A rOcK sTaR has entered the building!
I repeat...
A rOcK sTaR has entered the building!
Watch out!
~sizzle sizzle~
She's hOt!

Thing 1 got a new doo today... doesn't she look awesome?? Where did my LITTLE Thing 1 go?? I mean, seriously! She looks all grown up now.
At first she didn't like the cut... but after we came home, and got it wet and she did it herself... I think it's safe to say, she totally LOVES it! (thanks to our amazing hairstylist!)
sniff sniff.
She's even wearing makeup!! (gasp) When did this happen??
This whole gorgeous-rock-star-thing?

I went upstairs to go to bed, and found my room totally rearranged... With a new T.V sitting where my bed used to be.
I had been complaining (rather loudly I guess) that I wished we had a T.V. in our bedroom. Jefe heard me loud and clear, and went out and bought one. A REALLY nice one to boot!

Thing 3 could hear the T.V. going... it was a mans voice. A man's voice that she didn't know. (we were watching Pushing Daisies... great show BTW!)
She was just a little freaked out. She slowly crept into the bedroom looking all panic stricken. I guess if you have never heard a T.V. in your parents bedroom (that you can remember anyway) it would be rather scary to hear a man's voice coming from in there!
The other 2 sort of did a little freak out too when they got up this morning. Thing 2 kept saying "Jefe, why did you do this? Why did you get a new T.V.?" Jefe told him that it was for Mom so that when the baby comes I can lay in bed with her, feed her and be able to sleep and watch T.V.

So. Yes. I AM spoiled!
But, I sure do like my new T.V.

"Anything not worth doing is worth not doing well. Think about it." - Elias Schwartz

Well. Today is the day that I wish I had that magic spell of being able to drag and drop all my Christmas decorations into their correct storage containers... Putting the stuff away is a major deterrent for me and decorating. I hate the whole put away decoration crap- every. single. month. I used to be really good at changing my decorations monthly. I had wreaths coming out my eyeballs. I had monthly "themes" that I would decorate around.
Seriously.
I know. Isn't that just whacked? Then, I came to my senses. And threw it all away. I only "decorate" now for Christmas. The rest of the year we just have our house be simple. Now. Don't get me wrong. I am not bagging on those who do like to do the whole monthly decoration deal. If that's your bag, more power to you! I just can't do the whole new decorations every single month... based on what holiday falls in that month.... IE: January = snowflakes & snowmen; February = Hearts and Valentines; March = Shamrocks and St. Patty's Day... See where I am heading? It can quickly get out of control.
I WAS out of control. But. I decided to simplify. Mostly because I have a wise husband who likes to throw crap away. And, by his throwing crap away... I LOVE to throw crap away now. Seriously. There is not a better feeling than seeing all your crap sitting on the curb waiting for the garbage man to come and take it away. Its outside... not inside all over the floors and taking up vital, useful space!
So. Today I am wishing, hoping, and praying that someone will invent that little point and click device that will enable me to have my Christmas decorations put away within Milli-seconds of starting! But, I suppose, until that happens I will have to start doing it myself... 1 pathetic box at a time.
What are you doing on this post-holiday-day?

1. These Are The Days - 10,000 Maniacs
2. My Wish - Rascal Flatts
3. Trouble - Ray Lamontagne
4. Lean On Me (live) - Rascal Flatts
5. 29 - Ryan Adams
6. Louisiana Bayou - Dave Matthews Band
7. On Songwriting - Colbie Calliat
8. But You Know I Love You - Alison Krauss
9. In Need Of A Miracle - New Radicals
10. Freedom 90

Bonus: The Forecast - Jason Mraz

The kids & Jefe roller blading last night. It was So.Freaking.Cold. And, they were having a total blast! Thing 2 was pulling Thing 1 along on her skates. Thing 3 is still trying to get the hang of it... she tries to skate like one would walk. She'll get it...eventually. We are going to take them to an indoor staking rink tonight. It's only $1.00 to skate there on Thursday's. So, that will be a much warmer environment for them to try and get the hang of this whole roller blading deal. I am glad we got these! Its been a fun day! They have been playing the Wii all day... any other gaming device and I think I would be freaking out about. But, this thing requires them to be active! I love it! Its fun to see Thing 2 running out of the play room, huffing and puffing, needing a drink cause he is exercising so hard! It's awesome! The other thing I love is the fact that Thing 3 can actually play this! All the other gaming devices we have (xbox, gamecube etc) she has a very difficult time playing. Thing one is perfect for her!

