Happy Mother's Day

This was yesterday, but had to share. How cool am I that I got my photo with the Cheetos Cheetah with coupons and flyers in hand?! My photo was the secondary option when both my littles protested their photos!

Mother's Day is almost over. It is that time again when Mother's all over are appreciated for what they do on a daily basis....or are they? Being a Mother in any way shape or form is a 24 hour/7 Days a week full time always ON job. To even refer to it as a job makes me twitch a little because I always refer to a job as a task that MUST be done, usually one in which I may not be that thrilled about. For me, mothering thus far has been a compilation of emotions that are never expected and always surprising. It is a full, rewarding, and remarkable role I have in raising my littles. Everyday I am faced with many different challenges, but the amount of love that is in my heart is unmeasurable. I never knew that a human heart had the capacity to love anything this much, but I am proven on a daily basis that indeed it does. I feel that anyone can have a child, but not everyone is meant to be a mother. Being a Mother takes, consistency, presence, patience, and a love that is irreplaceable, constant, and unconditional.

For my Mother's Day this year I spent time with my hubster and littles.We went to swim class, played cars, made castles out of blocks, watched movies, went to the park to play soccer, made chalk minions, played tag and felt the warmth of the sun on our skin. It was the perfect day! I am not a "Gift" type of person. Though, receiving gifts are nice at times, I really am more sentimental and cherish the experiences of life more than anything. We had a great morning swimming. G-Man is prepped and ready for his next level of swim, Preschool I. This will be the class that kicks off his first official summer swim sessions and it will be without me being in the water with him. Watching him become so independent tugs at my heartstrings often. All I see is my baby but what is really in front of me is this growing "Big Boy" toddler. I know that I have to lock these times into my memory bank because soon he will no longer be a baby, toddler, pre-teen, teen, but an adult to go into this world all on his own without holding my hand.

As my little's Mother they will always know that my hand will forever be available to hold should they need to, my arms will forever pick them up should they ask, my words will always provide advice should they seek it, and my love for them will never dwindle, sway, or leave. I am their Mother. I read often that people say their hearts are full. I don't disagree with a feeling like this but in my life being a mother to these two awesome littles, my heart is more than full, it is overflowing constantly. So, I would like to say Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there in any way that you may be a mother. Congrats to you today and every day for taking on this role and following thru day by day. As Mothers we have to make decisions that are hard and in some situations life changing but we are all united in the same way, our unconditional love for the littles in our lives. All the rest of the details are mere technicalities, turns and tangles in which make our stories uniquely ours. To all my fellow perfectly imperfect Mama's may today and every single day you are fortunate enough to be able to continue your journey in motherhood be appreciated and your hearts be overflown with love.

Some interesting info I read today on Digg to share: Mother's Day turns 100 and The Forgotten Mothers


AND....A fun Video that we all can relate to!

Egg-Cellent Easter 2014 RECAP

Easter has come and gone leaving behind empty baskets, a ton of plastic eggs (trying to think of a craft for these), that fake grass crap EVERYWHERE,  and overly exhausted little eyes wide with the amazement and pure excitement that only  the "Magic" of a holiday like Easter can bring.

In my littles eyes I always see wonderment and Magic every day! Eyes HUGE with the anticipation of what is coming next. As we grow older we slowly loose this wonderful "Magic" but don't fret, it is reclaimed once you have children! You then ignite those memories of what that magic felt like to you. What is even grander is that you now get to see what that magic looks like through your children. This is one of the many, many joyous rewards of being a parent.

When I was a little girl I remember the Easter bunny would always leave my basket of goodies outside of the door and sometimes even knock! (Funny Little Bunny)! When I try to think back I really don't remember anything significant that sticks out other than the filled baskets left outside the front door.

Every Holiday I really try to make it extra special in any way I can. I hope that my littles grow up remembering the Magic of the Holidays and pass along some traditions to their children. For Easter my littles receive a basket with very little candy and mostly fun things or items they need. We always have an indoor egg hunt because we haven't yet had a house with a backyard to have an egg hunt in the yard, YET. We have breakfast, go to church, and then head to my sister-in-laws for an Egg Hunt, more goodies, and a great meal. We take a trip to see the Easter Bunny, do any local fun activities we can, and color eggs.

