This would be why stuffing Almond Hershey's kisses in your mouth is not a good idea. Kill me now.

Day after the festivities

Back to reality.
How quickly we have to get back to the grind. Worked last night while Mr. Fooseberry washed ever last article of laundry. That was good because I think I might be wearing Ava's underwear today if he hadn't. So today's job at hand was folding 216 loads of laundry. Maybe that is an exaggeration but it sure felt like that. By the end I looked at about 15 unmatched socks and just said " Throw them away!"
I also spent an hour at the gym this morning. While logging today's workout I see that it has been a week since I was last there. I don't want to be one of those New Year's resolution people but I have to get back in gear. I can see a WIDE LOAD sign on my butt in the near future if I don't make this a more regular occurrence.

Christmas 2009

Barbie House-No girl's Christmas is complete without it. Thank You so much Aunt Cindy and Ramona for your help finding this gem. I owe you huge!

I have to start this post by saying this year was the best Christmas I have had in a long time. Yes, I did get just about everything I wanted and that helped but the real reason it was the best was not about the gifts.
I was lucky enough to have my days off fall on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. This is not great for the wallet but it turned out to be great for my soul. Thursday night we had to go to church and after we had plans for a giant boatload of Chinese food and to exchange presents with my in-laws. This has been the plan for the last few years as it makes Christmas day not so crazy especially when I have to be to work in the afternoon. After dinner we headed home to handle our Christmas Eve traditions. I was not really ready for these this year but Jessica gave us the perfect gift of everything we needed.
We left the carrots and reindeer food out on the lawn, we left the key on the door knob so Santa could get in and she even gave us the cookies and milk to leave out for him. Once everyone had their PJ's on we read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and our letter from Santa. Finally we checked the NORAD website and saw he had left England and was headed across the Atlantic so we decided it was time to hurry to bed.
The girls were exhausted and out like a light. They were told to come wake us up first. Ava came into our room looking for a drink so I was able to sneak down and turn on the tree and get back into bed for about another hour.
By 7 I had 2 pairs of eyes looking down on me. OK, OK I am up!
They did terrific as we had already decided to wait for Auntie Chelsea to get home from work and that was over a hour from then. I think finding a giant Barbie house on the table was plenty of a distraction. Dad rolled out to the Donut store ( 2 Large coffees helped too) so everyone was happy.
As a change we decided to invite ourselves to my Aunt and Uncle's house. It is the kind of place you are always welcome so I knew this would be OK when I called and said " We're coming." There are always enough kids to keep mine happy and enough adults that you can have grown up talk but someone is always keeping an eye on the kids too. We also all have cross spanking privileges-LOL! The food is always awesome. This year I even jumped into the kitchen so I got to cook and spend time with my Uncle who I miss so much. Funny how life gets so busy and you miss people that live only a mile from you. Earlier this month we have all talked about presents and how we were cutting our lists down to nothing. Isn't everyone doing this now a days? I am a brat so I asked for something from them. I knew my Uncle could easily handle this request.
Look at the newest members of my family below. I have had a lonely Santa Sleigh on my lawn but no one to pull it. They came out 10X better than I expected and I think they will have to be out year round. Thank You So Much!!!I was able to leave with a happy heart, a full belly and a giant Ham bone. Soon to be the heart of some slammin' Pea Soup. We got home to a trashed house and decided to try out some of my Christmas presents. We made Hot Cocoa and popcorn thanks to Dad's great gifts and all cuddled on the couch to watch a new Scooby Doo movie. I promptly passed out.
I loved the whole day. I want to Thank everyone for helping me have such a terrific day and I will share a few more of my presents. This Christmas ornament above will have to find a safe year round place in my house as well as the framed print that is now my header. I also got a cupcake T shirt and lunch box which will soon become my purse. I also got a copy of Pioneer Woman's cookbook which I think is the best one around. Move over Martha Stewart there is a new cowgirl in the kitchen!Not sure how much more I can say about a great day, or a great 2.5 days as my Holiday continued today with a visit to my friend Bonnie's. We even made a giant dump run so someday I may see my floor again.
Now to survive this week of school vacation. Well at least we now have plenty of clean clothes and new fangled toys to keep us busy.
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Mass

