Yeah, so my Gram moved yesterday and I have yet to see her. Apparently, I and my children would be in the way. No one has really said it that rudely, of course, but I was told last night that it would be too chaotic and I was supposed to come up today to take her to the grocery store and visit, etc. and I just got a call from her that it wouldn't work for today because other people would be coming over for other things and... could we do it tomorrow instead? Sure. Why not?
I'm really struggling right now to feel like I'm not really needed by anyone outside my home. At least my kids and husband still love me.
Looking forward to a quiet night in tomorrow night. Usually, we get together with friends and drink a little too much and laugh and play games, but this year a combination of things led to us just staying in for the night. I'm really looking forward to the special take-out we're going to bring in for dinner and the fact that the last Harry Potter movie is coming in the mail via Netflix today (so we'll save it for tomorrow.) A bottle of wine, some strawberries and my favorite snuggle partner (my husband) and it sounds like a bit of heaven to me.
Not feeling too happy right now, but I'm managing. Add to that that this is my late uncle's birthday and yesterday was the anniversary of his death. He passed away several years ago (before I was even married, actually) but we were close, and I really miss him.
It really hasn't been a bad year - overall, things are good, it's just I'm having some darker moments this week. Here's to hoping that 2012 is a little better!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Excited
Excited about the outlet sale - already placed my order, got my SIL to place hers and now I have to get my mom to check it out. You too can get in on these prices - 50% or more off original retail! Stock up on gifts for birthdays, baby showers, etc.
My Gramma is moving to town tomorrow. I am also psyched about that. She's beginning to show her age a bit more (she's 84) and has been more forgetful and not as spry as she once was. Which is understandable, but still, it will be nice to have her closer where I can check in on her more, we can get together more often and if she has any problems, my mom and I are more available to her. It will be wonderful to have her nearby. I have been wanting to spend more time with her, but making the 2-hour car trip with the 2 kids is not easy. And since much of the trip is somewhat in the middle of nowhere, it's not something I like to do by myself very often. This move will allow me to visit her for an afternoon or just drop in to take her to lunch. As her favorite granddaughter, (well, in my mind anyway! she would never admit to that) I am very happy that she moved closer to us and not further away (and thus closer to my uncle and his family.) Not that I begrudge her time spent with the other part of the family, but I think this will ultimately be more relaxing for her as opposed to always feeling like she needs to help out with my soon-to-be 12-year-old cousin, T.
Anyhow, also a relation-of-sorts of mine is getting married tomorrow. I won't be able to be there, unfortunately, but I am so happy for her - I know that this guy is basically her best friend and that is the BEST way to begin a marriage. I am still madly in love with my best friend, nearly 7 years into our marriage and it just gets better and better.
My Gramma is moving to town tomorrow. I am also psyched about that. She's beginning to show her age a bit more (she's 84) and has been more forgetful and not as spry as she once was. Which is understandable, but still, it will be nice to have her closer where I can check in on her more, we can get together more often and if she has any problems, my mom and I are more available to her. It will be wonderful to have her nearby. I have been wanting to spend more time with her, but making the 2-hour car trip with the 2 kids is not easy. And since much of the trip is somewhat in the middle of nowhere, it's not something I like to do by myself very often. This move will allow me to visit her for an afternoon or just drop in to take her to lunch. As her favorite granddaughter, (well, in my mind anyway! she would never admit to that) I am very happy that she moved closer to us and not further away (and thus closer to my uncle and his family.) Not that I begrudge her time spent with the other part of the family, but I think this will ultimately be more relaxing for her as opposed to always feeling like she needs to help out with my soon-to-be 12-year-old cousin, T.
Anyhow, also a relation-of-sorts of mine is getting married tomorrow. I won't be able to be there, unfortunately, but I am so happy for her - I know that this guy is basically her best friend and that is the BEST way to begin a marriage. I am still madly in love with my best friend, nearly 7 years into our marriage and it just gets better and better.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Christmas Passed*
I've spent my morning hitting refresh on a number of pages, waiting for the link to the Thirty-one Outlet Sale. We were told it would open to consultants on December 27th and to the public on December 28th. But no further info was given. I'm supposed to be folding the MOUNTAIN of laundry I have collected recently, (which I have done SOME), but I keep coming back to the computer to check to see if it is open. Geez, people!
