The Official New Mom Thread Part 2

[cabmom]

Hi everyone, and thanks for all your kind thoughts.

I've been seeing many Dr's, doing lots of talking and counseling. I don't want to post too much here as I have a sister who reads the boards. I've not told family members, too much judging goes on.

We did go to The Great Wolf Lodge again last night. My dh gets a Corp rate, which is awesome. The kids love it there. Dean has a really raw bottom right now, so we didn't get much sleep there. I know there was a discussion about what to use for bottoms that are sore. I have been using Balmex and a hyrdo cream/canestene as well that was prescribe for thrush. We'll go to the Dr. tomorrow if it doesn't start to clear.

Dean is now 1 and boy is he getting around. He keeps shoving everything in his mouth as well. And boy does he bite when you try to dig it out.

I sent my Christmas exchange gift out on Wednesday by airmail as surface would have taken forever! I hope it gets there soon.

I'll be doing some shopping in Buffalo on Thursday. The only store probably open is Kmart. So we'll have a nice turkey dinner somewhere then do loads of shopping on Friday. We are only allowed to bring $50 back in to the country after 24hrs, so I'll try not to shop too much!

I do check in every day, but it's hard to keep up with you all. I do love reading about all of your families though. We are all doing well here. My second son has ADD and we've just put him on meds and that's when my decline really kicked in. He's doing well on the meds. I was on meds but had to go off as it was making me feel worse then it was doing any good.

Thanks again everyone! You've all been great. As for Disney, right now our trip has been put off from March.

Marilynn

 

[DisKim]

nucpharm and diz - I'm not that nice. I bought them $29 refurbished I-pod shuffles. I normally spend that on stupid stuff for the stocking anyway so I figured I'd get something that would last. I must have sounded like a Rockefeller or something! I am bad with spending though. I'd really be embarassed to talk about how much I've spent in the past. I'm really trying to tone it down.

For any of you that are buying your older kids I-pods - they had the CUTEST stuffed animals in Kohls for around 12 dollars. You can plug any MP3 player into them and they have speakers in their ears to play the music. I just thought they were too adorable.

lissawynn - Wow, I wish I could never step foot in TRU. I hate it there.

I didn't manage to get to TRU last night. Alex was tired and I just had no desire to shop. I only need a couple of things for Alex and I will be done. Emily is going to look like she has less but she is getting a puppy for goodness sake. I think that covers me for anything else.

Would you believe that I had a nice time at Chuck E Cheese last night. I only took Alex and I met my friends there who have boys Alex's age. It was nice for Alex to get to see his friends and I was actually relaxed since I wasn't chasing after Aidan the whole time. I heard he had a great time petting the horses at the farm with Emmy last night. Apparently she is doing really well and she is already starting to jump which wasn't supposed to be until next fall. DH and I are kicking ourselves for letting her start such an expensive sport. There is no way I can afford the equipment if she wants to show horses. The helmets alone are around $500 !!

cabmom - Dean is so darn cute in his pictures! Great Wolf Lodge looks awesome. I would love to go there with the kids some day.

nucpharm - Wow, that's my kind of shopping trip!!

lissawynn - Ugh! Why is it that I never hear about contractors doing a job correctly and efficiently?? The recliner sounds like a great gift for your dad!

OK, well it's another busy Saturday for me. Thank goodness soccer is over, but Alex has karate and scouts, we have to pick up and deliver fundraiser stuff (I'm throwing them out from now on), Emmy has skating and I have about a million things to do in the stores. I'm hoping to do Thanksgiving food shopping tonight, but I'll probably be dead on my feet!

 

[lissawynn]

Morning. We spent the night at my sister's house. DH was convinced we were all going to die in our sleep from carbon monoxide. Our chimney isn't up higher than our roof, and there isn't enough draft. Also, now that DH has the heat in the addition, we have to keep it on at night b/c it's gotten around freezing here.
I got no sleep. Jimmy slept right in the middle of the bed and kicked me all night. I'm going to be dead tired by this afternoon.

I'm going to the furniture store with my mom today. I'm going to be looking at recliners for my dad and also some odds and ends for our new living room. It's going be 15x26', and I don't have nearly enough stuff to come close to filling the space. I'm thinking about setting aside a place for a table and chairs for Jimmy to play and some kind of nice storage unit for his toys. I'm sure once I get the pack n' play and the swing out of storage, I'll be saying I don't have enough space.

nucpharm - Glad you had a good time shopping! Have fun at your church activity today.

cabmom - Nice to see you again!

