non-favorite things.
---7---
I have five dollars in my wallet and I'm looking forward to Taco Bell for lunch today. Hee. I've eaten Office Holiday Potluck leftovers 2 days in a row (plus the actual Potluck making 3), and some good ol' fast food is going to be a welcome change. One of my Facebook buddies from West Texas was saying yesterday she ate an Allsup's (convenience store) burrito for lunch and felt no guilt. I've never had one of those, but I bet I would LOVE IT. I can chow down on low-budg burritos, LET ME TELL YOU. I like the kind you can buy frozen individually at the grocery store, and I used to LURVH the ones my elementary schools carried (both schools! different burritos!). My parents used to even get a bag of frozen ones from Sam's and MAN did I ever eat my share. Beans and whatnot wrapped in a tortilla? HAND IT OVER. :)
Go see Jen for other Quick Takes!
Is it REALLY Friday? Finally?? This week has seemed so long! So much to do! Wednesday and Thursday I just took the night off, though, from decorating or laundering or present-wrapping or baking. Last night I watched two episodes of 30 Rock, played on Facebook, and did little else. Tonight, though, I have to get productive. I'm planning to 1) bake something and 2) really give the kitchen a thorough cleaning before ALL the cooking of next week must begin.
---2---
Any Ally McBeal fans still out there? I find myself amused lately in the Unisex. (We actually DO have a Unisex! True story! It's a one-holer so you won't find someone of the opposite sex IN THERE, but it functions for both.) Seems I get to the office first nowadays, and this predicates something that makes me unreasonably happy.... I get a Fresh Bowl. Just like The Biscuit! Hee hee. I chuckle to myself every time. (And reading all his other eccentricities on that linked page makes me miss that show so much!) Strangely, I have never once listened to the show's CD which someone gave me as a Christmas gift several years ago. Might have to remedy that.
---3---
I'm having a hard time deciding WHAT to bake. I want to do some things that AJ will like, such as the easy cookies shaped like reindeer, that you make by slicing pre-fab cookie dough, pinching it in the middle, and putting on a red hot candy for the nose and mini-pretzels for antlers. BUT! Those aren't necessarily portable and I'm also baking for neighbors and coworker gifts. There are several old family recipes (Cathedral Candies, Sand Tarts, Bourbon Balls) but I'm feeling like they're a lot of trouble. Then there's Holiday Snow which is delicious, but not a cookie. What to do.
---4---
I'm getting tired of sharing our bed with AJ. God bless him, he comes in every night, and begins by sleeping on the floor right next to our bed (I toss one of our extra pillows down there to get it out of my way, and it has become HIS pillow). Later, though, once I'm GOOD AND ZONKED, he taps me on the arm and climbs into bed behind me. Sneaky kid -- I think he KNOWS I'm so far gone he can get away with it. I barely remember him doing this each night but I know I sit up so he can scoot into the middle. And then, 2 hours later I'm getting kicked in the back or poked up the nose. Last night I came to and dragged him back to his bed. He returned AGAIN. Usually, though, I don't even come to the first time.
What was I posting about it being a privilege yesterday? Hrmph.
---5---
Don't know what to do about Christmas Mass, as usual. It's so NOT a good time for Mass, y'know? (Isn't THAT the most despicable thing for a Catholic to say?) For one, it's a Wednesday/Thursday. For another, the 4:00 p.m. vigil Masses are packed with kids whose parents don't want to have to dress them up and haul them out the next morning. I hate the crowds even though I know, it's lovely that everyone wants to be there. But the next morning.... who wants to dress the kids up and haul them out?! There are presents! And coffee! And secular Christmas to celebrate! Plus, my in-laws aren't Catholic and none of THEM wants to get dressed up... You can suggest Midnight Mass and that I should just go alone, but ... whine. I don't want to be ALONE, and I need to get some CHURCH instilled in my kids, after all. I struggle with this every year.
---6---
Billing and reporting and invoicing and end-of-year, oh my! At work. These are a few of my non-favorite things.
---7---
I have five dollars in my wallet and I'm looking forward to Taco Bell for lunch today. Hee. I've eaten Office Holiday Potluck leftovers 2 days in a row (plus the actual Potluck making 3), and some good ol' fast food is going to be a welcome change. One of my Facebook buddies from West Texas was saying yesterday she ate an Allsup's (convenience store) burrito for lunch and felt no guilt. I've never had one of those, but I bet I would LOVE IT. I can chow down on low-budg burritos, LET ME TELL YOU. I like the kind you can buy frozen individually at the grocery store, and I used to LURVH the ones my elementary schools carried (both schools! different burritos!). My parents used to even get a bag of frozen ones from Sam's and MAN did I ever eat my share. Beans and whatnot wrapped in a tortilla? HAND IT OVER. :)
Go see Jen for other Quick Takes!
Wednesday, December 17
Privilege
Sometimes motherhood is Such Hard Work, y'all.
(Understate, much?)