I got a Nook Tablet for Christmas and I am LOVING it. It would be perfect if I could switch all my already-downloaded Kindle books over to it, but we shall see. Having a blast playing Words with Friends with my Aunt Sharon. Though, dang, that game takes a long time because you have to wait for the other person to notice that YOU played... anyhow. It's fun. I've already found several books and apps. Good times.
We had a nice Christmas overall. The kids were spoiled by everyone and we have so many new toys and things for them to play with! My mom was so excited about the Moon Dough she got for Fuss. My sister had told me about it and Fuss has played with some at their house - but OMG is this stuff a pain to clean up! I mean, yes, you can vacuum it, but it's like it doesn't really stay together, so you are vacuuming it up A LOT. On one hand, this means that I am vacuuming more than usual and getting my floor cleaner than usual. On the other hand, I am vacuuming more than usual and I hate to vacuum and both of my children are sensitive to loud noises and fuss, cry, and run away when the vacuum starts up. So there's that.
I've been having my daily headaches again and I am SO over it. Wishing there was a way to make myself feel better!
(* I stole the title today from Heather Spohr at The Spohrs are Multiplying.)
I got a Nook Tablet for Christmas and I am LOVING it. It would be perfect if I could switch all my already-downloaded Kindle books over to it, but we shall see. Having a blast playing Words with Friends with my Aunt Sharon. Though, dang, that game takes a long time because you have to wait for the other person to notice that YOU played... anyhow. It's fun. I've already found several books and apps. Good times.
We had a nice Christmas overall. The kids were spoiled by everyone and we have so many new toys and things for them to play with! My mom was so excited about the Moon Dough she got for Fuss. My sister had told me about it and Fuss has played with some at their house - but OMG is this stuff a pain to clean up! I mean, yes, you can vacuum it, but it's like it doesn't really stay together, so you are vacuuming it up A LOT. On one hand, this means that I am vacuuming more than usual and getting my floor cleaner than usual. On the other hand, I am vacuuming more than usual and I hate to vacuum and both of my children are sensitive to loud noises and fuss, cry, and run away when the vacuum starts up. So there's that.
I've been having my daily headaches again and I am SO over it. Wishing there was a way to make myself feel better!
(* I stole the title today from Heather Spohr at The Spohrs are Multiplying.)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas Adam
My cousin posted on FB this morning that this is Christmas Adam - the day before Christmas Eve (and Adam came before Eve.) Apparently they made a tradition of an appetizer feast on Christmas Adam at their house. Sounds like fun.
My husband is home from work early today. He snuck into the back yard to put together the climber toy that we got the kids for Christmas. Now we have to finish wrapping and CLEAN UP THE HOUSE. Kat and Gracie came by to drop off presents for the kids and I was SO embarassed! The house is a disaster.
I'm cooking my crabcakes for lunch. I have another headache and I am just SO over the pain and discomfort I've been feeling lately. I'm not REALLY old enough to feel this old. I have joint pain, muscle pain, back pain and then there are the headaches. I just want it to be OVER.
My husband is home from work early today. He snuck into the back yard to put together the climber toy that we got the kids for Christmas. Now we have to finish wrapping and CLEAN UP THE HOUSE. Kat and Gracie came by to drop off presents for the kids and I was SO embarassed! The house is a disaster.
I'm cooking my crabcakes for lunch. I have another headache and I am just SO over the pain and discomfort I've been feeling lately. I'm not REALLY old enough to feel this old. I have joint pain, muscle pain, back pain and then there are the headaches. I just want it to be OVER.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
You Live, You Learn
I was with my in-laws (J, LP and my MIL) from 8:30am to 6:30pm yesterday. Seriously, I think 10 hours of them might be too much. Especially without my husband as a buffer. It was nice of them to include me (and the kids) in their holiday plans (LP's gift to her mom) to visit Bok Tower and their holiday display, but wow. It was a really long day.
