Halloween Past

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love to dress up. And I love all the scary decorations. The more gruesome, the better. Plus, who doesn't like candy?



And I love surprises. How much fun was it to dump your trick or treat bag out and gawk at all the candy? And the different kinds. Being the anal person that I am I would separate them into categories: chocolate, chewy, crappy, pennies (um yeah some stupid neighbor handed out packets of 10 pennies to each child), apples (I was never allowed to eat them). I'd give all of it away, EXCEPT the chocolate. I'm much the same now.



I can't remember what I was for each Halloween. But, I do remember some: a rabbit (hand stitched by my mom), a flapper, a hobo (thanks mom), a punk rocker, a construction worker (thanks again), a housewife, a dancer. And as an adult I've been: a pirate wench, a biker, a pregnant cat (with nipples and everything), a KISS fan and the Evil Queen. Oh, and a bride.



Yup, our wedding was on October 30th, 1999. We chose that day because it was as close to Halloween as we could get. I really wanted to have a costume wedding. But, being anal as I am, I was afraid that some people wouldn't dress up. Or that some would be cheesy stuff and not thinking it through. And I didn't want that. I wanted everyone to dress up in super cool costumes. And I didn't know how to get that point across without being a major bitch (something I usually don't have a problem with, but I wanted my husband's family to like me until we tied the knot). So, we had a traditional wedding. And it was a blast! The next day Carissa went trick or treating as a flower girl, go figure.

Family Fun Magazine

Thanks to my wonderful friend Corey, I decided to get a subscription to Family Fun Magazine ( I paid $4.70 for 4 years on ebay!).



This magazine is great! It has tons of great crafts, games, party ideas. And just general parenting tips and advice.



I have gotten two issues and just love it. Everything is very pratical, affordable and do-able.

I would say it's geared toward families with preschool through elementary age children. Some of the stuff would still apply to middle schoolers, but I think the younger ones are the focus.



I really like how everyday families share their ideas and thoughts. There are a lot of great original "traditions" that the families share. They are so good that I want to start them all in our family, but there are just too many.



Definitely check it out if you get a minute. And seriously, how can you not subscribe for that crazy price! (Check out other magazines too, I subscribed to 20 different magazines, most for multiple years for a total of $80! Even Sports Illustrated was only $30 for 3 years!)

Lunch conversations

I just spent a lovely lunch with my husband and Xander and Jocelyn. He stays home with them the two days a week that I work and they had some errands to run, so we met. Here are a few cute things that were said:

Xander: I can touch my mommy with my head, though.
(To my husband after he told him not to touch my work clothes with his greasy hands.)

Hubby: Xander, do you want some spicy chicken?
Xander: No, I don't like spicy jackass.
(I swear that child will use any opportunity to use the word jackass!)

Xander: Mommy, I want to go to work with you.
Me: I know, but you can't my boss will be mad. And I'll get in trouble. Do you want mommy to get in trouble?
Xander: Yes!

Jocelyn: More, mine (while reaching for the corn on the cob, wish I had a video of her eating it!)

And when it was time to go:
Xander: Mommy, I'm so happy to see you. When you're done with work will you come home to me?


***********************************************************************************

I forgot my favorite one.

I took Xander to the bathroom to go and to wash up.

I went first. When I finished he said,
Xander: Mommy, you went poopy?
Me: No I didn't.
Xander: Yes you did! I saw you use toilet paper.
Me: Girls use toilet paper even when they pee pee.
Xander: (really loudly) You did poopies and used toilet paper!
Me: Xander, mommy just went pee pee, but girls have to use toilet paper.
Xander: YOU WENT POOPIES!

An update of sorts

Carissa's game was fun. They lost 4-1, but played MUCH better than we expected. They need to work on taking a shot (they were too good about passing and forgot to take a shot if they could). And their defense needs to hustle a little more (there were quite a few break aways). But, overall, it was a good game. Of course, she acted like she hated every minute of it, but when doesn't she?

And I ended up taking the boys with me. They both heard us getting ready and woke up and cried because they wanted to go. I took them and they fought for the WHOLE game. And whined about being hungry and thirsty and hot. So, they will not be attending anymore games!

In other news we wrote up ten family rules this weekend. And posted them in plain view in the kitchen. Lately, we've been having real issues with sibling bickering. The older ones try to boss around and parent the younger ones. They purposefully antagonize each other. And we've had a lot of backtalk and whining and ungratefulness too. So, we implemented the rules and every time they break one they have to figure out which one it is, read it aloud and write it on a piece of paper. If they break the same rule three times in the same day they have to write it 10 times and lose a privilege. It seems to be working, for now.