I finally broke down, and sent Jefe out to get me cold medicine. I hate to take that stuff, cause I hate the way it makes me feel. But, I was desperate! I took some, drank almost an entire container of OJ, and slept like a baby! I was up at the crack of dawn this morning... and I actually feel a little better. We will see what happens as the day progresses on!

Happy holidays!

I took this photo last week, but what with all the craziness of getting ready for the big guy to come, I just plain forgot to post it.
But, here are my thoughts on this photo...
I saw this Seagull in the parking lot of Thing 3's school. It was carrying something around in its mouth and I was curious as to what it was. Usually, when you drive by Seagulls, they fly away. But this one just sort of hopped around with this big thing sticking out of its mouth. I pulled up as close as I could, then pulled out the camera. And what to my wondering eyes did appear?
A cannibalistic Seagull.
Seriously.
This Seagull was gnawing on a chicken bone.
Isn't that a bird eating a bird? Isn't that cannibalism?
Thats sort of weird. Don't you think?

Well. The present that Jefe and I were the most excited about was a hit!! HUGE HUGE hit! When Jefe opened the gift, the kids screamed!! Thing 2 hugged Thing 1 and they just laughed and laughed. Then Thing 2 yelled, "It's true. The older you get the cooler your gifts get!" Isn't that awesome?? I was supposed to be video tapping their response... but instead of pushing record, I pushed pause and so we got a big ZIPPO, NADA, Nothing tapped.
I totally screwed that up! Oh well. It will be ingrained in my brain forever! It was awesome! They had a great Christmas. They each kept saying: "This is the best Christmas EVER!" They were so happy. The Wii was plugged in promptly at 7:30am and has been running ever since! It comes with an Olympics game, and it is a blast to see them playing it! Thing 3 is even able to play this system! That makes me happy! She is loving the the boxing one! Its hilarious to watch! Even I can bust a move or two on the boxing one! It also has tennis, baseball, golf, and then boxing. Its a total blast, and once we get 3 more controllers, it will be a blast to all play together!!
There is a game you can do that will test your Wii age... apparently my Wii age is 50.
50! Umm. I wonder if that is anything like my Real Age? If it is, then I find that really upsetting. I guess I need to get it together and play more video games??


Thing 2 got a long board (don't ask me, cause I don't know what the difference is) and this Lego Mission to Mars thing. He also got roller blades.
Thing 2 got a handmade dragon, with porcelain teeth from Jefe's mom. He was estactic! He flew that dragon all over the house! He is getting quite the collection of these. Jefe's mom is AMAZING when it comes to making these kind of gifts! The kids LOVE them! Thing1 got a doll making kit, and is VERY excited!

Thing 3 got the Princess and the Pea. Its a doll, with handmade mattresses, the doll and the book. She plays non-stop with it! I have to say this: Jefe's mom knows how to give gifts. She gives great gifts! And, she passed that talent on to her son. He is freakin' pater familias when it comes to gift giving! I have to admit, that I am jealous of his gift giving ablities! I suck at picking out gifts! It drives him nuts, but I sort of insist, as of late, that he come with me to pick out any gifts... cause he ROCKS!

Thing 1 was so desperate to know if she was going to get an MP3 player and a new cell phone. Well. Santa pulled through for her. She got a wicked awesome MP3 player, and a cool new flip phone that has video/camera capabilities! She has been parked in front of Jefe's lap top computer all morning and afternoon downloading music onto her MP3 player. It can hold a ridiculous amount of songs... something like 2,000 or some such thing. It is compatible with Rhapsody, so that is a good thing. Could you imagine having to buy each individual song? YIKES! She is in hog heaven!

