Looking For Control Freaks & Worry Warts - We're still here!

[tttessa]

Hiya all,

A quick check in, and catch up....
Erin -hope it all went well......

Tammie - good news on the family "harmony" - isn't it great when things come together like that!!

Laura- I have an oversensitive, hugely excitable "little darling" too - she is 8 in 2 weeks! We just have to keep calming her down, reminding her that she must not be so "in your face" with her friends, and don't have too many surprises - she goes too far.... Our worst thing with her is she will not understand that whilst it is ok to "go off on one" as we call it, at home, she should be a bit more restrained in public.... I guess time will mute things a bit.... hopefully.

Well, I have an exciting event coming up - for the first time EVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE I will be in my own home on Christmas day... that does mean though, that I get to "do " Christmas for the first time ever too..... So any tips are really welcome. Hubby's parents are coming to stay from Chrismas Eve for 3 nights too - a bit in-at-the-deep-end, but hey-ho...........
Tessa

 

[Camster0307]

Cammie - what type of box is this? I haven't heard of it so I want to watch out. We keep having a Yahoo update one pop up, but for the most part my pop up blocker keeps those things at bay. I would totally though the right thing to do would be to click the X though.

Glad you are back - MIssed you!!!!

Happy to be back!

The pop-up looks like it comes from Windows - has the same "color shield" logo and is called "Anti-Virus Protection 2009". It says it's doing a scan; then huge warnings come up that says your computer has viruses. You're then instructed to click on a box to "upgrade" your virus protection. Even if you try to ignore the pop-up and close the box, it doesn't go away. That's why I've now been told to just shut the computer off. Although, I did have Geek Squad install Norton Anti-Virus so they said it shouldn't be a problem. Anyway, live and learn, I guess!

Laura - Sorry I can't be of any help with the issues regarding Beth. I have heard of the book though. I wouldn't worry too much about her being labeled - there are worse things to be labeled as. Could this just be a maturity thing and as she grows older, will develop the skills to better handle her emotions? I would imagine alot of kids her age act the same way on some level.

Tammie - Congrats on the girls finally coming together! I know how important that was to you!

Tessa - How fun that you get to spend Christmas at home! What do you need ideas for? You know no one's shy with advice or opinions around here - so ask away!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

If I dident love my hubby as much as I do I would laugh my tush off as the front door hit her in the rear as she walked out, catching her ankle in the back and making her drop the flowers she took home that she brought for MY dinner table. !

Not that it is funny what she did - but I've had those moments myself. At least she is gone!!!!

Okay guys.. I have a serious question. I know Beth is a bit excitable and over joyful at times. I am really struggling on how to deal with her. We are getting mega attitude from her. Nothing is consistent. One min it will be happy and cheerful then next tears and anger. I am trying a book called Raising Your Spirited Child. It was recommended to me by my old daycare gal. She swears Beth meets all the "spirited" criteria. I am so afraid that she is going to get labeled. Anyway, just curious if anyone else has heard of this term....

I have the same book - haven't read it yet, but Nicolas is so like that. Extreme emotions - they actually recommended to us a program here where you go and spend time with other families who have lived through it and "teach" you strategy. I think here though you have to be 5 or younger to enter the program, but you might ask your ped if there is anything like that out there. I know it sounds silly, but you will probably get this, we didn't enroll him because we didn't want him to be labeled either. What Tammie said seems to make sense though. He's always been like this. I think it is just something we will have to learn to help him manage. My ped also said it is a lot to do with birth order (first child) so maybe that is some of it too. It is funny to me though - I was an only child and very quiet and reserved.

Hey everyone - I just have to tell you how happy I am tonight! You know about my struggles with Dana not wanting to come around, and the girls not getting along too well, which keeps the boys apart. Well, my boys and their wives hung out and had pizza and watched the game and talked for 6 hrs tonight while I was doing church stuff. I don't think they have ever done that in their lives!

The girls, who don't usually get along - went over to Ryan and Dana's new house alone for a couple of hours and talked about scrapbooking and cricuit, and watched part of a movie together.

It feels like we might actually get our family back yet!

Oh Tammie, you must be so happy! I'm so glad that it looks like they might be getting along!

Hiya all,

A quick check in, and catch up....
Erin -hope it all went well......