DisKim - Maybe you can start playing the Powerball and your winnings can go to Emmy's horse stuff. We do a pool when the pot gets up there, but so far we're all still going to work on a daily basis.

I have to jump in the shower before the roofers get here. Have a great day all!

 

[gottalovethem]

Ladies, please, please send positive vibes and prayers my way. I have to do the most difficult thing in my entire life this afternoon and am falling apart at the seems. I promise to tell you all about it later. Please help give me strength and courage.

 

[Ginamarie]

Good morning ladies!

I know I typed up another post, but for some reason it never made it onto the thread.

Zalansky- Olivia got the flu shot last week and didn’t have any side effects. That gymbo dress is really cute.

Lissawynn- I hope everything gets straightened out with the new beam. A recliner sounds like a great gift.

Nucpharm- Glad you had fun at the holiday shopping event.

Cabmom- cute pictures!

GLT- I’m saying some prayers for whatever you’re going through.


I sent out my resume to half a dozen places yesterday. I also spent half the day crying because I don’t want to have to put Olivia into daycare. If I take something FT I’m looking at a 50+ hour work week plus a commute, so I feel like I’ll never see her. DH saw a job posted locally for a PT attorney, so I sent my resume there right away. If I could find something part time, I could probably work out a schedule for Olivia to stay with my mom, grandma, MIL for a couple of days a week. I’ll just have to see how it goes.

It’s just frustrating, because I wanted the self-employment situation to work out so badly, and in a lot of ways I feel like I’m giving up. We need the money though, so I have to find something.

My exchange package is on its way to a certain mom The post office was a mob scene, but I made it. OK, time to clean the house a little. I STILL have to make up my list for Thanksgiving. Oh, and DBro is moving the rest of his stuff today. Buuuuuuusy weekend!

Hi to all the other moms who I missed!

 

[Hillbeans]

Hi Everyone,

I've been trying to post my "Picture People" photos so everyone can get a smile however they won't be up on line for about another 2-3 days. I'll post the link when they are available.

GLT - HUGS TO YOU! You are strong and can get through this. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin - I wanted to ask you about the Pirate Adventure Cruise in WDW. Is that the one at the GF or the one at the Caribbean Beach? We're going to be in WDW the week after you and I really want to book something like this for Kevin. Do you know where I can find out more information about it? On just the general Disney Website or i'm sure somewhere here on the DIS?

Ginamarie - Hugs to you. I hope your job search works out and you find something soon. Maybe you can find someone who provides PT home based care? Good luck - keep us updated.

Loretta - Hope you're doing ok today and your dad is resting as comfortably as possible. I love that Gymboree dress!

Justine - Boy, do I know what you're going through with Henry. Liam was the exact same way. He was so colicky that we used to dread every night from 6-9 because he was so grouchy. I used to get so upset that i'd see all these cute sleeping babies and my baby was so grumpy all the time. We used to take car rides or i'd take out the stroller out for an evening walk - partially for my own sanity and partially because Liam liked the stroller. It will get better, I promise you that, however it may take some time. Please feel free to come here anytime and vent - it really does help when you can share your feelings with others (not in your family) who can really sympathize with you.

Diskim - I've been trying to get one of those Ipod's but they're always sold out. Maybe i'll sign in really early one morning and check. Someone said they go up every day at 6 am.

Cabmom - Great pictures! Glad you had fun at the Great Wolf Lodge - that place is so much fun. Take care of yourself!

Alissa - Sorry for your house woes - hopefully things will get better in the next few days.

Nucpharm - Margaritas and Merriment?????!!!!!! Sounds like lots of fun!!!! Glad you had fun catching up with your friends.

Jill - Does Katie have her last game today? Kevin's last game is today. I'm kind of sad actually because he was really starting to get into it. It is getting too cold to be outside though (although the 70 degree day this week was definitely unseasonable).

J&D - Have a great weekend away!!!

Not sure if anyone here shops at Kohl's but I got two really cute toys for the baby there yesterday from ordering online. They have a sale going on toys right now, plus an extra 10% off with using the code NEW9724. I got a really cute Fisher Price ball hopper thing and Elmo giggle tool belt boxed set and running sneakers for my husband for a total of $61 shipped (oh, it's a flat $5.00 shipping for whatever size order you have). My goal is to only spend $150 on gifts this year for the kids - with each child getting "5" gifts from Santa.