We all find our little ways to get through the tough parts, especially at 1:00 a.m. MightyMaggie recently caught herself saying Hail Marys, and rediscovered the phrase full of grace. Her post struck a chord with me, because oh, MAN, I've prayed that prayer too sometimes when I'm desperately tired, but STILL AWAKE with a baby. Oh, Man. Dear Mary, YOU understand. YOU DID THIS, TOO. Please pray for me, and let me have just a teensy bit of your grace in motherhood. (NOT that I'm devout enough to pray as a usual response to midnight wakings. Usually I'm more grumbly than prayer-y, or still trying to figure out whatever wacko dream I've been shaken from ...while trying to find KT's (always missing!) pacifier.)
One night when I was baby-pacing and cold because KT's room is so stupid and badly insulated, and she was fitful on my shoulder and just wouldn't settle down, the thought crossed my mind -- it has to be God speaking when this happens, right? -- "What a privilege, to hold this child." I'm telling you this NOT because I am so wise and calm to KNOW THAT, but because I want to remember it, myself. That one thought has really kept me in check through KT's infanthood, and carries over into daytime life, too. When 29-pound AJ wants me to carry him down the stairs EVERY MORNING and I think, "But my knees hurt and I'm tired and he's HEAVY," I'm reminded that it's simply a privilege to carry him. Not only because of all the women in the world who'd do anything to have a 4-year-old to carry downstairs... but a little because of that. A little because he'll be 15 one day and won't let me near him. And a little because it just IS. A privilege and a gift to be a mother. To have need to beg for grace.
Maybe "privilege" is just another word, another way to say I'm counting my blessings. But it gets to the heart of each of my moments, lately, most especially the tender little ones with my family. I might have to call it a resolution for 2009: To recognize this life, all of it, as a privilege.
(Understate, much?)
We all find our little ways to get through the tough parts, especially at 1:00 a.m. MightyMaggie recently caught herself saying Hail Marys, and rediscovered the phrase full of grace. Her post struck a chord with me, because oh, MAN, I've prayed that prayer too sometimes when I'm desperately tired, but STILL AWAKE with a baby. Oh, Man. Dear Mary, YOU understand. YOU DID THIS, TOO. Please pray for me, and let me have just a teensy bit of your grace in motherhood. (NOT that I'm devout enough to pray as a usual response to midnight wakings. Usually I'm more grumbly than prayer-y, or still trying to figure out whatever wacko dream I've been shaken from ...while trying to find KT's (always missing!) pacifier.)
One night when I was baby-pacing and cold because KT's room is so stupid and badly insulated, and she was fitful on my shoulder and just wouldn't settle down, the thought crossed my mind -- it has to be God speaking when this happens, right? -- "What a privilege, to hold this child." I'm telling you this NOT because I am so wise and calm to KNOW THAT, but because I want to remember it, myself. That one thought has really kept me in check through KT's infanthood, and carries over into daytime life, too. When 29-pound AJ wants me to carry him down the stairs EVERY MORNING and I think, "But my knees hurt and I'm tired and he's HEAVY," I'm reminded that it's simply a privilege to carry him. Not only because of all the women in the world who'd do anything to have a 4-year-old to carry downstairs... but a little because of that. A little because he'll be 15 one day and won't let me near him. And a little because it just IS. A privilege and a gift to be a mother. To have need to beg for grace.
Maybe "privilege" is just another word, another way to say I'm counting my blessings. But it gets to the heart of each of my moments, lately, most especially the tender little ones with my family. I might have to call it a resolution for 2009: To recognize this life, all of it, as a privilege.
Thursday, December 11
She's almost 10 months now, but whatevs
Rrr! I was going try to type a single entry, for once in my life, without being pissy, but two of my coworkers were just in here for 20 minutes CONVERSING IN ALL CAPS and would not SHUTTUP. Rrrr! So loud! So annoying! SO PISSY.
You know, I never did do a "3rd quarter update" on KT baby. She is getting so big! Man, it's hard to believe how fast the rush-wind of this year has flown. Blink! Here we are. I have to record the things I will want to remember of her right now:
Hey, we re-sitemapped (work jargon, woo!) our living room for Christmas this year. With two kids now, and Grandparents, an Aunt-&-Uncle set, and possibly an extra dog (don't get me started) all coming to our house for the holiday weekend, we needed to get the tree out of the middle of the room. To say the least. Sofa - to the other side of the room with you! Coffee-table-bench, off to the side so that you're almost useless, but still might holda Pepsi my Ginger and Seven while I'm admiring the beauty of twinkling lights. I'm really excited because we think we might leave our furniture thus arranged, minus the tree, after Christmas. I've always admired my friends who can rearrange their furniture every few months. It's such a great way to satisfy your decorating urge without really doing (buying) anything.
... I started this post at approximately 9:24 and it's now 11:50. In the meantime I've dealt with several headaches at work and so my train of thought is lost on the Track to Nowhere at this point. I'm going to eat my lunch now. And go to Party City for paper plates and napkins for AJ's class party. See ya.
You know, I never did do a "3rd quarter update" on KT baby. She is getting so big! Man, it's hard to believe how fast the rush-wind of this year has flown. Blink! Here we are. I have to record the things I will want to remember of her right now:
- that she talks and talks while we eat dinner, "ba-ba-ba-baH-BAH!" getting louder and louder 'til the exclamation point at the end!
- that she is driving me CRAY-ZEE with the rolling over and standing up on the changing table! Sit Down, Young Lady, and get your pants changed like a good little incontinent!
