Fond Farewells

In the waning hours of 2008 I am reflecting upon the last 12 months. It never ceases to amaze me how much happens in one year. The changes that have happened in the world and those that have happened in me.

Today a rather sad change occurred. Our friends James, Marian and Grant--our instructors on all things Texas--packed the last of their belongings and headed for their new home in San Angelo. Rick is melancholy and not looking forward to not having them "around the corner." They will be missed, but they will be in our prayers as the embark on this new chapter.

On that note dear readers, my wish for you in the new year is contentment and the ability to be grateful for everything you have right now. Make resolutions if you choose, but do not forget how wonderful you are right now in the last moments of 2008.

Vanilla Breeze Eric

Already today, Katie has been busy and naughty. She ended up being sequestered in her crib for trying to freshen Eric. Basically, she got a hold of the Febreeze Vanilla air spray and proceeded to spray Eric's butt. Luckily, she didn't get it in his eyes. That poor dog has the patience and compassion of a saint. I know if I were he, I would have snapped at her. Instead he walked away, but Katie followed him. Eric finally came to get me from the office and looked at me with pleading topaz eyes. On the bright side, he does smell pretty.

I'm Outta Here!

Today started off with a bit of excitement. Rick was in the office by 8 am to start his work day, and like I do every day, I left the house to walk Eric up the driveway and to open the gate. As I have mentioned before our driveway is very long. It is almost 1/4 mile long, so it takes me a while to walk to and back from the gate. Today the garbage man had already come, so I grabbed the trash container from the side of the road and wheeled that behind me further slowing me down. Anyway, I had just passed the cars in the parking area when I looked up and there was Katie standing in the front yard. The immediate question that came to my mind was, "Why are Rick and Katie outside?" When I took a closer look at Katie and saw that she had sandals on and those sandals were on the wrong feet, I realized that Rick didn't dress her; therefore, Rick didn't bring her outside. Hence, Katie escaped from the house. I freaked a bit. Just the thought of her going down the front steps, steps that she always holds my hand to navigate, made me shiver and thankful that she made it without cracking her head on the sidewalk. Once I got her in the house, I was looking around to see how she managed to get the door open. It was then that I saw her little red table by the door. Apparently she climbed on top of that to open the door then jumped down and moved the table out of the way to exit the house. Despite the sleigh bells on the front door, Rick never heard her open or close the door so he was as shocked as I was that she outside. I have no idea how long she was outside because it took me at least 15 minutes to go the gate and then drag the garbage container back to the house.

In any case, shame on me for once again underestimating Katie's independent streak, her engineering capabilities, her self-sufficiency and her curiosity. Just when I think I "know" her she gets smarter. Speaking of smart, she did put on a sweatshirt and shoes before leaving the house because she knew it was going to be cold.

As I sit here and reflect on her morning excursion, it just occurred to me that Katie attempted to run away from home at the age of two. I don't think that there is a place for that milestone in her baby book.

Holy Crap!

I forgot to include in a previous post the following:

When Santa landed on our neighbor's roof, the first comment from their oldest child was, "Holy crap! He IS real!" That just makes me smile for we were able to reinvigorate a young girl's belief in Santa Claus.

More Gifts

Yesterday we received a package in the mail from California friends Brad and Gina, as well as their children Hallie and Brandyn. (Brad was the best man at our wedding.) Inside the box was a big brown teddy bear, a golden retriever Webkin, a Santa and Reindeer box that contained various snacks and Magformers. The Magformers are colorful squares and triangles that have magnets inside of them. True to form, I was fascinated by the Magformers and found myself saying to Katie when she wanted to check them out, "Wait, Momma playing." The kid in me really comes out at Christmas. I won't even tell you how long I played with the new Barbie and her pink convertible! Anyway, back to the box, Rick immediately ripped into the cashews and as he was wiping the last bit of cashew dust from his face he said, "Maybe we should have saved those for New Year's Eve." Here is a picture of Katie with the gifts from Brad, Gina, Hallie and Brandyn. Thanks guys!

Merriest of Christmases

All the presents are opened, the wrapping paper shreds are bagged and the ham dinner has been devoured as another Christmas draws to a close.

We began our celebration of Christ's birth in church. Last night, we got dressed in our fancy clothes and went to the Christmas Eve service at the Methodist Church in Anson. Katie really got into the service and enjoyed singing along. Of course she didn't know the words to the Christmas songs, so she just made up words and sang them in a clear, angelic voice. Rick and I stifled our laughs as she sang her little heart out. After church, we took a family picture.

At about 9:30 pm our neighbor's daughters, Taylor and Tanna, heard Santa land on their roof and even heard him call out the names of his reindeer. By 10:00 pm Santa was on our roof and we heard the sleigh bells, as well as his footsteps. He also called for his reindeer before he took flight. I woke Katie up when I heard the sleigh bells and she was quite excited about the clomping footsteps. When I put her back in her bed, she pulled the covers over her face and said, "I hide." I think she was a tad scared of Santa.

Rick and I were up until the wee hours of the morning as we built the play kitchen that Santa delivered for Katie. I went to bed at 2 am, while Rick stayed up until 4 am as he helped Santa. Below is a picture of the living room from Christmas Eve.


We woke at 7 am and Katie needed a little coaxing to come out of her room to see what Santa had brought for her. I believe Santa's loud, booming voice from the night before still had her unsure of the bearded fellow. However, she finally made her way to the living room and was delighted with all of her presents.

