SHOW AND TELL: My baby's growing up.

My littlest boy is growing up. He sings his ABCs, knows all his colors, can count to 13, and now he can ride a bike.



To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.

A good day and a sad day...

Today was one of those days that leave you with really mixed emotions. It was both a really awesome day and a really sad day.

I braved the crowds on black Friday and went to spend a gift card at Jo-Anns Fabric and Crafts. I really cleaned up with the sales they had going. I got all the fabric and the batting I want/need to make Gabe a quilt. I also got a pack of desperately needed cross stitch needles. They aren't the petite needles I prefer but they will hold me until I can get some of those. I also got some white and black floss, a pack of glue sticks, a quarter yard of fabric that I need for a special project for my MIL, and 4 rolls of wrapping paper.

Then, I spent the rest of the day being my MIL's chauffer while she did some shopping she needed to get done. We went to the mall to Dillard's to get her some shoes. We also had to stop into another store in the mall. It was at the other end of the mall and we considered walking down there but she asked me if I minded driving around. See, my FIL used to go and walk through the mall with her as a way to get exercise and just pass some time. She was afraid walking through the mall without him would be way to hard emotionally. This was when the sadness crept in. I started thinking and was realizing that how much I miss him and how much my loss and pain pales in the face of what she is dealing with.

We also went clothes shopping for her. My MIL has lost a significant amount of weight since my FIL passed away. Her pants are hanging on her and make her look biggger than she is. We found one nice pair in Hudson Belk. We were palnning on going straight from there to Avenue which is a fabulous store for Plus Size women. However, we realized that it was almost 2:30 and neither of us had eaten since early in the day and sinceMIL is a diabetic we HAD to stop to eat. We had a delicious lunch at Pei Wei diner. I highly recommend the Thai Coconut Curry chicken if you ever stop in there...yum yum. We finally made it to Avenue at almost 4. It was worth the wait because MIL hit the jackpot there. My MIL needs pants with a shorter leg...a plus sized petite (yeah, I know its an oxymoron). Not only did they have a wide range of petites but they also carry pants with the length needed by tall women too. By taking advantage of both sales prices and a 30% off total price offer (had to fill out a store card application), my MIL got 4 pairs of pants, 5 shirts, and a beautiful wrap for only $120...and one of those shirts was for me :) While seeing her buy clothes that fit hera nd look good on her mad eme happy, watching her buy those clothes also made me sad. She's lost the weight becaue my FIL isn't here anymore cooking all the wonderful food that he always made...and, she bought almost all black because she said she just doesn't want to wear bright colors right now and she honestly doesn't know when or if she will want to wear them again.

I can't even begin to imagine the loss she is feeling. Dad was a part of her life for almost 60 years. While they had been married almost 40 years, they first met when he was 13 and she was 12. Can you imagine loving someone that long and then having them ripped away from you? I know I can't begin to imagine how it feels. I loved spending the day with her but I wish it had been for a happier reason.

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Luckily, when I got home, Ms. Kymberli of I'm the Smart One made me smile when she gave me two awards.

Thanks for the compliments that went along with this award. I also received this award from Carolyn a couple of weeks ago. I'd like to pass this award on to...
Cara...she is insightful, driven to help, and has made such an impact on us all in the short time she's been blogging.
Antigone...she has shown more strength than I can ever imagine having. She is such an inspiration.
Margaret and Helen...they probably don't have a clue who I am but I love, love, love their blog. They are smart, funny, and speak their minds. They've also been friends for 60 years. I want to be just like them when I grow up.
Roslyn...she's a great writer, she tells it like it is, and makes up wonderful words like fucknuttery. Love, love, love that word!
Jen...she's a great friend, bakes, and decorates amazing cakes, puts her hubby's photography into amazing slideshows, and does it all while parenting 6 kids.

I can't say it any better than Kym did..."This stroke of genius award was developed by Angry IF. She gave this to all of us, and I'm giving it to all of you. If you haven't done so already, read about the significance of this award and pick one up for yourself. Well done, Angry. Brilliant."

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. You have added friendship, joy, and wisdom to my life. I hope you and yours have a wonderful day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Its the bugs in the flour!

Any of y'all who cook or bake should understand this reference. Every now and then, even with modern technology, you'll open a bag of flour and there will be creepy crawlies in there. These bugs in the flour ruin the flour and mess up the baking or cooking that was planned. My *sbc Jennifer and I have a long running joke about my hubby (or the y chromosome in general) being the "bugs in the flour" that cause kids to do weird, silly, or clueless shit.

