I get to tell more Secrets!

I am thrilled that Melysah and Erin think that my blog rocks and wants to hear all my dirty laundry. Melysah has a really cool blog that has that retro look that I love called World of Homemaking. She posts really great homemaking tips, and some of the best recipes I have seen. Erin keeps me entertained with all the latest and greatest in new products and great contests at the Mom Buzz. Please drop in on both of these awesome blogs!

Here are the necessary rules
1. List six things about yourself
2. Pass this award on to other bloggers

My six new juicy secrets

1. I am too embarrassed to actually get a subscription to People magazine, so I make my friend Heather give me all of hers when she is done with them to read, so "technically" I can say I don't pay to read that stuff.
2. I Have been to three Harry Potter Midnight book parties to celebrate the release of the books. My girls went with me to the last one and enjoyed a fun "all nighter" especially IHOP at 2:00 in the morning before heading home.
3. I have a hard time watching sappy "chick flicks" give me comedy or adventure every time.
4. Because my mother would put us to sleep for years growing up to classical music, I had to drop Music Appreciation in college because I kept falling asleep in class.
5 I have been coveting a cricut machine for scrapbooking for a long time, but can't justify the cost....but I comb ebay and craigslist hoping someone will get rid of theirs at a rock bottom price.
6. I looooooooove shows like Paranormal State. I wish that I had ESP or could see ghosts or something cool like that. My sister and I would try for hours trying to see if we could "read" cards through the back. We both failed miserably. I think I am just too pragmatic.

Explaining Socialism to my Children

Obviously the girls are hearing a lot about the election these days. I always try to stay informed and explain why their dad and I either disagree or agree with the candidates. It has actually been very difficult to keep my political views off of this blog, because I really do not want to alienate anyone based solely on my opinion.

Well I was commenting that with both candidates taking such a middle ground stances on things and not willing to stand up and take charge that we might as well be heading for socialism.

"Does that mean having people over for a barbecue?" asks Regan. Well it does sound social doesn't it?

"No honey, it is a type of government point of view to make things the same for everyone (sort of)", I respond...not really wanting to get bogged into details.

"Well that seems fair", pipes up Rebecca.

Well John Mark can stand it no longer and decided to go with a grading analogy since report cards came home yesterday.

He tells Rebecca who got all A's that since she worked and studied hard in her classes, but not everyone was capable of doing that, or perhaps they were to busy playing video games or watching TV, and did not want to worry about school. the school has decided in the best interest of everyone, and to ensure that there are no hurt feelings to give everyone "C"'s to average all the grades, and no one will feel let out.

"OK, that just sucks" said Rebecca "I would hate Socialism."

"but can we still have people over for Barbecue?" asks Regan

It's a Bright Sunshiny Day

Last night (see previous post), I received a phone call from a Mystery Shopping company in desperate need. I do these on occasion, but because I know I am one of their only shoppers in this area I get a lot of calls and requests to do more. This can work in my favor because if a shop get ignored for several months, the price paid to shop it goes up significantly. So they called to ask me if I would mind driving to a fast food place in a neighboring town (15 miles away) to eat breakfast and report for $40. Well that is a great price so I headed there today, to dine at the dreaded fast food place (I do sincerely dislike most fast food) and make some easy money.

After eating I stopped at my favorite boutique to "pretend" to shop for clothes, but because it is always out of my budget, I am really going to hope for an incredible deal off the sales rack. I enter in to a group of sales people who are all unpacking winter wardrobe and trying to find rack space for all the new clothes they just got in. One of the sales women came up to me and said "We are offering you a deal. Anything you want on our final sales summer rack is yours for $5 a piece."

After I picked my jaw off of the floor, I went right to scrounging. Some of these pieces are stunning, and new cost up to $150 an item. I am trying so hard not to burst into tears of joy and break into song, because of course I don't want to look like a complete idiot. So rejoice with me all you wonderful readers, because today has been a GREAT day, and boy will I look fabulous next summer in my new wardrobe.

Anyone else having a great day?

For the Love of BritComs

Since I was raised by a German mother, and a father with quite a quirky funny bone I have an affinity for British Comedies. I can remember growing up in my house with PBS on Saturday nights. We would watch Monty Pythons Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers, and Are you Being Served? Later I grew to love Keeping up Appearances, The Vicar of Dibley, and The Black Adder series. I completely understand when people refer to "The British Office" I understand what "AB FAB" stands for, and I couldn't stand it when NBC tried to remake the show Coupling. A lot of my friends think my sense of humor is odd....and probably for a small town in south Texas it is....but surely I am not alone in my love of the quirky and truly hysterical British Comedy. Which ones were your favorites?

Attack of the Killer Turkey

Anyone want to guess what I was doing at 2:30 this afternoon? Give up? I was chasing this bird around my girl's school with a broom. No kidding. I have talked before about the country school that my girls attend, and the various critters that show up occasionally, but we were all surprised today when right up to the gym door strolled this huge turkey. It wasn't afraid of the kids at all, it just stared at them and stayed all puffed up. Well after awhile we closed the gym doors and hoped he would eventually keep strolling on. There was a lot of discussion on whether or not it was a wild turkey....but because it was so obviously well fed we assume it came from a neighboring farm.