Add to that that I almost (accidentally) killed my dog. Geez. We wanted to bug-bomb the house while I was gone. So my husband and I rushed around in the morning getting everything ready. When he left, I thought he had put the dog in the garage (where he would spend the day while the house was being fumigated) since I didn't see him anywhere and he didn't get up and make noise when the ILs came, etc. We loaded everyone up, I set off the bombs and we left. Forty-five minutes later, I had the thought - I really hope Daddy Fuss put the dog out. I called him to make sure. He didn't answer, so I called again and he answered. No, he HADN'T put the dog out. I called my mom who was THANKFULLY off that day and able to come by the house and rescue him. We was barking when she arrived, so that was a good sign and didn't seem like he was having a problem and has been fine ever since, as well. But here I was, on my way to a day that I didn't really want to be doing anyhow, worried about my dog... I was really trying to keep it together in front of my MIL and the kids.
Every time I spend a large chunk of time with my ILs, I always vow never again. (without my husband around - it's something very different when he is there to buffer and be on my side, etc.) And it's never really overt, but it's almost like they don't really want me around, they somewhat ignore me, etc. It's a little crazy. And separate, we get along just fine. We can talk and whatever with very little issue, but it's like when they are together, they are this impenetrable unit and I am an outsider.
And what's crazy is that they asked me to come to this thing. They paid. (or LP did.) They could have very easily just asked for Fuss to come along if they had only wanted her (and she was free admission) and I would have been (mostly) fine with that. (We've had one incident where I felt they made poor choices while caring for her, but I really try to not harp on it much. She wasn't hurt or in danger, so I'm working on letting it go. I haven't yet, but I'm working on it.)
Ah, well. I shouldn't really complain. Things are fine. There was no major problem yesterday (other than 2 tired kids at the end of the day) so since it was just my own interpretation of events that led to feeling slighted, I should just get over it.
As the Philosopher Alanis once said, "You live, you learn."
Add to that that I almost (accidentally) killed my dog. Geez. We wanted to bug-bomb the house while I was gone. So my husband and I rushed around in the morning getting everything ready. When he left, I thought he had put the dog in the garage (where he would spend the day while the house was being fumigated) since I didn't see him anywhere and he didn't get up and make noise when the ILs came, etc. We loaded everyone up, I set off the bombs and we left. Forty-five minutes later, I had the thought - I really hope Daddy Fuss put the dog out. I called him to make sure. He didn't answer, so I called again and he answered. No, he HADN'T put the dog out. I called my mom who was THANKFULLY off that day and able to come by the house and rescue him. We was barking when she arrived, so that was a good sign and didn't seem like he was having a problem and has been fine ever since, as well. But here I was, on my way to a day that I didn't really want to be doing anyhow, worried about my dog... I was really trying to keep it together in front of my MIL and the kids.
Every time I spend a large chunk of time with my ILs, I always vow never again. (without my husband around - it's something very different when he is there to buffer and be on my side, etc.) And it's never really overt, but it's almost like they don't really want me around, they somewhat ignore me, etc. It's a little crazy. And separate, we get along just fine. We can talk and whatever with very little issue, but it's like when they are together, they are this impenetrable unit and I am an outsider.
And what's crazy is that they asked me to come to this thing. They paid. (or LP did.) They could have very easily just asked for Fuss to come along if they had only wanted her (and she was free admission) and I would have been (mostly) fine with that. (We've had one incident where I felt they made poor choices while caring for her, but I really try to not harp on it much. She wasn't hurt or in danger, so I'm working on letting it go. I haven't yet, but I'm working on it.)
Ah, well. I shouldn't really complain. Things are fine. There was no major problem yesterday (other than 2 tired kids at the end of the day) so since it was just my own interpretation of events that led to feeling slighted, I should just get over it.
As the Philosopher Alanis once said, "You live, you learn."
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
My achy breaky back
The kids gift to their daddy is done, wrapped and under the tree. I'm kinda proud of myself for getting it finished.
I have so much crap to do around the house between now and Sunday. While the mess has improved, there is certainly plenty left to do.
And I am so tired. And I ache all over. I did something to my back. What started out this morning as mildly annoying joint aches has progressed to the point where I can no longer pick up my baby. Right now I'm waiting for my mom to come over to change his diaper (she's on her way). I hurt so much.
And I'm supposed to go to this thing tomorrow with my in-laws. Where we spend all day walking around some fancy garden or something. I'm supposed to drive. And bring the kids. And right now, it hurts to move.
I just want to lay down. I have all this stuff to do and I really, really don't want to.