Gotta run!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Morning all! I have a few moments to rest--it won't last, I can assure you!

glt--Sending and good vibes your way.

cabmom--I hope things are going well for you. Luke is almost 9 months, and he's into everything and so much stuff winds up in his mouth! Maybe it's my faulty memory, but I don't remember having to do so many "finger sweeps" for the other three. He gets really mad, too, when you take away his "mouth object" (even if it's cat food--yech!). And I swear, I try to pick up every little thing, but he'll find a "Hello Kitty" bandaid from under the couch, a piece of PVC pipe, a checker. You would think my house was a sty from all the stuff he manages to eat!


Alissa--A little for you, too--you're right, no renovation goes perfectly smoothly, but I hope things come together quickly for you. BTW, we have a large family room--maybe 14' X 28'. We used to have it all open, but now we have the couch across,so that walking from the garage to the kitchen, you go behind the couch. Toys and bookcases pretty much fill the room.The mess seems a little mre contained that way.

Gina--That's a bummer about going back to work outside home. I hope you find something that works for you--there must be law firms looking for non-partner track lawyers to do some of the less "glamorous" stuff. My best friend's husband has such a job, he doesn't have the personality for the gung-ho partner type positions.

Kim--Love the stuffed animal idea for the MP3 players. Where did you locate the reconditioned iPods? Now DH wants one, and I wouldn't mind one myself (although you can bet Fergie won't make my playlist!). I hear you on the pricey horse stuff--I have 2 nieces that ride, the older one (15) shows, and it's just ka-ching! every time they show up. And worse, DH's cousin and her DH do showing--the husband is Olympic caliber--and they're always living on the edge, financially. It might be worth looking into if Emmy can "work off" some of her costs by working in the stables a couple hours a week. I'm a big fan of kids contributing.


Robin--I hopeyour conference goes well on Monday. I think I have Robert's Wed. Since Open House, he's lost his Playstation, and he's been trying so hard to earn it back, I'm so proud of him. The only thing is, he had a book report due 11/1 that he STILL hasn't finished (he has to do it on the computer at school). In good conscience, I can't let him have his goodies back while that's outstanding. He's been working hard on his saxophone, too--we told him he wasn't getting one for Christmas (like Jocelyn did with a trumpet in 4th grade), because he wasn't showing he was serious about it. We'll continue to rent one, and his birthday's in April. So, now he's really putting in the effort there. But, now the kid is angling for a cell phone! Don't push your luck, kiddo! And I feel mean, taking his stuff away, but it works so well! You'd think it would dawn on him eventually to do well and not LOSE the privileges...


justthat--I hope Henry settles down for you. Traveling can be tough on little ones. Could he be teething? Luke got 2 last week, and maybe a third on the way.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Hi guys. I only have a minute before I have to get ready for the baby shower today. It's an hour away and I've never been there before so I'm bound to get lost.

glt - Hugs to you for what you're going through.

cabmom - Dean is such a cutie! I'm glad you're feeling better.

lissawynn - Sorry your sleeping arrangements didn't work out so well.

nucpharm - I'd be so PO'd at my DH and that sounds just like something he'd do.

ginamarie - Good luck with the job search.

BnB - How old is Robert? He wants a cell phone already? Kids are starting early these days. I should start looking into plans for Lucas now.

Ugh. The time. I have to give Lucas a bath, take a shower, and feed Lucas his lunch all in an hour. Hope to check in again later.

 

[fabumouse]

It was a crazy morning in the Fab household today.

We finally said goodbye to the sick guinea pig and Dh took her to the vet. Kailey was hysterical for an hour, but after a bunch of unanswerable questions about death and the afterlife, she was willing to get ready for soccer.

Dh was supposed to renew his driver's license this morning after the vet's, but he forgot his Passport because he Doesn't Plan Ahead. Last night he was so irritated with me because I kept asking - how to you see this going tomorrow? How are we going to tell Kailey? When? Do you know what you need to take to get your license? So he races home and gets his passport and sneaks *back* to the DMV and calls to tell me that if he renews his license, he's going to miss soccer. And what do you want *me* to do about this? UGH! He's leaving for Rotterdam after the Power Rangers birthday party this afternoon. He will have been home for about 22 hours.

Oh - and the meeting with the Principal went well yesterday, she essentially said it's immature but normal behavior and because I asked, is going to have the school's behavioral therapist contact me. She's also going to continue to work with Kailey's teacher to help him keep her on a more even keel during the day.

