Cheers!

New Year's Eve used to be a time to par-tay. Now I'm hoping that I don't have to stay up past midnight because whenever I do I end up super grouchy and yell at my kids all day.

New Year's Day used to be a time to sleep 'till noon to avoid a hang over, wake up gradually and then enjoy a meal cooked by somebody else. Now I hope that my son stays in bed until "his clock turns green" and we can enjoy a somewhat peaceful family meal, either breakfast, lunch or dinner (I'm not picky). And by peaceful I mean no tears, no whining, and no spills...I'll still have to get up every other bite for ketchup or extra napkins or more tea.

Then I would spend an hour getting ready for the big par-tay. Now I take a five minute shower so I can leave as soon as the sitter arrives. Then I would drink margaritas and too many beers and munch on chips and salsa. Now I may sip a mimosa or two and enjoy a real dinner. Then I would play cards or spoons or the infamous vegetable game (butter bean, butter bean calling on corn, corn!). Now I play Scrabble or The New Yorker or Wii (tennis rules!). Then I would hope to have a bed with sheets. Now I know that my comfy pillows await.

Then was fun and carefree but often empty. Now is a different kind of fun but always full.

Check out the pic of me and my hubby our first New Year's after we were married. Hmmm, carefree alright!

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out

Yesterday I returned from celebrating Christmas with my dad's side of the family. That half always gets together the weekend before Santa visits. We all traveled home in one piece but we may not stay that way. My father gave me a shotgun for Christmas.

Yes, I said shotgun. What in the world will I do with a shotgun? I haven't the foggiest. Maybe I can shoot the pesty beavers if they ever return (that's another story). My hubby has begged for a gun for over a year. He said we needed one for protection.

"Protection from what?," would aways be my answer, "Beavers?" Then I would laugh while his shoulders slumped.

I'm beginning to wonder if my sweet, honest hubby and my loving, doting dad premeditated this year's gift. Hmmmm? Time will tell.

In the meantime, I'm taking notes and maybe, just maybe one day I'll be the proud owner of a precious pound puppy!

Some of My Favorite Things

So far this has been the best Christmas season ever! I should probably stop right now and knock on wood because last year was a nightmare. Due to a stomach bug that invaded my family I did not leave the house for 10 days. Ten days!

Anywho, thought I would share with you several of my favs.

#1 My son's Christmas vest

It was given to us by a lovely family friend and I think I love it so because Dylan wants to wear it everyday.

#2 Centerpiece on Dining Table

I stuck cloves in tangerines. Just call me Martha! The smell is, well, if I must say so...perfect:

#3 Easy Candy

At 250 degrees melt Rolos on top of pretzels for 4 minutes. Then smash a pecan on top. Cool and store. Delish and easy, easy, easy!

I could go on and on with my favorites list but I shall stop now and get some sleep. Although my posts seem to be dwindling I do think about the blogger world daily. Is that normal?

May God bless you all and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!! (Just in case I don't get back before Santa visits!)

Alarm Clock #2

Ahhhh, la de da la, ahhhh.

Do you hear that? It's the sound of angels singing. My son stayed in his room until the clock turned green at 6:30AM this morning! My daughter is still sleeping...it is currently 7:20AM! It's a joyous occasion. Granted I heard Dylan playing the bongos before the rooster crows but hey, I'll just make sure the drums are gone tonight prior to lights out.

Visions of serious slumber make me smile as I know gradually that clock will turn green later and later. Ahhhhh.

yuck

I want to write everyday. I do. Sometimes, though, I can't get to the computer or my notebook. Sometimes I have so many ideas bouncing around upstairs that I am unable to make sense of it all. Recently, however, I have been battling the yuck.

What is the yuck you may ask.

First it's hand, foot, mouth had by my son and husband. Second it's pink eye shared between my son and daughter then given to me. Third is a nasty ear, nose and throat infection passed from son to daughter. Fourth is me going crazy from the overwelming amount of blisters, eye goo, snot, runny diapers, and lack of natural vitamin D... a.k.a. yuck.

MaBet's Playhouse

My grandmother transformed an empty corner of a guest room into a child's wonderland. It is complete with a mini-kitchen and baby bassinet. A small shelf contains real food such as (empty) pancake syrup bottles, now antique metal spice boxes, and milk cartons. Eye level with a child a real frame hangs on the wall with picture art cut from a New Yorker.

Old lonely baby dolls with handmade clothes are the permanent residents. However, the magic does not go unnoticed. My son loves that space just as much as I once did. I can count on one hand how many times he has played there but whenever MaBet is mentioned he smiles as he remembers baking muffins and writing letters in her playhouse.

As Christmas nears I look forward to visiting with aunts and uncles, eating ham and homemade pie, and popping bubble wrap, but the kid in me is most excited to join Dylan in MaBet's Playhouse.

Alarm Clock

Recently my lovely children have been waking up before 6:00AM. Even though I am a morning person that is entirely too early. Monday before daylight I yelled at my son twice and ran up and down the stairs several times. While my blood was pumping and I knew that sleep was no more I look over at my hubby and he was snoring. Snoring! How in the world could I be out of breath, angry and craving coffee and he is in dreamland? Not fair!

In my fit of AM rage I searched on-line for answers. I found an alarm clock for toddlers that turns green when it is time to rise and shine. Of course I bought it...over $40 with shipping and handling. Outrageous, I know, but the sleep deprived will do crazy things. Buyer's remorse has settled in but it's too late now. Maybe it will be worth it, I'll let you know.