December... 12 Days In

Well hello, December 12th.  Christmas is 12 days away.  You're welcome.

It's taken me two weeks to recuperate from Thanksgiving. We drove all over the southeast like crazy people.  We spent two days with Dan/Daddy's family and two days with mine. I took tons of family pictures, ate carbs like they were going out of style, and learned a really inappropriate song from my nephew.
The drive from my parents' house to our own should take about six or seven hours, but on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, it took twelve.  Most of the trip we inched along at a blistering 11 mph. We even saw two cars get into a minor accident, and when the drivers got out to check the damage, the traffic started moving. They shook hands, hopped right back into their cars, and kept going. No dented bumper was worth spending any more time on that highway.
Thankfully, we had Adele to sing us through the hours of torture.  (Y'all.  That girl can sing.) 
We also listened to every Christmas CD we own.  (Yes, we still listen to CD's like it's 2005.)  I took a video and sent it to my sis-in-law to show her the nightmare of a traffic jam we were in, but I didn't realize you could hear the music playing in the background.  I also captured Dan/Daddy's excitement when we got up to 14 mph.  It's the little things.

I read 36 back issues of People, filed my nails, debated the Presidential race, made too many "to do" lists, and cleaned out my purse.  We eventually made it home and spent another hour unloading the car.  I'm getting too old for this.
I am looking forward to the day everyone comes to my house for the holidays.  I want to drag out all the extra chairs, forget to buy ice, make way too many desserts, and feed all my people.  I told the boy I'm excited for the days he brings home friends from college, and I can drive them batty offering "one more piece of pecan pie." 

Since Thanksgiving, the whirlwind of holiday madness has descended.  If you are one of those calm, organized, "I finished my shopping in August" people, just pray for me.  I have decided the holidays would be easier if we could stop all the regular activities and just do Christmas-y stuff.  I can't keep up with laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, errand running, soccer practices AND do all the holiday stuff.  It's either one or the other.  If the Christmas presents get bought and the cookies get made, then there's a good chance the dog hasn't been fed, the towels need to be washed, and someone ate cereal for dinner.  Here's where I give a big ol' shout-out to all the working moms who have grown-up jobs on top off all that other stuff.  Who am I to complain?

In other holiday news, I gave in to the yard decorating pressure I avoided for a long time.  I have always liked white lights and simple decorations outside.  Well guess who threw caution to the wind and dragged home two yard inflatables?  This girl.  My elf helper was excited.

 

In case you think I'm starting to get it all together... While we were setting these up, the dog ate up all the cat's food, and a rotisserie chicken I had forgotten to take in the house leaked chicken juice into my car.  My yard looks festive, but my car smells like roasted chicken.  It's one or the other.  



Happy Thanksgiving And Deck The Halls

I have one of those houses.  One of the houses you have heard people ranting about.  I have become one of those people.  People who your Facebook friends are talking about.  Yep.  I have at least two different holiday decorations up at the same time.  It's Thanksgiving on my mantle and Christmas on the other side of the room.  My house is holiday-confused, and I am ok with that.  HGTV was not calling to do a special on my decorating skills anyway.

It seems to me the "When Can You Decorate For Christmas Wars" started early this year.  I also call them the "When Can You Listen To Christmas Music Wars."  I say live and let decorate.  I love Christmas music, but I have friends who listen to it all year.  Really.  I'm not exaggerating.  Why do we have to be "Team Thanksgiving" or Team Christmas" at all?  Can't we be both?  I am over here waving the holiday truce flag.
I started putting up the Christmas tree before Thanksgiving a few years ago.  We were traveling all during Thanksgiving, and it was my plan to come home to a twinkling Christmas tree.  It just makes me happy, and it seemed to help in the chaos that is the 4 weeks between the 2 holidays.  It was one less things to worry about.
I am a lover of all things Thanksgiving, and having my tree up does not make me less focused on being thankful.  It makes me more thankful... for a tree that is already up.

I hope and pray you have a beautiful Thanksgiving.  I hope you get to eat your favorite foods with your favorite people all around you.  I hope you don't count calories or the number of desserts you eat.  I hope you remember to be thankful on Thursday and every day.  Even if it's not Thanksgiving!  I guess if we can try to be thankful every day of the year, my crazy friends can listen to Christmas music all year, too.

In case you are concerned about my sad holiday decorating skills, I did a quick check before sitting down to write this, and I am fairly certain there's no remnant of Halloween still around.  Unless real spiderwebs count. 

Up To Date

I spent the last half of my week dragging people and pets to various appointments where we received a total of 8 shots.  We are now all up to date on our vaccinations.  The boy and I went to get our flu shots.  The flu shot is big fun all by itself, but when the nurse checked the boy's charts, she saw he was due for a booster of the meningococcal vaccine.  Good times.  He looked at me like he was 5 years old all over again... eyes wide open... and said, "We are gettin' ice cream." 
Shots at the doctor = ice cream on the way home.  We sat on the couch last night complaining about whose arm hurt the worst.