When Joey looks at me and asks, "Why do I have to do everything right when you tell me to?", that's the bugs in the flour effect. When Gabe is stubborn beyond belief, I blame it on the bugs in the flour. And, when Marty is being so typically teenaged male, that is DEFINITELY the bugs in the flour.

I definitely think we can chalk up the fascination with burps, farts, and grossness as part of the bugs in the flour phenomena. Oh yeah, the ability to deny that the pee splashed on the side of the toilet is their fault is definitely caused by the bugs in the flour...cause according to them, they never miss when they aim...never mind that I don't stand up to pee so it couldn't have been me.

I think the inability my two oldest sons have to empty their pockets must also be cause by the bugs in the flour. **I can't remember the last time I threw something in the wash when I still had stuff in the pocket. I also think my sons' ability to look at a sink and be unable to determine which side is dirty has to be blamed on the bugs in the flour.

I'm sure y'all have some other examples of behavior caused by the bugs in the flour. Care to share them with me?


*sbc = sister by choice
** I have washed stuff of theirs that had things in the pockets but that's because they were int he dirty clothes pile and I didn't think to check the pockets.

I love funky socks

Its a weakness. I know it. But, I really do love funky socks. I've even been known to wear them when I'm dressed up and look really nice. Even at a dressy occasion, you never know when I have a little touch of funky style hiding under my pants or boots. These wonderfully wacky socks currently grace my sock drawer...



Thanks to the fabulous author of Baby Smiling In The Back Seat, I have discovered some more socks I must have. I really need a pair of the socks handcrafted by The Sock Lady of Solmate Socks My favorite pair over there so far are the sangria socks... These socks are purposely made as mismatches and I love them. Pop on over there and take a look for yourself.

SHOW AND TELL: Cruz Party Central

A wonderful time was had by all at the party today. Here are a few pics...

Gabe's Clue Cake


Joey's Darth Vader Cake


The raging light saber battle


Backyard Fort


Gabe opening presents


Time for cake


Trampoline Time


The kids had a great time. There were no squabbles...and the house isn't even a wreck. It was so much fun. And Joey...Joey made my heart sing. Marty was admiring all of Joey's stuff, particularly the Floam and Joey's Lego Exoforce toy. Joey gave Marty one of his containers of floam just to make him happy. It made me so proud of him.

To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.

A chicken with my head cut off!

I haven't forgotten about IComLeavWe...honest I haven't! I am running around like a madwoman trying to get ready for a dual birthday party for Gabe and Joey. I have frosted one cake and have one more to go. Wish me luck!

One the plus side, I should have a really cool Show and Tell for y'all later.

Happy Anniversary!

14 years ago, I married my best friend and soul mate. I still don't know how I got so lucky. Vic is my rock, my foundation, and, with him by my side, I can make it through anything.

Its funny but , if you had asked me back in high school who I would marry, I would have described someone both entirely like and entirely different from my husband. I would have described a man of intelligence, a man with a passion for his job, a man with a strong faith in both God and family. Vic is all those things and more. However, I also pictured myself married to someone with a high powered, white-collar career. I don't know why. I just did. Back then, I also pictured myself having some high powered career. Instead a found exactly what I wanted and needed in a man who has spent his career serving the public...first as a firefighter and now as a 911 director. I also found a man who was willing to work his ass off so I could stay home with our kids. I'm so immensely thankful I got him.

Vic is kind, funny, and very intelligent. He is a total smartass and has a quick wit (hehehe, one day I'll have to tell you about his Canadian conspiracy theory. You'll be rolling on the floor laughing before its over). He is also stubborn and maddening (but, then, what male isn't). There have been moments I have been totally pissed off at him and I'm know there have been times I have ticked him off completely but we have never, ever gone to bed mad at each other or help onto that anger for a ridiculous reason.

I married the man of my dreams and I hope we have at least another 50 yrs together.

