Talking in Parenthesis

1. I have a secret (well not now!) addiction to video games. My favorites are Tetris and Gran Turismo
2. My favorite 2 things to decorate with at Christmas are snowflakes and peppermint stripes
3. I collect nativity scenes, but am very picky. I do not like and will not have any of the cutesy ones, cartoon type, etc. They should be beautiful and respectful, not cute. (oopps, that was sort of soapboxy)

This is my favorite picture of all the kids together. They are so happy, I just love it.

Not a good picture I know, I scanned it and didn't take a picture. Anyhow... These are the bookmarks I made for the kid's teachers.

Hmm intriguing title huh? Bet you think it is a metaphor for something deep and existential. Ah but alas, it isn't. I just looked over to the kitchen and one of my cabinet doors was banging open and shut. So it was either a reason to call TAPS or something else. I open the door and there was Nikko, sitting on the second shelf in the upper cabinet. Have no idea how he got there and from the look on his face he didn't either. But being the cat that he is he faked it, and maintained his cool facade. He jumped out of my arms and I think is laying in the sun like nothing happened. Cats crack me up. I do love it when he lays in the sun, he is an orange and white cat, and when the sun hits his coat it looks like spun gold.

I am dreading taking Alli to her bus stop today. Why you ask, well the wind is currently gusting to about 30 mph. Lovely. All the windows, doors and other parts of the house are rattling. Which also means at some point I will either lose power or cable (which means the internet as well). It also means that Em probably won't take her nap in her room today. Every five minutes or so she runs tome to ask what was that. Oh the reminds me of something. In the house I grew up in, whenever the wind would blow the back door would scream. Yes a loud scream, screech noise. Scared me to death when I was little but I came to love it. Now I miss it. I wonder if it scared the new people as bad as it did me?

Today is a good bean day too. I am going to make navy beans wit the leftover ham bone from Thanksgiving. Should be good. I love cooking this time of year. Not real big on cooking in the summer. We eat a lot of salads, regular and pasta. And of course Ron grills, a lot. But this time of year is all mine. Soups, stews, beans, chili and the crockpot. Yum

I hope the bus isn't late....

One thing done from my holiday list, about 2000 left. I just put the finishing touches on the bookmarks I made for the elementary school kids. They turned out pretty good. I hope they like them, I enjoyed making them. Although I will have to say, I didn't much care for the wonder under stuff I used to back them with. I suppose it gets easier the more you use it. I got sticky stuff all over My iron. Which means sometime tonight I have to try and clean it. Ugh. Any tips? Oh crud, Brit has JrROTC tomorrow so he will need to iron. Now I have 2001 times on my list.

The weather is typical Colorado today. I love listening to new people on days like this. It is a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze. If you just looked out the window you would think it is at least in the high 50's if not 60's. But nope, it is barely 40,and that is in the sun. The lady that waits at Alli's bus stop was complaining about it, she was out in her sweatshirt. I on the other hand had on my heavy coat. I remember in college all the kids from warm places being freaked out by this type of weather. They didn't realize that it could be cold while the sun was out, and assumed that it snows constantly here. Maybe that is because whenever we get a Monday Night Football Game the weather always seems bad, rain, sleet, snow, you name it.
I have to say I love the cold weather. I like when you step outside and the cold takes your breath away. Of course I don't spend long periods of time out in it, but you get the idea. To me the cold has a taste, not just a feeling. It has a smell too. There is a potpourri of the season. Leftover leaves, fireplaces, pine and the cold. The Cold has different smells too, depending on the weather. It smells different when it is sunny, than snowing. It smells different when it is foggy than clear. When I was little I called the smell crisp, the smell is sort of the feeling of a perfect crisp apple. Yes that is what it is, crisp.

Today things are getting back to normal, well as normal as they ever get around here.