Tammie - good news on the family "harmony" - isn't it great when things come together like that!!

Laura- I have an oversensitive, hugely excitable "little darling" too - she is 8 in 2 weeks! We just have to keep calming her down, reminding her that she must not be so "in your face" with her friends, and don't have too many surprises - she goes too far.... Our worst thing with her is she will not understand that whilst it is ok to "go off on one" as we call it, at home, she should be a bit more restrained in public.... I guess time will mute things a bit.... hopefully.

Well, I have an exciting event coming up - for the first time EVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE I will be in my own home on Christmas day... that does mean though, that I get to "do " Christmas for the first time ever too..... So any tips are really welcome. Hubby's parents are coming to stay from Chrismas Eve for 3 nights too - a bit in-at-the-deep-end, but hey-ho...........
Tessa

Oh Tessa - first time in your life??? Well, I must say that I was in the same place four years ago. It is a bit more work, but so worth it. What we do is have Carlos' side in on Christmas Eve and I do a big dinner, and then we have Christmas morning as our "family" time and then do lunch (either my house or hers) with my mom. This year, I think I'm going to cook a nice beef roast in the good ole crock pot and put some casseroles together the day before. The reason why I'm bringing this up is what I DON"T like is that most of my time is in the kitchen while everyone visits and I hate I'm missing out on that. So, I'd say simplify the meal preperation as much as possible. You will be amazed how much you will enjoy it though - no car on Christmas day is just wonderful! CONGRATS!

I used coupons today and did the shopping. My bill was $180 (we were depleted on frozen veggies) which included my canning jars btw. I used $50 coupons, and saved probably about $100 on buying store brand. First I felt so smart and happy, then I realized I've been a complete idiot for not doing this all along! Needless to say the man of the house was very pleased!

 

[CRdisMom]

who--hooo Renee!! That is an awesome savings.

Thanks for the votes of confidence with Beth. The book so far seems to be saying the same things. We will just have to adjust things to help her cope. I guess a lot of deep breaths will be in my future. We do have the early childhood classes here. I will sign up for them so I can get what I can from them.

A fun day at work. I think Black Firday was a good day.

 

[Camster0307]

A few things I'm thankful for this holiday weekend..........................

My lovely girls:

My favorite place in the world:

And all of the delicious treats it has to offer:

And, last but not least, my favorite treat of all........eye candy!

TeeHee!

(Miss me? )

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Cammie - so good to have you back...

Now, I'm having some serious Amanda's jeans envy right now. Those are just too stinkin cute!!!!

Are your girls always as put together as they are when you take pictures? I sware they make me feel like a slob!

I've got the nastiest headache today - and a sore throat too. Blasted winter weather! I'm debating on if I should call the dr about the sinus stuff. It has been two months. What is it about this time of year?

 

[DizzyErin]

Good luck. It will be fine!!! Stay strong and keep us posted. We will be thinking of you!!!

Erin -hope it all went well......

Thankyou .. It wasn't the worst day i've ever had they just make me soooo mad as does anybody who hurts my girl, ggrgrgrgrgrggr

We, being Scandinavian and English are very quiet people - sometimes we have to go hid, cuz it's like living with the "loud family" from SNL back in the day!

I'm English and far from quiet

Hey everyone - I just have to tell you how happy I am tonight! You know about my struggles with Dana not wanting to come around, and the girls not getting along too well, which keeps the boys apart. Well, my boys and their wives hung out and had pizza and watched the game and talked for 6 hrs tonight while I was doing church stuff. I don't think they have ever done that in their lives!

The girls, who don't usually get along - went over to Ryan and Dana's new house alone for a couple of hours and talked about scrapbooking and cricuit, and watched part of a movie together.

It feels like we might actually get our family back yet!

Oh Tammie that is such good news .. I am so pleased for you

 

[Camster0307]

Erin - Ok, what did I miss since I've been computer-less? Is someone messin' with your little girl and do you need some butt-kickin' back-up?

 

[Camster0307]

Cammie - so good to have you back...

Now, I'm having some serious Amanda's jeans envy right now. Those are just too stinkin cute!!!!
Are your girls always as put together as they are when you take pictures? I sware they make me feel like a slob!

