Hello Everyone! Sorry it has been so long since I blogged, but I am making it up to you by putting in video!!! YIPPPEEEEE (Let's just hope it works!) Anyway, tis the season to do all kinds of fun stuff, and since we have been sick for the last few weeks, we are CRAMMING it all into the final days before Christmas.
Every year M, C, and I head to the cutest little Christmas village where we take a horse and buggy ride, sit by a campfire drinking hot cocoa, and just giggle and have fun looking through the village. Generally they have a few barn yard animals that C loves to visit. This year however, the only darndable animal we could see up close was a donkey named Ditto. Of course M and I were like a couple of little kids because the sign did not SAY that Ditto was a donkey...instead it said "Ditto is a Jackass". Yes K, we are also EXACTLY like two 12 year old boys that snicker and chuckle under our breath at the most ridiculous things. You and J are not alone! Anyway, you will even see the sign in our video, so just in case you are wondering WHY that is a part of the tape, just know we get our kicks in strange ways! ENJOY!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Trip to the Beauty Shop
Our family is really lucky because M has a niece that is an EXCELLENT Beautician, and we get our hair done for virtually nothing. Highlights and a cut might be $30 or $40 bucks yet when she does it, it looks like a million bucks!! The only problem is she is tough to get. Generally we just go to her house, or she comes to ours, but this week has been a challenge because Callie has been sick, and M's niece has been so busy. My Mom has a Christmas picture scheduled for Callie on Saturday so we HAD to go to the beauty shop where M's niece works for Callie's haircut. As M was getting ready Callie started crying and claiming to be scared to go to an actual salon. She was whining and whimpering and we weren't sure if she would go through with it. However, I pulled out the tough love and she unwillingly went out the door with M to get the dreaded haircut.
Of course I KNEW they would make a big fuss over her and make her feel like such a big girl, so I wasn't worried. M's niece had also promised sparkles in her hair, so Callie was a little excited about that. So....how did it go you ask??? Well just look at this beautiful face and you tell me!! I just couldn't get over the curls!! If you turn Callie upside down she has the most bouncy curls. Unfortunately, they are hidden beneath the rest of her hair. However, we learned some tricks to get those curls to pop out, and WOW is she cute with this new cut!! Just had to brag and share her picture with everyone.
Of course I KNEW they would make a big fuss over her and make her feel like such a big girl, so I wasn't worried. M's niece had also promised sparkles in her hair, so Callie was a little excited about that. So....how did it go you ask??? Well just look at this beautiful face and you tell me!! I just couldn't get over the curls!! If you turn Callie upside down she has the most bouncy curls. Unfortunately, they are hidden beneath the rest of her hair. However, we learned some tricks to get those curls to pop out, and WOW is she cute with this new cut!! Just had to brag and share her picture with everyone.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Tree by Callie
Instead of braving the malls at an ungodly hour I decided instead to brave the decorations that Callie picked out this year for her Christmas tree. We actually have two trees in our house; one is in the play room in our basement (which is Callie's tree) and the other is in our upstairs living room in the front window. This year I told Callie that she could do the honors and pick out new decorations for her tree. I just couldn't bear to use the old ones for one more year. They were a culmination of things that I had acquired over the years that really had no sentimental value, and I honestly don't know what I was thinking when I bought them because they were downright UGLY! So those old things will be retired, and in their place will be ornaments chosen by a happy 4 year old that couldn't be more proud of her design. I have to say that we did most of the shopping at the Dollar Store, and the lights came from Wal-Mart because she asked for purple, and those are a little tough to come by. I had a ball watching her toss things in the cart and change her mind a thousand times. She took her job quite seriously, and today, as we got everything out of the bags and sorted it on the floor, she has so excited. She was holding each ornament up and asking which was my favorite. It was a tough call considering that I was choosing between giant pink butterflys, gigantic silver snowflakes, and a wide array of bulbs in every color and size. My favorite part of the entire day was watching her face as she carefully placed each ornament on the tree. She would step back and make sure she liked the spot, and quite often she would remove it from the branch and try another spot until she was satisfied.
So I am sure you are ready for the debut of Callie's first Christmas tree designed and decorated all by our little Christmas angel.
Of course she had to jump in and pose a bit too, so here are a few more shots.
Another really cool part of the day was sharing a memory with Callie that I had when I was a little girl. My Dad had a train that he had gotten as a Christmas present when he was 12 years old. Every year we would get it out and put it around our tree. It was always a project because it was so old, and it never ran quite right. The track had to be sanded, and the transformer would hum and spark with electricity. I loved it though, and once it was running my Dad and I would sit by the tree and watch for hours. When my dad passed away the train became mine, and today Callie and I spent several hours making sure that it would be a part of our Christmas memories together. It took a lot of work to get it to run, but it was just as I remembered. I know it's a little boring, but here is a picture of our train. It is 52 years old this Christmas.
So I am sure you are ready for the debut of Callie's first Christmas tree designed and decorated all by our little Christmas angel.
Of course she had to jump in and pose a bit too, so here are a few more shots.
Another really cool part of the day was sharing a memory with Callie that I had when I was a little girl. My Dad had a train that he had gotten as a Christmas present when he was 12 years old. Every year we would get it out and put it around our tree. It was always a project because it was so old, and it never ran quite right. The track had to be sanded, and the transformer would hum and spark with electricity. I loved it though, and once it was running my Dad and I would sit by the tree and watch for hours. When my dad passed away the train became mine, and today Callie and I spent several hours making sure that it would be a part of our Christmas memories together. It took a lot of work to get it to run, but it was just as I remembered. I know it's a little boring, but here is a picture of our train. It is 52 years old this Christmas.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Price of Poo
So Callie is a child that struggles with constipation, and M and I struggle with what the hell to do to get our child to poop. Amazing how pooping becomes a MAJOR life altering event, but in our household, Callie taking a crap is actually better than having Ed McMahon knock on our door with a giant ten million dollar check. So maybe that is an exaggeration, but let me tell ya, it is a celebration when Callie finally goes to the potty around here. (Remember ladies, I claimed long ago that we have no life, so get over it and keep reading).