Thanksgiving was nice, peaceful. We ate later than usual because I didn't get up at o'dark thirty to start the food. So instead of eating at 2 or so we ate at 6 or so. I kind of liked that way. But I am sure we will go back to the other way once we have people over again. Ron talked to his mom too. They ended up not coming Saturday, big surprise. Now she wants us down there for Christmas. Not going to happen. I have to work all weekend, the birds still have to eat on Christmas. She wants us to drive back and forth. Sigh, big sigh. So I suppose if we don't go down there, she won't come up here either. Oh well. I can not stew about it, more to the point I am not going to stew about it.

Instead of that, I am listening Rent right now. I love Jesse Martin's voice. It makes me happy. He has such a joy in his voice. He needs to sing more. Not that I don't enjoy watching him on Law and Order.

I should be making a tart crust for Britty. He has to make a French dish for class tomorrow. So he picked a apple tart. Fairly easy. The crust just needs to chill, so I told him I would make that for him. The rest he will do himself, with me standing by. I also have to make Nate's birthday cake too. I almost forgot about that. Ack. Oh and the laundry. Anybody else hate matching and folding socks as much as I do?

Just wanted to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes a little early but this is a very special Thanksgiving edition. :-)

1. One of my most favorite Thanksgiving was in 5th grade. It snowed A LOT, closed school for the 2 days before, then my mom hurt her back and my Dad and I cooked dinner ourselves. Lots of fun, even more laughter.

2. The first thing I tossed of my Thanksgiving menu when I started having my own dinners was Waldorf salad. Ugh, that is simple the most vile stuff ever.

3. My most memorable Thanksgiving was 1997. I was pregnant with Nate, VERY pregnant. I cooked dinner (my choice) and the whole day Ron kept saying, just get through dinner, just get through dinner. I did, he was born the next day.

I wasn't going to post again today but I was just too happy not to. Franklin brought home his friend Grant after school, (Great kid, by the way). It is the start of Thanksgiving vacation here. So I have a house full of happy laughing kids. This is why I wanted a big family, this is why I am a Mommy. I love this. I know that boys yelling at the Xbox, loud music and general chaos would make most people run for the hills, I love it. This house has been too quiet for too long. I know Grant loves it. He is an only child so he comes over here for a dose of loud craziness.

What a great way to start the holidays!

Jamming to a little Green Day this morning. Just felt like I need to hear Holiday, get the blood pumping. Today is the last "normal" day before the holidays are upon me. Tomorrow I start cooking for Thanksgiving, the pies. At last count it will be 2 pumpkin, 2 pecan, and 2 apple. But that is subject o change according to my own person whims. In fact most everything around me is subject to change according to my whims. Over the weekend I need to make Nate's birthday cake. I think I will make him a football field, so I need to get some pipe cleaners or something to make goalposts. Otherwise it should be pretty easy, just simple lines. Then rearrange to make room for the tree the next weekend. We have a rule that no Christmas decorations go up before Nate's birthday. Besides the first weekend of Dec is soon enough. I remember when I was growing up we didn't put up our tree til a week or 2 before Christmas, of course we had a real tree too. But half of our complex already has their lights up and going for Christmas. For me a little early.

Next I have to figure out Christmas lists. Sigh, this is sort of a milestone year for me. It is the first year that Brit hasn't asked for at least some sort of toy. Last year it was a RC car but this year clothes, watch and a MP3 player. Which I guess is sort of a toy but not the same. It interesting being in a house that has both believers and non believers in Santa. And I honestly don't know who still believes, I know the girls do, but I don't know about Nate, Franklin or even Clay. I know Brit doesn't because he is now enjoying being part of the fun. Oh well, we have always made Santa more of a feeling and ideal than a real person. For several reasons, the first not to cloud the real "reason for the season", and one so it is sort of a passed tradition. Like what we are doing now with Brit. I didn't explain it to good. Hopefully Ron's mom will behave herself this year. I never know with her. A couple of years ago they came up (in the middle of the night) and I was putting together something for Alli and her first comment was, Oh Satan Claus was here. Nice, Merry Christmas to you too. I was proud of myself, without looking up I calmly replied, Debbie I respect your beliefs (which by the way change all the time) and in my house I expect you to respect mine. Ron and his Dad also backed me up, thankfully I have a husband who supports me on those things. So she was okay for most of the day except she wouldn't let Zay play with the toy we got him, he had to wait until he got home. I just don't understand the some peoples need for conflict...

