Wild Impulses

Picture this...
2 children in the back seat of a car.  Not talking, not touching each other.  Just quietly riding in the car.  The one reaches out and sticks his finger in the mouth of the other.  The victim in this scenario then gags and screams "GROSS!"  Why did this happen?  Wild impulse.

Another scenario...
Same car, same children.  One in the front seat, one in the back.  Not talking, not arguing.  Just enjoying the ride.  The one in the back seat licks his index finger and reaches forward to place the moist finger in the ear of the other.  Why?  Wild impulse. 

And another...
Same children, on a sofa, watching TV.  Sitting quietly, enjoying the show.  Suddenly, one leans over and licks the other.  Why?  Wild impulse.

What can we learn from these stories friends?
(A) Wild impulses may well have been the cause of all war and conflict in the history of the world.
(B)  The children in question seem to have some sort of odd obsession and need to mark others with their saliva.  They also seem to have an oral fixation.
(C) The children in question are little weirdos and may be in need of psychological help.
(D) These children have obviously been raised by wolves and are having difficulty adapting to the human world.
(E) All of the above

What do you think the answer is?

Christmas eve? or Christmas morning?

Do you open presents Christmas eve or Christmas morning?  Growing up, we always opened ours Christmas eve.  All of them.  Even Santa's---he would come while we were at candlelight service.  My husband came from a Christmas eve family too.  And when we first got married, since we had no kiddos, Santa didn't stop at our house, so everything was opened Christmas eve.  But THEN, we got those crazy boys and traditions changed.  Now, we open all the family presents on Christmas eve and then Santa comes once they go to bed, so they have more surprises in the morning. 
Last year, or maybe it was the year before--sorry, my memory fails, my sister in law and I made the executive decision to change the schedule again.  See, we used to eat supper, clean up and then open presents.  Which resulted in us spending many, many hours telling the kids "not yet!"  Plus, we would be so busy watching what they opened, and making sure that nothing got lost or thrown away in the wrapping paper whirlwind, that we never got to enjoy opening our presents or seeing what others got.  So, what we do now is....we let the kids open their presents before supper.  Then we eat.  Then, while the kids are playing with all the new stuff, the grown ups get to open their presents.  It makes for a much more relaxed evening. 
Then in the morning, the boys will wake us up at the crack of dawn to see what Santa left.  Here at our house, Santa quit wrapping presents a few years ago.  Instead, he brought the boys these large felt bags (they look an awful lot like ones I saw at Michaels)  and then he puts each boy's surprises in that boy's bag.  Isn't Santa clever?! 
And we no longer do fancy food or big supper on Christmas eve.  Typically, we do finger foods.  Uncle J is committed to bringing a nugget tray from Chick fil a every year.  He did this once and now the kids will NEVER let him stop doing it.  This year alongside the nuggets we are having ham and cheese sliders, a veggie tray, cheese fries, strawberry jello salad, and Christmas cookies.  This way, after all the gift opening, people can snack on whatever is left after dinner and the clean up is EASY. 

OK, that is my Christmas eve update.  Now I gotta go finish laundry and bake some cookies.  I hope all of you have a magical Christmas eve, filled with love and fellowship. 
Blessings!