Thing 3 wanted 1 thing and 1 thing only... a tea set. So that she could have real live tea parties! She has been playing Thing 2 & 3's gameboys like crazy... always selling Thing 1's ninten-dogs and making her mad. So, she got her own Ninten-dogs and game boy. She did have a great xmas! Can you tell that she is happy?

Everyone got roller blades... well everyone but me. Jefe put his foot down on that point. Once the baby comes, however, I am getting me a pair. I have wanted roller blades for years and by dang. I am going to get me some! Thing3 has not taken her roller blades off. She LOVES them! They have been outside, in this sub-arctic freezing weather, roller blading their little hearts out! Even Jefe has been out there roller blading! It really has been a great day!

Yes. Jefe pulled a fast one on me this year! We had agreed that Wii was for both of us. But, I have been Jonesin' for a new camera big time! He had me open this giant box. As soon as I saw what it was, I started to cry. How nerdy is THAT? Pretty nerdy. I was caught off guard. I hadn't planned on anything. He pulled a fast one. Now, I have lots of new stuff to learn and figure out. I'm a little nervous, intimidated actually. But, I will get it figured out. I have to go get some sort of card attachment dealie so that I can upload my photos to my computer. I have a wire thing to upload photos with, but apparently, if I get this other card thing, I can upload them at record speed. And, I need to get photo shop now so that I can edit my photos. I am SO excited. I have set a couple of goals of things I want to be able to do by next Christmas... hopefully I will be able to accomplish it!

Finally. Now that the entire event is over, my body is starting to rebel. I have been fighting being sick for several weeks now. This afternoon, I can feel body surrendering to this cold. Its settling in my chest, and all I want to do is sleep. At least we made it through Christmas without the kids being sick!
Merry Christmas friends. Did Santa find you?

Thing 3 is SO excited for tomorrow to come. Anonymous Grandma gave her a giant package to open. She can think of nothing else. The package showed up here this past weekend, and about 20 times a day she comments on how "eh-sited" she is to open her giant present! She just can't wait!
The other kids are getting excited too. We found out (thing 3 spilled the beans) that while we were out on date this past weekend, they all started snooping and shaking the packages. Little sneaks! Shame shame shame! (I can't blame them. I am a huge snooper too!) We took them to go see the movie National Treasure - Book of Secrets this morning. Then out to lunch at Training Table (Go Cheese Fries & ultimate dipping sauce! yum!) We didn't tell them what we were doing... we led them to believe that they were going last minute shopping with us-- yes. That is mean. It did elicit A LOT of complaining... and I must admit that it was quite funny to see them whining and complaining that they had to go do something so boring as shopping. It was fun to watch their reaction when we pulled into the parking lot of the theater. Thing 2 started yelling "I knew it! I knew it!" Some man was walking by, and he started laughing when he heard how excited Thing 2 was! He has been begging to see this movie for weeks!
It was a FANTASTIC movie, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again! I will definitely be buying this one!
When we got home, the kids could hardly stand not being able to open presents.. we have a tradition of opening 1 present on Christmas Eve... and its always new pajamas. Well. They opened their new pajamas when we got home from the movies... promptly put them on to wait for Old St. Nick to arrive. Can you see how excited Thing 3 is? She was jumping all over the place, hardly able to contain herself!
Tomorrow is going to be Oh.So.Fun.
The kids have no idea what is coming there way... Jefe and I were able to score THE hot item this year...
Yes we did.
We got THAT item.
You know the one.
The one that has people lining up before stores open to see if they happened to get any shipped in that day. The one that is first come first buy, and they usually only get like 2-3 a week.
Yes. THAT one.
Jefe wrapped it up to be from me to him. The kids are dying for me to tell them what it is. I have been playing really dumb and referring to all the various gaming devices by the wrong names (much to Thing 2's horror and irritation) just to throw them off. I think its working quite nicely. Thing 2 just shakes his head, irritated that his mother is "so clueless".
Hee hee. Little does he know!