This Easter Holiday we saw the Easter Bunny on an impromptu visit. Grayson had on two different converse and we weren't quite sure how Starr would react. We got a GREAT photo!  G-Man had his Egg Hunt at School which was so cute because they all made baskets out of recycled water/milk jugs. We made Play Doh at home to play with and had festive cookie cutters to use. We made yummy Pink Lemonade Cupcakes (Damn advertisement companies!) We went to visit the Cat in the Hat and even explored a new playground! On Easter Eve we  colored eggs after baby Starr went to bed. Grayson had a blast with this! David and I  did baskets for the kids and were up past midnight setting the scene. We blew up balloons and hung them in the hallway so that Grayson had to walk through them to get to his basket. We decorated the table with festive confetti and had the baskets on top. We had a small egg hunt at the house. Grayson was so excited to see the stickers and fruit snacks inside his eggs. We went to church before heading to my sister in-laws for yet again fun times and yummy food!

A trip down Easters Past

Our Cute Little Chubster 2011

2012

Reminded me of the Creepy Dark Donnie Darko  Bunny! Not your Snuggly, Fluffy, Friendly basket giving Bunny!

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Holiday and from our family to yours we Hop that you had a very special and Egg-Cellent Easter Holiday!!

Show a Little Love All Year

Oh, the beloved Valentine's Day! A day where those lucky in love really dig deep to show their love and appreciation, and those who are just trying to get lucky?....Well, they do the same, but probably take it up a notch. This whole holiday really makes me laugh. All the propaganda, hearts, chocolates, flowers, advertising. Pure Craziness~ but as Icona Pop would sing "I Don't Care, I Love it!" For me, I just think that people should show their love and appreciation for those important to them year round. Not just when a holiday rolls around and subliminally Screams at them to.

I awoke this morning to 4 surprises:

1) My son hysterically screaming that he doesn't want peaches oatmeal, he wants cereal! Good Morning Mommy!

I got Festive with G-Man's Snack for School today :)

2) My Hubsters thoughtful and multifunctional gift of a dozen red roses, heart wrenching card(As usual) box of Dove Milk Chocolate Truffles (My Favorite) and a huge Teddy Dog (For the kids and I - multifunctional)

3) The most unbelievably painful gas Pains!! I am talking send you to the hospital kinda pains. (Don't laugh. It has happened to me before) I mean hunch over in fetal position "I've fallen and I can't get up" kinda pain! ( I can only narrow it down to the raisinets I had at the movies last night, or the chili I ate the night prior.)
4) An incredibly heart felt (Dead On, In my opinion) Fathers letter to his daughter that I received via email from my mom. Why this is a surprise? My "Biological Father" has, Is not, & will never be a part of my life. So, it was a little ironic to receive that email from my mom.

http://www.today.com/moms/dads-letter-daughter-forget-makeup-your-beauty-inside-2D12111554

With all the surprises (Gas Pain included), and the overly monopolized marketing,  I still Love this holiday. I love getting the flowers and card etc.....my ultimate favorite is the Dove Milk Chocolate Truffles!( I already bought 2 boxes and depleted them prior to receiving the one today from my hubster) Most importantly I love Giving. I love doing little things to surprise my Hubster and the kids. Even though I feel that it is crazy to devout a Holiday to people showing there Love for one another because you should do this all year long! Even though after today most people carry on as though this "Special" Day has no other significance. Even though as Forrest Gump would say, "Life is Like a Box of Chocolates" and "you never know what you are going to get" but if you are like me - are really rooting for the Truffle or the coconut one.

And so while I leave to go buy some Gas-X, I leave you with a little history to give your brain some Love.

http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day/interactives/valentines-day-by-the-numbers

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

2014

A New Year begins while the last fades like a mist lingering only in our memories.

The Big New Year has come and gone with a BANG! I am only assuming this due to the fact that my neighbors were shooting Fireworks all night. How did we celebrate. Well, in year's past we would head out on the town with friends for dinner, dancing, wild parties etc. NOW...........
We snuggled on the couch and watched The Polar Express. Starr went down first, David following shortly after, and after Grayson and I shared a cup of hot cocoa.....well we zonked together as well. We all awoke at 11pm to move into bed but I didn't realize David stayed up to watch the ball drop, but didn't wake me. Most would be upset by this or think it to be some superstitious preview of the Year to come. What I think??? He probably tried waking me but I am an exhausted Mother of two who only moved when nudged  to wipe drool from my cheek. I slept thru the fireworks and the excitement of the Big huge Ball drop...same thing every year. I woke to my happy smiling children and my understanding and loving husband. So, I'd say this New Year started perfectly.