She received a Barbie in a convertible, a hippty-hop horse and money from my mom and dad. From Rick's parents she received a teddy bear, pop-up book, potty book, tree ornament, as well as food for her kitchen and the Advent Calendar house about which I previously blogged. From her Aunt Margie and Cousin Danielle she received a doll. From my sister Maryel she received a leopard trimmed hooded sweatshirt, several Disney Princess gifts, including books, a tote bag, a back packs, an art kit and a stocking. From Keith, Diane and "the Girls" she received a talking broom, pink boa, a book and a Disney Princess towel. From Mommy and Daddy she received a bomber/flight jacket, Disney Princess Pez dispensers, play kitchen and various stocking stuffers. From my cousin Jean Marie she received a little white stuffed dog. From my sister Linda she received a huge horse. Here is Katie on her horse.

And here she is "cooking" breakfast.

I received a card from Santa that sent me on a treasure hunt. The first clue hinted at the location of the second note/clue which hinted at the location of the third note/clue and so on and so on. I was even sent out to the van to unearth a note. The second to last note told me to kiss my husband, which I did. He then handed me a note that Santa had given him. It said that my present was underneath the sofa. Rick lifted the sofa for me and I found a HUGE box of chocolates. I promptly ripped the box open and cordially offered a chocolate to Rick, which he declined. I was studying the chocolates trying to decide which delectable morsel I would devour first when I saw a band of diamonds nestled in the middle of the box. My darling husband gave me a gorgeous yellow gold band that is channel set in the middle with baguette diamonds and then trimmed on both sides with round diamonds. Rick said I was so into the chocolates that he thought I might not see the ring for two weeks! Anyway, here is the ring. For picture taking purposes, I put the ring on my left hand, but I will wear it on my right.

Later in the morning, our neighbors Denise, Tony, Taylor and Tanna stopped by to drop of Christmas presents. The girls, with great excitement, told us about how they heard Santa on their roof. They also said they heard Mrs. Claus tell Santa, "Don't fall." Apparently Santa was carrying a new TV. Later, I asked Rick if he had heard Mrs. Claus, and he replied, "No." The girls imaginations must have been really fueled by Santa's visit. Katie received a Cabbage Patch doll from our neighbors that just may replace the much aligned Baby. Rick and I received a beautiful ceramic board in a stand that is actually a dry erase board. It'll go great in the kitchen.

Today, once again, our generous families and friends reminded us of how fortunate we are and not just by the gifts received, but also by the phone calls and well wishes for a Merry Christmas. I apologize if I have failed to mention a particular gift, but the amount of presents Katie received was baffling. I didn't even touch on what Rick and I received from our families. However, they know we are appreciative of their generosity. Here is Katie with her presents.

So I will leave you, dear readers, with the hope that your Christmas contained love, peace and family. Merry Christmas.

Dear Readers

Fra-gee-lay

As promised, here is a picture of the completed and properly positioned Christmas tree.

All of the ornaments that we hang on the tree hold sentimental value. The one pictured below is one that Rick's parents bought him last year. Yes, that's right it's a replica of the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, which was a major reward that Ralphie's father won. In the movie, the crate in which the lamp arrives is stamped FRAGILE and HIS END UP. Mr. Parker, quite delighted with his major award, says, "Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian." In case you have never seen the movie it will be on TBS for 24 hours straight beginning tomorrow night, Christmas Eve, at 7 p.m. CT. Til later...

O Tannenbaum!

Last night after dinner we had our Tree Decorating Extravaganza. We have three floor trees: The Lansing Tree, The Slim Tree and The Free Tree. This year, like last, we put up The Free Tree.

The Free Tree is named so because we purchased it on clearance at Kmart in 2006. It was a floor model and when they disassembled it, they put it in a extra-large Rubbermaid, wheeled Christmas toter. Rick and I built the tree in Kmart before purchasing it to make sure all of the branches were there. When we got to the register, they had no idea what to charge us for the tree, so they said $20. Well, the toter alone was that much hence the name Free Tree. That shopping excursion also stays in mind because Katie was 4 months old at the time and it was the first time she rode in a shopping cart's little seat. Prior to that she always sat in her car seat/carrier.

Back to last night. Katie got to stay up until 10 pm and Rick and I got to stay up until 1 a.m. Building an artificial tree takes time especially when the lead engineer is my husband. Let's just say he lives up to the stereotypical image of a meticulous German. As tradition, Rick and I fluff the branches and build the tree, but he puts the lights and garland on the the tree. Together we then hang the ornaments. Rick still needs to hide the extension cord in the tree and place it in the corner, so the tree is not technically "done" yet. Here are some pictures from the soiree. I'll post pictures of the tree once it is in its final place.

Katie immediately parked herself at the coffee table where the snacks were.

Family portrait.

Rick stringing the gold beads.

Santa, Spaghetti and Coats

Friday night, Rick ending up driving home from Dallas and did not get here until 2 a.m. Because of the bad weather in Chicago he was late leaving Springfield which caused him to miss his flight into Dallas which then caused him to miss the last flight into Abilene. It was a chain reaction that was made worse by airports and airplanes filled with holiday travelers. Fortunately, Rick is Executive Platinum with American and was upgraded to the first class section of the Boeing 777. Flying first on a 777 is a whole lot better than flying first on a MD80 and leaps and bounds above coach.

Last night we went to the Mall to visit Santa. Katie absolutely refused to sit on his lap, so we ended up with a family picture. This year they had a different Santa and I must say Santa looked pretty worn out. You'll note he doesn't look so jolly. They also had a fan/wind machine going and that is why I look like Fabio from the cover of a Harlequin romance novel.


After Santa, we went to the Spaghetti Warehouse for dinner. Last year when Rick's folks were here, we ate there after visiting Santa so it looks like we have a new tradition. Also last year I took pictures in the restaurant and I did so again last night. I love Rick's "new" beard. He looked really good last night with his black cowboy hat which is named Buddy, black turtleneck, black jeans, black cowboy boots and black leather jacket. My dear husband has incredibly beautiful posture which further enhances his attractiveness and made him quite THE MAN in black last night. When I told him so he said I needed my eyes checked. He's a hard man to compliment.

