Holiday update...

Thank goodness Christmas is over. It was exhausting but a lot of fun.
Christmas Eve with my brother's family and egg-donor was a success. The kids got toys they really liked and muther left pouting like a child, as usual. She pulled another one of her antics and bought Gryffin a Superman cape after I told her that I was making him one for Christmas. Oh, but hers was made of hard plastic, vinyl and makes flying sounds. It also chokes Gryffin and puts him into fits when he gets it stuck on his head. But it came from a store so in her opinion its better than the humble one I sewed with love. I feel sorry for her that she still believes Christmas comes from a store and not the heart.
Christmas morning was wonderful. Mike and I woke up before Gryffin and had enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee together and look at the tree with its sparkling lights and pretty presents all wrapped and stacked. When I woke Gryffin up it took him a few minutes to even notice the presents or the incredibly shiny red drum kit set up next to the tree. He was more concerned with why Santa would be so mean and not leave any cookies on the plate for him to eat. Anger gave way to excitement when we pointed out the drum kit and presents. Santa was forgiven.
Mike took the week between Christmas and New Year's off and its been wonderful having him home. Wednesday when reality sets back in and he goes to work will be hard. For all of us.
Tonight we are having a New Year's party. It was planned to be at Robin's house but she's feeling under the weather so its going to be here. Nothing fancy, just good friends and lots of laughs. We are using this as an excuse to finally set up a bed in the guest room. Beqi and Eddie live across the river and through the crazy so waiting until tomorrow to drive home would make us all feel better. And its not like Gryffin already doesn't refer to the guest room as Beqi's already. That is where the sewing machine is so in his mind that's her room. Last night I was in there doing a little sewing and he peeked his head in and scolded me for playing in Beqi's room. I think my kid is smitten.

Christmas update post has been delayed due to a horrible accident. Mike and I have been trapped under an avalanche of toys, boxes, wrapping remnants and food with an overwhelmed, finicky and slightly cranky toddler. As soon as we dig ourselves out and have a good stiff drink, I will give the play by play.

Score!

The Ultimate Johnny Cash Christmas Collection. He can even make Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer sound a little sad. I love it!

Super Heros don't get stage fright

Last night was Gryffin's first Christmas program at Day Out. Holy comedic relief, Batman! My MIL attended with us, which made Gryffin really happy. We all dropped him off in his classroom and we headed to the gym to find a seat. It was packed, packed with holiday sweater wearing women, kids and newborns, proud grandparents, the Midwestern assortment of 'the don't get out much' crowd and the 'keeping up with the Jones's' families. Before the curtain went up I spent most of the time crowd gazing. I saw women gossiping about the family in front of them, I saw men fumbling with their camcorders, I saw kids being cute and being brats. The whole time I thought how lucky I was. I had had a really awful day but at the end here I was about to enjoy the best show on earth. The best because my kid was in it.
The lights went down and some really bad country Christmas song began assaulting our ears. I can only assume there were problems wrangling that many kids and toddlers on stage because we had to listen to this song twice. When the curtains finally rose there was a slew of camera flashes and parents struggling to find their child in the mass of them. We didn't have that problem. Gryffin made himself very noticeable as soon as the first song started. Very noticeable. Basically, he was the only kid throwing imaginary Spiderman webs and Super Hero punches into the crowd. He was deflecting all the bad parental behavior in the audience and returning it with Toddler Tasers. He was jumping up and down and sending his own brand Christmas Spirit in the form of one/two punches. No, he didn't hit any of the other kids; although, he did try to take the big red bow out of the hair of the girl in front of him. I'm pretty sure that during Jingle Bells he was singing about how Batman smells and the Joker got away. It is his favorite song, ya know.
When it was over we picked up Gryffin and headed for the cookie table. Yup, I was so proud of my Super Hero that he deserved a cookie. At the cookie trough I had a hard time controlling big eyes and fast fingers as he began touching and even tasting things only to put them back on the serving platters. I quickly scooped them up in horror, hoping no one else but Dianne noticed. By the end, he had a plate piled high with sugar. Not a big deal to most parents now a days but we don't let Gryffin have a lot of sugar. This is why...
On the way home we decided to drive through the moneyed part of the town and Gryffin was talking (and singing the Batman song) the whole way. I had never heard him talk so fast or so much! When we arrived home he was literally bouncing. Tigger ain't got nothing on him. We let him stay up about an hour past his bedtime, we're dumb but we aren't stupid. Finally after wrestling him into his jammies we all cuddled on the couch with Dr Seuss's, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas". I swear as I was reading I could see the sugar crash hitting. One moment he was fighting keeping his eyes open, the next he was asking questions like a riled prosecutor. I knew he wasn't long for the waking world when he started turning more than one page at a time and even closed the book before it was over. We tucked in our little Super Hero and I swear, he was snoring before we even closed the door.

Devil Monkey, Stop Throwing Wrenches!

Or "How To Not Start Your Very Busy Day"
It started off well enough, I got the menu for next week done, I got a good start on the grocery and errand list, I got both of us dressed, presentable and fed. I packed Gryffin's Day Out lunch and bag and took it to the Jeep, when I noticed that I had left his door open. With the ker-thump of my heart hitting the cement, I turned the key. Yup, dead. AAAAAaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!
I called Robin, who shall be knighted and so named- Robin The Heroic, she threw on clothes and came over. The Jeep finally started after a few attempts.
There was still hope for the day when I got Gryffin to Day Out only 30 minutes late. Then I got to the parking lot. The Jeep didn't want to start. Oh, not because of the battery, but because I was out of gas. I limped it to the gas station that, thank God, was across the street and put my last few bucks in.
Hmmm, risk more wrench throwing monkey attacks and hit Sam's and the grocery store or stay home, clean, wrap Christmas presents and decompress? One means taking a two year old on errands tomorrow, the other means possibly getting stranded in cold, wet, snowy rain. I don't know which is worse.

Finally, playdate!

My kid was going through withdrawals. So was I. Today I'm hosting and have visions of all the lil' chil'en playing nice and quietly while the Moms yak it up. Yeah, I'm kidding myself on that one. I just hope there isn't any pint size fist fights or hair pulling.
Yesterday I took the Day Out opportunity to wrap some Christmas presents. After bringing Gryffin home, I was taking off my coat and putting my purse down when I heard, "Presents!" and the sound of ripping paper. Oh crap. They were all presents for Mike but it looks like I have some rewrapping to do.
Also, at Day Out yesterday his teachers gave him a Christmas stocking filled with goodies, a Matchbox car, a sno-globe and a few candy canes. Now he knows that presents come in stockings too. He already checked the stockings hanging from the mantle this morning and whined because they were empty.

Just another post...