Oh and to add a bonus... today I made homemade Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies that were a success!!! I literally was just inches from Twerking the oven because these Oatmeal cookies were seriously the Bomb Diggity!!!

2013 recap:

We moved out of a Toxic Mold filled apartment loosing practically everything
Moved from a 2/2 condo into a 1/1 apartment
We had our second and last (sad face) baby - STARR
We traded in our Nissan for a FIT.....?...(Don't Ask)
Grayson started Preschool among a mile long list of other milestones
Starr started crawling and got her first two teeth!

We stopped making New Years resolutions some years back. Instead we make goals or lists of things to accomplish in 2014.

SAVE SAVE SAVE.......Budget and stick to it!

Save for Davids Mac
Save for a family vacation
Save for kids Birthday parties
Save for kids college fund or start a 529 at least!
Save for a cruise
Save for a House
Save for my SUV (I have nothing against Moms and vans...I just don't want a minivan. I tell my hubby if he wants a man van be my guest...I, however, see myself in a Honda CRV.)

This color too please!! So PUUURTY!

Save for the sake of saving.....and then keep on saving~!

For me: 
Write...write..write... continue working on a project I started at the beginning of last year
Take more risks creatively
Get out of my own head...stop OVER analyzing and relax a little bit...preferably relax A LOT..but baby steps
Try something new

I am pretty Optimistic and always say, "This is going to be a good Year!" All things considering it usually is. This last year really threw some big iron steel curve balls directly..AT..OUR...HEADS...but we survived and grew stronger (Christina Aguilera song -Fighter - jamming in my head now.) I know this year 2014 will be the start of many Fantastical years to come. I can feel it in my bones!
So my Web Friends, actual followers, close friends, family, fellow bloggers and everyone in between I wish you all the Best Damn New Year that this 2014 year can bring! May you all receive exactly what you Need and have your dreams unfold, continue, or expand, while experiencing happiness, good health, joy, love, laughter, and maintaining your sanity...(whatever that actually means)!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Christmas....... It's a Wrap!

I have been neglecting to post for over a week almost! 

Christmas has come and gone with a crap load of toys for my son and a few for my daughter as well. It was Starr's first Christmas! It got so ridiculous this year that G-man would receive a gift, open it and then look for another!! Spoiled little tart! He deserves to be though. He was very patient and said thank you after receiving a gift. I am just trying with all my being to help him realize how lucky and fortunate he is. He is working on a donation bin. 

He really was super excited this year and grasped the concept of Santa wholeheartedly by asking every kind of Santa you could think of for his two major wish list items "big McQueen" and "big tow Mater" including : Santa and snowman wall hanging decals, Santa ornament, Santa's on TV, movie Santa's, Santa in photo from last year, 5 Santa's in real life (mall Santa, fake beard school Santa, fake beard walking Santa at park, driving Santa, and yearly photo Santa!) 

He was also excited about it being Jesus's Birthday. He requested we bake a cake.... Request was granted!

We had 3 Christmas dinners....YUM! Loads of desserts!! Double YUM! We got to spend time with family which Grayson and Starr were super happy about!! AND.......

Starr started to crawl!!! Just tiny very slow mechanical crawling movements but crawling.Yay and uh-oh!!

We rearranged our furniture in our little apartment once again. Had some help from Grandma and Grandpa.

This Christmas left me with a bitter taste in regards to baking......(Damn Gingerbread Man!) left me stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted and gave me one last gift for the grand finale.., a migraine!! With all said and done next year I plan on starting early with shopping and decorations.....but...... Well let's just see what happens.

We are in hopeful anticipation for a "better" year this New Year!

We were/are blessed with family, love, and happiness this Holiday Season and wish for another year filled with Hapiness, Laughter, Love, friendships, (less poop on hands and on the floor), more fun times and memories!!!

G- Man's new thing: Spitting!!!!! 

This is sending my inner Ally thru the roof!!!!

So please less spitting too! Thank you, and to all a Happy New Year!!