When Pre-K came out to play the bird followed them out to the playground and pretty much cornered them. That is when we had to get the broom out to shoe it away. The funny thing is it really just wanted to stick around. A group of kids helped send it towards the track and the football field before I realized that Regan was doing laps on the track in her special bike accompanied by her aide and physical therapist. Now if there is one thing Regan is truly afraid of it is animals of all shapes and sizes. That turkey just took off running towards her and the bike, and I took off after the turkey to head it towards a neighboring pasture and not my screaming 12 yr old.

We finally managed to keep it close to the fence line when one of the men there to pick up his kids recognized the bird from his neighbors farm. It was in fact a pet, and loves people! Well he chased the turkey down, and grabbed it up by it's feet, then just simply tossed it into his truck and drove off. Turkey time was over.

Riddle for the day: A man was hiking in the hills for the first time and, for safety, he brings along two guides. At the beginning of the hike, the first guide said, "Keep all personal items close, stay behind me, and above all else, keep your balance around the steep dropoffs!" The second guide had never been on such a long hike and, despite the warnings, tumbled off one of the high cliffs and rolled into a valley. The second guide's spine was broken in the fall. The man and the first guide watched the fall, shrugged, and moved on. Why did they offer no help or concern?

My American Girl

Rebecca was quite put out with me, because I had not posted enough about her this past week. It is an ongoing rivalry with my girls because they love being stars in my blog, but Rebecca is sure that Regan has gotten more coverage lately than she has. So here is my little tribute to her.

Let me start this by saying we are HUGE American Girl company fans. The girls each have their dolls (Regan has Molly, Rebecca has Kitt) we have tons of the books, magazines, accessories, and clothing. We have also visited the Chicago store and the Dallas store. Three years ago our tumbling gym received a letter requesting stories of triumph from gymnasts, so we sent one in about Rebecca. At the time it was supposed to be featured on their website, but a few months later we got a call that they wanted to put it in a book with the stories of four other gymnasts.

Well, I am proud to say she is a minuscule bit famous in that she is featured in an American Girl Book called "Girls Love Gymnastics" There are several pages devoted to her as the token Trampoline and power tumbling girl of this book. They featured five girls who were gymnasts of different sorts. So how has this changed her life you might ask?

Well she can know say she has officially been featured in a book (which unless you count my high school yearbooks, I can't say the same). She got to have a book signing at a local book store, which was really fun for her. A distant cousin in New Jersey who is a huge American Girl fan, sent several books for her to sign..... and that's about it. And no, she received no money at all from any sales, etc. It was just an honor to be in it( although if they offered her a movie role she would take it in a heartbeat).

I did have to convince her it wasn't necessary to practice a signature, or add hearts or stars to it. I also had to correct her on signing the front covers, because after all she didn't write the book. All in all, we work really hard at trying to keep her level headed, and not brag about it to others (although sometimes I can't help it...because I am quite proud). Anyway, Rebecca should be pleased because she is once again featured in a post, and my readers now know of my not really famous darling.

Pokerhontas Lives Here

I actually have a Texas Hold 'Em reputation. I love to play games of all kinds, and I find poker very appealing because it is all about the strategy. Anyway, after I officially learned the game, and got suckered into a few poker nights with the guys when they wanted another player and assumed I would be easy money.....I kicked butt! I think it is partially because these good ole boys down here don't expect it with my southern belle charm. I also think it is because my husband is quite a talented poker player, but he can't beat me 'cuz I can tell when he is bluffing. Our good friend Walt was witness one night to me beating a table full of guys and walking off with a fistful of cash to spend as I please....."can't believe Pokerhontas took us all down", he muttered. Yup that's me!

A Retro Halloween Slumber Party Tale

Okay time for my favorite childhood Halloween story. When I was in 5th grade one of my classmates Janie had her birthday near Halloween, and invited us all to her house for a slumber party. Part of the fun of the evening included a hayride down an old country road while telling ghost stories

It is really dark and we are all scaring each other silly with tales like Bloody Mary, and Hook Man, etc. all while driving about 5 miles an hour down an old dirt road. All of a sudden we hear in the distance screams heading for us from up ahead. In the headlights we see Janie's Older brother and a few cousins running like crazy for the truck absolutely scared out of their minds. About a hundred yards ahead was an old cemetery where they were lying in wait for us to scare us as we drove by, but instead they had heard all kinds of noises like something walking around right by them.

As we pulled up to the cemetery to investigate we shone our flashlights all around to the cemetery and the pastures surrounding it. Then all of a sudden we hear it....
Coming low through the grasses.....a sound that would haunt me forever.....

wait for it.....

Moooooooooo (yup it was the cows that they heard...stupid cousins)

Special Needs Nominations

I just want to take a minute to encourage any of my readers who know a special needs child (perhaps someone who lives in your community) to nominate them at 5 minutes for special needs for a spectacular PSP gift bundle.

As much as Regan would try and convince me that she really does need this for her fine motor skills, the fact is we are so very blessed. Yes we have a special needs child, but she is by no means hospitalized for months at a time. She can go to school and get an education, she does have a bright although limited future in front of her, and she has a family who is invested in seeing her succeed.