This is Olivia's first year of CCD and unfortunately my first real interaction in Church also. I don't know what to do or say but I am trying to stumble my way through it for her. Luckily her Grandmothers know and Auntie is a CCD teacher. When we dropped her off I brought her in but did not know where to go. Finally we located an adult who asked if she was an angel-Um, she is 6 and in 1st grade-Yes then she is an angel-next room.
There we located her group and she was fitted with a white robe and golden halo and sash. I left her with the other angels so we could find a seat. I was a bit nervous about being there so early as Ava is typically a jumping bean but the place was filling up and I didn't want to be standing in the back. I could have cried as I caught this photo. She ended up being the first angel in line and i almost missed her she looked so little.

They all did a great job including this little trouble maker below. She bounced around from Gramma to Nana and complained when the bells got too loud but all in all she was terrific.
I was incredibly proud of Olivia too as I know how nervous she was in the last few days even saying all day Thursday that she wasn't doing it. Having no confidence myself, I am trying to make her follow through and then talking about how good is feels to accomplish something and what a good job she is doing.
She did this all on her own. I think she was praying that Santa forget how she acted all year-I am not sure but it was definitely worth a picture!!

How's your Christmas going?

I thought I was doing pretty good. Money is tight but I am proud of my inventive skills to get the kids most of what they wanted. Luckily the list was short for Olivia and Ava had no list.
I don't like it but we have moved closer to giving more and more Gift certificates in the last few years. I would prefer to give brightly wrapped presents but then you hate it or it isn't your size and you have to wait in line to return it and then it turns into a Valentine's day present by the time it all gets worked out. So where do we end up....With 10 envelopes stuck on the tree and a kid under the tree waiting for Santa.
I decided to order a bunch of Gift certificates through Olivia's school as it would kill a bunch of birds with 1 stone and the school can make some money. The PTO has a program where different businesses donate a percentage of the gift certificate value back to the school. 2 weeks ago I send in 2 checks with the order form which should have covered about 6-7 presents for both my Mom and myself. I thought the order form said you would get the gift cards by Wednesday December 16. That day came and went, I am a scatter brain so maybe it was Wednesday December 23. No, this is the day I get a call from the PTO that states that the teacher (a Sub) didn't know what this was so he didn't submit the order form until today December 23 and sorry but we have missed the deadline. She was very apologetic and I was accepting as it wasn't her fault.
This left me scrambling a bit today but that is Ok because I was getting paid today. Aren't I?
Cluster F #2- We were told to get our pay sheets in early so we could get paid before the Holiday. At Thanksgiving we got paid on Wednesday and we were told this time it would be the same so I planned the remainder of my shopping for today. I get up, check the bank balance and d'oh-EMPTY! M F'ers. Sorry the checks aren't going out until tomorrow. You know tomorrow, like frigging Christmas Eve.
Going smoothly so far - Can't you tell.
Luckily I have some terrific family that lent me some money to finish up. Tomorrow a couple of odds and ends and then off to Church.
Yes, you heard me - Church. Olivia is singing with her CCD class at the 4pm Mass. Afterwards we are having the Berry's over for dinner and presents. Let the celebrations begin.
I am pretty happy with the gifts for the kids and how I have avoided a financial meltdown of over charging. Ok I have to pay back the Moms tomorrow but I should have that and they aren't charging me interest like Chase and Citibank would be.
We decided to head to my Aunt and Uncle's house for Christmas dinner because we haven't seen them in too long and they live only a mile away. Their house is always fun, full of food and tons of kids for the girls to play with.
Hope your Holiday preparation is going well.
Merry Christmas!

Happy Festivus!