- that she likes Napoleon's Squeaker almost better than toys -- it must taste the best judging by how she crams it into her mouth, eww
- that she also loves Little People, which AJ just didn't get interested in, probably because I introduced them too late; we've enjoyed the Mayflower and Thanksgiving sets, and now our Christmas Little People
- that she WAVES! Not "bye bye," but "hello. hi. da-da." With her whole arm, shoulder and everything
- that she really does say "Da-Da" to indicate Daddy! And once in a while, "Ma-Ma" means me
- that she still LOVES bathtime, and playing in the water, and getting splashed
- that she also still kicks her own feet when she sees something she wants, like her bottle, which is about the only thing left that still feels like a baby.
Hey, we re-sitemapped (work jargon, woo!) our living room for Christmas this year. With two kids now, and Grandparents, an Aunt-&-Uncle set, and possibly an extra dog (don't get me started) all coming to our house for the holiday weekend, we needed to get the tree out of the middle of the room. To say the least. Sofa - to the other side of the room with you! Coffee-table-bench, off to the side so that you're almost useless, but still might hold
... I started this post at approximately 9:24 and it's now 11:50. In the meantime I've dealt with several headaches at work and so my train of thought is lost on the Track to Nowhere at this point. I'm going to eat my lunch now. And go to Party City for paper plates and napkins for AJ's class party. See ya.
Monday, December 8
The dreaded Monday
I get so DOWN, during the Monday morning routine/commute. When I'm walking back out of the daycare after dropping off the kids, I sigh and feel a little sad. Driving to work I fret about facing a big, stupid to-do list of things I dislike. I typically feel okay about the work week by Tuesday, because it's just something I do, but on Mondays, ugh.
I know it's because we have the nicest weekends. This one was especially pleasant: both tantrum- and ear infection-free. I think part of that was the absence of my laptop. I left it in the car all weekend. Out of sight, out of AJ's mind, so there was no inquiry about "can I do my work?" nor subsequent whining when the Mean Old Parents responded, "Not right now." Surprisingly, there were also no naps -- but still no tantrums. He must be on his best behavior because he knows Santa is watching. MAN, I LOVE THAT GAG.
We decorated the house this weekend. Yesterday while I was winding garland around the stair rails on the front porch, I thought, "Who am I doing this for? The pizza guy and the UPS man." I would love to host parties... wait, no... one party would probably be enough... but our relatives are coming for the ACTUAL holiday, and that's probably all we can handle. It'd be nice to do impromptu entertaining. DH and I lament that our neighbor-relationships aren't like some, where you can pop in and enjoy each other's casual friendship. Maybe I could think of SOMEONE to have over for just a little dessert and hot cocoa. Because unless we spend atypical time with friends and family, why IS IT the "most wonderful time of the year?" It's NOT, in a word. It's the most stressful! You have to counterbalance that with something of hospitality and fun, I think. We should do it on a weeknight. Easy breezy. Cookies and candy canes.
And there, in three paragraphs, I have altered my mood somewhat, from frowny to hopeful. Time for warm oatmeal.
I know it's because we have the nicest weekends. This one was especially pleasant: both tantrum- and ear infection-free. I think part of that was the absence of my laptop. I left it in the car all weekend. Out of sight, out of AJ's mind, so there was no inquiry about "can I do my work?" nor subsequent whining when the Mean Old Parents responded, "Not right now." Surprisingly, there were also no naps -- but still no tantrums. He must be on his best behavior because he knows Santa is watching. MAN, I LOVE THAT GAG.
We decorated the house this weekend. Yesterday while I was winding garland around the stair rails on the front porch, I thought, "Who am I doing this for? The pizza guy and the UPS man." I would love to host parties... wait, no... one party would probably be enough... but our relatives are coming for the ACTUAL holiday, and that's probably all we can handle. It'd be nice to do impromptu entertaining. DH and I lament that our neighbor-relationships aren't like some, where you can pop in and enjoy each other's casual friendship. Maybe I could think of SOMEONE to have over for just a little dessert and hot cocoa. Because unless we spend atypical time with friends and family, why IS IT the "most wonderful time of the year?" It's NOT, in a word. It's the most stressful! You have to counterbalance that with something of hospitality and fun, I think. We should do it on a weeknight. Easy breezy. Cookies and candy canes.
And there, in three paragraphs, I have altered my mood somewhat, from frowny to hopeful. Time for warm oatmeal.
Wednesday, December 3
Good News Choir
By posting this I'm entering myself into a lovely giveaway at WorkIt Mom! You can, too. Click the link. But first, enjoy my good news!
Monday, December 1
Mantra
I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL NOT GET STRESSED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS.
Saturday, November 29
NaHoBloPoMo FAIL
Tee hee. FAIL. I did not post every day in the end of November. Lucky for me no one but me was policing Nahoblopomo, so I still win. I've been just enjoying the time with my family, my kiddos, my cousins, and my parents' couch. Blogging takes a back seat to all of that, every time.
We watched "Sweeney Todd" last night from 10 to midnight; it seems staying up really late to watch a gory movie is becoming my weird Thanksgiving tradition. Johnny Depp definitely rocked it, as he is wont to do, but I'm sorry that my husband didn't enjoy our musical evening as much as I did. He doesn't do musicals.
