May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 9

[gydell]

We leave "magic oatmeal" for them! Story behind that: When Tyler was 3 years old, when we went to see Santa at the mall, he asked me why he didn't see the reindeer & sleigh on the roof of the mall. I told him that maybe the reindeer just drop Santa off in the morning and pick him back up at the end of the day. He asked where they go while Santa's at the mall. I told him maybe they fly back to the North Pole since they can do it so quickly. THEN he asked me how they learn how to fly. I reminded him about the scene in the Rudolph show where they're in flying school or class or something, but told him I wasn't really sure and that maybe he should ask Santa. I was actually tired of trying to think of answers! So, sure enough, when it was his turn with Santa he asked him how the reindeer learn how to fly. Santa said, "It's a secret, but I'm going to tell you!" Then he whispered, "Magic oatmeal."

We mix oatmeal with glitter confetti and sprinkle it on the sidewalk. I told Tyler that the moonlight reflecting off the glitter leads the reindeer right to our house. He loves mixing the magic oatmeal and sprinkling it outside before bed.

Never heard of that - magic oatmeal! Pretty cool!

 

[katypop]

Amy,

Still very far behind...

When is your Birthday?

I know that Noel's is the 20th. Mine is the 22nd. Are you a December Birthday girl too?

Karen

Karen, that means your birthday must be today
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Kathe

 

[HollyTyler]

Another story about the magic oatmeal: That same year (two years ago) I sprinkled Milk Duds on our porch and a few on the sidewalk after Tyler was in bed. I thought it would be funny because he'd think the reindeer left um.....you know....on the sidewalk. WELL, that backfired because he was SO MAD at those reindeer! He was really grossed out and couldn't understand why they'd do that! It was so funny, I couldn't stop laughing and he just got even madder! I thought that would be something most boys would get a kick out of, but he was actually quite offended! I told him not to worry and that I'd just shovel it up and get rid of it. He said, "Don't even think of using MY shovel for that!"

So last year he reminded me about those gross reindeer and told me we'd better only leave a tiny bit of magic oatmeal for them. We cut back their portion by quite a bit and they didn't do anything rude last year. This year, he has already reminded me again that the reindeer can't eat very much! But finally, 2 years later, he actually laughed about it.....he said, "Mom, remember when the reindeer pooped all over our sidewalk?"

 

[HollyTyler]

Never heard of that - magic oatmeal! Pretty cool!

I never had either! That was a creative Santa! And we actually read the same in a Christmas book this year.....or maybe we saw it on a Christmas show...I can't remember.

 

[katypop]

We leave "magic oatmeal" for them! Story behind that: When Tyler was 3 years old, when we went to see Santa at the mall, he asked me why he didn't see the reindeer & sleigh on the roof of the mall. I told him that maybe the reindeer just drop Santa off in the morning and pick him back up at the end of the day. He asked where they go while Santa's at the mall. I told him maybe they fly back to the North Pole since they can do it so quickly. THEN he asked me how they learn how to fly. I reminded him about the scene in the Rudolph show where they're in flying school or class or something, but told him I wasn't really sure and that maybe he should ask Santa. I was actually tired of trying to think of answers! So, sure enough, when it was his turn with Santa he asked him how the reindeer learn how to fly. Santa said, "It's a secret, but I'm going to tell you!" Then he whispered, "Magic oatmeal."

We mix oatmeal with glitter confetti and sprinkle it on the sidewalk. I told Tyler that the moonlight reflecting off the glitter leads the reindeer right to our house. He loves mixing the magic oatmeal and sprinkling it outside before bed.

Holly, I love this Thanks for sharing! So glad I picked dissing over TV tonight.
Kathe

 

[HollyTyler]

Holly, I love this Thanks for sharing! So glad I picked dissing over TV tonight.
Kathe

Just don't leave them too much! Tyler found out their digestive system can't handle a whole bunch!

 

[Ginamarie]

well we are the new proud owners of pine bunk beds!! And John is putting them together now. The are hardly used at all.

