Sign of the times?

We went out to eat for lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing, Patrick and I left to run next door to the grocery store. Thornton and Rachel stayed in the restaurant to wait for the check. When Thornton went up to pay, the waitress, who we know fairly well said, "see those 3 ladies over there? Well one of them just asked me if I knew you (meaning Thornton), because you were acting suspiciously w/ the young girl". The waitress assured the lady that we were regulars and that Rachel was Thornton's daughter. Apparently the lady walked by the table when Thornton was goofing around w/ Rach and he was saying "What's your name? Is it OK if I call you "Rachey"? They were just totally being goofballs and I guess the lady thought that Thornton didn't know her?? She must've thought that he'd kidnapped her or something.

I guess I understand how this could've happened based on the kidnapping case(s) that happened near St. Louis recently...but it was really just a strange occurence.

On a mission

Last night, Ozzie, our cat decided to stay up and bother us. He started out in Thornton and my room and spent time ripping newspaper with his teeth. He refused to stop until I got up and and got the newspaper away from him. I finally fell back asleep, and then Ozzie decides that even though his food dish is full, he should try to rip into the bag of his food on the dresser with his teeth. In my sleepy haze, I finally picked up a pen from the nightstand and chucked it in his direction. Apparently, I have bad aim in my sleep. So, then I had to get up and hide the bag of food. Then Ozzie must've decided I'd had enough, so he headed downstairs to Rachel's room, where both she and Alison were sleeping (yes, they have their own rooms, but they sleep together almost every night!). Ozzie got a hold of a little jingle bell and started batting it all over the bedroom, waking both girls. They finally were able to get the bell away from him.

So...my mission today is to wake Ozzie up any time I see him sleeping! Thornton asked if I was doing this to get Ozzie back to sleeping at night and while I probably should've just agreed w/ that logic, I told him the truth. Truth is, I'm waking him just to be ornery! That'll show him to mess with me!!

Dance pics

For Rachel's dance class Christmas party, they did a photo shoot. She had Alison pose w/ her for a couple of pictures, too. Are my girls gorgeous, or what??

Off to school they go!

After 2 full weeks off, the kids headed back to school today. It was so strange...when the alarm went off this morning, I was so confused as to why I had set the alarm. Iwas seriously wracking my brain trying to figure out what it was I had to do. At first I thought I had to wake Thornton up because of church, but then I remembered that we'd gone to church yesterday. Finally the cobwebs cleared and I remembered that I had to get the kids up for school!

Alison came home from school really tired. I still don't think she's completely shaken the illness she had around Christmas time. She just still seems awfully draggy.

I have a headache....gonna go take a hot shower and see if that helps.

Gotta vent

OK...I don't do this often, because I like to keep a positive attitude. But, someone has to explain this to me. My mom always gives me a list from which I choose what to purchase her and my dad for Christmas. They don't want you to vary from this list, and if you do, they won't like it. I've learned that over the years. This year, my mom went one step further and actually bought themselves 2 gifts that they then wrapped and had me fill out a gift tag for the kids to give to them. Why? I have no idea...but they did it and there was no sense in my questioning it. My mom got herself that Hands Free can opener thingy and for my dad, this hand massager thing. The can opener was $20 and the massager I've seen in the stores for $10, but my mom said she paid $20. So again, I didn't argue...it's just easier not to. Before my parents left after Christmas, my mom made a point of mentioning that I needed to mail her a check for $40.

I was on the phone with mom the other day and she again asked if I'd mailed the check yet. I hadn't because I really forgot about it. I told her I'd mail the check. Then she tells me that they returned the can opener to the store because it didn't work well. AND, that they were returning the coffee cup warmers I got them because they weren't exactly what they were wanting. Why she feels the need to tell me they didn't like their stuff, I don't know...it'd be much more gracious just to return it and not mention it. Then at the end of the call, she again has to confirm w/ me that I was mailing her a check. So now I'm paying her $40 for $30 in gifts and they've already returned for cash like $40 in gifts. Ummm....OK. You'd think they're hard up for money, but that's not the case at all.

Done w/ my vent. I suppose I should go write the check and be done with it. But I don't wanna!