Robert is on midnights and not doing too well. He doesn't get enough sleep and his eating gets all messed up. Making for a tired, worn-out daddy. I'm hoping he can get on some kind of detail that will put him back on a decent day shift. He doesn't like to work days in the field because his shift would be from 8am-6pm and you have to add an hour commute on each end. He would miss dinner every night, which he's not willing to do.

I have been very tired because it seems Jocelyn is going through a growth spurt, meaning she doesn't sleep at night. Even though I bring her in with me, she still flips and flops. This has been going on for over a week. But, last night seemed better, so hopefully she'll be back in her bed soon.

We went shopping this weekend and Old Navy already had their Halloween costumes on sale for half off. And I had a 20% off coupon (I am the queen of cheap). So, I got the kids the chicken, kangaroo and lion for only $9 each! Even if they don't wear them for future Halloween's, they're having a blast playing dress up. I may try to get some more costumes when they have the after Halloween sales.

This week we're trying a bunch of new recipes, so be on the lookout for the winners posted here. We're making Spicy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, Meatball Soup and Spinach Gnocchi.

UGH

So, do you see what time it is? Not you east coasters, you're 3 hours ahead. Yeah a little after 6:00!

I'm no morning person. Don't want to see birds or worms or the ass crack of dawn. Nope, I'd rather sleep til at least 7:00. Heck, I don't even get up this early on days I work.

Yet, here I sit, showered, dressed, markeuped. And voluntarily.

I know you're gripping your seat wondering why.

I'll tell you why.

Today Carissa has her first competitive soccer game. And it's in BFE and her Nazi coach thinks we should get there 45 minutes before the game!

But, I'm super excited. I know they probably won't win because they're a new team and they're playing girls that've been competitive for years. But, it's still fun. And it's really good for her. The discipline and physical work.

And it's good for me. Let's hope I still have a voice tomorrow.

BTW, I am not taking all the kids. My wonderful husband is on midnights and due home any minute to stay with all of them.

Life as a Wife

Wife of a law enforcement officer, I mean.

Many of you know that my husband works for the US Government as a law enforcement officer. He's been doing it for almost 10 years.

When he first got the job I was so excited. He really wanted it. And the whole "man in uniform" thing isn't a bad deal either.

Then he actually started the job. And I was scared. REALLY, REALLY scared. I mean, I'm afraid to be home alone at night, I can't imagine what it feels like to be out in the middle of nowhere by yourself in the middle of the night. So many things could happen to him.

Luckily, he's only had to pull his gun a handful of times. MOST of the time he doesn't encounter real "bad guys". But, it only takes one. We've had many, many talks about this. I truly believe that he is VERY capable and trained very well for his job. But, it just takes one crazy person with a gun.

Unfortunately, we've been to too many funerals for men that have been in these situations. And they are heartbreaking.

The biggest scare comes when he is late coming home and I haven't gotten a call to say why. My mind starts racing. And then the phone will ring. And I'll be gripped with dread. I KNOW in my head that they'll come to the house, they won't call if something happens, but it still scares me. One time I got a call at 1:00 in the morning. When I answered it was his supervisor looking for him. But, he was supposed to be at work. SCARED THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF ME. Why couldn't they find him? Why would they call his house in the middle of the night looking for him? Didn't they know what that would do to me?

Come to find out they didn't realize he was on shift and didn't even try to radio him. And the supervisor was a single guy who didn't even think about how I would feel. He later called to apologize.

While I'd never ask him to do anything else, this job still scares me. I've gotten used to it over the years and don't worry like I used to. But, whenever the phone rings or I get an unexpected caller at the door when he's at work, it makes my heart still for a moment.

It's tough. My friends sometimes don't understand. They think it's cool and ask all sorts of questions about his job. But, they don't understand.

Only the other wives do. And thank God for them. I don't think I would've gotten through these last 10 years without them.

Genetics

Stupid genetics. Where do they get off deciding whether the two recessive genes get put in my DNA?

I mean, I have two brothers, why couldn't they get the flat boobs gene? It's not like they'd care. Or even the gray hair gene. They both shave their heads, what would they care if they went completely gray by age 30?

Who says I have to get that crap? Why couldn't I get my grandma's boobs? Or my grandfather's dark hair?

And I know they're the recessive genes because my lovely daughter got the dominant boob gene. And that royally sucks! Who thought it was a good idea for me to have smaller boobs than my daughter?