Yay! I bet the girls love them! My brother and I used to have bunk beds at my grandmother's house, and we loved sleeping in them.

Kidnapped by Eskimo Aliens at the blizzard of a Browns Game!

I have no idea if I can catch up though. It has been really hectic for me. Not much time during the day at work, with all the Christmas business in the stores, and even though I work in the office in HR, we are all expected to get out in the stores to lend a hand with the customers.

To add fuel to the fire, my Company car finally blew up Monday morning. It is one perk I have, but we have replaced less frequently than we used to. I was driving a 1999 Taurus with 101,000 miles on it. It finally had a mishap with three of the cylinders out of six, and I had to put it in neutral at stoplights to get it to the garage on Monday.

They finally agreed to get me a new vehicle, so I just today got a replacement Taurus - they are nice cars, and I asked to please have the new Ford Sync system (from Microsoft) in it. It is way cool, with hands free operation of my phone and iPod.

Happy Birthday Noel!

Welcome Matt, and anyone else I may have missed during my hiatus.

If I missed anything I need to go back and see, please let me know - I don't know if I can go back through all the pages and still keep up!

SOrry about the car John!

Not weird Lisa....I've always wanted to be on a jury too. I've done jury duty a number of times, just never got my name called to even be considered. I'm still waiting.

I think your case was really cool. I wonder if they would ever pick a lawyer to be on the jury....if it's of your peers....I would think that lawyers are not because they know the law. Just curious.

In NY, it used to be an automatic free pass if you were an attorney. You didn't even have to appear on your jury duty date. They changed that a few years ago though. I've known of attorneys sitting on juries here, though a lot of times they'll still get bumped.

So who has off Monday and Tuesday and who has to work?

Even though he works for a teaching hospital facility, John has to work on Monday but he has off on Tuesday.

Anybody have off both days? Anybody working both days?

What a nice long weekend if you have both days off.

I'm working Monday, but only for a few hours. DH is working a full day on Sunday and on Monday. My mom is working a double shift Sunday, and then evening shifts on Monday and Tuesday. Too much working in our family this year!!

Too cute!

Good Morning,

Very tired. Stayed at the hospital till very late last night. Now that Frank is awake, he does not want to be alone. We had a very nice visit. While I was there they moved him out of CVICCCU to Step Down. It was so much nicer not to be around the very very sick people (which is what Frank was).

He will be in the hospital of about 10 more days or until the infection (C-DIFF) goes away. He is still in isolation. So we have to wear gloves, masks and gowns to visit. My hands and arms have never been washed so much!!

After the transfer to the Step Down, the heart monitor started going crazy and all kinds of people came running. The top two chambers of his heart stopped. They treated this will some oral meds and within 20 minutes everything was fine.

I wonder what the long term effects will be. I wonder if his heart will ever be worry free. I guess not.....?????

Glad your FIL is still recovering!

Wow.....I can barely afford just one of those ships! The Flying Dutchman was around $50 everywhere I looked, but I got lucky and found it for $17.99 on amazon.com! And last year my mom bought the Black Pearl to be from Santa, thank goodness!

Great deal Holly! I love amazon.


We just had a holiday dinner at my brother's house. It was nice, since we're working all different shifts this week and won't get to have a meal with everyone together. Tomorrow we have swim lessons.
I went into NYC last night, which was fun. We went to Times Square in the giant Toys R Us store, had great Italian food and walked around seeing some of the holiday window displays in the department stores. Fun!

 

[HollyTyler]

Yay! I bet the girls love them! My brother and I used to have bunk beds at my grandmother's house, and we loved sleeping in them.

I have a funny story about bunk beds too! My sister and I had them because we had to share a room until I was in 8th grade (and she was in 9th) I think. I had the top bunk, and would always lean over the edge to talk to her. One particular night, we were giggling lots and I was leaning over the rail too far, lost my balance and fell. She had been feeling sick all day, so there was a puke bucket on the floor next to her (unused). Somehow I flipped on my way down and landed sitting in the bucket! My dad heard all the commotion, then our very loud laughing, and came in the room yelling at us to knock it off and be quiet, etc., then fell completely silent when he saw me sitting in the bucket! It's a story my stepmom re-tells at most family gatherings. "Remember when Holly fell in the puke bucket?"