I've got the nastiest headache today - and a sore throat too. Blasted winter weather! I'm debating on if I should call the dr about the sinus stuff. It has been two months. What is it about this time of year?

You want to know the best part of those jeans? They have a zipper, but also a sweatpant waist with a drawstring!!! I bought them four years ago at a shop in AK when Lauren got completely drenched on KaliRiver Rapids. I looked for a pair in my size but to no avail!

And, yes, I'm a total freak about the girls matching head to toe. I figure there is no longer any hope for me looking good, so I put all of my efforts into them!

 

[DizzyErin]

Erin - Ok, what did I miss since I've been computer-less? Is someone messin' with your little girl and do you need some butt-kickin' back-up?

awwww Thanks Cammie!

I had chloe's dad's family up for the day on saturday, she doesn't see him at all and they only bother once a year so it always stresses me beyond belief because it hurts that they don't want more to do with my clever, beautiful, funny, kind and precious girl .. But everyone survived and more importantly Chloe was not upset at all in the day!! And i have that over and done with for another year

 

[Camster0307]

awwww Thanks Cammie!

I had chloe's dad's family up for the day on saturday, she doesn't see him at all and they only bother once a year so it always stresses me beyond belief because it hurts that they don't want more to do with my clever, beautiful, funny, kind and precious girl .. But everyone survived and more importantly Chloe was not upset at all in the day!! And i have that over and done with for another year

Erin - Well, glad to hear that everything went ok! I can totally sympathize with you though! Just remember - it's THEIR loss! I know you can't make them behave the way you want, but they are the ones that are missing out on the fabulousness of Chloe in the end. Sooooo - POO TO THEM!

 

[Debbie6221]

Hey Debbie - Talked to a fellow DISer, Ellen (podsnel); she told me she gets that pop-up that infected my computer also. Says it always happens when she's on photobucket. Anyway, she was told to just hit the power button on computer and shut it off. When I talked to Geek Squad, they agreed; said you shouldn't do "control;Alt.,delete". They told me not too mess around with that. Whatever you do though - DON'T click on the "x" to close the pop-up; that just keeps it alive!

Thank you for the info. Good to know!!!! I also feel like I am getting it from photobucket. And correct me if I am wrong but I think that those people who do that PAY Photobucket to be allowed to do that!!!!!!!! They consider it advertisement. Maybe I am wrong but I thought that's how it worked.

So did everyone survive the inlaws and outlaws of the holiday?
Just barely!!!! Wow shes a monster in law, didn't even say goodbye or thanks for "slaving over the stove for 2 days after we invited ourselves to your house and ruined your original plans to go to your moms...!" If I didn't love my hubby as much as I do I would laugh my tush off as the front door hit her in the rear as she walked out, catching her ankle in the back and making her drop the flowers she took home that she brought for MY dinner table. OH YEA, IT WAS A HOOT!

Oh boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad it's over (until next year.....)

Okay guys.. I have a serious question. I know Beth is a bit excitable and over joyful at times. I am really struggling on how to deal with her. We are getting mega attitude from her. Nothing is consistent. One min it will be happy and cheerful then next tears and anger. I am trying a book called Raising Your Spirited Child. It was recommended to me by my old daycare gal. She swears Beth meets all the "spirited" criteria. I am so afraid that she is going to get labeled. Anyway, just curious if anyone else has heard of this term....

I am sure it is just an age thing and like my kids we just probably need to get more consistent and follow through with appropriate punishments. That's my goal!! I have a new goal every day though!

Hey everyone - I just have to tell you how happy I am tonight! You know about my struggles with Dana not wanting to come around, and the girls not getting along too well, which keeps the boys apart. Well, my boys and their wives hung out and had pizza and watched the game and talked for 6 hrs tonight while I was doing church stuff. I don't think they have ever done that in their lives!The girls, who don't usually get along - went over to Ryan and Dana's new house alone for a couple of hours and talked about scrapbooking and cricuit, and watched part of a movie together. It feels like we might actually get our family back yet!

Oh GREAT news...maybe things are a changing! Like I say...an early Christmas present.