Gina - I am so sorry that working for yourself didn't pan out - it really makes me angry that we don't have more and better options to combine work and parenting in this country.

Kim - that is so frustrating to lose posts!

Justhat - I really hope Henry sleeps for you- that is the absolute worst. Madeleine had a weird night last night and started screaming like I've never heard. I undressed her and took off her diaper and kept trying to nurse her until she calmed down - I have NO idea what that was all about. Babies can be so scary!

Z - that is such an adorable dress!

J&D - thanks for the reminder on the thimerosal - I read something that said that the drug companies don't make enough thimerosal-free vaccines because there "isn't the demand" and I even forgot to ask her ped. what version she got.

Robin - I hope your conversation with Sam's teacher goes more productively - it reminds me of a statement at Kailey's daycare where the person said "Kailey no longer screams when another child touches her". WHAT???

Cabmom - thanks for checking in and those photos are hysterical!

GLT - I'm worried about you.

 

[vald1977]

Hi Moms,

I hate not having much time to post during the week . It seems by the time I read all the new posts I am out of time or falling asleep in the computer chair.

Loretta,
I'm so sorry about your dad . You and your family are in my prayers.

GLT,
Sending prayers and cyber hugs your way . I hope everything ends up okay.

Lissa,
I hope the drama with the re-model is over with soon. Just think of how fabulous your house will be in a few weeks .

GM,
Best of luck with the job search . I'll be sending a prayer that you can find something that will make you happy.

Justhat,
I hope things are getting a bit easier with Henry . I love seeing your pics of WDW (and sadly I knew that was Goofy's Barnstormer Madison was standing in front of - I'm a dork I know ).

Cabmom,
Happy Birthday to Dean ! What a sweetie . I'm glad you are feeling a bit better these days .

SL,
How weird about your co-worker not remembering meeting you. What a ditz . And what's the deal with your supervisor? Sounds like you should bring a box of popcorn to work just to watch the drama .

Robin,
We are dealing with much the same with Alex as you are with Sam in regards to the reading. He was also never a child who enjoyed coloring or writing (much the opposite of his Mommy). And while he can read very simple stuff the level they want them at by the end of First is really advanced, imo. The teacher showed me an example of a book they should be reading in Jan. and one in June. I swear it looked like 3rd grade level to me. I thought he was doing well being able to read at all in Nov. of First grade but apparently with all the standardized tests nowadays they expect a lot more from the kids.

Hi to Diskim, Nucpharm, FF, Hillbeans, Fab, Diz, Tamie, BnB, and all the new moms .

Well, my big weekend plans were to go pick out bridesmaid dresses for my brother's wedding. Last night I get the call that they have broken up! So I guess the dress shopping is out. I also need to head to the store at some point and we are invited over to my neighbor's for her husband's 30th birthday. Besides that, I plan on taking a nice Sunday nap tomorrow .

My exchange package went out on Thursday and should reach it's destination by Monday. I hope the mom who gets it likes it .

Things at work are as crazy as ever. We figured out that we have had crazy busy days every single day since Halloween. No wonder I feel like I've been beaten with a lead pipe come Friday night! It's really fun though gearing up for Christmas in a retail enviroment. It's something I've never experienced before.

I don't remember if I posted it or not but I did end up getting the outfit I loved the most from the Imaginary Friends line from Gymbo during COF. I also got some jammies for the kids for Christmas and a pair for my dneice. I just love the outfit . I got the little pink knit beanie hat, the striped panda shirt, and the houndstooth pants. I'll have to post a picture later.

Well, I suppose I should go and fold some laundry . I'll be back later .

 

[zalansky]

GLT - stay strong, and please know we care and keep us updated.

 

[Alice28]

GLT- I am thinking of you and praying--- you will make it through, I know it.

