Something about Nothing, come join in........ Part 3

[Metro West]

Goodnight folks...have a pleasant evening.

I'll catch up tomorrow.

 

[bubba's mom]

Okay...now that I'm all 'ketchuped' to this point.....let me do my "MommyBrag" (WARNING: Boring Mom/Dad pix ahead.... )

Usually I don't make a deal over Ry's midterm testing for karate, but this was a deal...(okay, a big deal to us...maybe a 'little' deal to you all....)

For those who don't know, my son has been in TaeKwonDo since the old age of 4 and earned his first degree blackbelt Sept. '06 at the age of 7 (2nd grade). He is enrolled in the Master's Club (2 yrs) earning his second degree blackbelt (tests Sept. '08). Along the period of 2 years, there are 'midterm' tests every quarter and this was just past his half-way point. They test "sparring", forms, board breaks, etc....depends what rank you are and where you stand in your curriculum....

Here are some pix DH shared on his boards....

And this would be some sparring.....

Okay...this is where our story gets interesting.....
This was the last blackbelt testing of the year...meaning 'end of the year' awards. One award they give out is an annual award to the black belt in each school who most personifies being a black belt through action throughout the year....attendance, attitude, commitment, improvement, etc.... As Mr. Morgan (head instructor/owner of the school) was saying how committed Ryan was (and he comes to class regularly....and sometimes it's only HIM and RYAN IN class alone) I had a feeling in my gut it was going to be him. DH had no idea and had already packed the videocamera up....so, we missed our "Kodak moment", but his instructor was kind enough to pose for our pic.....

So, he was acknowledged to everyone who was there and received a "TaeKwonDo Dedicated Excellence" patch....that, I now have to sew on his uniform Mentioned to Bubba that I have 'homework' to do over Christmas break..... (and I happily do so!)

So, not only were we surprised...Ryan was too! This award proves our point to him: don't do 'enuf' to just 'get by'....give 100% ALL the time...go above and beyond.... Good, hard work does not go unnoticed.... Well, he understands now what we mean.....and is SO happy and even more motivated (which is good because when I got home from work today, DH told me he signed Bubba up for the soccer clinic for "regular" players AND ''goalkeepers'' clinic January is gonna start off busy...... )

So, that was our deal....sorry not as 'big' to you all...but, just HAD to let y'all know..... my son kicks it

 

[marciemi]

Well, I just spent the last 3 hours in the basement adjusting snowboards while DH built a weight set for DS15. Man, I had to swap off all the bindings onto new snowboards, and I ordered DS15 a new set of boots. If they don't arrive before we head out skiing next Friday, I'm going to end up redoing two of the snowboards, which I just do NOT want to do. I just wasted 3 hours and we'll probably end up spending a whole hour or so snowboarding next weekend! Anyways, DS' new weight bench/set is a cool DIS lime green! I'll take a pic whenever I get around to finishing all my pics!

I saw I Am Legend. Decent flick.

And for some reason, the pics I just uploaded from my new digi cam are not in any of my folders.
I followed ALL the steps, yet no pics. They're still in the camera, thankfully. I'll just have to re-upload them.

Whenever I do this, I end up finding them under some bizarre category on my computer that it saved it as and I didn't notice. Like months later I'll find pics saved under say "tax files", then whatever I named it.

Still shopping & wrapping, youngest decided he wanted Guitar Hero afterall today; of course local WM sold out of all 10 they had yesterday. Found one an hour away, told him he was paying for 1/3 & coming for the ride.

Janet - we loved the pics and are still waiting for a cruise trip report! We already have the Guitar Hero, but got the boys Rock Band for Xmas. There was an article in the paper saying that it would be almost impossible to find so we jumped on the one we saw at Best Buy a couple weeks ago. Not to mention that I've seen it almost everywhere (including yesterday) for less money! Is GH still a "Christmas" present for him, even though he's paying part of it?

The parking is a mess and when you are in line to pay for your purchase....some lines are so long, that you are in line longer than you're in the store! Forget it! You can have it.....

I don't know, I've found the stupid DRIVING/PARKING between stores to be the worst! I swear yesterday it took me more time to get from one place to another (even though they were like 1/4 mile apart) and park than it did to get in the stores, find what I wanted, and check out!

If I got all that accomplished in 1 day... I certainly would not consider it a 'crummy' day..... I'd love to be able to get all that done... That would be Bubba and our's rooms.....]