The Elf Diaries - Day 25

Today is my last day here with Grayson and his family. I wanted to leave him a note with the gifts I left for him and his sister. I had so much fun with him and during my stay with the Lopez family. I am really sad to leave but cant wait until my return next year! I know that things will be different but hopefully Grayson will remember me. Maybe he will give me a new name??? Not that I  have anything against Cars.

Today, I helped clean the house and bake a ginger bread cookie. Also, made cookies for Santa. I know he will love them, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Yummy! They will be leaving fruit snacks and reindeer food for the reindeer. I know the reindeer will appreciate that!

They wrapped the last of their gifts and packaged the homemade ornaments Grayson and his Mommy made for the family, before heading to his Aunts house. 

Great Elf socks!  The gathering at his aunts house was quite interesting and large. so many gifts and people...and FOOD! They opened their gifts on the night before Christmas. It was very strange indeed!! Grayson had a blast and will sleep well tonight for sure. This is good because Santa will be here tonight and when he arrives I will go with him to help deliver gifts. 

Thank you Lopez family, I will miss you all but most of all I will miss Grayson! 

Until next year,

Cars the Elf

The Elf Diaries - Day 24

 

This morning when I returned from the North Pole I wanted to capture some memories. I got all my new friends that I have met since staying with Grayson and took a photo of them by the Christmas Tree. This was the tree that almost never made it here. I helped put the lights up after all. I am beginning to get a little sad.

Today I watched Grayson play inside with his new McQueen Car. He has been sick and I have watched his eyes still light up with happiness when he plays with certain toys or paints with his Mommy. Every night since I have been here he is sure to tell me Good Night and reminded me to tell Santa about a Big McQueen and Tow-mater. He is a little obsessed I'd say but I know he will outgrow this Cars phase and be into something entirely different next year. It is just a shame I will miss most of his changes.

Tomorrow will be my very last day here with Grayson and his family. Tonight before I head to the North Pole to wrap things up before Santa's big night, I plan on leaving Grayson and his Sister's surprise. 

Only 2 more days until Santa will be here!!!

-Cars the Elf

The Elf Diaries - Day 23

Today,  Mrs. Lopez, Grayson and I headed out for a few hours this morning. Grayson bought a new Cars toy at the Toy Store! A remote Control McQueen which he hasn't put down yet! He did help pay for it with the five dollars his grandma gave him a week ago.

After we headed to their favorite Donut Shop, Mojo Donuts! This place is crazy! They have snickers donuts, Guava and cheese ( Mrs. Lopez's Fave), bacon, sprinkled ( Grayson's fave), and so many more flavors. The donuts look amazing and from feedback I received from Grayson, taste just as good as they look!!

After our trip it was a low key day. I just hung out on the baby's activity gym while Grayson played, and his Mommy did some wrapping. As I hung I really started to think about all the fun I have had with my family and how I will miss them so! Tomorrow I will leave my surprise for them!!

The North Pole is crazy just as it is every year with only days before Santa takes flight. All the reindeer are now on strict rest orders to save their energy for the Big Night. I have stocked little food pouches for each of them to take along with them on their journey. The wrapping is being done at warp speed, which for us elves means the big Magic is being pulled out. We do have only days left to finish! Candy Canes have been packaged neatly and ready to go out as well. Though most tasks are accomplished or getting about finished there is still no time for rest!

- Cars the Elf

The Elf Diaires- Day 22

Today was another fun Day! Mrs. Lopez was really lucky at her community Holiday Brinch and won a gift for Starr, Grayson, and herself!!!! They finished their Holiday shopping today and then headed to their favorite burger place before heading out to see the last Christmas lights this season. 

The lights were nice but nothing compared to the ones we saw last night! 

I  am sad but excited that Chrisas is almost here!!! I have enjoyed my stay so much and hope that Grayson likes my gifts I leave him Christmas Eve!!

-Cars the Elf

The Elf Diaries- Day 21

 

Today was eventful. I took a nice bike ride around Grayson's neighborhood. Then we took a long car ride. Following the car ride we went to an awesome park. It had a train and a huge playground. Grayson had a blast running around.

When we returned home we headed out to look at some Christmas lights. This house was crazy. It was just like my Elf village and really took me back home. We finished with a dancing light show. Down the street from the amazing house with all the lights was another neighbor who does a dancing light display every year at their home but moved to a local church. This.Was. Amazing! I am going to ask Santa if we could do something like this!!!