 

[Ginamarie]

I have a funny story about bunk beds too! My sister and I had them because we had to share a room until I was in 8th grade (and she was in 9th) I think. I had the top bunk, and would always lean over the edge to talk to her. One particular night, we were giggling lots and I was leaning over the rail too far, lost my balance and fell. She had been feeling sick all day, so there was a puke bucket on the floor next to her (unused). Somehow I flipped on my way down and landed sitting in the bucket! My dad heard all the commotion, then our very loud laughing, and came in the room yelling at us to knock it off and be quiet, etc., then fell completely silent when he saw me sitting in the bucket! It's a story my stepmom re-tells at most family gatherings. "Remember when Holly fell in the puke bucket?"

Oh no! That's hysterical!
I never fell off of the top bunk, but we used to drive each other crazy because whoever was on the bottom would use their feet to poke the mattress above them.

 

[HollyTyler]

Oh no! That's hysterical!
I never fell off of the top bunk, but we used to drive each other crazy because whoever was on the bottom would use their feet to poke the mattress above them.

Oh, she used to do that to me too!

 

[LisaG520]

In NY, it used to be an automatic free pass if you were an attorney. You didn't even have to appear on your jury duty date. They changed that a few years ago though. I've known of attorneys sitting on juries here, though a lot of times they'll still get bumped.

One of the lawyers involved in the case received his notice for jury duty during this trial.

 

[katypop]

Long weekend????

Work - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday . . .

Off Tuesday

MAYBE off W-F next week!

It's the grocery business Marilyn, this time of year people actually cook and eat at home! We are geared for a big weekend.

Good luck John Same business I'm in Hope you can manage to fit some family time in It's so hard isn't it?

DH is off M and T
I work at Target so I work Mon. but I have the morning shift. Retail is hard this time of year but I love it!

I used to be able to say I loved retail....but now that I'm in my 34th year in retail I do like it still somedays, but it is getting harder and harder, we have so many less hours to get things done and keep getting more and more responsibilities added on. I am not afraid of hard work...but one person can only accomplish so much no matter how hard they try.Today I was asked to go down to the floor to help as line-ups were huge and we just couldn't keep up, although we had a full front end (every check out was open). I only use a cash register once every 2 or 3 yrs but I started taking customers out of line and ringing them through at portrait studio where their cash register was quiet although their camera was buzzing I must say it was the best hour at work I've had in a long time. People were appreciative to be getting service and I loved having the interaction with customers. I've been in the cash office for about 12 years and I do miss (sometimes ) interacting with our customers.
Kathe

 

[katypop]

I have a funny story about bunk beds too! My sister and I had them because we had to share a room until I was in 8th grade (and she was in 9th) I think. I had the top bunk, and would always lean over the edge to talk to her. One particular night, we were giggling lots and I was leaning over the rail too far, lost my balance and fell. She had been feeling sick all day, so there was a puke bucket on the floor next to her (unused). Somehow I flipped on my way down and landed sitting in the bucket! My dad heard all the commotion, then our very loud laughing, and came in the room yelling at us to knock it off and be quiet, etc., then fell completely silent when he saw me sitting in the bucket! It's a story my stepmom re-tells at most family gatherings. "Remember when Holly fell in the puke bucket?"

Great story Holly!
I'm the only girl in my family, so no bunk bed stories here! Good thing though, I'm also the worrier in the family. If I had had a top bunk, I would have worried about falling down, if I had been bottom bunk I would have worried about being crushed My older brothers had bunkbeds and somehow they survived
Kathe

 

[katypop]

Hi everyone!! Sounds like everyone is very busy right now....both in work and play.