Gerald Ford

I was six when Gerald Ford took over as President for Richard Nixon. I can still picture the newspaper sitting on the kitchen table that said "Nixon Out, Ford In". It had a split picture of Nixon walking away from the White House and Ford walking towards it. Obviously I wasn't a politically knowledable kid (nor am I as an adult), but for some reason, that picture stuck in my memory. I knew it was an important moment, even though I really didn't know why.

Granted, Ford was never actually elected President, but I still think despite only serving 2 years in the office, he filled a role that America needed desperately at the time. He was a good man...and an honest one.

I haven't thought much about him over my life, but I was saddened to hear of his passing recently. I'm watching now as his casket is brought into the Capitol and I have tears welling up in my eyes. In many ways, it's a pleasure to be reminded of the man who took office those many years ago. It's necessary, especially today...following the death of Saddam Hussein...to know that decency and honor can exist in leadership.

I've been a slacker!

I know...I haven't posted in over a month. Life got busy! It'd be impossible to sum up everything, so I'm not going to bother. But, all in all, it's been a great month. Well, there was the car accident on Dec. 2, but other than that, life's awesome. I've really been feeling like I'm in a good place lately. I'm comfortable in my own skin (despite having too much fat under that skin...LOL!) and that's a great feeling to have.

Christmas was wonderful. I decided that no matter what I wouldn't feel rushed, stressed or burned out this season. It got a little harried around Dec. 18-20 when I had to get the last of my orders out to customers for Christmas delivery, but other than that, I just felt blessed, not stressed.

The kids are home for another week, and that's good. I'm really enjoying their company during the day. Sure, there's been some fighting, but mostly it's just been nice. Check back w/ me next week though!

Thanksgiving

We had a very nice Thanksgiving. We were supposed to go up to my parent's house near Chicago, but Rachel was sick earlier in the week and they were afraid of getting exposed to anything. So, thankfully, my in-law's wanted us! I'm sure it was a pain to add 5 to the dinner table when you'd already bought all the food, but they never flinched. Even if one of those 5 eats non-stop (that'd be Patrick...)

My parents, of course, had to dole out a healthy dose of guilt when I called later in the day. I was so confused why they were seemingly mad at me when they told us not to come. I got into it a little w/ my dad, before I realized that I don't need to try to win an argument w/ him. He never backs down and never apologizes, so there's just no point. I'm thankful that I have an understanding husband that I can vent to, however!

This coming up week is going to be very busy. Rachel is in The Nutcracker w/ our ballet company and starting today, she has practices every day except Monday, when she has 2 classes. It's all so fun, though! I volunteer on the Sewing Committee (which is hysterical, because I don't know how to use a sewing machine...but there's lots of hand sewing).

Off to pick up Ali at a friend's house, take her to Thornton at church, pick up Rachel, run to the store, then to Nutcracker practice. After that, we decorate the church for Christmas!

You've got to be kidding me

I know that soap operas are stupid. I know the story lines are far fetched. I somehow can look past the stupidity while watching Days of Our Lives. But, today....today they went too far. Here's the story line: Marlena (played by Deidre Hall, quite possibly the worst actress on TV) and John are flying to Canada in a small single engine plane through a heavy snow storm (the reason...well, that's far fetched too, but I don't want it to get too confusing). They start to have engine trouble (while they were making out...). Marlena decides that the only way they can land safely is if they lighten the load by her jumping out and parachuting to the ground. John says no, but Marlena tricks him into thinking she won't do it...but then she jumps out. Ok...stupid enough, right? Well, get this...she lands safely, with just a sprained ankle, and is found in the snow by a man carrying an axe. She is carried safely back to his house. She awakes to find him standing over her w/ an axe. She threatens him w/ a fireplace poker (sure...that'll work against an AXE!). He then takes off his hood and she realizes that he is....none other than....Smokey Robinson! OMgosh...I was screaming out loud at the cat about how stupid I was for watching this show.

But, yep...I'll turn it on again tomorrow.

End of an era

Rachel recently lost a tooth. She came up to me and was kind of hinting around about putting her tooth under the pillow for the tooth fairy. It was obvious from the way she was talking that she was trying to tell me something. I said, "Rach, do you still believe in the tooth fairy?". She said, "I want money". She cracks me up!

We only have 1 child left who believes in the Tooth Fairy, Santa or the Easter Bunny.....how sad am I?

