Life: No one has puked or had fever this week. It's a January miracle. There is always tomorrow...which is more likely anyway, seeing as how tomorrow is Friday. Viral likelihood increases as the weekend gets closer.
Jack: Today was report card day. All 3 kids had really good reports, so we're alright for another six weeks. Jack will take his first ever state assessment tests in a month or so. EEK! He seems totally unphased by this new reality of his life. Ever the bookworm, Jack is obsessed with all things Titanic. He loves nothing more than a rousing conversation on the problems associated with the doomed vessel. Yes, he uses the word 'doomed.'
Sam: Sam's life is a perpetual round of dirt digging and stick collecting. I hate to squelch the kids creativity and inventive nature, but I'm sick to death of finding sticks (of varying sizes) in the car, in the pantry, in the mudroom. There is presently a pile of sticks stacked up in our side yard that reaches about a foot higher than Sam does. We're not sure what he plans to do with them, but we have hidden every fire starting utensil we can account for.
Sophy: Barbie. Barbie. Barbie. We've reached that age. I'm rather enjoying it, seeing as how I was a Barbie fanatic as a girl child.
Weekend/Life: American Idol is back on. WHOOHOOO!! Survivor will be on in a few short weeks. WHOOHOOO!!!! We have dinner plans tomorrow eve with some friends, Saturday PDaddy has senior photos and a school dance to shoot, and the kids and I will more than likely chill at home. Although, I need to find the guys some new tennis shoes...but oh jeepers, do I hate shoe shopping. Torture. Torture!! Sunday is supposed to be the first warm day we've had in weeks, so I seriously am looking forward to some time in the yard after church. Not sure if PDaddy has pics on Sunday or not.
We've got several trips planned for this summer, with kids and without. Oh, and we're excited about going here with the cousins in June!! HOOHOO!! Check out the indoor water park! Oh yeah, honey. I am so looking forward to summer....and warmth. HEAT!!! Give me HEAT!
Sophy is looking forward to our annual tea party. I guess we'll shoot for some weekend in March or April. Last year, it was still really cold when we did it. I'd like for it to be warmer. Having it around Easter time is always a plus, but it's usually colder here at that time than it is in December.
We have 2 birthday parties to attend this weekend. One at a roller skating rink and the other at Chuck E. Cheese. ARRRGGHHHH! I'm fired up about roller skating, even if I should be ashamed to admit that. I'm a skating maniac. Will anyone find it shocking if I bring my own skates with pink wheels? Hhhmmm....
Well, gee. I hear a snack calling my name......
1.17.2008
I thought I was a goner...
With my body being invaded by a NASTY bug that wouldn't leave, I've been unable to post (or hold my head up) for several days now. I'll be back soon. Ter, I've seen the tag. I'll be on it! I promise! I'll let ya know when I finish!
Happy Friday!
Happy Friday!
1.05.2008
Twiddle-twiddle
Gee. I'm sort of lost here. For the first time in WEEKS, I had a hair appointment because my roots were screaming at strangers as I passed them in Kroger. They were shouting things like, "QUIT LOOKING AT US!" and "WHAT ARE YOU STARING AT...HAVEN'T YOU SEEN BAD ROOTS BEFORE?" Mostly the poor, innocent strangers just turned away in horror and tried to ignore me and my screaming roots. So! What does this mean? What is my point? It means that my kids are at my mother's due to the fact that PDaddy is shooting another wedding tonight....which is leaving me home alone for at least the better half of the evening. The yard guys are here working on their first landscaping project, I've been colored, snipped, and flat-ironed, so I'm beautiful and you'll just have to take my word for it. What's a girl to do? Everyone I know is doing something. I'm alone. Well, Ms. PacMan is here. I guess I could go visit with her and try to beat my high score of 13 trazillion points. There is that. Hhhhhm. Ya know...I think I'll go to Kroger and pretend like I'm one of those hair commercial girls and swish my non-roots at people. Whoohooo! Try not to be jealous people. Try not to be jealous! One day, you'll get to go to Krogers and play hair commercial too. For now, it's all about me.
