Designer Tree or Well Loved Sanctuary

My tree every year in no way has a color palette that matches my decor. If I have matching ornaments at all it is because so many of them come in two's for Regan and Rebecca to inherit one day for their own trees. I love my christmas tree, and every ornament I unwrap brings a smile to my face. Whether it is my ornament made for me by my own great grandmother, or the ornaments I bought as a new bride, and the ones I inherited from my mother's tree. I love each story that they have to tell, and I whisper to each one like they were my children that they are my favorite.

Our typical routine is to take everything out of the attic the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We break out the Christmas CD's and the hot cocoa. We get to work with each doing their own traditional jobs. John Mark decorates outside wrapping a tree and lining the sidewalk with lights. I put together the tree (all fake for us). I have to add lights, ribbon, and fun gold curly Q's to it before the first ornament goes up.

Regan unwraps each ornament out of the tissue and we talk about the history of each one. What country they came from, what special meaning or person they came from. Rebecca adds the hooks and I place it in a perfectly planned spot on the tree. When we step back with the finished tree it is pure joy and always makes us feel the Christmas spirit has started.

GameStop saves my Black Friday shopping

I love Black Friday with every fiber of my being. To me it is an example of first of all what retail is really worth (to some degree) and human interaction. Standing in line at Kohl's at four in the morning, you begin to make friends with those around you, find out deals on items you weren't even considering, and learn all kinds of shopping strategies.

The main big ticket item we were hunting for was the Wii. Regan had saved up her money to buy the game system. I was determined to find it at a better price the $199 which is what it was advertised for at Sears and Wal-Mart. Also high on the shopping list was purchasing a Dyson vaccuum for my parents (their funds mind you, not my own). New to my shopping experience this year was having Rebecca join me.

For some reason she was convinced that I was going to the biggest party of the holiday season every year after Thanksgiving. She has begged the entire year to be allowed to go with me. She didn't mind waking up at 3:00 am and wanted to experience all that Black Friday is about. We had our lists, our strategies, and snacks ready to go and we were off to find the bargains. In the midst of all the office furniture in Target we found the Dyson deal, and grabbed it quickly.

The best Wii deal was at HEB Plus which was advertising at $149...but limited supply. The next best deal was GameStop which had a deal with trade in of an old system. No problem there, we were more than willing to sacrifice the old Playstation II for the upgrade.

GameStop was a dream when we arrived there, The employees were wonderful to work with even on the most harrowing day of the year. They answered every question I had and found me an even better deal than I was going for. Apparently they carry factory refurbished systems as well as the new ones. It had already been cleaned, checked, and played in great working condition, and with the trade-in of my system and the purchase of three games we ended up paying a total of $160. forty less than all the competitors.

The girls are thrilled and have really enjoyed their games. I love all the great physical therapy and occupation therapy Regan is getting with how intricate all the sports and activities that come with the Wii are. I ended a wonderful day of shopping with the best Black Friday ever.

How Starbucks ruined my Thanksgiving

Well I had been officially without a car for five weeks. I am not going to lie. It has been hell....no kidding. I loooooove my little Honda Odyssey mini van. Regan could maneuver in the seats easily. Her walker and wheelchair and any extra paraphernalia fit nicely in the back. I could haul eight people around at a moments notice. In short I love my car.

Well due to the small fender bender that I had mentioned before. The insurance company did not opt to total my car....but to fix it which in small town translation means the local body shop has to order Honda parts from BFE and fix it all up.

What they don't tell you is that anything left in your car will not be touched by a mechanic NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!! I guess that is not part of the repair shop employee screening process.

So say your darling child left hot chocolate from Starbucks in the back cup holder and it has been an extended period of time in an enclosed space with no thoughtful repair shop man to dispose of it for you. When you get your car back....It is going to smell! I mean stink so bad that you once again you thank God that you live in south Texas and can roll your windows down to drive and won't be freezing.

So the day before Thanksgiving when I was celebrating the return of my precious little mini van....I spent the whole evening febreezing, lysol, renuzit....etc.

Then the next day we took Rebecca's friend back to her family ranch in a neighboring town and on my way back.....my van died.