Today by the calendar is Monday but it isn't a real Monday or at least it doesn't feel like a real Monday. Since it is Thanksgiving week the kids only have school today and tomorrow, then off the rest of the week. So I didn't have to have things as ready as I usually do. No gym uniforms to wash, only 2 uniform shirts for Clay, no JrROTC stuff, that sort of thing. Made yesterday day a little more relaxed when I came home yesterday.

Today is my official, in my brain at least, kick off to the holiday season. Today I check my recipes to make sure everything I bought for dinner on Thursday. I also get my Christmas card list started. The rest of the week is spend planning, writing cards (I have a few that need to go over seas so I have to mail then soon) and generally enjoy this time of the year. Wednesday I will bake my pies, do some chopping and assorted prep work. Of course I cook Thursday and we watch the parade. And this year pay a little more attention to the football game since the Broncos are playing.
Friday, some times I shop, usually not. Other than that we usually get some family movies and play games. I think Ron's folks are coming on Saturday but that isn't set in stone. If they do, I will probably do chili or something like that to eat since I have to work this weekend. And we are busy now, lots of boarding birds right now.

Was busy this morning and added a few things to the blog. I added a thought of the week. I thought about a thought of the day but I know that I couldn't keep up with that. So a week it is. I also added a guest map. If you get a chance add yourself.

Just a quiet Sunday here, watching the Bronco game. Nate is happy they are winning and winning big. I had all sorts of witty and important things to write about, I was thinking of them when I was walking home from work today. But I got home and they are all gone. It was so nice to come home. I enjoy being home. I love coming through the door and having the girls yell to greet me, the dog all excited and wagging, the cats even pock their heads out. Of course I didn't hear a thing today, had the music up too loud. Walking to U2's I Will Follow Just makes me feel good. In fact walking with any music makes me feel better. I think I will make sure I have my CD player when I go to work. Such small things make my day.
thanksgiving has gotten smaller. It will be just us for the first time in about 10 years. At first I was a little bummed. I love cooking for everybody. I get all Martha about the whole thing, but not in a bad way, without that whole insider trading thing. But I think it will be nice having just us. It will be more relaxed without Ron's folks here. Not that I don't like them,I love them, but it is sometimes challenge to keep my mouth shut when Ron's mom says something that I don't agree. We have fairly different parenting styles. I guess I should enjoy a smaller Thanksgiving this year since it will probably the last time we have a small one until he kids start doing their own. My folks will start coming starting next year. And before too long the kids will be in school and start bringing home friend and the significant other. Oh my.
Hmm since Criminal Intent isn't on tonight other than reruns over on Bravo, I think I will put the finishing touches on the last bookmark. I have to put on the name and date and then I am done! And then I am going to dig through my cross stitch stuff and decided what to stitch next. Or I may just read.

Okay, I am early...

1. Since my folks didn't listen to current music at home I didn't really know who John Lennon was until he was killed.
2. I am terrified of tornados. Basically phobic, I have anxiety attacks at just the watches.
3. I won first place in the pinata contest in 7th grade for my scarlet macaw, but it wasn't a real pinata because it wasn't hollow.

Got this in my email this week, and I am too lazy to figure out a proper post.

If I were a month I would be: November

If I were a day of the week I would be: Wednesday

If I were a time of day I would be: dusk

If I were a planet I would be: Saturn.