This nomination is for children who suffer serious misfortunes, spend months staring at hospital walls, and this would be a luxury that their family would not be able to do. Please take a moment to think about a child you may know and nominate them for a gift of pure joy, Thank You!

I'd Like to take a Moment and Thank Caffeine

Thank you so much Nessa from Ramblings of a Texas Housewife. This is a great blog from someone who I discovered through EC, and loved it so much, that I added her to my daily reading list. In keeping with the spirit of passing it from one Texas blogger to another...I am passing on this award to some of my other favorite Texas sites.

On a serious note....If it were not for the lucid moments given to me by the sustenance that is Diet Dr. Pepper, Ice Tea, or Chocolate.....I would not be nearly so entertaining. Thank You Caffeine!!!!!!!

The rules for this award are as follows:
~You may choose five people/blogs to give the award to.
~Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.
~One has to be a new follower of your blog or live in another part of the world.

The first one goes out to my gal at Thrifty Thoughts. First of all I love the new look of your blog, and secondly, i was rolling on the ground laughing yesterday at your post on tampon crafts. That just rocks!

The second is to my girl Dorsey at Searching for my inner skinny. With a classic twist on the newest in plush animals named for STD's. I seriously have got to get me a chlamydia doll for a white elephant party I throw every year.

The third goes to Who Put Me In Charge Of These People??????. She has a great sense of humor, and even though I know she is on a fabulous vacation this week I know she will enjoy this surprise when she get's back. Thanks for all the linky love!

Welllllll (feeling guilty) when I had this fabulous idea I thought I stalked a lot more Texas blogs. I think right now I only have your four on my daily reading.....I think I may have to finish this reward at a later date. SO I still owe two more to some future fabulous females.

Christmas Spreadsheets

My house, my car, and my yard are often times a complete and utter mess, something that I do not apologize for. I am not a cleaner by nature and never have been, much to my husband's despair, although for the most part he has learned to deal. That being said there is one thing I am incredibly and undeniably organized about and that is Christmas. To me Christmas shopping is a year round event. It is my responsibility in our household budget to fully fund all 48 (no kidding) gifts that we are responsible for. These include presents for everyone on both sides of the family, plus gifts for my husband's secretary, teacher gifts, gift exchange holiday parties we attend yearly, etc. I have the entire group on an Excel Spreadsheet that has been going strong for five years.

So how do I fund all these with my having such an odd income? By carefully planning all year, and living for Black Friday. I accumulate quite a bit of Amazon money throughout the years through a Communispace group, surveys, and MyPoints. So throughout the year I purchase on Friday sales, and other sale events. I also earn money through this blog, through scrapbooking, and the sale of several homemade items (namely tutus and belt buckles). I make money that goes into my Paypal account through surveys, mystery shopping, and sometimes Ebay. Throughout the year I usually manage to accumulate and mark off my list.

The bulk of that is saved for my absolute favorite day of the year Black Friday. I don't shy from the crowds or the chaos. I embrace it wholeheartedly. By the time Christmas season rolls around everyone has something chosen specifically to their personality, and my husband is relieved that he does not have to budget for this expense.

Pumpkin Passion

I am in Loooooooooove with this time of year purely for the fact that I am a pumpkin addict. I love pumpkin pie, bread, fudge, and right now the Blizzard. After Christmas hits, I won't eat pumpkin til next fall, because it is one of those flavors, I cannot handle any other time of the year, but at the moment it is awesome.

Last night I had a craving for pumpkin, and drove over to the local Dairy Queen (do they have these everywhere?). They have a different blizzard ice cream mixture featured every month. Last year during pumpkin pie month I went at least once a week. I have a feeling that will be repeated. Just those wonderful flavors with a little cinnamon and nutmeg, make my toes curl in delight! Anyone else feeling the pumpkin love?

I am going to Spell at You!

Okay I am going to tattle on Regan this morning, because sometimes she completely cracks me up when she is angry. Now she has a ferocious temper which is completely foreign to me. She can scream, growl, hit (if you get within arm's distance) and even spell at you. Spell? Yes you read correctly, when she gets really mad she feels the need to emphasize her words by spelling them. For Example:

Regan: Mom you are being so M*E*A*N mean right now, why can't you leave me alone.

And then there was my absolute favorite spelling tantrum of all time ( we refer to it as the great unpleasantness of '06).... "You are evil E*V*I*L just like that queen in Snow White only worse! In fact I wish she were my mother instead of Y*O*U, because she seems nicer!"

You know your child feels the love when she would prefer a wicked queen with poison apples, than the one she has. Unfortunately for Regan, I usually have to leave the room when she starts these huge tantrums, because I on the other hand start laughing hysterically....which just makes her M*A*D*D*E*R

I am not a Kindergarten Sub!

Yesterday, I subbed in a Kindergarten class, and as absolutely precious as they were, I missed the middle school and junior high group. The Kindergartners brought me flowers at recess, told me they loved me, and wanted to hug me all day, but I also wiped noses, tied shoes, and had my letters criticized when I wrote them on the board. Apparently I do not write my lower case "a" correctly. So as cute as they are, I prefer intelligent conversation, and junior high drama and gossip.

The older group loves it when I come in, because they know if all their work gets done quickly, I come armed with projects, riddles, and odd activities. It is just how my mind works. Anyway here is my riddle of the week....and it looks like I have a few in past Tuesdays still waiting to be solved. Good luck!