Crafting is a hazardous activity

Well, it is hazardous when you attempt to do it with a rambunctious near 3 yr old in the room. I was trying to finish assembling a quilted totebag while Gabe was running around the living room. The fabric was starting to bunch under the presser foot on my sewing machine. I reached up to straighten it out and was only partially paying attention because Gabe was being silly. I put my finger in the wrong spot and ended up sewing through the side of my finger. Luckily, a little antibiotic cream and a bandaid took care of it. I finished the totebag which is a long, long overdue present for my bestest friend Jennifer. Without further ado, here are pics of the totebag and other crafty things I've finished in the last 2 weeks.

Jennifer's totebag





Scarf for a 15 yr old girl



Scarf and Hat (for an adult) modeled by Gabe




Snowflake Christmas Tree

Calgon take me away...

I am feeling just a wee bit overwhelmed right now. I have sooooo much to do so I've avoiding it by posting here instead.

I have until Thursday night to get the house cleaned for the birthday party this weekend. We are having both Joey's and Gabe's party this weekend. Gabe isn't officially 3 until December 2nd but, with us having to schedule Joey's party so late, the only solution I could find was to celebrate them together.

On Friday, I have to get the last of the stuff to make 2 cakes. Yeah, I said two. Joey was more than amenable to sharing his party with Gabe but he requested a separate cake. Joey wants a Star Wars cake and Gabe wants a Clue (Blue's Clues) cake. I think I'm going to cheat a bit on Joey's cake and but some Star Wars figurines to top the cake with. At 2 pm, on Saturday I will have about 25 to 30 people at my house for the party (eeeek).

I also have to start preparing things for Thanksgiving. We are taking everything over to my MIL's house so she doesn't have to worry about it. My FIL was the one who used to do all the holiday cooking so we've taken that over this year. I still don't know how many people we are talking about because hubby dearest keeps forgetting to call his mom and find out how many of his siblings will be there.

I have multiple crafty projects that I am committed to doing (a few cross stitch RRs and a baby quilt) in addition to ones I want to do. One cousin is getting married in December and I just don't know if I can fit in the stitching project I want to do for her. And, her sister is having her first baby in May. At least I have time for that project. I just don't think there is any way to complete everything I want to complete.

And, of course, Christmas is practically around the corner. Somehow I have to find a way to finish/get everyone's present. The price of gas (until recently) stretched our budget to the max and didn't leave us room for much saving for Christmas presents. Most relatives will be getting picture DVDs. Its a nice, personalized but inexpensive present but to do it I have to comb through years of digital pictures...ugh.

Oh yeah...you also have to throw in my birthday in December and our anniversary on November 21st.

This isn't even counting our normal weekly activities (church on Sunday, TKD twice a week, cub scouts on Tuesday.

CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!

SHOW AND TELL: Happy Birthday my dear Joey

8 yrs ago on November 15th, Joey made a surprise early appearance. Despite being almost 4 weeks early, Joey was healthy and strong. I had a 20 inch long, 7 lb preemie. His first day was a little scary. He had to spend 24 hours in an oxygen tent while they made sure he didn't have any lung problems.

Luckily, he had no problems with his lungs. The fluid in them was just because I never went into labor and it quickly resolved itself. He was able to go home after only 4 days in the hospital.




This teeny little bundle of joy has grown into an incredible young man. He is smart, funny, and strong.

He is so very kind and gentle. He is so good with his little brother. Gabe truly adores Joey and with good reason.

I am in awe of my boy. He is my heart and soul and I can't imagine life without him in it. I am so very lucky to be his mother. Happy Birthday dear boy.


To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.

Save the Ta-Tas

Did the title make you look? I hope so. I recently became aware of a fabulous group who is raising money to fight breast cancer - Save the Ta-Tas. To date, they have raised over $200,000 to help the fight against breast cancer. Their stated purpose is "to bring joy and healing to the world." I think that is a pretty damned good reason for existence. Their core values are listed as...

We believe that laughter heals.

We believe in leading with a spirit of excellence.

We believe that integrity and generosity brings success for all.

These are sacred and unchanging.
These are our guiding principles for all we do.

Once again, this is a statement I can get behind.

The fabulous people behind this company have come up with a line of t-shirts that promote supporting the search for a cure without being gloomy or depressing. Two of my favorite t-shirts from the women's line are
and

They also have a line of men's shirts and some of them are pretty funny. I like these two...
and

If you would like to read a little bit more about this fabulous company, you can read the NY Post article or visit the SaveTheTatas.com website.

