A Note of Caution

While opening one of my Christmas presents today, a new, giant, non-stick skillet that I've been wanting for a while, I decided to take a quick second to read the enclosed "instructions" to be sure I didn't need to do anything to the non-stick surface of the pan before or during the first use. While reading, I came across this little gem:

"Caution: For safety, please keep pet birds out of the kitchen. Birds' respiratory systems are sensitive to many kinds of household fumes, including the fumes from extremeley overheated non-stick pans."

Um, apparently this has a been a problem in Italy, where the pan was made? And, let me me add that this is the one & only warning on the entire instruction sheet. So, please don't keep your pet bird in the kitchen! Consider yourself warned...

Photo Op

Every year we take a family picture in front of the Christmas tree. I enjoy looking back, and sometimes laughing, at the the way the kids cooperated (or maybe didn't!), and to see how much they have grown from one year to the next. Here is this year's photo...everyone actually smiled!

Here's hoping that your Christmas was filled with wonderful memory-making activities, and that your New Year will be blessed!!!

Waste Not, Want Not

This afternoon, when Alex returned home from school, he approached me with sad eyes, and informed me of the following:

"Mom, today at lunch, I didn't have time to finish, so I decided to save my dessert. But, look what happened!"

And, with that, he shows me a milky-white glove (that should be black), a drippy coat pocket, and a huge wet spot on his jeans. The dessert in question was a cup of 'pink' ice cream. And my 8 year old son, who isn't one to waste a good dessert, figured he'd simply stick it into his coat pocket to save for the bus ride home. Doing my best to stifle the laughter welling up within me, I asked, "Alex, didn't you realize that it would melt?" The response was quick and concise, "No!" At this point, I couldn't hold back the giggles, but I quickly hugged him, tried to reassure him that it was my fault for not explaining the concept of melting ice cream, then informed him that he would need to strip out of his sticky, wet clothes & coat so that they could be washed before tomorrow.

So, there you have it. I get the "Mother of the Year" award for not teaching my son that ice cream melts and isn't save-able! Granted, I've never had occasion to question his knowledge on the subject, as I simply assumed he knew that you couldn't leave it outside of a freezer for more than a bit before it changes to milk, but that might be because he's never had leftover ice cream before.

Note to self: Be sure to tell Morgann & Ian, when the time comes, to not save their ice cream cups!

Good Grief!

Geez! I leave town (and my computer) for 2 evenings and you all decide to post multiple postings!!! I'm gonna be sitting at my computer for hours tomorrow trying to catch up on my reading :)

And, when I finish reading, I'll be sure to post some pictures and interesting narratives about our Polar Express trip. Let me just say that, by special request, the kids are requesting that we do this on an annual basis with them.

All Aboard!!!

Well, tomorrow morning (which is technically this morning since it's approaching 1AM!), we're heading for the North Pole...well, not the REAL North Pole, but something that is designed to signify the North Pole. Here in Texas, and maybe in other places around the nation, we are lucky enough to have a real rail road station just 3 hours north of here, in the little town of Palestine, TX. And, during the holidays, they decorate, then charge an arm & a leg for each member of your family to ride said train. And, since it's called the Polar Express, and they serve hot chocolate & cookies to the passengers, they apparently get away with charging the required arm & leg! But, since it's Christmas, and we, as parents, look for those special moments that help to make extra-special Christmas memories, we will be heading north on I-45 to the little town of Palestine, TX to ride the Polar Express with our dear, sweet kiddos :)

And, let me just say that Michael & I are ranking on high on the list of the most awesome parents ever - well, according to our kids that are beside themselves with anticipation of riding the real Polar Express train, which will make a stop in the North Pole to see Santa, then returning to the station where we will get to spend the night in a hotel room!

It's the little things...that cost an arm & a leg...right?!?

His Traditional Letter

Dear Santa Claus,

Merry christmas! How have you been? Are the raindeer ok? How are the Elf's are they going to be alrite or not. Now I am going to ask you what I want. Can I have a pocet knife for christmas and my dad want's a I-phone for christmas.

love,
Alex

Since I've confussed the issues...

...this is a reminder that I have moved my blog to Wordpress! I've had to do some things on blogger, only to transfer them here, so feel free to stop by for a visit :)

Jingle Bells, What?

Morgann, the singer in the family, has been singing at the top of her lungs all evening. Jingle Bells is the current favorite:

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way
Home what fun it is to ride in a one who slopin sleigh, hey!

Every time I try to correct her verbage, I am quickly informed that I am not singing it correctly! Well, alrighty then...apparently if I desire to sing with her, I have to say it all 'correctly' :)

To the Birthday Boy!

Yesterday, you, my oldest son, turned 8 years old. First, let me say that I am not old enough to have an 8 year old. And second, HOLY COW! My baby boy is 8 years old!!!! The time is passing so quickly and you are growing like a weed - please stop! I currently do not have it in my budget to purchase you more pants...

I want to apologize for not giving you a proper birthday party, complete with balloons and friends galore. But, I'm hoping that the taco dinner and cookie cake, surrounded by your family, was enough to remind you of how very much you are loved. This year is getting away from me, and the fact that your birthday falls in the very hectic month of December, just 3 weeks short of Christmas, isn't helping me to not feel a bit overwhelmed at all of the things that I should be doing, but haven't done yet! The lack of a party on your birthday does not mean that I do not care for you...it simply means that between going out of town no less than 3 times (possibly 4) this month, mixed in with the fact that I am beginning to panic at my lack of preparedness for this holiday season, will allow you the chance to experience a summer birthday party :) Yes, I promise that we will invite your friends over for a pool party during the hottest part of the summer! And, we will label this pool party as "Alex's Belated 8th Birthday Party" so that we will have the excuse to purchase another cookie cake and sing Happy Birthday to you again. We all know how much you love to be the center of attention...

But, I wanted to take a minute to tell you that, even as time marches on, you are a dear, sweet boy and I will always cherish the fact that you were my first little blessing. I pray that you continue to grow in the knowledge and reverence of Jesus, and that the sweet, tender spirit you carry will always be with you. May the joy that you carry in the dimpled smile on your face be a blessing to all you encounter, and may the love of your savior, whom you invited into your little heart at the age of 4, be with you always.

And, if nothing else, always remember that I love you dearly and will always be here for you. Through the good times & the bad times; through the ups & downs that lie ahead for you; through the sad times & happy times; through it all...I will always love you!

Happy 8th Birthday, my little man!!!

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6: 24-26

Ian-isms

Gotta love 3 year old speak! Here is just a sampling:

Mommy, I win you...translated: Mommy, I'm going to beat you!

Ayex huut me (with the biggest pout he can muster and a dejected tone to his voice)...translated, I got hurt when Alex blocked my punch.

Nia, fit my yap...translated, Mia, come sit in my lap!

Mo ajuse peaz...translated, More apple juice please.

Me not yike tayots...translated, I don't like carrots...but will eat them without complaint when promised a dessert!

I hundwy...translated, I'm hungry, feed me right now before I die!

(Sounding a bit like Joe Pesci)...Yu tawkin to meee?...translated, Mother dear, are you speaking to me?

And, maybe one of my favorites: Oh, ay gowt...sounding very much like Gomer Pyle...Oh, I forgot :)

Like I said, you gotta love 3 year old speak...especially when you have a translator!