15% off

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Yesterday was stressful

I was sitting at the computer in our family room yesterday around 3 when I looked out the window and saw our cat. That's strange...our cat is an indoor cat. So, I got up and opened the front door....no cat. I assumed I was imagining things, so I scoured the house for Ozzie and couldn't find him. I did, however, find a window screen in the sun room that was out. A little background info: We have "lost" approximately 6 cats in the 15 years we've been married. Cats live with us for a period of time and then decide, for whatever reason, to hit the road. We even had a cat walk 10 miles back to our old neighborhood after we had moved to Chatham. So, when I saw Ozzie outside, I freaked. I called Thornton home and we both looked for him until I had to take the girls to dance. While I was at dance Thorn called to report that not only was Ozzie out, but Mia had gotten out too! Stupid dog. Thankfully Patrick can now outrun Mia, so she was caught quicker than usual. Thornton and Patrick had to go to the Hitting Center last night, so we couldn't resume our search until about 7:30 when it was dark out. We finally saw Ozzie and chased him to under our pool/deck. Over the next 2 hours, Thornton and I would spot him, but be unable to lure him back inside. Finally, we were able to get him near the front door, Patrick opened the door and in he ran! Ozzie ran straight to the bedroom, hopped on the bed and started grooming himself like nothing had happened. Did he care that Thornton had spent an hour crouched under the deck with a flashlight or that I had been face down in the leaves searching?? No...he was too busy grooming himself. But, I love that cat!

Alison started dance yesterday. All the way there she asked me if I could watch her. So, when one of the dads stayed for "watch week", I decided to stay too. Big mistake. Apparently Alison doesn't know what she wants, because she just stood at the barre and did nothing while I was there. I left after a few minutes and then I guess she did just fine. She must've really liked it, because she asked me after class if she could come tomorrow. I had to explain to her that once a week was plenty for a 7 year old.

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She finally caved!

Alison loves to dance. The thing is...she has never wanted to take dance classes. She's really happy with her one gymnastics class, so I've kind of stopped asking her about dance. Of course, every time she dances at home I tell her that she's not allowed to dance unless she'll take dance class...but she just laughs at me. Well, on Saturday, Alison and Rachel auditioned for a local musical (neither got callbacks...so obviously the director has no taste....) and she did really well at learning the dance. I tried one more time...and just asked if she'd like to start dance and she immediately said YES! I called Rachel's studio and Alison starts dance on Thursday. She is so excited now!! It'll be interesting because Alison is so different from Rachel, but I think she'll have a blast.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Yep...saw my first 2 Christmas commercials today. Normally, I would be a little bit upset that the holiday is being rushed so much, but for some reason, I'm in the mood for Christmas early this year. It's such an amazing time of year. We really try hard to focus on the blessings of the season and see the joy it contains. Of course, the fact that Thornton was writing a new Christmas song last night on the piano might've helped put me in the mood. The song is brilliant and so pretty. My hubby is WAY talented!

Trick or Treating was fun last night. I think it was a bit too much walking for my nieces and I'm sure my SIL is sore this morning from carrying Lauren so much. But, all in all...a great time. Dinner turned out nice, too. I made a ton of chili and thought I'd have a lot of left overs. I underestimated how much Patrick would eat!! He even came home from his friend's house and ate more!

No computer table still....

Been WAY too long...

I know, I know...it's been forever since I've posted. Sorry about that. It all started when our computer desk (a really old wooden table) was starring in a play at church (along w/ the rest of the family). My computer has been set up on a chair, and you have to hunch over to type. Not too comfortable. Well, the play has been over now for close to 2 weeks and my table is still at church. Do you suppose Thornton will take pity on me?

Today is Halloween...woohoo! I just finished decorating the dining room. Thornton's brother and his wife are bringing their daughters (ages 3 1/2 and 2) over for dinner, then we'll go trick or treating. Alison is dressing as a cat and Rachel is going as a Deal or No Deal girl (you know...the ones that hold the silver briefcases?). Patrick is just going to hang out w/ friends, since we don't let him go Trick or Treating at his age. He's cool w/ that, especially since Rachel doesn't like chocolate and gives all of hers to him. He makes out quite well and doesn't have to do any of the walking.

Well, my back is cramping....so that'll do it for today!

