by teresa
I am sitting in church...beside my hubby.
The pastor is preaching and I am taking notes.
Chris slides a note to me that says this....
Do you smell hiney?
This struck me as so out of the blue and funny that I almost lost it right there in my pew.
I giggled and whispered to him that the lady with a baby just got up in back of us. Maybe the baby had a messy diaper.
He whispers back..."it doesn't smell like poop.....it smells like hiney."
I ask you....what the heck does hiney smell like if not poopish?
Just when it is quiet again...and I have stopped myself from giggling he slides another note to me.
It says...
It's all hiney-licious in here.
I swear I almost had to leave because I was about to burst holding in my laughter.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
For History's Sake
By Chris
Since Lauren grew up without the benefit of this blog . . . and it is sort of turning into the official Green Family Diary, I thought I would capture some things about her younger years that must not be forgotten. She was a real trip as a kid! In fact, she was affectionately dubbed Maniac Kid by one of Teresa's friend, and it has stuck. For a while, "MNIACKD" was Teresa's vanity plate. Teresa will have to add some later.
Bonster Plant
Teresa had this big plant that Lauren, for some unknown reason, absolutely hated when she was a toddler. A rubber tree, I think. I swear, it was like the kid had some type of botanical sibling rivalry with the thing. She called it "Bonster Plant" (Monster Plant, for those not familiar with toddler lingo). And she would have fights with it. Really. Left unattended, she would attack her green, leafy brother, pulling the leaves off and breaking branches, then act all innocent when the evidence was found. I think she eventually killed it. We probably should have thought a little harder about giving her real-life brothers with this history.
You're Not Looking in My Mouth!
I didn't take her to the doctor often, but it sure was an embarrarssing nightmare when I did (heck, taking her anywhere had that potential when she was little). She could turn absolutely obstinate about the most simple request. Usually, it was when the doctor said "open wide . . . " She refused to do it. Every time. You could plead, threaten, plead again, beg, pull your hair out and scream . . . but she would not let a doctor look in her mouth. Some days, they would roll out all the kid doctor tricks on her too. The young kind nurse. The older firm nurse. Stickers. Toys. Nothing worked. And, the doctor and staff would get all snooty and irritated. That drove me crazy! I mean, of all the things a doctor does to you, why in the world would Maniac Kid not let them look in her stinkin mouth!! Many times, we left the doc's office defeated, never getting her to comply with the "open your mouth" request. Being very young parents, it would really freak us out (What's wrong with her? What if something in there needs looking at? We can never face that staff again!) Of course today, with some perspective, we would laugh it off and tell them "live with it, this child ain't opening her mouth for you so get over yourself and stop asking. We'll call you if we see anything funny in there!"
Brother Torture
O.K. This shouldn't surprise us after the plant. But it did. The Maniac's mischievious inner self showed itself early with her first brother, Nick. A couple of examples. Nick, like all kids, would cry about being in his room by himself. You know the drill. There's something in the closet, under the bed, in the wall . . . or whatever. Well, in Nick's case, the fears were real on some nights, thanks to his sister. We once caught her in the closet that ran next to his room, scratching on the wall and making noises! So, of course, he was freaked out that there was something in the wall. We realized, she was probably behind many of the nights when he "heard things," escaping back to her room before we arrived on the sceane. He also was very scared of crickets for a while when he was small. So, one night we opened his door, with him crying, to find crickets, which were apparently pushed under the door, and sitting there looking at him. All Lauren's work.
Up The Carnival Ride
Once, I took Lauren and Nick to one of those mall parking lot carnivals, without Teresa. Nick was pretty little, and not a real dare devil (which shouldn't surprise anyone who knows him). Lauren's a big dare devil maniac who'll ride anything anywhere to get a thrill. So, of course, Nick wouldn't get on anything, and Lauren was irritated about that. Eventually, we talked him into going on one of those big figure 8 slides, where you climb some stairs, then shoot out at the bottom from an enclosed tube. Not much different from something you'd find a an old park, just taller. After much analysis and observation of kids much smaller than him doing it, Nick gave in to Lauren's pleadings. Under one condition: She would stay with him the whole time. I was too big for the kiddie ride. Before they ascended the ladder, I looked at her real stearn and said "Do NOT come down without him!!" So, I waited anxiously at the bottom. Real anxiously. Teresa never would have signed off on such an adventure for her baby boy, and if this went wrong I was facing severe penalties. But, I also was excited to see Nick realizing that things like this are fun and exhilerating (I've since realized, with God's help, that you can't decide what exhilerates and motivates your kids . . . you have to figure out what does and emphasize and accept that it may be a bunch of stuff you don't get yourself, but can embrace!). So, I rolled the dice and trusted the Maniac to come through for me. I waited, and waited. Then . . . out shot Lauren. Solo. No brother. My head went all tinglely scared and mad at the same time. NO NICK! Where's your BROTHER!!!!!?????, I demanded. "He wouldn't come down," she answered, all casual. "What!! You were not supposed to come down without him. Where is he," I fired back. "At the top. He was embarrassing me," she replied, still all calm (she's always calm. Nothing flusters Lauren). Soon enough, the Carny at the top was calling down for someone to fish Nick out of the tube. He had started to slide down, but paralyzed by the fear of being alone without his trusty sister, stopped himself near the top. The only way out was to let go and come down. He wouldn't budge. Someone would have to climb up the tube all backwards and get him! "Climb up there," I told Lauren. "No way," she says. Of course there was a crowd, so I couldn't kill her. And the line was backing up, everyone looking at me. I never ever wear flip flops in public, but today I had. They do not work for slide gripping and climbing, so I flung them off and squeezed in the tube barefooted working my way up to Nick. The Great Freaked Out Kid on the Slide Rescue at Greenbrier Mall episode had drawn a small crowd at this point. By the time I reached him, my shirt was all up on my head and I was tired, sweaty and contorted unnatrually. We slid down together and Lauren . . . . LAUGHED AT US !!%%%&& To salvage the day, and hopefully avoid having Nick tell Teresa on us for stranding him in the slide, I took them to Blockbuster. In the store, Lauren yelled at Nick and snatched somthing out of his hand, freaking him out (he was on edge already of course), causing him to run to the emergency exit door and push it open. Fire alarms blaring, I dropped our movies and dragged them both to the car. In the car, Lauren asks, calmly, "So we're not getting a movie? It's all your fault Nick!" Ugggghhhhhh.
Since Lauren grew up without the benefit of this blog . . . and it is sort of turning into the official Green Family Diary, I thought I would capture some things about her younger years that must not be forgotten. She was a real trip as a kid! In fact, she was affectionately dubbed Maniac Kid by one of Teresa's friend, and it has stuck. For a while, "MNIACKD" was Teresa's vanity plate. Teresa will have to add some later.
