The Kid and I

Dance Recital - Tap

2010-05-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

Dance Recital - Ballet

2010-05-26T21:13:00.000-05:00

Halloween!

2009-10-30T11:37:00.000-05:00

This year, The Kid wanted to be a skeleton, or an x-ray. That was until we went to the costume store and she saw this.

First Day of Kindergarten!

2009-08-26T05:56:00.001-05:00

Today was The Kid's first day of kindergarten. Unfortunately, she missed the first two days of school because she was a sickie.

Just after this picture was taken and her bus pulled away, I turned around and cried and cried. Ugly crying as I went back inside. She just shouldn't be old enough yet to be so grown up. She's just a baby!

After I quit blubbering, I spent the rest of the day cleaning her room and going through all her toys, trying to get things organized. By the time it was almost time to go meet her at the bus, I had two large bags of garbage to throw out. When I went to go meet the bus, I took my camera (for a picture of her getting off the bus) and the two bags of garbage. I went to the dumpster and somehow managed to throw the camera away, too. Fan-freakin'-TASTIC! I didn't have time to mess with trying to get the camera out since her bus was due back at any time. Plus it was raining and I was still holding out a little bit of hope that maybe I had just left the camera inside.

Grandmumsy and I went to wait for the bus. The bus comes and kids get off, but NOT THE KID. The bus driver started to pull away and I give him sign language for "Wherethehellismykid-don'ttellmeyoulostheronthefirst day". He goes and checks the whole bus and she is nowhere. At this point I'm freaking out. I'm having visions of her trying to walk home along the very busy street we live on, or all sorts of horrible other thoughts that I don't even want to put into words. The bus driver starts trying to call around to find her and it's taking FOREVER. FINALLY, he tells me that she got on the wrong bus, and she's back at her school. He offered to go to the school and get her, but I thanked him and said I'd rather go and get her myself.

So, we hop into Grandmumsy's car, and drive up to the school and I go racing in thinking she is going to be in hysterics. I go into the office to find her being entertained by her teacher, the office secretary and the principal. I was so proud of her. She realized that she was on the wrong bus and as soon as she realized it and told the bus driver, who took her right back to the school. We never talked about what to do if you got on the wrong bus, because I never thought it would happen.

Anyway, we finally got home and I decided I better try and get my camera from the dumpster, so I took The Kid's robot claw and went out to try and dig it out. Just as I got out to the dumpster, it started pouring rain. I can only imagine what people must have thought seeing a woman, soaking wet, digging in a dumpster with a kid's robot claw. I was probably out there for 15 minutes trying to get the camera out, when one of my neighbors came out and asked if I needed any help and he was able to get my camera.

And that was the story of The Kid's first day of school.

5th birthday!!!!

2009-08-12T22:20:00.004-05:00

The Kid and her grammy

Tinkerbell slippers!

The Kid and all the cards that my co-workers made her!

Posin'

Making a wish

I am Mulan. I am your friend. I come in peace.

All ready for back to school!

Bug eye glasses

Family Day 2009

2009-08-12T22:08:00.007-05:00

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

And one more of her dressed up for our celebration dinner that evening.

O-town Zoo! (with Auntie A)

2009-06-12T22:02:00.003-05:00

Don't ask me why, but I am fascinated...

A bunch of monkeys.

The Kid and Auntie A

I like pictures of people walking with The Kid. Again, don't ask me why.

Princess Party

2009-05-30T21:48:00.000-05:00

The Kid's good friend G, had a Princess Party for her birthday.

Ballet Recital

2009-05-18T20:52:00.002-05:00

Here's The Kid in her first dance recital.

She liked it. A LOT. She is definitely a performer!!

Tulip Time

2009-05-07T21:36:00.002-05:00

Day at the Gardens

2009-05-03T22:51:00.001-05:00

Things are settling down around here and I'm going to try and update a little more regularly.

Cupcake at the park

2009-03-23T21:59:00.003-05:00

Spring Break - Zoo!

2009-03-16T21:55:00.001-05:00

Sweet Little Fairy

2009-03-07T21:49:00.000-06:00

Half Birthday

2009-02-12T21:41:00.000-06:00

Catch up

2009-01-13T22:02:00.002-06:00

I've added some new posts below to catch the highlights from the last couple of months.

Enjoy!

Make Up Christmas!

2009-01-13T22:01:00.000-06:00

Grandmumsy was in the hospital for two full weeks, so after she was home and feeling better, we had Christmas. It was a great day and extra special because we were all able to be together.
Finally? Christmas??
Princess dress from Auntie J = fun
Real clothes = not fun
But I'm still cute!

Hats

2009-01-13T21:52:00.001-06:00

January 4th, 2009 - The Kid picked out the entire outfit in this picture. Green pants with purple polka dots, a black long sleeved t-shirt that says something about the Little Vampire Motorcycle club and a pink vest that I made for her. And the hat was something stuffed in a box to keep things from shifting. Genius!

Cookie Party

2009-01-13T21:46:00.001-06:00

December 20 - My good friend from college invited us to her cookie decorating party. It was so fun and The Kid got to see what 47 boys together are like.

She's really not scared.
She quickly found a favorite toy.
The finished product.

Decorating the tree

2009-01-13T21:42:00.001-06:00

December 8th. We put up the tree.

Modeling the tree skirt.

Working the tree skirt.
Posing in front of the tree

Last warm day

2009-01-13T21:30:00.001-06:00

October 31st. This was approximately 5 minutes before everyone started getting sick. I kinda even forgot about these pictures. And while I usually hate pictures of myself, I love the last one because we look so happy and we had such a nice day at the park.

I liked the light on her hair in this one.
She's playing a record. ???
The Kid gets some of the most animated faces. I love it! She will be a great actress.

What I did on my blog vacation

2009-01-03T15:01:00.003-06:00

A True Story
By: Me

The first week in November, I had strep throat.

The second week in November, Grandmumsy had the flu*.