Huh?

Thornton and I went to McDonald's today for breakfast. We had a coupon for a free breakfast sandwich. So, I told the cashier that I wanted 2 bagel meals, with one of the sandwiches being free. The manager came over and said, "We can't give you the sandwich free in the value meal, because it's already discounted." Huh? At that point, Thornton had to leave, because he was starting to laugh....and I'm sure he was ready for me to start arguing. But, I didn't (aren't you proud of me?) I was like...whatever, just figure it out however you need to so that I get 2 sandwiches and one of them is free. When I got to the table, Thornton was like, "What in the world was she talking about? Technically, if the product you get free is already discounted, then that's a better deal for McDonalds". Yes...but really, who are we to argue w/ their logic??

Feeling blessed

I'm home by myself right now. Alison is at the Lake house w/ Thornton's parents overnight. The rest of the family is at the Glenwood football game. I was going to go, but I have been having a terrible time today w/ allergies and my head is pounding. I've got Nanny 911 on right now and there's a little 8 year old girl on the show who is the most horrific little child I've seen in a while. It's unspeakable the things she says to her parents. It just makes me feel so blessed that our kids are such respectable children. Sure...they have their moments where I wanna pull my hair out, but all in all, I'm so proud of their behavior and who they are growing up to be.

Now...off to enjoy my solitude!

Parent Teacher Conferences

Thornton and I went to P/T conferences for the girls yesterday. Patrick had such great mid-terms, that we were probably lulled into complacency, and we decided not to meet w/ any of his teachers. Hope we don't regret that decision! Rachel has 3 teachers, since she's in Accelerated Math and Literature. Well...everybody loves Rachel! Her teachers just gushed about how wonderful she is and how well she's doing. We were a little nervous about this year for Rach, since this was the first year that she is doing the accelerated classes. I guess I can stop worrying....maybe!

Alison...well, I wish I could say we got the same glowing report. I just have a feeling that her teacher perhaps doesn't appreciate kids w/ a wee bit too much energy. I just pray for a good year for her. Alison has so much potential and I hope it can be maximized this year.

3 times!!

It's almost embarrassing, but it was 85 degrees in our house, so we turned the air conditioning back on. Yes, it's October. Yes, the air has been off for a month or so. Yes, I love having the house open. But, come on...it was 85 in the house and I was hot! So, Ozzie, who has been loving sleeping in the open window on the sill, had a very time figuring out that the windows were now closed. Three times in the night, the stupid cat jumped up into the closed window. 3 times!! Then he'd whine and jump onto the bed so he could get in my face and protest loudly. I tried explaining to him that today was going to be 92 degrees, but after that, I think we'll be opening the house back up, as it's going to get cooler. I'm pretty sure he didn't understand me, but at least I felt better getting the explanation out there for him.

But I really needed it!

I took a short nap yesterday afternoon. I *really* needed it, too. I mean, my eyes were shutting involuntarily...that means you NEED a nap, right? But, I paid the price last night. I could not fall asleep for anything. Oddly enough, neither could Alison. Poor little thing...she just couldn't fall asleep. It was strange, then, this morning when I went to wake her up and she was easily woken up...which is totally not the norm. I told her that I needed to hop in the shower and that I wanted her dressed before I got out. I went in the laundry room and by the time I was upstairs again, Alison was in my room naked, wanting to shower with me. Strange! Oh and last night, Thornton told Alison she needed to do her homework (why do they wait 'til Sunday night...and why does the 7 year old have homework over the weekend when the older kids don't? ) Anyway, Alison immediately hopped up, got her backpack and did her homework without whining!! Who is this child?

Rachel got to go backstage and onstage at the local production of Cats yesterday. She can not stop talking about how cool it is. She got to see the performers warming up and getting their makeup on, etc. We don't have tickets until Sunday, the last performance of the run, but neither of us can wait!

Patrick got a call last night from a friend inviting him to go bowling w/ the Beta Club. I told him that was fine and asked what the Beta club was. He said it was all the really smart kids in school. Of course, I then replied, "What are you..the token dumb boy?" Patrick and I laughed ourselves silly. I'm so glad I have a son w/ a sense of humor...because he needs it! And, for the record, he's not dumb...midterm grades were all A's and one B.

Ugh...I really need a nap!