We have talked to the pediatrician so many times I am sure she is tired of hearing about Callie's bowel habits, or lack of bowel habits I should say. Well, the bottom line is that Callie is scared that it is going to create PAIN when she goes, so she holds it in only causing MORE pain. Of course we have tried explaining it to her, but when you are four years old and all you know is that when you go to the bathroom your bummy feels like it has been lit on fire, you choose to avoid the voice of reason.
So after giving this child every version of fiber, and loading her up with anything that might make it easier for her to poop, I was told by quite a few folks to give her an incentive. So today as she was writhing in pain and refusing to go to the bathroom, I asked her what toy she would like to have if she went to the potty. She started telling me about a My Little Pony that one of her classmates brought to school for show and tell. So I started telling her that we would go get the pony as soon as she pooped. We went through a lot of tears, and a lot of hesitation, but I finally got her to the bathroom talking all about My Little Pony. She was telling me that this damn Pony sings and dances, so I was playing right into it as she is sitting there with a beet red face and a look of panic. I was telling her that the Pony would be singing and she would have so much fun brushing her hair, and although she was petrified, she was finally trying to go. I was determined!! I kept talking about the Pony and she did the job! YIPPPEEEEEE!!!! I could harddly wipe the child's butt because she was jumping up and down. She couldn't wait to get her prize for pooping. Wouldn't it be great to get the things you want in life just from sitting on the toilet! WOW! Amazing huh....well wait till ya hear this.
I decide to hop on the computer to take a look at this toy I was going to go buy. She told me it sings and dances and plays games. I still wasn't thinking I would have sticker shock, but when this crazy Pony popped up on the Wal Mart site the price tag was $50.00!!! Heaven help me, I just paid a child $50 for poop! I tried to tell her that there were so many other My Little Pony toys and we needed to pick out another one, but her little face looked so betrayed after I practically forced her to push through the pain and actually poop that I knew I was on the hook for this $50 pony!!!
I knew M would be PISSED at me, but hell, she wasn't there! Not easy to see a child in pain and feel so helpless. But ultimately, I was had! In the end though, she did poop, and that was worth $50! Take a look at this happy little girl with her new Pony! The damn thing better know how to wipe Callie's butt too for $50.00 freakin dollars!!!!
We have talked to the pediatrician so many times I am sure she is tired of hearing about Callie's bowel habits, or lack of bowel habits I should say. Well, the bottom line is that Callie is scared that it is going to create PAIN when she goes, so she holds it in only causing MORE pain. Of course we have tried explaining it to her, but when you are four years old and all you know is that when you go to the bathroom your bummy feels like it has been lit on fire, you choose to avoid the voice of reason.
So after giving this child every version of fiber, and loading her up with anything that might make it easier for her to poop, I was told by quite a few folks to give her an incentive. So today as she was writhing in pain and refusing to go to the bathroom, I asked her what toy she would like to have if she went to the potty. She started telling me about a My Little Pony that one of her classmates brought to school for show and tell. So I started telling her that we would go get the pony as soon as she pooped. We went through a lot of tears, and a lot of hesitation, but I finally got her to the bathroom talking all about My Little Pony. She was telling me that this damn Pony sings and dances, so I was playing right into it as she is sitting there with a beet red face and a look of panic. I was telling her that the Pony would be singing and she would have so much fun brushing her hair, and although she was petrified, she was finally trying to go. I was determined!! I kept talking about the Pony and she did the job! YIPPPEEEEEE!!!! I could harddly wipe the child's butt because she was jumping up and down. She couldn't wait to get her prize for pooping. Wouldn't it be great to get the things you want in life just from sitting on the toilet! WOW! Amazing huh....well wait till ya hear this.
I decide to hop on the computer to take a look at this toy I was going to go buy. She told me it sings and dances and plays games. I still wasn't thinking I would have sticker shock, but when this crazy Pony popped up on the Wal Mart site the price tag was $50.00!!! Heaven help me, I just paid a child $50 for poop! I tried to tell her that there were so many other My Little Pony toys and we needed to pick out another one, but her little face looked so betrayed after I practically forced her to push through the pain and actually poop that I knew I was on the hook for this $50 pony!!!
I knew M would be PISSED at me, but hell, she wasn't there! Not easy to see a child in pain and feel so helpless. But ultimately, I was had! In the end though, she did poop, and that was worth $50! Take a look at this happy little girl with her new Pony! The damn thing better know how to wipe Callie's butt too for $50.00 freakin dollars!!!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sleeping Beauty and The Beast
Let me start by telling ya that just because I work from home doesn't mean that Mondays are any easier!!! You can see that because I didn't even get finished with this post on Monday and had to continue it on Tuesday! Okay, being in my jammies versus hose and heels is a plus, and not having to brush my hair and teeth before I head to my office is another. (Not a pretty sight right)
Well yesterday (Monday) my angelic little one was in a rather spirited mood. (Doesn't "spirited" sound much better than simply saying she was a BRAT?!?!?!?!) I think she had WAY too much fun over the weekend. We did a Mommy and Me day on Saturday and we started at Chuck E. Cheese. I admit that I must be one of the only Moms that doesn't mind going there, and in fact, I am just a big kid at heart!!! Love to play the games and collect the tickets. You only need 7 million tickets to get a plastic ring that falls apart in the parking lot on the way to the car!!! They certainly see a sucker coming when I walk through the doors!
