Drivel (orMy End of the Year Musings)

So.. where are those seven swans a' swimming? And there's nary a calling bird to be seen!

How could Christmas Eve have been -ll degrees and a foot of snow and today is 60?

C is talking upstairs. I can hear him say "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." A truer quote has never been made.

Why is the prospect of destroying the gingerbread house bringing more joy than the building of it?

Who does go out for New Year's Eve? It seems everyone I talk to is staying home with family or just a few friends.

Tomorrow is our last Christmas. My family will come in the evening. It does give me something to look forward to tomorrow. In the morning I'm taking E shopping to spend her Christmas money. I'm not sure if I need to pack some Jack Daniels in my purse for that trip or not. It's hard to sympathize with someone who is complaining the size 0 is too big. I do need to pick up here though so it won't be a toy obstacle course.

RESOLUTIONS

I haven't done these in years but for some reason I'm feeling inspired so here goes. You'll notice these are all comfortably vague in the sense any improvement will meet them.

1) Slow down. I'll try not to rush the kids to eat, dress, bathe, etc. We'll try to do less
put aside more time for just enjoying.

2) Take a Breath. I can be sharp without meaning to. My exasperation seeps through. Maybe
if I consciously take a breath I can say what I want without "that huffy sound" that my dd
describes.

3) I will make time for something I want to do. I have no hobbies or interests anymore. I'll
read a book, listen to music, try a craft, join a book club, something JUST for me. And I
WON"T feel guilty.

4) I'll try to live in the spirit of peace, love and goodwill all year. I'll try to remind
kids to do the same.

More Boredom Available

Having failed to resolve your insomnia issues with this blog I have started another. It will be concerned with my food/menu/budgeting issues. I'm sure it will be just as scintillating as that sounds, lol. You can see it here or use the link in the Links section. This morning was pretty much been taken up with grocery shopping and putting it away. This afternoon I'm baking bread and cinnamon rolls (the best d**n cinnamon rolls in the world if I do say so myself). The kids are making up resolutions to write down and hide on New Year's Eve. I resolved long ago not to make resolutions but they're urging me to "play" too so we'll see if I can come up with something. I wish the things I needed to change were as easy as "I will try to do 2/3 of my homework at school." 2/3?? Who comes up with that figure?

A Serious Post

I've been horrified by the loss and suffering brought on by the tsunami/earthquake in Asia. If you had a Christmas of plenty and are warm and dry please consider donating to one of these organizations. Hug your kids and say a prayer.
Scroll through the story for a list of agencies.
Donate

Christmas #2

Two Christmas' down, one to go. Dh's sister and family were here Monday and Tuesday. They left this morning. I'm sure they were ready for some quiet. My kids, true to form, never fail to put on dinner AND a show. Last night's act featured shoe throwing and lots of bleeding. Monday night's drama was an example of poor mothering. "Just put the gameboys down and shut up!" Hopefully they had a good time. They brought gifts for all the kids which they of course really liked, since it had been so long since they had gifts *TIC* My family will come on New Year's day. The festivites will finally come to an end then.
What could be better than dressing yourself up?

Why dressing up your baby sister of course.

It Was A Holly, Jolly Christmas

A very good Christmas this year. For starters, dh did not have to work afterall. The co-worker who had surgery returned. I was afraid it wouldn't be good as during the late church service I began to feel awful. I was sick all night and when I wasn't actively being sick I was worrying that my being sick would ruin Christmas. The kids, bless them, held to our rule that it needs to be 6:30 before we get up. I was shaky, had a coke vs coffee, and took no pics but I was vertical and the kids really liked their presents. The boys got gameboy sps and a game, C also got a gamecube game and S got a Yugi-oh duel disk. Oh, the joy! L got a Baby Annabell which I really balked at buying but she has played with it constantly. F got a wooden train set and E got a cell phone. I was really torn about getting a 7th grader a phone but with all her activities and the sibs doing stuff too it would be nice to be able to contact each other. Hopefully it will eliminate my sitting in a parking lot waiting for her or her standing alone waiting for me. She was over the moon and had to IM all her friends so it was a successful gift.
Dh and I don't usually get each other gifts but this year we did. I got him the 4th season of the Simpsons (his favorite show- he already had the first 3) and he got me --- a blowhorn. It also plays tunes including revelie!!! That should make getting the kids up or calling them for dinner easier.
We spent a really nice rest of the day and Sunday. We went played with our gifts, had good food, went sledding and I played uno, cranium, yahtzee and built with magnetix. We had cocoa and a fire. It was a lovely couple of days. Today my SIL, BIL and niece are coming so I must clean now :-(