I love wrapping gifts, I have so much fun making the packages pretty. But I am so tired of wrapping right now. And to sit on the floor and do it sounds like some sort of torture. I guess it's good that at least half of my wrapping is done!
I have so much crap to do around the house between now and Sunday. While the mess has improved, there is certainly plenty left to do.
And I am so tired. And I ache all over. I did something to my back. What started out this morning as mildly annoying joint aches has progressed to the point where I can no longer pick up my baby. Right now I'm waiting for my mom to come over to change his diaper (she's on her way). I hurt so much.
And I'm supposed to go to this thing tomorrow with my in-laws. Where we spend all day walking around some fancy garden or something. I'm supposed to drive. And bring the kids. And right now, it hurts to move.
I just want to lay down. I have all this stuff to do and I really, really don't want to.
I love wrapping gifts, I have so much fun making the packages pretty. But I am so tired of wrapping right now. And to sit on the floor and do it sounds like some sort of torture. I guess it's good that at least half of my wrapping is done!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Done!
No seriously, I think I'm done with my Christmas shopping. Including prep stuff. We have our turkey thawing in the freezer (his name is Ignatz. Although, my husband keeps referring to him as Ignatius. I told him either way, he was going to get very personal with said bird and so he might as well just call him Iggy.) And this morning, Living Social helped me out with the final gift for my husband - something I didn't think I was going to be able to get in time, but did!
I am still waiting for one small package for Fuss. Technically, it's the package that contains the gift from her brother, but I have an alternate if it doesn't show on time. I bought it off Amazon and didn't realize that they weren't guaranteeing delivery by Christmas until I had already bought it. Also still waiting on the package containing the bulk of my husband's gifts - but that is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. I'm not overly worried.
Regardless, I am done. I think. I had one other project that I wanted to do for my husband, but it might not get done. Depends a lot on the kids and if they cooperate. I really should do my best since it 's technically their gift to their daddy, but he won't really care one way or the other. I also need to go to the post office to mail my SIL's package, but again, that might not happen before Christmas and even if it doesn't, no biggie. So they get some gifts after Christmas, the girls will be thrilled!
I am so happy with all my homemade gifts this year! I'm proud of myself! Of course, my addiction to Pinterest should be credited and I keep finding other things I want to do, but my husband has declared that anything additional needs to wait until after Christmas. Which is fine. I can handle that.
I found something yesterday that I had bought months ago (September?) for Fuss and I'm excited about it. I mentioned that I thought she might have gotten the short end this year from us (though Grandma has totally picked up the slack) but I think there will be plenty for her to be excited about.
I made my Snickerdoodles yesterday and they turned out great. I'm hoping to make the pretzel chocolate things today and my husband's oatmeal, crasin, white chocolate cookies tomorrow. If I can I need to make Cowboy Cookies for him on Thursday. They are his favorite.
Things I made this year:
1. Bean bags for the kids. Sure to be a big hit.
2. Doll diapers for Fuss and her friend Gracie.
3. Stuffed, crinkly owls for my future niece or nephew and Gracie's little sister.
4. Rice-filled warmers for my SILs.
5. Picture frames (I decorated them) with pics of SILs and the kids for my SILs.
6. The annual family calendar for all the family. Courtesy of Shutterfly.
7. Framed kid-artwork for my Dad.
8. My Christmas Wreath.
9. Ornaments (with Fuss)
10. Decorated plates for my neighbors. I will also fill them with cookies.
I think that's it, but it seems like a LOT! And I have that one final thing to finish for Daddy Fuss. I'm quite proud of myself, actually.
I am still waiting for one small package for Fuss. Technically, it's the package that contains the gift from her brother, but I have an alternate if it doesn't show on time. I bought it off Amazon and didn't realize that they weren't guaranteeing delivery by Christmas until I had already bought it. Also still waiting on the package containing the bulk of my husband's gifts - but that is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. I'm not overly worried.
Regardless, I am done. I think. I had one other project that I wanted to do for my husband, but it might not get done. Depends a lot on the kids and if they cooperate. I really should do my best since it 's technically their gift to their daddy, but he won't really care one way or the other. I also need to go to the post office to mail my SIL's package, but again, that might not happen before Christmas and even if it doesn't, no biggie. So they get some gifts after Christmas, the girls will be thrilled!