I meant crummy day weatherwise and in terms of doing anything "fun"! Yeah, it always feels good to accomplish anything like that, but it's certainly not enjoyable coercing teens to work with you for hours!

and I know...I shouldn't complain cuz we don't have any of the white stuff... My sympathies Penny

Guess I shouldn't either because it's been POURING for much of the evening! Now they've changed their forecast (originally 5 inches) to continuing rain all night, then switching over tomorrow. At this rate, it may actually melt all the snow out there and we'll have to count on tomorrow's snow (now 2-3 inches) for our "white" Christmas!

Well, I've had enough wine and cheese here so I guess I'm heading to bed! Talk to you all tomorrow (if I'm not too busy in DS#3's room!)!

 

[fan of the TTA]

Well, it's been a pretty crummy day here. We spent much of the day cleaning kids' rooms. Spent about 2 hours each in both of my older two sons' rooms. What a disaster! Got about 3 bags of trash and about 3 bags of stuff to donate. And I didn't go through drawers or closets - just cleaned up the junk.

Left youngest DS' until tomorrow. He spent nearly 3 hours at church this morning for Christmas Eve rehearsal. He's playing the tuba and drums at that mass. Then he had to go back at 3 for rehearsal for mass today at 4:30 (playing the piano for that one). So I didn't subject him to room cleaning today!

Speaking of church, we're heading off there momentarily. Just took oldest DS out for some driving practice, combined with some grocery shopping. It's been REALLY foggy out here since yesterday evening and visibility was really low, so it was probably a good time to practice. Catch up with you guys later this evening!

sounds like you really had a boring day!

hope your son does well christmas eve

 

[AlexandNessa]

Penny, that is a great idea! However, I am pretty sure he would never speak to me again. I've already gotten the "why aren't you happier for us?" lecture. Notice I said "happier." Apparently smiling and hugging both of them warmly and saying "congratulations" isn't being happy enough? I asked, "Well, would you like me to do cartwheels down the hallway?"

Sorry you still have the sickies, Penny! Hope you feel betterer soon!

Wound up running to Kohl's this morning at the crack of 6 to buy 2 packs of hoodie towels. Found an extra diaper so will split them up and give them each their pack of hoodies. Not much, but perhaps it will go towards ensuring they know I'm happy for them?

Barb, congratulations to Bubba on his Tae Kwon Do (sp?) commitment award! (and yes, Mike did get his coat!). And, you're right, of course. Brother is the one who once lectured that it was vain to have your own child when you could adopt and save one already in need.

Tricia, my BIL (which is really Mike's sister's husband) warned me that my MIL and FIL have a habit of asking if their children's spouses have been "saved." We are constantly getting religious material from them. My favorite was when we got their Church's "viewers guide" to Passion of the Christ, and they encouraged us to go see it with some religious organization. So, I get your rant. Completely. I don't comment anymore. I just politely smile and listen and hope for the proselytizing to pass. They are welcome to their religion. I just wish they'd allow me mine.

Janet, loved your cruise pics! I am still dying to know how well the RPR treated you.

Well, good morning everyone! Happy Sunday!

 

[Metro West]

So, he was acknowledged to everyone who was there and received a "TaeKwonDo Dedicated Excellence" patch

Way to go Ryan!




Morning Jodie!

 

[AlexandNessa]

Morning, Todd! What's on the agenda today?

 

[GemmaPixie]

Barb- Congratulations for Ryan!!! I love proub mummy-brag stories!! There seems to be a lot in the thread- apparently homies have gifted children!

 

[Metro West]

Morning, Todd! What's on the agenda today?

Well...if the weather ever clears up, I want to go to Universal for a while and then to the store. Otherwise...just the store.

 

[AlexandNessa]

The store? Later today? Brave, brave man!!!

 

[Metro West]

The store? Later today? Brave, brave man!!!

LOL...I'm a big guy so if anyone tries to get in my way, they will get rolled like a stale bisquit.

 

[yankeepenny]

congratulations Ryan!

 

[loribell]

Hi all-
Sorry been MIA. Just too much stuff going on lately and was getting my Christmas shopping done and a little wrapping done yesterday.
Today Chrissy and Matthew are invited to a girl's birthday party. Actually, all 4 of us are going, as it's a movie party. We are going to see National Treasure 2-Book of Secrets today at the party!
I don't even know this girl well, but the girl is in Chrissy's class and Matthew got invited as well.