Well, I have an exciting event coming up - for the first time EVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE I will be in my own home on Christmas day... that does mean though, that I get to "do " Christmas for the first time ever too..... So any tips are really welcome. Hubby's parents are coming to stay from Christmas Eve for 3 nights too - a bit in-at-the-deep-end, but hey-ho...........
Tessa

Cool beans! Fun!!!!! What kind of ideas? Food? Gifts? Timing?

Hi Renee! I seriously want Amanda's jeans too!!! OMG! They are so cool!
And as for being sick...people always wonder why I am so miserable when summer ends ....well to me everyone coughing , hacking, blowing there noses, and spreading their germs all over out ways the beauty of the leave turning colors!!!! I hope you feel better!


Cammie....I love your pix! I am thankful for a lot of the same!!!!!

 

[Camster0307]

Cammie....I love your pix! I am thankful for a lot of the same!!!!!

Are you thankful for the wonderfulness of Joe Jonas also?

Ha!Ha!

 

[Debbie6221]

Sure.....Why not!!!!
Too bad he couldn't make the People Mag's sexiest men issue like Zac and his brother.....

 

[Camster0307]

Sure.....Why not!!!!
Too bad he couldn't make the People Mag's sexiest men issue like Zac and his brother.....

Well - he IS only 19! Doesn't stop the sexiness; just means we can't aknowledge it in a national magazine!(just here! )

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi everyone - Happy Monday!

Tessa - so fun you get to stay home this year! It is so nice to be able to relax and do things your way once in awhile!

On Christmas Eve, we have a nice dinner of BBQ spareribs or prime rib roast and sometimes church when we are celebrating at our house (this year it's to the in-laws for dinner and a family game night - we play Bunco, a dice game, and give out fun prizes - then do a gift exchange game where everyone brought one fun item and we can choose one from under the tree or take one from someone else until everyone is happy with what they have or everything has already been stolen twice, then we open them - lots of fun!)

Anyway, on Christmas morning, I invite some of the family over for brunch - I like a make ahead egg and sausage casserole - I'll look for the recipe - I can bake it while we open gifts, and I cut up some nut breads or serve pastries, and fruit and mimosas - I keep it really simple.

Then we just relax and enjoy the day, and eat lots of treats. This year, Ryan and Dana will be here all day, so my parents will probably stay - I think I might make lasagna ahead and salad for dinner.

Cammie - nice pics of your "thankful things" I love the one of your girls, AND the one of MK! I can't believe you'll be there again before I am!
I know I saw that virus thing come up once, too - I don't even know why I guessed it wasn't right - I know I started to do it, and then I saw something that didn't look right. I'm glad you got it fixed! I can't believe they can get by with that!

Erin - I'm so glad your day went well, and Chloe wasn't hurt.

Laura, I was thinking about Beth and I remembered that Mark didn't like surprises when he was little, and neither does Myles. So we tell him ahead of time what to expect when we go somewhere, if possible. I'm sure Beth will be fine - she has a great mom!

Debbie, you're right - early Christmas!


Thanks everyone for your support with my family!
Tonight we celebrated Lindsay's birthday. We went out to dinner with both boys and their families, then we all came back here for cheesecake, and everyone had a great time again - the girls are really bonding!

Hi Kara, what adventure did you have this weekend? I'm sure it was pure Kara-style fun!

Hi Jillian, Renee, Tina, MickeyMom, JerseyMom, Pam, Keahi, Lisa, Sewer - anyone else I missed!

 

[soontobewed07]

Hey everyone missed you guys this weekend I wasn't feeling too well Pneumonia and was in bed most of it. I think I over did it on BF, but got some great Disney deals I tried to catch up here so lets see if I can get everyone.

Cammie- Love the pics of the girls and the Disney treats did you do a dining report this trip? I love food porn.

Debbie -How was your holiday?

Tessa -Christmas here is very simple. Christmas eve we have a family party "open house" everyone brings a dish and we have a gift swap. On Christmas day Mike Luca and I open gifts in the morning I make cinnamon rolls then around 1pm my mom and dad come over and we have a roast beef and some veggies. They usually hang out for the day,but it is very relaxed and casual. I luck out because Mike's parents still live in Italy.

Tammie- Glad to hear everyone is getting along. It makes things so much easier.

Laura- Luca is Spirited. That book was suggested to me by a friend, but we found out he is hypersensitive. Things that wouldn't normally bother others bother him- Socks being loose, being hot, cold etc... It makes him miserable. It is getting better now that he is older, but will always be a problem.