Rick mentioned that while at O'Hare he saw a lady with a white pea coat and his immediate thought was that I would look good in that coat. As if on cue, the zipper on my coat won't zip up--honest, I didn't break it on purpose-- so after dinner we cruised the stores in the mall looking for said coat. I tried one on in Dilliard's that was camel colored. I loved it, but not so much the price--$199. So now my new obsession is finding a white version of that coat.

Tonight is the Corinth West Tree Decorating event, so I need to dash, dance and prance like one of Santa's reindeer and get started on dinner. Don't worry, I won't be Blitzen for we usually open only one bottle of wine for the event.

Canadian Geese and Vacuuming

What do Canadian Geese and vacuuming have to do with each other? Frankly nothing, but it's my blog and if I want to title a post in an ambiguous manner it's my prerogative. (Did anyone else have visions of Bobby Brown dancing around and singing "My Prerogative"?)

So....I grew up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You know the top part of the state. (Did you know that Michigan is the only state that you can form with your hands? And that Michiganders will hold up there hands and point to a spot on the displayed hands when you ask them where they live?)

The "X" is where I grew up. (Thank you Katie for illustrating Mama's point.)

The real State of Michigan.

Well, in the U.P. it was nothing to get 200+ inches of snow in a winter and to have to shovel your roof to take that weight off. But shoveling the roof sometimes wasn't difficult when you could walk up a snowbank to get to the eaves. So....oh yeah, Canadian Geese. When those graceful birds flew over, you always knew that winter was on its way. My dad would always say, "The Canadian Geese are heading south." Well, today I saw a flock gliding over Corinth West. Those melodious black V's sailing across the blue sky reminded me of home.

On to the vacuuming part. I was vacuuming today and noticed that I didn't seem to be lifting the nap of the carpeting. That is when I discovered that SOMEONE had changed the floor height selector to jungle-length. (That's really not an option on the selector, but I'm trying to use sarcasm to relay how useless that setting is on any carpeting.) Then I began to wonder when did she change it? How many days has the carpet merely been tickled by the beater bar? Has all of my vacuuming for the past week been in vain? That child we have running around this house certainly enjoys shaking things up to see Mama's reaction, but even when she does something irritating, she always makes me laugh. It's like having a little pocket comedian cruising through the rooms and with me where ever I go.

Demanding Little Fashionista..among other things

This morning I was dressing Katie and put a yellow shirt on her. She responded with, "No, blue." I plucked out a turquoise blue shirt from the drawer and she said, "Yay!" Then she let me know that she needed pants and those must also be blue. I picked out the matching turquoise blue pants. I them explained to her that the color of her outfit was actually turquoise. Not an easy word for a two-year old to say and it came out as "turk-turk".

I have been really talking-up how great it is to use the potty and to wear underwear. I tell her that the Girls, which is what she calls her cousins Courtney, Allison and Lindsay, use the potty and wear underwear. She is slowly warming up to the idea. Today she actually let me put underwear on her, albeit over her diaper. Baby steps. That is the only way we will get her potty trained.

We went to the post office this morning, and as usual Katie was in a friendly mood. She waved to an older gentleman in the parking lot and he waved back. She stopped and talked to a lady leaving the post office. She waved to the trucks painting the lines on the town square's road. After 10 minutes of spreading cheer we finally entered the post office. She greeted William, the gentleman that works there, and I even coaxed her to say "Merry Christmas." The post office has a vestibule with two sets of doors. One gentleman held open the first and she promptly said, "Thank you." Another gentleman held open the second set and again Katie responded with "Thank you." The girl has manners.

Yesterday when we went to the post office--hey, in a small town the post office is the hip place to hang out. Hip? Man I'm showing my age!--Katie took her talking bear that my mother had got her. Bear, as he is called--the kid is not original when it comes to handing out names--disappeared. I asked Katie where he was and she pointed to the large wall of mail boxes. She had stuffed him in an unused one. I am glad I noticed because her screaming on the way home would have been a mystery to me.

I have discovered that Ho-Ho moves about quite a bit. He/She was with us in Florida and now Ho-Ho is under the bed. She's not really afraid of Ho-Ho, but apprehensive. I also learned that, "Ho-Ho eat." which either means Ho-Ho is hungry or Ho-Ho is going to eat her. As a side note, I wonder if that is why MOPS didn't get a picture of Katie on Santa's lap. Did Santa say, "Ho Ho Ho"?

One Big Vanilla Bean

I darn near asphyxiated myself. I purchased Febreeze spray air freshener and not being aware of its potency I walked around the house squirting here, squirting there. Now the ol' homestead smells like one big vanilla bean even through my stuffed up nose. Shoot, now I feel the headache coming back. Thank goodness I didn't Febreeze Katie's bedroom.

Feeling Half Human

Yesterday I never opened the gate so our mail lady left a slip in the mailbox that I said we had three boxes to pick up at the post office. Today I felt half way human so I decided to venture in to town. On our way out Katie and I found a large box at the gate. It was a UPS package for Katie from my sister Linda. I loaded that in the van. At the post office I collected three large boxes, all Christmas presents, and had to use one of their rolling carts to get them to the van. Once home I discovered that I could not fit the new boxes into our walk-in closet, which is currently a misnomer for that space since it is stuffed full of presents for Katie, mainly the play kitchen. The large soaking tub in the master bathroom has a crack in the fiberglass which Rick needs to repair. So I figured why not use it to store Christmas presents and that is where the large box from my sister and one of the boxes from my in-laws are currently sitting. Thank goodness the shower unit in that bathroom is a stand-alone and we have another bathroom! Tonight after Katie goes to sleep I will try to move the play kitchen boxes into the tub. Currently I cannot get to my clothes but Rick's are accessible. However, Rick is a tall cowboy so I can't actually borrow his---his pants anyway. I borrow his shirts all the time much to his chagrin.