At least I did get a few of the good ones. I've never had acne. A pimple here or there, but nothing serious. And I got the high tolerance for pain. Like extremely high. It makes it easy to get tattoos and birth children with no medication. But, it can be a curse too. Because I don't even know when I'm sick because I can't feel the pain. When I finally feel it, I'm REALLY sick.

I do find it interesting how the genes get mixed up when you have children. Who would've thought that I would pass on the blond (soon to be gray) hair and blue eyes to all of my children, despite the fact that my husband is Hispanic?

What are your favorite genetic traits? Which ones do you hate
?

I feel

honored and validated and all sorts of good things.

Let me explain. Awhile back I added Sitemeter to my blog. Mainly just to see if anyone was reading. Not that it's all about the numbers or anything. But, they do make you feel better, kinda like money. I know money doesn't buy happiness, but it kinda does.

Well, I rarely check my Sitemeter. I have a group of commenters and I love them and their blogs and that's been goood enough for me. But, I just so happened to have some extra time today and thought I'd give it a check.

Well, blow me down! Not only do people google "hippy makeup" "babywearing hippies" and "happy birthday sweet baby girl" and get my site. But, they are directed here from people that I've never met! That is just too cool! People actually have me listed on their blogrolls and we've never even "met". Thank you all. Seriously. It feels wonderful to know that people actually like to read my blatherings. I promise to frequent your blogs too!

I've actually met a LOT of people online. I met my local playgroup online before I met any of them in person. And I've met my closest friends online too. I have a whole group of mommies that all had babies in January 2005. We're still close friends almost three years later. And now I have a whole new group of blogging friends.

I guess I'll have to write Al Gore a thank you note for inventing this here Internet and helping me make new friends!

I scream...

for my ice cream. Soft serve, that is.


Why can't I find soft serve ice cream anymore? Is it a regional thing? We ALWAYS had soft serve in New York. We even had frozen custard. But, in Arizona (which you'd think would be the ice cream capital of the world) I can't find soft serve for the life of me. Everyone serves Dryers. Hello, I can buy that at the grocery store myself. And don't even get me started on Dairy Queen. THAT IS NOT ICE CREAM, IT'S ICE MILK. I used to work there, I know. They make it with milk, not cream, BIG difference.




I actually let my hard ice cream melt before I eat it. I don't like to bite my ice cream, I like to lick it. Am I old fashioned? Does no one do soft serve anymore? Am I completely out of touch with the modern world?


I really miss getting a swirl cone. That is one of my comfort foods. Especially with chocolate sprinkles.

To Drink or Not to Drink?

I know, not much of a dilemma. Always err on the safe side and drink.

Just kidding. Actually, I'm afraid in a few years I'm going to have to seriously ponder this and I really don't know where I stand.

See, the drinking involves teenagers. And since mine will be a teenager this year, I'm afraid this very dilemma will be coming up.

This weekend we were at a Halloween party. The people throwing the party have a teenage daughter that just graduated high school. At the party she was drinking. Alcohol. In front of her parents. Even with her parents.

I don't know how I feel about this. My gut reaction is that it's wrong. And that the parents shouldn't allow it.

But, I remember being a teenager. And if I didn't do it at home I was certainly going to do it somewhere. And I probably wouldn't be safe about it if I was somewhere else.

I just don't know. I don't want to give my kids the impression that it's ok to break the law, but I do want to make sure they're safe. And making sure they drink at home and don't leave would ensure their safety.

When I hear stories of parents arrested for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in these situations I'm sympathetic. Because I know that they were doing what they thought was right. But, I don't know if they are right.

What do you think?

All I know is that I don't ever want to hear the words, "Mom, come do a shot with me!"

Damn telemarketers

I swear, I don't know where they find these people. Actually I suspect that they find a lot of them in India now days, but I digress.

This morning I get to work. I'm trying to catch up on blogs and e-mail, you know, the important stuff. My phone rings. Usually it's not that bad. I'm the super smart girl in the office so usually I can get anyone off of the phone in seconds (I just refer them to the person that really knows what's going on). NOT TODAY!

I get some woman with a heavy Indian accent. I could barely understand her, but I did understand right up front that this had NOTHING to do with my job. Usually I can get telemarketers off the phone in seconds too, I just tell them this is a government office and they want nothing more to do with me.

But, not this biotch. And believe me, she was. She wants to ask me about all of the hundreds of computers in our building. Um, yeah, I don't work in IT. I have no fecking clue. I inform her of this, but she doesn't care. She tells me to just say, "I don't know" if I don't have the information. Um, ok, whatever, I'll play.