Hillbeans- I can tell you from first hand experience about the pirate cruise, as Sam did it when he was 5. You board at the GF marina around 9:00/9:30. They have to wear sneakers and socks. I think there are about 4-5 CMs for the kids (that I do not remember cause DH and Dad dropped him off). They make stops at the Poly, CR, and the WL to hunt for treasure and they hear pirate stories. They get a bandanna to wear like a pirate. They get a bag of 'loot' (read little silly, penny toys like necklackes, bug rings, etc) and a lunch which is pretty bad- and I am a relaxed mom about vacation food, but it's an Uncrustable, a Rice Krispy treat, gummi worms and a juice pouch. Sam seemed to have fun- it lasts 2 hours and is about $28. I am just letting my new schedule sink in before I rebook it. We have lost a half day of park touring with Southwest's new flight schedule, and although I know we have time to do it, I just don't feel like rebooking it yet. I am sure there is probably more info on allearsnet.com about it.

lissawynn- I'm glad you had somewhere decent to sleep last night, although I'm sorry Jimmy kicked you all night. Molly (and all of our kids) always like to sleep perpendicular between us when we let them sleep with us. What is up with that?

Fab- I'm glad the meeting with the principal went well. I can't believe your DH has to take off AGAIN! Wow! I'm glad saying goodbye to the Guinea Pig wasn't toooo traumatic.

GM- I'm sorry you are struggling with the work situation. I know how hard that is. I hope the perfect job opportunity comes along for you, where you will be able to not have to be gone more than 40 hours a week or so.

Cabmom- Still thinking of you and hoping you are working things out. I love the pictures you posted- Dean sure is a cutie.

Jill- hope you are surviving in term-paper world!

ETA- Val- can't wait to see a pic of Katrina in her Gymbo outfit! Sounds darling!

Tasha- Hope all is well with you, and school and such. At least your online classes will be over soon.

SL- pixie dust that you don't get lost!

BNB- I may have to end up limiting or taking away the PS2 depending on what his teacher says on Monday. Actually, Sam does a good job of self-monitoring his time on it. Josh on the other hand, would play it all day if I let him.

Hope Tamie is having a ball in WDW! I think she comes home today....hope the flight is easy and smooth.

Kim- hope you get through yet another busy Saturday! I have to take Josh to his last soccer game in an hour or so. But nothing else is on the docket today....DH is at military drill though, so I have to take all 3 with me. Tomorrow morning is Sam's last game and then they both have pizza parties at the same place, but of course at different times. Sigh....

TTFN!

 

[joats]

A quick post before Jace wakes up from his nap. I know I won't get to everyone. I've been up again since 3am due to my coughing and then Jace getting up at 4:30am. I'm still w/out voice and hacking my brains out. I called my MD for Jacked-up cough syrup so I can sleep, but she wouldn't over the phone. I'm too lazy to go the walk-in clinic today but maybe later on this afternoon.

I have officially started my Holiday shopping - LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!! I did a little online during Jace's itty bitty am nap and DH and I are going to drop him at my mom's when he wakes up and hit TRU and a bookstore. I want as much done as possible before the Thanksgiving rush.

Z: Glad you liked the brownies. Wish I could say they were from scratch, clearly not but I do have a secret: set the temp for 10 degrees less than they have on the box and cook for 5 minutes less. I like them more on the gooey side not the cakelike side. Enjoy! I'm hoping they are giving you some enjoyment during this difficult time. Oh, and Jace and I have both gotten the flu shot (but with our blood disease/spleen issues, it's recommended). Neither of us had any reaction to it.

Cabmom: Where is that Lodge? I'd love to go. Hope you are doing better and glad to see your post. Dean is such a cutie!

Justhat: Loved the pictures you have posted - tell your DH that we all love it and want you to keep them coming.

GLT: Plenty of positive thoughts and wishes headed your way. I hope that you are doing ok. Please check in with us when you can and remember we're all here to support you - No Matter What!

Val: What happened to call off the wedding?? The gymbo outfit sounds so cute.

Lissawyn: You are handling this all really well. I would totally have been freaking out.

Fabumouse: You had a funny post about sneezing and peeing right??? Well I have cough splat issues! Sorry if TMI but I'm coughing so hard I need to run to the bathroom when I get into one of the coughing fits... I'm afraid I'm going to wet my pants. I'll have to go back and see if I can find that post you started.

SL: Hope you had fun at the baby shower and that you got there and home with ease.

Nucpharm: How did Holiday House go? What a neat event?

Sorry to cut this short, but I need to head out to my Mom's so DH and I can do a little Santa shopping for Jace. Tomorrow we have my nephew's 3rd birthday party - It's a CARS theme. I bought him a hockey Jersey from Old Navy and some CARs stuff from the Disney store.

Oh BTW, did anyone get info about Double DIsney Rewards nov/dec when used for Gas, Groceries etc? I don't remember anyone else posting, but I've been meaning to share. Oh and I also have a Children's Place 15% off coupon if anyone needs it - Just PM me.