The third week in November, I had a sinus infection and a double ear infection.Grandmumsy sold her condo and moved.

The fourth week in November was Thanksgiving. Grandmumsy went to the hospital on Turkey day.

Then, December came.

The first week of December, Grandmumsy came home from the hospital.

Grandmumsy bought a new car the second week.

The third week, I was trying to get Christmas shopping finished up. Grandmumsy didn't feel well.

Christmas Eve came. The Kid, Auntie J and I went out for dinner. Grandmumsy didn't feel well enough to go.

Christmas Morning came, and Grandmumsy went back to the hospital. She's still there, but I think they finally know what they are doing now and she will hopefully get to come home next week.

Christmas has been delayed at our house until we can all be together. The Kid keeps asking when our 'makeup Christmas' will be.

I hope you all had healthy and happy holidays. More updates coming soon.

*Seems like all of her troubles lately go back at least that far.

Gingerbread, Barbies and Dinosaurs

2008-11-29T22:06:00.002-06:00

"WHAT?!? Uncle Mark is coming to play???"

Uncle Mark makes mildly inappropriate Gingerbread Ladies.

The decorators.

Posing for a quick shot before they move on to styling Barbie and "Friends"

The Makeovers - 'Big Reveal'
In the row we have Marie Osmond, Cher and Pocahontas
In the front row, other fashionista friends from the Jurassic Period.

Sweaty eyes

2008-11-01T14:57:00.002-05:00

First off, I need to be better about writing down some of the funny stuff The Kid says, so this shall be the repository.

In the car the other day, we were headed home so we both could take a nap because we are both trying to shake off colds. The Kid declared that she didn't "never ever" want to take a nap because she wasn't tired and it makes her nose get stuffed up. I didn't say any more about the nap, but we were quiet for a minute.

I looked in the mirror to see her rubbing her eyes and yawning.

Me: Honey, are you tired?
The Kid: NO!
Me: Then why were you yawning?
The Kid: I wasn't.
Me: Then why were you rubbing your eyes?
The Kid: Because my eyes were sweating.

Of course they were. And when we got home, she was asleep about 5 seconds after she put her head on the pillow.

Pumpkin Dance

2008-10-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

The Kid's dance class did a pumpkin dance to show what they have been learning so far.

Dragon Song

2008-10-27T06:51:00.005-05:00

The Kid has been making up lots of songs lately. This one was a story about a dragon. And the 'ding' is so she knows when to turn the page. She thought I was just taking a picture of her singing, but she didn't want me to do it until she was at the end of the song.

Trick or Treating!

2008-10-20T06:04:00.001-05:00

Our zoo has a halloween event where the kids dress up and walk through and get candy. It's pretty cool. The Kid was so excited and when she got to the first treat station, she ran up to the young guy passing out the candy, stuck her bucket in his face and yelled "TRICK OR TREATING!" He thought that was awesome.

The Kid and Auntie J.

Cinderella on the big slide

In front of her castle

Amongst the pumpkins.

Ahhhh!

2008-10-20T06:03:00.000-05:00

The zoo had a little spot set up to take pictures of the kids in their costumes. This was one example that was on display that gave me nightmares (but WAS very funny).

John McCain and Sarah Palin.

The Kid Presents:

2008-10-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

Home Alone

Coal Miner's Daughter

Apple Orchard

2008-10-06T06:56:00.001-05:00

Walking with Dinosaurs

2008-10-03T06:41:00.002-05:00

I won tickets and a backstage pass to see Walking with Dinosaurs. I was a little worried that The Kid would be freaked out, but she loved it! She wasn't even scared when we went backstage after the show and we were able to walk right up to them.

Here's The Kid, a T-Rex and just the tippy top of Auntie J's head. Sorry about the crappy pictures. I only had my cell phone camera.

First Day of School

2008-09-02T17:00:00.001-05:00

When I picked up The Kid, she told me she wanted ice cream. On our way there, I kept trying to get details out of her about her new school and her first day. And even as we sat down to have our ice cream, I kept asking her questions. Finally, she sighed and said "Can we just enjoy our ice cream?" Okay, then! Here she is, enjoying her ice cream.

All in all, I think it was a good day and that she didn't have much to report because they mostly went over the class rules. Maybe she'll have more to tell tomorrow!

Renaissance Festival

2008-09-02T08:15:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was my favorite time of the year. Renaissance Festival time! Or as I like to call it quietly to myself, "FREAK SHOW!"

Here's The Kid getting a green phoenix painted on her arm.

The Queen made her a princess, complete with a certificate!

The Kid and the Fairy Queen

The Kid and a Medieval lass

She got to dig for buried treasure!

The Kid and two dragon heads

The Freak Show rubbed off on her a little bit, I think.

Pony Ride!

Chillin' on her fairy toadstool.

Camping!

2008-08-24T17:15:00.000-05:00

We went camping with some friends of mine from college over the weekend and had a great time. But The Kid's favorite thing? Jumping on the air mattresses in the tent.

She also enjoyed getting dirtier than she has ever been. Those used to be white shorts.

In the bowl is The Kid's friend, Elsie the caterpillar. She wanted to keep it forever and ever because it was her friend. But, Auntie J and I finally talked her into taking Elsie back to the woods where she was found so she could be with her mommy. (It was actually really pathetic. She was heartbroken over that caterpillar.)

Enjoying an early morning snack.

The Kid and N.

The sad thing is, my batteries died at some point and I never did end up getting a picture of all of us.

First Ballet Class

2008-08-19T06:50:00.002-05:00

Oh, I just about died from the cuteness!! When her instructor called them all in to the classroom, The Kid turned to me and said "Mommy, I'm nervous!" But she still went in and did a great job. Every once in a while, she would look up to see me and give me a huge smile. I couldn't believe how much they learned in the first class. But I don't think any of those little girls knew they were learning. They were just having fun.

I did get some pictures where they were up and moving about, but they just came out blurry, so I won't make you look at those.

