Ghosts of Christmas past

Lutsen was wonderful despite the lack of snow and constant monster-in-law presence. I was able to find some peace and solace while skiing and teaching Kelsey to ski- she loved it! Kylie did her best to demand "my mommies" love most of the trip- which was fine. I found myself missing the quiet moments of breastfeeding the kids when I could sneak away with them in my arms and spend quiet one-on-one time with just them and me.

This vacation proved to be a constant power trip between my mother-in-law, my mother, and shamefully me too. It was a somewhat small condo and we had between 5-8 people always there with us.

The first two nights were almost sleepless, while trying to share the same sleeping area with the kids. By the third night and with an addition of a nookie (yes for Kylie), we all passed out and slept without even moving all night.

The first night we were invaded by "the Ghosts of Christmas Past" as my mom refers to it. She swears that a ghost came in and opened the deck door. When I went downstairs where she and Kylie were sleeping, it was 40 degrees and freezing. The door was open. I think someone did not close it all the way, but who knows? The "Ghosts of Chistmas past" makes a fun title!

Call me crazy but...

I am spending Christmas with my in-laws... this will not include bed bugs or psycho animal fights and bites as previous posted, oh no, this Christmas we will be enjoying the slopes skiing (hopefully if there is snow). So along with dreaming of a white Christmas, I also find myself dreaming of peace and tranquility. I really hope that is possible, because days with my in-laws tend to turn into chaotic messes with a lot of anxiety and an absence of ativan.

Ever been an IDIOT?

That's me, an idiot. I feel stupid! I made a terrible error to the person who gave birth to me and I do not know how I will ever make it up to her.

The terrible error included, "FORGETTING HER BIRTHDAY."

It makes me want to hide in shame just writing it, "Oh my, what have I done?" We have our differences, but we are fairly close and she helps us out with the kids alot.

Yesterday my mom tried to call me and I was too busy to call her back until I was on my way to pick up the kids. Stupidly, once gain, I was running late and had to call my daycare provider to tell her , SO the last thing I said to my mom was, "I'm running late, gotta go!" This in the midst of her bearing her soul about HER bad day at work. After I said that, she just said, "Oh OK." She was probably thinking- "DAMN KID forgot my birthday!" And who knows, she may have ended up in tears!

How do I ever make it up to her? She is coming over tonight, because once again, she is watching our kids tomarrow. Please help?

Have you kissed your favorite Teddy Bear today?

Alittle kiddy Cudd'lin + Lot'sa doggy Slobber = True Love

Silly kids

Kylie hiding (she's found)

Kelsey's Scary Monster Face

"Teddy" trying his darndest to be a lap dog

Santa Baby

Visit with Santa...free





Sad Santa picture...priceless!

Is it hot in here?

I just read that the MN confirmed the first flu case. After I read that I realized I feel like I am burning up!

There are actually a number of things it could be...
1. Perhaps the small coffee with 5 packets of sugar and half cup of cream.

2. Just getting back from the candy store which was about 100 degrees, I don't know how the chocolate survives!

3. This wool sweater is kind of itchy and warm.

4. Maybe a hot flash? I am getting older...

5. Pregnancy?
No just kidding! ha ha

*I think it is time to start working out because I got winded and sweaty from walking from the candy store back to my cube (maybe 200 feet)...I foresee a new years resolution that I will break by January 10!

What is so secret Victoria?

OK, I never realized Victoria Secret had a fashion show on network channels until last evening.

What is up with that?

Cold, naked, women walking down a runway is not something that should be on tv. I am ashamed to say I watched it for a mere 5 minutes until I realized there was really nothing special about these skinny, lanky, anorexic women, who kinda had bad teeth. I am sure no one looked at their teeth but me though.

And let me tell ya HD tv sure doesn't hide a thing.

A word of Warning

In case you had forgotten or just never have experienced the joy of ice on the ground, it is very slippery! Hence the reason for wearing ice skates on it or chains on your tires when driving on it around the mountains.

I was not wearing ice skates or driving with chains, but was ill-equipped with my slip-on shoes, which by the way are also very slippery. I think I escaped the embarrassment of being seen. But now I am sharing publically that I fell on the ice. The kind of fall where your legs slip out from underneath you, completely and you fall on your butt.

In my case, I fell on my hip and my elbow and am now sporting a little bit of a limp and a robin-egg on my elbow.

Ahhhh, the joy of winter! Only 4 1/2 more months, if we're lucky.

The Crime Scene

The Suspect

The Victim

You may wonder what type of exciting life I have, well here it is...