Tomorrow morning we'll leave sunny (rainy) Florida, with our fingers crossed that traffic is kind to us. We'll re-enter Georgia with plans to decorate for Christmas, shopping to do, and new Thanksgiving memories to hang onto, until next year.
We watched "Sweeney Todd" last night from 10 to midnight; it seems staying up really late to watch a gory movie is becoming my weird Thanksgiving tradition. Johnny Depp definitely rocked it, as he is wont to do, but I'm sorry that my husband didn't enjoy our musical evening as much as I did. He doesn't do musicals.
Tomorrow morning we'll leave sunny (rainy) Florida, with our fingers crossed that traffic is kind to us. We'll re-enter Georgia with plans to decorate for Christmas, shopping to do, and new Thanksgiving memories to hang onto, until next year.
Thursday, November 27
The Parade
I'm writing this on Wednesday, but when you read it, you may have already watched the parade! Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! I'm thankful for you!
I have so many different memories of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It's definitely one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving. In fact, when I wake up before nine, I'm usually IMPATIENT for it to start. I hope I'll be able to convince AJ to turn off his DVD player, or whatever cartoons he's watching, and switch it to parade coverage. I heard this year they're going to have a Smurf balloon for the first time! They didn't ever have one in the '80s, how crazy is that? And they're having Buzz Lightyear, which I think is odd since he's so ten years ago. I didn't hear them say Barry Manilow is going to be there and that is just a shame.
A few of my memories:
-- watching with my Granny when she'd come to visit in Pensacola for Thanksgiving;
-- being in the musical "Here's Love," which is the musical version of Miracle on 34th Street, and singing about "the big calown (clown) balloons, just a-sauntering, 49 feet from the ground..."
-- watching in Thibodeaux while we all got dressed in our hotel rooms before Thanksgiving dinner at our cousins' house -- we'd go from our room to Aunt L's room to Nan L's room, and in every room, the parade was on. :)
I have so many different memories of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It's definitely one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving. In fact, when I wake up before nine, I'm usually IMPATIENT for it to start. I hope I'll be able to convince AJ to turn off his DVD player, or whatever cartoons he's watching, and switch it to parade coverage. I heard this year they're going to have a Smurf balloon for the first time! They didn't ever have one in the '80s, how crazy is that? And they're having Buzz Lightyear, which I think is odd since he's so ten years ago. I didn't hear them say Barry Manilow is going to be there and that is just a shame.
A few of my memories:
-- watching with my Granny when she'd come to visit in Pensacola for Thanksgiving;
-- being in the musical "Here's Love," which is the musical version of Miracle on 34th Street, and singing about "the big calown (clown) balloons, just a-sauntering, 49 feet from the ground..."
-- watching in Thibodeaux while we all got dressed in our hotel rooms before Thanksgiving dinner at our cousins' house -- we'd go from our room to Aunt L's room to Nan L's room, and in every room, the parade was on. :)
Wednesday, November 26
Crazy Eights
Thank you, Mandy!
8 Things I'm looking forward to
1. Eating fried turkey and sausage dressing and cranberry sauce. Forkfuls (forks ful?) with a bit of each of those things = heaven!
2. Watching everyone marvel over how big KT has gotten.
3. Hugs and smiles from my parents, cousins, aunts and uncles.
4. Finishing up all my files and reports and crap.
5. AJ getting past this latest whiny drama-fest stage and finding his happy face.
6. The next time I see my sister. I don't know when that will be, but I'm looking forward to it!
7. NOT driving to work on Thursday and Friday.
8. Disney's Animal Kingdom in February '09.
8 Things on my Wish List
1. Bath and Body Works Lotions (does that make me white-trashy? They're still my fave.)
2. iTunes giftcard.
3. Short or mid-length rain jacket.
4. New shoes.
5. Books by Philippa Gregory.
6. Someday, new kitchen cabinets, paint, and counter tops. And dishwasher and fridge, as long as I'm wishing.
7. Delicious chocolates.
8. A programmable crock pot.
8 TV Shows I Like To Watch
1. 30 Rock
2. Real Housewives
3. Project Runway
4. Amazing Race
5. Ace of Cakes
6. Dirty Jobs
7. Lost (come back!!)
8. Ghost Hunters (I hate having to admit this but these guys are so incredibly cheesy slash paranoid that I CAN'T. STOP. MYSELF.)
8 Things that Happened Yesterday
1. KT woke up at 5:40 am and wanted a bottle.
2. AJ ate all his breakfast, and even threw away his own trash afterwards!
3. I did some online window-shopping.
4. I ate Taco Hell for lunch and it was gross. (Avoid the "Spicy Chicken" burrito.)
5. Our doggie went to "camp" for the Thanksgiving holiday and I think it made my husband sad. :(
6. My neighbor asked to borrow a casserole dish and a shot of bourbon, for a recipe.
7. I briefly considered a shot of bourbon, myself.
8. We almost couldn't find the Elf on the Shelf, who is supposed to magically appear right after Thanksgiving. But we found him. Whew!