More Birthday pictures

2008-08-17T22:22:00.000-05:00

4th Birthday

2008-08-17T22:21:00.001-05:00

A few pics from the day (I'll have some more when I can borrow Auntie J's camera). We have a busy couple of weeks coming up. Tomorrow, The Kid starts ballet (I can't wait!!!). We go camping over the weekend with these two, then school starts the day after Labor Day. She's going to a new school this year and I think we are both nervous about it. She's nervous because they won't have a Minnie Mouse puppet like her old preschool. I keep telling her that there might be something even better than a Minnie puppet but she doesn't believe me.

And as if I need another reminder that she's growing up...tonight I told her to pick her toys up because it was almost bed time. Usually, she is pretty good about picking up and goes to bed without a fuss, but tonight she wanted to argue. And I guess she could tell that I was about to get mad because she put both her hands out and said "Now, calm down, Mommy. I just want to compromise." She cracks me up.

08/12/08

2008-08-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

Today is The Kid's 4th birthday. She doesn't know it because we aren't celebrating on the actual day this year. But, we did try to make it a special day. Grandmumsy took her to make a Unicorn Ballerina that she named Soft (she comes up with the craziest names!). She also got to pick her supper tonight, which was corn on the cob.

I love you, sweetie! Stop growing so fast, okay??
Mommy

Family Day Anniversary 2008

2008-08-07T21:15:00.000-05:00

We've been a family for 3 years today, and I think this outfit will probably still fit for a few more.

2008

2007

2006

2005

Dance, I say! DANCE!!

2008-08-06T22:56:00.006-05:00

Grandmumsy and I got The Kid signed up for ballet today and also got her outfit. She just looked so sweet and I had to choke back the tears the entire time we were there. I'm such a sap.

Here she is checking out her butt in the mirror.

Could she look any prouder?

This was the shoe/leotard guy giving her a high five after she did an impressive twirl.

The Shoe Guy helping her get her shoes on.

The Kid, admiring herself.

Playdate!

2008-08-03T23:44:00.000-05:00

On the hottest day of the year, we had a playdate with Miss G! Even though it was hotter than the surface of the sun, we had a great time.

Seriously?!?

2008-08-03T21:29:00.005-05:00

I just noticed that the last time I published anything on here was July 7th. I thought it had just been a week or so. Whoops! Where has the summer gone? At any rate here are a few entertaining pics of The Kid playing with Uncle Mark.

Also, here's a little video of Uncle Mark. Enjoy! (He's going to kill me.)

3 Cupcake faces

2008-07-07T06:50:00.000-05:00

A couple more pics from the 4th of July.
Hamball
Naughty
Sweetheart

4th of July

2008-07-06T11:06:00.001-05:00

Playing in the sandbox
Playing in the pool
Waiting for the fireworks

Fireworks

2008-07-04T23:10:00.000-05:00

Fairy Princess

2008-06-24T22:37:00.002-05:00

Look at me, being all posty lately. Don't get used to it. We ended up at Family night at the mall last night and The Kid got painted up to look like a Fairy Princess.

3

2008-06-24T09:24:00.003-05:00

3 years ago today, I fell in love with a little face.

Thank you for 3 of the best years ever, sweetie!

Day at the pool

2008-06-22T22:46:00.005-05:00

We went to the kiddie pool on Friday. Here is the evidence. Even though she looks pretty serious in all the pictures, we had a great day.

Random Quotes

2008-06-22T17:36:00.005-05:00

The Kid was counting in Spanish the other day, thanks to Handy Manny. Here's her version:
"Uno, dos, tres, whacko, see-go, says."

Also, she's been talking about being brave a lot lately. Grandmumsy had a doctor's appointment that The Kid went to the other day. As Grandmumsy got up on the table, The Kid came over and patted her on the knee and said "Be brave, Grandmumsy!" And I was giving her some medicine that doesn't taste very good and she cried a little bit and said "I'll be brave next time, mommy. Like a knight."

Last night, she got to pick out a movie and she wanted to watch this dumb fairy thing that came with a toy. It's not even a movie just an activity dvd and it's stooopid. Anyway, she asked if I wanted to watch it and I said "not really, but if it's what you want, that's fine". Then she said, "try to smile, mommy!" And for the record, I was enthusiastic about the dumb fairy dvd. I'm not totally heartless.

Anytime I ask her what she wants to eat, drink or do, she will respond with "I just looooove (chicken, mac & cheese, cherry juice, going to the mall)!"

2008-06-10T07:24:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a busy one. We took in a movie about a Panda, partied and tried to keep cool and dry. '93 is on everyone's mind right now!

The Kid and her bud, G at G's b-day party

Party Treats

I got 2, mom!

Wheee!

Items, mostly in picture form

2008-06-04T21:45:00.001-05:00

Here is The Kid making a wicked salad of tree leaves and dandelion. She's looking very R-a-chel R-a-y, no?

These are some old friends that The Kid and I got to see for a bit. Some of you (and you know who you are) may very well recognize them.

We've been having storms a-plenty around these parts. This was what I encountered on a very busy street on my way to work the other morning.

And finally, someone has expressed my thoughts almost exactly about why the "Princess" thing for little girls is scary. Please read it!

Before and After

2008-05-26T19:52:00.000-05:00

First day of preschool
Last day of preschool

Last Day of Preschool

2008-05-26T19:39:00.002-05:00

Receiving her 'diploma' - I didn't get choked up at all. Nope, not me!

The Kid and her teachers.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T17:35:00.001-05:00

This was the inside of the card The Kid made me at Preschool.

This was the present she made me at Preschool.

This is the card that she picked out for me when Grandmumsy and Auntie J took her shopping for Mother's Day. She could not be talked into another card because "mommy likes baby blue bird".

This is the gift that she picked out for me ALL BY HERSELF. I love it and I laughed so hard I came very close to passing out. It will now hang proudly in my bedroom.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Pony rides!