From Chuck E. Cheese we went to see Bee Movie. Now that was a treat!! We get there just as the lights are going down. I am juggling popcorn, two drinks, M&M's and of course Callie's blanket, baby, and puppy. Heaven forbid the four year old has to carry anything!!! Geeeeeezzzzz......so we get to our seats and I am trying to see where the hell I can sit our drinks so that I can open the M&M's that Callie has already asked me to open a thousand times. After the 999th time that she asked "Mom will you open these, Mom will you open these"....I finally get them and have to wonder what the hell kind of sadistic bastard has designed this candy bag. I pull, I tug, and of course the entire bag RIPPPPSSSSSSS down both sides! GREAT HUH!!!! I am juggling these damn things, and let me tell ya that they lie when they say they melt in your mouth and NOT in your hands!!!! Here I was holding these melting M&M's because Callie REALLY REALLY REALLY still has to have them. So....picture me with the popcorn on my lap....M&M's cupped in BOTH hands, and our drinks WAY out of reach on the floor. It is at this moment that Callie asks "Mom, can I sit on your lap?" Well, I turned into a magician because there is nothing better than watching a movie with my little one right there on my lap. Not being sarcastic here, I really do love it and know that it won't be long before she will be sitting in her own seat beside me, and then soon after, she won't even want to be in the same row or even the same theater!!! So the fact that she wants to sit with me is a gift that I treasure. So what do I do with this circus of food on my lap??? Well, popcorn bag in teeth moves to the seat on my right. Drinks remain on the floor and Callie climbs in my lap munching on M&M's. You'd think the movie would be over by this point in the drama, but do you believe that they are still showing previews??? I think those damn things are longer than the actual movie. Anyway, we settle in and it is by the way, a good movie.
From the movie we go home to prepare a surprise party for my Mother's birthday. Callie and I were dancing around the living room blowing up pink balloons. We already had our Spongebob party hats on, and as we were taping streamers to every possible spot in the living room, we realized that we hadn't had dinner. Callie went to the kitchen, pulled out the pizza coupons, and told me to make hers plain! I LOVE this kid! So we continued decorating and singing (badly) until the pizza arrived. Then we plopped down on the couch and inhaled it! It was nearly 10:30pm before we climbed the steps to her room and she drifted off to sleep.
On Sunday my Moms arrived for the surprise (which was just Callie and I still in Spongebob party hats). It was great fun though, and my Mom loved it! By the end of the day though, my little girl was turning into The Beast, and I knew I was in for it on Monday. She woke up very crabby, and remained that way most of the day. I had SO much work to do, and by 2:30pm I had to send her to her room. She was insane!!! Sometimes I swear her head spins around and she spews venom! I am NOT tolerant of that behavior, so off to dream land she went. As I woke her from her nap I snapped these shots.
Not looking like a BEAST here at all, and I have to say that when she wakes up she is ALWAYS smiling
However, if you pay close attention to the John Lennon wallpaper border behind our little Beauty, you will see that The Beast was there. She has torn bits and pieces from this paper and has gotten into hot water for it! Looks like her room is ready for an update anyway!
Well yesterday (Monday) my angelic little one was in a rather spirited mood. (Doesn't "spirited" sound much better than simply saying she was a BRAT?!?!?!?!) I think she had WAY too much fun over the weekend. We did a Mommy and Me day on Saturday and we started at Chuck E. Cheese. I admit that I must be one of the only Moms that doesn't mind going there, and in fact, I am just a big kid at heart!!! Love to play the games and collect the tickets. You only need 7 million tickets to get a plastic ring that falls apart in the parking lot on the way to the car!!! They certainly see a sucker coming when I walk through the doors!
From Chuck E. Cheese we went to see Bee Movie. Now that was a treat!! We get there just as the lights are going down. I am juggling popcorn, two drinks, M&M's and of course Callie's blanket, baby, and puppy. Heaven forbid the four year old has to carry anything!!! Geeeeeezzzzz......so we get to our seats and I am trying to see where the hell I can sit our drinks so that I can open the M&M's that Callie has already asked me to open a thousand times. After the 999th time that she asked "Mom will you open these, Mom will you open these"....I finally get them and have to wonder what the hell kind of sadistic bastard has designed this candy bag. I pull, I tug, and of course the entire bag RIPPPPSSSSSSS down both sides! GREAT HUH!!!! I am juggling these damn things, and let me tell ya that they lie when they say they melt in your mouth and NOT in your hands!!!! Here I was holding these melting M&M's because Callie REALLY REALLY REALLY still has to have them. So....picture me with the popcorn on my lap....M&M's cupped in BOTH hands, and our drinks WAY out of reach on the floor. It is at this moment that Callie asks "Mom, can I sit on your lap?" Well, I turned into a magician because there is nothing better than watching a movie with my little one right there on my lap. Not being sarcastic here, I really do love it and know that it won't be long before she will be sitting in her own seat beside me, and then soon after, she won't even want to be in the same row or even the same theater!!! So the fact that she wants to sit with me is a gift that I treasure. So what do I do with this circus of food on my lap??? Well, popcorn bag in teeth moves to the seat on my right. Drinks remain on the floor and Callie climbs in my lap munching on M&M's. You'd think the movie would be over by this point in the drama, but do you believe that they are still showing previews??? I think those damn things are longer than the actual movie. Anyway, we settle in and it is by the way, a good movie.
From the movie we go home to prepare a surprise party for my Mother's birthday. Callie and I were dancing around the living room blowing up pink balloons. We already had our Spongebob party hats on, and as we were taping streamers to every possible spot in the living room, we realized that we hadn't had dinner. Callie went to the kitchen, pulled out the pizza coupons, and told me to make hers plain! I LOVE this kid! So we continued decorating and singing (badly) until the pizza arrived. Then we plopped down on the couch and inhaled it! It was nearly 10:30pm before we climbed the steps to her room and she drifted off to sleep.
On Sunday my Moms arrived for the surprise (which was just Callie and I still in Spongebob party hats). It was great fun though, and my Mom loved it! By the end of the day though, my little girl was turning into The Beast, and I knew I was in for it on Monday. She woke up very crabby, and remained that way most of the day. I had SO much work to do, and by 2:30pm I had to send her to her room. She was insane!!! Sometimes I swear her head spins around and she spews venom! I am NOT tolerant of that behavior, so off to dream land she went. As I woke her from her nap I snapped these shots.