Monday play date was cancelled due to the fact that everyone is broken. We are either sick, in pain or springing spouses from the hospital. Jeez Santa, what did we do to get put on the double secret probation naughty list?
Yesterday Gryffin was very disappointed that he wasn't able to go to Clara's house, but reading a few books and a little TV time quickly cured that. We are all hoping to get together later in the week and will be going out for a night on the town, sans children, Saturday. Thanks Wendy, your babysitting services for all the kiddos is much appreciated and your sanity questioned!
Today is Day Out. Since it is the next to last day of it until after the first of the year I really need to crack down and get some stuff done. Last night I thought I would have to spend today in the doctor's office but this morning I woke up feeling pretty good. In comparison to the last few anyway. I pretty much overdosed on decongestants and cough medicine last night after a really heinous cough attack and went to bed early. I have yet to cough this morning and after stretching out the back muscles feel that after the old 3 to 1 combo our dentist filled us in on, I will be feeling about 80%. I can deal with 80%.
The last time I went to the dentist he told me that 3 ibuprofen and 1 Tylenol, when taken together, has the same level of pain killers as prescription pain pills without the stoned side effects. It works for us too. With all the back problems Mike and I have its been a life saver.
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor and don't even play one on TV so don't go taking what I just said as gospel. I don't need any numb-nuts, morons suing me because they did this and had some adverse reaction.
Speaking of, I better get to medicating and moving before my muscles and mind settle into this nice, comfy couch and blanket even more.

Snow!

Yeah Baby! We got snow, only about and inch or two but its still coming down and a lot more in the forecast. Break out the sled, scarves and cocoa 'cause we're gonna play. Heck we might even go all vigilante and tag the neighborhood with snow angels. Or we may just address some Christmas cards, make some ornaments and watch the flakes fall.

One and done- a certainty!

Today I looked after Lil' Eddie for a while. Let me tell you, I love that kid. I love my own kid. And they seem to love each other. I picked him up this morning and on the way back to my house they were giggling and laughing and tapping out tunes with their feet on the backs of the seats. While here they played and wrestled and chased each other around the house creating chaos in their wake. It was a blast. Later I drove Lil' Eddie to his Grandma's. On the way the boys napped like angels and when I was unloading the Ed-man Gryffin had a meltdown because his cohort in crime was leaving.
We are now home. Gryffin's in the bath and I'm sitting in the hallway making sure he doesn't hurl a soaking Batman and Superman at me. I'm also sitting here letting the muscles rest. Changing two diapers, filling two sippees, making lunch and snacks for us, chasing after, attempting to clean up after and wrangling them both into car seats was a little more than I could do on a daily basis. I don't know how parents of more than one kid do it, let alone those with twins or more. Holy hectic, Batman!
Side note: without spreading their business around, be sure to put Beqi and Big Eddie in your prayers. They are having the year from hell. Good thing 2007 is almost history.

Traveling to Brussels

Last night we took a little culinary adventure. I made beef stroganoff, which is one of my staples because its cheap, fast and low fat (at least my version is) but our vegetable accompaniment was new to all of us. I thought it weird that at 35 I had never tried brussel sprouts so I bought some. Growing up vegetables weren't prevalent in our diet unless they came from a can, which aren't really vegetables since all the nutrition has been leached out and salted to hell. The old egg-donor would only buy corn and green beans. To her credit there was the occasional bag of fresh carrots though. Anyway, last night I steamed a batch of brussel sprouts and I really liked them. They tasted like a combination of cabbage (duh) and spinach. The boys however were a little more critical. Gryffin took one taste and promptly stuck out his tongue letting the little sprout tumble from his mouth and presented a look that only meant I had scarred him for life. Mike's reaction was slightly better. He kept them in his mouth, trying to chew without them touching his tongue and finished all that were on his plate to provide a good example for Gryffin. Bless him. I won't be fixing them again for fear of my men sprouting picket signs and needing therapy.

The Nonadventures of Hacky Von Cougherstein

I'm thinking about formally changing my name to Hacky Von Cougherstein.
Yesterday I felt pretty good. I got the house clean, I made a Superman cape, knitted and cooked dinner. Last night the dreaded chest rattlers came back with a vengeance. It seems the night time brings it on. Hmm, vampire coughs, go figure.
My MIL came over last night for a Gryffin fix and I asked her about pains I've been having. Being a nurse I trust her medical opinion. She said that I've most likely torn some muscles from coughing. Now that's talent.
At least I can still knit. I've got plenty to keep me occupied.

The Baby Jesus thinks laser light shows rock.

Last night we took Gryffin through Lady of the Snows Shrine to look at their Christmas light display. Thousands upon thousands of lights, he really enjoyed it. We promised to take him back when it wasn't drizzling so he could ride the camels and donkeys and catch the laser light show. Because nothing can tell the story of our Savior's birth like twinkle lights and lasers.
While driving home we passed some decorated houses that would make Martha Stewart shudder. Me too, for that matter. Therefore:

The Ten Commandments for Outdoor Holiday Decorating
1. Thou shalt not use one color, unless it's white. A house lit up all in blue makes it look cold and spooky, one all in red makes it look like Satan's going to be attending the celebration.
2. Thou shalt not decorate with burnt out strands of lights. Seeing a bare spot right in the middle just screams 'I don't care'.
3. Thou shall pick one theme and stick to it. Nothing is more confusing than seeing a Nativity, a Menorah and Santa all in the same yard. Unless maybe the Baby Jesus is in a cage match with Santa.
4. Thou shall be selective. Just because you have a bagillion lights and thirty seven light up snowmen doesn't mean you should cram them all into your 20x12 front yard.
5. Thou shalt not use animatronics. The animated, light up reindeer are just creepy.
6. Thou shalt not decorate with plastic flowers. This one holds all year.
7. Thou shalt not keep the Christmas decorations up through Easter. Nothing is more pathetic than seeing them in Spring, especially when you are still lighting them up!
8. Thou shall go all the way or not at all. Don't half-ass. Jesus hates half-assers.
9. Thou shalt not dress your plastic geese like Santa. In fact, just forgo plastic geese altogether.
10. Thou shalt not use inflatable anything! Everyone and their dog has those dumb inflatable decorations. Their nothing special and only give the impression that you still love to decorate your house in country blue and ceramic ducks.

Ho Ho Argh!

The blue and green scarf is mine. Remember, its a first attempt.

The skull scarf is for Mike; although, I'm thinking of making one for me but putting a little pink bow on the skull. I'm already about two feet into it and just today I realized what a big neck Mike has so I am going to have to go get more yarn. Hey, he needs that big neck to support his huge brain so I better not complain too much.