I am so happy with all my homemade gifts this year! I'm proud of myself! Of course, my addiction to Pinterest should be credited and I keep finding other things I want to do, but my husband has declared that anything additional needs to wait until after Christmas. Which is fine. I can handle that.
I found something yesterday that I had bought months ago (September?) for Fuss and I'm excited about it. I mentioned that I thought she might have gotten the short end this year from us (though Grandma has totally picked up the slack) but I think there will be plenty for her to be excited about.
I made my Snickerdoodles yesterday and they turned out great. I'm hoping to make the pretzel chocolate things today and my husband's oatmeal, crasin, white chocolate cookies tomorrow. If I can I need to make Cowboy Cookies for him on Thursday. They are his favorite.
Things I made this year:
1. Bean bags for the kids. Sure to be a big hit.
2. Doll diapers for Fuss and her friend Gracie.
3. Stuffed, crinkly owls for my future niece or nephew and Gracie's little sister.
4. Rice-filled warmers for my SILs.
5. Picture frames (I decorated them) with pics of SILs and the kids for my SILs.
6. The annual family calendar for all the family. Courtesy of Shutterfly.
7. Framed kid-artwork for my Dad.
8. My Christmas Wreath.
9. Ornaments (with Fuss)
10. Decorated plates for my neighbors. I will also fill them with cookies.
I think that's it, but it seems like a LOT! And I have that one final thing to finish for Daddy Fuss. I'm quite proud of myself, actually.
Friday, December 16, 2011
7 quick takes
I realized at 4 in the morning that I hadn't written here all week. Blogger (me, not the website) FAIL.
1. I have found myself intrigued by Christmas lawn decoarations this year. Mostly, I used to think they were tacky. (Though I liked to look at them, so apparently I'm attracted to tacky.) But I want to find something tasteful to put up - though I'll probably have to wait until next year. I think I want a nativity scene. But not the blow up kind. There was one that was popular a few years ago and I swear, Joseph looked like Osama bin Laden.
2. We went to Kat's house yesterday and Gracie and Fuss made ornaments. We had so much fun. All of my ideas were courtesy of Pinterest. We had a good time - and even the mommies had a blast trying different things.
3. Need to go to the post office today. Love our Christmas cards this year!
4. I have to buy some food for Christmas dinner, finish the stocking stuffers, wrap gifts (one of my favorite parts), and clean up the house. And then, I am completely ready for Christmas. Of course, the day that everyone is coming, I may be singing a different tune.
5. This year, the Little Man is getting a Baby Laptop, a Little People Airplane and a CD and book. Fuss is getting a Sleeping Beauty set (similar here), wooden paper dolls, and a handful of other things. Santa is bringing them an outside climber-thing. It's got a small tower, a slide, a rock wall, and a ladder. Little Man is also getting a bean bag chair and a step stool. Fuss is getting those, too, except they are from my mom. (the step stool will be here Christmas morning, though. The bean bag chair is coming later.) My mom also got her an Our Generation doll - similar to the American Girls, only MUCH cheaper and more accessible. (sold at Target.) I think I might have not made the gifts terribly even this year. It seems like Fuss is getting the short end of the deal, but mostly the climber is for her right now and my mom is more than making up for it with the doll, etc. I wanted to get her the doll, but I thought my husband might kill me.
6. I've planted my first 2 recruiting seeds for my Thirty-one team. I'm psyched. Because both friends I've talked to have mentioned that they thought about it, are considering it. If I can get them BOTH to join, I could get a promotion before mid-year! Which would be AWESOME.
7. I'm dealing with a cluster of headaches again. I went to bed with a bad one and I woke up with an even worse one. I am grateful to my husband for letting me sleep as long as possible this morning. Between that and Excedrine Migraine, I am currently able to function.
1. I have found myself intrigued by Christmas lawn decoarations this year. Mostly, I used to think they were tacky. (Though I liked to look at them, so apparently I'm attracted to tacky.) But I want to find something tasteful to put up - though I'll probably have to wait until next year. I think I want a nativity scene. But not the blow up kind. There was one that was popular a few years ago and I swear, Joseph looked like Osama bin Laden.
2. We went to Kat's house yesterday and Gracie and Fuss made ornaments. We had so much fun. All of my ideas were courtesy of Pinterest. We had a good time - and even the mommies had a blast trying different things.
