Get out the Kleenex!

What is it about this time of year?

It makes me all sappy and weepy. Even though I'm not hormonally pregnant this year (imagine that)! Maybe that's why this year is even worse than normal.

I am trying to cherish every holiday with my kids while they are little. I swear, I get panic attacks just thinking about how they will get older and move out. And what if they move far away and we don't spend the holidays together? That causes me some serious heart palpitations! I know my parents are having a hard time with this. All the kids are grown and out of the house. We now have to coordinate with our small immediate family, plus in laws, plus extended families. We'll probably do Christmas with my parents the Saturday before Christmas. This leaves them all alone for the actual holiday. I invite them to come to our house (as we don't like to make the kids travel on Christmas day), but I know they won't. I makes me sad to think that someday that might be us (although I'm pretty sure I'd rather drive two hours to my child's house than spend the day alone).

This year is the first year that Jocelyn can appreciate Christmas decorations. Seeing her eyes light up the first time she saw the Christmas tree brought tears to my eyes. Pretty soon it'll just be routine to her and not awe inspiring . And that makes me sad.

Xander is just starting to understand the whole "Santa thing". It's so funny to hear him ask his questions about Santa and how he gets here and gets the presents here. He doesn't understand why he didn't get a "Diego camera" the other day, right after he sat on Santa's lap. It's so cute to see his innocence. In a few weeks we'll go on our yearly trip to The Polar Express. I can't wait to see his reaction this year. I'm sure that'll make me all teary too.

And then every day our radio station grants "Christmas wishes". People write in about people they know that are going through hard times and that might not be able to provide a Christmas for their children. Then the radio station grants the wish. They give the family clothes, toys, gift certificates to the grocery store, a Christmas tree and usually they help with their utilities and rent. It gets me every time. Every single time. I drive to work bawling like a baby. It's amazing what people can do for each other.

And then the commercials. How about the commercial when the son (he's in his early 20's) buys and suit and shows up unexpectedly at his mom's house for the holidays? Sobbing like a baby here! They tug at my heartstrings!

I guess I'm just turning into an old sap. I'm happy with my current life and I get all weepy when I think about how it has to change. I wish I could just freeze the kids in time. I don't want them to grow older. I want Christmas to be special and cool for them forever. I always want them to spend it with me. I want everyone to get everything they want for Christmas. I want to believe in the good of people everywhere.

So, pass the tissue please.

I am thankful...

-for the fact that I got to come to work today. Peace and quiet, amen! Just me and my computer. No one to cook for, no one to yell at for removing all the Christmas tree ornaments.

- for the cow that gave me my lovely hamburger for lunch. I am SO sick of turkey. It was nice to eat some MEAT!

-for my boss not giving me too much to do today so I could finish my online shopping and start catching up on blogs.

-for my van that held all of my Black Friday purchases. It was a tight fit, but they all got in there.

-for my friends and daughter who got up at 3:00 a.m. to shop with me. We even made the news!

-for my husband, who braved the attic and got down all 2384798754 boxes of Christmas decorations so that I could put them up yesterday.

-for my credit card company not denying any of my purchases this weekend.

Happy Holidays!

Thanks, I needed that

Thanks for all of the hugs yesterday. They were definitely needed. Fortunately, I think we've got things at school under control. She was telling the truth. The principal got right on it and spoke to everyone involved. The school is taking action. The school resource officer (a sheriff's deputy) is also involved. I believe we have come to a solution that everyone is happy with. Needless to say, it wasn't easy coming to that solution. I feel for the other family because I don't believe that what was done was malicious, but that it was a stupid mistake. But, we have to honor Carissa's feelings and make sure that she is validated and feels that the situation was handled properly. And I don't want her to ever feel that we dropped the ball and left her hanging. But, what an ordeal.





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On a much happier note, ages ago, the wonderful Jo presented me with this lovely award. Thanks you so much!

I would like to pass this award on to:

Heather who is The Queen of Shake-Shake .

Casey from moosh in indy

The queen of funny BOSSY (I know she's hugely famous and has millions of votes and awards, but damn she is SO funny.)

Go visit Jo to pick your copy of the award. And pass it on!

I need a hug

Let's just say that things aren't all happy, happy, joy, joy right now.

I, myself, am feeling overwhelmed lately. With Christmas and all the planning involved and feeling guilty when we don't get together with everyone on Christmas dayand the anxiety over spending money.
With the kids and all the work involved, not to mention Science Fair and doctor's appointments and schoolwork and soccer and baseball and and...

Robert is miserable on midnights. It's just not working. I think he's going to switch to day shift next time. It'll suck because he'll be gone from 7:00 am- 7:00 pm, but at least he'll be happier. And feeling better.

And something happened to Carissa the other day and it sucks. Not to go into details but it really sucks. And we're having to get others involved. And it sucks that it even happened. But, what sucks worse it that I don't know that I completely believe her. See, she lies a lot. And very convincingly. Like with tears and drama, the whole nine yards. I really think this happened, but because of her history a little tiny part of me is doubting her. And I HATE that I feel that way. HATE IT. I wish I could just believe her and support her, but instead I'm wondering if this is going to turn on us and that she's going to be lying. I pray that she' s not (not that I really want this thing to have happened, but I really want her to be telling the truth).

So, can I just get a hug? Thanks.

Click the bunny!


Look at me all famous and stuff! Just kidding. But, I guest posted at Megan's so she could keep up with Naneenaneepoopoo or whatever it's called.

Let the Countdown Begin

No, not the countdown for Christmas. The OTHER countdown. The BIG one.

Seven days until Black Friday!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

I really am a fanatic. I think it's because I'm such a bargain shopper. I am obsessed with saving money. Most of my purchases are very well thought out and researched. I'm the queen of cheap travel (but nice travel), grocery coupons and the clearance racks. I LOVE to get a good buy. I rarely buy anything full price, from food to clothes to toys.

That's why Black Friday is my favorite day. I can get TONS of good deals all in one day. Enough deals to last me through all of the birthdays for the whole year! I have a closet stocked full of things that I buy on BF for every birthday party we might be invited to for a whole year.

I love the thrill of it too. And the crowds. I love the crowds. It marks the beginning of the holiday season for me. The beginning of the holiday season, starts at 3:00 a.m. on November 23rd this year!

I have a whole strategy. I read the ads for weeks ahead of time, plan what I'm buying, plan the whole day- Kohls, Circuit City, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Sears and Target. My friend and I take turns waiting in the hellish checkout lines while the other goes and stacks their arms as high as possible. Carts are not an option.

This year, my friend is going out of town for Thanksgiving, so I'm on my own. I might have found someone else to go with me, but it's not the same. We have a tradition! We've done it for years now. When I was about to pop with Xander (and subsequently almost passed out in Toys R Us), the next year when I was pregnant with Jocelyn (luckily I did better that time) and the year after.

So, be thinking of me when you're still wrapped up in your warm blankets. I'll be camped out with my coffee, chatting up strangers in the line! I'll have to take a picture of my loot and post it next week. After my nap!