Then this morning, I took BOTH the cat and the dog to the vet.  At the same time.  Our cat was due for her yearly check-up and vaccinations, so I called and made an appointment.  The receptionist reminded me the dog was due for a heartworm check and vaccine, so I made the bold move to take them together.  I decided if I'm loading one furry child onto the car, I may as well load two.  I'm a sucker for a stressful event.
Our cat was great.  She scrunched down into her box and let the vet check her from head to toe.  She didn't even flinch when the needles went in.  The dog, however, was a different story.  She whined and cried and zoomed around the exam room like a needy toddler.  When it was her turn to have blood drawn, she whimpered like crazy... after the needle came out.  She begged the vet for attention, she begged the vet tech for attention, and she pawed at the door.  She even took a treat from the vet, and then spit it out on the table.  I was embarrassed.  The fur kids were not.

Even as I was trying to pay my absurd bill and check out, our dog pulled on her leash and tried to get the attention of every single person in the lobby.  In case you are wondering, no one got ice cream on the way home.

Back To Reality And Rain

The weekend was 4 whole days ago, and we are still celebrating around here.  The boy's soccer team won our State Cup Tournament!  First place in their division!  This kid never gives less than 100%, and he fought a lot of obstacles to be on this team.  A lot of prayers went into this season, too.

 

I think he was in a tiny bit of shock after the win.  He gave me the biggest hug right there on the sidelines, and I think it was one of my top 5 moments as a mom.  His shock wore off quickly, and the celebrating started...

 

 

Our sports victory high came to a screeching halt bright and early Monday morning.  The "check engine" light was on in my car... for the 3rd time in a month.  Thankfully, it was a minor issue (again).  The mechanic explained this particular "glitch" happens in older cars.  You say "old,"  I say "paid for." 

I also had my yearly eye exam.  Whoever said it's all downhill from 40 failed to mention you were riding on a sled down that hill.  A sled with no brakes.  I had to get new reading glasses last year, and I really only used them for reading.  That was then.  Now I wear them almost all the time to see up close.  The eye doctor said my eyes were fine... just old.  Umm, thanks.  She changed my prescription and suggested I wear my glasses all the time.  Thankfully I had my hair colored last week, or she may have pointed out my gray roots.

In weather news, I thought we were going to need a boat to get around yesterday.  It seems like we have had plenty of rain in the last several months.  We have had so much rain, I broke down and bought a raincoat.  A real waterproof raincoat with my monogram... Like all the young cute girls wear.  I wanted one for a while, but I was afraid as soon as I ordered it, the rain would stop forever.  The raincoat came Monday, and the rain started Tuesday.  I wore my new coat, but I discovered something important... Raincoats don't breathe.  By the time I got to my Bible study, I was a hot, flat-haired, sweaty mess in my cute raincoat.  Oh well, you can't have it all.

 

The same person who said, "It's all downhill from 40" should have also said, "Cute monogrammed raincoats don't breathe."  And, "Old cars may be paid for, but they need lots of repairs."  And, "Reading glasses will soon become seeing glasses."  Oh to be young and athletic and a State Champion.





I Saw The Signs

I was pumping gas a few days ago, and I noticed the sign above the ice machine outside the gas station.  The sign said,

"Healthier Than Homemade"

 

Really?  Is that something I should be noticing when I put ice in my drinks at home?  I have never stopped to wonder, "Is this ice healthy?"  And I have purchased plenty of ice in those monster-sized bags from the gas station for parties or get-togethers.  Not once did I feel better about serving my guests healthy ice.

 

This week, the boy and I went to a park near our house to take some pictures so I can get a head start on the family Christmas card.  I usually try to take the Christmas card pictures over Thanksgiving, and it is as much fun as you can imagine.  The beautifully cool Fall weather we've had for 3 weeks straight magically disappears on Thanksgiving Day, and it turns out to be a humid 98 degrees.  I have visions of color-coordinated outfits and Fall-happy smiles, but what I typically get is someone squinting in the sun, at least 2 people dripping in sweat, and one or 2 folks complaining about the hot outfit they have on.  And there's only 3 of us.

So while I was torturing my son taking his picture at the park, we saw this:

 

 

Who walks on mud on purpose?  Maybe I'm not the adventuring type, but if I see a big, half-dried up, muddy lake bed, I do not have the urge to step out in it.  Who knew our park had quick sand?   I said I would pay good money to see somebody stuck up to their chest in mud.  Well, maybe I wouldn't actually pay to see it, but I would like to see it.

 

And then I had to run into the store this morning for a few quick 83 items.  This is the sign that greeted me at the door.

Thanks, Wal Mart.  My holiday anxiety was already beginning to rear its ugly head.  You have helped me shoot straight into full-on panic mode.

 







Do You Have A List?