3. Need to go to the post office today. Love our Christmas cards this year!
4. I have to buy some food for Christmas dinner, finish the stocking stuffers, wrap gifts (one of my favorite parts), and clean up the house. And then, I am completely ready for Christmas. Of course, the day that everyone is coming, I may be singing a different tune.
5. This year, the Little Man is getting a Baby Laptop, a Little People Airplane and a CD and book. Fuss is getting a Sleeping Beauty set (similar here), wooden paper dolls, and a handful of other things. Santa is bringing them an outside climber-thing. It's got a small tower, a slide, a rock wall, and a ladder. Little Man is also getting a bean bag chair and a step stool. Fuss is getting those, too, except they are from my mom. (the step stool will be here Christmas morning, though. The bean bag chair is coming later.) My mom also got her an Our Generation doll - similar to the American Girls, only MUCH cheaper and more accessible. (sold at Target.) I think I might have not made the gifts terribly even this year. It seems like Fuss is getting the short end of the deal, but mostly the climber is for her right now and my mom is more than making up for it with the doll, etc. I wanted to get her the doll, but I thought my husband might kill me.
6. I've planted my first 2 recruiting seeds for my Thirty-one team. I'm psyched. Because both friends I've talked to have mentioned that they thought about it, are considering it. If I can get them BOTH to join, I could get a promotion before mid-year! Which would be AWESOME.
7. I'm dealing with a cluster of headaches again. I went to bed with a bad one and I woke up with an even worse one. I am grateful to my husband for letting me sleep as long as possible this morning. Between that and Excedrine Migraine, I am currently able to function.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Contentment
If you had asked me a week ago if I were content with my life, I would have sighed and told you no. For that matter, if you had asked me that the minute I woke up this morning, I would have answered the same.
But I'm reading a book that is reminding me how much I have to be thankful for - that being content in my life right now... is what I want to be. I look at my children - and they are SO beautiful. So smart and fun, and despite the fact that they often run me ragged, I enjoy them so much. And I wouldn't give them up for anything.
So it is my desire to be content in the gifts that I have been given. To enjoy each day and each moment of my life more fully.
People keep asking me what I want for Christmas - and they are trying to get a bead on what I want for my BIG GIFT when they ask. I can't tell them. I don't know. I don't really want for anything in my life right now. I have a beautiful family - a husband who loves me and two amazing children. I have a home that isn't perfect, but is more than sufficient for our needs. I have friends and a life that is really pretty good. I have been blessed. And I need to be reminded that I should be - and truly am - grateful for all of these things.
But I'm reading a book that is reminding me how much I have to be thankful for - that being content in my life right now... is what I want to be. I look at my children - and they are SO beautiful. So smart and fun, and despite the fact that they often run me ragged, I enjoy them so much. And I wouldn't give them up for anything.
So it is my desire to be content in the gifts that I have been given. To enjoy each day and each moment of my life more fully.
People keep asking me what I want for Christmas - and they are trying to get a bead on what I want for my BIG GIFT when they ask. I can't tell them. I don't know. I don't really want for anything in my life right now. I have a beautiful family - a husband who loves me and two amazing children. I have a home that isn't perfect, but is more than sufficient for our needs. I have friends and a life that is really pretty good. I have been blessed. And I need to be reminded that I should be - and truly am - grateful for all of these things.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wrappin'
The holiday have come to our house. Our (small, fake) tree is up and has ornaments (at least all of the ornaments I'm putting up this year, save our annual family ornament I haven't yet picked out) my wreath has been repaired, improved, and hung on the door. My husband hung the hooks for our lights outside last night (our icicle lights have gone missing the last 2 years. I bought more lights at Target last night.) I don't think I'm putting up my Christmas village this year, though. I'm feeling lazy. And there are already 4 wrapped Christmas presents under the tree! Actually, I think I am done Christmas shopping. I have a few more things to make, but overall, I'm done. That always saddens me, though. I love to shop and I love to give gifts so open season on gift giving for my family and friends is one big shot of joy directly into my veins.I have a couple more projects to finish - the bean bags for the kids, the doll diapers for Fuss and her friend Gracie (I found a simpler pattern for the diapers and I have lots of cutting out to do over the next few days!) I bought a really nice (but on sale!) journal I think I'm going to give to Kat instead of making her something. I just couldn't figure out what to make. (Though she'll also be getting a small bottle of homemade Limoncello, so there is that).