All though cancer is never a laughing matter, they have proven that a positive attitude can help the outcome when people are undergoing medical treatment. This could be a wonderful way to lift someone's spirits and help support the search for a cure. I have 2 dear friends who are breast cancer survivors and I hope one day no one has to lose someone to this disease.

Let's help Save The TaTas!

Update on Michelle...

They didn't have to wire her jaw shut (YAY) but they did have to put three small titanium plates in her chin. That is where her jaw was broken...right where the two sides grow together. The downside is that to put the titanium plates in, they ended up having to stretch a few nerves so there is a chance she may never regain full sensation on her chin. She will definitely be able to smile or frown or laugh but she may not fully feel hot or cold in the areas affected by the nerves that were stretched.

What pisses me off...

1. That her charges were more serious that the charges brought against the bastard that attacked her. I know that if the jack-off wants to press charges that, by law, the charges must be filed but it still pisses me off.
2. That the first cop on the scene totally refused to believe Michelle didn't know who this bastard was and implied she MUST have done something to piss him off.
3. That a whole convenience store full of people watched as this happened. They didn't call 911 and they didn't do anything to help when she had to repeatedly tap (and it must have been tap because he didn't need a doctor) him with her bumper to keep him between his truck and her car when he was trying to come back and attack her again.
4. That the police arrested her right as she came out of surgery...before she even got her first dose of post surgery pain killers.

What makes me happy:

1. Michelle has a great lawyer who is going to try and get the bastards charges upped to assault on a female and possibly invoke that he used deadly force which could be proved by the size differential and the injuries sustained.
2. Michelle is going to file a complaint with the chief of police based on how she was treated.
3. That Michelle's job instituted a workman's comp claim with her even asking (the injury and time off are covered because she was commuting home from work when this happened).
4. That Michelle isn't more seriously injured.

I am so DAMNED MAD...

My friend Michelle came through surgery fine but, when they released her from the hospital, she was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The bastard that attacked her decided to file charges against her for her hitting him with her car (self defense after he attacked her). And, to make matters worse, he broke her jaw and all they can charge him with is simple assault.. That is seriously fucked up!

The Randomness of Me, an award, and a prize

Velda tagged me to share 6 things about me.
The rules are as following:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Random Facts

1. Technically, I am Chinese-American. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan in a Chinese owned hospital and being born there technically gives me dual citizenship.
2. I only applied to one university (Duke) for early decision admission and got in.
3. I have an ex-roommate who is serving a life sentence for murder (he was living with my roommate).
4. I have driven over 100 mph.
5. My 3 successful pregnancies have cause my boobage to increase by 7 cup sizes. I now have to custom order my bras.
   
6. I have more friends that I've met online than I've met IRL. My longest online friendship which has become a real life friendship is over 8 yrs old...but my longest friendship is with Jennifer, my sister by choice, 24 yrs.
7. My 7th grade science teacher (who looked exactly like Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka) was featured on the national news one night because he violated school policy and took students on a religious retreat.

Yeah, I know thats 7 facts but the last one was just too priceless to leave out.

I'm going to tag Christa, Dora, MrsSpock, Pam, Amanda, and Cara.

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An Award...given to me by the fabulous Carolyn



I really don't know who to nominate because I think all the people on my blogrolls are FABULOUS. If you want to pass this on, consider yourself nominated by me and pass it on.

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A prize...remember how I told y'all that I had won a jar of Chupacabra Salsa. Well, it came in and is delicious. I hid it from my kids so I get to eat it all!!!

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BTW, I just noticed my post count for this year is greater than my previous two highest yearly totals added together....ad I didn't even start actively posting until halfway through this year.

The King Street Players present:

The things kids say
EM isn't really evil here...well, maybe just a little.

EM is in the kitchen preparing dinner while MBMS is doing homework.

EM: Oh wow...these are way too big.
MBMS: What are too big?

EM holds up a chicken breast that looks like it came from a mutant chicken.

EM: These are too big.
MBMS: What is it?
EM: A chicken breast...its enough for three servings.
MBMS theatrically moaning: Oh mom...you put such horrible images in my head.
EM: Dude, I was talking about chicken. I didn't make your mind go there.
MBMS: But I'm not old enough for images like that. I still think "IT'S" gross.

EM totally loses it!

MBMS: Whats so funny, Mom?
EM: Bwahahahahahahaha...obviously, your brain is old enough...it went there!

A few minutes later when EM finally stops laughing, she decides to tease MBMS some more...