Today I came home to a disrobed, dismembered, beheaded imitation barbie doll. I had to move the remains to protect the suspect and the victim from further harm- the head was missing. I feared that the head fell victim to Teddy's digestive system, but later the head was found.

Note to Santa and the Grandma's: Barbie Dolls suffer an ill-fate in our home, please do not bring any for Christmas.

Burban Bubble

I live in a suburban bubble.

I watched the last two minutes of the Rockefellor Tree Lighting and felt a tiny bit excited, the excitement you feel as a child. I realized a few minutes later that it was probably the same kind of excitement I feel when I watch fireworks. I found myself saying, " Oh I bet the kids would have enjoyed watching that."

This brings me to the philosophy of "the bubble". I recalled after seeing the Rockefellor Tree that the same type of events occur in Minneapolis and St Paul. I think it is a combination of laziness and being unaware of the events that are so near that keep us from participating in some of the great and unique opportunities we live so close to. Each year I find myself saying, "We will get to the holidazzle this year or we will go to some of the winter carnival events."

So I will say, publically, this year we will do at least one holiday activity in the big city and I will capture the moment in my blog.
Any ideas?

Motherhood Clarity

Somedays mothering seems to come with an intelligence card implanted in my brain to help me with difficult moments in the journey, other days the card seems to be defective or missing.

My goal; which does not "sound" difficult, is to raise happy, well-adjusted, independent children with a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. So far they seem pretty normal but it is really difficult to tell what the lasting effects my motherhood mistakes will make on their lives.

Last night was pretty blissful. We got home, the kids decided to play with their gel window stick-ons for the holidays. There was a small incident with Kylie stealing Kelsey's stick-on Snowman piece, oh, and then a second when Kelsey stole Kylie's doll. But then Kelsey helped me make dinner and we listened to Christmas music and all was peaceful. Shane got home and brought a holiday Baker's Square pie, mmmm-num!

The night before I was a mean mommy. When we got home the kids started fighting from the get-go. Screaming ensued on their part and mine. Demands for juice, "We do not have juice (we never have juice), you can have milk or water!" Screaming ensued because there was no juice. And then direction turned to blankets. Kylie found hers and Kelsey demanded hers, however, dinner preparations took my attention and I was unable to get Kelsey's blanket, so, yup, you guessed it, screaming ensued! I would like to erase this memory from my head. I know somedays are difficult, but I wish patience and ease came everyday.

Car Wash Needed

If in doubt here are some obvious signals that a car wash, maybe even a detail, is needed.

1. A message appears on your car which says, "Wash Me".

2. A message appears in the dust on the dashboard of your vehicle which questions, "Wash ME?"

3. Every time you open the door of your vehicle, something falls out.

4. Your child exclaims, "Oh good its raining, the car will be cleaner then!"

5. At your child's evening class, the topic is messy rooms, and your child brings up mom's messy car.

If you find that any or all of these scenario's have occurred for you, it is time for a car wash!

Gingerbread Mayham

On Saturday we decided to "break into" the holiday season by making our gingerbread houses.

Kylie and Shane worked on the one on top and Kelsey and I worked on the one to the bottom. Despite an adequate amount of sticky stuff, "cement", the one on the top did not make it. Kylie and Shane had a fun time and really created a work of art despite the gingerbread house falling down into a pile.

Kelsey did a beautiful job with her house, and she made it through the whole artistic experience without too much of a sugar high!

Gender Bender

Watching football can really be an eye opener. Not that I really care much for the game, but for some reason Kelsey enjoys watching "The Vikes". She even proclaimed that she plans to be a football player. Unfortunately she was bawked at and told that "girls do not play football, it is too dangerous." That individual, who shall remain nameless was tsk'd, and then said "I mean sure you can play, or hockey."

It was in this encounter that I realized the dreams of a child, however lofty, should be supported after all, she did not say she wanted to be America's Next Top Model or the next American Idol. And the people who splatter their dreams should be questioned, "Why can't a girl play football, it would not be the first time?"

What is up with the gender stereotypes?

Venomous Immunizations

My thought of the day is: I feel as though I offered my four year old to the snakes.

This on the day following her four year old well-child visit with shots. Yesterday at this time I had a happy, talkative four year old on my hands. She was eagerly anticipating the doctor and, surprisingly but true, her shots. I anticipated her getting the flu shot at the doctor's appointment, but when faced with the option of her completing her five-year old immunizations, I agreed to torture her with a total of four shots. My thought process urged me in that direction because she was really very excited about the shots and the bandaides to follow.

Following the shots it was not Kelsey who cried, but Kylie who was shouting between tears, "but I want a bandaide too!"