Katie and I ate lunch at Subway today. After being sick and barely eating, I was craving good food, so I ordered a veggie sub. Katie wanted to eat in the restaurant. We grabbed a table at the window and as we sat there it occurred to me that I have never dined in a restaurant alone with my daughter. It was a really good feeling. I have a little friend with whom to do lunch!

My mother-in-law sent me an email about using Vick's Vap-o-rub to quell coughing spells by rubbing it onto the bottom of both feet. You then put socks on. I tried this trick on Katie one night and it worked. Apparently Katie likes the smell and feeling of it on her feet because lately as soon as I change her into her jammies, she requests that I rub Vicks on her feet. Sometimes she is a strange little bird.

Not A Good Day

I have been fighting a mean head cold for the last few days and today was the worst. I have been downing medications to quell the headache, body aches and sinus congestion and I am wobbly and all out of sorts. Poor Katie was baby-gated in the master bedroom all day with me as I laid in bed fading in and out of sleep. Being cooped up all day caused Katie to start bouncing off of the walls. If you could only see all of the toys, tissues and clothes strewn across my bedroom floor. A cooped up Katie also resulted in a little girl that did not nap today. Regardless of this, she won't go to sleep for the night until 8 p.m. I pray I feel better tomorrow for just taking care of Katie, Eric and Lupe has me drained and I struggle to take care of myself. For example, I had popcorn for dinner because it was the easiest and quickest thing to cook.

I really need to say "boo hoo" to me in a sarcastic tone for I learned that today one of the moms that sits at my MOPS' table lost her baby. She was eighteen weeks pregnant.

Yes, today was not a good day.

Candy Thief

Katie calls her Christmas Advent Calendar house the "Candy House" Yesterday, Katie raided the Candy House. By now one would think I would know my daughter's astute engineering capabilities, so there is now excuse for me leaving a Christmas toter in front of the TV. I had a few other boxes on top of that toter, which Katie moved out of the way. She then climbed on top of the toter and like a thief in the night started whipping open the little doors that still held candy. She was loading up her free hand with the ill-gotten goods when I caught her. When she saw me she jumped off of the toter and made a mad dash for her bedroom. Once there she threw the loot in the air like a druggie throwing their stash out of the car window when pursued by the police. She stood by her crib, which was a fair distance from the green and red Hershey Kisses scattered on her bedroom floor in an attempt to disassociate herself from the evidence. If the candies were not wrapped, I am sure she would have stuffed them in her mouth, as she has been known to do when trying to hide proof of her naughtiness.

The Little Elf

This morning I dressed Katie in day clothes, but apparently they didn't fit her mood because a few hours later she used her little blue chair to rummage through her dresser drawers to fetch her own ensemble. She picked out the bib overall shorts that Rick had bought her in Sacramento last year. She loves those overalls and always chooses them even though they are getting a little tight. She completed her look with a periwinkle striped turtleneck shirt, white socks and my winter hat. She looked like a little elf.

Sugar Plum Fairy

A fellow MOP made Christmas Stockings for her three girls. Liking the idea of making Katie a stocking, I ordered the Bucilla kit called Sugar Plum Fairy. Well, it arrived today--all 2000 sequins, 1000 beads and 500 yards of embroidery floss. Here is my progress so far.

Yup, that's right, I have five sequin/bead combos on so far. Here is what it will look like when it is finished.

I guess I should have ordered it in June.

The Inevitable

Eric playing with his tire

I received an email yesterday from a fellow MOP. It was comprised of 47 questions that I had to answer and send back to her, as well as forward to other friends/family. One question was "When was the last time you cried?" My answer was about a week ago when Eric pooped in the kitchen.

It was 6:30 am and Eric had pooped in the kitchen overnight. While I was cleaning it up, he proceeded to poop again. My response was to just sob, but the tears weren't flowing because of the additional floor cleaning, but because this beautiful, proud dog was humiliated. He won't look at me and he hung his head. I sobbed because I knew he is not long for this world with his failing eyesight, hearing loss and arthritic hips. His dignity slowly goes each time he watches me clean his poop up or needs me to help him up the ramp to the house. This will most likely be his last Christmas and at two years old, I don't think Katie will remember her Where-ick. A dog that took delight in her generosity and clumsy eating habits. It is heartbreaking to see him slowly slip away. Excuse me, I need to go and wipe the tears from my cheeks.

Alphabet Soup

Rick left this morning for Illinois and he won't be back until next Friday. It's a long time for him to be away and I miss him already. When he gets home we will have our Christmas Tree Decorating Extravaganza . The only attendees are Rick, Katie and myself. The event is comprised of cracking a bottle of wine and putting out some cheese and crackers so we can indulge while we decorate the tree. (No silly reader, Katie doesn't get any wine!)

This afternoon Katie came looking for me as I was watching TV in the bedroom. She tugged on the sleeve of my shirt and said, "Come." I was led into the dining room where she had prepared lunch for me, as well as for herself, Baby and Polar Bear. She demanded that I sit, which I did after I took a picture.

We had Alphabet Soup. It was delicious.

Open Letter To Rattlesnakes

Dear Rattlesnakes of Corinth West,

What part about hibernation do you not understand?!! It's December 12th get in your hole and leave me alone or my husband will shoot your heads off. I don't want to see your diamond backs until AFTER April 1! Consider yourselves warned!!!

Tough Girl Brenda

Yes, that's right I found a rattlesnake by the missile silo today. He was a fingerling and Rick shot him. Rick also killed two rattlesnakes a few days before we left for Thanksgiving vacation. I've lost count. My sister jokes that I should be saving the skins and making myself a fancy purse. If I had been doing that I would have a purse, boots, belt and coat by now.