EM: Hey Marty...
MBMS: Yeah mom...
EM: You know how you want another little brother or sister?
MBMS: Yeah
EM: If we do get pregnant again, guess what I'm going to spend the whole time reminding you of?
MBMS: Eeeeewwwwwwww...gross!
EM: Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Scene fades to black.........

Can y'all pray for my friend?

A close friend of my family (hehe, another one of the strays my parents "adopted") was attacked and injured yesterday. She works in Raleigh and had just left work to go home. She pulled into the gas station at the local Wal-Mart to fill up because she had a 1 hr commute home. Her car window was down while she was waiting to pull up to the gas pump. While she was waiting, this huge man (over 6 ft tall) came up top her window and said, "I'm going to give you what you deserve bitch" and then slammed his fist into her face about 6 times. The whole time he was hitting her, Michelle was trying to get her car in gear. As fast as it started, he stopped and headed towards his truck which was right by her car. Michelle was afraid he was going to get a gun so she jammed the car into gear and hit him (YAY). The asshat jumped into his truck and took off. The whole attack was caught on video and, despite the pain she was in, she had the presence of mind to get his license plate nu,mber. She was taken to the hospital and they arrested the bastard who hurt her last night. Michelle is going to have surgery today because the attack left her with a jaw broken in two and one half was shove back out of place. At this point, the police are chalking the attack up to road rage because Michelle has never met the attacking bastard before in her life.

Luckily, my sister was able to take care of Michelle's daughter last night but that did mean she had to break the news to her this morning. Please say a prayer for both of them.

Honoring All Who Served

What is today to you? Is it just another day off work or school or do you remember the real purpose of today?

Today is November 11th. Today is Veterans Day. It's is not a day for being lazy. It's not a day for sleeping late. Its a day for remembering and honoring The brave men and women who lay their lives on the line so we can have our freedom.

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day and was put in place to honor the brave men who fought for us during World War I. *"President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

Please take a moment today to recognize our veterans. Stop and say a prayer. Explain the significance of the day to your children. If you know a veteran, a veteran's family, or an active duty military member, take a moment and say thank you. No matter how you feel about the current wars we are fighting...no matter how much you might wish we could solve all the world's problems without war...the fact remains that we wouldn't have the freedom for you to espouse those beliefs without the men and women who have laid their lives on the line.

To my dad, Major Owen Joseph O'Donnell III; my FIL, Command Sergeant Major Sigifredo Cruz- Vega; and my grandpa, Lt. Colonel Martin Iverson...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you gave to this country. Dad...enjoy the day. Grandpa and Sig...I miss you with all my heart.


*The complete history of Veterans Day can be found here.

**Take a moment and watch this wonderful video...George Canyon's I Want You To Live

SHOW AND TELL: a sunset goodbye...

These pictures were taken the evening we went to sea to scatter my grandma's ashes back in May of 2002.



















To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.

Dum dum dum dum....

The King Street Players announce the Return of Evil Mom accompanied for the first time by Psycho Dad!

When kids are living large and loving life, who comes swooping in to ruin all the fun?
Its Evil Mom and her partner in oppression, Psycho Dad!

Our almost teen, the much beleaguered middle schooler Marty, got BUSTED. Marty conquered his fever and went back to school today. Of course, that meant in addition to the normal homework, he had all the make up work from Wednesday to do when he got home. He started lobbying as soon as we walked through the door.

MBMS: Mom, can't I do 3 of my four subjects and then go to a friend's house?
EM: Marty, I'm not sure...
MBMS: But mom, literature homework is really easy. I can get it done in only a few minutes. As soon as I get home from X's house, I can do that and my clarinet practice.

Given that Marty had been really good about his homework and everything since we had a homework issue about 2 weeks ago, I gave into a weak moment and agreed.

EM: Ok Marty, but you HAVE to get all that done (science, social studies, and math) before you go.

45 minutes later EM is leaving to pick up Joey from school...

MBMS: Mom, if I go to someone's house, I should leave you a note, right?
EM: Yes. Let me know where you are heading but remember you need to finish the work first.
MBMS: Ok mom.

EM returned from picking up Joey from school and found a note from MBMS stating he went to X's house. Fast forward to about 5 pm...

Ring, ring, ring
EM picks up phone: Hello
MBMS: Mom, I started feeling bad again. Can you come to X's house and pick me up?
EM: Sure, I'll be right there.