So much Fun!

Count down is winding down!

-Cars the Elf

The Elf Diaries- Day 20

I am trying my best not to get sick from the little kiddies in this household. It is in my best interest to try anything I can to keep my immune system strong especially because Santa is depending on me! 

Today Grayson made two ornaments special for his Daddy. Baby Starr was really fussy again. Her bottom teeth are about to cut the gums. That has got to be painful!

In the North Pole the presents are stacking and stacking high. Total present count as of last night was 85 million and we still have many more to prepare!!! The elves are all working very hard to complete their quotas this year.

The children are sleeping and I am going to use my Elf magic to fly to the North Pole to help the snow elves shovel snow out of the way of the reindeer stalls and Santa's main entrance into the workshop. 

The weather in Florida has been getting a  little chilly and makes me a little home sick for my cottage at the North Pole.

5 More Days!

- Cars the Elf

6 MORE DAYS

6 Days LEFT!!!!!! UGHHHHHHHH!!!! AHHHHH!!! HAIR PULL!!!! FOAMING AT THE MOUTH!!!

Our Perfectly UN-Perfect Tree - equipped with long stem, disheveled shape & balding spaces...LOVE IT!

Things that I STILL must accomplish in just a few days:

Stockings and Stuffing
Gifts for Starr
Gifts for 5 children (ages range)
See X-Mas Lights in two areas
Doc appointment (Make sure my Internal Vaginal Walls are still in Tact! Men have it easy. Every year my Vagina gets invaded like a war zone with different weapons being jammed in there. Not to mention the "Aunt Sue" or whatever the Hell people are calling their Menstrual cycle these days. The more than several days where you feel that at any given moment your uterus may fall right out of your Vagina. Then there is child birth, UTI, etc. What do men do? Oh that's right. Someone grabs their testicles and they cough. At this point, I would rather have my doc grab my breast and cough then lay helplessly on my back while he/she has a field day with their "instruments: inside my Vagina!)
Wrap, Wrap, and RAP......(Always wanted to do something like that video that is circulating on FB! Now, if we do one,  we are mere copycats, but I don't give a flying hoot if that is what people want to think because one of these years we WILL do a video that will be similar because I have ALWAYS wanted to do so and it will be awesome! Just not this year!)
Work Gifts
Watch Holiday Movies......(I have only watched Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and partly so because the kiddies were sick and requiring my attention like that of a ping pong ball as it quickly sways from one paddle to the other!)
Bake Cookies .....(for...uh.... Santa...Choc Chip...or maybe some yummy peppermint choc chip...)
Attend the annual Family up all Night X-mas Eve event...(Hopefully no meltdowns from the kids and taking a coffee to keep my eyelids from slamming shut due to the pure exhaustion from all of the above tasks.)

Reindeer Food - G-Man made at School - So Cute!!!

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

- Next year I will be prepared ahead of time.......................We shall see??????!

The Elf Diaries - Day 19

Today was GREAT! I decided to sleep in the tree so that I could get a head start on adding my Elf touches to the lights on the Tree. I had an easy night last night at the North Pole and Santa relieved me early. It helps that I have pulled some heavy hour loads previously. Making sure that the bows are perfect on the packages and the wrapping is sealed. I also love to add a Candy Cane to each present but Santa says that will send the wrong message to the Parents with the increase in tooth decay in children lately. So, I am just going to save my canes for the stockings and my new family!! I guess candy canes on the tree, in the stockings, and on the gifts is Candy Cane overload!

Grayson and Starr are both sick and I am hoping that they are well by Christmas Day! Today, Grayson came home from school with goodies, and some great homemade gifts for his parents and Santa's Reindeer...boy will they love it!!
Starr had a doctor appointment to find out that she is just sick...nothing gravely contagious or weird. Thank Goodness! I am already taking every precaution I can to prevent from getting ill before the BIG day.
Grayson helped his Mommy decorate the Tree this evening before finally getting into bed at 10:00pm. A late night for him has become routine but not good for his parents and his immune system. I have to think how I can help with this.....

Getting Late and I must head back to Santa's workshop.

Rudolph has a cold again this year...........It is no wonder he got the nick name Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!

- Cars the Elf

Holiday Spirit Squashers!