Bonster Plant
Teresa had this big plant that Lauren, for some unknown reason, absolutely hated when she was a toddler. A rubber tree, I think. I swear, it was like the kid had some type of botanical sibling rivalry with the thing. She called it "Bonster Plant" (Monster Plant, for those not familiar with toddler lingo). And she would have fights with it. Really. Left unattended, she would attack her green, leafy brother, pulling the leaves off and breaking branches, then act all innocent when the evidence was found. I think she eventually killed it. We probably should have thought a little harder about giving her real-life brothers with this history.
You're Not Looking in My Mouth!
I didn't take her to the doctor often, but it sure was an embarrarssing nightmare when I did (heck, taking her anywhere had that potential when she was little). She could turn absolutely obstinate about the most simple request. Usually, it was when the doctor said "open wide . . . " She refused to do it. Every time. You could plead, threaten, plead again, beg, pull your hair out and scream . . . but she would not let a doctor look in her mouth. Some days, they would roll out all the kid doctor tricks on her too. The young kind nurse. The older firm nurse. Stickers. Toys. Nothing worked. And, the doctor and staff would get all snooty and irritated. That drove me crazy! I mean, of all the things a doctor does to you, why in the world would Maniac Kid not let them look in her stinkin mouth!! Many times, we left the doc's office defeated, never getting her to comply with the "open your mouth" request. Being very young parents, it would really freak us out (What's wrong with her? What if something in there needs looking at? We can never face that staff again!) Of course today, with some perspective, we would laugh it off and tell them "live with it, this child ain't opening her mouth for you so get over yourself and stop asking. We'll call you if we see anything funny in there!"
Brother Torture
O.K. This shouldn't surprise us after the plant. But it did. The Maniac's mischievious inner self showed itself early with her first brother, Nick. A couple of examples. Nick, like all kids, would cry about being in his room by himself. You know the drill. There's something in the closet, under the bed, in the wall . . . or whatever. Well, in Nick's case, the fears were real on some nights, thanks to his sister. We once caught her in the closet that ran next to his room, scratching on the wall and making noises! So, of course, he was freaked out that there was something in the wall. We realized, she was probably behind many of the nights when he "heard things," escaping back to her room before we arrived on the sceane. He also was very scared of crickets for a while when he was small. So, one night we opened his door, with him crying, to find crickets, which were apparently pushed under the door, and sitting there looking at him. All Lauren's work.
Up The Carnival Ride
Once, I took Lauren and Nick to one of those mall parking lot carnivals, without Teresa. Nick was pretty little, and not a real dare devil (which shouldn't surprise anyone who knows him). Lauren's a big dare devil maniac who'll ride anything anywhere to get a thrill. So, of course, Nick wouldn't get on anything, and Lauren was irritated about that. Eventually, we talked him into going on one of those big figure 8 slides, where you climb some stairs, then shoot out at the bottom from an enclosed tube. Not much different from something you'd find a an old park, just taller. After much analysis and observation of kids much smaller than him doing it, Nick gave in to Lauren's pleadings. Under one condition: She would stay with him the whole time. I was too big for the kiddie ride. Before they ascended the ladder, I looked at her real stearn and said "Do NOT come down without him!!" So, I waited anxiously at the bottom. Real anxiously. Teresa never would have signed off on such an adventure for her baby boy, and if this went wrong I was facing severe penalties. But, I also was excited to see Nick realizing that things like this are fun and exhilerating (I've since realized, with God's help, that you can't decide what exhilerates and motivates your kids . . . you have to figure out what does and emphasize and accept that it may be a bunch of stuff you don't get yourself, but can embrace!). So, I rolled the dice and trusted the Maniac to come through for me. I waited, and waited. Then . . . out shot Lauren. Solo. No brother. My head went all tinglely scared and mad at the same time. NO NICK! Where's your BROTHER!!!!!?????, I demanded. "He wouldn't come down," she answered, all casual. "What!! You were not supposed to come down without him. Where is he," I fired back. "At the top. He was embarrassing me," she replied, still all calm (she's always calm. Nothing flusters Lauren). Soon enough, the Carny at the top was calling down for someone to fish Nick out of the tube. He had started to slide down, but paralyzed by the fear of being alone without his trusty sister, stopped himself near the top. The only way out was to let go and come down. He wouldn't budge. Someone would have to climb up the tube all backwards and get him! "Climb up there," I told Lauren. "No way," she says. Of course there was a crowd, so I couldn't kill her. And the line was backing up, everyone looking at me. I never ever wear flip flops in public, but today I had. They do not work for slide gripping and climbing, so I flung them off and squeezed in the tube barefooted working my way up to Nick. The Great Freaked Out Kid on the Slide Rescue at Greenbrier Mall episode had drawn a small crowd at this point. By the time I reached him, my shirt was all up on my head and I was tired, sweaty and contorted unnatrually. We slid down together and Lauren . . . . LAUGHED AT US !!%%%&& To salvage the day, and hopefully avoid having Nick tell Teresa on us for stranding him in the slide, I took them to Blockbuster. In the store, Lauren yelled at Nick and snatched somthing out of his hand, freaking him out (he was on edge already of course), causing him to run to the emergency exit door and push it open. Fire alarms blaring, I dropped our movies and dragged them both to the car. In the car, Lauren asks, calmly, "So we're not getting a movie? It's all your fault Nick!" Ugggghhhhhh.
anyone for smores?
by teresa
Great weather here yesterday. Clear skies and chilly (still not winter cold....but sweatshirt weather). Nick went over to George and Jackies to work on some merit badge stuff with George for Royal Rangers...so Ben and Chris went outside to do some basketball drills. The season is only a week away (evaluations are Saturday) and Chris wanted to see what Ben needed to work on. They had a great time....and Ben is naturally skilled. It's sad really. Nick tries and tries and practices and practices at something....and then Ben goes out on his first try and nails it. Are any of your kids like that? Natural athletes? Lauren and Nick were never like that. So we are quite taken aback by Ben. Don't get me wrong...it's pretty exhilarating for a parent...just foreign to us.
Anyway...we had a good time playing outside. Well... they were playing...I was sitting at the table on my laptop and snapping pictures when they weren't looking. It was so nice out, we decided to grill. So I ran out to the grocery store and picked up some steaks and stuff. When I came back Ben informed me that when him and Dad went to get the grill ready they realized the propane tank was empty. Apparently someone had turned it on and left it. I was so dissappointed. A steak on the grill sounded so good. Today we will go get some propane and maybe grill out tomorrow. It's going to be almost 70 degrees on New Years day....perfect for playing outside and grilling out.