2008-05-02T06:43:00.001-05:00

Tulip Time

2008-04-30T21:15:00.004-05:00

We took a little roadtrip today to go check out the Tulip Festival. It was a beautiful day!
The last pic is The Kid enjoying her Wooden Shoe cookie.

Wanted

2008-04-24T21:09:00.000-05:00

Party for the Planet

2008-04-21T06:08:00.002-05:00

The Zoo was having it's Earth Day celebration early this weekend and, even though it was a cold, grey day, we got our party on.

Clowns

2008-04-20T06:18:00.000-05:00

Clowns freak me out. But, recently, The Kid got a clown nose and has been trying desperately to wear it. This was all the longer she managed to get it to stay on.

But she was pleased with the results.

Then she tried to make her lamby blanket hold it. She just looked so sweet in this picture.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T22:54:00.000-05:00

The Kid's cheeseball ANTM smile.

Modeling the special necklace that grandmumsy got her for Easter. Thank you Grammy!

Easter Eggs with Uncle Mark

2008-03-23T07:10:00.005-05:00

What do you want to be?

2008-03-23T07:05:00.002-05:00

This was from our last day of vacation. We went to the mall and they had this kid's exhibit that was set up like a town but everything was kid sized. It was a lot of fun. I have to say, she was the most interested in the auto shop....which makes me a little proud.

This one is for Auntie J.

BIG

2008-03-16T22:13:00.003-05:00

In one part of this Science Museum that we went to today, they had a musical garden. There were all kinds of things that made music. Anyway, The Kid was impressing me with her wicked cool dance moves and it kinda reminded me of Tom Hanks in BIG when he plays the giant piano with Robert Loggia....and maybe a little Napoleon Dynamite.

Vacation Day 2

2008-03-16T22:05:00.002-05:00

I'm too excited to sleep!
It's cold. Take the picture, mom.
Look at me. I'm a palentologist. I'm digging up a dinosaur. AND I GET TO WEAR GOGGLES!
This is an astronaut potty.
I suppose these accomodations will do.

There's nothing like...

2008-03-15T20:30:00.000-05:00

..the first night of vacation.

The Kid....laying in bed and eating a cookie. We would NEVER do that at home!!!!!!!!!!

Where does she come up with this stuff?

2008-03-12T22:40:00.000-05:00

**This was a draft I had sitting around for awhile, but I have been so neglectful of Ye Olde Blog that I thought I'd better post this, too. The only excuse I will give is that I've had the creeping crud for about a month.

Just as we were getting on the interstate yesterday, a semi pulled passed us. From the backseat, and with gusto, The Kid said "Follow that Truck!" It was like a scene right out of a romantic comedy.

She will walk into the bathroom without turning the lights on and will say, "HEY! Who turned out the lights??"

We went out to lunch with Grandmumsy at a local Chinese restaurant. As we were perusing the menu, I asked Grandmumsy what she was going to have and The Kid said "Chinese Food!"

This morning, out of the blue, The Kid told me that she wanted to take juggling lessons. CAN you take juggling lessons??

**Also, I've meant to give a big shout out to Auntie J, who is on week two of her new job. YAY, Auntie J!

Thank you, A!

2008-03-12T22:34:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine, A, went to El Salvador recently and brought back this doll for The Kid. As you can tell, she loves it and says it is her 'seh-shul' (special) doll. I asked her what she wanted to name her doll and she said "Maria! Like on Saymuhsuh Street!"

Thank you so much, A! She couldn't have been happier.

2008-02-16T21:00:00.004-06:00

Somedays, I do some incredibly stupid thing and I think "Somebody let you be this child's parent?!?!" I did another one of those things today...and because I can laugh at myself, I will share it with you.

This is a new outfit I bought The Kid yesterday. She wore it today. ALL DAY. In public.

This would be the little diaper cover that came with the dress....still attached to the dress by the little plastic tags.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T17:17:00.000-06:00

Here's a pic of The Kid all ready for her Valentine's party at preschool today.

To say that she was excited would be putting it mildly.

An actual story as told to me by my daughter

2008-02-04T20:28:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time a mommy, a daddy and a new baby went for a walk. The new baby got lost. Then he came back to his mommy but his daddy was lost, too. Again. Something happened! Something happened to the mommy and the baby. They both got lost. But then, they came back. They tried to stay together. That wasn't nice. NO! The wizard didn't like them. So the mommy and the baby and the daddy were hiding. They were SO lost AGAIN! Then they found something shiny. A diamond! They held up the diamond. THE END! It's done. The story is done. The other one ripped.

.2 Seconds

2008-01-21T21:58:00.000-06:00

That's how long it took us to go from "Sane" to "Crazy" and back again tonight. This cycle repeated itself for over an hour.

Sane, but with a hint of the crazy in her eyes.
Full on CRAZY.

Enchanted

2007-12-30T22:27:00.000-06:00

We went to see Enchanted this weekend. This was our 2nd successful movie attempt! We've had others, but we had a really bad one this summer and somebody is still upset about it. I won't name names, but she's 3 and is very short. The trick to keeping her in her seat for the whole movie is getting a kid's popcorn combo and a large bag of popcorn. Whenever her little popcorn box gets low, just dump some more in!

Anyway, the movie was really cute and we both enjoyed ourselves. There were two little old ladies sitting behind us, and I have a sneaking suspicion that one of them had never been to a movie before. Every time something 'magical' would happen, she would lean over to the other old gal and say 'well...THAT was implausible!" And even after the movie was over, the one woman asked the other if she had enjoyed the movie and she said "Oh yes! Parts of it were pretty implausible, but I enjoyed it all the same."

I really wanted to turn around and ask her what was so implausible? The fact that people came to NYC through a sewer drain who had lived in a CARTOON WORLD or that you can't just open up your window, sing a little song and birds and woodland critters will come running to clean up for you? Maybe it was the talking chipmunk? And even now, a whole day later, the more I think about it, the more that woman bugs me. I'll get over it, but I do wish I had said something to her.