Our First Tree - In our first Place 2007

I don't understand why people feel the need to get so close behind you in a line you can feel their breath on your neck. Listen up! Trying to smolder me with your hot breath and getting way to close for comfort WILL NOT MAKE THE LINE MOVE ANY FASTER!!!!

Oh, and all you Jolly A$$holes who have to ruin the Holiday Spirit with your Ba Humbug shouts and unnecessary attitudes when someone gets into the line BEFORE you!!! I wish you a Million kisses from strangers while under a constant Mistletoe!!! The kind of Mistletoe that NEVER leaves your head! It constantly hovers like a hologram until every last strange pair of lips has come into contact with your horrid nasty potty mouthed scrooge hate life and everyone around me, especially during the Holidays Self!

Now that I have that off my chest.

Tree 2008

Today, G-Man and I finished our Ornaments, cut out and hung our homemade snowflakes, and my hubby put up the lights on the Tree. That is half the battle. Still have a list longer than the Nile with only 7 DAYS to finish!!!

Baby Starr has not been feeling well since last week before her shots. She had a head cold which is still lingering, before her shots. After her shots she is always sleepy and has a low grade fever on and off. She had a fever on and off for about 3 days, still has her cold, and now has a weird rash. Red dots on her forehead, chest and tummy!!! She has been extra fussy for the last 3 days, which is not normal for her. She has been refusing to eat her solids, and looks like she is losing weight from just a week ago! Tomorrow we have a doctor's appointment to make sure this is not anything serious. When it comes to my children, I am a freak who has the doctor's number on speed dial and admittedly call way more than they would care to hear from me.

2009 or 2010 (?)

As I type, I am nodding off to sleep. At 11:42pm, I still have to shower and get to bed before waking much to early after a night with the probability of Starr waking at least twice!!!! There was a time way back when I could pull an all niter. I would watch, USA Up All Night with host Gilbert Gottfried and soak in all the weird and/or scary movies they would showcase. Now there is that show or was that show (can't keep up) Up All Night with Christina Applegate and Will Arnett...which is great FYI!

2011

As I type my eyelids become heavier and heavier and I am loosing this battle to keep them open.................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

The Elf Diaries- Day 18

I love pizza!!!! I really couldn't get enough yesterday!! 

Today was great because I got to nap while Mrs. Lopez and baby Starr ran errands this morning. It has been extremely busy at the North Pole and our shifts are getting heavier and heavier as we approach Christmas Day. 

When Grayson got home from school it was straight to nap and then lunch. This was out of usual, he must have been extra sleepy today!

I keep starring at the tree and hope that soon it will be decorated. I really shouldn't complain as I was lucky enough to have a home this year and as Santa reminded me,"Not every Elf gets this opportunity!" I just really want to use my magic and take care of it all for them. Only problem is I don't have clearance for that! I only have the clearance to get to the North Pole and back plus a few little things I have already asked approval for. 

Sometimes...... I just... Wish....there were more magic to give away!!

I really am thinking about giving this Yoga thing a try.

- Cars the Elf

Another Weekend Come and GONE Stationery CardView the entire collection of cards.

First and Foremost ---8 Days and counting--- Happy Holidays! Our photos were taken by Lindsay @ You Are The Roots... a Young Woman with many talents, and a welcomed new friend! The cards were by Shutterfly, which I use every year and for everything, mugs, photo books, invites, etc. because I really like their product.

Weekend whirled past us faster than a Tornado took Dorothy to OZ!

Friday afternoon G-Man had his Holiday show at school which was promising because he came into the room with his bell and hat all smiles. He saw Mommy and bolted toward me. I gave a warm reassuring hug and told him to follow his teacher. As soon as he reached the stage he cried. No songs from him. Although, he wasn't the only child in his class to not sing, he was the only one who cried and had to be removed from the stage. Though I am not disappointed or sad, unlike some who may have been just that or even angry. I am fortunate and blessed that he is in tune with his own feelings and will not tolerate or adjust to a situation that he may not be comfortable with. At least that is how I choose to perceive his actions that afternoon. I have hopes that he never will mold himself for a situation or others to fit in or make them happy. My hopes are that he stays in tune with who he is and if he doesn't feel comfortable he gets out of the situation or makes it known he isn't comfortable. I am perfectly happy having a son who is in tuned to his feelings!

Hmm...Don't know whose camera I was looking at!