Not looking like a BEAST here at all, and I have to say that when she wakes up she is ALWAYS smiling
However, if you pay close attention to the John Lennon wallpaper border behind our little Beauty, you will see that The Beast was there. She has torn bits and pieces from this paper and has gotten into hot water for it! Looks like her room is ready for an update anyway!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Seems I have been tagged!!!
So K officially tagged me and I guess the cat will be out of the bag when everyone sees that there is nothing AMAZING or INTERESTING going on in my boring little corner of the world. If K thought she had nothing, wait til she sees this snore fest! For those of you that suffer insomnia, this might be your remedy. Just begin reading this nonsense and you will surely be cured. For those of you that actually HAVE a life, I highly recommend that you immediately exit this site. No wait, maybe you will take pity on our less than amazing lives and explain what we can do to actually GET a life!!! It truly is that sad folks! M and I have become a couple of little old ladies that would rather snuggle under our warm electric blanket watching Grey's Anatomy than going out on the town. When we do go out, we are STILL under that darn blanket by midnight because Lord knows that is WAY past our bedtime!!! It is a total YAWN fest in our house! But, in our defense, we are happy to be the little old ladies we have become....well not M so much; she stresses out about aging, and if she tells me one more time that she can't believe she is 43, I might just trade her in for two 21 1/2 year olds! Hell, who am I kidding....I would never be able to keep up with them. So anyway, here goes....6 less than interesting and amazing facts
1. I see dead people....well not really, but when we moved into our home 7 years ago I told M that I felt as if there was an old woman still living there. I actually described her wearing a robe and carrying a glass with some sort of alcohol in it. Well, when our neighbor came by to welcome us, she told us that she hadn't been inside the house since the little old lady that lived there had died. She went on to tell us that the old woman LOVED her Scotch!
I know that this sounds like some twisted camp fire ghost story, but it's true, just ask M....I swear she almost swallowed her teeth that night!! So I guess in a way, I DO see dead people!!
2. To continue with how weird I truly am, every time I have an ache, a pain, or some other bodily malfunction, you can guarantee that my Mother also has the same ache, pain, or whatever. It isn't just normal stuff either! It will be off the wall shit, like my 3rd toe on my left foot will have a cramp, and my Mom will call and tell me she has been having pain in the same damn toe! Or I will get a blister on my hand, and when I see my Mother she will have a blister in the same exact spot! Too bizarre!
3. As hard as it is to admit, I LIKE watching Spongebob Squarepants. I know this isn't amazing, or interesting, and probably borders on plain old SICK, but I will sometimes watch Spongebob even when my 4 year old isn't around! THERE...I said it, I am a Spongebob fan! Is there a support group for that???
4. I am obsessed with teeth (sorry K, I saw your comment about flossing, but regardless of the fact that you HATE flossing, you have great pearly whites). I think teeth are the first things I notice on a person. I think this is because I had braces for 6 years to fix my vicious overbite. I am serious folks when I tell you that I looked like Bucky Beaver's sister. I made his teeth look perfect!
5. I DESPISE chalk and chalk boards.....absolutely HATE them. I kicked a guy so hard in the balls when we were in 7th grade because he wouldn't stop making that SCREECHING sound with the chalk on the chalk board. I bet he wasn't able to have kids later in life because I kicked him so hard. If I remember correctly his voice did get rather high after that incident. Anyway, my poor little girl loves to use chalk, and I can't bear to even touch it. There will be NO chalk boards in my house! It creeps me out so bad it makes my teeth itch....see, told ya I was obsessed with teeth!!!
6. Hmmmm.....can't think of a sixth fact, but I bet you are all glad of that. So let's leave it at five and call it a day! Happy K???
1. I see dead people....well not really, but when we moved into our home 7 years ago I told M that I felt as if there was an old woman still living there. I actually described her wearing a robe and carrying a glass with some sort of alcohol in it. Well, when our neighbor came by to welcome us, she told us that she hadn't been inside the house since the little old lady that lived there had died. She went on to tell us that the old woman LOVED her Scotch!
I know that this sounds like some twisted camp fire ghost story, but it's true, just ask M....I swear she almost swallowed her teeth that night!! So I guess in a way, I DO see dead people!!
2. To continue with how weird I truly am, every time I have an ache, a pain, or some other bodily malfunction, you can guarantee that my Mother also has the same ache, pain, or whatever. It isn't just normal stuff either! It will be off the wall shit, like my 3rd toe on my left foot will have a cramp, and my Mom will call and tell me she has been having pain in the same damn toe! Or I will get a blister on my hand, and when I see my Mother she will have a blister in the same exact spot! Too bizarre!
3. As hard as it is to admit, I LIKE watching Spongebob Squarepants. I know this isn't amazing, or interesting, and probably borders on plain old SICK, but I will sometimes watch Spongebob even when my 4 year old isn't around! THERE...I said it, I am a Spongebob fan! Is there a support group for that???
4. I am obsessed with teeth (sorry K, I saw your comment about flossing, but regardless of the fact that you HATE flossing, you have great pearly whites). I think teeth are the first things I notice on a person. I think this is because I had braces for 6 years to fix my vicious overbite. I am serious folks when I tell you that I looked like Bucky Beaver's sister. I made his teeth look perfect!
5. I DESPISE chalk and chalk boards.....absolutely HATE them. I kicked a guy so hard in the balls when we were in 7th grade because he wouldn't stop making that SCREECHING sound with the chalk on the chalk board. I bet he wasn't able to have kids later in life because I kicked him so hard. If I remember correctly his voice did get rather high after that incident. Anyway, my poor little girl loves to use chalk, and I can't bear to even touch it. There will be NO chalk boards in my house! It creeps me out so bad it makes my teeth itch....see, told ya I was obsessed with teeth!!!
6. Hmmmm.....can't think of a sixth fact, but I bet you are all glad of that. So let's leave it at five and call it a day! Happy K???
Monday, October 22, 2007
Playing Catch Up!