Kelsey handled it all very well until about 5:30 this morning when she woke to tell us she was not feeling well because of the shots. She has never had a reaction to the immunizations...until this time. So my brave little soldier ended up with a fever and subsequently is quite ill this morning. Let me paint a sick little pale picture of my sweetie; she is pale, the steam is radiating off of her (so I gave her an ice pack) and currently she is lying on the couch with ice water curled up with her favorite blankie watching the movie Cars.

With Thanksgiving looming I feel as though I made a poor mommy decision.

Birthday Girl

Today is the day

Today is Kelsey's 4th birthday and as cliche as it sounds, "it is hard to believe how fast it has gone."

She is a little lady of independence and sensitivity. She loves her friends and family and adores her little sister, Kylie. She has begun to distinguish her "best friends" from the rest and eagerly shares a hug with them. Kelsey is extra gentle with Teddy, but easily sets boundaries and rules for him too.

Kelsey's passion is currently riding her new bike, playing puzzles, games, reading stories, playing playdo and feeding and changing her dolls. She is the first one, in the house, up in the morning and, if it were up to her, she would be the last one to bed. She is always alert and ready to learn new things and a little person of many complex questions; she keeps us on our toes!

She is a loving, independent soul, who came into our lives just 4 years ago today, it is hard to believe that she has not always been with us because she is such a large presense in our lives.

Movie Review: Not so Happy Feet

The movie previews showed a happy penguin dancing and tapping his toes on the big screen.

In actuality, I feel like I walked into a private party for Green Peace, with cute cartoon penguins portrayed for a young audience and to bring in the masses. It did rate as the highest seen movie over the past weekend, so the previews worked to deceive many!

I consider myself to be respectful towards the environment and have even given money to some of the environmental organizations, but Happy Feet was over the preverbial top!

Mental note: When learning about penguins and the environment, watch documentaries commentated by Morgan Freeman.

News Smut: Dead Deer Assault vs OJ did it

News smut is what I call it, in a fairly reputable newspaper, even reporting the "so called" news can be offensive!

Some stories should not be rehashed, such as OJ Simpson writing a book about "how he might have done it." He is such a sicko, and now he is making more money on his offenses!

And in the local arena, although across the border in cheesehead country, "having sex with a dead deer."

Really! The news should not make me nearly loose my lunch, and the saddest thing about this story, is that the focus is on the law which does not know how to charge this individual because a dead animal is no longer considered an animal.

How about just lock the guy up and throw away the key, so he does not mistake a child, or another animal as his last conquest!!!! Sicko!!

Hopefully the news headline today will be the weather.

Reasons NOT to go to North Dakota for Thanksgiving

I am good at preparing lists, and the in-laws have requested that we join them for Thanksgiving this year. So I have decided to prepare a list of reasons why traveling to North Dakota may not be a good idea this year...

1. My in-law has an attack dog, as we witnessed after Kelsey's birthday party, when her face was bitten.

2. I have a large dog, Teddy, that loves other animals, but the attack dog yips and nips at Teddy whenever they are in close proximity.

3. My in-law does not have enough room for my family to stay and my brother-in-laws, her home is a split entry with three bedrooms. So we would probably need to stay at a hotel.

4. It could be costly to stay at a hotel for two-three nights. And...

5. We are going to be spending several days with my in-laws over Christmas on a vacation getaway, so it would be nice to be home for Thanksgiving.

6. There is very little to do in North Dakota.


7. After the last visit with my in-law, I learned that Bath and Body makes a scented lotion that smells just like yeast infection medication, a lotion which she seems to love and lathers on quite frequently.

8. The last time I stayed at my in-laws I got bed-bug bites up and down my back, yuck!!

Flushed Away

This was a very cute movie which reminded me of the political climate in the last week.

That is right, one week since the landslide victory for democrats!

We saw this movie over the weekend. It is about an uppity mouse who lives in a palace in Kensington, England. During the course of the movie the uppity mouse enjoys his lonely existence in the palace, until a sewer mouse comes out of the drain and flushes him down the toilet. The sewer mouse portray the poor and middle class in our country, flushing Bush and his politics down the toilet with the election last week.

The uppity mouse did live happily ever after, in the sewer, with his poor lady mouse, voice by Kate Winslett. I am sure that Bush too will live happily ever after once he leaves the White House!

For the love of a name...

I went to NDSU, home of the "Bison" for my undergrad degree. The Bison are huge rivals to the UND "Fighting Sioux". Many family members of mine and Shane attended UND. Apparently there is now concern about the name being derogatory to American Indians- I can see how it could be perceived- and the NCAA is making a ruling on whether or not to allow a game to be played at UND, "home of the fighting Sioux".