I'm really hoping to have his done before Christmas so I can get started on Gryffin's. I don't ever think I will be as proficient or talented as my friend Robin but I do enjoy it. It has taught me a couple things too:

1. Football can be tolerated when knitting

2. Knitting keeps me from munching while watching TV

3. Always put my knitting away, otherwise a certain 2 year old will undo all I've done when I sleep in

My scarf is done! Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm behind on the picture posting. I hope to rectify that tomorrow. Anyway, my scarf is done and I'm quite proud. Mistakes and all. I have even started on Mike's and bought the yarn for Gryffin's. Look out, I'm on a roll!
I am feeling much better. I can breathe again but I'm still hacking up gunk like a cat with a belly full of fur. From my collar bone to my hips my muscles ache and I have this terrible pain in my right lung but... I'm up, dressed and have ventured out into the public today.
We went downtown today to pick up some coffee, look at the gingerbread houses and get craft supplies to make decorations for Gryffin's very own Christmas tree.

I can't believe Christmas is so close. Our tree is still bare, there are no other decorations adorning the house, I haven't even thought about the Christmas Eve menu, not a single present has been wrapped. Heck, thinking about it, I don't think I've covered everyone on the Nice list. And no Christmas cards have even been addressed. Argh, here we go again.
I guess this is just part of the holiday season. Being stressed and frazzled so that when the New Year starts it can be done with a deep sigh of relief.
I will take consolation in the fact that I am almost done with knitting my scarf. For a first effort, its not too bad. I will wear it as a badge of honor and hopefully look back on it to see how far I've come. I've kept my first stained glass project for that very same reason. That way, when I really goof something up I can glance over and tell myself, "Yeah, but its a lot better than that piece of crap". Stagnation is the enemy, improvement is the goal- not perfection. Once I'm done with the scarf, I've promised to make one for Mike. Then Gryffin asked me to make him one last night too. I guess I've got my work cut out for me. I figured out last night how to incorporate a multicolored pattern into my knitting so I'm going to challenge myself a little with Mike's. Wish me luck!

Don't hold it against me, Santa.

Still sick, but on the mend. We were scheduled to get flu shots this morning but the only one of us that was well enough was Mike. I will just have to reschedule for Gryffin and I.
Last night the Monday Mommy Posse, kids and spouses were supposed to meet downtown at the Santa House to get the kids pictures taken together. But it seems we aren't the only one's under the weather. We will try again next week. Since I was feeling pretty good last night we decided to go ahead and take Gryffin to see Santa and get his picture taken. Only about a 15 to twenty minute wait, which isn't bad. Gryffin spent it racing Mike and playing with a puppy. I spent it dancing around trying to keep warm. When it came our turn the warmth of that little hut felt so nice. Gryffin saw Santa and was pretty cool until Santa reached down and put Gryffin on his lap. Gryffin immediately started crying and latched onto me with a death grip. It took a while to calm him down. Santa was cool, as he was last year and talked to Gryffin trying to calm him down. A candy cane, a request for a drum kit and some Superman discussion led to Gryffin calming down enough to be willing to stand next to Santa for the picture. Gee, my kid doesn't want to sit on some strange man's lap, I'm not going to get bent out of shape about it. Even Santa agreed that its not such a bad thing. I would love to paste a copy of the picture but I don't think our scanner is working yet from the computer crash. It will come soon, I promise. Next week when we go with the MMP Krewe the kids will get a picture of all of them together, which will be pretty cool. And maybe Gryffin will be a little more comfortable knowing that Little Eddie's got his back in case Santa gets weird.

I won't go into all the loverly details but I feel like microwaved poo. I got about 2 hours sleep last night. And no I didn't get to the grocery store yesterday but at least I was with it enough to order a pizza instead of trying to make dinner from sour kraut and jelly. I have no clue as to what we will do tonight for dinner. I just know that I'm not up for anything- including consciousness.

Lung cookies anyone?

Cough, hack. I hate being- hack, hack, cough- sick. Gryffin and I spent most of today snuggling on the couch in jammies because neither one of us felt like doing much else. By tonight he was almost back to himself. Me? My throat feels like I had a chili pepper smoothie with a smoldering charcoal chaser and there are pebbles lodged in my lungs.
I was supposed to go shopping with my MIL tomorrow but when I called her and had to tell her who I was she understood that I wouldn't be up for a play day. Besides, we have no food. I don't mean we are low on milk and eggs, I mean unless you want a can of sour kraut and some jelly you are out of luck.

You know your husband loves you when he goes to Walgreen's at 10:30 to get you some Nyquil and misses the end of a football game. Even after a glass of wine in the bubble bath, my regular sleepy time meds and a good dose of Nyquil, I still didn't get much sleep. Hey, I guess its a good thing I already had a doctors appointment scheduled for today.

Tagged, I'm it

I usually don't do stuff like this but since Robin, www.poppymom.com tagged me and I plan on seeing her this afternoon I better respond. I'm supposed to share seven random things about myself and tag seven other people. I will do the first but I'll skip the second. Gratitude may be sent in monetary form.
1. My first record, yes- record, was a Barry Manilow. My taste in music has greatly approved but there is just something about singing, flashy, gay men that I will always find enjoyable.
2. I watch the Backyardigans even when Gryffin is in Day Out. They're cool.
3. I find Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs hot. Even when he's covered in disgusting goop and talking about poo.
4. I am really, really, really lazy. There aren't many things I would rather do than snuggle on the couch with a book, remote and blanket for the entire day.
5. I hate to clean. This goes along with #4. It used to be that I just wouldn't do it but then I would end up having to spend an entire weekend doing it. Now I'm just more efficient at it where I try and clean up as I go so I have more time to be lazy.
6. I used to practice a Christian based form of witch craft. Its not a weird as it sounds. It was a belief that nature could bring you closer to God. Prayers were written and then burned so the smoke would deliver them to heaven. Colors of candles and certain scents were used in combination to bring about certain results. Just so none of my family freak out, no- there wasn't any idols or devil stuff involved.
7. I hate cold pizza. I would rather chew on a shoe than eat leftover pizza from the fridge.

There, I did it. Now that you all know what a freak I am I hope you still like me.

Black Friday Was Grey

I can't believe I'm going to say this but shopping Friday wasn't bad at all. We did both Target and the mall and I've seen them just as busy on a Saturday afternoon. We have got almost all the Christmas shopping done. And its not even December yet. That is a new record for us.
The weather turn cold and wet. Along with our moods. My tummies been doing summer salts, I blame Taco Bell and Mike's back is sore from playing football Saturday. Ah well, such is life.
I'm thinking that since my son is obsessed with Super Hero's that I will attempt to make him his very own Super Hero cape for Christmas. I surfed and found several patterns and such on line but they all had strings around the neck. Yeah, that's smart. I'm thinking I'll just have to remember how to make a pattern. I learned in college but like a lot of my college experience I've blocked it out. I'm hoping to do a reversible one with Velcro tabs on the collar. Maybe a red side for Superman and a blue side for Batman or some imaginary super ego Gryffin comes up with. Anyone but Aqua Man. He's dumb.