I can't believe how fast this past week has flown! When I realized that I hadn't blogged in over a week I knew that K would be sending the Blog Police after me if I didn't get with it over here.
So...what has been happening in our little world? Well, last weekend our neighborhood had a great little party for the kids where they dressed up and paraded around the park. Of course Callie has been talking about being Spiderman since summertime. She LOVES him, and is constantly pretending that she can spin webs around everything....especially around her Mommy and Mama when they are attempting to discipline her, but that's another story!
Anyway, there she was beside all of the other little girls that were wearing pink lace and frilly gowns when one little girl finally had to ask; "why is she dressed up like a boy?"
M and I didn't have a minute to jump in and answer before Callie spoke up and proudly said "Because I like Spiderman."
I was anxiously awaiting what this child would say in reply because I was completely prepared to drop kick her out of the park if she was going to make fun of my little girl. (Not really, but I gotta admit the thought crossed my mind).
Well, to my surprise, the little girl just said quite perfectly that some little girls like boy things and some little boys like girl things, and "that's okay!"
I was THRILLED! Instead of the drop kick that I had prepared, I wanted to hug this child for being so smart, and so sweet to my little Spiderman! Although I really think Callie was prepared to stand up for herself quite nicely if needed which is so wonderful to know.
Anyway, here are a few shots of our day.
Here's Callie riding the little Ladybug at the park
And Mare wanted a turn on the Chipmunk too....had to let her or she would have cried :-)
Ever seen Spiderman do the limbo? Well now you have!
We also had a relaxing day with our four legged babies too. Meet Izzy the cat and Cappuccino the dog!
And here's Callie's first french kiss...YUCK! Although I think I have had worse dogs stick their tongue in my mouth in past moments I wish to forget!
d
So...what has been happening in our little world? Well, last weekend our neighborhood had a great little party for the kids where they dressed up and paraded around the park. Of course Callie has been talking about being Spiderman since summertime. She LOVES him, and is constantly pretending that she can spin webs around everything....especially around her Mommy and Mama when they are attempting to discipline her, but that's another story!
Anyway, there she was beside all of the other little girls that were wearing pink lace and frilly gowns when one little girl finally had to ask; "why is she dressed up like a boy?"
M and I didn't have a minute to jump in and answer before Callie spoke up and proudly said "Because I like Spiderman."
I was anxiously awaiting what this child would say in reply because I was completely prepared to drop kick her out of the park if she was going to make fun of my little girl. (Not really, but I gotta admit the thought crossed my mind).
Well, to my surprise, the little girl just said quite perfectly that some little girls like boy things and some little boys like girl things, and "that's okay!"
I was THRILLED! Instead of the drop kick that I had prepared, I wanted to hug this child for being so smart, and so sweet to my little Spiderman! Although I really think Callie was prepared to stand up for herself quite nicely if needed which is so wonderful to know.
Anyway, here are a few shots of our day.
Here's Callie riding the little Ladybug at the park
And Mare wanted a turn on the Chipmunk too....had to let her or she would have cried :-)
Ever seen Spiderman do the limbo? Well now you have!
We also had a relaxing day with our four legged babies too. Meet Izzy the cat and Cappuccino the dog!
And here's Callie's first french kiss...YUCK! Although I think I have had worse dogs stick their tongue in my mouth in past moments I wish to forget!
d
Monday, October 15, 2007
Fall Fun
This weekend we decided to take a break from the madness and go have some FUN!!! We took a little trip to this great spot in Pennsylvania where they were having Autumn Fest Days. Check out the view!!!!
It was the perfect place for Callie because she got to do so many fun things!! We went on pony rides
We took a scenic ride on the ski chairlift which took us up a huge mountain. At the top we were able to ride The Alpine Slide which is a very cool way to go from the top of a giant mountain to the bottom. It was my first adventure down this slide so we opted to have Callie ride with Mare. Now for those of you that do not know, Mare is a bit of a dare devil. My poor little pumpkin, although she had fun, told me that her Mama went way too fast and she will never go with her again! Of course she would rather go with me; the one that is like a little old lady and has not even an ounce of dare devil in me! What fun is that?!?! HAHAHAHAHA! Oh well, I am an old soul what can I say! Here she is on our way up the chair lift.
Can you tell how cold we were?!?!? Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!! Here are more random pictures from our day!
It was the perfect place for Callie because she got to do so many fun things!! We went on pony rides
We took a scenic ride on the ski chairlift which took us up a huge mountain. At the top we were able to ride The Alpine Slide which is a very cool way to go from the top of a giant mountain to the bottom. It was my first adventure down this slide so we opted to have Callie ride with Mare. Now for those of you that do not know, Mare is a bit of a dare devil. My poor little pumpkin, although she had fun, told me that her Mama went way too fast and she will never go with her again! Of course she would rather go with me; the one that is like a little old lady and has not even an ounce of dare devil in me! What fun is that?!?! HAHAHAHAHA! Oh well, I am an old soul what can I say! Here she is on our way up the chair lift.
Can you tell how cold we were?!?!? Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!! Here are more random pictures from our day!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Holy Cow what a Fashion Statement
Every day we go through the same routine. Callie wakes up and immediately finds something in her cupboard to wear. Most days it is a Spider Man t-shirt that she just won't part with even though it is getting way to small and her cute little belly peeks out from under it. Then, to complete the ensemble, she will put on pink winter snow boots. Did I mention that she fails to put pants on??? Quite attractive I must say! The best part though is that I allow her to go outdoors and play that way....unless of course it is way too cold to be outside without pants! My neighbors must think I am insane. They wouldn't be wrong!
Today it was rather chilly when she woke up so she left her pajamas on and asked if she could wear a frilly yellow dress over them. She has such a sense of fashion....NOT!!! I couldn't resist snapping the picture, and I just had to share. Unfortunately, you can't see the Spiderman Sandals in this picture. I really think they complete the outfit. Also, she is holding her favorite cow. His name is Holy....get it....Holy Cow?!?!!? Who couldn't love a rainbow colored cow named Holy?