So how was the movie? I am hoping we can go tonight to see it. If not we will go sometime next week while BIL is still home for Christmas. Can’t wait to see your ornament.

Lori, I am exhausted just reading that list! If I could lend you a hand, I would.

Daniel is much, much better. Yesterday was the he's-just-feeling-enough-better-to-be-a-pain-in-the-butt day. Today he is almost normal, which is still a pain because, well, he's 2 and that's goes with the territory, but not the ship him off to Siberia (or Jodie) pain like yesterday.

I have to take inventory of my kitchen and probably grocery shop sometime before Christmas. I'm not doing another turkey. We've had 2 in the past month and I'm tired of it. I'm planning to bake a big roasting chicken, which I already have, but I need to check on side dishes and sweet stuff. I'll make chicken salad out of the leftovers and serve it for the family party on Friday. Am I good at thinking ahead or what?

Forgot to add that I have to cook the turkey to have at mil’s house on Christmas day. Of course I volunteered but only because she cooks the dang thing for 10 or more hours and it is sooooooooooooo dry that I can’t stand to eat it. This way I know it will turn out good. Oh yeah, and I have to bake pumpkin pies to take to dad’s tomorrow.

someone having a "White Christmas"??!!??

Well, if it doesn’t melt here then we will. Can you believe that our ground is covered with that stinkin white stuff. Weather got so bad that bil was not able to make it all the way home yesterday. He was making really good time until he hit Texas before noon. He should have been able to drive the rest of the way and be here about 7. At 9:30 last night he got a hotel room about 3 hours away. Was stuck behind some massive pile up on the highway from what I understand. People around here just can not drive on ice or snow. And the wind was blowing so hard it was awful! Door to van was frozen shut so I had to climb across the drivers side front seat to be able to get the presents out of the car!

Hey Rose! Good to see you. You'll have to let me know what you think of the new National Treasure movie. I liked the first one, so I'm wondering if the second one will be any good.

Are we playing "Pass the Barb" today? Since she's finished and everything, we could just pass her from house to house...

Yep, but I get her first cause I asked first.

Hi Rose! I didn't know you were an RN in a "past life." Yes, I will try to make the best of it, for sure. At least I get to see my family after work. And, I am a keeper of a secret of a family surprise on Christmas, so that will be fun once the big secret is revealed. (My cousin and his wife, unbeknownst to my entire family, are coming home for Christmas. Not only are they coming home, but they'll be announcing her pregnancy. )

I went into work very early today because I was relieving Mike. He got selected for a 30% off coupon at Kohl's. Kohl's opened at 6 am, and I wanted my honey to be able to go shopping before it got crazy crowded. I had to make him pick out a gift or two for my dad. We did get him a gift subscription to Blockbuster Online, but unless he has something tangible to open, he gets cranky. Mike was mainly going to get a new winter coat for himself though and just took advantage of the holiday sales. That 30% off comes in handy!

I just have to wrap those 2 small gifts for dad, and I'm done. But I suppose when you don't put up a tree or bake, then it's easy to be "done."

Congrats to the cousin. Glad you got to be a part of the secret! I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow and Tuesday. So sorry you have to work.

3 feet of snow already.
it will be a long freakin winter in the northeast and the mid atlantic states. DH went out this am and bought another 150 pounds of salt. the snowblower hates me. I can just feel the anger in the garage.


i just sneezed. OMG now my ears hurt.
still sick. throat and neck feel like i have been thrashed around by an entire team of defensive players. still croaking.
some symptoms now are making me think it will change to a bad cold. cannot taste much, but sure as hell hurts like a mother to swallow. someone drive up here and kill me now!


it is very dark out, no sunlight and rain tomorrow.
the good news is that we have had the longest day and now we will be gaining daylight.

Just don’t take mucinex unless you are coughing really good. I took some last year when I was feeling so crappy and a few days later was in the hospital with pneumonia. Since I wasn’t coughing all the crap it loosened up went to my lungs instead. Hope you feel better soon.

And leave that now blower alone until you feel better. It sure isn’t helping any for you to be going out to do that.