One holiday down, one to go!

That was the most stress free, enjoyable Thanksgiving I can remember. I think my meds are working. Yeah! We went out to the MIL's where she had finally been true to her work and scaled back. Gryffin did what he does best, run amok and play. Luckily, the cousins were more than happy to chase after him. After we got home we settled in for Survivor. Gryffin snuggled up in my lap and promptly fell asleep. Its been a long time since he did that and I took full advantage of it. Snuggle buggin' is my favorite!
This morning we woke up to a light dusting of snow. Yup, snow! I love snow, its pretty to look at and fun to play in. And when there is snow that means that its not too cold to snow. Around these parts we get a lot of cold but its either not cold enough or too cold to snow. I'm hoping this year is reminiscent of 1982. The year we got several feet of snow. I remember being snowed in, school cancelled for several days and digging a tunnel from the front door to the, well a few feet in front of the front door. Anyway, it was a lot of fun and a rarity.
Being that today is Black Friday and Mike is off work, he said something about going to a sporting goods store to look for shoes. This really surprised me. Usually we barricade ourselves in and wait for the retailers to die of exhaustion. Oh well, it can't be THAT bad, can it?

Fall frolic.

The kids, Robin and Beqi included, played in the backyard. It was close to 70 degrees and we all took advantage of it. It was awesome.

Today its already at its highest at 60 and the rain is on the way, along with a big drop in temperature. I guess I'll just have to stay home and do some laundry. Mike will be heartbroken to have clean clothes.

I'm sitting here watching the leaves fall like snow in our backyard. I've just finished my first cup of coffee and Gryffin is still sleeping. So why could I just burst into tears at any moment? Argh.
Maybe its the fact that I have a friend who is having a rough time, its getting close to Christmas, I looked at the credit card bill or I haven't exercised in several days. Who knows.
What I do know is that the Mom Posse is coming here for playdate today and I am so looking forward to it. So is Gryffin. I told him last night that his friends were coming over to play and he repeated all their names. Beqi was mentioned several times. I think she is Gryffin's first crush. I asked him if he wanted them to come over and play and he said yes, but that he wasn't sharing Little Batman. Little Batman is a little action figure our lawn mower found in the back yard. His chin is dinked from where the blade dug him up. Ever since Gryffin has insisted on keeping him close. He sleeps, eats and even bathes with Gryffin. I think we will be putting him out of reach today for fear of a brawl if someone other than my son touches him.

Thanksgiving warm-up/ blow-up

Last night we attended a dinner at Robin's. Attendees included the Monday Mommy Posse along with their respective kids and husbands/boyfriends and a few of Robin's other friends.
The food was beyond awesome. I ate until I hurt, then I ate some more. Mia had made and awesome pumpkin pie and home made whipped cream that Gryffin proceeded to to inhale. Robin's cousin Wendy made a Jello Salad that definitely was not for those under the age of 21. 31 for that matter. It was dangerous good.
The night was not without dramatics. I missed the opportunity to be called as a witness to them but from what I understand that's a good thing. I cannot go into details except to say that I will never understand rude, inconsiderate and down-right mean people. Especially when they are a guest in someone else's home. Kudos to those who handled it like adults and a big sloppy raspberry to those who didn't. I shall find your car and place one of my son's stinkiest diapers in your air vents along with a loving note that reads, 'Now that your nose is dead keep it out of other peoples business'. Yes, I am that vindictive. When you hurt those I care about I go into mother bear mode. And since I lose at physical or verbal fights, I pull out the psychological warfare.
Anyway, the Mom Posse will need their weekly sanity check tomorrow and I plan on getting some comfort food for it. I think we will need it.

I love the smell of White Castle in the morning, not.

Ok, so before 9 am today I had bought a magnum of wine, a bag of chips, 3 donuts and a 30 pack of White Castle hamburgers. I think I've set a new trailer park record of the most hoosier morning purchases ever. Maybe not ever, I didn't buy a 40 of Colt 45 after all.
But hey, I am entertaining this afternoon and heading to a party later today. My actions are justified. At least in my own twisted little mind.

Lets see, today I have already dusted, vacuumed and done some laundry, fed, changed and put Gryffin down for his nap. How shall I celebrate? Have all my friends over to trash the joint of course! We were planning on going to the zoo today but its just a little too chilly to do that and my gosh, we can't go three days without hanging out so...
Even though I haven't had a shower and am still in sweats they are all coming over. Yeah, caught in sweats AGAIN. Now either I'm going to have to start getting up with Mike at 5:20 am or I'm going to have to invest in nicer sweats. I'm not one to feel comfortable going beyond my property line in them unless its to run an errand I don't have to leave the car for. I think this whole insecurity came about my freshman year of college when women weren't even allowed to wear sweats outside of their dorm or the gym. They even had separate gym hours for men and women so the guys couldn't lust after our sweaty, sweat clad, stinking bodies. This college was so uptight and conservative. I didn't fit in too well as you may imagine.
I was once told not to wear my Grateful Dead shirts anymore because they were satanic. Huh? What is so satanic about tie dye? Was it the skeleton that they were afraid of? Ooh, bones- scary. Anyway, I relented for fear of having to go back to hell and live with my egg-donor. Don't get me wrong, they still kicked me out. But only because I ran out of money. Just because they religious doesn't mean they are understanding or charitable. Go figure.

note to self:

Stomach full of coffee and nothing else
+
Slippery socks
+
Ring Around the Rosey
=
Nausea and a sore butt

TGIF!
Thanksgiving is next week, just a reminder for any of you who have had your head in the sand. This year its at my MIL's so my preparations are minimal. Of course, I won't know what she needs me to bring until Wednesday night. Thats how she rolls, late. I love her though. Any woman willing to host a bazillion people for Thanksgiving and working 12-16 hour shift the day before and after is amazing.
Tomorrow we are having Mike's old boss and his family over, along with his Dad if he can make it for the Ohio State/Michigan game. Oh yeah, and Chris too! Then after we kick them out we are heading to Robin's house to further stretch our tummies at a Thanksgiving warm-up dinner. Basically, its a Thanksgiving for the family we chose. There will be no turkey on the menu as none of us want to OD on tryptophan this week. I am taking White Castle stuffing because there is nothing better than a bunch of tipsy farters eating themselves into misery. Good thing none of us smoke, open flame would be bad.

When you're two you can get away with it, not when you're 35.

Today's To Do List:
Take Gryffin to Day Out
Develop a menu and grocery list for the week and for the football get-together on Saturday
Grocery shop
Call the old egg-donor and wish her a crappy- I mean happy- birthday
Clean and laundry

I think that's plenty. Oh, one more thing! I have to call my mother-in-law to find out what to make for her Thanksgiving dinner.