On the side of a road in a still smelly van on Thanksgiving morning and a house full of people heading my way.

Starbucks is not to blame I know....but gosh it made for a really difficult day.

Performing for Lions can be Scary

Today my younger Gifted and Talented group are presenting their Thanksgiving play to the local Lions Club. In some form of insanity I thought it was a good idea to take seven boys and one girl from 1st-4th grade to present a program for my husbands organization. Let me be clear that these boys can be wild.

It is partly why I just adore them, they are creative free spirited and imaginative beyond belief. It makes them perfect in GT, but sometimes difficult in social situations. After they had made their own costumes, helped with script, designed the background.....well I couldn't help but want to show them off.

So last week we practiced like crazy. Then the 7th grade class who had built a tepee and and drying rack for a history project decided to work with us and loan us their items to enhance our scene. Add a Mayflower and we had the cutest little set you ever saw.  We moved all this  industrial equipment from the school to the community center with the help of the 7th grade and we were good to go.

My darlings were fabulous if I do say so myself, and the only time I really had to reign them in was not letting them go crazy when they were offered lunch by the Lions Club. One of my boys wanted to know if he could put three rolls on his plate. One wanted to keep the community ketchup on our table just in case he needed more, and one proceeded to pick off all the breading from his fried chicken and put it on a napkin beside his plate (at least he used a napkin).

I pronounced the day a success and I am very proud of my younger group even if social skills becomes my next major project with them.

Making it Sparkle and Shine

I have conveniently ignored the fact that I have fifteen people coming to my home for Thanksgiving dinner this year. With my cleaning skills being somewhat lacking....and me falling so far behind on my computer work. I thought "what the heck" might as well dedicate my whole day to making this place sparkle and shine.

It consisted of moving about twenty boxes that are loaded up for my next garage sale whenever that might be. There were also about eight boxes I have packed in getting my house prepared to be put on the market. It's not like we are talking cross country moving here. We just want to find a place about ten miles down the road in the neighboring school district.

Anyway (sorry I am random and distracted), I packed and polished. I scrubbed and vaccuumed. I ironed table clothes and put out the good china and crystal so that it would get one more use before it was designated to packing boxes as well. I even managed to decorate and cut out my placecards on the cricut.

I have been a busy little beaver have ya'll missed me?

Blogging Cheery Thought

Cheer season is upon us once again at my house. This year both the girls are involved again. Regan had taken a break from cheerleading the last two years to do dance instead, but she is back and will compete in the next few months.

Rebecca's squad has been practicing their routine since August and were hoping to once again get a National Bid to the championships at Walt Disney World. This is just her favorite thing in the whole world. On any given day you will find Rebecca practicing her routine or choreographing her own dance or making up her own cheers. It is constant at our house and her absolute passion in life.

They did okay for their first competition of the season. It showed what they were doing right and where they could improve. They did get the bid for Disney World, so now it is up to the parents if we feel like the squad is good enough for the big time again this year. Last year they placed third in the nation, but the way the routine shaped up on Sunday they have a lot to improve on before they are back at that caliber again.

Regan voted for Disney, because I told her I wouldn't go again without her......you can tell the girls have no inkling about how bad the economy is and whether it will even be manageable in the family budget.

I should have Blogged but Instead got Horrible News

Today we went to a wedding in our small town. In typical small town style there was everyone and their dog invited. The local community center had over 800 people crammed in to dine, dance, and socialize. One of my friends from a neighboring town is a gossipy sort and couldn't wait to give me the dish on a mutual friend.

It was a nightmare beyond belief. To put a very long story short there was an incident of child molestation in a house that both of my girls have spent quite a bit of time in over the years. It lead to suicide by the perpetrator and the devastation of an entire family in one swoop.

At the first hearing of the story I was sure my gossipy friend was lying or had misunderstood the facts. Then to my horror I found out the story was indeed true. A day that started in the joy of watching two young people start out their dreams has led to a personal nightmare. To talk to my girls about this was going to be difficult too.