Today's line up includes: more sledding, pre-shaping cinnamon rolls for baking tomorrow morning, a viewing of Miracle on 34th St and of course Peanuts Christmas after church tonight. Actually I'll be at church twice. We will go as a family to the 7:00pm service and then the youth do the 11:00pm serivce so I will go to see dd and bring her home.


STUPID JOKES

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa?
Claustrophobic

You know what would have happened if there had been three wise WOMEN instead of three wise MEN, don’t you?

The three wise WOMEN would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the Baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and given practical gifts.


Luke 2:4-19
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Let It Snow

Ooops, did I say snow might be nice. The weather gods must have heard me. We got about 12" last night, it was much worse south of here. Up to 30". We did get in a lovely hour of sledding followed by the requisite hot chocolate. I didn't have it so bad but dh had to dig out the car and get to work. I woke up with him so at 5:00 I started more baking, lol. Got 4 loaves of bread and another rum cake and some fudge and s'more cookies done. Yeah!!! Of course I'll probably drop at 9:00 pm.


MORE STUPID JOKES

What do elves learn at school?
The elf-abet.

What nationality is Santa Claus?
North Polish

Luke 1:41-56
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house

Let's Have Snow and Mistletoe

Well, the weathermen are still giving us a winter storm watch but it's not snowing yet! I would like to have some snow for the kids to play in over break. Nothing creates quiet children like an hour or two of sledding followed by some hot cocoa. We do have the mistletoe up. Dss are making sure to stay away from it. Later today I'll probably take the oldest 3 to see "A Series of Unfortunate Events" , then I'll leave them and take my youngest 3 and A (whom I babysit for) to the grocery for a few things. Dh will pick up the kids from the movie when he gets off work.


STUPID JOKE TIME
Why did the Elf put his bed in the fireplace?
He wanted to sleep like a log.

What do you get when Santa puts his finger in a light socket?
Krisp Kringle


 Luke 1:26-38




In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.

And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end."

And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"

And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy,
the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible."

And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Happy Winter Solstice!!

I always remark that today is the shortest day of the year. Dh responds it is the longest night, lol! Both of these drive my kids batty who very logically state that a day has 24hours!! So concrete those children.

Today I did my baking. I made 24 doz cookies, 2 rum cakes and some pies. I give this stuff to dh's co-workers, neighbors, the minister, etc. I will still bake some loaves of bread, make some fudge and some puppy chow, but I'm glad to have the majority of the baking done. I really don't mind it, I just hate having to pay attention so I don't get involved with something and create charcoal briquettes.

The chimney sweep came today and gave the fireplace a clean bill of health. The fire is roaring along now. The weather forecast is for a veeerrrry cold Christmas. I'm glad to have the fireplace, if not for the heat, for the psychological boost it gives me.

Martha Will Never Know

I'm so far holding firm with my resolution to just do the fun stuff for Christmas this year. Martha Stewart would not approve but she's otherwise occupied this year. Once in awhile a twinge of that feeling that I should be doing something creeps in but I find a cup of coffee and a cookie chases that away :-).Dh will likely work on Christmas so the kids want to roast hot dogs and marshmallows in the fireplace (not sure if soy dogs will roast). That should make an easy holiday meal. Maybe I'll go all out and have a side of Doritos... and stocking candy for dessert. Or we could eat the gingerbread house they made.

It is obvious why I did not become an architect. This whole thing is balanced precariously on soup cans.