I'm unimpressed with the shipping this year. In years past, Amazon, Toys R Us, etc. have exceeded my expectations with the speed of their shipping. Not so much this year. I did most of my online shopping within a week of Thanksgiving. And most of it still hasn't arrived.
Now comes one of my second favorite parts of holiday prep - wrapping. I love making presents look pretty and I learned the art of making tissue paper flowers this year, so my packages will be festooned with pretty and full flowers and bows. I'm really feeling the festive RED this year, so I have lots of red paper and tissue and ribbons. Very pretty.How exactly does one wrap a bean bag chair, though? Or a handmade (by someone else) step-stool? These are the challenges I'm facing over the next 2 weeks.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Brazil
A week ago I went and got my first Brazilian wax. My friends, the Luckies, convinced me to do it, I had a coupon for 1/2 off and my husband was positively giddy at the thought. (I declared it part of his Christmas present.)
Holy crap. I mean, wow. I thought I had a high tolerance for pain. Apparently not when it comes to ripping the hairs of my nether-regions out by the roots. Twice I almost told the girl to stop, that I was done and couldn't do any more. I didn't, but I came very close. Hot wax, stinging, etc. not my idea of a good time.
The salon where I had it done was very nice. My esthetician was great, patient, personable, not too friendly, very professional. She really made the whole experience as pleasant as it truly could be. I kept apologizing for my occasional outbursts, but he assured me that it was completely fine, that I was hardly the worst, and that it was completely understandable to be surprised by the feeling, etc.
Now, my darling husband has been very appreciative ever since. He is enjoying it a lot. Only fair after the near 3-week break we had in November when his illness, my illness, and an untimely and annoying visit from Aunt Flo came sequentially, with no overlap. I made a follow up appointment for after Christmas, but wow, I'm not exactly looking forward to the experience. I'm going to give it the old college try -they say subsequent waxings are much less painful, so I'm certainly hopeful.
Holy crap. I mean, wow. I thought I had a high tolerance for pain. Apparently not when it comes to ripping the hairs of my nether-regions out by the roots. Twice I almost told the girl to stop, that I was done and couldn't do any more. I didn't, but I came very close. Hot wax, stinging, etc. not my idea of a good time.
The salon where I had it done was very nice. My esthetician was great, patient, personable, not too friendly, very professional. She really made the whole experience as pleasant as it truly could be. I kept apologizing for my occasional outbursts, but he assured me that it was completely fine, that I was hardly the worst, and that it was completely understandable to be surprised by the feeling, etc.
Now, my darling husband has been very appreciative ever since. He is enjoying it a lot. Only fair after the near 3-week break we had in November when his illness, my illness, and an untimely and annoying visit from Aunt Flo came sequentially, with no overlap. I made a follow up appointment for after Christmas, but wow, I'm not exactly looking forward to the experience. I'm going to give it the old college try -they say subsequent waxings are much less painful, so I'm certainly hopeful.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Cuteness abounds
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Make it up
Well, so much for posting every day. I had some great ideas, too... But Saturday night my husband declared that we were going to bug bomb the house on Sunday and while we were out of the house, we would go to Orlando to see ICE! with the kiddos. Worked out great. (we are having a problem with ticks and our dog and so the bug bomb to was to hopefully obliterate the current issue. Here's hoping.)
Today, I succeeded in making 2 felt crinkley owls for Christmas presents for my future niece/nephew and for my hopefully soon-to-be new BFF's baby girl. They turned out cute. I also cut all the fabric for the plethora of bean abgs I'm making for my own kids. I also want to make this really pretty personalized nightlight for Fuss's best friend, Gracie, but the tutorial calls for an item found at Hobby Lobby and the closest one to me is 90 minutes away. Not happening. I need to go to Michaels and find out if they carry it and if not, I need to go back to the drawing board. My current back-up plan is making doll diapers for both Fuss and Gracie's baby dolls, but I was honestly going to cut out the shape of the diaper out of some extra receiving blankets we had and leave it at that for Fuss (I am not great with my sewing machine and she isn't picky) but it seems tacky to do that for a gift for a friend, doesn't it?