If you are a parent, I am pretty certain you have a list.  I have a list.  I would love to tell you it is a written list, but that would be a lie.  I keep the list in my mind, where we all know it could vanish at any given moment.
My list is called, "Things I Never Thought I Would Ever Ever Say"
The list could also be titled, "Weird Stuff You Say When You Have Kids"
Some of my favorite items on the list are:
1.  Why is your underwear on the cat?
2.  Get down off the top of the refrigerator.
3.  Don't fight with a drink in your hands!
And my latest entry... "I got your tutu out of the garage for you to wear.  Again."
That is correct.  The boy wears a tutu.  But only on special occasions.

 

He was a cheerleader in the annual Powder Puff Football game.  He takes his role seriously, and - like all good cheerleaders - wears a short skirt.  Thankfully, he wears shorts and pants under it.
He was a cheerleader last year, too, but he had to borrow a pink tutu.  Heaven forbid.  So this year, he has his own.  He's even worn it before, but I can't remember what for.  Maybe I'm subconsciously blocking the memory.  Last week, he reminded me about the game, so I went rummaging through the costume box in the garage to find the tutu.  And that's when it happened.  I said, "Your tutu is in your room!"  I stopped and thought to myself, "That needs to go on the list."
New parents are sometimes given the advice to write down the funny and cute things their kids say, and that is great advice.  But the crazy stuff parents end up saying is just as entertaining.  And some things should not be forgotten.  Maybe I will start that list today.

"I Hate To See October Go"

I have ambitious plans today to take the giant spider off my front porch, and I am referring to a decoration... not my housekeeping skills.  Is it just me, or is it November already?  The end of October always makes me a tiny bit sad; it might be my favorite month.  I think Barry Manilow wrote a song about the end of October.  Granny may have to add that to her playlist. 
All things Fall make me happy... Changing leaves, college football games, clothes that cover all the stuff, and the (sometimes) cooler weather. Why does the weather never seem to cooperate on Easter or Halloween?  I have fond memories of either shivering in a too-thin costume or pouring sweat in something with fur. 

As usual, Halloween was big fun this year.  The boy hung out with his friends, and I passed out candy to miniature princesses, ninjas, and one rocket ship.  I may have become "that lady" who dresses up the cat and the dog.

 

I don't know why our cat missed the memo on the Star Wars costume theme this year.  Maybe Obi Wan and Leia picked up a space witch on the way back from Endor.

Our dog was a big help giving out candy to all the kids.  I call her my "Trick-or-Treater Greeter,"  and she was the life of the party.



 

In talking with a few mom friends of mine this week, we all agreed we need a way to freeze time.  To go back (for just a minute) to the days when our kids were the sweaty toddlers in the fur costumes.  To go back to the time when we could eat all the candy from their little plastic pumpkins and they were clueless.
Last week, the boy accused me of not wanting him to grow up.  Telling him he was wrong was fun, but it gave me the chance to explain the truth.  I told him I am loving having a 16 year old, just as much as I loved having a 6 year old.  Every stage and every age has been something to treasure.  (Except for all that no sleeping nonsense as a baby.)  I told him I am not sad he's growing up... I'm sentimental.  I think there is a difference. My job as a mom is making sure he does grow up, and I want to enjoy every step.  Then I told him to bring his mama some candy.

If anyone is worried about me, don't be.  The only things I love more than Halloween and Fall are the holidays.  I am already trying to decide when I can put up the tree.

Some Life Happened

Please overlook the date of my last post.  You will also need to overlook the snow pictures.
And in the spirit of forgiveness, please overlook my lack of motivation to blog.  My apologies to the few faithful readers.

All is well with us.  A lot happens in a year and a half.
Let me hit the highlights:
Sometime in the spring, we thought we were going to have to move to a new house.  We prepared to move, but then we did not have to move.  No stress there (insert eye roll).

The Boy started his first year of high school, finished his first year of high school, started his Sophomore year of high school, and started driving.  Lord.  Have.  Mercy.  I could stop here, and most of you would not only forgive me, but you might send me a spa gift certificate.

Dan/Daddy finished one job, started another job, got a promotion, and started school.

We took a few family trips.

We survived the Winter of 2015.  I love snow, but I even got tired of it.

I lived through two summers.  If you know me and my hatred of all things hot weather, you know this is a big deal.

The boy played a lot of soccer.  He even joined a new team.  A team not close to home.

We went to a lot of soccer games.  More than I can count.

We spent a lot of time in the car.

We celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.

We tried to see our families as much as we could.  It always feels like it's never enough.

Some of us gained a few pounds, a few wrinkles, and a pair of reading glasses. 

Some of us grew a few inches and gained some muscles.  Oh to be 16 again.

In other words, life happened.  I have missed you all.

There was no good reason to take a long break from blog writing.  I tend to be a procrastinator, and I once read procrastination is proof of perfectionism.  So let's just all say I was perfecting my perfectionism.  By procrastinating.