If I were a sea animal I would be: Killer Whale

If I were a direction I would be: West, the mountains

If I were a piece of furniture I would be: a chaise lounge

If I were a sin I would be: don't know really, I guess sloth

If I were a historical figure I would be: my favorite is Eleanor Roosevelt

If I were a liquid I would be: Mercury

If I were a stone, I would be: Peridot

If I were a tree, I would be: Silver Maple or Aspen

If I were a bird, I would be: a falcon or swallow

If I were a flower/plant: a Giant Evening Star

If I were a kind of weather, I would be: thunderstorm

If I were a musical instrument, I would be: flugle horn

If I were an animal, I would be: some sort of big cat

If I were a color, I would be: red

If I were an emotion, I would be: joy

If I were a vegetable, I would be: tomato

If I were a sound, I would be: laughter

If I were an element, I would be: fire

If I were a car, I would be: F250 Truck

If I were a song, I would be: Scared Love

If I were a movie, I would be directed by: Tim Burton

If I were a book, I would be written by: Sue Grafton

If I were a food, I would be: chili

If I were a place, I would be: a cabin in South Park

If I were a material, I would be: denim

If I were a taste, I would be: cinnamon

I was a scent, I would be: citrus

If I were a word, I would be:serendipity

If I were a body part I would be: shoulders

If I were a facial expression I would be: smiling

If I were a subject in school I would be: biology

If I were a comic book character I would be: Wonder Woman

If I were a shape I would be : hexagon

Wow 2 posts in one day. I was thinking about this when I was waiting at the bus stop with Alli. Of course the bus was late. Anyways here is a list of my current pet peeves. This by no means is a complete list but the ones I was thinking about while at the bus stop.

1. Leaf blowers
2. People who pull up to a house and honk. Not one or two little honks, but laying on the horn, multiple times. And if this is done before day break you need to be arrested.
3. People who do rolling stops at stop sign, when there is a person crossing.
4. When people ask how are you and then start talking about themselves before you even answer.
5. The fact that radio stations play the same 10-20 songs over and over and over and over and over and over
6. That people think because I am a mostly stay at home mom, I do nothing all day and therefore can do whatever they need with no problem.
7. Putting up Christmas decorations (and lighting them) before Thanksgiving. Actually I don't like it before Dec 1st but now is ridiculous.
8. Pumpkins, actual carved rotting pumpkins still on porches. Uncarved ones for fall decorations look nice.
9. People who use the word totally wrong.



That is it for now, I am sure I will think of more later.

I feel much better today. The sun is shining and there is no wind! It is cold, still below freezing at 10:30. And actually I like that, cold doesn't bother me. In fact I love it when it is clear and cold like this. Thankfully the bus stop is close for Alli or I might change my mind. Perfect day to make split pea soup in the crockpot, might even do some bread too.

The girls are watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this morning instead of the usual Nick Jr. I love watching Emma watch this movie. She dances along with the Oompa Loompa songs. And as much as I loved the first movie, and as big of part of my childhood, this movie is far better. Much truer to the book and spirit of Roald Dahl. I loved, well still do, his books. His imagination was wonderful and he never wrote down to children. His books are intelligent and treat children as intelligent creatures. I never liked being spoken down to as a child and refuse to do so to my children. Now that is not to say that I treat them as adults. There are certain things that we wait until it developmentally appropriate to tell them the complete story. Like babies, I never did the cabbage patch or stork. We started out with just the baby grows in Mom's tummy, and have added details as they ask and are ready. Back to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Johnny Depp is great in this movie. In fact the casting is great in the entire movie, I loved Freddie Highmore. He is almost exactly what i pictured Charlie to look like in y mind when I was little reading the book. I love that. Usually when I see a movie that I had read as book I am disappointed because the people never look like what I have pictured them. Interview with a Vampire would be a good example. Tom Cruise is not and will never be Lestat. Brad Pitt was passable Louis but Tom Cruise, never. Maybe that I why I prefer movies that are original and never books, I prefer my own mind to the screen.