Let's Say Thanks

Xerox has a website where you can send a card to a US military personnel who is serving overseas. You pick out the card design and can either pick an inside message or write your own. Xerox then prints out the card and sends it to a US soldier. I sent a card from Katie, as well as a card from Rick and I. It takes but a minute to show your support so go ahead on click on this link http://www.letssaythanks.com

Snowball Express

My dear Hubby heard about this charity from an American Airlines Customer Service Agent in Phoenix. I know budgets are tight all over, but please, please, please consider donating to this wonderful organization. Also, if you know of someone that could benefit from Snowball Express, please let them know this non-profit organization exists. Here is a blurb from their website www.snowballexpress.org

Snowball Express started in early 2006 with a simple idea: America should honor and pay tribute to the children of those military fallen heroes who have died while honorably serving since 9/11. In December of 2006, nearly 900 family members from all across America and the world gathered in Southern California for an unforgettable holiday gathering. Kids and widows discovered they weren't alone. And they found they weren't forgotten.

It was a totally volunteer effort which came together in just a few months to create the largest all-expense-paid gathering for the families of our fallen warriors since 9/11.

In 2007, another unique event was planned for the week after Thanksgiving. This time, over 1,100 children and surviving parents attended as guests of Americans, corporations, and service groups who donated their time, money and resources to create another healing event. Nearly 400 family members attended Snowball Express for the first time.

American Airlines, Oakley, Quiksilver, Panda Express, Taco Bell, Starwood, Marriott, Best Western, Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, JetBlue Airways, Disneyland and countless other partners and sponsors, combined with thousands of volunteers in Southern California and all across America, contributed and volunteered because it was the right thing to do. Nationally recognized organizations like Ladies Auxiliary VFW, Rotary Clubs, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, Patriot Guard Riders and others stepped forward to donate their resources and gifts. Other local service clubs, churches and schools also donated resources to help the cause.

American Airlines stepped up to be the official airline of Snowball Express, with three aircraft donated for charter purposes. All pilots and flight attendants donated their time to spend the weekend with the families. Other companies from all across America are also helping to show these children and our fallen heroes’ surviving spouses that they’re not forgotten and that America cares.

For those of you interesting in volunteering and live in the great state of Texas here is a little information about their 2009 event.

If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Snowball Express will be looking for major service organizations to assist in the planning and execution of the Snowball Express 2009 event. If your club, chapter or volunteers wish to become a part of that effort, please let us hear from you and become a part of part of the planning process that is already in the works. Contact us at info@snowballexpress.org.

Christmas Pretties In The House

I am almost done decorating the house for Christmas. Among other things, I frame all of the doorways with garland and lights and it is pretty time consuming. This year it took twice as long because Katie was "helping." We will put up and decorate the Christmas tree as a family on the 20th after all of Rick's travels. Below are some pictures of my endeavors.

This is the fireplace in the living room. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care including ones for the four-footed members of our family. The most sentimental item to me is the reindeer in the rocking chair in the lower left corner of the picture. In 2005 we bought it as a Christmas present for our nieces. When you turn it on, the reindeer rocks and sings "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." When we brought it home Max, Eric's dearly departed brother, took a shine to it, promptly grabbed the reindeer by the nose and pranced away with his new toy. Not having the heart to take away Max's treasure, and because it had dog drool on it, we never gave it to the nieces. You have no idea how idiotic Max looked as he walked around the house with the reindeer and the rocking chair hanging out of his mouth. (The reindeer is glued to the rocking chair.) Anyway, that was Max's last Christmas and the reindeer is forever known as "Max's Reindeer."

This is a close up of the carousel that is on the fireplace. Rick bought the carousel for me the first Christmas we celebrated together, which was also our first Christmas as a married couple. In addition, I was a few weeks pregnant with Katie at that time. The carousel lights up, turns and plays Christmas carols.

Here's a close up of the dining room table's centerpiece.

A long view of the living room with the coffee table in the foreground.

The Christmas train which is set up on the bar.

Rick's fighter helmet dressed up like Santa with a covered bottle of liquor. Contrary to the picture, I do not encourage drinking and flying!

A close up of the garland around the fireplace. I absolutely LOVE sparkly things!

The teapot on the breakfast bar.

One of the living room's lamps. For most of the year, the remote controls stay in a remote control organizer, but during the holidays they get a new home in a sleigh.

Katie's little Christmas mouse that squeaks out "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."

The dining room table is ready for company with the Christmas dessert plates.

Advent Calendar

Last month I was browsing the Internet looking for an advent calendar for Katie. I found one that I really liked that was made by Byer's Choice called the Christmas House. Well, Ga Ga and Pop Pop Kirschner, generous to a fault, bought the Christmas House Advent Calendar for Katie. It arrived yesterday and my goodness, it is gorgeous and huge! It's wooden and stands about 22" high and 3" deep. Each compartment has a little hinged door and the compartments are quite roomy. This year I just bought a bag of Hershey's Kisses to fill the calendar. Next year I hope to be more creative. For those interested, Byer's Choice is located in Pennsylvania, my in-law's old stomping grounds, and they also make Christmas carolers. My mother-in-law has quite a few of carolers. Here is a picture of Katie's Christmas House Advent Calendar. I have left the doors open on the days that have already passed.

Gotta dash. Katie has a doctor's appointment this morning. I know I would miss most of her doctor's appointments if they little automated lady didn't call to remind me, which she did on Monday. Anyway, Katie has to get the second dose of her flu shot. Oh joy.... Which reminds me, Eric needs another Adequan shot. Tomorrow looks like a good day for that since my internal advent calendar is pretty full today. I started decorating the house yesterday for Christmas and I have not yet finished. It's taking me so long because we have so many decorations and I also do major cleaning before putting out the Christmas pretties. Which brings me to how each year when I start going through the Christmas toters, I am pleasantly surprised. I forget what we have and get quite excited when I find a pretty that I forgot about. Of course my enthusiasm rubs off on Katie and pretty soon she is "oowing and ahhhing" right along with me.