Riddle: A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?

Tag, I'm It!

Woohoo, I have been tagged, and I must tell you I have been jealous reading all of you people who have been tagged before getting to share all these delicious secrets. I almost made up tagging myself just to get to spill the beans about something. The terrible part is that all the things I think I want to reveal I end up writing up as future blogpost ideas. So I decided, even if I post about these later in more detail it will do in a pinch.

Thank You Elizabeth, for fulfilling my tag dreams (as lame as they are). If you haven't seen her blog at Three Channels you are missing out. I enjoy her humor and writing, and feel we are kindred spirits. I am definitely posting my seven weird facts... but I am holding out on passing it on just yet. Thanks for my Tag!


Quick Christine Facts of Interest.
1. I am super competitive at board games, and love to win. It is a fact that my family just groans and rolls their eyes as I drag out games at nearly every holiday and force people to play with me so that I can win. I will not "let" even my own children win at games to be nice. I figure, if you can't learn from it don't bother playing.
2. My husband and I have had fewer fights than I have fingers. For the simple fact that I can't stand to nag, and I don't believe in arguing about any character traits that I knew he had when I married him. I did not walk into this marriage with my eyes closed, and won't pretend I did.
3. I have actually looked in my couch for change just to buy a Diet Dr. Pepper to get through my morning. (okay i admit this is sad, but true)
4. I lied to my husband and told him that calamari (squid) were just onion rings just to get him to try something new to eat. He did like it though after eating them...is that justified?
5. As a teenager one Christmas season I did in fact secretly open all my gifts, and then perfectly rewrap them so I would know what I was getting and not be surprised.
6. I love that my girls enjoy my blogging so much, that they are both always begging to be a post each day and always want to know if anyone comments about them. Regan is so thrilled that people actually think she looks a little like Molly Ringwald, that she won't keep quiet about it.
7. I seriously have a deranged obsession with my sitemeter. I can't quit checking on how many people come by my blog, where they came from, what kind of search lead them to me, how long did they stay. Is there a sitemeter support group out there, because I am ready to admit I have a problem.

Okay that was so much fun I don't even want to stop at seven. Do you want me to keep going? Cuz I could......

Football Game Vs.Social Game

Yesterday evening I came home to Rebecca and one of her best friends "C" who I had previously written about the two of them in the famous Welcome to Dumpsville Post. They were busy getting ready to go to the Friday night football game, where they would be sitting with all the other middle school boys and girls. This is where they were both hoping to see and chat with certain boys....and make the former boyfriends jealous. They had the perfect wardrobe, hair, and touch of lipgloss to make the perfect impression.

As Regan and I bid them goodbye Regan couldn't resist a little jab at her sister and C.
"Good Luck at the game, guys" says Regan.

"You do know we aren't actually playing football" smirks Rebecca.

"Duh", retorts back Regan,"I was wishing you luck on your social game"!

Later that night when the two returned home with John Mark I asked who won the game....the girls looked guilty and turned to John Mark. "Ummmm...We aren't sure about that...who did win"?

One guess who won the social game!

An Apology to the LunchLady

Dear School Lunchlady,

Disregard my prior note in regards to your menu choices on school picture day. I will be the first to acknowledge that I was wrong. There are no traces of sloppy joe's in either of my girl's pictures. Either they are air brushing school photos these days, or were just very clever at hiding the stains.

Anyway, I am delighted with how absolutely cute my darlings look! I have not had a decent school picture of my girls in years. By the way, kudos to adding Chicken Spaghetti to your menu, because my children prefer your recipe to the one I have used at home. Never thought I would be admitting that!

Sincerely,
Christine

lPS. Rebecca thinks she is so clever to have matched her outfit to her rubberbands in her braces (strange child). Regan thinks she looks just like Molly Ringwald since she is currently in a vintage 80's movie obsession phase.

How to BOO your neighbors this Halloween

Tomorrow evening Regan and I are going out to Boo some friends of ours (Rebecca and John Mark are planning to entertain themselves at the football game). By no means does this mean we hurl insults or throw tomatoes. Instead I am hoping to start a new tradition at Halloween to spread the love amongst our friends. This fun little Halloween trend was introduced to me by my sister, Jennifer, as her house has been Boo'ed twice this month by friends and neighbors.

The basic idea is to put some fun little Halloween treats in a basket and print out a little Ghostie that says "You have been Boo'd". I had made some cute little scrapbook mini albums for Halloween, and figured I would buy a bag of candy, and print out some fun activities, and put them all in my little "Boo" basket. Then Regan and I will sneak over to friends of ours (who hopefully are all at the football game and don't call us in as stalkers) and leave the little baskets on their front door steps as a wonderful treat to find on their return.

The basket has a little poem that instructs the receiver to put their ghost on the door to show they have been "Boo'd" and then they are charged to find two other families to spread the tradition on to. With any luck I'll have started an avalanche of goodwill in our small little town. My sister sent me three great "boo" poems that I can choose to attach. Feel free to start your own goodwill Halloween Boo in your neck of the woods.