Hope to check in later.

 

[vald1977]

Joats,
Sorry to hear about the coughing. We all went through a spell like that about a month ago and it was miserable not getting any sleep. Thankfully I have a supply of the "jacked up" prescription cough syrup in case that hits us again . Good luck with the shopping. I'm hoping to be completely done soon .

Robin,
What a pain to have two parties at different times. Will dh be gone all weekend with drill? I have thought about doing the pirate cruise with ds during one of our trips but I could never justify losing the touring time. Plus, since he doesn't have a sibling close in age he would be going alone.

Fab,
Sorry about the pet . We had a pet fish a couple of years ago who passed and ds still talks about him.

I'm going to try and talk dh into getting pizza for dinner. I have such a craving for some yummy gooey cheese. Talk to you all later .

 

[gottalovethem]

Ladies, thank you so much for all your prayers & thoughts. I promise I'll fill you in soon.

I am so grateful to have a community of woman who are offering so much love and support.

 

[lissawynn]

The roofer and chimney people NEVER showed up. That's right, we got totally scr*&ed today. I am very upset, as is DH. The contractor is coming tomorrow morning to address the issue with the beam and the workers not coming today. That should be a fun conversation.

GLT - I'm thinking of you! Keep us updated and let us know if you need anything.

joats - I'm hoping you're able to get some good stuff for Jace today. Do you have bronchitis? What you're describing is exactly what was happening to me when I had bronchitis. You need cough syrup with codine to help you sleep at night. It works wonders for you.

SL - Have fun at the shower!

Ginamarie - I hope you can find a decent position that doesn't require killer hours. One of my friends, who is a lawyer, just retured to work after having her first child. She takes the train into Philly, which is about an hour away from where she lives. She's having a hard time dealing with returning to work. Unfortunately, she's the "bread winner" in the family. Her DH works with troubled kids, which is a noble job, but it doesn't pay their bills. At least he can be there with their son most of the evening until she gets home.

Val - I worked in retail all through college and until I got my teaching job. I never minded working during the holidays. The days went really fast and most of the people were in good spirits.

Robin - Jimmy literally would not move from the middle of the bed last night. It was a double, so there wasn't a heck of a lot of room left for me. It was like sleeping next to a cinder block that kicked and smacked me.

fab - Sorry about your pet. I am dreading the day we have to say good bye to our dog. He's going to be 10 in Feb. and his hips are going. I will need Xanax when that day comes.

BnB - I WISH we had the money to spend on the storage stuff they have in the Pottery Barn catalogs. Some kind of entertainment unit with places for all of their stuff and our tv and other electronics would be my dream. I think something like that would cost upwards of $3000-4000, so that's not happening any time soon.

Hillbeans - Jimmy has the FP ball popper and loves it. I also got him the Elmo tool belt, drill and goggles, and talking tool bench for his gifts. He's seen the commercials and seems to like them.

I don't know if any of you have a Big Lots nearby, but they had some great toys for Christmas. They have a ton of Disney princess stuff and lots of Dora and Sesame Street things. I was really surprised about the quality of their selections.

We're probably going to have to sleep somewhere else tonight. Since no one came to work today, DH still thinks the chimney isn't safe or well-ventilated.

I'll let you know what happens with our meeting tomorrow.

 

[DisKim]

BNB - I'm with you on the idea of Emmy working to pay for her equipment. I already told her she's not showing horses until she can earn money to help pay for it. I feel badly that I'm not rich and can't help her follow her dreams but it is certainly a rich man's sport. Here is the link to the refurbished I-pods http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=32DAAC51&nclm=Certified. They don't always have the $29 shuffles so you have to keep checking. I found out about it from the budget board. The people who have received them say they look brand new. Some think they are not refurbished at all and that they are just trying to clear them out. I couldn't stop myself at that price.

lissawynn - I am so glad you are not sleeping at home. You were making me very nervous. I can't believe the workers didn't show up.

GLT - I'm sending prayers your way

joats - Have fun shopping tonight.

OK, I am hating Christmas already. I can't stand the stores. I told off a sales girl today in one store. People are rude and obnoxious. They bump right into my kids and don't say sorry. I'm hating the whole shopping thing. I just went to the mall because Emmy needed some warm shirts. I ended up quitting before I had my errands done. I couldn't bring myself to enter Target and the dreaded Toys R Us. I think I might just finish my shopping online. I don't care if it costs more. On a more positive note, Emmy's skating lesson went so well today. It brought tears to my eyes. I remember her crying hysterically her first time on the ice. Now, she is starting to spin!