So. The deeds are done. The shopping complete. The waiting has started. I am excited for tomorrow. It makes me happy to see how excited my kids are.
I have been thinking a lot about "The Big Guy", St. Nick, Papa Noel, Santa Claus... I don't know if I can express what I have been thinking clearly, but I will give it a try. I find the whole idea magical. Really. To me, there is nothing more amazing than a child that believes in Santa. Really, truly, whole heartedly believes! When you see their eyes light up when they see Santa... it brings tears to my eyes. It is magic. It is what makes Christmas so much fun. This idea of Santa. I love it. For me, being Santa has been a phenomenal experience. It makes Christmas REAL for me. I really don't care about what I get... its so much more fun to give... and not only just give, but REALLY give. Giving to my kids. Its such a fantastic feeling. So, Santa is magic to me. I don't find it odd to lie to my kids about this. There have been several blogs arguing about this very thing. To have or not have Santa... My feeling is that once they have their own kids. They will get it, understand it, and embrace it. Hopefully, it will mean as much to them as it has to me to be their Santa Claus.
So. Tune it later to see if the whole thing met my expectations! I am sure it will supersede them.
Merry Christmas people. Merry Christmas!

"Any messages? Yeah, Santa called and told me I'd have to buy my own cheap perfume this year because you're skipping Christmas." - Christmas with the Kranks

Well people. It's the last Random 10 Friday before Christmas. Can you believe it? We got the last of the little stuff today. You know. The stocking stuffers, and the things that your kids magically decided to ask Santa for that you have never even heard of...
Like a snowball maker. A Snowball maker people. I mean, seriously. Do they even have those? I thought that was called your 2 hands... but Thing 3 is DYING for a snowball maker. When I asked her what she was going to do with a snowball maker. She looked at me, rolled her eyes, sighed rather loudly and said: "Throw snowballs at Thing 2. Duuuhhhhhh!"
Oh. Right. Makes perfect sense!
After calling a couple dozen places, and Jefe actually looking in several (read: over a dozen) places (including one that sells very nice looking glass bongs, and they wouldn't let Jefe look in their phone book, but he could use their computers to surf the internet?! ) he found a flippin' snowball maker.
FOR.REAL.
A snowball maker. They make them, and we have them in our hot, sweaty little hands!
Jefe is the damn pater familias!
Hallelujah!
Praise Allah!
Pass the eggnog!
We are done. Through. Complete. Finished. Fini.
Whew.
I can breathe. Sort of. Tonight is the marathon wrapping session, while we watch The Christmas Vacation (my very favorite movie, just because of THIS line in it... and I SO want to memorize it!) . Then tomorrow is the whole taking the children to the store to let them pick out presents for us parental units. I am excited about this Christmas. It has been fun planning the gifts, getting the gifts, putting the gifts under the tree... the kids will be soo excited when Jefe opens HIS Christmas present. Because, even though it was purchased for Jefe, it is really for them. Too fun!
So,Yes.
We are excited!

1. Last Christmas - Ashley Tisdale (go high school musical!)
2. Ay, Ay, Ay It's Christmas Time - Ricky Martin
3. Winter Wonderland - Eurythmics
4. Last Christmas - Wham!
5. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Whitney Houston
6. Carol of the Bells - Barenaked Ladies
7. Silent Night - Boyz II Men
8. Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer - Jewel
9. Don't Save It All For Christmas Day - Clay Aiken
10. Here We Come A-Wassailing - John Rutter

Bonus: Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby

Our little Choir started again this morning. We will meet today, and tomorrow. Then the kids get to have the Christmas holiday off, then we meet everyday once we get back into school.
Why? Well, let me tell you.
Our beloved State Capitol has been under renovation for several years. It is set to be re-opened/dedicated at the beginning of January. Our little Choir has been asked to sing at an open house for it--- with a 25 minute program! Yikes! We will have a total of 8 practices before we sing in the that magnificent building. I am thrilled, to say the least. I mean, seriously. That is an amazing opportunity for these kids! They have been able to sing in places that most kids NEVER get to even see, let a lone sing in. The acoustics at this place are freaking amazing!
It will be something they will NEVER forget! How amazing is this little choir? First, they were able to sing on the local radio station. Then last year, they were able to sing at symphony hall, and now this? Sheesh. Amazing!
I am excited. It will be wonderful!