POEM #1
It all started with a little BOO
A knock upon the door and off they flew!
Halloween is almost here, the leaves are flying by
The pumpkins are ripe, there's a witch in the sky!
Wee Ghostie came by the light of the moon
Put him in your window, it's not too soon!

You have been BOO'd!
Choose two families and pass on a treat, make a copy of the ghostie and add
it in so they can join in the fun! Put your Wee Ghostie in the window so
others will know you're part of the party!

BOO!!


POEM #2
To our good friends on the street;
Our homes' locations made us meet;
You now have been Boo'd, but who could we be?

We'll never tell, it's a secret, you see.
We placed these goodies for you and yours; then we ran fast, after knocking
the door!

Happy Halloween!

Directions:
1. Enjoy your treat.
2. Place the picture of your BOO on your front door.
3. Now you can copy this twice, make 2 treats and 2 BOO's and secretly
deliver them to 2 neighbors who do not have BOO on their front door.
4. Then watch how far this spreads by Halloween.

POEM #3

"You've been boo'd"

The air is cool the season fall
Soon Halloween will come to all
The spooks are after things to do
In fact, a spook brought this to you
"BOO" is a shield from witching hour
Just hang it up and watch its power
On your front door is where it works
It wards off spooks and scary jerks
The treats that came with crypted note
Are yours to keep, enjoy them both
The power comes when friends like you
Will copy this and make it TWO
Then others here among our friends
Will give warm fuzzies that do not end
We'll all have smiles upon our face
No one will know who "BOO"ed whose places
Just one short day to work your spell
Or a big ZAP will strike your tail
And don't forget a nifty treat,
Like something cute or something sweet
Please join fun, let's really hear it
And spread some "BOO"s and Halloween spirit.

Black Friday Strategy: Target

In my continuing series to celebrate what I consider the most wonderful time of the year, I am going to discuss a strategy for Target.

Target has got to be one of my absolute favorite stores for just ordinary household shopping. I much prefer it to Wal-Mart. In fact I only shop Wal-Mart, if I know Target doesn't carry what I am looking for, or I have to get several things and I don't care about quality....just price. Target gives you the best of both quality and price.

Black Friday shopping here is more of a waiting outside in line challenge then an inside the store challenge. First of all get your carts and park them near the Pharmacy. Then alternate with your shopping friends watching the cart and doing your store run. About 30 minutes after the store opens then Target starts opening up alternative registers....well since you are at the pharmacy already...check out immediately! Going through the store without your cart makes it easier to weave in and out, and make some quick grabs. Another thing I have noted in the past two years is that the lines for the registers are at one end with no one directing people to open registers. What this mean is the registers by the doors often had hardly anyone in line because no one could see they were open. Instead of getting in the long line of people go the opposite direction around the store, and immediately through checkout one....no one is the wiser.

Everyone in my party keeps cell phones on hand and we just call each other through out the store. If someone is picking up toys, tell them to grab yours also. No reason for two of you to get stuck in the mad house. Usually we plan this in line and everyone checks their lists, and takes orders from each other.

Brain Storms and a Bonus Riddle

The younger kids in the gifted and talented group began working this week on seasons. We began with a brainstorm on what comes to mind during each season. It was interesting to see the different levels of outside the box thinking with an open brainstorm. Some thought easily about weather and holidays. Some associated them with different sports Fall= football season. I immediately went to color associations and foods. Fall for me was browns, rusts, and cranberry colors. It is turkey and pumpkin pie.

Brainstorm with your children for five minutes and see what word associations they make on each season. Next week we will be expanding on our brainstorm ideas with stories and poetry that involve our word association brainstorms. What fun to see how creative children can be. By the way no one solved last weeks riddle, but my older GT kids did after one hint....often found in bathrooms.

Riddle for the week: How far can a bear run into the woods?

Frozen Daiqmos Anyone?

Last May for my birthday my sister gave me a case of TGI Fridays mixers to go with my Margeritaville Frozen Concoction Maker. We have slowly been making our way through all the different mixers and flavors, because I am, after all, an equal opportunity drinker. It just completely depends on my mood and season to decide what I would like to enjoy in the evening while I do some blog and computer work.

Rebecca has also gotten to be quite the mixologist in a very non-alcoholic version. Because all of the mixers actually taste delicious on their own and have no alcohol in them. This summer she was a Margarita girl. She loves tart lemon lime citrus, and made herself virgin ritas all the time....although we forbade her from telling people she was drinking margarita mix. We just called them lemon-lime freezes.

This fall I was settling into cosmopolitan mode and have been slowly making my way through my mix. Rebecca who has never been a cran fan tried a non alcoholic frozen cosmo and declared it her new favorite pink drink. Yesterday she asked me if she could make frozen cosmos with the concoction maker, and I gave her the thumbs up from the living room while I was busy doing my EC drops. She gives me a large plastic cup filled with frozen pink loveliness...complete with an umbrella, and declares she has made some recipe changes. I quickly frown at her and remind her she is not allowed to touch anything in the bar. She assures me she did not, but since she ran out of the cosmo mix, she had decided to add some strawberry daiquiri to the blender. She officially introduced her new drink the frozen Daiqmo. She was so proud of herself for being innovative....but honestly I am more concerned with her ability to mix a drink!