EM makes her second error of the day...failing all those who look to her leadership in the oppression of middle schoolers. EM figures that, since MBMS only has language arts left to do, it would be ok to let him wait a bit before he does homework to let the motrin kick in and get rid of the headache. After all, he will be able to concentrate much better that way. About 35 minutes later, Pycho Dad (henceforth known as PD) comes in from work.

PD noting MBMS in front of tv: Hi guys. Marty, are you done with your homework?
MBMS: I feel sick dad. Mom is letting me wait a little before I finish the last part of my homework.
PD to EM: Hi hon. How was your day?
yada yada yada...ad lib parental duscussion

PD exits stage right to change out of his uniform.

EM to MBMS as she finishes fixing dinner: Do you feel like eating now?
MBMS: Not right now.
EM: Then go ahead and start on the homework.

EM pauses when she mnotices MBMS takes out his math homework but then figures he must have decided to do language arts before he went to X's house.

Everyone else eats dinner. The evening drags on and the homework continues to be done with help on fractions from EM. EM is questioning MBMS judgment in waiting to do math rather than waiting to do language arts but still doesn't suspect she's been played.

PD: Marty, aren't you done with your homework yet?
MBMS: No dad, I've only got a little left.
PD: Try to hurry. You need to take a shower tonight.

homework drags on

EM: How much more do you have to do?
MBMS: I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry
EM: I don't need sorry. I need to know how much longer this is going to take.
MBMS: I'm going as fast as I can.
EM slightly sarcastic tone of voice: Well maybe, just maybe, the math shouldn't have been left until after X's house. That wasn't a good decision.
MBMS: I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry

Given past history and excessive apologies, EM starts smelling a rat.

EM: Well, this is ridiculous. From now on, all homework and all practice WILL be done before you go anywhere.
EM to PD: Since this is taking so long, can you give Gabe his bath?
PD: Sure

20 minutes later, PD comes back out after finishing Gabe's bath.

PD: Hon, I forgot Gabe's pajamas. Can you get him a pair?
PD: How much longer Marty?
MBMS: I only have about 5 math problems left and then I have language arts.

screeeeeech...back the bus up...

EM: YOU HAVE WHAT? WHAT WAS OUR DEAL? IS THERE A REASON YOU ALSO HAVE LANGUAGE ARTS LEFT?
MBMS looking pitiful and realizing he's busted: Soooorry
EM and PD at the same time: Sorry doesn't cut it.
EM as she leaves room to get Gabe's pjs: You screwed up big time.

EM gives PD pajamas for Gabe and returns to the position of homework police.

MBMS: Mom, I thought you should know, Dad grounded me.
(MBMS is obviously hoping EM will get mad at PD)
EM: Good, you deserve it. Not only did you not follow through on the homework, you deliberately broke our deal and then didn't fess up because you thought you would be able to finish quickly enough that I wouldn't notice. And, you didn't need to tell me. Dad would have. We don't hide things from each other.
MBMS: How long am I grounded for?
PD and EM: We'll let you know. Don't worry about it. We'll figure it out.

At 9 pm, math homework is FINALLY done. EM and PD put Joey to bed. EM is putting Gabe to bed and MBMS is doing language arts under PD supervision. In the 10 minutes it takes to get Gabe to sleep, Marty finishes language arts. Homework is done and the other kids are in bed. Its time for the come to Jesus meeting.

EM: You know hon, since it hasn't been that long (less than a month) since his last homework issue, I think he needs to be grounded for at least a week. No going to friends houses and definitely no having them come here.
PD: Sounds good.
PD: Marty, I am very disappointed in you. I don't ever expect this behavior form you.
EM: I'm not just disappointed. I am royally pissed off. You deliberately broke your word. You deliberately lied. You played me.
PD: Let me tell you Marty...if this ever, and I mean ever, happens again...
MBMS morosely: I know, I lose everything.
PD: You will lose everything and don't be surprised if I restrict you from everything for 2 or 3 months at a time.
EM: And, don't be surprised if I don't take you at your word for a while. You lied.
PD: If this becomes a habit, I can just ground you until you turn 18.
EM is biting her tongue to keep from laughing.
MBMS looking very close to tears: I'm so sorry.
EM: You know it is ok to cry.
MBMS: No, no, its not that. My head just hurts. I need more medicine.
EM deciding to let him save face: Ok...finish getting ready for bed and I'll get you some tylenol.

