Where did I go????

I feel as if I am in a whirlwind and I am trying to figure out where I am. As it takes me 5 attempts to just correctly type this first sentence, I know I need to slow down, strip down, and soak in the tub. Alas, I can't find the time. Time seems to be quickly ticking down this holiday season and I am not finding myself able to actually succeed at accomplishing anything.

I did get the chance to enjoy myself last weekend when my DH took me to Tulsa for my Christmas present. We stayed downtown at the Crowne Plaza, only 2 blocks away from the BOK Center where we were to see Cirque Du Soleil. We had a magnificent dinner at Fleming's in Utica Square. And I had an extremely inebriated evening as I imbibed too heavily. I am not sure if the over-intoxication was more in a celebratory fashion as this is the first night I have spent (especially since Ry-Ry was born) without children in a very long time, or if I was trying to keep my mind so fuddled that I would not care that this was my first night away from my children in almost 6 months, plus the fact that this was the first time that my children had ever spent the night with the In-Laws without their parents present. Either way, a half-bottle of wine, a watered down margarita, and 3 martinis later - I slept somewhat peacefully until I had to get up again at 8am to pump-and-dump my alcoholic supply of breastmilk. It was truly a glorious evening though and I am so happy that my DH made all of the arrangements. For the performance, our seats were in the second row on the floor. I just loved being so close to the action to see all of the details. They were incredible.

Now I am looking at having to try to get my Christmas cards in the mail, finish gifts for this Friday evening, get snacks for my son's class on Wednesday and Friday, buy gifts for the 3 kids we adopted off a tree at a store, and get everything else wrapped up by this weekend, so that I can try to enjoy the time with my kids. Oh, yeah, and still find care for my kids when my DH and I head out the end of the month for the OSU Holiday Bowl. Two weeks left, and still nothing set in stone. That makes me a little too anxious as my days keep coming to a quick close.

Well, time to get fancied up for my sorority alumni party this evening. Hopefully connections will be made and holiday cheer will be spread as I find myself being whipped around in every-which-direction this year.

Time to hibernate

I really have a strong desire to follow my baby's lead and "hibernate" this chilly morning. The sound of the rain and thunder last night was so soothing and relaxing to me as I soaked my stress away in a tub of hot "Mexico." (see previous posts for further explanation) A white chocolate martini and a good book in hand and I was soon ready for La-La-Land.

Then this morning, it is chilly and windy and makes me want to curl up under my fleecy blanket and hibernate the morning and afternoon away. Ry-Ry did just this. He woke up long enough to play for a little while as I fixed breakfast for the older two. He was quite content to roll around in his crib under his blanket, then have a diaper change and a nice warm bottle. He barely finished eating and went right back to sleep where he rolled to his side and curled up under his blankets again as I laid him in his crib. Oh to be so small and get to enjoy those glorious, warm, mom-is-so-envious moments.

I guess I will just have to enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa, a blanket, and a little quiet reading time this afternoon after I drop big brother off for Pre-K this afternoon. My to-do-list can be "do-ed" (as KD says it) after I pick the kids up from school. There is something good about being a stay-at-home-mommy sometimes.

Dear Hubby....... here's your clue

I love my DH. He is sometimes so clueless.... or maybe it is becaues he is so busy with his business and having to be direct all of the time, that just laying items out as a hint for X-mas doesn't work for him.

Case-in-point. This week we got a flyer for the triple-B store. Since I like to play "Mexico" when soaking in our tub (pretending I'm soaking in the ocean, drinking my cocktail, reading a good book and relaxing - while actually looking at a picture of a Mexican beach) , I turned the flyer to the bath tray that extends over the tub, holds the book, the wine, etc. My DH just looks at it and asks if there was anything good in the flyer. My response.... "Duh!"

Although for Christmas, he is taking me to Tulsa to see "Saltimbanco" performed by Cirque du Soleil next Friday night. We are staying the night in a hotel and our kids will be staying with his parents in Bartlesville. My first night away from the baby. But in order to get this "present," I had to forward an e-mail about the ticket information with the text - FOR ME FOR CHRISTMAS.

I guess the only complaint is that it takes the romanticism out of him doing something for me - without me having to lay out so many hints or be so direct. But I have already resigned myself to stop trying to surprise him, as he always guesses what his presents are from me or his family before he even opens them. He rather be direct - get what he wants when he wants - and not have to wait for some silly holiday. So I handed over the form for bowl tickets requests and said, "Merry Christmas - now go fax this from your work."

Morning Muffs for Mommies (and Daddies too)

an old pic of JT and KD; Ry-Ry

Why is it that upon awakening in the morning, the volume of my darling children's voices has increased 20 times from the previous evening? Could it be a physical condition on my children's part, or on my own?

I feel as if my children are yelling at the top of their lungs for a good 15 minutes every morning until my constant nagging and shushing helps their brain to return to a more normal volume.

Or could it be that I have not acquired enough caffeine consumption early enough in the morning in order for my brain to process the constant chatter, singing, arguing, and what-not from my little darlings?