Welcome to Holland, an Unexpected Favorite

My favorite poem is Robert Frost's "The Road Less Traveled". Although with the birth of Regan nearly thirteen years ago I hold another poem very dear to my heart. The great thing is that it completely goes hand in hand with the Robert Frost poem, because having Regan has definitely enriched every day and made all the difference. Anyway.....I thought I would share my unexpected favorite:

WELCOME TO HOLLAND
by
Emily Perl Kingsley.

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland

Sneaky Shaving

Well my Rebecca was not happy with my decision that she was not allowed to shave her legs. She swears to me at 10 years old that she is made fun of and that all the girls in her class already shave. First of all, yes she has leg hair....but it is blond! Second of all, I feel like when she grows underarm hair than we can shave arms and legs properly.

That sneaky thing thought she could shave her legs on her own and not be caught. The fact that she sliced her leg and took out a chunk of skin changed all that. As she came bawling to me from her bath with blood streaming down her legs she immediately alternated her sobs with "I am so sorry, Mommy."

Honey, I am sorry too....sorry that you are in such a hurry to grow up. Not on my watch sweetheart! As the scabs heal I had hoped that she would be deterred for a while, but not my Becca. This morning she announces that since razors hurt so much maybe she should just Nair her legs. I looked at her with my one raised eyebrow (it usually stops her in her tracks). "Mom you said no shaving, you didn't say no Nair"!

She will make a great lawyer one day!

I am not to be Trusted around Copperheads

I am actually going into retro storytelling with this one. My family lived in the country for several years as I was growing up. We literally lived on a small farm at the end of a grass road that took you to a gravel road, and eventually a paved road. It was completely kickin it country style. Needless to say we saw a lot of snakes. They were mostly copperheads, since we lived near the river a few water moccasins, and we could swear to possibly seeing a coral snake once or twice.

One day my sister Jen and I had gone to check the mail, and she was riding on the handlebars of my bike while I pedaled the quarter mile home from the mailbox (something I would not let my own girls do). About half way home a snake that was along the side of the road suddenly coiled up as if to strike. Well I immediately went into self preservation mode and pushed my sister off the bike to pedal home faster and get away from the snake. Yes, I could hear her crying and running behind me, but I just wanted to get away from that copperhead snake. We both made it home safely, but as I realized the error of my decision, it was too late. My mother who hated to resort to spanking, really had no choice to get that message across.

Of course the moral of this story seems like it would be never trust me in a stressful situation.....but that isn't true. What I did learn that day is not to panic; it never solves the situation. Now, in the midst of any crisis, I am the calmest person there. I take stress in stride and deal with it head on with amazing calm and presence of mind. So although years later...I feel bad (just a little bit) that I actually pushed my sister into a striking snake. The lesson learned is to powerful to ignore...So thanks Jen...wanna go for a bike ride?

Black Friday Strategy: Kohls

Over the next few weeks I will start prepping for my favorite shopping day of the year: Black Friday. Every year several friends and I brave the crowds and madness, and come out very successful. I plan to spend several posts discussing strategies, sites to visit, and links to early ads.

The first store in this series is Kohl's. This is a great place to get clothes, household items, and gifts. This is not where I would recommend if you wanted the latest in high tech gadgetry or toy mecca, but for your basic gift giving this is a great place. That being said, navigating Kohl's on Black Friday can make you want to never return, unless you know a few tricks of the trade.

Kohl's traditionally has about 5-8 registers in the front of the store, and a line leading around the store by the time you have found all your items. It can be very frustrating when you are stuck in line, and your are thinking about the deals you are missing out yon in other stores. Getting in and out quickly is key.

Okay, here is the big tip: If you will go to the jewelry counter, where they are having unbelievable sales, and pick up a really cheap pair of gold earrings (last year I got Regan a pair for $6.00) then they will check out the rest of your items at the same time. Everyone in my party was able to get in and out of Kohl's in under a 1/2 hour, and on to the next store.

I have also heard (but not tested) a strategy to purchase something from Kohls two days before (and also case it out for best strategies) then head straight back to returns and have them check you out at the same time. If you have tips for Black Friday Shopping at Kohl's leave them here in the comments for everyone to learn from, Thanks!

Opossum Woes and a Bonus Riddle

You know your children go to a country school when you drop them off, and everyone is gathered around a large tree discussing different ways to get an opossum out. The girl's school has about 125 kids in PreK-8th grade and is really in the middle of nowhere. Critters at school are a way of life, but it still cracks me up to hear second graders shouting out bits of advice (and being listened to mind you) on how they have solved this problem at home. I left before the problem was fixed because someone suggested clubbing the thing....and my younger daughter was volunteering our house for it to live at. I can assure you, when I go back this afternoon to run the gifted and talented program....I will not be bringing an opossum home with me.

Riddle for the Day (Remember no one solved lasts weeks if anyone wants to give it a go): An elderly lady died and left all her money to her family. The will states that her precious diamond was hidden away. The clue says "it's in a cylinder surrounded by a thousand squares."

Where is the diamond?

Our Choice for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

I am taking a serious moment to post about a controversial surgery we elected for Regan to have. Regan is 12 now, but when she was six yrs old I read a Time magazine article about a doctor at St. Louis Children's Hospital who had revolutionized a procedure to help kids with cerebral palsy. To put it in as simple terms as possible, if your CP child has limbs that are very tight because their brain is sending those limbs mixed messages, this surgery takes away much of that tightness (spasticity).