This is a home where both of my girls especially Rebecca had spent a lot of time. Rebecca had even stayed an entire week while John Mark and I were on vacation years ago. I was told by other mutual friends that the incident wasn't isolated and that a few more victims had come forth....but on a good note it had not involved any of the children that lived there. It was an outside family member that very few children came in contact with.

Luckily, after a very intensive conversation with the girls they both assured me that nothing remotely wrong had ever occurred with them or in their presence. They were just as surprised at the news as I was. I am so sad that my friend and her family are going through this and at the same time relieved that nothing ever involved my children.

I should have Blogged but it's Game Day

Today is the final basketball game before the holidays for the girls school team. Rebecca has played amazingly enough for three years now and is an aggressive tiny little thing. She has no fear about going for the ball and stealing it. In fact she is quite good at it, but this is where her lack of basketball skills come into play.

My poor child can't shoot....or aim....and sometimes panics when she has the ball, and just looks to pass it off to someone else. I know it comes from lack of training not lack of ability. Skills come with time and practice. I know if she put forth the same effort that she does towards her cheerleading and tumbling skills, I would have an amazing athlete on my hands. Her body is an amazing piece of  fitness equipment in itself. She can flip and tumble all day long, but aim and shoot one ball, and it is an entirely different world.

Today I avoided blogging and went to a neighboring school to watch the final game.  I got a great picture of Rebecca (#10) and some of her best friends for a quick pose before the game. Then during the game the two times she played she barely had the ball at all to get a shot.  Then she got stomped on by a girl on the opposing team and we had a bruised foot to deal with.

Medicures and Panicures

My darling husband is feeling a bit of guilt overload. He did go with us to Disney on Ice, but he is skipping town this weekend for a "boys weekend" hunting in South Texas. This would normally not be a big deal at all, but this Friday is Regan's birthday so he asked for permission to be excused from the festivities.

I should clarify that into saying he will not be attending "New Moon" this Friday with me and several squealing girls and two other mothers. He is quite broken-up about it. To help make amends he treated the three of us on Saturday to our choice of a manicure or pedicure at a local nail salon.

Regan has gotten a manicure before when she was on vacation with us and Rebecca was off at camp. She decided again that a manicure was best because no one ever sees a pedicure with her leg braces on. She chose a pretty peach color for her nails which suited her coloring perfectly.

Rebecca was uber excited to sit in the "spa" chair and have her feet massaged.  She was even more thrilled when I let her get a flower painted on each big toenail.  Later that evening we went to a wedding and she spent a lot of time making sure her feet got noticed. Aren't they cute?

And yes I realize the title is backwards. It is because the girls keep getting the words all mixed up wich just cracks me up!

The Difficulty of Photographing Regan

Have I ever mentioned how difficult it is to photograph Regan? It has nothing to do with how gorgeous she is (obviously, LOL), but the fact that she is extremely hard to direct. She has no problems with red eye, coloring, or dark eye circle. It has everything to with the fact she cannot open her eyes and smile at the same time.

"Regan, open your eyes"
So she of course uses her hands to help open her lovely brown eyes wide. her eyelid muscles just refuse to cooperate with her smile muscles. She can also not give a closed mouth smile or a half smile....we have tried.

So often we try to catch her off guard being natural because posing makes it so much worse and you can spend up to an hour wading through posed pics to find one that will "work".

On the other hand Rebecca my little narcissistic child will pose all day long with ease and loves the camera. Half of her pictures are deleted because she could just have you take pics or take them of herself pretty much all day long.

Are some of your children more camera easy than others?

Disney On Ice was Amazing!

It has been a few years since we have gone as a family to one of the Disney on Ice shows. On Friday we took the girls to see the 100 Years of Magic and what an incredible time we had. We enjoyed singing along with all of our favorite songs, and the amazing capabilities of the ice skaters. Some of those skaters are just amazing.  We saw several who could even do back flips on the ice!The girls loved Pinocchio and the Lion king the best, but my favorite was Beauty and the Beast and the trip back in time with the "Mickey Mouse Club" theme song. Here are a few pics for you to enjoy.