Now I have some interesting "insider knowledge" from a loved one...Ingelsted or Inglewood donated a lot of money to build an ice arena for the "fighting Sioux" and apparently he said he would tear it down if they changed their name. It always seems to come down to financials, really, doesn't it?

Birthday blunders

It is Monday morning (sigh), so I survived the 4th birthday party for Kelsey. She did remarkably well, despite waking at 5:30 am on Saturday morning before the party (with Grandma Carol), the excitement was too much and she was ready to start her day. Luckily I was able to sleep in and mentally prepare for the day ahead. Kylie slept until 8 am.

Kelsey eagerly got dressed in a black teddy bear polka dotted dress and the plan was that Kylie would wear a pants outfit to match, however she too wanted to look like a "princess" and wear a dress. So Kylie stole the show in the morning climbing up and down the stairs demanding to be dressed in a "princess dress". I never imagined that I would have a child who demanded to wear a dress, but there you have it she wanted a dress. My mother-in-law beamed in delite that Kylie demanded to wear a dress, to each their own I guess.

We started off the day preparing wild rice soup, then off to Target I went for cake and subs, with Kylie. We had a quick encounter with our new neighbors and then off to home to prepare for the party which was planned to start at 11am. No one came until noon, which pushed the "planned" naps back alittle further.

The party began with laughter and plenty of chit-chatter. Participants included Grandma Jan, Grandma Carol, Auntie Julie, Uncle Ryan, and my Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Kenny. Kelsey was in heaven that attention was focussed on her! We ate and then opened the mounds of unexpected gifts. My mom explained that "this was Christmas and that there would not be many Christmas gifts this year", however this sounded vaguely familiar as we heard the same thing last year. Both girls received new wardrobes, which was nice, and lots of toys (not necessary!). The party lasted until 5pm, so the girls did not get naps and survived on sugar from birthday cake frosting to make them last until bedtime.

The evening ended watching the movie Cars and March of the Penguins, which were two of the gifts received. During March of the Penguins there was an unexpected turn of events, when Missy, my mother-in-laws dog bit Kelsey on the face. This was really unfortunate, Kelsey came out of it with a bloody nose and large scratch on her face just below her eye. I played mama bear and Kelsey and I cuddled, with an icepack on her face, until it was time for her to go to bed.

Birthday time is near

We are preparing for Kelsey's 4th birthday party tomarrow and there have been several times today I have felt like scrapping the whole thing.

1. Kelsey is experiencing some terrible transitional thing where she is miserable to be around (can PMS begin as early as 4?).

2. In-law in town (enough said).

3. We really do not need any more toys.

4. The bike we got her is not even put together yet.

5. I feel tired already and the party has not even started.

Today...

Today is a glorious day! In the news, the Democrats have taken control of the state house and senate. In the national news the democrats have taken over the house and almost the senate, just waiting to hear on Virginia. Rumsfeld has stepped down, and the mileage rate went up to 48.5. If Bush would step down I would feel like I won the lottery!

All I want for Christmas is ...

Alas, it is nearly Christmas time and the anticipation is growing at my house. I always knew that the media was evil, but now I am positive that the media Gods are the anti-Christ(s).

As the tv was on yesterday I heard a sound that I can only describe as a spastic injured monkey. And then, "I want that Curious George and Cars." I said, "What sweetie?" And then out of a horror novel, I heard her say, "I want that and that and that- for Christmas!" She must have seen the horror in my face because then she said, "...from Santa Claus."

Of course, a parent can never argue with the list given to Santa, for then a mysterious secret could be released from the cauldron of parenting secrets. Unfortunately miss Kelsey, the master manipulator, has figured out that Santa Claus is fairly untouchable.

I am saddened because it feels like Pandora's Box has opened and an element of Christmas Magic is gone.

Coupon Cutting

 













This is taken very seriously in my family, as seen in the picture. This is a very intriquette procedure and not for the weak or unsteady. Only very serious shoppers master the skill of coupon cutting at this very early age. 

Trick or Treat

 

They only got treats. 

Pre-Trick or Treat?

 


This is a photo of the girls and the pumpkins pre-trick or treating. 

Ladybugs are not winterized!

Was it too cold to trick or treat? We did not notice, so we went out with our nearly four year old lion and 2 year old ladybug, who by house number four was looking like a frozen icicle ladybug, teeth chattering cold.

Although she did not wimper and said she wanted to try a few more houses, maybe she was to cold to complain. So we made our way home. There were very few trick-or-treaters at our home, maybe 15 total. Hopefully we will fare better next year...