oh my...the drama

Last week, E noticed that he had a loose tooth.  When he was showing it to me, I noticed that both his permanent teeth on the bottom front were already thru the gums but the baby teeth weren't out.  One of the baby teeth feel out within a couple of days but the other one was not moving a bit.  I called the dentist and we needed to go in to get an xray.  The final result--the tooth had to be pulled.  Turns out that when the permanent tooth came in it came through at an angle that prevented the root of the baby tooth from being reabsorbed.  So, it was going nowhere without a dentist's help. 
Today was the big tooth pullin' day.  Up until last night, he seemed perfectly fine with getting this tooth pulled.  Then last night he got upset and said that he was scared.  Which was kind of weird because he has never had any problems with going to our dentist.  Then today when I picked him up to go to the dentist he started getting upset again.  Well, once we got to the office he was perfectly fine.  They gave him nitrous and novacaine, he was goofing around with the dentist, and then the tooth was out and we were on our way.  Well, we no sooner got through the door and he burst into tears.  But not because it hurt.  He was upset because his mouth was numb and it felt weird.  I think it was really a combo of nerves and laughing gas but the outcome was him being weepy off and on the rest of the day.  THEN he lost the dang tooth!!!! Which really sent him over the edge and into hysteria.  Finally, I got him to calm down and told him that he could just write a note to the tooth fairy and put it under his pillow. OH MY WORD!!! You would not believe the drama! 
Now he is asleep (possibly because he needed the sleep and I needed the break) and the note is under his pillow.  However, I fully expect there to be more drama in the morning because he is under the impression that the tooth fairy will be bringing him a video game and when he instead finds money it's gonna get ugly. 
In the meantime, here's a pic of his new teeth

And with that---I wish you a good night friends!

Blessings,

Last minute prep--AGAIN

My darling husband decided (at the last minute) that he would invite his department over for lunch today.  Which would have be completely fine if I had not had 3 things already scheduled for today.  So, to accomodate his schedule I cleaned house until 9:00 last night and then cancelled two things today so that I could do last minute prep and bake a chocolate cake for him.  Then I, literally, showered, dressed, did make-up and hair in 30 minutes so that I could zip over to the elementary school for E's Christmas party. 
It was CA--RAY--ZEE!!!

There was apparently some confusion over what people were supposed to bring and who was supposed to do what.  And there was a mom who thought that she should stand around to observe and boss people around.  At one point it may have crossed my mind to strangle her when she kept telling me that her son hadn't gotten a brownie.  Yes, she could have gotten up and gotten him a brownie but apparently she thought I worked there. 

And then last night, becasue I ddin't think that I had enough to do, I made these for Evan to hand out at the party.  I got the idea from Pinterest.  On Pinterest they used a large hershey bar, brads, and pipe cleaners.  I couldn't find the boxes of large hershey bars.  I didn't want to mess with the brads, and of course, I thought I had pipe cleaners and then didn't.  So, I used 2 mini hershey bars for each one.  I cut regular printer paper into 1/4s and used these to wrap up the bars laid end to end.  Then I used markers to draw on the faces and buttons.  For the scarves, I used the kids' Bendaroos.  Then, I taped a Christmas pencil to the back of each little snowman.  Because in 1st grade pencils are a BIG deal!    So here is the final product...

Blessings!!!

Some Christmas crafting

I don't know why I do this, but I do it EVERY time.  And it doesn't matter if it is for a birthday, baby shower, Christmas, whatever---it doesn't matter.  I get started early, way early, and then don't finish.  Because I figure that I have plenty of time to get it done before the event.  And then, at the last minute, like the day before, I am working to get the project done. 
And once again, I've done the same.  Let me show you what I've gotten done this evening. 

I got this plain, white box at Michael's for a dollar and cut out a red cross from card stock and glued it to the lid

then I started putting goodies inside.  But I couldn't just dump them in the box---they had to look cute.  So, I added some red ribbon and tied some items together.  Like the individual hand wipes...

A tube of hand lotion and a little set of nail clippers, file, scissors, and tweezers

Some itty bitty toothbrushes with paste in them and a box of floss

some Tums and a bottle of Excedrin

A mini hairbrush/mirror and a Tide to go stick

A lip balm and some cough drops (do you keep cute little bags, pouches, and boxes that stuff comes in when you buy it?  I do and this time it turned out to be very useful.  I didn't want to just toss the cough drops inside the box and rummaged around and found this little bag)

And some chocolate.  I put these in a ziploc because I didn't want them to taste like mint from being in the box with the floss.