Winter Wonderland

For a girl that just heard about this storm about a day and a half ago this was not funny. Luckily we have a snow blower or I might just be in traction right now.
Now I am happily watching CSI with the heat on and fielding calls about when people are going to get plowed out. Listen people-Enjoy a day in your PJ's with a movie and something hot to drink. Driving today is just not all that great so why try to be a hero as Mr.FB says.
Enough about that.
Have fun-School has been cancelled for tomorrow so we will be making messed and they will be making me crazy.

Christmas Chores

This was how I started my day. Thinking of the things I had to get done.
After I overslept and threw my daughter out the door with seconds to spare before the bus came, I was reminded that my sister could watch Ava and I was supposed to go to the gym. My hair was looking like a street person and my brain was still not working but Ok. She got me by saying "You will feel better. You always get energized after the gym. Besides I am awake so go."
She was right.
When I got home I was in a better mood and just needed a shower and some coffee.
After lunch Ava and I whipped up some of the best chocolate chip cookies I think I have ever made. I have some set aside for my girls on Friday night, some extra crispy for Dad and a pan for work. I am a true believer in making friends with my co-workers thru their tummies. Make cupcakes not war.
I was in the spirit full swing now with Christmas music playing so while I kept the oven hopping I hooked Ava up with some Moon sand and I got to wrapping. At least I got a start on some of the friends and family gifts. I think having too many Ava and Olivia presents under the tree this early will be a recipe for disaster.
This Holiday Season is just chugging along. Almost over and no real disasters.(Fingers Crossed-X)

Doctor, Ikea and the Enchanted Village

First the important part-Follow up at the Doctor was short and sweet. He said the incisions looked great and the bumpiness will go away once the internal stitches heal up. There is nothing cuter than a little naked girl lifting up her donut belly to show you how good her bumps are healing. Best news from her point of view is she got the green light for tubs. It has been a long 10 days without her favorite past time and my panic as I watch gallons of water go down the drain as she plays in the shower.
Next we needed some lunch and the thought of a ground horse hoof burger from McDonald's was sending me over the edge. It took some extra time but was well worth it. We parked and rode the 2 escalators to the cafe at Ikea. Not only was the trip to the cafe fun but the meatballs were good and I didn't eat anything I shouldn't have. I even purchased some delicious goodies for Christmas gifts.
Next door to Ikea is Jordan's Furniture. Jordan's is the new home of the Enchanted Village. Click on the Enchanted Village link for a bit of history on the Village and how it came to Jordan's furniture. They also have the 3D Mom ride which featured the Polar Express but we were running out of time before I had to be to work and I was not sure Ava was going to squeak by the height restriction.
I let Olivia have a Foose Holiday and skip school because I had heard how busy this place was after school hours so forget the weekend. We got there about 1pm and there were only about a dozen people in front of us in line but the roped off section was set up to hold 100's of people. A friend went last week and waited over 2 hrs to get it. At the head of the line was a green screen and a woman taking pictures. I didn't know what that was about but we all smiled big. As we rounded the corner the line backed up a bit as people slowly entered the room and ooh'ed and aah'ed over each display. We were next to enter and Ava started jumping up and down and talking about how excited she was. Funny because I knew what I was headed for but they didn't so I hoped they would enjoy it as much as they anticipated it. We weaved around some slow pokes and were able to make our way through without a lot of people jammed around us so I was able to get some good pictures.Just as we were about to exit the display it started to snow. This was awesome. I have to say I think it was real snow. How cool!