Some days are good parenting days, and some are bad.
Today started as a good parenting day. I let Thing 1 stay home from school (much to the horror of Thing 2& 3 who had to go to school) and she slept for most of the morning. I was able to clean Thing 3's bedroom, which for the last month or so has look like Hiroshima. Seriously. It was soo bad, that I just did not have the moral stamina to tackle it. But, today, being the Good parenting day I did. I cleaned out the closet, threw out all the clothes that were too small, or too worn, or just plain nasty. I threw out an entire garbage bag of toys that were broken, or old or just plain gross. She didn't even notice. It was cleansing. It felt great. I love to chuck stuff!
I was on a roll... it was barely the crack of dawn and LOOK what I had accomplished!!
I went and finished shopping for Thing 1. I got all sorts of boxes to put the stuff in and wrap. I went to lunch with my 2 friends (while Thing3 was at school) and laughed till I cried. (that is soo therapeutic! I can't even begin to tell you how amazing it is to just laugh. It cleanses the soul!)
I picked up Thing 3 from school, took her home so that Thing 1 could watch her while I finished up the last little bits of shopping.
Here is where it went from a good parenting day to bad.
Thing 1 and Thing 3 proceed to fight the entire time I was gone. I shouldn't have gone. But, I did. I was gone... a long time. And, they fought... for a long time.
I freaked out at them both on the phone... for a long time. And, I really think that my head started spinning and smoke was coming out my ears in the Kohl's parking lot.
Bad Mommy. Bad, bad Mommy.
I finally tossed my hands in the air and came home. Huffing and puffing.
And then the screaming began.
I hate fighting.
I hate screaming.
I hate contention.
And, there was a lot of it.
However, after everyone was able to settle down and re-locate our brains, we were able to move into a rather interesting discussion. I made the 2 girls hug each other and while holding each other they had to say what they liked about each other. I know. Odd. But, it seemed to soften everyone, and it worked its mojo.
We talked for a couple of hours and she vented her real issues. Her Dad came home and handled the situation like a pro... oh wait. He IS a pro in this arena. It was amazing.
So, just maybe, we were able to salvage this day from a good parenting day to a bad parenting day back to a good parenting day.
I sure hope so.

"With as much dignity as he could muster, the Old Man gathered up the sad remains of his shattered Major Award. Later that night, alone in the backyard, he buried it next to the garage. Now I could never be sure, but I thought that I heard the sound of "Taps" being played. Gently." - The Christmas Story

I LOVE this movie. I laugh at the same places every single time I watch it... which is every year. My kids groan outwardly when I suggest that we watch it... Thing 2 actually conjures up tears at the thoughts of having to sit through this movie with the family. Thing 1 sits and complains, sighs, and moans through the whole event. I don't understand why. It's hilarious! It's funny. Its a tradition. And they are going to enjoy it, come hell or high water!!
Dammit!
What are your family traditions that your kids freak out about??

On another note, only 11 days until Christmas is here.
ELEVEN DAYS PEOPLE!
~that is me freaking out~
Ok. I am fine. Not really. Yes I am .Sigh. Oh the insanity of it all!
Happy Friday folks!