Last night (around 9:30pm) Lauren's friends (six of them) came over to hang out. Chris made them a fire and they sat outside and played basketball and made smores and weiners till after 11:00pm. I'm sure my mom and dad were entertained by their laughing and ball bouncing. Sorry :0)
Tonight we will make our New Years fire (which we have done every year since I was pregnant with Ben). In the beginning it was all about writing down things we would like to change about ourselves. Bad attitudes...sibling rivalry...impatience or nagging... and throwing it in the fire. Now it's about that too....but more about the smores and weiners on a stick. It all comes down to food with this family. :0)
Great weather here yesterday. Clear skies and chilly (still not winter cold....but sweatshirt weather). Nick went over to George and Jackies to work on some merit badge stuff with George for Royal Rangers...so Ben and Chris went outside to do some basketball drills. The season is only a week away (evaluations are Saturday) and Chris wanted to see what Ben needed to work on. They had a great time....and Ben is naturally skilled. It's sad really. Nick tries and tries and practices and practices at something....and then Ben goes out on his first try and nails it. Are any of your kids like that? Natural athletes? Lauren and Nick were never like that. So we are quite taken aback by Ben. Don't get me wrong...it's pretty exhilarating for a parent...just foreign to us.
Anyway...we had a good time playing outside. Well... they were playing...I was sitting at the table on my laptop and snapping pictures when they weren't looking. It was so nice out, we decided to grill. So I ran out to the grocery store and picked up some steaks and stuff. When I came back Ben informed me that when him and Dad went to get the grill ready they realized the propane tank was empty. Apparently someone had turned it on and left it. I was so dissappointed. A steak on the grill sounded so good. Today we will go get some propane and maybe grill out tomorrow. It's going to be almost 70 degrees on New Years day....perfect for playing outside and grilling out.
Last night (around 9:30pm) Lauren's friends (six of them) came over to hang out. Chris made them a fire and they sat outside and played basketball and made smores and weiners till after 11:00pm. I'm sure my mom and dad were entertained by their laughing and ball bouncing. Sorry :0)
Tonight we will make our New Years fire (which we have done every year since I was pregnant with Ben). In the beginning it was all about writing down things we would like to change about ourselves. Bad attitudes...sibling rivalry...impatience or nagging... and throwing it in the fire. Now it's about that too....but more about the smores and weiners on a stick. It all comes down to food with this family. :0)
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Stay out of my room!
by teresa
Lauren came down from her room mad this morning. Apparently she went to sit at her vanity and put on makeup....but someone had taken her new lipgloss and written on her vanity seat. And it wasn't just scribbling. They had written N I C K in lipgloss across the seat. "It's a mess!" , she said. "Those boys need to stay out of my room!" Hmmmm...I thought. Who was it? What little gremlin could have done this without my knowledge. Now I was in her room putting some laundry away yesterday afternoon when she left for work. Nothing had been touched then. Also....Nick was sick in bed (headache) ALL DAY yesterday. And if it was Nick...surely he would be smart enough not to write his name in the lipgloss. Ben...however was upstairs unattended while I was cleaning downstairs. I can't believe that little sneak tried to set his brother up like that. I think I should let Nick decide his punishment...don't you?
There's never a dull moment around here.
The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck
Lauren came down from her room mad this morning. Apparently she went to sit at her vanity and put on makeup....but someone had taken her new lipgloss and written on her vanity seat. And it wasn't just scribbling. They had written N I C K in lipgloss across the seat. "It's a mess!" , she said. "Those boys need to stay out of my room!" Hmmmm...I thought. Who was it? What little gremlin could have done this without my knowledge. Now I was in her room putting some laundry away yesterday afternoon when she left for work. Nothing had been touched then. Also....Nick was sick in bed (headache) ALL DAY yesterday. And if it was Nick...surely he would be smart enough not to write his name in the lipgloss. Ben...however was upstairs unattended while I was cleaning downstairs. I can't believe that little sneak tried to set his brother up like that. I think I should let Nick decide his punishment...don't you?
There's never a dull moment around here.
The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck
Friday, December 29, 2006
If it weren't for the fact that the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn't get any exercise at all
by teresa
I have done NOTHING today.
Well...not exactly nothing...just nothing productive.
We have watched so much tv that my legs have gone numb from lack of use.
Netflix brought us two videos yesterday from our newest passion. Six Feet Under! We are almost done with season one and we are hooked. We already finished all six seasons of Sopranos (which was awesome). So we hope to enjoy this series as much as that.
We also watched Lady in the Water. It was nothing what I expected...but VERY GOOD.
Tonight we are going to watch The WickerMan. It looks scary...and I do love my scary movies.
I have done NOTHING today.
Well...not exactly nothing...just nothing productive.
We have watched so much tv that my legs have gone numb from lack of use.
Netflix brought us two videos yesterday from our newest passion. Six Feet Under! We are almost done with season one and we are hooked. We already finished all six seasons of Sopranos (which was awesome). So we hope to enjoy this series as much as that.
We also watched Lady in the Water. It was nothing what I expected...but VERY GOOD.
Tonight we are going to watch The WickerMan. It looks scary...and I do love my scary movies.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
A good snapshot stops a moment from running away...
by teresa
Here's a couple of my favorite pictures of the kids. I took them (and about 100 more) to give to the grandparents for gifts this Christmas. I found some pretty leather albums to put them in. Photographs are always a perfect gift.
Here's a couple of my favorite pictures of the kids. I took them (and about 100 more) to give to the grandparents for gifts this Christmas. I found some pretty leather albums to put them in. Photographs are always a perfect gift.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Green Family Christmas 2006
by teresa
We had a very blessed Christmas.
It was so special (as always) to be surrounded by our family all day.
Everyone was over by 10:00am (except Kristian and Kai who had to visit their Dad's house or awhile). We ate (all day without a break) and laughed and unwrapped gifts and played with the kids toys. It was great.
Ben said a sweet prayer of thanks ...and wished Jesus a Happy Birthday.
The kids recieved many wonderful things from us and the grands (PSP, Nintendo DS, Mint Chocolate verizon phone, Heelys, Clinique makeup, Clothes, giftcards,sleeping bag, etc.). But the hit of the morning was Nick's Guitar Hero Playstation2 game. We ALL wore that thing out! I think Chris and Lauren played it as much as Nick did. They even talked me into trying it out (which they videoed without my knowledge).
The things I like the best were the Best Buddies Club shirts my mom made for the kids. How special! And a really pretty framed sisters poem...with Katy and my picture at ages 14 and 3...and then our resent picture together. I cried when opening it.....thanks momma.
All the boys got Heelys which will be tested out on our backyard basketball court later today. It was pouring rain yesterday...so the kids couldn't do anything but scoot around the livingroom. I will definitely get pictures of them rolling around later.
Hope all of my friends (yes...I'm talking to you) had a memorable day.
Today sit back and relax while the kids play with their new things (I know I will).
We had a very blessed Christmas.
It was so special (as always) to be surrounded by our family all day.
Everyone was over by 10:00am (except Kristian and Kai who had to visit their Dad's house or awhile). We ate (all day without a break) and laughed and unwrapped gifts and played with the kids toys. It was great.
Ben said a sweet prayer of thanks ...and wished Jesus a Happy Birthday.
The kids recieved many wonderful things from us and the grands (PSP, Nintendo DS, Mint Chocolate verizon phone, Heelys, Clinique makeup, Clothes, giftcards,sleeping bag, etc.). But the hit of the morning was Nick's Guitar Hero Playstation2 game. We ALL wore that thing out! I think Chris and Lauren played it as much as Nick did. They even talked me into trying it out (which they videoed without my knowledge).