And then I put it all in the box and tied it up with a ribbon.  An "emergency kit" for E's teacher!  Merry Christmas Mrs. C!!!!

Truly, you don't know how many times these very types of items come in handy in a classroom. 

THEN........I finished off these...

This is the back....

And this is the front.  They are little pouches for your cell phone.  I had made the owls months ago but I hadn't put the pouches together or attached the owls to them.  So I got that done today.  These are gifts for my friends.  (Kendra, if you're reading this don't let the cat out of the bag! And, I'm not telling which one is yours!)  I did them all by hand, except the seams on the pouch--I ran that through the machine so that they would be sturdy.  And everyone got an owl because they are so fashionable right now and I'm kinda in love with them.  :)

And at this point I would really like to say that I have finished all my Christmas projects but I haven't.  And, Mr. G has decided to invite the folks that work with him in his department over for lunch on Monday, which means I need to give this house a good scrub down ANNND prep food.    I'll post some pics tomorrow. 

Blessings!

Jack, Chris, and Evan

Sorry, I haven't blooged in the last few days.  Things have been a little crazy.  At my school, we have had our Christmas programs.  One was today and one yesterday.  It went well, but it has been crazy stressful rehearsing with the kids and getting all the little details done. 

Then today, BOTH boys had Christmas programs at school.  It was NUTS!!! One program was at 1:30 and the other was at 2:00.  It is a good thing that the kids schools are pretty close together because I had to zoom from one to the other to make both programs. 

Here are some pics.  I am sure that there are probably too many.  Forgive my proud mama moment. 

That's my saxaphonist in the green shirt and Santa hat

he was a little anxious because he saw his dad but didn't see me--I was on the other side of the gym taking pics

And here's the little guy

we sent him to school in a sweater too but he said the music teacher told him it was a jacket and he had to take it off (because it had a zipper----grrrr)

And just in case you haven't seen enough of my children, I have some videos for you too!  Or NOT!  Blogger has been showing that my video has been uploading for the last 45 minutes and then it still didn't load.  Sorry, they were awfully cute.  You'll just have to imagine it. 

On to Jack...he has been all over the place

In the nativity scene

writing messages

snatching the boys books and reading them

leaving notes and cookies

riding a pig and hanging out with smooch

on top of the curtain rods

And look at the cute guys!  This was this morning before we left for school, see the cute sweater E was wearing?!  And Chris lost the tie before the performance too.  sigh, my boys just don't have fancy in them.

Blessings!

Pyromania!!!!

That's an attention grabber isn't it?

Mr. G is burning all the brush that has been gathered up in our backyard in the last 6 months.  We've been under a burn ban all summer due to the extreme heat, winds and NO RAIN!! After the little snow we got earlier this week, the burn ban was lifted so Mr. G, who has been chompin' at the bit to burn this stuff, ran out earlier this morning to set stuff on fire.  (wow, talk about your run on sentence!)

Jack Frost is a trouble maker!!

Wednesday night he took Evan's marker and note pad

Thursday night he snuck into Chris' room and grabbed his book

Look at these two...

smooch has been trying for months to snuggle with lulu  but she hasn't wanted anything to do with him

up 'til now smooch has been too wiggly and playful for lulu, I don't know what happened here but I guess they came to a meeting of the minds.

ooops!  guess all this picture taking has gotten disturbing! 

And finally, I just have to show this to you....

    

Could this little pup be any cuter?  I told these guys I live with that I am getting one of these in a few years.  Mr. G says I can't have a dog this small because it would get stepped on.  But, I told him that wouldn't be a problem because I would just put this little cutie in my pockets and take her/him with me everywhere.    It's like a live beanie baby!!!  

Some people have been asking where my pinterest link is on my blog.  I don't have one on the blog--I'll look into doing that.  But in the meantime if you want to check out my boards, or even better follow my boards, you can find me here:  http://pinterest.com/pinkpowerranger/

And if you are on pinterest, send me your link and I'll add you to my list.  I'm a little bit obsessed with pinterest. 