9-5 giants at 7-7 bills still angry at the inconsistancy of the giants, betcha cofflin gets the boot


12-2 Green Bay at 5-9 Chicago go pack


4-10 Oakland at Jacksonville come on raiders

6-8 Philly at 7-7 New Orleans anyone gander a guess???????

3-11 Atlanta at 6-8 Arizona come on hawks scoop em up

and.....drumroll please.............................

on a win streak 1-13 getting the first pick Miami
@ 14-0 New England. Tom Brady is expected to play most of the game. it kinda would be nice to see them (remember they are not my team) go 16-0 since it has not been done since 1972, but i do not really care for 62-10 blowouts.......with all the starters in......poor sportsmanship in my humble and not always correct opinion

I completely understand. I hate inconsistent teams.

And can you believe the crap that people gave Jessica Simpson. Heck if the boy can’t concentrate on the game when his girlfriend is there then he has a problem. It isn’t her fault. He is supposed to be a professional.

Also would like to see the Patriots pull off an undefeated season.

do you want me to list playoffs after next week or have you heard enough of me????????????????????

Yes please!

I'm guessing this is only if you work for a federal agency. I know when my brother worked for the government (EEOC), he got a TON of paid holidays that the rest of the world didn't seem to get to! Also, I enjoyed all the pics!


I don't know if that's new, but it is removable. The reason for it (to answer Lori's question) is what I said above. Sure it would be great to have more room with the captain's chairs, but we need all the van space on some trips, so we would need to have 3 kids in the center row. Trying to determine if that would work (the tiny middle seat) or not. There does seem to be a lot more leg room than in our Venture at least. And yes, both the Honda and Toyota have the third row of seats that folds down into the floor (flush).

I’m just not sure. Maybe it was just a dream I had many years ago. Either that or the way I think the world should work.

Have you taken the boys with you to look at them. Will all three of them fit? I completely understand about the need for the storage space.

Well, it's been a pretty crummy day here. We spent much of the day cleaning kids' rooms. Spent about 2 hours each in both of my older two sons' rooms. What a disaster! Got about 3 bags of trash and about 3 bags of stuff to donate. And I didn't go through drawers or closets - just cleaned up the junk.

Left youngest DS' until tomorrow. He spent nearly 3 hours at church this morning for Christmas Eve rehearsal. He's playing the tuba and drums at that mass. Then he had to go back at 3 for rehearsal for mass today at 4:30 (playing the piano for that one). So I didn't subject him to room cleaning today!

Speaking of church, we're heading off there momentarily. Just took oldest DS out for some driving practice, combined with some grocery shopping. It's been REALLY foggy out here since yesterday evening and visibility was really low, so it was probably a good time to practice. Catch up with you guys later this evening!

Sounds like a very productive day. Now will you come clean Ally’s room??????

Have I mentioned how glad I am that I don’t have to worry about Michael driving in that stuff?

 

[RVGal]

Lori, I forgot to mention that I enjoyed your tree/decoration pics.

Janet, you are a tease with the couple of cruise pics! Gingy sleeps on Joshua's bed.

Sharon, I got an adorable card from you. Thanks!

Barb, WAY TO GO RYAN! Nothing can stop a fully committed Bubba!

Todd, our forecast here calls for a 100% chance of rain. I love it when they do that. Not even 99% to give them a margin for error. Just flat out, it's gonna rain... deal.

Penny, is you rubbing off on me a bad thing? I hope you are feeling better.

Jodie, if your brother doesn't get that you braving a store at 6am is a big deal, then he doesn't know you very well. You've done all you can to express your joy over their vanity baby.

Gemma, how did your baking turn out?

I know I haven't caught up. I haven't even read everything, but I've tried to keep up somewhat. We have a new project we didn't expect. We were having breakfast this morning and heard a crash in our bedroom. After exchanging WTH looks, we ran into the bedroom. Everything looked fine. What? Something made that noise. I finally checked the closet. Yep. The bar holding all my clothes in our walk-in closet fell.

Now, we have to find somebody in town who is open (hardware stores... small town... who knows on a Sunday... especially the Sunday before Christmas...) or haul ourselves to friggin Wal-Mart with everyone else in North friggin Georgia to find the parts we need to fix it.

 

[loribell]

I saw I Am Legend. Decent flick.

And for some reason, the pics I just uploaded from my new digi cam are not in any of my folders.
I followed ALL the steps, yet no pics. They're still in the camera, thankfully. I'll just have to re-upload them.