Yesterday Gryffin was so proud of the fact that he peed like Daddy, standing up, that when we went to the Post Office he demanded to stop and see Grandma at work to show her the new tattoo he got for it. Wouldn't have been a big deal except for the fact that I just planned on using the Post Office drive through so he was still in jammies and his Spiderman slippers. But he was so proud of himself that I just couldn't deny him bragging rights. So I trailer parked up and took my kid out in public in slippers and jammies. I called Dianne to make sure it was Ok with her and she said it was fine. Of course, she didn't tell me that she was in the middle of a meeting at the time. They ushered Gryffin and I back to the break room where I was only expecting Dianne but was greeted by a gaggle of nurses. With my kid in slippers and jammies. And me in clothes not much better than jammies. Grrr. Oh well, my kid got his grandma fix, was able to brag to whole room full of grandmas about peeing standing up, showed off his new tattoo and charmed them with his well, charm. But from now on he's getting dressed before we get in the car no matter what. Me too for that matter.

Any way you want it, thats the way you need it.

Tonight's conversation in the car on the way home from The Evil Empire's Bulky Twin, aka Sam's:
Mike: Gryffin is Mommy being silly?
Gryffin: Yeah
Me (car dancing to Journey's 'Any Way You Want It'): Gryffin do like it when Mommy's silly?
Gryffin: Yeah
Mike: Honey, I think your meds are working.
Me (still car dancing and now singing along with Journey's 'Any Way You Want It': You think so?

Personally, I think its just because before going in to Sam's we heard Van Halen's 'Hot for Teacher'. Yeah, my music taste is a little off but so am I.

Oh and did I mention I'm typing this from my couch, with my feet up on my new laptop. My husband is so awesome. I think I will keep him around.

Last night was fun. I think my brother and his family had a good time. Note to self: next time chop the veggies in the meatloaf so small they can't be seen. I wasn't offended, I just found it funny that the boys ate around them.
I don't know whats on the agenda for today. There are some event downtown and Mike is thinking about going to his old high schools football game. Who knows?

Two year old pie

Or rather, a two year old making pie.

Gryffin helped pour the apples in, mix the topping and put it on and put on the chunks of butter. He did everything but cut and peel the apples!

I'm going to make him my sous chef.

All he needs is a little apron and hat.

And to realize that licking the bowl is inappropriate until the pie is in the oven. We were a little short on apples because of this. But I'm sure it will taste just fine.

Tonight my brother, sister-in-law and their three children are coming over for dinner and a movie. Luckily I was able to get the vacuuming and some laundry done yesterday so the house is in good shape. Still have laundry to do, fold and put away. I have to prep the meatloaf and make some mashed potatoes, maybe an apple pie. Oh yeah and take a shower!
Last night we saw an incredible transformation in Gryffin. One minute he was cranky and lethargic, the next he was climbing like a monkey and laughing uncontrollably. The secret to this transformation? A poo the size of a baseball! He has been guzzling milk faster than a cow could make it and the cow got revenge. I guess its partly my fault because I've been giving it to him.
Speaking of Gryffin, he just came running in with his arms outstretched calling 'Mommy, Mommy!' and gave me a big hug. Now that's how everyday should start. And usually does. I am so lucky and blessed.

Guilt ridden laundry

Java no longer resides with us. Yesterday he was placed for adoption at the local humane society. Our hearts are broken over this but there was no choice. Java was becoming aggressive, trying to become alpha male now that Mojo is chronologically challenged. He was playing too rough with Mojo and had even taken a couple nips at Gryffin. He never bit Gryffin but that was only a matter of time since Java saw him as next in line for the throne.
Our friends Beqi and the Eddies were here when Java left. I'm glad they were. I've never been one for friends. Friendship was always a lot of work for me, either trying to change myself to what they wanted or trying to change them to what I wanted. For well over a decade I had given up entirely. Now my friends will come to my rescue and make me laugh when I need it most. Heck, Beqi didn't even run screaming when I was losing it yesterday. You know its friendship when someone will give you a hug even though you have a snotty nose and projectile tears.
Gryffin has been pretty emotional too. He slept late this morning which I really appreciated but when he did wake it was with a short lived smile. Not like him at all. He asked where Java was and I reminded him that Java ran away. We are not telling him the truth as 2 year olds process information very differently than adults and I don't want him thinking that if he bites or misbehaves he will incur the same fate. Lying isn't right, but sometimes necessary. When I took him to Day Out this morning it was a ball fest. Not in the round and bouncy sort of way but in the tear laden, red faced way. I explained to his teacher what happened and she said that it was Ok and that they would make sure Gryffin was comforted throughout the day. God bless them.
I have a bazillion loads of laundry to do today. Its $10 off day at the grocery but I couldn't come up with the required amount of minimum purchase that we needed. I may still go tonight, but most likely tomorrow when there won't be anyone there. Right now, I'm going to finish off the coffee, take some headache medicine and put some laundry in.

Playful Monday

Today I hosted playdate. You see, I was stuck here waiting for a plumber that I nicknamed (before meeting him) Harry Buttcrack. Harry said that he would be here somewhere between 11 am and 1pm. In plumber time thats from 11 to February. He showed up about 11:30 and did not fit the Harry Buttcrack moniker. In fact, some of the moms got a little smitten. He was not the sloppy, stained tank top kind of plumber. He was clean and professional and kept calling me ma'am, which kind of pissed me off cause I ain't that old but I knew it was out of politeness. An hour and $200 later my kitchen sink drains! Mike spent most of football Sunday working on it to no avail. Poor guy.
The kids had a blast, so did the mom's. I don't know what we would do without playdate Mondays. I don't dare imagine. But even after the kids are in school, the mom's are still going to have playdate.

I'm baaaa-aack!

Gee, I wish I could say that I've been on vacation to a beautiful, deserted island but...
On Halloween our computer decided to put on a costume. It was a disguised as a large black, broken box. Amazing how isolated not having it made me feel. But all of that is over now.
Its fixed, mostly.
Halloween was awesome. The kids had a great time and the adults did too, basically because we acted just like the kids.

I slept. Boy, did I sleep. There are few nights where I sleep through the whole night and last night was one of them. I don't know which exhaustion did it, physical or mental. Maybe both. Mike even had to tell me about Gryffin's 2 am demand for more milk. The kid is famous for coming to our bedroom in the wee hours, throwing his sippee into our bed and saying, "More milk" before trotting off to tuck himself back into bed. We hand him his demand, he rolls over and that's that. Man, did we luck out or what?!
Today is Day Out and Halloween costume preparation day. I have to fix Gryffin's and get mine together. I have a few options, all require shopping. I hate shopping. I'm hoping to get it over quickly and painlessly so I can maybe get some laundry done.
After Trick-or-Treating I'm heading out with the girlfriends to see Beqi's band at a club. We are all going in costume because: A. we refuse to grow up, B. we like being freaks anyway and this way no one gives us weird looks and C. we all need some fun. That and I think if we showed up sans costumes Beqi would threaten us with bodily harm. You don't mess with Beqi.
But right now, I've got to throw a lunch together for Gryffin and oh yeah, get dressed! Somehow I don't think the folks at Day Out would appreciate my jammies as much as I do. Especially since I refuse to match my PJ's and usually my ensembles would make a blind man cringe.