We snacked as we watched the show on cotton candy that came complete with a crown (with mouse ears of course). We had a great view from the handicapped section. One of the down sides is that you are far away from most of the action, but the major plus is you have plenty of seating room and nobody blocking your view from the front. It was also easy to leave first and get out of the parking lot. It was a fun show that gave several story synopsis with great music to enjoy and a wonderful family moment we will cherish. Thank you again Mom Central for the opportunity to represent you and share with my readers.

At our house Thursdays are dedicated to Family Day. It is the a day that I do not work at the gym in the evenings, and the girls have nothing planned. Typically it involves going to the movies or family game night at the house. This week we went golfing as a family and then went to John Mark's office.

The fun part of his office is that he has a ping pong table in his conference room that doubles as his table when he has meetings, but throw on the stereo, order a pizza, and it is our own personal party lounge. In between challenging each other to games and dancing aound the room we enjoyed a family fellowship moment that we have come to look forward to on our Thursday nights.

Anyone else celebrate a family night once a week?

Things Remembered: Make A Wish Bear

One of the most meaningful gifts you can give at Christmas are those that serve a dual purpose. It should awe the recipient and proceeds from the gift  should go to a worthwhile cause. To bring this point home one of my  go-to gift finding places, Things Remembered demonstrates this beautifully this year.

 Isn't he adorable? This is Max and he is this year's collaboration with Things Remembered and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This is a charity that I hold in very high regard. Many of Regan's friends have been granted wishes through this organization and we have seen what a difference it can make in the lives of families with terminally ill children. It is a charity that merits my attention and when there is a bear as adorable as Max that I can buy and personalize, it makes giving so mch easier.

Max has soft moveable arms and he is holding a snowglobe that plays" When you Wish upon a Star". The base of the music box can be engraved with a personal message. I wish I could tell you about my message that my daughter and I requested, but unfortunately that person reads my blog faithfully (sorry). The great part is that two dollars from every Max bear purchased goes to the Make a Wish Foundation with Things Remembered promising a minimum donation this year of $250,000. WOW!

If you are looking for a wonderful gift that also helps terminally ill children fulfill some of their biggest dreams than look into finding your own Max a home this holiday season. Things Remembered is found in most malls or feel free to shop using the highlighted link.

If you are wondering whether  my Max is finding his way to under your tree this year? Well I am not telling!

Disciplining my CP child is tough

You would think a child this lovely could not possibly get in trouble or pull the things that she does. You would think that  and be utterly wrong. I swear she just comes up with ways to make up for the fact that she can't physically do anything wrong....so she justs tests us in every other area.

I will say though this time it has nothing to do with being  random on my cell phone there are no hidden charges for Ferrari parts or anything. Today at the gym Regan had my phone and received a text from John Mark asking what we would like him to make for dinner (yes he cooks most nights, aren't I lucky?). Regan called out the question to Rebecca and I because we were both coaching at the time.

I immediately requested grilled chicken ceasar salads, basically I was craving something delicious and not too heavy for an evening meal. I saw her texting away and gave it no more thought. During a break  between classes I went over and checked my phone, and read Regan's reply to her dad.

"Mom says she wants steak, baked potatoes, and ciabatta bread for dinner"

Ummmmm, no I did not!!!! Sounds more like what Regan wanted for dinner.

We have four days until Regan's birthday party with her best friend from disability camp and normally my first instinct is to take the party away from her for being so disobedient. Unfortunately the tickets for "Disney on Ice" are already here and her friend has never gotten a night out with another friend....ever ( her mom is very hesitant with her disablity).

I hate that she pulls this right before a major event for her because I normally don't hesitate to go full force on discipline, so that it hits hard and makes an impact. So John Mark and I are indiscussion on how else to punish her. Any Ideas?

Tiny Prints and Christmas Cards

Every year I am bombarded with an entourage of beautiful family Christmas cards. The perfect family photos beautifully trimmed with holiday decor. My friend Kelly spends part of her year every year planning her girl's chirstmas card in some unique and adorable situation. My sister, Jennifer always produces the ideal Christmas look in coordinating outfits and beautiful smiles. Every year I have every intention of joining the legion of family friends who send out the prefect Christmas greeting.