Sexy Halloween

...I don't think so-not in my house at least. This in the response to a visit to Target and seeing what they have as children's costumes. Sexy cowgirls, slutty temptresses, and nearly naked genies. The only place to find a full coverage costume is in the gender neutral infant and toddler costumes, which my children are soon to outgrow.

Looks like I am going to be sharpening my sewing needle in the Halloween's to come for some appropriate full-coverage costumes. We are fortunate to have this year's costumes taken care of by a borrowed lions costume for Kelsey (thank you Vikki) and a hand-me-down Lady-bug for little miss Kylie (courtesy of Kelsey).

I could go to a bad place with this entry, but I will fore-go the paragraph on children prostituting themselves for candy in their skimpy little outfits!

Busting my Tail

I received my review and was told and encouraged, because I am "a hard worker". I agree, I am a hard worker, but feel I would be a harder worker if there were more vacation or down-time encouraged in our lifestyles.

I have heard that the "type A" busy lifestyles of Americans account for health troubles, headaches, and even premature death. Unfortunately longevity is not in my genetics, so I will have to start campaigning for more vacation-time.

This is not something I am unique in considering, European countries already consider this in their work-day and work-year; such as the infamous "Siesta's"!

I need a Siesta! How about you?

Sleep Tight

Imagine yourself, with your eyes closed, sleeping soundly; no noises and no cares in the world, enjoying a great dream- REM sleep, and did I mention no children screaming...

When out of no where, suddenly, something (out of a horror movie)clenches your face. You wake to realize it is not a dream gone bad, and become aware that it is not Teddy's paw. You wipe the sleep out of your eyes and see a human hand attached to a body (names shall not be disclosed). This hand is clenching your face quite tight, so it a definitely not a prank.

The hand appears to be attached to your loved one, so you gently wake her and remove her hand from your face...assist her in rolling over and close your eyes in hopes for an uneventful rest of the night and thank God that she did not get a hold of your neck!

On a side note: sorry Shane- I was not trying to choke you!

This shit won't flush

I am anxiously awaiting a new look to our government following the November elections. I honestly cannot bear to see any more ruins that the current administation has called tactful and effective governing. All of this is said following a review of the news and professional encounters I have had this week.

I just read in the local news that one of the inner city clinics who provides care to the poor and immigrant population will be losing 20 staff to lay-offs. I know that this is not a result of a lack of work to do because when I call to refer client's they are either put on long waiting lists or refused because the wait is to long to start services.

Yesterday when I was at court, I was told by a Public Housing Staff member that they had large cuts in their program as well due to funding issues. Again, public housing staff are very busy, and it is already difficult to get low-income individuals into the highrises and public housing buildings.

I can only surmise that these cuts are a direct attack on social services and the poor and immigrant populations in our local area. I know that their are more cuts to come as the human service budget in counties alone are due to make major cuts in the next year.

I can only hope that a cleansing or "flush" of the current government officials in the coming elections will make the necessary changes in the "Face of America".

Pixy Tricks and Rotten Treats

Bah Humbug to this haunting time of year.

I remember yester-year when I looked forward to sharing the kids in their cute costumes with neighbors and enjoyed greeting all of my friendly neighbors at the door, eagerly passing out candy to each and every friendly neighbor kid.

I am feeling sad that I do not have the same connection with my new neighborhood, of yard neglectors and new faces that either do not speak english or we have just not met yet. I admit in my old neighborhood there were times of annoyance with the eager greetings from neighbors the second we stepped out the door. Well my annoyance in my new neighborhood has turned to loneliness with the lack of hospitality and kindness I use to take for granted.

I want to be back on Fox Hollow (even the name is more Halloweeny then Colorado Ave).

These Brewers Smelt

http://www.startribune.com/535/story/747905.html

Call it a public service WARNING, but beware of Starbucks coffee brewers because some have melted.

On the same day that I privately pronounced that I would give up coffee, for the all to unhealthy alternative of diet caffeinated soda, I am reminded that even coffee has its drawbacks. Such as a "watchout you might burn your house down" side effect.

I love Starbucks coffee and will probably return to it after my diet coke kick is over, but I may have to reconsider brewing my mocha lotta in my favorite Starbucks coffee brewer.

Ahh...relaxation

I look to my left and I see Teddy on the couch where he should not be, but his position on the couch is most peculiar- his head is on one side, his front legs have fallen to the floor and back legs are on the other side of the couch.

What is it like to be so relaxed and comfortable? I do not remember the last time I was relaxed so much as to have drool coming out of my mouth and my arms hanging off the couch while my legs securely sat on-top.

I worry too much...when I heard the small plane flew into the apartment complex today I thought "oh no, not this again". I suppose many people thought the same thing. I think I just have to let the worry go.