Blessings to all,





Updates

Where has Jack Frost been?

How did Evan's snowman turn out?  Pretty good...check it out

Once I pulled out stickers, sequins, beads and glitter he was willing to let go of the candy/lucky charms idea

Have you made anything lately?

Yup---some "loveys" for a lovely friend who is expecting her first baby. 





 One side is fleece, one side velvety, and a must have satin tag in the corner.  I made her 4:  1 could be lost, one worn out and she'll still have one for the baby while the other is in the wash.  Can you tell I have experience in this area? 

That's what's going on here folks.  I MIGHT have been told today that my last few blog entries have been grumpy.  Hope this put me back on the upside! 

Blessings!!!!!

The hot button issues

Today I have decided to use my blog to improve the world, for the greater good.  If this goes well, we may do this again.  Today friends we will be discussing two big issues that great minds have been wrestling with for centuries, or days, whatever.  Please keep your comments free of inappropriate language and personal attacks.  We want to have a reasoned and rational discussion here folks.

Topic 1:  The white Coke can---love it or hate it?  Does the iconic red Coke can turning white for the holidays befuddle you?  Incense your ire?  Make the Coke taste funny?  Or do you love the whimsical look?  Appreciate the snowy glory of the can?  Discuss.......

Topic 2:  (That's right, I offer 2 big issues here)  The song "Another Auld Lang Syne"  (You know  "Saw my old lover in the grocery store...she dropped her purse in the frozen foods...yada yada)  Christmas song or not?  Does the fact that a song includes a portion of Auld Lang Syne make it a holiday song?  Or is it excluded from the holiday genre since it is nothing about Christmas?  Discuss.....

Hurry, hurry....I am sitting here on pins and needles waiting to see your comments....I know there is great potential for controversy and heated debate here but I am willing to moderate!!!

Stuff that harshes my Christmas mellow

It's the most wonderful tiiiiime of the year....
And it would be even better without the following....

George Michael's "Last Christmas"  I know one of you is going to send me a comment about how this is your favorite Christmas song of all time and how could I possibly not recognize the greatness of it----you are not going to change my mind.  I didn't like it back in the 80's when it came out and when George Michael was still cool and I don't like it now.  I don't like anyone's version of it though so my dislike of the song has nothing to do with the singer.  The only Christmas song I dislike as much as this one is "Santa Baby" by Mariah Carey (well anything by Mariah Carey actually but I digress)

Stores that run out of advent calendars on December 2nd. 

People who are nasty and grumpy and take it out on others.  I get it---this can be a frustrating time of year with the crowds and the lines, etc but it is not the waiter's/cashier's/receptionist's fault.  So, either shake it off and act amiable or stay home and quit ruining everyone else's mood. 

Laundry that gets left in the dryer.  Oops, sorry, that is not really a Christmas specific annoyance, but it does really annoy me.

People who turn on their outside Christmas lights but still have pumpkins on their porches.  Pick a holiday OK, and then let the other one go. 

When I KNOW I have bought a Christmas present but CANNOT for all that is holy remember where the heck I hid it.

People who are cranky--oh yeah I already mentioned that---but specifically cranky about Christmas, the Christmas season, the music, the events, everything related to Christmas and gripe, gripe, gripe aobut it.  Look, you've got 340 days of the year to be a miserable human being but from Dec 1st to the 25th shut up.  The rest of us are trying to enjoy the spirit of the season and you are bringing us down.

When my caramel apple cider falls over in the cup holder and spills all over my floor board. 

This one too is probably going to get a flood of comments about my taste or lack there of---the movie "A Christmas Story"  You know, the movie that TNT or TBS runs for 24 hours straight on Christmas day.  Where the boy sticks his tongue to the frozen pole and the other kid wants a bb gun?  Yes, that one.  I dislike, abhor, cannot stand that movie.  And, I am married to a man who thinks it is one of the greatest things about Christmas.  I think it is hideous.  My idea of a Christmas classic movie is White Christmas with Bing Crosby or even It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stuart.