So is it scary? I really like Will Smith movies but don’t want to be super scared.

I feel your pain. I had all kinds of trouble uploading my tree & ornament pics. Hopefully you will get it figured out. We haven’t seen any pics from you in a while.

Ye gads ... just got back from dinner at my parents. My angry liberal brother and his wife are pregnant! Forgive my shock: I just honestly thought they would never have kids. They have roughly the same due date as my cousin and his wife.

Now I have to figure out what to do: I stole some swim diapers from the HRH pool for my cousin Meri as a joke that I was going to give to her on Christmas, but now not only will Tim and Meri be making their big announcement at my aunt's house, now Brian and Hillary will too, and I don't have anything for them. Because I didn't know. Crap. I am not unwrapping their gift to divvy out the diapers. I only have 3, so that would be stupid. I hate that I found out this late and I have to work all day tomorrow and Monday. Frick!

Well, congrats to them. Kinda going to take the fun out of cousins’ surprise. Love the gift though.

Finally, my lovely ornament from Sharon ; notice it's place of honor by my Stiller

Very pretty! Great job Sharon! Like the steel man too!

Still shopping & wrapping, youngest decided he wanted Guitar Hero afterall today; of course local WM sold out of all 10 they had yesterday. Found one an hour away, told him he was paying for 1/3 & coming for the ride. Drug DH (who indeed is off work until Thursday ). I picked myself out a new set of pots (hard anonized-whatever that means?) and we stopped for big lunch @ Hoss's. Got cut out cookies made, everyone helped - shocking - lol

having a bear of a time posting pics for some reason.

lori - tree looks great & luv DDs fashion sense.

barb - yep, A.Hole will be @ the festivities; probably face down in my shrimp tray. Congrats on being "done"; I cannot resist yet another run out tomorrow . tons to wrap, work best under pressure.

jodie - i'm getting a gross visual re bacon. Better watch out, those things tend to run in 3's

imo nurses keep the world running

only good coconut is in a foo-foo drink on that tangent, here's a pic with my new friend (part of our loot from Royal Pacific - ha, including the bottle). He was just helping me pack up on the last night before dinner, nothing too see; move along

Ugh, kids! At least you were able to find it and made him go with you to enjoy the experience.

Are you still having problems with that computer?

Thanks for the compliments on the tree & dd. She thinks she is something else ( and I do too).

Try not to kill the ex. But putting him face down in the shrimp tray will be okay!

So Jodie is going to be the person we get to give a baby shower too????

Where would we be without nurses? Totally agree with you here.

Loved the pics. Gingy looks like he was very helpful.

WOOHOO Lori's tree! Love the pix of your ornabuddy ornament...will always remind you of our exchange. And your tree is gorgeous....prolly due to the abundance of bee-u-ti-ful Disney ornaments!! They were kewl! Glad to hear you're done with the shopping..... THAT is the worst part of not being ready. Baking can be done at home, wrapping, decorating, etc....but being out shopping.... The parking is a mess and when you are in line to pay for your purchase....some lines are so long, that you are in line longer than you're in the store! Forget it! You can have it.....

Thanks Barb. The tree looks kinda bare to me. Never did put on the rest of our ornaments. I would like to buy more Mickey & Tink ornaments on my next trip. The exchange was a wonderful idea. Can’t wait to do it again. The wrapping is done!!!!!! Ally & ds’s girlfriend helped me do it all yesterday.

Soooo.... get that dough? Take anything back...and NOT BUY anything else? (I hate when I do that ) I'll be right down to help you.......


Lori...you can most certainly pull all that off....brave woman you are! (I'd cower in a corner somewhere...) Hope you got that DVD player to be SuperGram! (Dunno how that "little one" slipped thru the shopping list (whoops!) So, do you 'rent out' your DH & kids for cleaning services?? If so, please send 'em here when they're thru at your house..... You're brave to still be sending cards....of everything, I'd forget that! (My Aunt actually sends out Thanksgiving cards...not a bad idea...get it done and outta the way early.... )


SO GLAD to hear our Daniel is doing much better..... oh wait...YOUR Daniel.... I just feel like I know him for him to be "ours" here... (after all...you offered to share...remember?) You are VERY smart to do kitchen inventory... I just went to the grocery store tonite....let me tell ya... 8pm Saturday nite before Christmas is a PRIMO time to go....hardly anyone there and all the shelves were restocked or in the process of....no shortage of anything.... woohoo!!!