Once we finally convinced her to change her clothes for school (honestly, did you think I would actually allow her to go to school with a red and white thermal shirt covered in hearts, blue paint-stained pants topped with a yellow frilly dress, and spider man sandals?? I believe in giving her a sense of self, but that was taking it just a bit too far)! So, we settled on jeans and a long sleeved shirt, but she insisted on wearing her rain coat buttoned all the way to her neck. Why does this child insist on buttoning and zipping to the point of nearly choking? I can only hope that when she is a teenager she will want to wear her clothes the same way.
When we arrived at school she was sitting so sweetly in her car seat with the hood of her raincoat pulled up, and the buttons still snugly wrapped around her neck. However, she had added a new element to her outfit; she was wearing her Care Bear sunglasses and told me that she wasn't sure if it would be rainy or sunny, so she was going to wear both. She looked like she was incognito. Once again, all the teachers could do is laugh and shake their heads. Looks like our neighbors won't be the only ones that think this Mommy is insane! Here she is minus the shades.
Today it was rather chilly when she woke up so she left her pajamas on and asked if she could wear a frilly yellow dress over them. She has such a sense of fashion....NOT!!! I couldn't resist snapping the picture, and I just had to share. Unfortunately, you can't see the Spiderman Sandals in this picture. I really think they complete the outfit. Also, she is holding her favorite cow. His name is Holy....get it....Holy Cow?!?!!? Who couldn't love a rainbow colored cow named Holy?
Once we finally convinced her to change her clothes for school (honestly, did you think I would actually allow her to go to school with a red and white thermal shirt covered in hearts, blue paint-stained pants topped with a yellow frilly dress, and spider man sandals?? I believe in giving her a sense of self, but that was taking it just a bit too far)! So, we settled on jeans and a long sleeved shirt, but she insisted on wearing her rain coat buttoned all the way to her neck. Why does this child insist on buttoning and zipping to the point of nearly choking? I can only hope that when she is a teenager she will want to wear her clothes the same way.
When we arrived at school she was sitting so sweetly in her car seat with the hood of her raincoat pulled up, and the buttons still snugly wrapped around her neck. However, she had added a new element to her outfit; she was wearing her Care Bear sunglasses and told me that she wasn't sure if it would be rainy or sunny, so she was going to wear both. She looked like she was incognito. Once again, all the teachers could do is laugh and shake their heads. Looks like our neighbors won't be the only ones that think this Mommy is insane! Here she is minus the shades.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
On Automatic Pilot
Okay K....I got your message and I apologize for being MIA lately. What can I say??? We are just totally boring over here! Actually, I have been in such a funk because my family is preparing to sell the house where I grew up. Actually it is just my Mother and I that are preparing for the sale, while my only Sister is being her nasty, vicious self.
Guys I am so angry....so sad.....so empty that I am doing all that I can to just continue being a decent wife and Mom. Sometimes I am not sure if I am maintaining those things very well these days, but I am so blessed to have them and grateful that they make me smile each day.
There is so much to be done, and my Mother is wearing herself so thin. Adding the element of my crazy sister fighting with her everyday just makes her an emotional wreck. I ache to my core for her pain, and I pray that my daughter doesn't grow to treat me the way that my sister treats my mother. It is so painful to watch.
M and I had to spend time cleaning out my Father's home over the weekend, and it brought back such deep sadness and loss. I wish we had happier things to share, and I promise that we will very soon. For now though, know that we are thinking of our new extended family and feel blessed to have them in our lives. I will stop being on auto-pilot and get back to happier times. Give kisses and hugs to everyone!
Guys I am so angry....so sad.....so empty that I am doing all that I can to just continue being a decent wife and Mom. Sometimes I am not sure if I am maintaining those things very well these days, but I am so blessed to have them and grateful that they make me smile each day.
There is so much to be done, and my Mother is wearing herself so thin. Adding the element of my crazy sister fighting with her everyday just makes her an emotional wreck. I ache to my core for her pain, and I pray that my daughter doesn't grow to treat me the way that my sister treats my mother. It is so painful to watch.
M and I had to spend time cleaning out my Father's home over the weekend, and it brought back such deep sadness and loss. I wish we had happier things to share, and I promise that we will very soon. For now though, know that we are thinking of our new extended family and feel blessed to have them in our lives. I will stop being on auto-pilot and get back to happier times. Give kisses and hugs to everyone!
Monday, October 1, 2007
What's wrong with this picture??
When you were a kid did you ever look through a Highlight's Magazine and play a game where you are supposed to determine what might be wrong with a particular picture, or what is missing? I used to love those magazines when I was a kid, but if you never had the chance to see one, this is a picture that could have appeared in one of those games. Can you figure out what is missing??
Our Precious little angel was so anxious to help on garbage night that she didn't even stop to put on her pants! Ya gotta love our girl!!!
Looking all serious in her Butterfly shirt and Spongebob underwear, our girl is a wonderful little helper. I could just squeeze her!!!!
Our Precious little angel was so anxious to help on garbage night that she didn't even stop to put on her pants! Ya gotta love our girl!!!
Looking all serious in her Butterfly shirt and Spongebob underwear, our girl is a wonderful little helper. I could just squeeze her!!!!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Two Moms & Two Grandmas Too!!!
What a whirlwind weekend we had here in Pittsburgh! September is the month of birthdays in our family, so there was yet another celebration! At this rate I will NEVER lose any weight because who can turn down a piece of cake?? I really need to call Jenny Craig because I am seriously out of control!!! Oh well, life is short, so what the hell: EAT CAKE!!
Anyway, Mary Lou turned 25 yesterday (believe that one and I'll tell ya another one), and my Ma...well let's just say that she is still a Spring Chicken because if I reveal her true age on the internet she will undoubedly kill me. Of course Callie is still celebrating turning 4, so she was so happy to blow out MORE candles.