The things I like the best were the Best Buddies Club shirts my mom made for the kids. How special! And a really pretty framed sisters poem...with Katy and my picture at ages 14 and 3...and then our resent picture together. I cried when opening it.....thanks momma.
All the boys got Heelys which will be tested out on our backyard basketball court later today. It was pouring rain yesterday...so the kids couldn't do anything but scoot around the livingroom. I will definitely get pictures of them rolling around later.
Hope all of my friends (yes...I'm talking to you) had a memorable day.
Today sit back and relax while the kids play with their new things (I know I will).
Monday, December 25, 2006
Don't forget!
I had a birthday party, most everybody came.
They danced and ate and had a ball
But no one spoke My name.
They gave each other presents, as nice as they could be.
People came from far and near, But no one mentioned Me.
The stores were filled with shoppers,
The restaurants crowded out,
But no one seemed to really know what the party was about.
They talked about a reindeer. I think Rudolph was his name.
Then someone mentioned "Jesus"
And they hung their heads in shame.
You see, it was My birthday.
They didn't even know.
That is why from heaven My heart is grieving so.
I came to earth from heaven on that first Christmas day--
Born in a lowly manger From sin to show the way.
I died one day on Calvary, on a cruel Roman cross
To save a world of sinners From a life of awful loss.
When you next have a party, with presents, friends and tree,
Remember Me, your Savior Whose birth has set you free.
-- Jesus
PS: I am coming again soon.
They danced and ate and had a ball
But no one spoke My name.
They gave each other presents, as nice as they could be.
People came from far and near, But no one mentioned Me.
The stores were filled with shoppers,
The restaurants crowded out,
But no one seemed to really know what the party was about.
They talked about a reindeer. I think Rudolph was his name.
Then someone mentioned "Jesus"
And they hung their heads in shame.
You see, it was My birthday.
They didn't even know.
That is why from heaven My heart is grieving so.
I came to earth from heaven on that first Christmas day--
Born in a lowly manger From sin to show the way.
I died one day on Calvary, on a cruel Roman cross
To save a world of sinners From a life of awful loss.
When you next have a party, with presents, friends and tree,
Remember Me, your Savior Whose birth has set you free.
-- Jesus
PS: I am coming again soon.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Deck the hars with bars of hah-ree, fah rah rah rah rah...rah rah rah rah!
by teresa
The boys are asleep. It didn't take long once we got home from dinner and tucked them in. I have everything wrapped and the stockings stuffed and all is set out for the morning. Lauren just got all the stuff she bought everyone out of her trunk and wrapped it. It's so sweet of her to buy things for us with her own money.
We enjoyed our Christmas Eve chinese feast. Nick and I made a promise to only use chopsticks. Chris and Lauren wouldn't participate in our game. It was kind of difficult with the rice....Nick even used them to eat his ice cream. Too funny! Lauren did use them to eat some mac-n-cheese. Chris really enjoyed the crawfish...and Ben got a plate full of frog legs. That boy loves frog legs. ewwww
Here's pictures of our evening out on the town.
Merry Christmas!
The boys are asleep. It didn't take long once we got home from dinner and tucked them in. I have everything wrapped and the stockings stuffed and all is set out for the morning. Lauren just got all the stuff she bought everyone out of her trunk and wrapped it. It's so sweet of her to buy things for us with her own money.
We enjoyed our Christmas Eve chinese feast. Nick and I made a promise to only use chopsticks. Chris and Lauren wouldn't participate in our game. It was kind of difficult with the rice....Nick even used them to eat his ice cream. Too funny! Lauren did use them to eat some mac-n-cheese. Chris really enjoyed the crawfish...and Ben got a plate full of frog legs. That boy loves frog legs. ewwww
Here's pictures of our evening out on the town.
Merry Christmas!
It's Christmas Eve
by teresa
I am so excited for tomorrow. It will be so hard to get to sleep tonight.
When the kids were little I was up late bringing out Santas presents from hiding after the kids went to bed. Putting batteries in them...assembling...wrapping...filling stockings. All the while listening for footsteps...and watching for peekers. Now that none of my children believe in Santa it will be a little less stressful.
I finished up all last minute gift buying yesterday at Walgreens , Circuit City and Sams Club.
All the food is bought and I will be up early tomorrow baking and setting things out. I'm usually up first. I shower and get dressed (cause I'm not trying to be in the Christmas morning video looking like I do when I get up in the morning)....then I start cooking and wake the kids and Chris. As soon as the kids open presents the visiting commences. With my mom and dad next door and Chris' parents two blocks over our house is full in a flash. The grandparents are eager to see what the kids got. And then we eat breakfast. Good grief do we eat! And it continues ALL DAY LONG! Katy and the kids come over after they have Christmas at home. Jackie and George hand out their presents and we all open them...and then at night we go next door to moms and open all those presents. She usually makes some incredible dinner and we sit and visit until we all drop from exhaustion.
Last night we all had dinner at Jackie and George's. They made pizza(and Nick helped) and it was super yummy. Meatball pizza, veggie pizza, sausage pizza and pepperoni pizza. All homemade. mmmmm! George took the boys to his parents to setup their dvd payer...lauren went to a friends...so Jackie, Chris and I vegged on the couch watching Food Network all evening.
After the kids went to sleep I climbed in bed to read for a minute....which turned into two hours. The book was so good...except one of the main characters dies on the next to the last page. I was so sad. Seriously. I woke Chris up at 12:35am to tell him I had finished the book(it is a sequel to a book him and I read earlier this year...he read it a few weeks ago and has been urging me to finish it) and I started to cry about the death. He just laughed and said "I told you would love the book!"
I can't wait to go to church this morning. The kids in their Christmas best...the Christmas message and beautiful singing. Nick and some other kids are performing infront of church this morning. What a blessing to have such a wonderful church family.
Tonight is our annual Christmas Eve dinner out. Chinese food. EVERY year and I do mean every year we go eat chinese food for Christmas eve dinner. My mouth has been watering for some General Taos chicken and beef and broccoli.
When my Nanny was alive and before she got sick....we used to go to her house on Christmas Eve and eat and exchange gifts. Now we do it all on Christmas day.
What do you guys do on Christmas eve? Any special traditions?
Make sure to take lots of pictures tomorrow and post them when you get a free minute. I would love to feel a part of your celebrating. I will do the same.
I am so excited for tomorrow. It will be so hard to get to sleep tonight.When the kids were little I was up late bringing out Santas presents from hiding after the kids went to bed. Putting batteries in them...assembling...wrapping...filling stockings. All the while listening for footsteps...and watching for peekers. Now that none of my children believe in Santa it will be a little less stressful.
I finished up all last minute gift buying yesterday at Walgreens , Circuit City and Sams Club.