On another note, I hope you all have a joyous and happy new year. I know mine will be much happier AFTER January 3rd. I swear I get 5-10 calls a day from candidates. But after the 3rd, we can all go back to being just one of those farm states in the middle for another 4 years.

Christmas roundup

2007-12-26T21:33:00.000-06:00

Christmas was sooo much fun this year. The Kid really was so into the whole thing and was just a bundle of energy. I was actually up two hours before she was....finally at 8am I went in her room and gently woke her up (everybody was waiting!). When she opened her eyes, I said "Merry Christmas!!" and she popped up in bed and said "Happy New Year!" As the elves were in the living room making the last minute adjustments, I told her that I thought Santa had been to the house and her eyes got really big and she said "Did he bring me a suitcase?" That's all my little goofball asked for this year. A Tinkerbell suitcase. But, Santa did come up with a few other things that she was so thrilled with.

Personally, I think the Disney corporation should provide us all with a week long stay at one of their amusement parks because we certainly made a large contribution this year. Basically, if it was either Mickey or Little Einstein related and makes noise...we now own it. THANKS, SANTA!!!!!

The Kid did get her suitcase, complete with a pillow, sleeping bag and night time eye mask. After eating nothing but m&m's all day and playing nonstop, finally at about 4:30 she said "maybe I'll just lay here in my sleeping bag for a little bit" and then she slept on the floor in front of the Christmas tree for about an hour. So sweet.

Hope your Christmas was filled with suitcases and loud musical toys!!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T16:56:00.001-06:00

With love, from The Animatronic Mouse and The Kid.

Note to self

2007-12-21T22:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a little something I don't recommend. Don't save 85% of your Christmas shopping for the weekend before Christmas. And don't plan on getting as much of it done as possible on the day before 'The Snowstorm of the Century' is supposed to come to town.

I'm just sayin'.......

Christmas Party!

2007-12-17T06:41:00.000-06:00

Decorating cookies

Presents
Let's Wrestle...or hug. What-ev.

Santa 2007

2007-12-16T22:38:00.000-06:00

We're fine!! Really! I have pictures to prove it!

2007-12-13T20:56:00.000-06:00

Yeah....haven't blogged in awhile. I've been Scroogy McScroogerton this year. But, I'm back to entertain my loyal readers (who are mostly lurkers, but I still love you all anyway).

So. As promised, here are some pictures from the tree decorating. One of our favorite holiday traditions is hanging a special ornament in a place of honor. That ornament would be White Jumpsuit Elvis. Seeing this picture gets me all misty eyed.

Next we have the customary Elvis snarl with the presentation of his cape.

And finally a twirl or two to show that the cape is flow-ee.

And I believe, in this picture, The Kid is saying "A tiny rocking chair! But I want to sit on it."

So. After getting the tree up, we had to take different pictures in front of the tree (because I thought I might send out Christmas cards again this year, but I'm quickly running out of time...but you can see the results anyway).

Catch Up

2007-11-26T06:14:00.000-06:00

Let's see.....

We had our first snow around here the day before Thanksgiving. When The Kid looked outside that morning she gasped and said "SNOWY SNOWY SNOWY SNOW!!!! Is it Christmas?!?!?!?!?!?!?"

That same day, we were out running some errands and it became very evident that the weather was taking a turn for the worse. The roads were getting awful and decided to scrap the rest of the errands and just go home. As we were creeping along, I came upon a stop light and tried REALLY hard to stop, but it wasn't happening. I hit the car ahead of me, and as I getting out to check the damage, The Kid kept saying "Mommy! You have to be CAREFUL!"

There was no damage that either of us could see. YAY!!

Thanksgiving was great. Auntie J put out the usual fabulous spread.

The Kid has a new best friend....her cousin S. She followed him EVERYWHERE that day and he was so good with her. I think I even saw him playing Barbies with her. He would probably die of embarassment if he knew that anybody saw him.

A few pics of the day.

Grandmumsy made her outfit. I thought I took a better picture of her in it, but this is the best I can find at the moment.

The Best cousins ever, O and S.

Cheeze!

Auntie J...she's klassy.

Coming soon....Christmas tree pictures!

Heeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-19T23:03:00.000-06:00

I slack, therefore I meme

2007-11-14T23:01:00.000-06:00

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night?The Kid
2. What were you doing at 0800?On my way to work...ugh!
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?Reading emails
4. What happened to you in 2006? First ER visit and x-rays with The Kid
5. What was the last thing you said out loud?Sweet dreams and I'll see you in the morning, sweetie
6. How many beverages did you have today? Two coffees and two sodas
7. What colour is your hairbrush?Black
8. What was the last thing you paid for? Dinner tonight for The Kid and I
9. Where were you last night?Home
10. What colour is your front door? Wood
11. Where do you keep your change?I have multiple locations
12. What’s the weather like today?Cold and VERY windy...I nearly froze me bits off getting gas tonight.
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavour?Peanut butter and chocolate
14. What excites you?Travelling, lots o' money, Orlando Bloom
15. Do you want to cut your hair?Always
16. Are you over the age of 25?Sadly
17. Do you talk a lot?I don't think so, but I wonder what people who know me would say
18. Do you watch the O.C.?Is it even still on?
19. Do you know anyone named Steven?I do....crazy professor from college
20. Do you make up your own words?No
21. Are you a jealous person?Sometimes, I suppose. Doesn't everyone?
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’ Amanda
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’Krisanne
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?Mi madre
25. What does the last text message you received sayThanks for voting!
26. Do you chew on your straw?Eww, no
27. Do you have curly hair?Straight as a pin
28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?Bed
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?A little weazel, and that's all I can say
30. What was the last thing you ate?A Tootsie Roll out of The Kid's candy bucket
31. Will you get married in the future?I don't know...it would be nice, but I'm not counting on it
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?I can't think of anything
33. Is there anyone you like right now?Many people
34. When was the last time you did the dishes?After dinner tonight
35. Are you currently depressed?No. Tired, maybe....
36. Did you cry today?No, which is kinda weird. I cry all the time.
37. Why did you answer and post this?Because I couldn't think of anything else to write about today.