Precious

Today after MOPS I dropped food off at Dawn Marie's, our Pray and Care Coordinator for MOPS. Her husband recently donated his kidney to a family member, so my MOPS table made some meals for her and her family. When Katie and I were leaving, Dawn Marie's son, who is three, came running out on the sidewalk. Katie and Cruz proceeded to kiss good-bye and then hugged. It was precious! Cruz is the same little fellow that Katie used for his jumping skills at a play date last year. The date was at the local gymnastics gym where they have trampolines that are built into the floor. Cruz was jumping away on the trampoline while Katie sat on it. Each time Cruz jumped and came down, Katie became airborne and giggled with delight. My thought at the time was, "Great, look at how Katie is making the little man do all of the work while she sits there and receives all of the rewards!" But I must say that Katie knows a looker when she sees one. Cruz is one cutie patootie with big brown eyes and curly brown hair.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

In December of 2005, Rick and I were fortunate to see TSO in concert compliments of Brad and Gina. If you ever have the opportunity to see them jump at the chance. Below is a video of "Christmas Canon Rock."

Busy Sunday

We were so busy today. Rick got the last of the summer items into the Quonset hut. He also brought up seven of the Christmas toters, so I can decorate the house this week when he is out of town. There are still three toters in the Q1, which is the first Quonset hut. Those toters contain the main Christmas Tree and all of the Christmas Trees' decorations. We actually have three trees, but last year we only put one up. I would like to put one up outside, but the Texas wind would probably carry it to the neighbor's field. A tree in our bedroom would be nice, but we will have to see. Katie got a little frosted glass-like, tabletop Christmas Tree from Ga Ga and Pop Pop when we were in Florida. It has a light inside that changes colors, so I am going to use that one in her room. Anyway--mind is wandering something fierce--Rick and I always decorate the tree together, but he'll be out of town on business for the next two weeks with only one day at home between the two trips. We may not get to the tree until the 20th.

As for me, early this morning I headed over to Wal-mart to do a little Christmas shopping and to get some groceries. Once home, I tied on the apron and became a cooking and baking fool. Tomorrow is MOPS and I need to bring a dish for the brunch and cookies for the cookie exchange. I also made a cake and soup for a friend. With Rick leaving tomorrow, I had to do laundry and get him packed.

Off topic here, as my mind is wandering, have I ever mentioned how much I love Dryel? For those not aware of this major time and money saver, Dryel is an at-home dry cleaning system. Too often, Rick will be home for one day between business trips, which is not enough time to get his suits dry cleaned. Without Dryel, we would have to invest in double the suits.

Katie's day was busy also. She helped me make the morning's coffee; helped me empty the dishwasher; and made a green onion top and tomato dish. You see I was cutting up vegetables and she decided that she needed the discarded parts of the green onions and tomatoes. She then got two pots out of the cabinet, put them on the stove--don't worry the stove wasn't on--and dumped her treasures in them. She then grabbed a spoon from the utensil crock and stirred her remnants. Here is Katie, the budding galloping gourmet.

Well, it's time to call it a day. I need to be up at the latest by 6 a.m. so I can finish my vegetable pizza for MOPS. Katie and I will drop Rick off at the airport on our way to MOPS, so it will be a mad house here tomorrow morning as I try to get everyone ready. 'Til the next post......

Start Of The Christmas Season

The Christmas season has officially started for us here at Corinth West. Yesterday afternoon we got dressed in our pretties and went to the Abilene Philharmonic's Christmas matinee. Rick used to go to the philharmonic when he first moved to Abilene and so he was excited when I got free tickets via MOPS. On the way home, we got a bonus. Anson had their Christmas Parade, so we stopped to watch it. Rick, or Mr. Prepared as I like to call him, keeps a folding chair unit in the Thule rocket box that is on top of the van. You never know when you might need a seat, and last night they came in handy. Here are some pictures from the events.

Katie got this dress from Ga Ga and Pop Pop when we were in Florida.

Katie and I at the Christmas Parade

Rick and Katie at the Christmas Parade

Jones County Courthouse in Anson

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Yup, that's Katie in her full winter attire. We've had freezing temperatures during the nights with mornings being in the low 40's.

We're Baaaaack!!!

This picture above pretty much sums up our Thanksgiving trip. It's Katie running through Ga Ga and Pop Pop's house with utter glee.

The picture below was taken today. Katie took Ga Ga's and Pop Pop's pictures off of the living room's bookcase and gazed at them. She obviously misses her Ga Ga and Pop Pop.

I'll post details of our trip when time allows. Right now our big comfy bed with the toasty electric blanket is calling me. Good night dear readers.

(Side note: The glass coffee table in the above picture is actually a beautiful table, but we had to put foam pipe insulation around the edge as a safety precaution for Katie.)

Gobble Gobble

Fun With Cor-cor, Lala and Sinsay

We made it to Florida. Katie did great on the plane and actually took a nap. When we arrived at Mom and Dad's house, Katie's cousins were there to greet her. These cousins consist of Cor-Cor who is nine, Lala and Sinsy who are both seven.

Last night Katie and her cousins played with dress-up clothes, which entailed putting princess costumes on Katie. Katie would then rip through the house in a flowing dress. Pretty soon she was tired of the puffy dresses and took off wearing only a diaper. Her cousins then tied a cape on her, and Katie became "Super Baby". The four girls ran through the house giggling and screaming.

This morning Ga Ga, Grandma, set up a treasure hunt for the girls. They had to find clues that were hidden around the house. The treasures that they found were mini Christmas trees. Her cousins got the type that you decorate and Katie got one that flashed different colors.

This afternoon Ga Ga, the girls, Diane and I went to the park on Lake Hernando where the girls got to play on the swings and the jungle gym. We also ate lunch in the park. It's a really pretty park, but unfortunately it also has the park regulars and homeless people.