All the food is bought and I will be up early tomorrow baking and setting things out. I'm usually up first. I shower and get dressed (cause I'm not trying to be in the Christmas morning video looking like I do when I get up in the morning)....then I start cooking and wake the kids and Chris. As soon as the kids open presents the visiting commences. With my mom and dad next door and Chris' parents two blocks over our house is full in a flash. The grandparents are eager to see what the kids got. And then we eat breakfast. Good grief do we eat! And it continues ALL DAY LONG! Katy and the kids come over after they have Christmas at home. Jackie and George hand out their presents and we all open them...and then at night we go next door to moms and open all those presents. She usually makes some incredible dinner and we sit and visit until we all drop from exhaustion.
Last night we all had dinner at Jackie and George's. They made pizza(and Nick helped) and it was super yummy. Meatball pizza, veggie pizza, sausage pizza and pepperoni pizza. All homemade. mmmmm! George took the boys to his parents to setup their dvd payer...lauren went to a friends...so Jackie, Chris and I vegged on the couch watching Food Network all evening.
After the kids went to sleep I climbed in bed to read for a minute....which turned into two hours. The book was so good...except one of the main characters dies on the next to the last page. I was so sad. Seriously. I woke Chris up at 12:35am to tell him I had finished the book(it is a sequel to a book him and I read earlier this year...he read it a few weeks ago and has been urging me to finish it) and I started to cry about the death. He just laughed and said "I told you would love the book!"
I can't wait to go to church this morning. The kids in their Christmas best...the Christmas message and beautiful singing. Nick and some other kids are performing infront of church this morning. What a blessing to have such a wonderful church family.
Tonight is our annual Christmas Eve dinner out. Chinese food. EVERY year and I do mean every year we go eat chinese food for Christmas eve dinner. My mouth has been watering for some General Taos chicken and beef and broccoli.
When my Nanny was alive and before she got sick....we used to go to her house on Christmas Eve and eat and exchange gifts. Now we do it all on Christmas day.
What do you guys do on Christmas eve? Any special traditions?
Make sure to take lots of pictures tomorrow and post them when you get a free minute. I would love to feel a part of your celebrating. I will do the same.
Friday, December 22, 2006
by teresa
What a busy week.
I had some funs days...but I'm glad it's over.
Lots of commitments at the kids schools. Meetings, making teacher and office staff gifts, parties, concerts,volunteer days, etc.
A couple of days ago I was lucky enough to go shopping with some of the needy kids from school. A wonderful person donated twenty $100 Target giftcards to the school for kids who were in need. Some office workers, resource teachers and myself were blessed to be able to take the kids shopping. We had a blast (especially the kids) spending all that money. Most of the parents said the kids could buy whatever they wanted...which was nice. One mom showed up and tried to accompany her child on the trip....which was not allowed. She got all mad and then instructed us to NOT let her buy the $50 babydoll she has been whining for! She gave us a list of the girls siblings and said she wanted her to buy for them as well. Nice huh? The girl was all teary and we were not happy. I have had the pleasure of being in this womans company before...and she is always like this with her kids.
After shopping a local restaraunt treated all the kids to lunch. We ate and sang carols (much to my chagrine...I am not one to like singing infront of total strangers while they look at us like...why are these people singing in the middle of a buffet?)
Yesterday I worked Nick's reading room...then headed over to Ben's school for his Christmas party. Some mom sent cupcakes in the brightest neon shades of red, green and yellow. The kids made a total mess. They decorated stockings and did a word search. They also watched the Rudolph movie. Ben came away with three goodybags filled with chocolate and Christmas pencils.
After the party we went straight to Nick's school for his band classes "casual concert". Chris and my mom met us there and Nick was beyond pleased at our appearance. They played so well (seriously good) and we are so proud of Nick.
Now it's Friday morning....the kids are off until January 2nd. Of course they were both up by 7:00am this morning (habit I guess). Lauren had some friends spend the night last night...so I am trying to keep them quiet so they don't feel sissy's wrath. Later I think we are going to take some pictures with Katy's kids (Christmas gifts) and then go to karate. I still have a smidge of shopping to do too.
Before I go I wanted to show you what Ben did to the dog. I noticed something on Shorty's collar the other day and I couldn't figured out what it was. I corraled him and saw it was a pedometer. Ben had attached it under Short's collar. I don't know how long it had been there...but it had registered over 15,000 steps. You go Shorty!
What a busy week.
I had some funs days...but I'm glad it's over.
Lots of commitments at the kids schools. Meetings, making teacher and office staff gifts, parties, concerts,volunteer days, etc.
A couple of days ago I was lucky enough to go shopping with some of the needy kids from school. A wonderful person donated twenty $100 Target giftcards to the school for kids who were in need. Some office workers, resource teachers and myself were blessed to be able to take the kids shopping. We had a blast (especially the kids) spending all that money. Most of the parents said the kids could buy whatever they wanted...which was nice. One mom showed up and tried to accompany her child on the trip....which was not allowed. She got all mad and then instructed us to NOT let her buy the $50 babydoll she has been whining for! She gave us a list of the girls siblings and said she wanted her to buy for them as well. Nice huh? The girl was all teary and we were not happy. I have had the pleasure of being in this womans company before...and she is always like this with her kids.
After shopping a local restaraunt treated all the kids to lunch. We ate and sang carols (much to my chagrine...I am not one to like singing infront of total strangers while they look at us like...why are these people singing in the middle of a buffet?)
Yesterday I worked Nick's reading room...then headed over to Ben's school for his Christmas party. Some mom sent cupcakes in the brightest neon shades of red, green and yellow. The kids made a total mess. They decorated stockings and did a word search. They also watched the Rudolph movie. Ben came away with three goodybags filled with chocolate and Christmas pencils.
After the party we went straight to Nick's school for his band classes "casual concert". Chris and my mom met us there and Nick was beyond pleased at our appearance. They played so well (seriously good) and we are so proud of Nick.
Now it's Friday morning....the kids are off until January 2nd. Of course they were both up by 7:00am this morning (habit I guess). Lauren had some friends spend the night last night...so I am trying to keep them quiet so they don't feel sissy's wrath. Later I think we are going to take some pictures with Katy's kids (Christmas gifts) and then go to karate. I still have a smidge of shopping to do too.
Before I go I wanted to show you what Ben did to the dog. I noticed something on Shorty's collar the other day and I couldn't figured out what it was. I corraled him and saw it was a pedometer. Ben had attached it under Short's collar. I don't know how long it had been there...but it had registered over 15,000 steps. You go Shorty!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Rudolph gives the other reindeer antler envy
by teresa
Ben was eager to show me the picture he drew in art class yesterday.
He was so proud of it that he even let me take his picture.
He said...
It's a drawing of Santa (in his sleigh) and the reindeer pulling it.
They are flying through the stars on Christmas night.
He is saying...Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas.
I think it's a cute picture. I especially like the reindeer....and the huge antlers on Rudolph. And how he is smiling because his antlers are much bigger than the other guys. And how Santa seems to have had a bit too much egg nog ...and has apparently passed out in the floor of the sleigh.