I had lunch w/ Noel today....very nice lady. We ate at Friday's (Deb--same place we ate the 1st time we met).....We chit chatted alot, and we were surprised at the end of our meal w/ the wait staff coming out and singing their Happy Birthday song to her....the waitress had noticed the gift I gave her and when she mentioned Christmas present I (not thinking) corrected her and said "no, birthday" to which Noel replied "yesterday". We both laughed as they were singing, but enjoyed the ice cream

Noel is partying it up tonight at MK for the MVMCP. Lucky her!

I'm so glad I got to meet her....and luckily (even though it was my lunch) I didn't feel rushed. I/we did get some pics taken, but those will have to wait until after I get back from MD....don't have time to do them tonight.

Don't know how easily it will be for me to check in over the next 6 days, so if I don't get the chance.....


MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

(and I don't care if it's not PC to say that....that is what I believe so that is what I say!)

and to all!

**Happy Holidays Everyone**

Leaving work and don't know how much I'll get to use Peg's computer over the next 12 days, but I'll check in when I can.

TO EVERYBODY

WE WISH YOU A

SCOTTISHWEE35

Merry Christmas! I know it's a busy season for everyone. Hope you and your families have a Wonderful Christmas!
Kathe

 

[HollyTyler]

Well, I guess I should go to sleep so we can get an early start tomorrow making cookies and grocery shopping in case my mom and aunt have chosen tomorrow to come to town.

Goodnight all!

 

[fourmcds]

What what what, Big Brother is starting in Jan/Feb!?! I need info on this development.

Pj

Big Brother starts Feb 12th!

OMG!!! I did not realize they were doing a winter episode, I am so excited! Love this show!!!!! That and LOST will be back on then, so I will be back in front of my tv most nights

Karen, that means your birthday must be today
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Kathe

Karen: Happy Birthday!!!!!!!
I need to go change my signature because my baby is now 6! On the way home from her dinner tonight she told us how she really wanted to go on another cruise again but this time for a few more days (last was a 3 day wonder). Looks like she is going to be pretty happy when she gets her present!

Holly, nice snowglobe. Got tired of the disappearing pickles?!

I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas in case I don't get on here before then. Home Seahawks game tomorrow, then the IL's will be here when we get home until late on the 24th. So, actually, I'll probably be posting a lot trying to escape

 

[EllaEnchanted]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN.....HOPE IT'S A WONDERFUL AND MAGICAL DAY....take some time off and pamper yourself a bit!!!

Lots of hugs and love coming your way!!!

 

[been2marceline]

Thank you again for being such wonderful hosts!

Woody

It was a pleasure! What a lovely group of folks!

Wish we could have spent more time with you and Mrs. Woody! It seemed like such a quick cruise... glad this one will be longer!

Karen

 

[pjpoohbear]

NOEL and KAREN!

PJ

 

[been2marceline]

Wow it's been pretty quiet today!

I just finished my last 2 gifts - an afghan and gift card clutch thing - both crocheted. They are for my co-workers.

I have to finish the last few Christmas cards and I'm pretty much done other than wrapping Darrrell's stuff - but I usually wait until the day before to do that.

I've been on jury duty for the last couple of weeks. Luckily the trial ended yesterday - the judge had originally predicted Dec 24th or 26th so this was much nicer. It was a civil trial and we ruled in the defendants favor - case was about eminent domain. The whole experience was pretty interesting. I've always wanted to be on a jury (weird I know) and was surprised to find out when talking to the lawyers afterwards that had they had one more challenge left I would have been bumped. She said they prefer to not have IT people on panels - and out of the 4 IT people in the jury pool I must have seemed the least IT. They prefer teachers and military. I would have guessed it was because Darrell is an archaeologist and the property in question had smoe environmental issues.

Lisa,

One of our best friends specializes in eminent domain law. He is one of the top lawyers in No. Cal and often speaks at Bar Association functions and other lawyer functions on the process.

It always seems so interesting and very diverse.

Glad it finished early though. It's tought to be committed to something like this at this time of year.

Karen