Rick, his dad and his brother are putting a new motor in Ga Ga's and Pop Pops van, so we haven't seen too much of the men today.

There is so much going on, but I must dash. The roast beef dinner is done. Yum-yum!

"My Buddy, My Buddy. Wherever I go, he goes."

Rick dropped Eric off at the kennel this morning, so I am lost without my buddy. I am so used to Eric constantly following me around both inside and outside that I just went over to the missile base and caught myself looking for him.

The dinner last night at Larry's mom's was delicious. There was turkey, ham and too many side dishes to mention. I swear there were about fifteen different desserts/pies from which to choose. Katie made fast friends with Larry's nephew and niece. At one point they were tossing a hard ball around and Katie beamed the little boy, who was about six, in the head. Rick put her in a time out. When Katie apologized to the little tot it was enduring when the little boy responded with, "That's okay." The little girl was 19-months old and she stole Katie's Disney Princess sippy cup. Katie was a little stressed about that and at one point Rick found her hiding in the dark laundry room gulping down her milk. Apparently that was the only place she could take an uninterrupted drink in peace. It was a good time and great to catch up with friends.

(The title of this post is actually a nostalgic tip of the hat to "My Buddy" doll and his theme song.)

This and That

The simply sensational truffles turned out pretty darn good. It never ceases to amaze me that a simple, two ingredient recipe can turn out so scrumptious.

Eric is getting used to his ramp. He still tries to climb the stairs, so I have to direct him up the ramp. It's funny when he goes down the ramp because he'll turn and look back at me with this genuine look of surprise. He can't believe he made it outside without his back legs giving out.

Later today we are heading into Abilene to have an early Thanksgiving with friends. Larry and Cathy live in Michigan and are here visiting Larry's mom. We picked up the bottles of wine last night and have to pick up two pies in Abilene.

I've been busy trying to get everyone ready for our Thanksgiving trip. We are flying to my in-laws, who live in Florida, early Monday morning and Eric is going to a kennel in Merkel on Sunday. Last night I purchased two pills organizer cases for Eric. I am terrified that they will not give him the right dosage of his medication, so I placed the appropriate amount of pills in the am and pm compartments. I hate boarding Eric mainly because there is not a pet resort in this area. When we lived in Michigan, Eric and Max went to a pet resort when we went out of town. They had their own room with a TV, which was tuned to Animal Planet or the Food Network, and little sleeping bunks, as well as a doggie door to their own private courtyard. Now that Max is gone and Eric is older, it's traumatic for him to be left with strangers. As always, I made a little owner's manual for Eric that I will give to the kennel. I hope they are patient with him as he appears disobedient when in reality he just can't hear as well as he used to.

Rick is working on the minivan and Katie just went down for a nap. I have our suitcases opened and placed on the sofa. After all of my travels, I have become an expert packer and I have learned that a few days prior to the trip if I leave the suitcases open in a room it ensures that I don't forget anything. I just toss items into the suitcase as I think of them.

Katie has flown eight round trips since she was born. This is the first time that she will have her own seat. We are taking her Recaro car seat with us to use in the airplane and in the car in Florida. We are in first class which is the best way to fly with a young child; however, when we take our seats in first class, we are usually met with cold stares and eye rolls from the other first-class denizens. They anticipate screaming and crying, but Katie usually proves them wrong. I hope she keeps up that track record.

I got my hair cut the other day and I am happy with the new do. I always love how healthy my hair feels after getting a few inches chopped off. It also takes me a while to get used to shorter hair. I will be brushing my hair and get surprised when the hairbrush runs out of hair.

Well, that's about it for now. I think I will go and locate the simply sensational truffle container and have a few.

The Simply Sensational Ramp, Truffles and Christmas Stockings

Earlier this week Rick ordered a ramp for Eric and we received it today. It is a 8' folding ramp that is made out of aluminum. The walking area of the ramp is covered with a sandpaper like material so he doesn't slide and it has a handle on the side so it is easy to carry around. We got it for the front steps since Eric is getting progressively worse at climbing stairs. He has stumbled quite a few times while climbing the steps, which resulted in him sliding backwards down the steps and then rolling away like a little sausage. Eric didn't know what to make of the ramp, so I had to put his lead on him and coax him up the ramp. He was a lot more confident when he used it to go down.

Today I tried a new recipe called Simply Sensational Truffles. And seriously, they were simple. I have to wait for them to chill to see if they are sensational. Both Katie and Rick got to lick the beaters after I made the filling. Katie was covered in the creamy mixture and Rick commented that he was probably Katie's age the last time he licked a beater. In any case, they were two happy chocoholics. If they turn out okay, I will make a big batch which I will divvy up among the Christmas baskets that we give to friends. Click here for the recipe.

Page, another fellow blogger and a member of my MOPS group, posted on her blog about the Christmas stockings that she made for her girls. It got me to thinking that I need to make a stocking for Katie. My mom had made mine and it stayed with me right up until it burnt in the fire. So I have been googling for Christmas stocking kits. There are some really gorgeous ones out there, but I haven't cross stitched or needle pointed in years. I don't know if I have the patience for it and without a doubt I probably won't finish it until next Christmas. Perhaps I will design my own that I can make on my sewing machine.

That's it for now. Another low key day.....wait, I shouldn't have typed that. Last time I did, Rick came a knocking with a rattlesnake in the snare. (See yesterday's post.)

Leave It To Hubby To Liven Things Up

Just when I think there is nothing to post about my dear husband spices up the day. Imagine me sitting in the office at my laptop and contemplating about what to post when all of a sudden I hear Bam! Bam! Bam! on the front of the house. Then I hear Rick's muffled voice yelling for me. Rather freaked out, I run to the front door and what do I see? Well, its Rick standing on the sidewalk with a rattlesnake in his snake snare.