1. Here Comes Santa Claus - The Ray Conniff Singers
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Billy Joel/Rosie O'Donnell
3. Sleigh Ride - Leroy Anderson
4. Angels We Have Heard on High - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass
5. You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Dr. Seuss
6. Christmas Time Is Here - Vince Guaraldi
7. First Noel/When the Meadow was Bloomin' - Barry Manilow
8. Winter Wonderland - Tony Bennett
9. 2000 Miles - Pretenders
10. Carol of the Bells - Harry Simeone Chorale

Bonus: Here We Come a Caroling/We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Perry Como

Over the years, I have heard more Christmas music than I can even remember! However, I do believe that this here video/song is my absolute FAVORITE. It meshes all the songs together, and even includes the Dreidle Song from South Park!
Flippin' Brilliant!!

I couldn't decide on just 1... so there are a few.
I think this last one is probably my favorite!

When my older children were younger, they referred to Santa as The Ho Ho Man. Thing 1 loved him, and constantly wanted to sit on his lap and chat him up. Thing 2 on the other had wanted nothing to do with him, and to further keep The Ho Ho Man as far away from him as possible. I wasn't too sure how Thing 3 would respond. The last few years, she too has wanted ZERO to do with The Ho Ho Man. Today, as we were getting ready for our church breakfast Christmas party, she was strongly telling me that I HAD to go with her to talk to The Ho Ho Man, because she was feeling just a little shy...Thing 3 listening very carefully, hearing Santa's bells jingling in the hallway at church. She was getting SO excited! When he walked through that door, it was magic, I tell you, pure magic! I am such a sap, that I actually got all teary eyed! I know, that is SO nerdy. But really, to see Santa the way Thing 3 was seeing him was very magical for me, and made me quite teary! (yes. I was embarrassed, because everyone was looking at me all funny! but, who cares! I mean seriously! It was amazing to watch her, and how much she loves Santa, and completely BELIEVES!)
She wanted to pet his reindeer so bad, but alas, Santa left them in the pasture, and had someone give him a ride!

At first, she wanted to ask The Ho Ho Man for a real Barbie computer, but then right before it was her turn to sit on his lap, she grabbed my shirt and pulled me down so she could tell me that she had changed her mind. Oh. Ok. She REALLY wanted to ask him for a tea set.
A Tea Set? She has never, not once, asked for a tea set. NEVER.
But, she told Santa she wanted a Tea Set. He asked if could come over and have a tea party. She grinned and said:"Of course!"
Guess you know what we are scrambling to find now, huh?!

Thing 2 asked for an X box 360. I told him to ask for something else. Santa looked at me, and said, "Boy. I don't think I can get those anymore... is there something else I can get you?" Thing 2 sternly stated "Nope. I want an X box 360." Know what he is NOT getting?? Yup. You guessed it. AM I WORRIED?
uh. Of course!

Thing 1 with some of the older girls at church. I wanted a photo with her on Santa's lap, and was trying to convince them that they should each sit on his lap and tell Santa that what they wanted for Christmas was a balanced national budget, stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, a solution for Global Warming and World peace. That's not TOO much to ask for is it ? I mean really. But, instead, all those big girls wanted for Christmas was...
A Man.
As if.
Thing 1 said, "I was just going to tell him I wanted clothes... but they persuaded me to come sit with them and ask for a man."
So, I sent Thing 2 over there to get his photo taken with them... and Santa promptly said :"Well. Here you go. Here's your Man!"


Merry Christmas!
13 Shopping days left until Christmas... I didn't count Sundays. If you want to count them too, then there are 16 days left. Either way, it will be upon us quicker than we think. This year the time is just FLYING by, and I really don't think I like it all that much!!
How are you doing on your shopping? Are you almost done??

"Hey, if any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here, tonight. I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people, and I want him brought right here, with a big ribbon on his head. And, I want to look him strait in the eye and tell him: what a cheap, lying, no good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, bloodsucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-assed, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey bleep he is! Hallelujah! Holy bleep! Where's the Tylenol?" - National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

If you want to hear that little quote, click HERE, and laugh! I think that is probably my favorite line from that movie... swears and all!
That's what I'm going to be watching tonight to feel some Christmas Cheer... what are you going to be viewing??