Until this quandary is solved, I really feel as if their needs to be morning muffs for mommies. Daddies can wear these as well - although our daddy is already long gone before the children arise. These muffs would be soft, easy-to-wear, and almost completely block out the noises of my children until either their brains tune in that they are speaking in abnormally loud tones, or I have consumed enough coffee to handle all of their chittering-and-chattering. That would be sometime close to noon.

Beginning of the season

After yesterday's events (Wal-Mart stampede causing an employee's death; and Toys R Us shooting causing 2 more)- my shopping buzz that has been programmed into me for the holiday season has really hit a downer. I can understand the thrill of the chase, and the retail therapy high that is achieved when you feel as if you have scored a deal while buying the "perfect" gift for someone. However, when it comes to such savage acts to achieve ones goals - the thrill of the victory is cut short. This is one of the few reasons why I start my holiday shopping early, and also why I choose not to do the before-the-break-of-dawn-black-Friday-shop-a-thons.

I don't like to feel disappointed. I hate the feeling of going to a store, wiggling my way through the crowds, finding the item I want - only to not find the right size and the sale is now over. That just frustrates and exhausts me. This has happened to me before, thus I choose not to over-stress myself anymore and I choose to avoid the Friday shopping frenzy.

I have found the cure for my need for retail therapy following Thanksgiving, however. To curb my desire to shop and spend money, I have found the best places to spend is at the hairdresser's and grocery store! Yesterday I spent almost 2 hours getting cut and colored. I was only 1 of 2 customers during this time. Last night, we hit the grocery store after dinner. There were only about 5 cars total in the lot. I got to spend money and achieve satisfaction stress-free.

Now the stress is going to resume today as we prepare to head up to Stillwater for the final game of the season - BEDLAM! Time to pack up the younger two for Aunt Kelly's house, don my silky long johns, and bring a warm blanket for snuggling in. My nose and toes will be cold, but I'm sure the fever of the game will keep me going. Go OU! and go OSU too!!!

I am thankful

I am thankful for my family and friends.

I am thankful for meeting my DH 10 years ago (on the 14th of this month in fact - he remembered, I had forgotten).

I am thankful that we have been blessed with 3 beautiful children (and the older 2 having the ability to whine and argue with each other).

I am thankful we have a wonderful house (even if it takes me 5-6 hours to clean it), cars to drive, food in the refrigerators and freezers (yes - plural here).

I am thankful that my DH has created a business that is able to provide for his family, allowing me the time to take off from teaching to be at home for our children.

I am really thankful that my family (especially my Mom and Step-dad) are so supportive of us. Basically without Mom and Bryan - I would have a very hard time handling my family of 3 and our crazy schedules.

I am also very thankful for my friends. Even though we do not get to see each other often, or even really get a chance to converse either on the phone or through e-mail, just getting a little forwarded mail or a poke on facebook lets me know that I have been thought of by you.

So on this day - my wish for you is that you and your families be blessed, stuffed, and thanked today and always during this holiday season.

Slow to respond... but catching on.

Okay - so my friend tagged me last Thursday to do a book meme response, but I have failed miserably. The first challenge was to open the nearest book to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence on that page, and also the next two to five sentences. The CLOSEST BOOK, NOT YOUR FAVORITE, OR MOST INTELLECTUAL! However, the only books I have had near me at the time were children's board books. They generally do not go past page 8. So today I decided I had a quick chance to play. I have reached into my cabinet in the hallway that acts as my bookshelf, and the first thing I grabbed is the Life Application Bible for Students. This book was my DH's from his college days (must have been before his pre-partying time where he damaged school property and was suspended from OSU - but that is another story and one he really should tell). So here is what I have....

We promise to do something, be somewhere, or give something. And when others make promises to us, we expect them to keep their word. If not we become angry, disappointed, and even heartbroken. The book of Exodus is all about promises: God's promises to his people.

I was tagged to do another book meme, but there is no way I have time, nor the intellectual acuity to even attempt this one right now. If you want to know what it is, just check out http://greggdigressions.blogspot.com/2008/11/two-book-memes-and-partridge-in-aoh.html

On another note. Tomorrow is Turkey day. I'll be stuffing myself into some clothes to further stuff myself on food at my sister's house. My DH is actually going to make it to this one. I wonder if it will be his last? I'm headed over to my mom's today to have her help me prep food for our feast. Thanksgiving has never been the same since being married and having to go elsewhere, rather than at my mom's. Thank goodness she is still around to help make her pie crusts and dressing.

Saturday is the big Bedlam bash. I am still in a rut about what to wear. I know, it is a football game - not a fashion contest. However, when you have 2 degrees from one school, but go to the other's football games seasonally, you get into a conundrum about which colors to sport. Maybe I should just blow everything out of the water and wear pink. Not that I own any - but wouldn't that be a site on TV! Yes - you will probably catch glimpses of us whenever they show OU's sidelines. We are on the west 40 mark - right behind the wall.

Time to shower the kids, myself (yes - I do bathe regularly - so you don't have to comment about that), and gather up the goodies for my mom's house. In a sad way, I am ready for Thanksgiving to be over and for Christmas to be here already. But HAPPY STUFFING to all of you, anyways!