Once we left this room I found out why our picture was taken. Although the Village is free there has to be money involved. It is America.
These are pictures of the pictures we left with, 2 8X6 photos for an arm and a leg. I thought they were great so I sucked it up.
By the time we discussed the price and I was told if I wanted a picture with Santa for the same low (ha,ha) price I would have to exit this line and enter that line. Of course half way to Santa 1 girl had to go pee. We get out of line, speed pee and get back to an even shorter Santa line. At this point I am thinking the stars might be on my side today. But no it was the calm before the storm.
Olivia is quick to sit, smile and ask for another Webkin while Ava stomps and screams that she is not doing it!!
Back in the original picture line to leave my arm and leg for these damn photos while my sweet daughter wilts. Once we get our folder and cut 14,000 people in line for the movie I find the next gift of this free experience-It dumps you out in the back of the largest furniture store in America and you must follow the signs to exit. All the while Ava is whining-I want my bubby and we are never going to find our car to get home. WE ARE LOST ~ she cries.
I promise her a bubby and a frigging pony if she will just be quiet while we get the heck out of here. I don't think we even made it to the Rt 24 exit ramp before she was sleeping. Poor Kid.
Maybe she needs some Click to keep up with me.
NO, Santa was not drunk but appears to be here.
Luckily I was able to make it home with about 15 minutes to dress for work. Thank God for Pot Roast at Roche brothers or I would just melt away.

In the end I would highly recommend this under a few suggestions:
1. During a weekday-early in the day.
2. With a leash or carriage for the little tots.
3. With your bank roll-for photos and possible furniture purchase.
4. After a decent lunch to sustain the exit hike.

Busy Little Bee

Today I happened to be feeling a bit back to normal. I am usually a busy person and I am a pro at fitting a bazillion things into my day before heading to my full time job which starts when most are winding down. But anyway you all know that.
I finally got back to the gym. I was thinking it had been a week but it had been 2. UNACCEPTABLE!
I will link the article which explains how far back you fall from not continuing with workouts.

CoolRunning How many days without running can you go before losing fitness? Forum Discussion: http://bit.ly/6W4vRb

Interesting.
After this I was on a kick and full of piss and vinegar I guess. Olivia has been asking why we don't have any lights on the house. Well honey it may be either because Mom didn't really care to do it or that my electric bill is higher than my car payment. In any case today I was thinking what a great surprise it would be to have the house lite when she comes home from CCD. I didn't go crazy like we have in the past but enough that it would be bright when she pulled in. Outside I used all the big bulbs and even put the old bells over the door like my Mom always had when we were little. You can see them in the background of the photo above.
We won't even get into the typical crap like halfway thru this escapade I ran out of staples and had to go to the hardware store.
We made this a better trip by first heading over to wish Bonnie a Happy Birthday. She was gracious enough to share a slice of her spectacular Chocolate/raspberry/cheesecake dream cake. Just so you know, I did not drop dead after eating it so that is a plus. After a quick visit we were off to get our staples and get back on the ladder.
Now I am happily typing thru my night at work and hoping there are some Holiday goodies in the kitchen. I mean why go back to the gym and not top it off with a cookie right?
Also the photo above is how I got my good bye kiss today. Sugar free of course.
Can't beat that!

Friends

I know some people who know me now with laugh but I was pretty shy and NOT confident when I was little. We moved a bit when I was in school so that didn't help. Shy kid in a new school = I was a good student who would stay after to help the teacher clean up. Capital L on my forehead, I know.
I moved here when I was 17 and have been here ever since-22 years or so and that is the longest I have been in 1 place. Although I wasn't born here, to me I belong here.
I have been married, had a couple of great jobs, had 2 terrific daughters and bought a house. In doing all of these things I think I have moved myself down the list of importance. This Holiday season seems like the perfect time to get back together with my friends and have some fun.
Saturday night I went to a friend's house for a house party extravaganza including Party light, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple and Silpada. This meant tons of people, great food and drinks, and beautiful candles and jewelry. I probably stayed too late as one of the last people there but I had a great time and got to see people I miss. I even bought a couple of raffles tickets and won $42 worth of Pampered Chef product.
Sunday my friend Bonnie and I headed out for some Christmas shopping and a yummy lunch at Panera Bread. Mmmmm...Panini's are my new favorite. This weekend ended up being just what I needed.
Now onto next weekend with a reunion of the WPG on Friday night and my work Christmas party on Saturday night. Hopefully more fun is in my future.