EM and PD tuck a quiet and sad Marty into bed and go back out to the living room.

EM laughing: You know hon, you can't really ground him until 18. He does have to grow up and be ready to move out after all.
PD: I know. If he says something, I'll tell him what my dad told me when I asked him about similar threats.
EM: Whats that?
PD: Dad told me, "You lied to me so I lied to you."
EM and PD: Bwahahahahahahahahahahaha

And the scene fades to black......

What really happened on my election day

I didn't include this in my post about the election because I didn't want to focus on this crappola. I wanted to focus on the phenomenal, amazing occurrence...the election of Obama as president. Now that we are a day or two out, I can tell you about the hell that was my day. I think voting was the only thing that went smoothly that day.

When we got up Tuesday morning, Marty woke up with a fever. And, its all due to the brilliant decision making skills a middle schooler exhibits. The day before, Marty had gone over to his friend's house. After being there for half an hour, *he found out his friend's mom was asleep in her bedroom with a fever. Did he chose to come home at that point and minimize his exposure? Hell no. Instead, he stayed there and played for another 4 hours. UGH. So, in addition to having to take all 3 kids with me to vote, one of them was sick. Luckily, there was no line and we voted (me and the kids in the kids election) and were out of there.

It was also raining all day long and was just chilly enough that you didn't want to be out in it. So, imagine a day with 3 kids stuck in the house because of the rain. Then, right after lunch, Joey and I were going to play a board game. I was sitting at the table waiting for him and he said, "Mom, Jolie (our dog) is bleeding and there is blood all over the floor." Well fuck me. There was blood all over the floor. I got Jolie to lay down because it was apparent the blood was coming from a paw. Once I was able to look at it, it looked like on of the pads on her foot was torn and bleeding profusely. I put a towel under her paw, wrapped the paw in a damp washcloth, and put gentle pressure on it. Then I had Joey call Vic at work and tell him I needed him at home and why. Once Vic got home, I picked Jolie up (all 60+ pounds of her) and carried her out to the van. Gabe stayed home with Marty. I climbed in the back with the dog and Joey climbed int he fromt wiht Vic. I turned out that Jolie somehow ripped her claw completely out. I didn't hear any yips or yelps so I don't know how or exactly when but she did it. She had to stay at the vet's since they had to anesthetize her in order to clean it and check if it needed stitches.

Vic took Joey and I back home and headed back to work. I then got to spend a ridiculous amount of time cleaning the blood off my rug, my tile floor (it dripped when I was carrying her), my shoe, my shirt, the rug in my van, and off the back of the van seat. I had intended to clean up the den on Tuesday but I got to spend all that lovely time cleaning up blood...whee fun. Then, I went to bring in our other dog, Jack, from the back yard and he was covered in mud. At that point, I figured what the hell, I'm already wet, tired and dirty, so I picked Jack up and threw him in the bath tub and washed him. Jack is not fond of baths so I got even more wet and dirty in the process. Then, because he tracked mud into the house before I realized how dirty he was, I had to clean and vacuum the rug I had just cleaaned blood off of.

When I finished all this, I realized it was far to late to cook the roast I had bbeen planning to have for dinner so I had to make something else entirely. Thank God for ground beef and non-picky kids.

By this time, it was pushing 4 pm and I had to pick up Jolie from the vet's office at 4:30. So, $400+ later, I have a dog with a shaved, cleaned nailless toe, an e-collar, antibiotics and pain meds for her toe, and ear meds for the asymptomatic ear infection she had. As a bonus, we got to keep the styling pawprint neck kerchief the vet's office had put on her. Thanks to the dog inspired activity and cleaning, none of the other things I had planned to do on Tuesday got completed. And, now I have the joyous fun of living with a pissed off dog who really doesn't like the e-collar thats keeping her from chewing on her healing toe. Jolie is purposely running it into things as a way of protesting its very existence. When we are really lucky, she runs the collar into us.

This most fabulous day was capped off by a severe lack of sleep due to Marty spiking his temp in the middle of the night and puking.

Wednesday was a much calmer day and today is even better still because Marty is back at school.


* Don't even get me started about how fucking pissed off I am that Marty's friend was allowed to have him come over when there was someone that sick in their house...grrrrrrr!

The funniest post election post ever...