Rick found him in the shop, snared him and walked back up to the house with this very angry rattlesnake. I got the 410 and Rick had me hold the snare while he shot its head off. It's just been too warm here and those slithering buggers are not denned up yet for the winter. I know I promised not to post any more pictures of rattlesnakes minus their heads, but I going to anyway because it's my blog and I hope and pray the Angry One is the last one until spring.

"What Is Mine, Is Yours"

Here's the new thing. Katie likes to diaper the much aligned Baby. When she is not in her room or when the diaper bag is not handy Katie simply removes her diaper and puts it on Baby. This gives a new meaning to the phrase "she's so kind that she'll give you the shirt off of her back." Thank goodness each time Katie has done this her diaper was unsoiled. Note to self: Make sure there is an extra diaper within Katie's reach at all times.

Snowsuits and The Land of Unicorns and Lollipops

I had Doodlebug try on her snowsuit to see if it still fit. The pants are fine, but the jacket and its sleeves are now too short. I also took video of her in her snowsuit as she walked around the house because she looked hilarious. She reminded me of Randy, Ralphie's brother, from The Christmas Story when Randy is in his snowsuit and exclaims, "I can't put my arms down." By the way, that movie is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies. Everyone tells Ralphie "You'll shoot your eye out!" when he states that he wants "an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle" for Christmas. What always gets me laughing, no matter how many time I see the movie, is when he uses the gun the first time. The BB bounces off of the target and hits his face, his glasses to be exact. His response is "Oh My God, I shot my eye out!" (I am even chuckling as I type this.) Also, please stop chuckling about the fact that Katie lives in Texas and has a snowsuit. We bought it for when we visit my parents in Michigan.

She just woke up from her nap and the unsure look on her face indicates that she must have been dreaming pretty heavily. It's as if she is thinking, "One minute I am in the land of unicorns and lollipops and the next I am in this darn crib"

Still confused about her surroundings, she needed Dada to hold her and make it all better.

Another Trip Around The Sun

Today I am 44 years old. I am one of the lucky ones that does not mind getting older. I do not regret or mourn the spent years because each year I improve, evolve and learn. I take ownership of the choices that I have made and won't have my life any other way.

The day started off by opening cards from Rick, Katie, Eric and Lupe. Then Katie helped me open my present, which was a beautiful cream colored electric blanket. It is soft and fuzzy and has dual controls, which is a marriage saver. I dislike being cold while I sleep. If I crank up the temperature on the furnace, I wake up with a headache from the over abundance of dry air. An electric blanket will solve that conundrum.

I had a MOPS steering team/table leader meeting. Rick drove me into Abilene and he and Katie ran errands during my meeting. At the meeting, the MOPS ladies sang "Happy Birthday" to me. I also received e-cards and regular cards from various MOPS members. MOPS has been good to me and for me.

My sister Maryel pointed out a fact to me the other day. I am now the same age as my brother was when he died. My birthday inspired reflection on life has caused me to know that 44 is too young to die.

Another day of celebrating my entrance into this world is slowly winding down. The cards are proudly displayed on the fireplace mantel; the wrapping paper is in the trash; the blanket is on the bed; the candles on the yummy chocolate cake are blown out; and the cake itself is minus a few pieces. My actual birth time is still twenty minutes away and forty-four years ago I was getting to ready to take my first breath. I slowly inhale and exhale as I try recreate that precious first rush of air. It's good to be alive. Dear God, I don't mean to be greedy, but please grant me another forty-four.

Wedding Day Rememberances

I did not post about our wedding on our anniversary, so I figured better late than never. I won't go into too much detail. I want to keep you, dear blog reader, engaged and not miserably bored.

Wedding Portrait

Rick and I met in January of 2005 and we were married in a small, intimate ceremony nine months later on September 10th. Our nuptials took place on Mackinac Island, which is an island in the Straits of Mackinaw where Lake Huron flows into Lake Michigan. Once you step on the Island, you are transported back to the Victorian Age. There are no automobiles on the Island, except for the ambulance. To get around you either walk, ride a horse, bicycle or take a horse and buggy. The homes on the Island are these unbelievably gorgeous Victorian homes with picture perfect manicured lawns.

Our wedding was at the Little Stone Church, which is, as the name implies, a little stone church. Brad was the Best Man, Dana was the Maid of Honor and Rick's niece Courtney was the flower girl. We stayed at the opulent Grand Hotel in the Dolly Madison Suite. It was done in mauve and pink, so Rick dubbed it the Dolly Parton Suite. If the Island and The Grand Hotel look familiar to you it is because the movie Somewhere In Time with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour was filmed there. The Grand Hotel also has the longest porch in the world. I believe Rick's favorite memory from our wedding is when we left the reception and took another carriage ride back to the Grand Hotel. Once at the hotel, he took a seat on that long porch while I twirled and twirled in my wedding dress. For you see, my dress was one of those that was just made for twirling. Rick thinks it was the champagne that flowed freely at our reception that had me spinning, but it was the pure happiness I felt that day that had me as giddy as a schoolgirl.

A white carriage transported Dana, my maid of honor, my mother and me to the Little Stone Church. After the ceremony, Rick and I enjoyed a carriage ride around the Island, which offered several photo ops. Luckily, our photographers were in the carriage with us! Our reception was held at The Island House, which is like a mini Grand Hotel, with a cocktail reception on their huge, open air porch and the reception in the Webster Room.

Below are a few of my favorite pictures from our fairytale wedding. You can click on the hyper linked text to learn more about Mackinac Island, The Grand Hotel, The Little Stone Church and The Island House.

Getting ready in the Dolly Parton suite.

One of my favorite photos from the wedding. This is me with my dad in the church doorway.

Rick and I on the bluff that overlooked The Grand Hotel.

On another bluff that overlooked St. Anne's Church.


Arriving at the reception in our carriage.