Oh my, now Teddy's head is on the floor too, silly boy! In my next life I can only hope to reincarnate as a dog to an animal loving family.

Mocha-lotta creme

I call it survival, and feel that we crave fattening food because our body needs it to survive the long winters in MN. I do not think that it is a coincidence that Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas encourage us to eat in a gluttonous way and happen to fall during the fall and early winter months.

I believe Thanksgiving was actually a time in history to pack on the weight, as the harvest came in, to encourage health and wellness through the long winter. Thanksgiving in my family looks much different then it did during the early colonial days. None of us wear dresses or bonnet hats...but we do enjoy the almighty feast followed by a nap.

Christmas is another example with oh so much food and desserts. It amazes me how much food is before us, but it always tastes so good. And I do indulge.

I think we should do away with the guilt of these seasonal pounds, it is our right for survival to crave the foods that put pounds on the hips. Adding extra creme to my already fat-laden mocha should not make me feel guilty- it is my birthright as a MN to crave the foods that will help me through the long winter months.

I believe our ancestors had it right! Let's eat, drink and be merry. And as my German Ancestors would say (not sure about the spelling) "Einz Fein Zuica"

Chicken Little...political?

I had the opportunity to watch snipits of Chicken Little with Kelsey this weekend- her favorite movie for this week, and interestingly made some parallel's between our current President and the famous Chicken Little. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808610262/info
Chicken Little - Movie Info - Yahoo! Movies


1. Chicken Little makes many mistakes throughout his life although his goal in all of it is to be a hero and win the respect of his father.

2. Chicken Little mistakes an acorn as the sky falling on his head and he creates havok and fear in all of the townspeople over his "little" mistake, aka "weapons of mass destruction".

3. Chicken Little ultimately meets an alien who needs help to get home, no one in the town listens to him, so some of the townspeople die trying to defend their town from the invading aliens.

4. Chicken Little, the movie, was a box office failure; only 5.8 out of 10 stars by critics, not unlike our current President.

No more hurt, please!

It was a year ago this month that my grandmother died, 7 months ago that both of my dogs died, and 6 months ago that we got our new puppy Teddy Bear. A bernese mountain dog. Our decision to get him was not hard, because we knew we wanted a new dog and we fell in love with the breed because of their gentle nature. We found a wonderful breeder right away who truly loves the breed and her dogs. Teddy's parents are wonderful, true hallmarks of the breed; gentle giants with mellow and friendly temperaments. Teddy's mom is having her second litter of puppies tonight- she is such a sweetheart, three puppies born so far. I have stayed in contact with Teddy's sibblings/ humans and each one of his siblings is beautiful, smart and healthy. Teddy is healthy too, except that I have come to understand that he has Hip Dysplasia- severe. I do not know why I did not look into it further earlier, but I have finally accepted his disease and plan to meet with the vet later in the week to discuss treatment options. I think I had hoped that it was a mistake, it would go away, and I was in denial. So I may have the choice of whether or not to do surgery, I want to hear all of the treatment options first. I understand that with severe dysplasia, he will have pain, and I do not know that I can bear that. But I know with surgery he will also have pain. I have read a lot about the procedure called Triple Pelvic Ostomy, which can only be performed on dogs under 1 year of age- usually around 7 months. Teddy is 9 months, today, so I do not know if this procedure is an option, but I would like to consider it, because the success rate appears to be the highest. Perhaps the answers will come, but I am feeling exhausted once again, the same way I felt earlier this year...

My dear sweet child (Kylie)

I will start off as "You bring us such joy!"

This evening I realized just how far your sweetness stretches as I was cooking dinner for the family and teddy and I saw you hiding behind the spice cabinet door. I imagine you rearranging the spices as is often the case as you hide and giggle, but then I hear a sudden scream and then I see white powder flying in the air. As quickly as I look at you I see you dancing in the white powder. I imagine you were dancing in terror as you saw the spilling of baking powder spilling off your hair, your hands and all over your beautiful red cherry shirt. I know you hate to get dirty, but I cannot imagine why you have a smirk on your face.

As I try to cuddle you during your fearful state, you run off and grab Kelsey's beads off of the table. I imagine you must have been frantic because you threw the beads across the living room and then began jumping and throwing your arms around. Oh how the whole thing must have marked you for life, it did me!

The perfect mom?

I imagine somewhere in the world this exists, perhaps a women who has taken the course Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Franklin Covey, and has been able to use the skills "effectively", or has not taken any skill building, time management courses and the skills needed just come very naturally. Who knows? I know I am not perfect, nor will I ever be...

This doesn't keep me from imagining a land where perfection doesn't matter, just being good enough. As this blog takes a turn for the wierd, allow yourself to go with me, in this make believe land.