If you click on the pictures it will make them bigger for your viewing enjoyment.
Ben was eager to show me the picture he drew in art class yesterday.
He was so proud of it that he even let me take his picture.
He said...
It's a drawing of Santa (in his sleigh) and the reindeer pulling it.
They are flying through the stars on Christmas night.
He is saying...Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas.
I think it's a cute picture. I especially like the reindeer....and the huge antlers on Rudolph. And how he is smiling because his antlers are much bigger than the other guys. And how Santa seems to have had a bit too much egg nog ...and has apparently passed out in the floor of the sleigh.
If you click on the pictures it will make them bigger for your viewing enjoyment.
Day One Off
By Chris
Today (a day late) I started my extended time off. And, I'm tired. I spent the WHOLE day with my lovely wife, and she kept me busy. In the Middles School's principal's office by 8:25 for a meeting. Shopping until early afternoon. Movie watching until just before the kids arrived home. And, it all sort of makes me want to go to the office tomorrow. Don't get me wrong. Teresa is easily, by far, my favoritest person in the whole wide world. But, I already get the sense that she prefers her 7 a.m.'s to 2 p.m.'s Chris-free. It's nothing shes said. Just the vibes I can read after all these years. She says I'm "projecting." We were eating dinner together when she made the projecting accusation, and I asked her what she would do if I threw my water on her head. Isn't that stupid? Why do I think it would be funny to throw water on her? It just felt like that would be really funny. It's a strange, bent sense of humor I share with Lauren that make these things come into our heads. You know, like saying huh?? to someone a million times in a row when you actually hear them, then laughing at them when they raise their voice. Or, in a public place like church, leaning in to whisper something all serious and then mumbling nonsense over and over, getting the person to cock their head more and more awkwardly to hear what your saying (or not saying). You see, I'm not talking violent mad throwing of water. Silly, playful throwing. I would enjoy it. Sort of like she enjoyed carting me to Sam's Club and Best Buy and watching a movie. Of course, I didn't do it. This time (yes, I've done similar stuff before to her and Lauren. Lauren thinks it's funny. Teresa . . . not so much).
So, back to her not wanting me clogging up her mornings, projecting or not. That's cool by me. If I made a list of things I least like to do, all three of today's activities would be on it (school meeting, shopping, watching movies). And she knows that. So, I ask you. Isn't that worse than water on the head? The subtle aggression of boring aggrevation, in an attempt to drive someone away? Maybe I will get that water back out. Stay tuned.
Today (a day late) I started my extended time off. And, I'm tired. I spent the WHOLE day with my lovely wife, and she kept me busy. In the Middles School's principal's office by 8:25 for a meeting. Shopping until early afternoon. Movie watching until just before the kids arrived home. And, it all sort of makes me want to go to the office tomorrow. Don't get me wrong. Teresa is easily, by far, my favoritest person in the whole wide world. But, I already get the sense that she prefers her 7 a.m.'s to 2 p.m.'s Chris-free. It's nothing shes said. Just the vibes I can read after all these years. She says I'm "projecting." We were eating dinner together when she made the projecting accusation, and I asked her what she would do if I threw my water on her head. Isn't that stupid? Why do I think it would be funny to throw water on her? It just felt like that would be really funny. It's a strange, bent sense of humor I share with Lauren that make these things come into our heads. You know, like saying huh?? to someone a million times in a row when you actually hear them, then laughing at them when they raise their voice. Or, in a public place like church, leaning in to whisper something all serious and then mumbling nonsense over and over, getting the person to cock their head more and more awkwardly to hear what your saying (or not saying). You see, I'm not talking violent mad throwing of water. Silly, playful throwing. I would enjoy it. Sort of like she enjoyed carting me to Sam's Club and Best Buy and watching a movie. Of course, I didn't do it. This time (yes, I've done similar stuff before to her and Lauren. Lauren thinks it's funny. Teresa . . . not so much).
So, back to her not wanting me clogging up her mornings, projecting or not. That's cool by me. If I made a list of things I least like to do, all three of today's activities would be on it (school meeting, shopping, watching movies). And she knows that. So, I ask you. Isn't that worse than water on the head? The subtle aggression of boring aggrevation, in an attempt to drive someone away? Maybe I will get that water back out. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
cream cheese icing...it's a good thing!
by teresa
Sunday afternoon, as we were eating lunch, our neighbor James brought us a plate of homemade goodies. He had baked a pumpkin roll with cream chesses icing and dipped some pretzels in white chocolate. We enjoyed them after lunch...and let me tell you....it was soooo good. He had put tons of icing in the roll and it kinda tasted like carrot cake. The plate was piled high....even after we had eaten. I was a very happy lady. Do I love cream cheese icing you ask? Yes I do! I even took a picture of it.
While cleaning up the kitchen after lunch I moved the plate of yummies to the table because Lauren was going a little overboard spraying the counters off....and I didn't want MY treats to be contaminated with Clorox.
We walked out of the room...and a few minutes later I hear Lauren scream...SHHOOOOORRRRTTTY!
Alarmed...
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Stepped on a matchbox car and threw out my back.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a empty red plate, just some crumbs laying near,
Table runner pulled down, and the plate on the floor,
I knew in a moment it must be SHORT!
That dang blasted (pardon my language) dog!!
He ate it all gone. I was so mad. I yelled...snatched and threw (well..actually I lured him with a peice of cheese) him in the garage. Not just for awhile either. For the rest of the day...and all night. The dig had sinned....and he needed to be punished.
Yesterday my neighbor asked how we like his treats. I told him we loved it...but that Shorty ate the leftovers. He laughed...and brought over a new plate. Yipee!
This time I put it on the counter...pushed way to the back.
Sunday afternoon, as we were eating lunch, our neighbor James brought us a plate of homemade goodies. He had baked a pumpkin roll with cream chesses icing and dipped some pretzels in white chocolate. We enjoyed them after lunch...and let me tell you....it was soooo good. He had put tons of icing in the roll and it kinda tasted like carrot cake. The plate was piled high....even after we had eaten. I was a very happy lady. Do I love cream cheese icing you ask? Yes I do! I even took a picture of it.
While cleaning up the kitchen after lunch I moved the plate of yummies to the table because Lauren was going a little overboard spraying the counters off....and I didn't want MY treats to be contaminated with Clorox.
We walked out of the room...and a few minutes later I hear Lauren scream...SHHOOOOORRRRTTTY!
Alarmed...
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Stepped on a matchbox car and threw out my back.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a empty red plate, just some crumbs laying near,
Table runner pulled down, and the plate on the floor,
I knew in a moment it must be SHORT!
That dang blasted (pardon my language) dog!!
He ate it all gone. I was so mad. I yelled...snatched and threw (well..actually I lured him with a peice of cheese) him in the garage. Not just for awhile either. For the rest of the day...and all night. The dig had sinned....and he needed to be punished.