Friday night was my husbands Holiday Party for work. It was at the Hyatt Pier 66, BUT not in the much anticipated top Spinning Tower part of the hotel because his company is larger than that room could accommodate. Instead the party was held at the Panorama Ballroom, which was very large and had a nice outdoor balcony area where Bartenders and starters happily awaited guests.  With 2 drinks complimentary per guest, I was, well let's just say...my husband saw me and then I was gone. The sweet warm lovely feeling of a buzz filled me faster than an "Exotic Dancer" gets filled with ...uh...hmm....dollar bills...??!

My husband was ever so kind to give me his tokens and happily I trotted over to the same bartender reminding him sweetly that, "I am a Mother of two." "A very stressed Mother of Two."
I like to think my statement helped in receiving just a wee little bit more Cabernet in my glass but by my second glass I wasn't keeping track! Having a babysitter was such a relief, and by the end of the night, just 2 1/2 large glasses of Cabernet.....I was warm and giggly and ready to hit the town. Reality of the situation was the only town I was hitting that late evening/early AM was Mom Town!

Overall, despite an ankle blister AND almost breaking my neck tripping twice in my heels! The evening was a nice break from Mommy hood. The dinner was good. Starters were bread with a iceberg wedge salad. Main dish,  my choice, Filet, but was a little rare for my liking, served with a yummy rice pilaf...?  Yummy Alfredo rice concoction and broccoli. David had the Mahi with some type of rice alternative..little balls, and carrots. His Mahi was delish. Dessert was best, a trio sampler with chocolate mousse cake, cheesecake with some unidentifiable topping, (passion fruit or grapefruit was my bet...? I ate it anyway) and an amazing banana topped Crème brûlée!

Here is what I wore:

Dress, animal print stockings (to hide my pasty bruised legs and add a little spunk) and shoes were all bought at Kohl's

Yummy Dessert

Centerpieces

Grooving to the beat

Night Out = Happy Wife! Happy Wife = Happy Life!

Saturday morning we met a friend for brunch, before heading over to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa. We went last year also and seems this will be our traditional go to for a few reasons: 1) Santa looks authentic 2) Photo is Free and 3) we get a photo in Santa's sleigh with reindeer and huge Tree as back drop...Bonus!

****Side Note*** (Santa's came up underlined for spell check and no word Santa in Spell check list but Satan and Satan's was.........CREEPY!!!)

After a cat nap Saturday...well my husband and Grayson cat napped; we headed out to the Park for a Movie in the park......which got cancelled! Bummer as it was our first time attending. However, that did not stop Grayson and his buddy Ethan from playing and making the most of the open field!
We ended our night taking a drive to a house in Parkland with Christmas lights that out shined neighbors to the extreme! The kids admired and ran around the magical lighted display taking in Santa's workshop, equipped with Ferris wheel, ginger bread men jumping, a choo choo train, nativity set, Santa in hot air balloon, candy canes, and music etc. It really brings out the spirit of Christmas. That is until you have to chase your little one whose pants are filled with quite the aromatic poopy diaper and owner of home pulls into driveway with not so Joly look on face. So what is expected when you practically Magic Kingdom your house Christmas light style???? Do you not want anyone to stop and look? Do you not want little dream filled eyes wondering around your driveway in pure amazement and excitement? Maybe, you just had a bad day? Either which way I'd like to say from my Family, especially my little G-Man, to yours..Thank You for such a beautiful Holiday Light Display!

Grayson and Ethan playing in the field

Christmas Lights

Sunday crept up so quick I barely had time to think of what was on the agenda. First was cleaning our apartment. Though very very small, still quite the task as I haven't cleaned in weeks! After the kids napped we FINALLY went to get our Tree! With only 8 days left until Christmas it is better late than never! We ended our evening last night by going to Re-visit Bethlehem. It was a live reenactment of Bethlehem City. There were the three Wise Men, Mary , King David, Roman Guards, peasants, different shops inside the city, and finale was the messiah, baby Jesus surrounded by Angels. It will be the beginning of yet another Holiday Tradition for us. Along with making Ornaments, Bass pro Shop Santa photos, Cookies and fruit snacks for Santa, Christmas PJ's and a Birthday cake for Jesus! (requested by Grayson)

Our Tree!!!!!

Helping daddy with the Tree Stand

3 wise Men

Grinding wheat for bread

Petting a Chicken

Fresh Market

Baby Jesus