I also finished the calendars for the family yesterday, and ordered our Christmas cards last night from Tiny Prints. I'm quite excited about them!
I'm really proud of myself for all the Made stuff I'm doing this year. I always love making stuff, but I have trouble coming up with something USEFUL that I can make, so I don't end up doing it.
Today, I succeeded in making 2 felt crinkley owls for Christmas presents for my future niece/nephew and for my hopefully soon-to-be new BFF's baby girl. They turned out cute. I also cut all the fabric for the plethora of bean abgs I'm making for my own kids. I also want to make this really pretty personalized nightlight for Fuss's best friend, Gracie, but the tutorial calls for an item found at Hobby Lobby and the closest one to me is 90 minutes away. Not happening. I need to go to Michaels and find out if they carry it and if not, I need to go back to the drawing board. My current back-up plan is making doll diapers for both Fuss and Gracie's baby dolls, but I was honestly going to cut out the shape of the diaper out of some extra receiving blankets we had and leave it at that for Fuss (I am not great with my sewing machine and she isn't picky) but it seems tacky to do that for a gift for a friend, doesn't it?
I also finished the calendars for the family yesterday, and ordered our Christmas cards last night from Tiny Prints. I'm quite excited about them!
I'm really proud of myself for all the Made stuff I'm doing this year. I always love making stuff, but I have trouble coming up with something USEFUL that I can make, so I don't end up doing it.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Christmas-ish
I went out with my mom this morning and we got holiday pedicures. Then we made a few stops at some stores, and I think I finished my Christmas shopping for the kids. (Well, I still need to fill their stockings, but all the presents are bought, I guess.) I hate getting it done so early, because then I see all this other stuff that I want to get them and I can't shouldn't for budgetary purposes.
The kids are driving me bonkers right now. They are just WILD. We finally got the living room sort of back to normal and I started to put up the Christmas tree. And by the time I got all the branches unfurled, I was over it. Geez, I'm becoming a humbug!
The kids are driving me bonkers right now. They are just WILD. We finally got the living room sort of back to normal and I started to put up the Christmas tree. And by the time I got all the branches unfurled, I was over it. Geez, I'm becoming a humbug!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Bulleting
- We had more time with the nebulizer than I would have liked, but Little Man appears to be good as new. We have a prescription for a puffer and a nebulizer of our very own, plus the albuterol to go with it. We think we may have a recurring problem on our hands, so we're planning to be prepared. (My mom was a Girl Scout Troop Leader. This also explains the large size of my purses and why they are often so full and heavy.)
- This week we had firsts for both children: Little Man stood up completely by himself - no leaning, no grabbing, no support of any kind. And Fuss colored in the lines of a coloring book picture and also drew her own toddler-stick figures on paper all by herself. I'm quite proud.
- I had a migraine on Monday that nearly felled me. It had been SUCH a long time since I'd had one that strong and it came out of no where. And the fact that Little Man wanted to do nothing more than climb on me and smack me in the head ALL DAY LONG really did not help the matter.
- My dear friend Kat - who I am hoping will one day be my life-long BFF (she is the mother of Fuss's "best friend") is having a birthday next Wednesday. I want to make her a present - something small, but thoughtful and sweet, as we aren't yet in the "usually exchange presents" place in our friendship. But it's something I want to do. I just don't yet know what to make. Argh. She's a great baker, so treats aren't really ideal (plus, 2 days later we're doing a cookie exchange at MOPS, so...) I kind of want to do some hand-made notecards, but I'm not really sure... seems like it's so old fashioned that I don't know if she'll use them and... I'm still scrounging for ideas.
- I'm also looking for ideas for crafts for the kids to make for Christmas. Both at home (Fuss and Little Man) and as a fun get-together project for Fuss, Gracie, and possibly C (my friend Jo's son who is the same age as Fuss and Gracie).
- My next Thirty-one Party is next week for my friend M. I'm planning to really play up the Christmas angle -wrapping and decorations accordingly. Hoping for some big sales!
- I'm getting my first-ever Brazillian bikini wax tonight. I guess you could say it is an early Christmas present for my husband! I'm a little nervous!
- I have this plan to get back into blogging regularly again. My initial idea is to blog every day in December, but that is probably ridiculous considering how busy December usually is - and that my calendar is filling quickly! But I will try!
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