I imagine myself with multiple arms and heads, almost like an octopus, but as many heads as tentacles (it probably would not be attractive, but go with it). These many body parts would be helpful in giving everything in my life the time and attention that is deserved. Shane would get one set- to focus on our relationship, Kylie would get another to give her as much love and cuddles as she requested, Kelsey would get another to do all of the craft projects and games that her little heart desires, Teddy would get another- to allow him as much pet time and tug-of-war time that any puppy his size needs, another set would go to work to focus on work and give my clients the attention they need, the fifth set would go to housework and cooking; I imagine an apple pie spinning on the tip of the tentacle, the sixth would go to me family and friends because the do not get nearly enough time and attention, and the last tentacle and head would be just for me; to focus on me and my projects.

I imagine if I transformed into the creature, I would no longer feel overwhelmed and guilty for everything in my life that does not get enough attention. It certainly would not be pretty, but it sure would put my mind at ease knowing that everything in my life was attended to. Until the day comes when transformation into odd creatures is a possibility, I will have to read Seven Habits of Highly Effective People again. I am sure one of the time management skills would tell me not to blog while at work ;)

Sunday School a.k.a disjointed mess

Oh boy, I guess I had high expectations, after all when the Sunday School preschool coordinator says, "oh it will be no problem, I will have all of the crafts ready to go, all you will have to do is stop in maybe 20 minutes early to pick up the box and go to your room- no problem really!" Maybe she was trying to convince herself. I really should have followed my instincts, which told me told me that this person was not an organizer. I guess I gave it the benefit of my doubt...

I walk in only to find 5 people standing in the room where all of our supplies were supposed to be prepared. So I grabbed a box and the cards we hand out to the children. When I got to the room where I am supposed to teach, I looked in the box, nothing was in there! I went back to the supply room to get the felt puppets- no felt puppets... I went back to my room, realized I needed color crayons for the pictures the kids are supposed to color. Then went back to the room. In the meantime, Kelsey is following me asking when class will start. The children start joining us and that is when it all seems to come together, sort of.

This was when I also realized that the curriculum is really set-up for children who like to sit still and create. Which is fine if the class was composed of all girls, the little boy in the class was quite bored and somewhat disagreeable to join in on the activities. The children behaved quite well despite the chaos and I learned a lot about them. Kelsey made a new friend with the little girl in the class, they hugged several times and declared that they were best friends, which was very sweet. I learned that the little boy in the class lost his grandfather not to long ago and he is named after him. Kelsey learned that Jesus lives up in the ceiling, and the little boy insisted that Jesus was God. It was all very interesting "out of the mouths of babes".

I have decided that Sunday School will be a lot more work then once planned for, and I will plan my some of my own activities for the kids, especially since we never did get out felt puppets done since we did not have any materials to do them. I have also decided that Shane will be my helper, Catholic or not, because I need an errand boy.

Born to be Bad?

These are my angels who, on occassion, put on their devil horns. However, they are really very good kids.

As I caught a glimpse of the news this evening I heard that there was yet another school shooting. This is so sad and it made me think about that kids and adults that do these horrific crimes. My question, as broad is it may sound, is how do "good" kids turn into "bad" kids/adults?

I believe that every human is born to be "good", so what makes some turn out to be "bad apples" (sorry- I have eaten a lot of apples lately)?

In my daily ventures at work I run into some pretty shady individuals, and since I do not believe in conspiracy theories, how did these people turn out so "bad"? Were they "the kids not left behind?"- no punn intended Georgie. Or is it much more simple, in that low expectations were placed on them by the people around them or perhaps they were bullied. I do believe that good people can and do fall into difficult circumstances, but why are some able to rise above and others take the road that should not be traveled...I do not believe there is a simple answer. Perhaps one day there will be an understanding and answers.

Organic Dog

Teddy Monster

No kibble for this four legged friend. Amongst his attempts at eating wood chips, pizza from the table, paper from the garbage, are my au-natural dinner preparations for his poor, sick tummy. Go figure sick tummy after all of those additives.

So for my Teddy boy's dinner preparation last evening I laughed at my attempts to heal his previous "bad-eatens" for the week. The dinner preparation included boiled ground beef and brown rice, four carrots, cranberry powder, and three tablets of glucosamine and chondroiten.

I think our beast is eating healthier then us, hopefully his tummy heals soon.

Magical Fall Day

Today was a magical fall day, near perfect weather and despite the ups and downs of toddler-hood, almost turning four and puppyhood my family co-existed quite well. So I thought of a poem to commemorate this beautiful fall day...