A Fine Mess...

Gryffin and Clara Jane

Gryffin painting

My Jello heart. Funny, no one wanted to eat any.

It was a small turn out but that was just fine. Gryffin and Clara had tons of fun decorating pumpkin after pumpkin. Even the adults got in on it.

Soup, sandwiches and some yummy sausage, cheese and wine Robin & Brian brought rounded out the evening.

Plans change...

So the Downtown Trick-or-Treating was cancelled due to none of us being dumb enough to drag our kids out in costume in the cold, wet, nasty weather. Selfish, I know. But we all still wanted to get together and have some fun. I came up with the idea of decorating pumpkins together. Everyone is coming over tonight to paint, glue, cut, color, feather and sparkle some poor, Innocent pumpkins. I'm making some soup, setting out some sandwich fixings and calling it a party. Another party?! I don't know if its having a bigger house or having friends or both, but either way I'm going to turn pro. Look out Martha! Instead of all sweater set wearing and pretentious I'll be sweatshirt wearing and realistic.
I've got a big plastic tub filled with googly eyes, pipe cleaner, glitter glue, sheets of construction paper and foam and I'm not afraid to use them! Lay tarps over the floor and bring on the unsuspecting squash 'cause its gonna get messy. I'm thinking the kids might even enjoy it too. If they don't, I have plenty of candy to make them smile.

Haven't had much to say lately, still don't but what the hell here goes...
Yesterday my MIL came over to watch Gryffin while I went to the doctor for depression. After a long discussion- he actually spent 15 minutes just talking with me about my symptoms, we decided that I shouldn't go back to what I used last time. I need not only an antidepressant but an anti anxiety as well. So I'm trying a med I've never been on and hope that it will work out.
Since I had the luxury of a babysitter I also picked up our new elliptical trainer. Luckily the muscle-head at the shop was willing to load it up for me. Put those steroid biceps to use, Mungo! Now we have a really heavy, expensive box sitting in our garage. We still need to assemble it and that may have to wait awhile as Mike has a sinus infection and can barely make it to the couch when he gets home. Mike doesn't get sick often, but when he does- he does it up right. Poor guy. All I can do is just try and keep Gryffin from jumping on him.
I HAVE HAVE HAVE to get Gryffin's pirate costume fixed. He ripped it taking it off. My friends and their chill'en are meeting downtown tomorrow for Downtown Trick-or-Treating. Basically, all the cutesy shops are doling out sugar loot to the bespectacled beggars. Then of course, there is Halloween! Wednesday Gryffin will get more cavity makers from the neighbors and afterward I will join the Monday Mommy Posse to see Beqi's show in St Louis. Uhm yeah, I will be costumed for that. Don't ask what costume or what I will be but Beqi made the request that we all get 'slutted up'. I'm not real good at that. I don't like a lot of makeup, I don't have any cleavage and exude sex appeal like an Amish grandmother. There is something to be said for understated sexy though. Lets face it, the imagination is usually better than reality.
For not having a lot to say, I sure have rambled on. So much so that my coffee is cold and that, my friends, is a crime against all I know to be holy.

I would give just about anything to have a small fraction of the energy Gryffin does. He awoke at 8 this morning, still wearing his Spiderman gloves and clutching his Spiderman doll from last night. He came running over to me, reaching out and jumped in my arms. Now there is a great way to start the day. Especially since his jammies were dry.
There is a lot on the plate for today: laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping. Not that I will get all or even half done today. Mike said that maybe I should stop trying to micromanage my days and just take one thing at a time. What? Dude, do you even know me? Yeah, he does and I think he's right. I spend so much time planning that I never really accomplish anything. One thing at a time today, baby steps.

So here is the humble beginnings of what will be a humble scarf. I'm hoping to finish it before the cold weather is done.

Knit one, drink two

Yeah! Mike was home a little before 6 last night, with card and roses in hand. Either I've really been really depressed or he's hiding a secret. Since I know which one of those options is true... my Dr's appointment is next Thursday. I'm going back on the meds. My fighting the mood isn't getting me anywhere. I can put on a game face and seem normal for a bit only to spend the night in tears. Not how I want to live.
Anyway, Mike crashed the dinner my friend Robin had invited Gryffin and I over for. Super yummy potato soup, salad and sandwich fixings. Anyone who puts bowls of cheese and crumbled bacon on the table will always rank high with me. After a little while, Beqi and the Eddies showed up. We cracked open the wine in celebration.
Before leaving I begged some knitting supplies off Robin. She knits really awesome things that just make so envious I could spit. She gave me Stitch N Bitch, the book she taught herself from, along with a set of needles and yarn.
After putting Gryffin down for the night I curled up on the couch and started to read. Ok, here it comes. Time to break out the needles and yarn. This looks easy. Hey, look at me, I'm knitting. Following directions, steady, steady. There! Wait a minute, this looks nothing like the cute, tidy little knots in the illustrations. I only succeeded in knitting a long succession of ugly knots. I pulled it all out and started again. Same result. One more time! One more knugly thing.
This morning I restarted with fresh eyes. Apparently my eyes weren't the problem. Yet another knugly, yes- I'm putting a patent on that word. Maybe I will just create a new way to knit or maybe I will stab myself through the brain with the needles or maybe I will just try to find a Knitting for Morons class. Or maybe I should just be thankful to have extraordinarily talented friends and pay them to make me things.

Mike has a meeting tonight that is scheduled for 24 hours. We are both hoping it doesn't last that long. With the big merger/buyout/sellout/fiasco his company is going through we hope/pray/beg that he has a job in the end.
The weather is grey and misty today. Funny, that's exactly how I feel. Yesterday was playdate and it was a good one. I had really struggled with whether I would go because of my attitude but Gryffin was begging to go to Clara Jane's. He had a great time and I did too. I always do. Sitting around eating until my eyes explode and laughing with friends does wonders. Robin was kind enough to invite us over for dinner tonight. I'm glad of it since Mike most likely won't be here which means Gryffin will need a distraction. That and I get out of having to cook.
Its picture day at Day Out and me being slacker mom, I'm waiting for Gryffin's clothes to dry. I should've washed them last night but I was exhausted, we all were. After dinner we all sat down for a little Batman/Superman cartoon watching and promptly all fell asleep. Luckily, after his power nap, Gryffin was still willing to go to bed close to his regular time.
Other than a little cleaning, laundry and a run for dog food I think I will just relax.