Tagged: 8 random things

2007-11-13T21:18:00.000-06:00

...So, here are the rules of the 8 Random Things tag game:

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.

2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are 8 random things:

1. I LOVE mushrooms and would eat them on everything if I could. Sadly, The Kid won't touch them.

2. I once sang with Tony Bennett. He gave me an autograph and he laughed at my joke.

3. A very good friend of mine is a Grammy winner (it's not Tony Bennett).

4. My dream job would be a director (either movies, tv, or stage...I'm not picky).

5. Other than something happening to my family, my biggest fear is clowns.

6. Six Pack may be the greatest movie of all time.

7. The first concert I ever attended was M.C. Hammer. His opening act was Vanilla Ice.

8. I saw Tim Ru$$ert the other day. He looked like he'd just finished up a 3 day bender.

I'm not going to tag anybody else, but if you would like to do this meme, too, just leave a comment so we can check it out on your blog.

I'm a slacker

2007-11-13T20:38:00.000-06:00

Beverly called me out as the slacker that I am. BUT, I do have an excuse. Auntie Amanda came to visit The Kid and I over the weekend and before that, I had to clean so Auntie Amanda wouldn't say bad things about me. She still might, but at least it won't be about the ginormous dust bunnies that we were living with before her arrival. I had grown quite fond of a couple of them. I was even thinking of knitting them hats for Christmas....

So, I'm going to try and get back to posting every day for the rest of the month. Up next: the meme that Beverly tagged me for. I'm off to contemplate 8 random things

A Better Day

2007-11-07T23:42:00.001-06:00

Today was a much better day for The Kid. She has preschool again tomorrow and I hope there are no issues.

On a totally unrelated topic, America's Next Top Model was one of the funniest episodes ever. I think my favorite phrase (This is really hard) was uttered at least 3 times. Tyra has already taught me the 'squinty eyed smile' and now I can start working on my sexy music video walk.

And that....is all I have today. I know. You are disappointed.

A Hard Day's Night

2007-11-06T22:11:00.000-06:00

The Kid had another rough day at preschool followed by a rough afternoon. I'm hoping this is just a short little adjustment phase and things will quickly sort themselves out. The Kid has just started going to preschool early to have lunch and have a little more play time. Maybe that, combined with the time change explains why she just hasn't been herself lately. I know she is tired, because two nights in a row now, she has climbed up next to me a good hour before bedtime and told me that she is very tired and she wants to go to bed. Sometimes I forget she is still so little. Then I feel guilty because I worry that I am expecting too much from her.

One funny little side story from the day....she was sitting on the potty tonight and she furrowed her brow and shook her head slowly, sighed and said "I've had a hard day." It was so funny and sad all at the same time. I love you, kiddo. Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day.

It's only day 5 and I am already weary.

2007-11-05T22:11:00.000-06:00

What was I thinking? At least I had sense enough not to sign up for this thing officially. Anyway, I do have a couple of things to share today.

I heard this interesting story today about Chess Boxing. This sport is for real! It sounds like something a 12 year old thought up, but an American came in 2nd in the recent world championships.
Also if this writer's strike interferes with LOST starting up in February, we're gonna have trouble.
And finally, here is a snippet of the conversation with The Kid on the way home tonight:

TK: Oh no! Oh NO! OH NO!!!!

Me: What, honey??

TK: My day is gone! My day is gone!! (It was dark very early tonight because of stupid DST)

Me: Where did your day go?

TK: To bed his blanket and lillow. NIGHT NIGHT DAY!!!

Still as I'm driving...

TK: MOMMY! Come see! Come see!

Me: I'm driving honey. What is it?

TK: I saw a shooting star!

Me: You better make a wish!

TK: I wished for more stars!

I am telling you, that kid makes me so flippin' happy......

Motherhood

2007-11-04T21:43:00.000-06:00

A Motherhood Meme

I would never: want my daughter to feel ashamed.

I always: praise my kid for good behavior.

I got an easy ride when it came to: (I really hate to jinx this, but...) how easily The Kid will go to bed. She may not always go to sleep, but she never puts up a fuss about going to bed.

The part I dislike most about parenting is: always being the bad guy.

The part I love most about parenting is: all the hugs and kisses and knowing at the end of the day that she is a kind and well-behaved child and I am pretty much responsible for that.

My terrible parenting secret is: bribery. It works 98.5% of the time.

I would describe my approach to discipline as: setting clear cut rules and making sure The Kid knows that if they are broken what the consequence will be (time-outs, no special privileges, etc) and STICKING TO MY GUNS.

My worst parenting habit: letting her watch tv so that I can have 5 minutes to myself.

The one thing I am really proud of is: how independent and well adjusted she is.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to: making her try new foods.

I hope my daughter inherits my: love of the Arts.

I hope my daughter doesn't inherit my: suspicious nature.

I love that my daughter is: so freakin' funny.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is: having a social life.

Motherhood is: incredibly hard, but incredibly worth it.

Looking Forward

2007-11-03T12:57:00.001-05:00

I don't have anything really interesting to discuss today, but I thought I would share a list of things that I am looking forward to today.

Before I sat down at the computer, I was really looking forward to The Kid's nap. She's been a bit of a p-i-l-l today. I think she is still recovering from the Halloween insanity.
I'm looking forward to next weekend. My BFF is coming to stay for a few days. It will be so nice to talk and hang out and reconnect. It has been a looooong time.
I hope I can finish a funky little sweater for The Kid this weekend. If I do, I'll post a picture of her in it.
Thanksgiving - Auntie J is having it this year and it is ALWAYS spectacular. She likes to be domestic....me, not so much.
Christmas!!!
February - New episodes of LOST!!!!

Well, the sweet angel in the next room is up to something so I am off. Until tomorrow!