Can I just 'pass out' instead???

Was not able to go anywhere yesterday, the roads got too bad and there were wrecks everywhere.

I need to go back and find that list so I don’t forget anything! I can pull it off. I am super woman! Didn’t forget the granddaughter, just forgot the dvd player. Actually I remembered it aas I was walking out of Walmart Friday evening but I was to tired to go back in and get it. There are plenty of presents under the tree for her. The cards have not been sent still. Forgot our stinkin little post office is not open on sat. at all and they took the stamp machine out of the lobby. So they will be mailed on Chrsitmas eve.

I think he is our Daniel too, and our Joshua, and Ryan, and oh everyone else’s kids. It would take a while to list them all.

And no, we don’t have time for you to pass out!

Here is my tiny soapbox moment.

You believe in higher power/being/entity.
You don't believe in a higher power/being/entity.
You think there is a possibility that there is a higher power/being/entity.
You think there is almost no possibility that there is a higher power/being/entity.

Did I cover all the choices? Here's what bugs me. You decide where you fall in that spectrum of belief/non-belief, right? Why do most people think that anyone who doesn't reach the same conclusion that they do are idiots?

People who choose to believe are, for the most part, NOT mindless sheep who have fallen for the brain-washing trickery of the foes behind organized religion.

People who choose not to believe are, for the most part, NOT souless heathens who simply haven't seen the light or been properly spiritually educated.

People who have doubts are, for the most part, NOT spineless wishy-washy folks who won't commit to either side.

They are all just people. And they have all used the information available to them to come to their own conclusion... or are still withholding final conclusions.

Sometimes my family baffles me with the discussions we get into. I have never understood why we can't just say, "I see it differently" and move on.

Okay, I'm done. That was my Penny Moment for the day.

Your life, your business. People need to realize that.

 

[loribell]

it is 10:21 and i cannot sleep due to the
sniffling
sneezing
coughing
aching
stuffy head
fever
just wanna die already
syndrome.

Wish there was something I could do to make you feel better.

Yep....freakin' crackheads ruin it for everyone

Even have to buy my Sudafed at the pharmacy counter now

They even changed the only sinus medicine I have ever found to help with my headaches and now it doesn’t work anymore. Why do honest people have to suffer because of dishonest people????

Okay...now that I'm all 'ketchuped' to this point.....let me do my "MommyBrag" (WARNING: Boring Mom/Dad pix ahead.... )

Usually I don't make a deal over Ry's midterm testing for karate, but this was a deal...(okay, a big deal to us...maybe a 'little' deal to you all....)

For those who don't know, my son has been in TaeKwonDo since the old age of 4 and earned his first degree blackbelt Sept. '06 at the age of 7 (2nd grade). He is enrolled in the Master's Club (2 yrs) earning his second degree blackbelt (tests Sept. '08). Along the period of 2 years, there are 'midterm' tests every quarter and this was just past his half-way point. They test "sparring", forms, board breaks, etc....depends what rank you are and where you stand in your curriculum....

Here are some pix DH shared on his boards....

And this would be some sparring.....

Okay...this is where our story gets interesting.....
This was the last blackbelt testing of the year...meaning 'end of the year' awards. One award they give out is an annual award to the black belt in each school who most personifies being a black belt through action throughout the year....attendance, attitude, commitment, improvement, etc.... As Mr. Morgan (head instructor/owner of the school) was saying how committed Ryan was (and he comes to class regularly....and sometimes it's only HIM and RYAN IN class alone) I had a feeling in my gut it was going to be him. DH had no idea and had already packed the videocamera up....so, we missed our "Kodak moment", but his instructor was kind enough to pose for our pic.....

So, he was acknowledged to everyone who was there and received a "TaeKwonDo Dedicated Excellence" patch....that, I now have to sew on his uniform Mentioned to Bubba that I have 'homework' to do over Christmas break..... (and I happily do so!)

So, not only were we surprised...Ryan was too! This award proves our point to him: don't do 'enuf' to just 'get by'....give 100% ALL the time...go above and beyond.... Good, hard work does not go unnoticed.... Well, he understands now what we mean.....and is SO happy and even more motivated (which is good because when I got home from work today, DH told me he signed Bubba up for the soccer clinic for "regular" players AND ''goalkeepers'' clinic January is gonna start off busy...... )

So, that was our deal....sorry not as 'big' to you all...but, just HAD to let y'all know..... my son kicks it

WOO HOO! Way to go Ryan!!!!!! Sorry I had to take out some pics. I was over the limit!