Today's Special: Ebola quiche!

Its Monday. Ugh, Monday.
I think I may have gotten 4 hours sleep last night, even after taking a sleeping pill.
Gryffin has his usual change of weather, night shattering cough that kept him up. So at least our miserableness didn't get lonely and we can be cranky together today. What joy we shall bring to playdate!
At about 3 this morning I thought that we just wouldn't go to Robin & Clara's house today, even though yesterday Gryffin declared his undying love for Clara Jane and demanded to go see her right then. A two year old Romeo stalker, just what Clara wanted for Christmas! Anyway, I didn't want any of the other moms to think that I was infecting their home and child with Ebola but then I realized that:
1. Gryffin doesn't have a fever
2. Other than a couple, he only coughs at night
3. He's up and playing like a tornado
4. He's had the night cough for over a week so if it were contagious they would already have blood coming out their eye sockets and be begging to eat a bullet.
He would long be over this but The Man decided to take away children's cold and allergy medicine because some toothless inbred couldn't read the freaking instructions and OD'd their kid on Benedryl. Stupid inbreds. I still have a small stash, but I'm hording it like my muther hordes old butter tubs. 'Cause its good Tupperware'. It might work a little better IF YOU WASHED IT OUT FIRST! Anyway, I digress.
Hording probably isn't the right term since just the mention of medicine makes him run screaming like a teenage girl faced with a snake. Or a grown woman, for that matter. It took Mike to hold flailing arms and legs while I shoved a little strip into his mouth last night. Since I'm on my own today I will probably lose a finger or two, but at least I won't have to make breakfast that way.

Good Neighbor Alert!
Yesterday Drunk Naked Guy trespassed into our back yard and shouted through our back door to let us know that Java got out twice and that he was kind enough to bring him back. Apparently, he wasn't sober enough to knock. At the same time Sara from next door came running over to the front door, and rang the bell like sane people, to let us know she just spotted Drunk Naked Guy in our back yard. She was checking on us to make sure we weren't all bloody and dead. Now, that's good neighboring, folks!

OK, up off the keester and in to the kitchen. I have to come up with something to make for playdate. I'm thinking a ham, broccoli and cheese quiche. I will let the Jedi mind power of the fridge lead me.

This weekend has been nice, but rough. Mike cleaned out the garage so I can now park the Jeep in it. He has also cleaned the kitchen, twice. We have a long standing arrangement that when I cook, he cleans up the kitchen. I try to keep the amount of dishes and mess at a minimum but sometimes slack on that. He does a great job.
We also went to the mall for some organizers for Mike's tool chest, a book for me and a cookie and train ride for Gryffin. They have this little kid size train that just goes around in a circle and an old fashion carousel. I always try and steer him to the carousel because on the train he has a meltdown as soon as it starts to move. When this happens the operator has to stop the train and either Mike or I climb aboard with him. It was my turn, so we went round and round for a bit and Gryffin really enjoyed it.
While Gryffin is now napping, I have some granola bars in the oven. Apple, apricot, pear, peach and prune with almonds, sunflower seeds and chocolate chips- yum! I call these the everything bars. Gryffin calls them power bars. Fitting I suppose.
Through all of this I have been fighting again. I really, really, really don't want to go back on antidepressants but if I'm having this much trouble this early in the season, it can't be a good sign. I know when I lose interest in cooking and keeping the house clean that its only the beginning. If I can rebound in a week or two then I don't consider medication. Its been a month. Maybe I should bite the bullet and go to the doctor. Get it over with and on with my life because there are way too many great things that I feel like I just can't enjoy.

Spiderman Saturday

Its chilly, overcast and perfect weather to curl up on the couch with a blanket and remote. Too bad that's a pipe dream when you have a two year old. However the reality isn't bad either, playing with said two year old and reading him books is pretty cool too.
Last night we went to the NEW Target. The closest one, until this week, has been a 20-30 minute drive down the highway into a really traffic congested town that only survives because its jam-packed with shops, malls and restaurants. No one actually lives there. Anyway, a Target finally opened up in our town and only about a 5 minute drive away. Yeah! Plus it has a bigger selection of just about everything.
We were perusing the $1 section, Mike spotted pairs of Superman and Batman socks for Gryffin while I spied some Spiderman gloves. Gryffin is obsessed with Superheros right now. He comes by it honest, Mike still wishes his real name was Bruce Wayne. Gryffin is also obsessed with gloves. Be it rubber cleaning gloves, Mike's old winter or work gloves or just a pair of socks shoved on his hands. When we got home I opened the Spiderman gloves and Gryffin just about danced he was so excited. So excited in fact, he insisted on sleeping in them.
This morning he is still wearing them and had to be reminded to take them off before submerging his hand in cereal and banana. That and he wanted to wear his Spiderman T-shirt today too. The kid is all boy. Which is exactly what I wanted.

Fashion isn't about the zoo animals...

This is The dress! Designer extrordinaire, Beqi is being camera shy.

Don't look at me like I'm crazy when you make me laugh like a school girl. As you can see the print on the dress is infact, pinups on motorcycles.

This is the Monday Mommy Posse.

Beqi, Jill, Robin and me.

Yesterday I went back to high school. Not really, just felt like it. It was Gryffin's first field trip with Day Out. When we arrived he had serious melt down at the prospect of me leaving. When I explained that I was going to stay with him he went all Chernobyl. For a half hour the kid screamed and cried. Other moms looked at me like I had demon spawn. I would rather have a kid with a tantrum than their roots. For crimeny, if you are going to dye your hair- keep it up. Anyway, when Gryffin realized that this meant he would get to ride on a school bus he promptly calmed down. All the kids, teachers and moms hopped on the bus and began singing Kumbaya. Not really, but it did have that 'I don't belong' feel. On the ride the other moms were talking of things I didn't understand, conservative politics, the latest Coach handbags and something about a cookbook by Jerry Seinfeld's wife where she puts spinach in brownies.

We all unloaded at the pumpkin patch and climbed on a tractor. Gryffin was really excited (and nervous). He just wanted to keep on riding but we had to pick out a pumpkin. I promised that we would ride back on the tractor but they wouldn't let us on without a pumpkin. This prompted a sprint of Olympic speed. Gryffin ran to the very back of the field, after picking himself up off the ground a few times. I think he totally lost track of finding a pumpkin because at the end of this field was a HUGE hill perfect for rolling down. I didn't think I could move that fast but I caught him before he hurled his little body down it. He was not happy. I tried to redirect and get back into the pumpkin thing but it was lost. Dragging him back through the field we spotted a pumpkin. He carried it for three seconds before throwing it to the ground insisting that I carry it and him. So, I pack muled up and carried them back to the tractor.

After that we settled in for a pig race that totally freaked him out. He didn't want to see those pigs run in a circle, he wanted to pet them. It was past lunch and nap time, so I knew that his frustration was due to hunger and exhaustion.