Preschool Drama

2007-11-02T06:09:00.000-05:00

I went to pick The Kid up from preschool yesterday, and as I was standing in the lobby waiting for her to finish saying goodbye to all of her friends, Miss K came over to talk to me. The only reason she has ever come over to talk to me afterwards has been to tell me a funny story. There just hasn't been any issues, and I, apparently, was dumb enough to never expect any.

Miss K started out saying that there had been a little problem and that The Kid had started crying so hard and for so long that she almost threw up. It seems that The Kid was playing with a couple of coveted pumpkin erasers and one of the other classmates (Miss K didn't tell me who) took them away from her. A little back story....last week, Princess was playing with a Minnie puppet and The Kid went over to her, asked if she could 'please play with it' and yanked it out of Princess' hands. Princess, being who she is, tattled to Miss K. When Miss K asked The Kid about it, she just said "I said please!"

So since then, we've had lots of talks at home about how you can't just take things out of someone's hand and eventhough you ask and say please, that doesn't mean that the other person will share. Maybe I talked up the sharing too much, because when the other kid took the erasers away from her, she knew that she had been wronged and it broke her heart. As soon as Miss K told me how she had been crying, I almost started to cry. She has only ever cried like that a couple of times and it's just awful.

Miss K said that at one point both of them were crying and she couldn't get The Kid calmed down, and I think it kinda wigged her out, too. Anyway, she did say that after both of them got calmed down, The Kid shared the pumpkin erasers with the unidentified student. So, maybe some of what I talked to her about sunk in.

Now, once we got out to the car, The Kid started telling me her version of the story, but SHE told me who took them from her. It was a good thing Miss K didn't say it, because I probably would have tripped the little bully for making my girl cry. And next time I see him? I'm going to glare at him. That'll teach him to mess with my baby!

It's November 1st

2007-11-01T06:19:00.000-05:00

Well...here we are at November 1st and I have no clue what to write about.

So, I will tell you about the things I am thinking about this morning.

I was very sad to hear about Robert Goulet. He had an amazing voice and a good sense of humor.
I don't want to go to work today.
I want to go to DisneyWorld with The Kid but I probably should wait until she is 5.
Will LOST Season 4 be as good as the first three seasons?
I can't help it, but I feel sorry for Britney. If only she had stayed with Justin.

Tomorrow I may have to resort to my ANTM post.

Preschool Halloween Party and Beggar's Night

2007-10-30T22:06:00.000-05:00

A pirate, a monkey and a spider walk into a bar.....I'm sure there is a joke
in there somewhere.

The party was great fun. I know I had fun and most of the kids seemed to as well.

We also made a stop at a DEAR friends home where The Kid got a major haul. Dear Friend insisted on taking a picture on her front step.

And finally, since it was Beggar's Night, we went trick or treating at the mall. WHAT A MADHOUSE! But so much better/easier than going door to door. The only really weird thing we saw was a mom in front of us at one point (who was probably half my age) and she had a lower back tattoo hanging out that said "Made in the USA" in red, white and blue. I'm sure Uncle Sam is proud.

I am so glad Halloween is over.....I really hate it.

Halloween Dress Rehearsal

2007-10-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

The Science Center had a Halloween event last weekend. It was odd...and not just because there was a clown just past the ticket counter. One booth was giving away some cool stuff and we must have stood there for 5 minutes and they just ignored The Kid. I became angry. But then we went to the Grossology exhibit and I made flatulence noises for a solid 20 minutes and then I was fine. The Kid was happy as can be going down the GI slide.

Anyway, here's the pics.

She's saying "Trick or treat, MATEY!"
"Please, sir, a bit of candy?"
Yo Ho, Yo Ho...A Pirate's Life for Me
Potent Potables of $400, Alex
This picture is out of focus, but it's how I see The Kid....just a blur whizzing past me 4000 times a day.

Oh, and on a totally unrelated note, I am seriously considering the NaBloPoMo dealio (You post everyday...even WEEKENDS) so if you have any questions you have always wanted to ask, it could possibly end up as a post. For example, I plan on discussing at least one day why America's Next Top Model is The Greatest Television Show of All Time.

A Glimpse into my future - circa 2018

2007-10-14T22:02:00.000-05:00

All things scary

2007-10-03T20:16:00.000-05:00

The Kid had to get two shots the other day, and after the initial shock (and cup full o' m & m's from the nurse) she calmed down pretty quickly. BUT, I came home at the end of the day to find her laying on the couch, with a blanket over her. I can honestly say that that is something I have never seen from The Kid. Even on the few occasions when she has been sick, she is still just as active as ever. Not only was she decked out like an invalid, but when she got up off the couch she was walking on her tip toes and all hunched over because she said her knees hurt. It was just pathetic and broke my heart. But the worst of it was then watching her try to get back up on the couch. Poor little sweetie!!! But, I can happily report that she was back to her old rambunctious self today, with no trace of the old man walk.

And now that October is finally upon us, I have to face one of my least favorite days of the year. I HATE HALLOWEEN. I've hated it since I was 8 years old (which is a story for another day). But, for The Kid, I'm trying not to show it and since Halloween will be here in a flash, I need to get going on her costume. Last year, she was Frankensteina. I was really hoping to dress her as Elvis this year, but when I asked her what she wanted to be (I do let her have some say) she said she wanted to be a princess with a pink feather on top. I don't know what that means, but I know you could have knocked me over with a feather. I've tried really hard to keep her away from most of that princess stuff. It makes me a little sick to my stomach, and plus I think it's just such a bad message to send to young girls. So, I'm on a mission to come up with a costume that will be agreeable to both of us. Please feel free to cast your votes!

The Kid loves pirates, so I found a non-trampy pirate costume that doesn't look like she just got done with her day job as a bar wench.

We can also go with a fun witch. (I knew some fun witches once, they had a ferret farm and their coven met on Wednesdays.)

And I would never allow this one, but doesn't this one look a lot like Jon-Benet?