So here it goes:

Her: How many computers are at your location?
Me: I have no idea, hundreds.
Her: Ok, 100.
Me: No 100SSSSSSSS. Many more than 100.
Her: I'll make it easy on you and just put 100. (Easy on me? Whatever.)
Her: What brand are these 100 machines?
Me: There are more than 100 (under my breath) and I have no idea, mine's a Dell
Her: So all 100 machines are Dells?
Me: I have no idea, mine is a Dell, but I can't vouch for the rest
Her: SIGH (really loudly) are you planning to buy any more computers this year?
Me: I. Have. No. Idea. I don't work in IT.
More discussion regarding laptops, printers and copiers ensues. My answers remain the same. She is audibly getting VERY frustrated with me.
But, here's the kicker:
Her: Is your server located in your building?
Me: I.Have.No.Idea
Her: Let me make it easy for you, a main frame serves over 1,000 people and costs about $1 million a blah, blah, blah
Me: I.Have.No.Idea. I don't work in IT
Her: Look, I just need to have this questions answered.
Me: I don't have the answer and I really must go. HANG UP
Ring, ring
That crazy biotch called me back!
Her: Listen, I just need you to tell me. And she repeats really slowly what a mainframe is.
Me: I obviously don't have the information you need, I'm sorry. HANG UP
That crazy biotch calls me back, again!
Her: Please just answer the question
Me: I obviously can't help you. I already gave you the information to our IT department, they could have answered all of your questions. I don't appreciate you hounding me when I told you upfront that I didn't have the information for you. Now, I will be notifying them that they should not answer your questions because you are a crazy biotch.

What the hell gets into some of these people? Damn, she got me all hot and bothered so early in the morning. Not good for my blood pressure!

Politics

What's your thought on politics? Do you watch CNN, Fox News, Bill O'Reilly? Do you read the newspaper? Do you research your candidates?

I have to admit, I've never liked politics. I know what I believe in and that's good enough for me. Listening to some middle age men drone on about who's fault this is and why we owe this much money and blah, blah, blah. I know this makes me a bad voter. I know some of you are probably freaking out right now. But, I just can't get into it. I think ALL politicians lie. I think they are all pretty equal.

And I just don't understand global politics. I don't even know where half of these countries are. I just can't grasp the concepts. And I'm not stupid. It's just so boring to me that I can't take the time to do more research. I must admit that Social Studies was my least favorite subject in school. I didn't want to learn about any wars, past or present. I have an awful time just remembering what era they each happened in.

But, I do know how I feel on many issues. I support gay marriage, I support stem cell research, I do not believe in national health care, etc. I try to find a candidate that most closely meets how I feel. But, damn if it's not hard. I really wish they were more honest. Do any of us really vote 100% Republican or Democrat? Why do they always toe the party line? Why don't they just tell us how they really feel? I bet we'd be more likely to vote for them.

Funny thing is, I consider myself Republican, my husband considers himself Democrat. And he works in law enforcement and I work in a juvenile court with a focus on rehabilitation. Yet, we almost always vote for the same person. Why do we have to fall under a particular party. Why doesn't everyone just put their views on the table and let us all sort them out for ourselves.

Might be better than we've got.

Here I am

Um yeah. That's me. Notice my mad self photo taking skills? Maybe someone can give me a tutorial?

Let's start with the wedding. Good times had by all. I didn't get any of the ceremony because Jocelyn decided to walk all over the place and I needed to chase her.

Rehearsal dinner, J was a table dancer

My brother all dressed up next to the pastor.My kids and my cousins from DC. Hoarding all the bubbles.My nephew was crying when he walked down the aisle and all he wanted to do was hold Robert's hand. It was so sweet.Yikes! My 12 year old daughter next to my 22 year old cousin!Before everyone even came in she wanted to party like a rockstar!





My mom and my baby brother
Jocelyn and Popa


Jocelyn and Mima

DISNEYLAND

Xander LOVES sitting next to his brother.


Jocelyn's first ears

Dancing to her own beatHe really loves his sister!Robert got picked to be in the Jedi Training Academy. They give them a Jedi robe and a light saber and teach them some moves. Then they fight Darth Vader or Darth Maul. It was great! I'll try to get the video up soon.Trick or treating at Disneyland. TONS of fun!

We got our picture with the real Evil Queen and Jafar.
We went to The Aquarium of the Pacific one day. Here's a whole tank full of Nemo's and Dori's Petting the sharks and rays. I couldn't get Xander out of here. He loved it.And one day we went to Santa Monica Pier.

SOOOOO, if a picture's worth a thousand words then I'm all caught up after being away for two weeks, right?