Yesterday my neighbor asked how we like his treats. I told him we loved it...but that Shorty ate the leftovers. He laughed...and brought over a new plate. Yipee!
This time I put it on the counter...pushed way to the back.
The smell of pinesol makes me smile
by teresa
Yesterday was a blur of errands...and house cleaning.
I had planned on going all TURBO MOM and getting it all done before the kids got home from school. But, Ben's principal called in the morning and asked if I could be a lunch monitor. Apparently both of the regulars were sick or something. So I had to run my errands after I dropped the kids off at school....then do the lunch thing (do you know they begin lunch rotations at 10:30am?) until 1:00pm.
So cleaning had to wait until the house destroyers...I mean....the boys got home.
But Lauren really helped me out in a big way.
When Ben got home she took him to Target with her. I had a bag of stuff that needed to be taken back (didn't fit right) so she did that for me.
Once Nick got home the boys changed into karate duds and Lauren took them to lessons and then out to eat dinner(with my checkcard:0).
It gave me several hours to dust(upstairs and down), vacuum(upstairs and down), scrub bathrooms, mop all floors, put away all clothes (hampers are EMPTY now),run and unload dishwasher, and completely rearrange the boys room.
I separated their beds to opposite sides of the room and moved the dressers to another wall. I pushed Ben's desk by the window and hung all the boys posters I have been promising to hang. Ben's were High School Musical and his school banner. Nick's were a map of the United States and The Solar System. As I moved the furniture I scrubbed the walls and baseboards and dusted everywhere. It was so gross under and behind it all. I found so many Nutrigrain bar wrappers and empty juice cartons and gum and chewed up straws. PIGS!
The boys were beyond ecstatic when they came home and saw the room. I swear they actually went to bed better and got along with the room like this. Their beds used to be side by side....and they would pick at each other constantly. I also removed the playstation from their room and put it back downstairs. Nick moved it up there a month ago against my wishes. It's too much of a distraction in the bedroom. He would sneak and play it at night....as soon as he opened his eyes in the morning...and when he was supposed to be getting dressed in the morning. When it was downstairs he never even thought to play it except on weekends every now and then.
So back down it came! No kid needs to play video games that much!
I will post pictures of the room change later.
I must go and finish getting ready. I have a big day ahead of me. Fun...but busy. I will blog about it later.
*peace out*
Yesterday was a blur of errands...and house cleaning.
I had planned on going all TURBO MOM and getting it all done before the kids got home from school. But, Ben's principal called in the morning and asked if I could be a lunch monitor. Apparently both of the regulars were sick or something. So I had to run my errands after I dropped the kids off at school....then do the lunch thing (do you know they begin lunch rotations at 10:30am?) until 1:00pm.
So cleaning had to wait until the house destroyers...I mean....the boys got home.
But Lauren really helped me out in a big way.
When Ben got home she took him to Target with her. I had a bag of stuff that needed to be taken back (didn't fit right) so she did that for me.
Once Nick got home the boys changed into karate duds and Lauren took them to lessons and then out to eat dinner(with my checkcard:0).
It gave me several hours to dust(upstairs and down), vacuum(upstairs and down), scrub bathrooms, mop all floors, put away all clothes (hampers are EMPTY now),run and unload dishwasher, and completely rearrange the boys room.
I separated their beds to opposite sides of the room and moved the dressers to another wall. I pushed Ben's desk by the window and hung all the boys posters I have been promising to hang. Ben's were High School Musical and his school banner. Nick's were a map of the United States and The Solar System. As I moved the furniture I scrubbed the walls and baseboards and dusted everywhere. It was so gross under and behind it all. I found so many Nutrigrain bar wrappers and empty juice cartons and gum and chewed up straws. PIGS!
The boys were beyond ecstatic when they came home and saw the room. I swear they actually went to bed better and got along with the room like this. Their beds used to be side by side....and they would pick at each other constantly. I also removed the playstation from their room and put it back downstairs. Nick moved it up there a month ago against my wishes. It's too much of a distraction in the bedroom. He would sneak and play it at night....as soon as he opened his eyes in the morning...and when he was supposed to be getting dressed in the morning. When it was downstairs he never even thought to play it except on weekends every now and then.
So back down it came! No kid needs to play video games that much!
I will post pictures of the room change later.
I must go and finish getting ready. I have a big day ahead of me. Fun...but busy. I will blog about it later.
*peace out*
Sunday, December 17, 2006
"Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee."
by teresa
Last night's church Christmas banquet was great.
Lots of yummy food and beautiful holiday singing.
After the dinner I took Kristian home with me for a special night.
I had promised her a sleepover for just the two of us. To curl up in the bed and me read her a book I bought her for her birthday.
We had fun snuggling and taking pictures. I started to read...and then a few minutes later I looked down. SHE WAS ASLEEP!
I guess we will have to finish it another day.
Chris came in from the ODU game and peeked in on us. He was so sweet about her invading his side of the bed. He went downstairs and hung out with Lauren (Nick was asleep and Ben and Kai spent the night with mom)...then he went to bed in the boys room so we could stay snuggled together. Here's some pictures...
We all went to church this morning....and Kristian and Ben had a handbell performance in front of the sanctuary. I will try to upload the video...but for now here are some pictures of Ben with his handbell and white gloves. Isn't he angelic? NOT!
Last night's church Christmas banquet was great.
Lots of yummy food and beautiful holiday singing.
After the dinner I took Kristian home with me for a special night.
I had promised her a sleepover for just the two of us. To curl up in the bed and me read her a book I bought her for her birthday.
We had fun snuggling and taking pictures. I started to read...and then a few minutes later I looked down. SHE WAS ASLEEP!
I guess we will have to finish it another day.
Chris came in from the ODU game and peeked in on us. He was so sweet about her invading his side of the bed. He went downstairs and hung out with Lauren (Nick was asleep and Ben and Kai spent the night with mom)...then he went to bed in the boys room so we could stay snuggled together. Here's some pictures...
We all went to church this morning....and Kristian and Ben had a handbell performance in front of the sanctuary. I will try to upload the video...but for now here are some pictures of Ben with his handbell and white gloves. Isn't he angelic? NOT!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
by teresa
We were all invited to The Daddy's annual lodge Christmas party this afternoon. It's mostly for the kids. He turned in the kids names and ages a few weeks ago....and then today Santa comes and calls each child up to sit on his lap and gives them a gift. They also had lots of kid friendly food. PB&J's, chips, chicken nuggets, cupcakes, cookies,etc. Mom and I took Ben, Kristian, Kai and Kaden (Nick went to a movie with a friend from church). All the children seemed to have a good time...Ben even saw a couple of kids from school. Kristian and Ben got their faces painted too. Grandaddy looked happy to have us there. He introduced us to everyone (he has been a member for like 50 years...so everyone knows him) and enjoyed watching the kids running around having fun.
Here's some highlights of the afternoon.