If some of you weren't aware, Callie has the extreme luck to not only have two Moms, but to also have two Grandmothers. Yep, my Mom is gay too...pretty cool huh? Well let me tell ya that I didn't think it was very cool when she told me that she and my Father were getting a divorce after 30 years of marriage and that she was leaving him for a woman. At that time I was pretty pissed off, and I have been told that my Mom's new love was a bit frightened of me. Go ahead and laugh, I do all the time because I am not one to be feared. I am just a crazy lipstick lesbian that would never fight because that might mean I could break a nail! Not happening! However, my Mom and her partner have been together almost 12 years, and I ADORE her now. She is my Other Mother and I call her Ma. Callie calls her Nana, and they are inseperable pals.
I didn't get great shots over the weekend, but I did get a few. My Ma is the one with the dark hair, and my Mom is the blonde. Enjoy!
Anyway, Mary Lou turned 25 yesterday (believe that one and I'll tell ya another one), and my Ma...well let's just say that she is still a Spring Chicken because if I reveal her true age on the internet she will undoubedly kill me. Of course Callie is still celebrating turning 4, so she was so happy to blow out MORE candles.
If some of you weren't aware, Callie has the extreme luck to not only have two Moms, but to also have two Grandmothers. Yep, my Mom is gay too...pretty cool huh? Well let me tell ya that I didn't think it was very cool when she told me that she and my Father were getting a divorce after 30 years of marriage and that she was leaving him for a woman. At that time I was pretty pissed off, and I have been told that my Mom's new love was a bit frightened of me. Go ahead and laugh, I do all the time because I am not one to be feared. I am just a crazy lipstick lesbian that would never fight because that might mean I could break a nail! Not happening! However, my Mom and her partner have been together almost 12 years, and I ADORE her now. She is my Other Mother and I call her Ma. Callie calls her Nana, and they are inseperable pals.
I didn't get great shots over the weekend, but I did get a few. My Ma is the one with the dark hair, and my Mom is the blonde. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
How about a little cheese with that WHINE?!?!?!?!
Okay....for the last three days my sweet Princess has been turned into a mean whiny witch. What's up with that?? Instead of speaking, or verbalizing what she wants or needs, she instead moans, groans, and occasionally fakes a sorry excuse for a crying fit. She has even been whining about going to school, which she absolutely LOVES. I don't get it!?!
Being the analytical Mom I am, I tend to drive myself (and I am sure poor Mary Lou) absolutely crazy trying to figure out WHY she is doing this. (Hmmm, maybe the reason Callie asks "WHY" a zillion times a day could be that I ask the same thing). So, anyway, I have asked her why she is sad, why she is grumpy, and why she doesn't want to go to school. I always try to validate her feelings rather than brushing them off or ignoring them. Of course though, her answer to all of these questions is "I dunno."
Next I think maybe she isn't feeling well. She has had a runny nose, so maybe she is getting a cold. I ask her if she feels okay and she tells me her throat hurts. Now let me just tell you that this child would tell you ANYTHING just to get some grape flavored Motrin. She has claimed that her arm was going to fall off if she didn't get some medicine. Yep, that's right, a 4 year old Motrin addict. Do they have AA meetings for that?? Nevertheless, I did get the flashlight and look at her throat. Perfectly pink with no red in sight. She then told me she was kidding, and her throat felt fine. Just what I suspected.
So, I am stumped. I am also ready to jump out the nearest window if we don't find the magic wand that turned my sweet Princess into this mean Witchy girl that I don't know. As I type, she has entered my office and as I reach for a hug she says in her whiny little voice, "No Mom...no hugs today." I grab her and tickle her a bit getting a slight giggle, but the Princess has left the building and I hope she comes back before I send this little witch off on her broom to Grandma's house!
Being the analytical Mom I am, I tend to drive myself (and I am sure poor Mary Lou) absolutely crazy trying to figure out WHY she is doing this. (Hmmm, maybe the reason Callie asks "WHY" a zillion times a day could be that I ask the same thing). So, anyway, I have asked her why she is sad, why she is grumpy, and why she doesn't want to go to school. I always try to validate her feelings rather than brushing them off or ignoring them. Of course though, her answer to all of these questions is "I dunno."
Next I think maybe she isn't feeling well. She has had a runny nose, so maybe she is getting a cold. I ask her if she feels okay and she tells me her throat hurts. Now let me just tell you that this child would tell you ANYTHING just to get some grape flavored Motrin. She has claimed that her arm was going to fall off if she didn't get some medicine. Yep, that's right, a 4 year old Motrin addict. Do they have AA meetings for that?? Nevertheless, I did get the flashlight and look at her throat. Perfectly pink with no red in sight. She then told me she was kidding, and her throat felt fine. Just what I suspected.
So, I am stumped. I am also ready to jump out the nearest window if we don't find the magic wand that turned my sweet Princess into this mean Witchy girl that I don't know. As I type, she has entered my office and as I reach for a hug she says in her whiny little voice, "No Mom...no hugs today." I grab her and tickle her a bit getting a slight giggle, but the Princess has left the building and I hope she comes back before I send this little witch off on her broom to Grandma's house!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wake Up Call
So it is 6:30am and the quiet morning is broken with the sounds of a four year old little voice saying...."Mama".....We both refuse to move and hope she decides to go back to sleep. Why is it that she chooses to wake up at the butt crack of dawn on days when we didn't get to bed until late??? The voice gets louder...."MAMA." I am only thankful that she is calling for Mary Lou rather than me, so I keep my eyes closed tightly and hope that Mare will crawl out of bed.
"MAMA.....MAMA... GUESS WHAT??"
Finally Mare gives in and she heads to Callie's room. Although I feel guilty (well, maybe for a minute because typically it is my name she calls at these ungodly hours) I slip under the covers and catch a few more zzzzz's.
So when I finally decide to peel myself out of bed I find poor Mary Lou sipping coffee which I am sure she desperately needed because I know she wasn't in bed earlier than 2am. I ask what our little angel wanted at such an early hour, and you'll never imagine what she said.