In Regan's case, she was walking in her walker but her legs muscles were so tight that she wanted to walk on her toes and hunch over to compensate. She was getting Botox injections in her legs and they helped, but my problem was I knew that your body can build up resistance to drugs, and then require more of it to be effective. When it is no longer effective and your muscles are too tight, then surgery to cut and lengthen those muscles is the only option. These surgeries lead to others until the muscles can be cut and stretched no further, and a wheelchair is then the only option. When we looked at our long term goals for Regan this is not how we wanted her functioning medically.

With Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy the surgeon goes directly into the spinal cord (very scary I know) and tests electrically each nerve to see if the brain is sending it the correct message. If the nerve is getting the wrong message, than it is severed and cauterized. It is a lengthy, painful, and serious operation and recovery time is extensive. It is not something we considered lightly at all. The outcome though is like permanent Botox. The muscles work better and can be retrained to now support and function with the body. Future surgeries of cutting into muscles are virtually eliminated, and with hard work the wheelchair option is pushed far away. I did all my research, got second opinions and testimonials it is very difficult to make these kinds of life decisions for your child. We decided it was the best option for us. I do want to go on record to say that her doctors at Scottish Rites Children's Hospital were absolutely against it. I had to make this decision based on what I thought was right for her. No doctor will ever understand and know your child like you do.

We were scheduled right after Memorial Day Weekend for surgery and we flew to St. Louis and hoped for the best. I could go on for pages about our time at St. Louis Children's Hospital, and probably will in a future post, but here I am going to focus on the end result. Regan walks upright and still in a walker (again another post completely), but she can run and jump in her walker and has so much better balance.

One story that brought me to tears, is that her first grade teacher when school started the following year noted these changes. Before during the Pledge of Allegiance Regan sat in her chair, after surgery she stood and was able to hold onto her desk, because her balance and weight bearing had improved so much. She was able to write better and use her fine motor skills in fact she no longer wanted to sit out of anything, and was no longer worn out after short distances. Her strength, stamina, balance, and coordination improved dramatically. We are now six years later, and have needed no further surgeries, no long term wheelchair use in sight. It was a decision I would do over and over again with no hesitation. Feel free to contact me if any parent has questions regarding this procedure, and I would be happy to help or share our information.

You had me at Mute

Well the girls are hopeless romantics, and begged me to tell them all about their dad's proposal of marriage, so I thought this was a great sharing opportunity. John Mark (that good ole southern double name thing) and I have know each other since junior high and he was in the grade ahead of mine. We never dated the whole time growing up because basically (and to be honest) we both were selfishly into people who would worship us, and not that into worshipping others. In other words we had a lot of growing up to do.

We both ended up graduating colleges the same time and were home right afterwards. He was subbing as the golf pro at our country club, and I was busy interviewing with politicians anxious to get on a campaign during election year and fulfill my dream of being a DC mover and shaker (funny how life changes everything).

He asked me out and we had a fantastic first date. He went straight home and woke his mother up to tell her he had found the girl he was going to marry (true story). Our families all knew each other...because after all it is a small town, and our mothers played Bridge together. Within three weeks he had asked my father for permission to ask me to marry him, and I figured he was planning some incredibly romantic proposal....so I had my hopes up....

Friday afternoon nearly a month from our first date John Mark and I were supposed to meet his parents at the golf course and then go out to eat. I settled down in a comfy chair in his living room and watched the news while he showered and got ready for dinner. A little later he comes out and grabs the remote...puts the sound on mute, and immediately drops to his knee and asks me to marry him. Just like that. No elaborate speech, no undying declarations of love, no romantic setting....just the weatherman silently in the background.

Good thing I love this man with my whole heart! I said yes, the ring was slipped on my finger, and we joyfully went to find family members and spread the news.

My girls on the other hand are completely crushed. "That's it?" says Rebecca. "That's not very romantic", pipes in Regan. They start to fuss at their father for his lack of finesse. He on the other hand looks hurt. "Oh honey", I cry as I run up and hug him....."you had me at mute"!

He is not amused.

Fromage Snob

Ok, I confess....I am a cheese snob. As I snack while I type from a wedge of Brie and a few of Carr's crackers; it occurs to me that I am a complete and utter cheese snob. I know real cheese is never orange, in fact I love cheddar, but did you know that they dye it that orange color...just for Americans? Everyone else in the world eats white undyed cheddar.

I don't have anything personally against such things as Kraft American Cheese Slices, bricks of Velveeta, or Cheese Wiz, but I don't understand the justification to call it cheese. If it is overprocessed and preserved like crazy, and only comes in bright orange...can we come up with something else to name it?

I think the world should embrace cheese in all it's glory and fantastic flavors, from buttery Swiss, to Camembert, and my personal favorite the difficult to find Deux de Montagne. My sweet sister likes to surprise me with the last one when I come visit her in Austin, because she can easily find it at Whole Foods or Central Market.

As my 10 yr old steals my last Brie covered cracker, I realize I am also raising cheese snobs.... I promise to teach them tolerance of all you Cheese Wiz eaters.