Penny, that is a great idea! However, I am pretty sure he would never speak to me again. I've already gotten the "why aren't you happier for us?" lecture. Notice I said "happier." Apparently smiling and hugging both of them warmly and saying "congratulations" isn't being happy enough? I asked, "Well, would you like me to do cartwheels down the hallway?"

Wound up running to Kohl's this morning at the crack of 6 to buy 2 packs of hoodie towels. Found an extra diaper so will split them up and give them each their pack of hoodies. Not much, but perhaps it will go towards ensuring they know I'm happy for them?

Barb, congratulations to Bubba on his Tae Kwon Do (sp?) commitment award! (and yes, Mike did get his coat!). And, you're right, of course. Brother is the one who once lectured that it was vain to have your own child when you could adopt and save one already in need.

Janet, loved your cruise pics! I am still dying to know how well the RPR treated you.

Well, good morning everyone! Happy Sunday!

And would that b such a bad thing? Can’t believe they are that self centered. So did you do the cartwheels down the hall? Any pics of it! Guess you did good with the shopping!

I am anxiously waiting for Janet’s trippie too!

Good morning to you!

Well...if the weather ever clears up, I want to go to Universal for a while and then to the store. Otherwise...just the store.

Hope the weather clears up so we can live vicariously through you!

LOL...I'm a big guy so if anyone tries to get in my way, they will get rolled like a stale bisquit.

You get em Todd!

 

[loribell]

Lori, I forgot to mention that I enjoyed your tree/decoration pics.

I know I haven't caught up. I haven't even read everything, but I've tried to keep up somewhat. We have a new project we didn't expect. We were having breakfast this morning and heard a crash in our bedroom. After exchanging WTH looks, we ran into the bedroom. Everything looked fine. What? Something made that noise. I finally checked the closet. Yep. The bar holding all my clothes in our walk-in closet fell.

Now, we have to find somebody in town who is open (hardware stores... small town... who knows on a Sunday... especially the Sunday before Christmas...) or haul ourselves to friggin Wal-Mart with everyone else in North friggin Georgia to find the parts we need to fix it.

Thank you!

I hope you can easily find what you need to fix your closet. What a pain.




Well, I am caught up, it only took an an hour and a half!

Going to go get in the shower now then it wally world to get the food I need, cake mix & decorations to make Ally's b'day cake and a dvd player. My baby is 9 years old!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

So is it scary? I really like Will Smith movies but don’t want to be super scared.

I feel your pain. I had all kinds of trouble uploading my tree & ornament pics. Hopefully you will get it figured out. We haven’t seen any pics from you in a while.

Eh, it has a few tense moments. Not super scary, but you might jump a few times. Good flick.

I was able to find my pics. They got put in a folder that I would not have expected. Go figure.

 

[Sharon G]

Good morning everyone!

Sorry I have not been around for the past few days. I've been a baking, wrapping, shopping, baking, (and did I mention wrapping?!?) fool for the past few days.
Today I'm making Tricia's cheese straws and some white chocolate peppermint bark. I've already made up 13 packages of the bark for gifts but still need a few more.
I'll try to post some photos tonight of my ornaments from Jennifer. She really put some thought into them!

Barb - Tell Ryan congrats! That's quite a honor, and part of that goes to you and Randy for making time in your day to get him there!

I have not had time to catch up on everyones news. I'll try to read it all tonight.

It's a warm (32) and foggy day today in Maine. I'm hoping to get outside and take a walk and enjoy the hot tub with a glass of wine.

Everyone that is out driving around the malls - be safe!

Thanks for the Christmas cards!

See you all later.

 

[Metro West]

Todd, our forecast here calls for a 100% chance of rain. I love it when they do that. Not even 99% to give them a margin for error. Just flat out, it's gonna rain... deal.

We need the rain..please send it this way.

Hope the weather clears up so we can live vicariously through you!

You get em Todd!

LOL...I guess I'll run out to the store for a while. It's kinda blah in my neck of the woods.

Good morning everyone!

Morning Sharon and thanks for the card!