8 Things I'm looking forward to
1. Eating fried turkey and sausage dressing and cranberry sauce. Forkfuls (forks ful?) with a bit of each of those things = heaven!
2. Watching everyone marvel over how big KT has gotten.
3. Hugs and smiles from my parents, cousins, aunts and uncles.
4. Finishing up all my files and reports and crap.
5. AJ getting past this latest whiny drama-fest stage and finding his happy face.
6. The next time I see my sister. I don't know when that will be, but I'm looking forward to it!
7. NOT driving to work on Thursday and Friday.
8. Disney's Animal Kingdom in February '09.
8 Things on my Wish List
1. Bath and Body Works Lotions (does that make me white-trashy? They're still my fave.)
2. iTunes giftcard.
3. Short or mid-length rain jacket.
4. New shoes.
5. Books by Philippa Gregory.
6. Someday, new kitchen cabinets, paint, and counter tops. And dishwasher and fridge, as long as I'm wishing.
7. Delicious chocolates.
8. A programmable crock pot.
8 TV Shows I Like To Watch
1. 30 Rock
2. Real Housewives
3. Project Runway
4. Amazing Race
5. Ace of Cakes
6. Dirty Jobs
7. Lost (come back!!)
8. Ghost Hunters (I hate having to admit this but these guys are so incredibly cheesy slash paranoid that I CAN'T. STOP. MYSELF.)
8 Things that Happened Yesterday
1. KT woke up at 5:40 am and wanted a bottle.
2. AJ ate all his breakfast, and even threw away his own trash afterwards!
3. I did some online window-shopping.
4. I ate Taco Hell for lunch and it was gross. (Avoid the "Spicy Chicken" burrito.)
5. Our doggie went to "camp" for the Thanksgiving holiday and I think it made my husband sad. :(
6. My neighbor asked to borrow a casserole dish and a shot of bourbon, for a recipe.
7. I briefly considered a shot of bourbon, myself.
8. We almost couldn't find the Elf on the Shelf, who is supposed to magically appear right after Thanksgiving. But we found him. Whew!
Tuesday, November 25
More drama and trauma
We haven't heard of any additional hitting/kicking/pushing at school. DH did talk with the teachers and they were less than 100% encouraging, but said they, too, had and would try to help AJ stand up for himself, and that they were obviously separating him from those who give him trouble. They did report that he's one of the most popular kids in the class, which is why the (bigger) girls want to hang on and hug him, and the boys all vie for his attention which leads to roughhousing. So I guess that's good?
Luckily a lot of kids are out this week so I think it's been a lot more quiet in the classroom.
Mandy asked a good question, about whether or not we've considered holding him back a year. ...It's been brought up. A friend of ours did that with his son and I think it piqued my husband's interest. ...I guess I'm proud, and think that he's too smart to be held back -- because he really is. His verbal skills have always been impressive and he's doing great with numbers and reading and all those academic things. But also? I can't afford to pay for another year of daycare. It is sucking us bone-dry. Yes, we plan to put him in Catholic school which isn't free, but a quick calculation says I'll save $4,000 by graduating him from dear old Kids R Kids. THANK GOD.
So. The bullying drama aside, we have time to talk about the tantrum drama.
I feel like we have tried every Correct Way To Punish and Disapprove of Unacceptable Behavior while still being Gentle and Calm, and those ways...? ...are bunk as far as I'm concerned. Sometimes kids are little shitheads. So last night AJ and I had a really big stupid fight about bedtime wherein I got hit with a flashlight. (Yeah. Ow.) So he got that flashlight taken away, and got put to bed, but then kicked and screamed like a banshee and thrashed around upstairs for a good long while, while I attempted to NOT ENGAGE THAT BEHAVIOR (See? Trying to do the right thing)... but then DH had to come in and referee because we kept ON not engaging each other for about 10 minutes, and also fighting and not staying in the bed or the room, and I don't LIKE that DH had to join in at ALL, much less punish his son's rear end four times, but that is the way it had to be, and everything ended swiftly after that. I'm counting on John Rosemond to back us up. It needed to be done.
We made up, all of us, but I hated every minute of it.
Luckily a lot of kids are out this week so I think it's been a lot more quiet in the classroom.
Mandy asked a good question, about whether or not we've considered holding him back a year. ...It's been brought up. A friend of ours did that with his son and I think it piqued my husband's interest. ...I guess I'm proud, and think that he's too smart to be held back -- because he really is. His verbal skills have always been impressive and he's doing great with numbers and reading and all those academic things. But also? I can't afford to pay for another year of daycare. It is sucking us bone-dry. Yes, we plan to put him in Catholic school which isn't free, but a quick calculation says I'll save $4,000 by graduating him from dear old Kids R Kids. THANK GOD.
So. The bullying drama aside, we have time to talk about the tantrum drama.
I feel like we have tried every Correct Way To Punish and Disapprove of Unacceptable Behavior while still being Gentle and Calm, and those ways...? ...are bunk as far as I'm concerned. Sometimes kids are little shitheads. So last night AJ and I had a really big stupid fight about bedtime wherein I got hit with a flashlight. (Yeah. Ow.) So he got that flashlight taken away, and got put to bed, but then kicked and screamed like a banshee and thrashed around upstairs for a good long while, while I attempted to NOT ENGAGE THAT BEHAVIOR (See? Trying to do the right thing)... but then DH had to come in and referee because we kept ON not engaging each other for about 10 minutes, and also fighting and not staying in the bed or the room, and I don't LIKE that DH had to join in at ALL, much less punish his son's rear end four times, but that is the way it had to be, and everything ended swiftly after that. I'm counting on John Rosemond to back us up. It needed to be done.