And finally, if we MUST have a princess, maybe this one will do. I'll tell her it's Princess Mulan, who is practically nonexistant in the princess marketing blitz.

10 about me

2007-10-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

This meme consists of ten questions to be answered by me and about me!
1. If you could have super powers what would they be and what would you do with them? (Please feel free to be selfish, you do not have to save the world!)
I think I would want to hear people's thoughts but if I've learned anything from BUFFY and HEROES, that's a very dangerous power. So, I'll go with invisibility. That would be so awesome.

2. Were you to find your self stranded on an island with a CD player…it could happen…what would your top 10 blogger island discs be?
I rarely buy music, unless I know I will like everything on the CD so, it would probably be a lot of greatest hits compilations.

3. If you were a smell what would it be?
Patchouli/Sandalwood/Nag Champa

4. What bird would you most like to be?
Big Bird. He's the best.

5. If you were a bird who’s head would you poo on?
Li'l George

6. Are there any foods that your body craves?
Chocolate and Peanut Butter

7. What’s your favorite time of year?
Winter. I love snow.

8. What’s your favorite time of day?
9pm until I fall asleep

9. If a rest is as good as a change which would you choose?
Rest. I fear change.

10. If you could have a dinner party and invite any 5 people from the past or present who would they be? (Living or deceased.)
My dad and my grandma (so they could meet The Kid), Shakespeare, Bill Clinton, Charles Nelson Reilly

10 about The Kid

2007-10-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

This meme consists of ten questions to be answered by me about The Kid.
1. If you could have super powers what would they be and what would you do with them? (Please feel free to be selfish, you do not have to save the world!)
She's definately want to fly.

2. Were you to find your self stranded on an island with a CD player…it could happen…what would your top 10 blogger island discs be?
The entire Dan Zanes collection and anything by Laurie Berkner (Two great kids singers...I even like their stuff!)

3. If you were a smell what would it be?
French Fries

4. What bird would you most like to be?
Her little baby blue bird

5. If you were a bird who’s head would you poo on?
The TV monster

6. Are there any foods that your body craves?
French fries and M & M's

7. What’s your favorite time of year?
Probably summer

8. What’s your favorite time of day?
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

9. If a rest is as good as a change which would you choose?
Change, but only because she doesn't rest

10. If you could have a dinner party and invite any 5 people from the past or present who would they be? (Living or deceased.)
Mickey Mouse, Curious George, Cher, Charlie and Lola

Happy Birthday, Auntie J!

2007-09-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to the best sister and aunt around.

Love,

The Kid and I

I'd like to thank the Academy

2007-09-24T06:10:00.000-05:00

Two of the nicest people around nominated me for a blogger award. Coming from them just makes it that much nicer. Thank you!! (And if you are ever up this way, I can't cook, but The Kid and I would GLADLY go out to dinner!)

Now, since that Academy Award that I had planned on winning from the time I was about 9 isn't going to happen anytime in the near future, I would like to take this opportunity to use the acceptance speech that I have been working on for the last 25 years. Let's assume I've done all the obligatory thanking of my agent, academy voters and cast and crew.

"I'd also like to thank my junior high and high school choir directors. Now who has NO TALENT, NANCY and STEVE???? Thanks to my family for always being so supportive. Hey Jeff/Ryan/Joel/Jeremy/Mike! I bet you are sorry you turned me down when I asked for a date NOW, huh?? Thanks also to my incredible husband, Orlando Bloom (when I was 9 this would have been Harrison Ford and/or John Taylor of Duran Duran.) You complete me, babe!

I'd also like to thank the sweetest little girl in the world for giving me the inspiration to keep up my semi-regular posts. This is for you, Kiddo!

Now, I guess I'm supposed to nominate some other nice people. So, if any of these fine people have already been nominated, I guess it just means that you are extra nice.

First off, two moms that I have never met but would LOVE to someday.

Eliza's mom. I only recently came across her blog, but can just tell what a kind and sweet person she is. Plus, Eliza is adorable.

Second, Beverly. Another blog that I've only been reading for a short time, but I just love her stories about her daughter, Glenys. That little girl is a hoot and so is her mom!

And finally, Me, You and a Dog Named Zu. I know this couple personally and I don't think I have ever had the pleasure of meeting two nicer people. They will make the best mommy and daddy in town.

I believe I am supposed to nominate 7, but that's all I can think of at the moment. If I think of any others I'll let you know.

Sunday in the park

2007-09-24T06:03:00.000-05:00

Lovely day for an impromptu picnic and playtime.

I have no clever title today

2007-09-19T20:54:00.000-05:00

I always know that if I ever slack with Ye Olde Blog that someone will make it known unto me. So, that's why I'm taking a break from my oh-so-busy life to give an update.

We're good. Preschool is still good. Although, I just *think* preschool is going well because I haven't heard of any problems. And if it weren't for the weekly newsletter from the teachers, I would have NO CLUE what they do each week. Every day after preschool, this is the general conversation between The Kid and I.

Me: HI SWEETIE!! How was preschool today??!?

TK: Good.

Me: What did you do today?

TK: I don't know.

Me: Did you play outside?

TK: Yes.

Me: Did you play with your friends?

TK: Yes.

Me: Did you fly to the moon and slide on a rainbow?

TK: Yes.

I remember when I was just a little older than The Kid coming home from school and my mom harassing me about what I did in school that day. She just would not stop with the questions and I seem to recall punching her in the stomach. (Sorry about that Grandmumsy!!) I still to this day need to decompress for a bit before I feel like talking about whatever happened during my day. (And when you factor in that you really best not speak to me much before 10am, I have a limited window of conversation with people during the day. ) I want her to tell me about her day, but I also don't want to hound her for info.

And now, for a certain someone who complained because I hadn't posted anything for a while, I give you "The Many Faces of The Kid." I working on sharpening The Kid's acting skills. What do you think? Her next face will be BLUE STEEL.

Mad

Happy

Sad

Sleepy

Scared