Yep it is a Monday. And thankfully it is almost over. I should have known it was going to be a bad day when woke up and had Dora and Lazy Town songs running through my head. Let's see what else happened today... The dog got one of Brit's ROTC shoes, not too much damage but enough. Those bad boys cost about a hundred bucks. Ugh. Clay was sick, I just hate it when the kids are sick. Hmm what else, Oh Franklin waited until the last minute to tell me about a band concert tonight. We just got back, he did great, a baritone solo. Went upstairs, completely destroyed. Sort of makes me want to quit my job...
Then there s the weather. High winds again today, then a cold front. Were promise no snow or just a few flurries, HA. The snow I can handle, it is the wind. I hate the wind. Don't give me the colors of the wind thing. Wind is a pain, makes my ears hurt, messes up my hair and freaks out the dog.

Oh there were so many other things about today but I have decided not to dwell. Tomorrow is another day, blah,blah,blah, blah.

Don't believe everything you think.

I am tired and this is all I can manage, been one of those days.

Today I am officially the mother of 2 teenagers. Good Grief when did this happen? Clay is 13 today so 2 are teenagers. I don't think I am ready for this. It isn't that I am worried out the whole teen rebellion, okay it isn't hat that is my primary concern. I guess it is a 2 fold thing. The whole time marching on thing and them growing up. I will still see them as my little ones. Clay will always be Claybaby to me and Brit will be Tigger. Them growing up is exciting, everything they are doing, learning, experiencing is exciting. Yet at the same time terrifying. (I think I need to call my Mom and say sorry yet again) I can't believe Clay is 13. I honestly don't feel mentally much different from high school or college. I can still remember parts so vividly. Especially ones that involve my embarrassment, and there were a lot of those. Yet I am forced to realize that it has been almost 20 years since I graduated high school. When did that happen? Was I asleep? There were so many things I was going to do and so many that I wasn't. Mostly of the things that I was going to do and didn't do have been careerwise. And really that is just rearranged things when I realized how much I wanted to be a full time mom. And I will do those things, it is just the kids come first. The things that I wasn't going to do basically involve me becoming my Mother. There were so many things she said and did when I was growing that I promised myself I would never do to my kids. Nothing bad mind you, just little things that bothered me. One being when ever I would say to her I was hungry she would answer, pleased to meet you, I'm Margi. Oh how I hated everytime she said that. But about 5 years ago Brit said that to me and before I know what was happening, Pleased to meet you, I am Megan feel out of my mouth. And he , of course, Gave me much the same look as I gave my Mother. My mother also used to have songs for all occasions and would often burst out in song at the drop of the hat. Guess who does that now. And guess who that drives nuts? The only comfort I have is that all of them swear that they will never do these things to their kids. I just do another thing my Mother used to do to me, and smile that maddening I know something you don't smile.

I found this over on another blog My Spot and loved it

80' Babies

1.You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE!!!"
2. You watched the Pound Puppies.
3. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and you know what "the Carlton" is.
4. You wore biker shorts under your skirts and felt stylish.
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start one of your own.
6. You owned those little Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.
7. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom.
8. Two words: M.C. Hammer
9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock ".
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars.
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales".
12. When it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
14. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on the big screen.
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH" (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House)
18. You wore Jordache or a Chic jean jacket and you were proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear....need I say more.
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in Kindergarten.
21. You remember reading "Tales of a Fourth Grade nothing", "Sweet Valley Twins" and/or all the Ramona books.
22. You know the profound meaning of " WAX ON ,WAX OFF"
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing.
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
27. You took Lunch Pails to school.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.
30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.
32. You thought Sheera and He-Man should hook up.
33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged friendship bracelets.
34. You have ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I? "
36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were in-line skates.
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds. (Grimace cage anyone?)
41. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.
42. You remember Popples
43. "Don't worry, be happy"
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
45. You wore socks scrunched down.
46. "Miss MARY MACK MACK MACK, all dressed in BLACK BLACK BLACK."
47. You remember boom boxes vs. cd players.
48. You remember watching both "Gremlins" movies.
49. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!!"
50. You remember watching "Rainbow Bright" and"My Little Pony Tales"
51. You thought Doogie Howser was hot.
52. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
53. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool.
54. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By the Bell ", the ORIGINAL class.
55. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THRU THE HEART.
56. You just sang those words to yourself, didn't you?
57. You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.
58. You cut your t-shirts in half and wore it with your homemade
59. Levi shorts...(the shorter the better)
60. You remember when mullets were cool!
61. You had a mullet.
62. You still sing "We are the World"
63. You "Pegged" your pants ritually (You're still singing "Shot Through the Heart" in your head aren't you!!)
64. At one time or another, you were the proud owner of a Cabbage Patch Kid
65. Garbage Pail Kid cards anyone?
66. Your world was over if you missed "Kids Incorporated."
67. You did "the wave" with your bangs.
68. Pogs. Enough said.
69. You couldn't wait for recess so that you could "pencil fight."
70. Happiness was the "Wonderful World of Disney"on Sunday night.