"The Pig" A Table Manners Game

Place a small plastic pig in the center of your home kitchen table. When anyone at the table does not follow an agreed upon dinner table rule the pig gets placed before them, and the rule that is not being followed is announced. The person with the pig in front of them needs to be on the lookout for another rule breaker and try to get rid of the pig before the end of dinner. Whoever is stuck with the pig at meals end has to clear the table and wash the dinner dishes.

A few example of dinner table rules to follow:

1. No talking with food in your mouth.
2. Never rest your elbows on the table, and both hands should be present during the meal, unless reaching for your napkin.
3. No inappropriate dinner conversation ( not the time to discuss anything that would make your food unappetizing at the table, or make a guest uncomfortable).
4. Always contribute to the dinner conversation, but do not monopolize it.
5. No reaching over anyone for food, instead request for something to be passed to you.
6. Ask permission from the host(usually mom or dad) to leave the table at any time.
7. If getting up to refill drinks or get seconds, ask if anyone else needs anything.
8. You must try at last a bite of all food prepared by the host, unless there are allergies or religious convictions involved.

These are a few easy rules, that can be added to for more formal occasions, but are great starters for any family. These were really helpful a few years ago when my younger daughter left for camp. She has to follow very specific rules at her girl's camp or risk getting her tribe demerits. We have also played this game at casual dining restaraunts and used a pink sugar packet as our pig.

Overcoming Fear of Costumed Characters

Regan for years had such a phobia of costumed characters. I can't even begin to describe how hysterical even seeing the mascot at a Friday night football game she would become. Her fears made things pretty tough for us. We could not go to local sporting events. Santa Claus we had to promise would not enter our house. We had to negotiate a corner at Chuck E Cheese that the mouse would not come near. She sat inside her classroom during fire prevention week because the local fire department had their mascot "Sparky" coming to school with them. It has made a lot of things that should be fun, well, not!

That being said we had planned a huge Family Vacation to Disney World two years ago, the quintessential costume character location. The first night we were there, we attended a dinner for the company my husband worked for, and wouldn't you know it, Mickey and Minnie were invited guests. Regan watched them from afar, and after several minutes asked if we could leave. The next day at Magic Kingdom, we saw many characters from a distance, and she began to wave at them, but was definitely not willing to approach them.

The 2nd day we went to Animal Kingdom and much to my horror Pluto came up to her from behind and patted her arm. Regan froze at first and I was fully prepared for her to have a panic attack, but instead she started to pet his furry arm. She was so excited to conquer her fear, and face it she just couldn't stop hugging Pluto. Well for the rest of our time spent here, we got autographs and took photos of every single character we could find. I am always proud of every accomplishment that Regan makes, but for her to conquer her fear shows true strength of character, and a willingness to overcome.

Moon Pie Lollipops

I love easy treats that look like a lot more effort than they really are. Moonpie Lollipops have been a staple classroom treat for almost every holiday and even my girls birthdays. They are fun, easy, and everyone likes them. Simply buy a box of moon pies, popsicle sticks, a little frosting to use as "glue", and some candy or cake decorations for the front. Moonpies also come in different flavors such as banana (use at Easter and birthday) and vanilla (Christmas and valentines), and of course chocolate which as you can see by the photo looks "fab" for Halloween. Stick these in a bucket with a little floral foam, and tie a cute ribbon around the stick, and you have an awesome treat, with little effort.

Chandelierson Rainbow

We are completely thrilled that my sister is going to be a mom again. To make the news more joyous than that....it's a girl! Well with my two girls, and now Jen having two girls it is full on girl world at our houses. So recently we were in Austin to visit with my sister and her family. One of the things we like to do when we are there is watch my 4yr old niece so that my sister and her sweet husband can have a date night out.

My niece loves to play "grown-up" board games with her cousins and I when we visit her, and the game of the night was a rousing round of Life. Well when my niece got to have twins during the game. We thought it was a good time to ask her what she would like to name her new baby sister. "Chandelierson" she said with no hesitation.

Our jaws kind of dropped on that one. Huh? Well we decided to roll with that...she pronounced it just like a light fixture "chandelier" with son added on. So I asked well than what should her middle name be? "Rainbow", says my niece. So I would like to formally like to welcome my future niece (due in February) Chandelierson Rainbow Ferrante.

My how we Love to Spin the Night

Last year my brother hosted my daughter Rebecca and I while we were in San Antonio for a cheer competition. He is always very nice about letting us staying with him at his bachelor pad when we are in town. Well, we were heading out one Sunday morning from his place and I suggested to Rebecca that she write him a quick thank you note for letting us stay once again. I,in my packing hurry, never look at the note. Fast Forward a few months

We are back at my brother's again for another competition in San Antonio, and I happen to see a note from Rebecca on the front of his fridge. It reads....Dear Uncle David, Thank you so much for letting us spin the night. We had a really good time. Love Rebecca

Spin? What exactly are we doing all night at my brother's...some aerobics class? My brother and his friends have found the note completely hysterical, and often ask if they can spin at his house too. I asked Rebecca why she wrote it, and she said, "but mama that's what we do...we spin the night at places". Well, gosh darn our Texas drawl...it probably does sound just like that. I informed her that it was spend the night, but I thought her version was much funner.