The Magic of Fall Minnesota

Glistening leaves dancing to the ground as the stems on the trees lose their cover exposing the skinny sticks and twigs beneath. The ground below quickly becomes natures masterpiece as amazing vibrant colors blend.

Smells of apple cider; cinnamin and cloves blend in the autumn air, along with puffs of newly lit logs on the fire. The feel of a cool dampness along with the sweetness of pumpkin illuminates the emptiness of where summer blooms are now absent.

The sounds of a crisp cool wind rolling across the landscape, rustling the leaves and empty branches.

The magic of fall in Minnesota is all around us, in every sight, sound and smell we can absorb. It is truly a beautiful time of year.

Competition obsession

In our overly competitive society we are surrounded by images and media which remind us on a daily basis how important it is to always be at the top of the game. The Biggest Loser, Survivor, The Next Top Model, these shows share the fact that they are all reality shows and are based on competition. I can recognize that these shows may be helpful to some people, maybe even inspirational. Unfortunately these shows are also on primetime tv and are probably watched by children as young as toddlers all over the country. As a child/ adolescent, I felt a lot of pressure from the people around me that I respected, academically and athletically the expectation was to be #1. I rarely disappointed myself, but often felt like I just wasn't quite good enough for those people that were important to me. I fear the competitively obsessed society for my children. I want them to do the things they enjoy, as 'polly anna' as it sounds, and I know there will be pressures in their lives. Where do we go from here? We can not shelter them, nor do I want to or intend to, but I want to instill a confidence in them so that they feel comfortable in there own bodies and minds and are comfortable sharing their talents with others. We do not allow our children to watch these shows, in fact our tv is rarely on when they are awake, but as they join society I wonder if these pressures are inevitable?

The simple things in life ...are three.

It amazes me how the simple things in life, even buttoning a button, can put a sparkle in the day.
Kelsey surprises me daily and brightens up the room when she discovers something new. Tonight it was her delight in mastering the buttons on her night-shirt. She gave me an affirmative "no" when I tried to help her, as she usually does, but tonight with a few gentle suggestions, voila, she was a button master. Then came the giggles with excitement and the need to show off her new skill for daddy. And excitedly she said to me , "tell him I did it, ALL, mommy!" The whole way down the stairs, "Tell him now mommy, tell him!" So, we made it down the stairs to show off the new skill, and of course unbutton and rebutton all of the buttons The icing on the cake was her proud statement, "Now I am really ready for school!" It is the simple things that uncomplicate life.

kiddie crazy

One would think I feed my children chocolate and soda the way they run around! Tonight we had our first "Preparing for Kindergarten" Class, and I feel like I need a prepare to prepare for the Kindergarten class. I thought this class might be different, older children=more peaceful playing. But wow was I wrong. The children were pretty mellow at first, mostly because it was the first time they met the teachers and the new toys, I suppose they were overwhelmed! Then the kids had a snack and it lit a fire beneath their little butts!! I just had to sit back as my little angels turned into little devils before my eyes, it was amazing; the halos disappeared as they threw their wings off-literally and tried on devil horns, forgot their manners, stepped ahead in line to slide down the slide and ride the kiddie cars. My pink cheeked little sweeties were the "life" of the party and despite their lack of manners at times they did appear to be having a fun time playing. It is good that only have another 12 weeks left of class...wow 12 weeks left?!?

No more nookie!

So far so good. My sweet Kylie girl gave up her nookie tonight, pretty easy really; no screaming, begging or pleading after they were taken away. This afternoon when Shane and I got home it was a different situation, she was pleading and crying for her nookie, which pre-empted the GREAT NOOKIE GIVEAWAY/TAKEAWAY. So the fall-out happened, not much different from Kelsey's last day with the nookies. The decision was made to give the nookies to the fictitious "babies" that need them, you know the ones, the ones we can not hear or see. Well Kylie agreed that the babies did indeed need the nookies and that she was now a "big girl" and could live without the nookies. One last request that she had was to have a cookie for her dessert after dinner, and that seemed to be a reasonable request so we caved for one cookie and those sweet baby blue eyes, "Pwease, Mommie one cookie?" ... "Tank Yu!"

Football is here!

Oh my, how I love fall! The cold weather upon us, the leaves changing colors, and oh yeh the noisy football games on Sunday! I grew up living with angry vikings fans, the good-ole vikes never seemed to be very good-go figure. Well I guess I married into an obsession too- anyone heard of fantasy football? I can appreciate a little friendly competition, but when does it cross the line? How about traveling 6 hours for a football draft, just to pay $100 to join the league, I do not understand it. I think it has made me resent the game even more. Hopefully the vikes will stay away from boat scandles this year at least.