1. I never liked my name growing up, everybody always mispronounced it. May-gan instead of Mee-gan. I always wanted my name to be Jean, I don't know why.
2. I dislocated my little toe the weekend before graduation, but still managed to wear pumps. Hey I would have done anything for fashion then. It was quite a thing too because my high school graduated at Red Rocks (you know from the Sunday Bloody Sunday U2 video). Steps and a dislocated toes not a good mix.
3. I read 3 newspapers everyday

The weather turned cool overnight. I love it. I am so ready for colder weather. I want to wear my sweaters and sweatshirts. The weather here in Denver has been too warm for my tastes this fall. We have had a few cool days. And we already have had a pretty good snow. But nothing really since then. Rain. Maybe there is something to this global warming thing. I don't want to think about that right now, too deep for my mood right now. Pretty much all the leaves are gone now, especially after the gale force winds we had over the weekend. And that really puts me in mind for late fall- early winter weather. Which also means all my winter type foods and activities. I tend to get more stitching done in the winter. And big projects too. Of course that means I have to finish the bookmarks for the kids teachers before I do anything else. That is what I am making for the teacher gifts for Christmas this year. That and probably a plate of cookies. I also do more reading this time of year. Which is good because I have a stack to read. I have Mermaid Chair, Kathy Reichs new one and Patricia Cornwells new one waiting. And I just started on The Historian. It was a little slow going at first, the first couple of chapters but now I am having a hard time putting it down. I also usually read a book out loud to the kids this time of year too. I think we might start over on Harry Potter from book one. Or Little House on the Prairie, since it is mostly the girls that listen now. I have read Farmer Boy to the boys and they loved it. I love those books so much.
I wish I have planned dinners a little better for today. I would have loved to toss something in the crockpot or make beans or soup today but I don't have anything like that today. Although I was think soup and sandwiches tonight. I usually try and make Monday and Wednesday easy since Ron has class til late. Once the weather turns I use the crockpot about 4 times a week. I need to check the long range forecasts and plan some menus. Of course that means going to the store. Actually it isn't the shopping that bothers me it is the putting away that I hate.
So now my task for today, after my chores are done of course ;-) . Is decide if am going to be a good girl and finish the bookmark for Alli's teacher or read my book. Maybe I will do both.

Okay I admit it, there are more than a few things in this world that really bother me or that I hate. But today I think I have figured out number one. Well at least for today. Leaf blowers. I hate leaf blowers. The landscape people around here are in love with them. They have been leaf blowing for 2 days now. Not only are they loud and annoying but they are stinky. The fumes are terrible. Plus the crunched leaves blow around and dust gets in the air, and then in my eyes and lungs. That is a pleasant feeling, I look forward to it every year. What happened to good old raking? Anybody remember those? Seems they have gone the way of the dinosaur. I was watching the leaf blower guys and I think it actually takes longer for the all the leaves to be picked up with the leaf blowers than with rakes. First they blow all the leaves in a pile, then the they rake up the pile and then pick them up. Seems to me that just raking would be easier. But then I guess there would be no toys to play with. And that is probably the bottom line.