Wait...to really appreciate this let's take a step back so that I can explain. Over the past few weeks we have been looking at pictures of her new found family. She is like a little old lady in that she remembers no ones names!! So, we go over it again and again. It is actually funny when she thinks Sydney is her!! Anyway, here Mary Lou is at 6:30 a.m. asking Callie why she called her to her room. Callie's answer....
"Guess what Mama...MIKAELA!!!"
Here Callie was so proud that she remembered Mikaela's name that she pulled her Mama out of bed to tell her. So Mare's wake up call today was one word....MIKAELA!!! Go figure!!!!
"MAMA.....MAMA... GUESS WHAT??"
Finally Mare gives in and she heads to Callie's room. Although I feel guilty (well, maybe for a minute because typically it is my name she calls at these ungodly hours) I slip under the covers and catch a few more zzzzz's.
So when I finally decide to peel myself out of bed I find poor Mary Lou sipping coffee which I am sure she desperately needed because I know she wasn't in bed earlier than 2am. I ask what our little angel wanted at such an early hour, and you'll never imagine what she said.
Wait...to really appreciate this let's take a step back so that I can explain. Over the past few weeks we have been looking at pictures of her new found family. She is like a little old lady in that she remembers no ones names!! So, we go over it again and again. It is actually funny when she thinks Sydney is her!! Anyway, here Mary Lou is at 6:30 a.m. asking Callie why she called her to her room. Callie's answer....
"Guess what Mama...MIKAELA!!!"
Here Callie was so proud that she remembered Mikaela's name that she pulled her Mama out of bed to tell her. So Mare's wake up call today was one word....MIKAELA!!! Go figure!!!!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Say Cheese!!
Okay....I REFUSE to let this computer get the best of me, so here is my 2nd attempt at adding some pictures. (Thanks Karen for helping a poor blonde out!) These shots are from our weekend in New Jersey.
Rub a Dub Dub, Callie and Olivia in the tub
This is a fav- Olivia in a Princess outfit, wearing a bike helmet on a scooter-
Here's Callie and Sydney reluctantly posing for the camera
Rub a Dub Dub, Callie and Olivia in the tub
My partner (Mary Lou) and Sweet Baby Emma
This is a fav- Olivia in a Princess outfit, wearing a bike helmet on a scooter-
that's my kind of girl!
Callie and Mikaela cheesing
Beautiful Kyron just looking sweet
Syd and Cameron having quite the conversation
Toni and Hollie celebrating 13 years together!
No butts about it....this is a FAV...Callie and Olivia getting
Syd and Cameron having quite the conversation
Toni and Hollie celebrating 13 years together!
CONGRATS!
No butts about it....this is a FAV...Callie and Olivia getting
ready for the tub
Well, I think I actually did it! Sorry that some of the kids are missing, but to see them all you can visit Lifeasarainbow or roleplayingwithkids. They have some of the best shots of the new fam all together! All I can say is I am so blessed!!!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Is This Thing On???
So here I am starting my own blog! WOW! I have been a lurker for so long that I guess it is time to just jump out and do this right?? Did I mention that I am computer illiterate, blond, and originally from West Virginia.....that's three strikes right there, so you will have to bear with me as I learn how this whole thing works. (No offense to anyone from West Virginia, but I am sure you are aware of all of the jokes out there)
Hmmmm.....so what do I say on my very first blog? What are my intentions in becoming a part of the "blog world?" I guess I am here because I have recently found a new family. Let me start at the beginning. My partner and I were blessed four years ago with an angelic little girl. With the help of an unknown donor, our dream to have a child had come true. Recently, while watching Dateline, we heard about The Donor Sibling Registry where families can connect and children can meet their half-siblings. My curiosity got the best of me, so I registered online and well, the rest is history. Within days I was contacted by an amazing woman in Utah that had a daughter close to my own little girl's age. She also had twin boys, and I couldn't wait to hear all about them. As if she wasn't amazing enough, I was then contacted by another wonderful woman from New Jersey, and she passed along pictures of her beautiful little girl and her special little twins. I also learned about a couple from Maryland that also had two little ones at home. I can't explain why it felt as if I had known these families my entire life, but that is exactly how it felt.
We had the opportunity to meet each other just one week ago, and I was granted another wish; I was given the big family I had always wanted. Again, the connection is difficult to explain, but when I think of them I am filled with love. Four families made the trip to New Jersey, and ONE giant family emerged. Nine children played happily together (well, most of the time), and although the kids were the actual siblings, I think all of the women feel that they have new sisters to love as well.
So that's where I will begin. If I can ever figure out how to post pictures, I will share a few with you. (I know...I'm blond remember?!?)
Hmmmm.....so what do I say on my very first blog? What are my intentions in becoming a part of the "blog world?" I guess I am here because I have recently found a new family. Let me start at the beginning. My partner and I were blessed four years ago with an angelic little girl. With the help of an unknown donor, our dream to have a child had come true. Recently, while watching Dateline, we heard about The Donor Sibling Registry where families can connect and children can meet their half-siblings. My curiosity got the best of me, so I registered online and well, the rest is history. Within days I was contacted by an amazing woman in Utah that had a daughter close to my own little girl's age. She also had twin boys, and I couldn't wait to hear all about them. As if she wasn't amazing enough, I was then contacted by another wonderful woman from New Jersey, and she passed along pictures of her beautiful little girl and her special little twins. I also learned about a couple from Maryland that also had two little ones at home. I can't explain why it felt as if I had known these families my entire life, but that is exactly how it felt.
We had the opportunity to meet each other just one week ago, and I was granted another wish; I was given the big family I had always wanted. Again, the connection is difficult to explain, but when I think of them I am filled with love. Four families made the trip to New Jersey, and ONE giant family emerged. Nine children played happily together (well, most of the time), and although the kids were the actual siblings, I think all of the women feel that they have new sisters to love as well.
So that's where I will begin. If I can ever figure out how to post pictures, I will share a few with you. (I know...I'm blond remember?!?)
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