On the ride home it was pretty quiet, except for one of the teacher's kids screaming his head off for more popcorn. We were lucky enough to sit right in front of him. By the time we got back to Day Out the kid and his mom were both in tears. Don't get me wrong, I cry out of empathy, sympathy and frustration when Gryffin has a bad tantrum- but NEVER in public or in front of him. It only fuels the fire.

Gryffin said that he didn't want to stay at Day Out so I brought him home, fed, changed and put him down for a nap.

When Mike got home Gryffin showed him the pumpkin and I filled him in on the days events. Talking with him made me realize that even though I don't fit in most places and am easily intimidated, I don't act like a 15 year old spoiled brat with zoo animals on my boob and some strangers name on my purse or butt. They had problems with their kids dressing themselves and not matching, I let my kid wear a bucket as a hat and socks on his hands when we go out for dinner. They complain about getting dirty, I'm just thankful I don't dry clean. They complain about not being able to get their kids to eat veggies and my kid loves them.

I am truly blessed. A happy life is the best revenge so all those moms and the girls in high school that made my life hell can all bite me. Naa-naa-na-naa-naa and a big wet raspberry to them. Ok, so I haven't totally grown up.

A pumpkin for my Pumpkin

First ride on a school bus.

He kept referring to the guy on the tractor as PaPa. Hmm, I do see a resemblance.

First tractor ride. He was a little nervous.

Off in search of that perfect pumpkin.

I've already found mine.

Beautiful day for a headache

We opened up the house yesterday. The temperatures have dropped below Satan's comfort level and is now where we like it, chilly. I was planning on taking Gryffin to the zoo today but I awoke about 5 am with an axe between the eyes headache. Maybe more coffee will help. Heck, that is a remedy I'm always willing to try!
It came to our attention a few days ago that an old friend/coworker was looking for a place to live. She came and looked at our old house and thought it perfect. She really liked that the bathroom was big enough for her hair, and thats saying something folks and that the back yard was big enough for her five dogs. Yup, five. Ok, so I wouldn't be real thrilled with living next to that many dogs, but I've met them several times and aside from a hello bark they are pretty mellow. We told her what price we were asking and she wasn't put off so things were looking good until the city government decided to stomp on our toes. In the city of B'ville you cannot own more than three dogs without applying for a special zoning permit. I don't know what her thoughts were on this after Mike told her but I really don't expect her to buy our house now. It was like being adrift on a raft, seeing land in the distance and then realizing it was only a mirage. But we are still going to keep paddling. Through this whole experience we have learned that renting it out is not an option as our insurance would skyrocket and that we now know exactly what we would ask for it, which is a good 10 grand less than any other house in the neighborhood that is for sale right now. Silver lining, don't blind me.
Anyway, off to down more pain killers and coffee. It is the breakfast of champions, isn't it?

Argh Matey!

These boots are made for walkin'. Planks, that is. Someone decided he wanted to be a pirate for Halloween so being oh so handy with a sewing machine and with lots of time on my hands I ran to the nearest store and bought him a costume, complete with eye patch and telescope. Of course, now he refuses to take it off to change into jammies. I may have created a monster. A pirate monster.

I also picked myself up a Betty Page wig. Don't know what I'm going to do with it but hell, Betty Page!

The party is over.

Bosom Buddies: Beqi & Robin

Mike & Brian playing Guitar Hero, aka- Geek Guitar

I think everyone, including Mike and I, had a good time. At least, I didn't hear any complaints. I think my threat of a boot inspired butt kicking worked. I would love to post some pictures of the infamous dress but Robin hasn't forwarded them to me yet. I did wear the awesome shoes for most of the night. The last couple hours I kicked them off, walked around hillbilly style and let everyone know how lazy I am since I only painted the two nails that showed through the shoes.
I think our gayhbors finally realized that Mike and I are not the quiet, conservatives they once thought. In fact, the found out the exact opposite and now we have scored invites to their Christmas party. I'm hoping boa draped drag queens will be in attendance.

I think the next party will be Mardi Gras. A little jambalaya, red beans and rice and gumbo sounds really good.

How not to celebrate...

I bought me some sweet, sexy shoes to go with that awesome dress for the party. And how do I celebrate this major lifetime achievement? I break my little toe not 15 minutes later. That kind of talent will not win me the bouquet of roses and diamond tiara, folks. Does this mean I won't be wearing said sweet and sexy shoes? Hell no! So, if you are at my party and see me hopping around on one foot just know that:
A. I'm in pain
B. I'm a little clumsy
C. I sooo love these shoes
And if you feel that you must comment on my ridiculousness just be aware that I also bought a pair of black, patent leather, pointed toe, stiletto healed, dominatrix style, knee high, man-part puncturing boots and if need be I will whip them on and kick your wise crackin' butt with my good foot. And that talent should at least win me some daisies and a little paper party hat.

Park It!

Today we went to the Missouri Botanical Garden and had a blast. I must say, this morning I was not looking forward to this. Dreading it in fact. All I could picture was Gryffin running off yanking the heads off of pretty flowers, raising his head and giving his evil laugh. Only one plant ended up feeling pain and I made Gryffin apologize to it. Yeah, I'm one of those moms.

The following pictures were taken by new BFF, Mia. BFF, jeez I'm losing it. The exhaustion has officially set in. Anyway, thanks be to Mia for the great pictures because I'm a ding-bat and forgot the camera, again.

Lincoln Logs are even better when you can climb on them!

Ahoy, Matey! I be Pirate Poop Pants.

Whee!

Gryffin is convinced that under every bridge lives an angry troll. Here he was trying to catch one.

Now, I won't include any of the pics where Gryffin and his friends Clara Jane, Little Eddie and at times Big Eddie ran amok in the water park. I realized too late that I had neglected to bring a spare change of clothes. So I went all hillbilly and stripped him down to his diaper and laid out the drippy duds to dry in the sun. I know, most of you would just love to see these but I am saving them for his first date, prom and his wedding reception. Evil, evil Mommy.

Today we are heading to the Missouri Botanical Garden to meet friends and walk. And walk, and walk, and walk. I haven't been to the gardens for a long time, I think the last time we went while Gryffin was an infant and easily contained for a concert. Now, nothing contains him. I'm definitely wearing tennis shoes.
Ooh, ooh- good news alert! We sold the big red truck! Only slightly less than we wanted but enough to pay off my hearing aides before the interest hits. And one more BIG thing off our shoulders. After the party Saturday we can concentrate on getting next door cleaned up so we can decide what to do with it. We want to sell but if we find someone we know (well) who might need a place to rent we would do that, otherwise its the option of do we sell it ourselves or get an agent. Of course, none of this can even be seriously thought of until its scrubbed down and the painting finished. Along with getting the basement emptied.