Ugh, that is the way I feel today, ugh. The weekend went okay, work was fine. I think I have found my sea legs, so to speak. Don't have to ask so many questions and look so dumb all the time. And I did get my first pay check. That was a bonus and it was more than I thought it was going to be, a big bonus. Of course not as much as my mom wishes. When I told her about my job, she did her usual. I am proud of you but... How I love that. I don't even think she realizes how negative she is. She honestly thinks she is being supportive with those remarks. I guess I can take comfort in she is equal opportunity, lol. But is still makes me feel that no matter what I do I will never be good enough. And I think that feeling has colored everything in my life. But enough of that, I don't feel like having a pity party today.

This is my favorite time of year. I love Thanksgiving. Most people, when asked, say their favorite holiday is Christmas. And yes I love Christmas. But for me Thanksgiving is my favorite. I love preparing a HUGE meal with all the trimmings for my family. It gives me so much pleasure to cook for them. Of course it helps that I love to cook. So this is about the time I start to prepare my menu. So far I have Turkey, Ham, stuffing, from scratch mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (lightly candied), from scratch cranberry sauce, gravy, greens, buttered corn, rolls, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, berry pie. I also will do a veggie plate and crackers and cheese. I just can't explain how happy this makes me. I love this time of year.

I am sitting here watching Planes, Trains and Automobiles. I love that movie, I have seen it countless times and still laugh. The truck part, oh my god it is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. It is one of my Dad's favorite movies too.

The parade was something today. The day started off cool, but I didn't think too bad. We dropped off Brit and walked around downtown for a little bit. Went in to Barnes and Noble and when we went to leave it was pouring. Ugh. Of course one of the few times I don't have rain gear and such. We wait awhile and walkover to part of the parade route that I know will be sheltered. The it turns to snow, double ugh. Thankfully this is Colorado, so the weather is fickle. About 15 minutes later the sun comes out and we move on the our final viewing spot. Next being Colorado the wind starts, huge small dog warning winds. I felt bad for the kids, especially Brit, he is part of the color guard and had to carry a flag in that wind. And being downtown parts were like wind tunnels. But even with all that they looked great. And Brit looked so grown up. I am not sure when it happened. He went from looking like a boy with a hint of man, to half man, half boy. I am almost afraid to look away, because the next time I look back he will be looking like a man with a hint of boy. I don't think I can handle that. I will admit, I got all teary when he went by, I couldn't help it. He is my first, my first baby. I also lost another today to the lure of the military. Nate was enraptured with the uniforms, the stories told to him by the vets. And I am so very proud of the them. Brit especially since he understands what it means to be in the military. He totally believes in service to his country. But at the same time that I am proud to bursting, I am terrified. I am fairly certain this whole little "thing" won't be done when he is old enough to matter. But I am trying not to borrow trouble, I will deal with that when it comes. In the mean time I will just enjoy this, because he is growing up faster and faster.

I liked this quiz, different than most. Of course it helps that I like this book.

You're Catch-22!

by Joseph Heller

Incredibly witty and funny, you have a taste for irony in all that you
see. It seems that life has put you in perpetually untenable situations, and your sense
of humor is all that gets you through them. These experiences have also made you an
ardent pacifist, though you present your message with tongue sewn into cheek. You
could coin a phrase that replaces the word "paradox" for millions of
people.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

No work this morning, well no paid work. Brit is marching in the annual Veteran's Day parade (why can't they have it on Veteran's Day?) and we are all going to watch. So as soon as I am done here I need to wake up the girls, never a good thing, and get them ready. I never did get back to my lists of why I am in a bad mood yesterday, didn't have the time or energy. But I am happy to report that I am no longer in a bad mood. Of course that might change by the end of the day, lol.
Okay I am off....