When laundry gets left in the dryer---oh yeah, I already said that too didn't I?  Well, I've got a load of clothes tossing around in there right now so it's kinda on my mind. 

What irritates you during December and takes a piece of your Christmas joy? 

My favorite things--Christmas 2011

I have said before that I don't like Oprah. There are many reasons, no need to list them here, it's not the point of this post.  While I don't like Oprah, my sister in law and I LOVED her favorite things show she did every year before Christmas.  One of our greatest hopes was to one day go to that show and be able to come home with all the cool stuff she would give away.  Alas, our hopes have been permanently dashed by the cancellation of her show.  But the memories live on, and in that vein I have decided to share with you "my favorite things".  If I could, I would gift you with each and every one of these.  Since I can't I will just share pics and info with you and then encourage you to try them.  If you do, please let me know how you like them. 

Technology:
(random pic of DVR)  If you do not have a DVR I cannot tell you how wonderful they are!!! I can record two shows at once, watch them at my leisure, schedule shows to tape in the future, see the commercials as I skip through them (do you remember stopping and starting the VCR as you fast forwarded through commercials?)  the DVR is a wonderful invention

       
The iphone and ipad---I gotta say that Apple makes some darn good products!  I also have the ipod and I love every one of these little gadgets.  I've already told Mr. G that my next laptop will be a Mac.

cleaning:

hoover floormate:  this is like a vacuum but it scrubs your floor.  oh my goodness i love this thing.  it mops and scrubs my floor then sucks up the dirty water.  it speeds up mopping and is so easy to use that I can just pull it out whenever the boys spill something on the floor.


this is awesome!!! I can use it in the floormate to clean my floors.  I can pour it in a spray bottle to clean my counters. I use it to wipe out the fridge.  You name it, it cleans it.  And, it smells fantastic!  So far my favorite scents are the lavender and geranium.  Makes the house smell great!

See the green one there on the far left?  Murphy multi-purpose all surface cleaner.  I like it almost as much as Mrs. Meyers.  It also can be used just about everywhere and and it smells fresh and clean.

I love these for when I wash towels, sheets, blankets, etc.

Clothes

Hands down the best bra I've ever bought.  Cacique Balconette Full Coverage Underwire.

The basic Old Navy tee.  I really love Gap's "favorite tee" but we don't have a gap anymore so Old navy is my go to.  And I love them almost as much.  The tanks are a fave too.  Tons of colors, soft, long (which is a must---I want a basic tee to come to my hips) easy to care for and affordable

no pic of this one but---swimsuits from Land's End.  Yes, they can be pricey but you can score a great suit at a great price during off season clearance.  These suits are well made, fit well, and are flattering. 

Personal Care

   
These are great.  The facial cleansar does a great job of washing makeup off.  It is gentle and non-irratating.  The cream is amazing.  It is the first moisturizer that I have found that has healed/prevented my dry/cracked/chapped winter skin. 


Neutrogena Rainbath is hands down my all time fave body wash.  I love a clean, fresh, not perfumy scent and this is it. 


Philosophy Pure Grace is my favorite perfume.  Again, it just smells fresh and clean.  Love it!



OPI is a fantastic nail polish.  It has awesome colors, stays glossy, lasts well.

Miscellaneous

Shabby Chic Cozy blanket from Target.  Soft, snuggly, satin edge---like a bed sized version of a baby's blankie ----the best blanket ever!

        Scentsy cupcake warmer and Happy Birthday wax.  The warmer is just too darling and I love it.  It is the perfect little touch for my kitchen counter.  The Happy Birthday was smells just like a birthday cake---I want to eat the air!!!


Have you used any of these?  What are your favorite things?