Whew

Well, I survived six basketball games, the concerts, the Cub Scout carry in. I only have to make it through C's party tomorrow. Then....YEAH!!! the kids are home from school. I love Christmas Break..no homework, no classes, no games, just hanging out. It is a little respite. I think we'd get tired of it all the time but for two weeks it's heaven. Hopefully we'll make some snow flakes from here Thanks to Chris for the idea. We also have the gingerbread house to create, or fight about depending on how the mood strikes them.
Two other things I've learned this week
Advent Candles are evidently very tasty


And those with a clean conscience and a pure spirit can sleep in any position

This Week

Ahh, the last week of school before Christmas. When all activities try to squeeze just a little more in... On the itenerary this week 6 (yes 6) basketball games, dance class party, kids choir practice at church (we'll be missing this but I feel guilty), winter band concert, winter choir concert, 5th grade Colonial Day, Cub Scout Christmas party and C's birthday party in which I will be taking five 9yo boys swimming. Can you feel the joy? Actually this stuff is not that out of the ordinary what is really bugging me is dh. Ok, I love my husband, I really do (needed to put in that disclaimer) but he is annoying the bejeebers out of me. He is always borrowing trouble and worrying about things out of his control. Then he gets grumpy and touchy and mean. He does this every year at Christmas *sigh*. I know my mindless "it'll all work out somehow, we'll deal with it, not the end of the world" attitude probably drives him nuts. But hey, I'm right!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Sunday December 12 C will be 9 years old. Here he is with two other Cub Scouts after they walked for 3 hours collecting food. He is on the left.



C was my easiest baby. He only nursed about 6 times a day as a newborn. Slept through the night at 3 months, was happy to be by himself. He made up for this in his toddler years. He had a very low tolerance for frustration and didn't mind letting everyone know it. He is VERY good in Math and also does well in all the other school subjects. He adores game cube, game boy and his older brother. He has always had trouble socially. He is improving some and this year seems to have some friends. C has chosen a Subway sandwich as his birthday meal and will follow that with a double layer chocolate cake. No designs please but it must be double layer. It can be difficult to hold a conversation with him unless the conversation involves facts. He likes facts but.... sometimes he'll look up and say "I love you." Can't beat that.

Work on Ignore

The tree is still sitting in the garage, the mixer hasn't been turned on , the toys are all over and let's not even talk about all the painting that needs done but... so far this morning I have bathed one very snotty, poopy kid and made a mental note to put toys in my next bath. Judging by all the squealing it is big fun. I have been treated to "restaurant" and "hair cutter store" by 6yo. True I'm now back-teased and have blue eyeshadow but I got a scrumptious meal of spinach, biscuits and tea. Not to be outdone a small spiderman has been leaping all over the furniture yelling... "web shoot, web shoot". Nope, I haven't got a smidgen of work done but so what? *continues to click the ignore button*

More Than A River in Egypt

Hmmm, 18 days until Christmas!! My denial has been working really well up until now but, tomorrow I venture forth to start buying...presents. Lots and lots of presents. How if we don't go overboard did we end up with so many things to get? It's not the kids per se. It's the fact that school classes, dance classes, pre-school classes, teachers all need to be bought for. (OK, I know I could be a real Scrooge and opt the kids out of school parties but that would really give them fodder for their future therapy appointments.) Then it's on to extended family. Something mailable is in order. I did order stuff from the net but some things I need to see or is such piddly dollar store stuff that you have to actually go to the store to get it. I must do these things tomorrow while dh has a day off. Taking kids to the mall is beyond my powers of patience or maybe I just don't have a strong masochistic streak. Yep, tomorrow is it for free days. As for decorating... I am ardently trying to convince everyone here that a candle in the window is decorating. I was informed by L that she is the only kindergarten student whose family does not have a tree up. More therapy fodder there. Oh, and double crap, C's birthday is Sunday.

What???

You're an earth mother! Your friends sometimes
call you Gaea, because you're the original
earth goddess! You and your kids both have
dirt under your fingernails, and you spend as
much of your time as possible out of doors.
Your kids have an incredible appreciation for
nature.


What kind of a freaky mother are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Thanks to Rachel for the quiz link.
I think I'll go pot some herbs and lovingly create a bamboo crib now...NOT!

Cute

She would undoubtedly be the cutest sword swallower in the circus, if she were to run off and join the circus that is.

Attitude

Today I irked my 6yo by refusing to buy a toy. She spread her feet, crossed her arms and said "Do you know what I think? I think I was really born in a rich family and you guys just kidnapped me to be your slave!" All this said with a glower and a lisp through the hole where her tooth used to be. Boy, I can hardly wait for her teen years.