Alas, I fail miserably.

This year I have fallen in love with the Tiny Prints holiday selection. I have dreams of the perfect family photo smiling out for all of our friends to see. See that stunning Black and white toile card. Did you know I have a weakness for all thinks toile?

Looking for your own Christmas cards for the holiday season? I can highly recommend the the photocards, pop up cards, and charity celebrity designed cards from Tiny Prints. I bought the girls camp stationary from Tiny Prints and I can tell you that this is a quality stationary company that I like so much that they are my first official advertiser (see right hand column for a direct link and example). I am off to plan outfits that match that toile!

Getting Kicked out of a Bingo Hall takes Talent

For the last several Fridays my family has gone against the Texas tradition of Friday Night Football, and stealthily snuck into the underbelly of small town life the Bingo halls. It is a guilty pleasure that I just adore, and have now exposed the rest of my family....to my utter shame and embarrassment.

We have smelled the fried food and lure of possibly easy money. The girls love that they are allowed to play and keep their winnings in a form of gambling that small town likes to call fundraising for charity.

I have discovered that there are many ways to nearly get kicked out of said Bingo halls, and my rambunctious group are testing out every theory.

Things the bingo loyalists do not find funny include

1. Yelling Go Fish instead of Bingo.
2. Annoyingly saying "got it" or "don't got it" after every number called.
3. Having Regan repeat every number called out to make sure she heard it right.
4. Having Rebecca speak quite loudly on the dangers of smoking as she passes the smoking section. (That is sure to increase our popularity)
5. Announcing quite loudly when you have one number left.
6. Saying "Doink" repeatedly as you dob each number on the paper that is called.
7. Having your husband make a snide comment and snicker when they call out " O 69" or your kids using the age old joke of "Before What?" every time "B4" is called.

What has started out as a fun family activity has become my own personal nightmare as my family is determined to eventually get us kicked out of the bingo hall and then even the underbelly of small town life will cease to exist for us.

Go Fish!!!

Book Review: Suburban Outlaw

I read Suburban Outlaw by Pam Sherman, about a month ago and have already loaned it out twice. First of all because it was laugh out loud funny and secondly beacuse it was a quick read that I knew several of my friends would enjoy. I love it when you read something that can be engagingly familiar without having to tug at heartstrings.

It is a hilarious book that combines a sharp urban sense of humor with an outtake on life in the suburbs. As a small town gal myself it is easy to relate to many of her frustrations such as finding the perfect hairdresser and the right type of clothing to suit the city girl removed from her element. Pam kept me hooting out loud as she talks about finding her people and her husband's "other" girlfriend. I completely related to her absolute loathing for nicknames for herself. Which even inspired me to write a post on that subject matter a while back.

She has the wit of Jen Lancaster in essay form so that each individual portion is easy to read and a story on its' own. I reccomend this to all my readers who find that sarcasm is indeed their hidden superpower and want to enjoy a book without feeling emotionally overwhelmed. This one is book shelf worthy which says a lot at my house.

Order from Amazon and enjoy!

Of South Park and Corn

About a week ago Rebecca came home and asked about the television show "South Park". A friend of hers was saying that it was his favorite show and how funny it was. He was shocked that she had never watched it. I'm pretty sure that up until this point she didn't even know the show existed. It is not a family show that we watch at all in our home. I know I watched a few episodes when it came out years ago, but really it had been eons since I even paid any attention to it.

When she asked me about the show and if she would be allowed to watch it, I responded with "let me watch an episode first and I will let you know if I think it is appropriate."

Wow!

Either I am really old, or this show is just disturbing and I didn't realize it when I watched it years ago. There were basically naked men having sex....on a cartoon, and lots of very degrading remarks. Nothing I would ever let my child watch....and certainly nothing I thought was the slightest bit funny.

I explained the next day that it was not going to be a show she would be able to watch. I told her there were naked people in cartoon form and that I considered it to be porn (a word I should have probably explained better).

Rebecca went off to school and came home later that day saying all of her friends looked confused when she said she was not allowed to watch South Park because it had way to much corn in it.

Yup, corn.
I wish that was South Park's only problem.