We made up, all of us, but I hated every minute of it.
Monday, November 24
Flashback!
Here is a statement I recently made to my Mom about KT baby:
Flashback to 2004...*doodley music*... doodooloodoodooloodoodooloo:
At least I learned to spell pat-a-cake in the 4 years since then.
Ooh, she has another new trick! When I say, "Wanna play pat-a-cake?" she puts her two hands together in front of her! Soooo cute.
Flashback to 2004...*doodley music*... doodooloodoodooloodoodooloo:
I love that when I say, "AJ, wanna play patty cake?" he lights up. He knows words!! Other than Mama and Dada! (He's a genius.) And, unless I'm making this up, he gets his hands ready when I say that, too. So cute.
At least I learned to spell pat-a-cake in the 4 years since then.
Sunday, November 23
Goals
...132 pounds, I'll go right ahead and tell you.
...Christmas shopping EEEEEEEEKs. Without breaking the stupid (government-pwned?) bank.
...Clean house on a regular basis?
...This time next year, be happy with my professional life. No, really. I'd like a calling to my next career. Could I just order one up? I want to be meant to do something.
...Raise respectful, hardworking kids.
...Laugh more often. Laugh every single day. Here, I'll start that off:
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Mayonnaise.
....Mayonnaise who?
Man, 'eys a lotta work to be done!
(We love this one at our house.)
...Christmas shopping EEEEEEEEKs. Without breaking the stupid (government-pwned?) bank.
...Clean house on a regular basis?
...This time next year, be happy with my professional life. No, really. I'd like a calling to my next career. Could I just order one up? I want to be meant to do something.
...Raise respectful, hardworking kids.
...Laugh more often. Laugh every single day. Here, I'll start that off:
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Mayonnaise.
....Mayonnaise who?
Man, 'eys a lotta work to be done!
(We love this one at our house.)
Saturday, November 22
Saturday post!
(Yes, I totally set this to auto-post because AS IF Mommy gets a chance to compute on a Saturday. Ha. The MacBook is dedicated to Ben10 Alien Force as a general rule, on this day of the week. Or turned off. We are too busy playing!)
Do you know our county has the whole week off school next week? I think that's crazy. I guess maybe they've combined fall break with Thanksgiving or something? Which... hello, we didn't get Fall Break until I was in college. That was a fabricated vacation, in my day! Fall Break? Oh, that isn't real, there's only Spring Break. Anyway, so a lot of moms in my area are probably sighing into their coffee right now, thinking, "This is the -- you kids turn that &*!@^ing SpongeBob DOWN!! -- (sob!) first of NINE LONG DAYS."
Those poor, poor souls.
Do you know our county has the whole week off school next week? I think that's crazy. I guess maybe they've combined fall break with Thanksgiving or something? Which... hello, we didn't get Fall Break until I was in college. That was a fabricated vacation, in my day! Fall Break? Oh, that isn't real, there's only Spring Break. Anyway, so a lot of moms in my area are probably sighing into their coffee right now, thinking, "This is the -- you kids turn that &*!@^ing SpongeBob DOWN!! -- (sob!) first of NINE LONG DAYS."
Those poor, poor souls.
Friday, November 21
Very current topic! Get it while it's hot!
I need your help with something, Internets, and rather than wait until next week (would you believe I have posts LINED UP in draft for Saturday through MONDAY? I am rocking NaHoBloPoMo!) I have to toss something up right now and then go combing through Ask Moxie shortly thereafter. (And do my boatload of work. Sigh.)
So. Ever since AJ was a tiny baby, Husband and I have differed on him, hitting. Not about our son starting a fight -- we've always told him NOT to hit other people/pets/etc. But if he gets hit first by another kid. My instruction has been to tell the other kid to Stop, and Get Away from him/her. Hubby is more along the lines of "he needs to stand up for himself -- hit 'em back."
I know that it's different for little boys (isn't it?), and Daddies want their boys to grow up tough, and I'm okay with that. *I* was never taught by my parents that hitting back is okay. Even when my cousin (a girl) would hit my sister regularly, HARD, we were not instructed that it was okay to hurt her just as much in return.
But I also don't want my kid getting beaten up, which he has been, apparently, in school lately. Some of the bigger, wilder kids do push him, and even kick him. He doesn't know what to do in reaction, and as a result he's acting out at other times of the day, throwing toys, knocking down their blocks, etc. He's clearly frustrated by the situation. He's told me he doesn't know what to do.
DH thinks we've taught him to be a pushover. Here's my response to that, sent in an email ten minutes ago:
I just want to know what you think should be done. Not a "who's right and who's wrong" commentary, but how do we navigate the tricky balance? We're having talks with the teacher today, and of course with each other, trying to come to agreement about this -- and I think we mostly are in agreement -- mostly -- I just feel like I want your experience/opinion on the matter.