Princess and the Frog

Friday night Olivia and I saw the Princess and the Frog on it's opening day.
I really liked this movie. It takes place in New Orleans so it involved some amazing Jazz and the mystery and magic of Voodoo. At points the Voodoo was a bit on the scary side but it wasn't too terrible for Liv. I also liked the fact that the princess was a hard worker trying to open her own restaurant. In the end the only way to reach her dreams and break the curse was to fall in love.
Typical Disney princess movie but with a fresh twist.
I was told there was some controversy over the story line for Disney's first African American princess but I was unaware of it. I loved this movie and will definitely be adding it to our collection as soon as it is available.
I want this to be a positive post so we won't even discuss the popcorn-$7.....Are you kidding me? I also had to explain sneaking candy into the movies. Being a Mom sometimes is pretty sticky!

Falmouth Christmas Parade 2009

This year was one of the best years I have had at the Parade yet. After a hot dog in the car we sat out on the front line and cheered. Ava took most of the photos. She wanted her picture taken with any creature that walked by too. Below is a photo of her keeping an eye out for Olivia who was marching with the Falmouth Dance Academy. We yelled to her and Moms walking also pointed us out but she refused to look except to give me a dirty side look. Well she is a Berry.

This is Olivia in the center.

Ava's Surgery

Friday was the day. It seems like we waited forever for this day to come and in the last week it came upon us like SMACK. She was not her normal self but in a good way. I think she knew it was serious. We had to leave at about 6am so we got all ready and started the car and just loaded her in still sleeping. We blamed the no eating and drinking thing on the Doctor for the whole ride. She didn't really wake up until we were well on our way.
The staff in the Day Surgery unit of South Shore Hospital were terrific. They allowed me into the operating room until she was asleep and she even rolled to the OR in a wagon with her pillow and a heated blanket.
Everything went fine. They did find a Hernia on both sides but she was all fixed up in about an hour. She left with 2 little hearts on her incisions and some really cool red Spiderman socks in her backpack.
The only problem we have encountered is keeping her off the trampoline. We blame it all on the Doctor and he laughed and said most parents do-It's Ok.

OMFG!!!! She cut her hair!

This is what happens when Ava ducks under the kitchen table with a pair of scissors to cut her and Fatcat's hair.

I had no intentions of cutting her hair like Olivia's but now they are almost the same. She is fast asleep so I am unable to post the after pictures but the hairdresser did the best she could. One side has a bit of a straight chop line but she said it will grow in and she was trying to avoid hacking it all off at her earlobes.

I took pictures with both my camera and phone and I am having a problem loading the cell phone pictures or I would also show you the pile of both her hair and Fatcat's fur. He unfortunately sustained a few bald spots himself.

The good side is her Hernia surgery is in the morning and this took my mind off that. Now I am getting Olivia's school stuff ready and going to bed.

What is done is done and it will grow back.

JA!

We love Fatcat!

We wuv him! Really we do.
Unfortunately you can see from the curl in his lip that the feeling is not mutual. After being told " Mom, Fatcat has a smelly tail." I figured it was time for the beauty parlor/kitchen sink. He was not to happy with me but then again I am not too happy to have a smelly fat cat so in he went.
Although he doesn't appreciate it, you have to admit there is a lot of love for him around here.

Best Thank You gift ever!

A couple of weeks ago I was talking to a friend and she asked me if I would make her a cake for her sons birthday. Sure-Any excuse to make a cake is fine with me. She needed a Hockey cake and I know nothing about hockey so I made an ice rink and put some skaters on it-hoping it was what she wanted.
I tell people I do this for the fun of it and I usually don't charge anyone. This time we didn't set a price but I was thinking I would just ask her to pay for the skaters and we would be even.
So Monday I come home to a gift bag on the counter which I don't even look at because I figure it must be for one of the kids. After a bit I look at the card and it says Jen but in kid writing but not one of mine. I open it and it is a beautiful cupcake card saying Thank You from Timmy. How Sweet!
When I open the bag I am shocked to find just about the best gift ever-

It is a beautiful cookie jar. Dad starts right off by threatening everyone's life and limb to never touch it. It is Mommy's and she is the only one who is allowed to touch it.
Now to find a safe place.
Does one even exist in my house?