 

[Debbie6221]

I HAVE to stay off the computer until tonight! I am punishing myself! The house is a garbage pit!!!

 

[tttessa]

Thanks everyone for the Christmas reassurances..... I get the impression that Christmas over there isn't the BIGGEST FAMILY OCCASION OF THE YEAR EVER...... we, over here, tend to go a bit full on.... so we do the BIGGEST lunch ever, on a day when everyone is over excited and stressed...

The meal - at lunchtime, so you get to spend the morning cooking!!! usually consists of.... some sort of starter - who knows what I'll have to come up with.....followed by
Full roast turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, roast veg(parsnips//carrots), boiled carrots, sprouts with chestnuts, gravy (proper stuff, not yucky white goop!!), cranberry sauce, bread sauce, sausages wrapped in bacon - and I've probably missed out something "essential" ... followed by a nice light pudding yes??? NOOO followed by "figgy" pudding - a great lump of rich fruity stodge with rich brandy butter, followed by the ubiquitous chocolate mints with coffee.

Of course, being the UK, this all comes accompanied by alcohol.... sherry before lunch, a light white wine with the starter and main, a sweet dessert wine or port with the pud - and for those who like to drink goodvibes), a liqueur with their coffee...

So as well as keeping folk entertained I have a lot of stressing over a big meal to do... as, of course, the MIL is coming (to stay over) and she has done it all PERFECTLY for the past 7 years!!!!!

must remember to breathe......

Hey ho..

Tessa

 

[DizzyErin]

Thanks everyone for the Christmas reassurances..... I get the impression that Christmas over there isn't the BIGGEST FAMILY OCCASION OF THE YEAR EVER...... we, over here, tend to go a bit full on.... so we do the BIGGEST lunch ever, on a day when everyone is over excited and stressed...

The meal - at lunchtime, so you get to spend the morning cooking!!! usually consists of.... some sort of starter - who knows what I'll have to come up with.....followed by
Full roast turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, roast veg(parsnips//carrots), boiled carrots, sprouts with chestnuts, gravy (proper stuff, not yucky white goop!!), cranberry sauce, bread sauce, sausages wrapped in bacon - and I've probably missed out something "essential" ... followed by a nice light pudding yes??? NOOO followed by "figgy" pudding - a great lump of rich fruity stodge with rich brandy butter, followed by the ubiquitous chocolate mints with coffee.

Of course, being the UK, this all comes accompanied by alcohol.... sherry before lunch, a light white wine with the starter and main, a sweet dessert wine or port with the pud - and for those who like to drink goodvibes), a liqueur with their coffee...

So as well as keeping folk entertained I have a lot of stressing over a big meal to do... as, of course, the MIL is coming (to stay over) and she has done it all PERFECTLY for the past 7 years!!!!!

must remember to breathe......

Hey ho..

Tessa

Hey Tessa
That sounds pretty much like our Christmas too, we do Father Christmas pressies and me to Chloe and Chloe to me then we go to my best friends house for a yummy breakfast and yes more pressies, then to my mum's for about 11.30 (she has been doing all the cooking, the turkey and the lamb hehehe i don't like turkey) then a nice glass of something and nibbles, crisps, nuts, chocs etc etc and then more pressies and my mum's tree will be absolutely full of them, then sit down to yummy lamb/turkey, stuffing sausages wrapped in bacon, roast pots, yorkshire puds, roast parsnips, carrots and more veg that i don't like mainly brussell sprouts and of course the tradition of the pulling of the crackers hahah and the silly hats. Then pass out on sofa .. followed by Christmas pudding and Mince pies! Lovely Lovely Lovely

Erin - I'm so glad your day went well, and Chloe wasn't hurt.

Thanks Tammie means a lot

Erin - Well, glad to hear that everything went ok! I can totally sympathize with you though! Just remember - it's THEIR loss! I know you can't make them behave the way you want, but they are the ones that are missing out on the fabulousness of Chloe in the end. Sooooo - POO TO THEM!

Yes you are so right it is totally their loss and they will have to give all the answers to give about why they are so crap when she is much older and asks them .. And yes big POO to them
Thankyou