So. Ever since AJ was a tiny baby, Husband and I have differed on him, hitting. Not about our son starting a fight -- we've always told him NOT to hit other people/pets/etc. But if he gets hit first by another kid. My instruction has been to tell the other kid to Stop, and Get Away from him/her. Hubby is more along the lines of "he needs to stand up for himself -- hit 'em back."
I know that it's different for little boys (isn't it?), and Daddies want their boys to grow up tough, and I'm okay with that. *I* was never taught by my parents that hitting back is okay. Even when my cousin (a girl) would hit my sister regularly, HARD, we were not instructed that it was okay to hurt her just as much in return.
But I also don't want my kid getting beaten up, which he has been, apparently, in school lately. Some of the bigger, wilder kids do push him, and even kick him. He doesn't know what to do in reaction, and as a result he's acting out at other times of the day, throwing toys, knocking down their blocks, etc. He's clearly frustrated by the situation. He's told me he doesn't know what to do.
DH thinks we've taught him to be a pushover. Here's my response to that, sent in an email ten minutes ago:
...we have told him to be nice, and I STILL SAY that's the right thing to teach a kid. You don't teach your kid to NOT be nice. You have to lay the foundation for moral goodness and in simple terms, that equals "be nice to your friends." At the same time, you're right, I have probably hindered our being able to teach him to stand up for himself because I didn't want him to be the bully. And I completely agree with you that now he needs to know how to do that. (I don't think that before his age, you can teach kids the concept "stand up for yourself." It's too gray when they're toddlers what's real hitting/being mean, and what's just another kid losing control of his arms/legs/balance.) At age four, obviously, there are some kids who are trying to take advantage of their size [big] and of his [small]. And I don't want that to happen. I think the 1, 2, 3 approach is a good one -- Tell the person to Stop, Tell a teacher, and then "do what you gotta do."
You better believe I will be posting/asking/searching about this on the blogs....
I just want to know what you think should be done. Not a "who's right and who's wrong" commentary, but how do we navigate the tricky balance? We're having talks with the teacher today, and of course with each other, trying to come to agreement about this -- and I think we mostly are in agreement -- mostly -- I just feel like I want your experience/opinion on the matter.
7 Quick Takes, Ã la Jen
Head over to Conversion Diary to meet Jen. She's fab. :)
---1---
You should SEE the number of leaves in our yard. We have giant poplar and sycamore trees all over our property and DANG but they produce a mess in the fall. My dear husband plans to tackle that tomorrow (with the mulch setting on the mower), bless his soul. I'm sorry, honey. I'll keep the Gatorade coming.
---2---
I finally figured out who Kristen Stewart is. You know, the one who looks all nonplussed but is supposedly burning-hot-in-love with the vampire guy? ...The movie? The current hype-machine? Oh, if you don't know, Google it... I've been seeing the commercials and thinking she was vaguely familiar... but she's the sister from Zathura! Lisa! Somehow AJ watched that movie on TV a year or so ago, and because it had one scene with a maniacal, giant robot, he declared it "his robot movie" And then somehow it ended up in our DVD collection. Hmm. Anyway, she is LISA to me. My husband has heard me talk about how everyone's reading the Twilight series, and he doesn't understand why I'm not interested. ...I just don't get the vampire genre. (He should know that by seeing also: BLADE.) I tried to read an Anne Rice novel once and never could get into it. I saw the Tom Cruise movie... total snore.
---3---
Today I'm missing AJ's Thanksgiving Day Pre-K luncheon, and that is sucky. DH gets to go, since he works close by. In the olden days when I could work from home.... oh, sorry. I'm not going to get all negative right here on Pre-K Thanksgiving. I made my Granny's "Waldorf Salad" for AJ's contribution. It's a time-honored tradition on my Dad's side of the family... and also a bit of a family joke. I think everyone must have one of these recipes: Great-Aunt Someone's Jello Mold, Mrs. X's soupy Squash Cassrole... right? Ours is Waldorf Salad, made with apples, celery, nuts, a mayonnaise dressing, and mini-marshmallows. Yeah. My dear Uncle proudly carries on his mother's tradition and makes a big bowl of it every year, and it usually goes home with him, largely untouched. So sad. (I plan to eat a big serving this year, if just to make him feel good.) Anyway, I made it for AJ with the tiniest amount of mayo, extra marshmallows, and no celery or nuts. He did some quality assurance with me this morning and declared it GREAT. :)
---4---
30Rock30Rock30Rock30Rock30Rock. It's the only fun thing on television anymore. Even The Office is getting less funny to me, in comparison. (I HATE when Michael's mean to Toby. I like poor Toby.) But 30 Rock. I have the biggest TV-show-crush on that show. I want to kiss is and MARRY it.
---5---
Here's a funny little anecdote. KT is crawling, right? And she's gotten really good at it. When her Daddy gets home, she gets that motor running, to get to him as fast as she can! So cute! Well, located in that same area where DH enters the house every afternoon are Napoleon's food and water. Today I set KT up on the living room floor, turned my back for 30 seconds to start putting my lunch in a bag, and next thing you know I heard crunching. "KT!" I called, "Where are you, baby?" ...Of course. She was eating dog food. Had a piece in her mouth and didn't even look like she was going to spit it out, like she does Cheerios. Ha hahahahahahaaha no. Ew.