We are only home for about an hour and a half. Our churches Christmas banquet begins at 5:00pm. So we are home to wash up (Ben has red cupcake icing EVERYWHERE) and get dressed in our church duds. Chris has opted out of the dinner because of the ODU game tonight (SCROOGE). So it will be just me and the kids. Lauren will meet us there after work.
Hope you and your familes are enjoying the weekend.
*blessings*
*peace*
*joy*
We were all invited to The Daddy's annual lodge Christmas party this afternoon. It's mostly for the kids. He turned in the kids names and ages a few weeks ago....and then today Santa comes and calls each child up to sit on his lap and gives them a gift. They also had lots of kid friendly food. PB&J's, chips, chicken nuggets, cupcakes, cookies,etc. Mom and I took Ben, Kristian, Kai and Kaden (Nick went to a movie with a friend from church). All the children seemed to have a good time...Ben even saw a couple of kids from school. Kristian and Ben got their faces painted too. Grandaddy looked happy to have us there. He introduced us to everyone (he has been a member for like 50 years...so everyone knows him) and enjoyed watching the kids running around having fun.
Here's some highlights of the afternoon.
We are only home for about an hour and a half. Our churches Christmas banquet begins at 5:00pm. So we are home to wash up (Ben has red cupcake icing EVERYWHERE) and get dressed in our church duds. Chris has opted out of the dinner because of the ODU game tonight (SCROOGE). So it will be just me and the kids. Lauren will meet us there after work.
Hope you and your familes are enjoying the weekend.
*blessings*
*peace*
*joy*
beta blogger
Friday, December 15, 2006
To the Finish Line and Basketball Withdrawl
By Chris
It's Friday. The last day before being out of the office for about three weeks. That's right. Three weeks. Sure, I have to do a round-trip to Raleigh Monday . . . but after that there is the potential to actually be off until January 8! My boss actually pushed the issue with me to take that long off. Do I look tired or something? That's a pretty good boss, huh? Of course, with that type of time off on the horizon, everything blows up! So it's gonna be a real sprint to the finish line. So, why am I blogging? I guess because clearing the mind makes you sprint harder. Besides, it is going to be really tough to be off that long anyway. I mean, what in the world do you do for three weeks? I really don't think I have not worked at least a little for three weeks straight. Ever. Really. Since I was 16. Heck, It wasn't all that long ago that I would take vacation days from one job to get work done on "consulting" work done for some extra $$. I'm sure there are some things that need to be painted or whatever. But, that actually makes me want to go to work! I've tried to talk Teresa into getting on a plane with me and going somewhere for a few days. No-go yet. I've considered looking up all the best college basketball games on the slate in my part of the country and venturing to see them with whomever wants to tag along. Lauren did one such trip with me once in the days before hanging with dad was uncool, and she still remembers it . . . staying in the hotel and all.
Speaking of basketball, I am jonesing for a game! My ODU Monarchs are taking exams and it has been like 10 days since they played. The good guys actually take off for exams, recognizing that these dudes are actually college students. But it's a bummer for pathetic roundball junkies like me. I mean, even the blog and message boards slow down! Alas, there is a game Saturday night and Monday night, so I am about to get my fix.
Alright. Mind cleared . . . back to work.
It's Friday. The last day before being out of the office for about three weeks. That's right. Three weeks. Sure, I have to do a round-trip to Raleigh Monday . . . but after that there is the potential to actually be off until January 8! My boss actually pushed the issue with me to take that long off. Do I look tired or something? That's a pretty good boss, huh? Of course, with that type of time off on the horizon, everything blows up! So it's gonna be a real sprint to the finish line. So, why am I blogging? I guess because clearing the mind makes you sprint harder. Besides, it is going to be really tough to be off that long anyway. I mean, what in the world do you do for three weeks? I really don't think I have not worked at least a little for three weeks straight. Ever. Really. Since I was 16. Heck, It wasn't all that long ago that I would take vacation days from one job to get work done on "consulting" work done for some extra $$. I'm sure there are some things that need to be painted or whatever. But, that actually makes me want to go to work! I've tried to talk Teresa into getting on a plane with me and going somewhere for a few days. No-go yet. I've considered looking up all the best college basketball games on the slate in my part of the country and venturing to see them with whomever wants to tag along. Lauren did one such trip with me once in the days before hanging with dad was uncool, and she still remembers it . . . staying in the hotel and all.
Speaking of basketball, I am jonesing for a game! My ODU Monarchs are taking exams and it has been like 10 days since they played. The good guys actually take off for exams, recognizing that these dudes are actually college students. But it's a bummer for pathetic roundball junkies like me. I mean, even the blog and message boards slow down! Alas, there is a game Saturday night and Monday night, so I am about to get my fix.
Alright. Mind cleared . . . back to work.
Uncle Chris ....UPDATED AT BOTTOM OF POST!!
by teresa
A great lady and friend from one of my favorite blogs mailed me a Christmas card last week. It is so pretty and it has her sons pictures on the front.
I put it at the front of my Christmas card display.
Chris came home from work and noticed the card. He asked...who is that?
I told him who it was and he was like....that's just weird. He doesn't get the whole internet friend thing. When ever I say my friend said this or my friend did that...he asks.....is it a real friend or virtual friend? He just doesn't get it!
Well everyday...when he walks into the livingroom he smiles and says something about having the pictures of somebodies children you have never met on display.
The other day one of the kids noticed the picture. They asked Chris....who is that?
Chris smiled and said....they are my blog nephews.
UPDATE
My friend Lisa....who this blog was talking about....needs your prayers.
Her mother had a heart attack yesterday.
They are very, very close (they even live next door to each other just like me and my parents) and she is terrified of losing her.
She is only 67.
Lisa has asked for all of us bloggers (AND READERS) to please pray for her mother and this whole family.
Also...she has asked for words of encouragement on her blog (in the comments of her last post).
Go...do it. I know...most of my readers don't usually leave comments. But please do in this situation.
Thanks.
A great lady and friend from one of my favorite blogs mailed me a Christmas card last week. It is so pretty and it has her sons pictures on the front.
I put it at the front of my Christmas card display.
Chris came home from work and noticed the card. He asked...who is that?
I told him who it was and he was like....that's just weird. He doesn't get the whole internet friend thing. When ever I say my friend said this or my friend did that...he asks.....is it a real friend or virtual friend? He just doesn't get it!
Well everyday...when he walks into the livingroom he smiles and says something about having the pictures of somebodies children you have never met on display.
The other day one of the kids noticed the picture. They asked Chris....who is that?
Chris smiled and said....they are my blog nephews.
UPDATE
My friend Lisa....who this blog was talking about....needs your prayers.
Her mother had a heart attack yesterday.
They are very, very close (they even live next door to each other just like me and my parents) and she is terrified of losing her.
She is only 67.
Lisa has asked for all of us bloggers (AND READERS) to please pray for her mother and this whole family.
Also...she has asked for words of encouragement on her blog (in the comments of her last post).
Go...do it. I know...most of my readers don't usually leave comments. But please do in this situation.
Thanks.
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