1. Mama Will Provide - Once On This Island Original Broadway Cast
2. Winter - Tori Amos (yumm!!)
3. My Wish - Rascal Flatts
4. You Can Bring Me Flowers - Ray LaMontagne
5. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - MercyMe
6. Santa Baby - Madonna
7. Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer - The Temptations
8. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus - The Christmas Jug Band
9. The Christmas Song - The Dave Matthews Band
10. Shadowboxer - Fiona Apple

Bonus: I'll Be Home For Christmas - Elvis Presley

O.K.
So, this isn't entirely a Wordless post. I took this photo back in May when I went to San Diego with my sisters. I am cold today, and want to be warm... I want to go back to San Diego! It is one of my most favorite places on earth!!

Thing 2 turned 9 today. NINE! Where did those 9 years go? It seems like just yesterday, he was born - NATURALLY, I might add - and suddenly he is turning 9. It just doesn't seem possible. Jefe and I were telling him that when he was first born, he could tell if I left the house without him. Jefe would be holding him, and Thing 2 would be happy and content... then I would walk out the front door, and he would immediately start screaming. It really stressed Jefe out. It was like that for a long time. Then, slowly, Thing 2 changed camps. It started when he was about 18 months old, and he would stand at the front door, about the time Jefe was supposed to come home from school, and he would bang on the front door until Jefe would walk through it.
Thing 2 laughed and laughed as we told him these stories. Then he looked at me and said... "Well. I liked you when I first born, but now I'm Dad's buddy."
OUCH!
But, really. He has always been his Daddy's boy. Thing 2 would tell me, when he was younger, that I was his best girl, but Daddy was his buddy. And, that is how it should be.
Thing 2 is a kind boy, whose greatest desire is for everyone to be happy. He is my peacemaker. He is thoughtful , and a good friend, loyal friend. Everyone tells me how much they love Thing 2, and how much they love having him play with their children. He is a calm boy. He is very obedient. He has a good heart, and wants to be good. His belief in God is strong, and he recognizes the feelings of the Holy Ghost. He really is amazing!
I wish I could have 10 Thing 2's... not that I don't love my girls, because I do. But, Thing 2 is so good, so easy, so obedient, that it would be wonderful to not have the drama... But. That would make life to easy, right?
I am so grateful that The Lord send him to us... he has been a great blessing in our lives. He is a good boy. No. Scratch that. He is a wonderfully, amazing boy. He is our boy. And I am forever grateful!
Happy Birthday Thing 2!
I love you!
ps. Doesn't he look handsome in his new glasses? He got almost all A's on his report card... he is starting to take after his older sister... he is SMART!

I came home from choir one morning, and saw the blinds on the office window sort of looking, well, a little townie.
O.K. A lot townie. I mean, Seriously. How on earth did THAT happen? I just couldn't understand it. A hole in the middle of the blinds? How?
I probably should have run out right then and there and got new blinds. But I didn't. And now, I never remember to pick them up.
I was continually stumped as to how that hole appeared in the blinds... until this past week, that is. I came home from shopping with Jefe last weekend, and saw this:

Now I understand.
There is a window seat in the office, and the dog likes to lay there and bask in the sun while watching the world pass by. Where that hole is - is the exact height that she is when she is sitting there watching and basking. I guess when I forget to open the blinds, like in the mornings before Choir, it just really stresses her out.
Enough to eat 3 of my blinds?
I guess so.
Dumb dog.

She is totally dumb. But, she is also so cute. I mean, how do you resist a dumb dog peering out the 2ND story window like THAT just so that she can try and figure out what the neighbors freaking dog is barking at (and has been barking at since 6:10am this morning... but that is another post for another time that will involve pellet guns and lots of yelping). She runs from each window back and forth... freaking out because she just doesn't see what it is that is causing this dog so much stress that it would be barking THIS FREAKING LONG!!!
I mean, seriously. She is dumb... she ate the blinds. But sometimes I forget just how brain dead she really is, because she is so dang cute!