---6---
Anybody know if Starbucks is losing money yet? Everywhere, I read of people giving up their daily Sbux. Tightening of the belts, and all. I have, too. (Mine wasn't daily, but still.) I'm so curious if they're noticing, behind the cappucino machine.
---7---
Just about everyone at work has decided to take off the rest of this month. Our company has an assinine "use 'em or lose 'em" vacation days policy. (I, of course, used all of mine for maternity leave earlier this year.) Yesterday was skeletal crew, today looks to also be skeletal crew, and next week, I may well be the only one here at all. At least that's what it feels like. Guess I'll get to choose what music is blasting from my computer. Maybe choral. Maybe I'll sing along. It might be awesome.
Thursday, November 20
L is for Love Thursday
Is there anything cuter than an alphabet lesson in jammies? (Okay, maybe it'd be cuter without the garbage can in the background...)
Happy Love Thursday, people!
Wednesday, November 19
A diversion
Are You There, God? It's Me, Lee. Could you possibly DIAL DOWN the sick just a little bit? It's been, let me think... I guess about 6 weeks of an unwell KT now. There was ear infection #1, then ear infection #2, probably a little teething in between, and now The Great Tummy and Cold Virus of Late '08 (never mind my own cold, it barely counts), complete with mucus drainage and the terrible horking of large volumes of warm formula ON MOMMY'S PRETTY NEW SWEATER LAST NIGHT OMG.. Oh. My... was I shouting just there? Sorry about that, God. Just... consider my request. Mkay? Thanks. Later.
************
I have been thinking that all my (4) lovely readers are probably staying occupied during this drought in my own posting by the wonderful people who've signed up for NaBloPoMo. Right? (Is anyone we know doing NaBloPoMo?) And then I was thinking, it's obviously too late for me to sign up for that gig, but I have half a month I could use to kick-start myself back into blogging gear. And I think that'd be good. I do miss having something to say. So I think I'm going to institute Na-HO-BloPoMo (Nat'l HALF-OF Blog Post Month) here on my own site and try to post once a day 'til December first. Surprise! I once declared I'd never ever sign up for something like this, and that was probably wise since this time of year is STRESS-TASTIC for me, but... never mind that. I'm going to do it, and it's going to be fun, and WHEEE! Here we go!
I'm excited about Thanksgiving, are you? Mostly because.... drumroll, please... I have made it to my goal pre-pregnancy weight! Nine months on, nine months off, just like They said! Wooo hooo! Yee-haw! I haven't been exercising the last 2 weeks (SHAME), but I also haven't been eating a lot (see above: SICK), but whatever. My scale says 1-mrfljsomething-2, and that's what I've wanted it to say since February. Now for these last ten pounds... Right after turkey and dressing and cranberry sauce and PIE. I plan to enjoy Thanksgiving in a reasonable way (sort of reasonable), and then right back on track through December.
Maryb and I were chatting about PIE last night. I love neither pumpkin nor pecan. My Aunt, however, is making both for our Thanksgiving dessert table. My Mom makes a pumpkin creme pie, which I like better, but what about the glories of cherry pie? Chocolate pie?! And also, hail our American Excess! We hardly need three pies for the group of 9 of us, two of which -- my two kids -- don't even EAT pie. The greatness of our nation, right there.
************
I have been thinking that all my (4) lovely readers are probably staying occupied during this drought in my own posting by the wonderful people who've signed up for NaBloPoMo. Right? (Is anyone we know doing NaBloPoMo?) And then I was thinking, it's obviously too late for me to sign up for that gig, but I have half a month I could use to kick-start myself back into blogging gear. And I think that'd be good. I do miss having something to say. So I think I'm going to institute Na-HO-BloPoMo (Nat'l HALF-OF Blog Post Month) here on my own site and try to post once a day 'til December first. Surprise! I once declared I'd never ever sign up for something like this, and that was probably wise since this time of year is STRESS-TASTIC for me, but... never mind that. I'm going to do it, and it's going to be fun, and WHEEE! Here we go!
I'm excited about Thanksgiving, are you? Mostly because.... drumroll, please... I have made it to my goal pre-pregnancy weight! Nine months on, nine months off, just like They said! Wooo hooo! Yee-haw! I haven't been exercising the last 2 weeks (SHAME), but I also haven't been eating a lot (see above: SICK), but whatever. My scale says 1-mrfljsomething-2, and that's what I've wanted it to say since February. Now for these last ten pounds... Right after turkey and dressing and cranberry sauce and PIE. I plan to enjoy Thanksgiving in a reasonable way (sort of reasonable), and then right back on track through December.
Maryb and I were chatting about PIE last night. I love neither pumpkin nor pecan. My Aunt, however, is making both for our Thanksgiving dessert table. My Mom makes a pumpkin creme pie, which I like better, but what about the glories of cherry pie? Chocolate pie?! And also, hail our American Excess! We hardly need three pies for the group of 9 of us, two of which -- my two kids -- don't even EAT pie. The greatness of our nation, right there.
Tuesday, November 18
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