Do yourself a favor and go read the 12 Real Reasons Obama Won. It is truly the funniest take on the election I have read in a while.

Thanks Monnie for pointing it out.

What a day, what a night, What a PRESIDENT!!!

I am just beyond thrilled with the presidential election results. As I sat watching the results last night, I could feel the *anticipation building. When it came up on screen that McCain was going to give his concession speech my heart swelled with joy. McCain's speech last night was gracious and classy. No whining and moaning from him last night. And then came the speech, that incredible speech given by President-elect Obama. Obama shone last night. Damn what a speech. He was inspiring. He was humble. He was Presidential!

I have now witnessed 3 things in my life that I never thought I would see. I never thought I would see the Berlin Wall come down. I never thought I would see the Soviet Union fall. And, I never thought I would live to see an African-American elected president. I just really never thought our country would grow that much and do it that quickly. I have never been so happy to be proven wrong. It says a hell of a lot about our country that in little more than one generation we have gone from the civil rights marches and the hoses and the riots to the joyous celebration that happened last night. **I have never seen crowds out celebrating the results of an election like I did last night. The crowd in Times Square rivaled the New Year's Eve crowd...wow!

I am proud of my country today. And, while I'm sure there will be political decisions Obama makes that I don't like, I am so glad to have someone in that office that I can genuinely be proud of. May God Bless the United States and may God Bless and watch over the Obamas.


*My anticipation was only interrupted when the reporter from the local ABC station said something about conversating with the crowd in Chicago. WTF!?!? Conversating is not a word. It did provide a good bit of comic relief though.

**Vic said the only time he remembers seeing a crowd like the one in Times Square for a political event was when Nixon stepped down.

Have you voted yet today?

I'm getting ready to go vote. I have my list of who I want for each office. I spent an hour or so last night going through the ballot for my district. If there was a race that I wasn't completely familiar with the candidates (such as the races foe Court of Appeals Judges), I read bios and check campaign websites before I made a choice.

Hehehe, I have decided my husband and I are the types that give pollsters nightmares. My list has democrats, republicans, and libertarians on it.

**I VOTED! And so did my kids. The state is holding a "kids' election" and all kids elementary school age and older get to fill out a mock ballot and they will be tallied and reported. How cool is that?

At only 9:45 this morning, my polling place had already processed 426 voters and there was a constant stream of people coming in. I can't wait to see what the turn out is going to be.

SHOW AND TELL: The Halloween that took 10 yrs off my life.

I got off easy this year in the costume department. Marty decided to go as a vampire again. Joey created a cop costume from his dress up/pretend stuff. And, I finally got Gabe to agree to dress up as a knight. Gabe loved the idea of the knight's helmet and, of course, he liked the sword. However, until he saw Marty wearing his vampire cape, he flat out refused to wear the knight's cloak we have. Once Marty's cape was on, Gabe was happy to wear his. I decided to go ugly. I put on my fake nose and chin, green makeup, and frizzed my hair as big as it would go. Gabe's first response was, "Take it off mommy."

We had gone about 1 block when Gabe decided it was time to scare the shit out of mommy and Aunt Jennifer. He pulled away and took off running towards the road to go across to the next house. As he started running, a car (traveling way to damned fast for a Halloween night) started down the road. It was one of those moments when you see whats happening and you know you can't stop it. All I could see flashing in front of me was my precious boy in a crumpled heap. I screamed like I have never screamed before..."NO". The part of my brain that was "watching" this all happen thought, "Boy, I've never heard her voice sound like that before." Gabe must have picked up on the sheer terror in my voice because he screeched to a halt. The

woman in the car evidently heard me too because she hit her brakes. The car and my precious boy came to a stop less than 2 feet apart. 2 or 3 more steps and Gabe would have been immediately in front of that car's bumper and I wouldn't have been able to save him. I somehow managed to keep from totally losing it and collapsing into a sobbing pile of goo right there and we went on to have a wonderful evening. I don't think I stopped shaking for at least another 10 minutes. Gabe, on the other hand, only seemed to be affected by it all for about 10 seconds.

The kids were all thrilled because the people in our neighborhood gave out great candy and they got tons of it.

Gabe provided the comic relief because he wouldn't say Trick or Treat. He would hold up his bag and say "Put it in mine bag." and then he would thank them a few times.

Over all, I'd say it was a Halloween we will never forget.


To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.