Well, I have to go food shopping for Thanksgiving now. The torture of the holidays continues......

 

[Alice28]

THANK YOU VALERIE!!!!!!!!

Wow, oh wow! I just went and checked on the boys (nowhere to be found- must have pawned themselves off on neighbor friends) and what should I find but a big box on my front porch!!!!!!!!!! With a CUTE Mickey label even, so right away I knew it was my exchange gift. Val totally outdid herself! Totally! Guess what I got-----------------PUMPKIN BUTTER!!!!!!!!!!!!! You crack me up- did you see me whining about it earlier in the week? And DOVE DARK CHOCOLATE candies! And a pretty jinglebell thingee for the door! And other candies for the boys, Mickey candy canes for the tree, a DARLING Thumper tshirt for Miss Molly, a Disneyland Sing A Long Songs DVD (I used to have this in VHS- SO EXCITED to have the DVD now!!!), some princess ABC books for Molly, and then a present each for the boys....they will open when they come back from wherever they are. So, THANK YOU VAL for a great exchange gift! I really appreciate it after having a somewhat crappy morning!

OK- the boys were only in the backyard- I'm such a thorough looker- Val bought them each a very nice Christmas book! Thanks! Josh is sitting looking through his right now!

I only say that because I remembered to call the vet yesterday for Jacj's ring worm test- he does have it!!!!!!! Gross! So I had to go spend another $50 that wasn't in the budget on meds for him. And pray that Molly didn't get it- she pet him a few times in the last couple weeks (and by petting I mean she lays on him), but literally maybe 5 minutes of exposure total. I think that cat was sick from the day we got him, as we have spent $250 just on exams and meds for him so far, not to mention the $50 to get him snipped. I am just so darn anxious about 'staying in budget' lately, I am giving myself a panic attack every time something unexpected comes up. Which is often it seems, with 3 kids, a house and 2 pets.

I just need to relax and remember the big picture, which is, we are financially stable for the long haul.

lissawynn- I can't believe those people didn't show up! I bet your DH is going to read them the riot act.

Val- DH said he should be home tomorrow around the time I need to go to their parties/Sam's last game. So hopefully he can do one, while I do the other. I so feel like blowing off Josh's party, but I can't.

Joats- I didn't get that Disney Visa offer- I think they only offered it to certain customers. I would have loved to gotten extra points with the airline tix I bought the other day. I think as it is, we will have exactly 20 reward dollars from our Visa, since we're trying to not charge anything else. Oh well....that's 20 bucks I didn't have before!

OK, well, I need to finish with my tidying up. Just have mopping left to do, and then eventually laundry to fold....but since it's still washing/drying, I am not worrying about it right now!

 

[dizagain]

Quickie...busy, busy! Just got back from window shopping with Hayley so she could give me a book list and her newest favorite scents at B&BWorks. Nice and relaxing to spend time with her. While out, DH called to tell me the latest Hannah story. She comes up to him and says, "Daddy, we are going to be in my room and every time you come around me and my friends yo embarrass me, so please DON'T COME UPSTAIRS AT ALL!" Ok, so of course he gives them 5 minutes to get into whatever it is and surprises them in my room...Hannah is saying "Hurry, get out!" to her friends who emerge from my closet where the Christmas gifts are. What a turkey! Her Nintendogs game was in there, so I guess she figured that one out...

GLT - and prayers for you and your situation.

Oh darn, Carson's crying and since I've been out for awhile, it's my turn. He's a crab today...and drooling like crazy. Can 3-month-olds get teeth??? I know DD's got theirs early but don't remember HOW early - they also both lost all of their baby teeth including molars by early 3rd grade. I'll try to get back soon!

 

[Alice28]

Kim- I just saw your post- I can't stand being in stores during the holidays on the weekends. People are just so freaking rude. I think I will hit Target or Walmart one more time for a major trip, and order the rest online or at Costco, first thing on a weekday morning....

I need to look into an ipod shuffle for myself. I'm so behind the times...my parents have an Ipod and I don't! But I need a new camera more; my sony 3.2 megapixel is really not so great anymore. I want to buy a new one before WDW. I'm thinking of a Canon I saw at Costco, but if I get another Sony, I can reuse the big memory stick I already have for it.