It is another one of those days. The little things are driving me crazy and it sort of makes me feel guilty. I know there are people much worse off than me but... I can't help but be annoyed when the shower doesn't get turned off right and it hit me in the back of the head when I put the girls in the tub. When I look over at the desk trash can and notice it hasn't been emptied since the last time I did it and people are balancing things ala Simpson's now. I walk upstairs and am greeted by the dog, which was begged or on bended knee mind you, that has been walked yet. Now I don't mind taking him out, I enjoy it just not before my daily hit of caffeine. AARRGGHHH. Not to mention I bashed my toe and it hurts like the dickens and is all black, blue and purple. And not a nice royal purple, an angry, ugly purple. Plus I forgot to send back my Netflix movies so I don't have a new VDO movie this weekend. I suppose I could watch Strange Days again, but that is definitely not a feel good movie. However it does support my most shallow of theories. That people with bad hair ultimately will fail. Now for me bad hair is in the eye of me, the beholder of this theory. Bad hair s more about attitude than actually hair. Einstein would be an example. In some circles his hair could be consider bad,but not to me. He owned his hair, it fit on him. The Donald, well the jury is still out on that one. But back to Strange Days, both Burton and Dwayne had bad hair, although Dwayne's was slightly less than Burton's. And they were definitely bad guys, not on the fence at all. I don't know if I will watch that again this weekend or not, sort of a hard movie to watch. Frankly I don't know if I will have time to watch a movie anyways. I work Sunday and Saturday Brit has the Veteran's Day parade downtown. So we are hauling everyday down there to him. Major troop movement, probably will show up at NORAD.

Well this didn't really end up the way I had started but I ran out of steam. More later, maybe a list. I am in a listy sort of mood.

1 . I have never lived in any other state other than Colorado, and never really wanted to.

2. I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast when I was little, but had to give that up when I grew taller than my coach.

3. As of today I have read The World According to Garp, 58 times.

I am annoyed. There is something wrong with my computer, the video card or something. I have no idea, but that is what hubby thinks it is. So I am forced to use the laptop. While yes it is cool, I just would rather have my own computer. All of my bookmarks are on it, so I haven't been able to read my normal morning things and that has put me in a bad mood today. It has also given me a huge headache. And I could really do without the headache today because I have way too much to do. I need to get stitching on the bookmarks for the kids teachers. I need to get those finished in the next few weeks. I am supposed to go to the school for Nate's Super Citizen award and I just don't think I will be able to make it for that either. Bad parent, I know. But these people don't seem to understand that I have six kids and the spur of the moment part of my life is long over. Plus I am trying to get everything done during the week since I am working weekends now. I hate to have to come home and do a whole bunch of stuff like laundry.

It is days like this that make wonder what the heck was I thinking wanting a family let alone a big family. But then Emma will walk over kiss me and say I love you mommy, this much. Holding her arms out as far as she can. And walk away. So she wasn't looking for a soda or a bite of what I am eating, she was just saying it because she felt like it. Then I remember why I wanted a family and why I even bothered to open my eyes today. Sometimes things are so overwhelming, not knowing where to turn or what to do next. Days that you just want to slide down the wall and cry. Then there are other days when Britty is in his uniform, representing the school, Nate winning Super Citizen, Clay running cross country, Franklin making honor choir, etc. Or days which are just normal, going to the park, going to the store and they are happy. Really truly happy that I can't imagine why I was having a problem at all. I guess that is keep me from running screaming on the bad days. The remembrance that the good days far out weigh the bad days. And as bad as the bad days can get the good days are always better.

Now if I can only get my personal person in as good as shape as the family. If I could remember the good things about myself. If could like myself and be comfortable in my own skin. Become the person I really want to be. That is my next goal. And instead of saying I am going to start one myself Monday or even tomorrow I am going to start today.