1.04.2008
100 Things About Me
Whether you want it or not!! Yes, I'm going all the way to 100!!
1. (We'll start off easy...) I was born in July of '73. NO! Not 1773.
2. I have been pregnant 4 times and birthed 3 children.
3. My grandmother and her twin sister shared my birthdate. It was wonderful.
4. My sweet, dear friend Rachel also shares my birthdate. Or do I share her birthdate?
5. Rachel's sis and PDaddy's sis share the same birthdate.
6. My grandfather and my oldest brother share the same birthdate.
7. The birthdate connection is getting old, right?
8. I once taught myself to do a back handspring. I forever regretted what I did to my back in the teaching of that little trick.
9. My honeymoon sucked like nothing has ever sucked before. Have I told you the story?
10. I am married to the nicest man on the face of planet Earth. He makes me look like Cruella DeVille.
11. I have lived on a peanut farm.
12. I attended 3 colleges in 5 years. Hehe. Go me!
13. I was born in Albuquerque.
14. I have 16 first cousins on my dad's side of the family.
15. There are 23 first cousins on my mom's side of the family.
16. I have a rare and creepy birthmark that only PDaddy knows about. If he tells, he dies.
17. A jaguar once sprayed me....marking me as his territory.
18. I have never been arrested.
19. There was once a warrant issued for my arrest.
20. My favorite job ever was the time I spent working as a bank teller. I loved it!
21. My middle name sounds like a French hooker.
22. I do not eat fruit.
23. My lips have never tasted cantaloupe.
24. And they never will.
25. My middle brother was born in a tiny Texas town called Pecos.
26. Bones I have broken - 2, if a nose counts. 1 if only toes count.
27. I don't care if I never get to visit South Dakota.
28. I DO care if I never get to visit England, Ireland and Scotland.
29. If I could go back in time, I would want to go back and see where my great-great-great-great ancestors came from and who they were and what sorts ofcrooks people they were.
30. I have taken a multi-vitamin every day since January 1.
31. PDaddy just bought me an exercise ball, a jump rope and a resistance band. It was a thoughtful gift.
32. My favorite scent from Bath&Body Works is White Cherry Blossom.
33. My secret dream is to write a book that lots of people want to read.
34. That would involve me actually writing something other than this blog. I don't see it happeneing.
35. I would love to live in a cottage decorated entirely in pink, white and green. The male factors in my household would object, I'm afraid.
36. I detest David Letterman with every fiber of my being.
37. I detest Gloria Estefan equally as much.
38. I live for Survivor.
39. I was once addicted to Lost, but it broke my heart.
40. Wanna know what scares me? Wasps. Bees. Stinging things. I'm phobic.
41. I've never been stung by anything in my life. Well, ants don't count.
42. One of my favorite smells is dirt. Nothing smells like dirt. Or as good.
43. When my hands are in dirt, I am a happy, happy girl.
44. I could shave my legs 4 times a day. It wouldn't help. I am a hairy beast.
45. I've had 3 c-sections. One happened as a rather emergency sort of c-section.
46. My water broke with all 3 pregnancies.
47. Normally, I do not wear sunglasses. I HATE wearing sunglasses.
48. It has been 15 years since I have balanced a check book. To this day, I do not balance my account. It's called....Fuzzy Math.
49. My great-grandfather was killed in Arkansas by Missouri Red Legs. Whatever those are.
50. If I could be healthy, wealthy or wise, I'd choose healthy....every time.
51. Sometimes I send emails to people without proofreading them....ok, ok...I NEVER proofread emails. I tickles me to think of people reading my emails and going, "Tsk. Tsk. And she teaches children..." HAHHAHAA. Life is good.
52. I can play a flute.
53. I can't play it very good.
54. I love Vienna sausages.
55. Am I the only one who calls them Viennie Weinis? Admit it.
56. I always wanted 4 kids. Sniff, sniff.
57. If I could play any musical instrument really well, it would be the piano. Oh, and the cello. And the french horn.
58. My dad learned how to fly helicopters in Vietnam. They let him keep flying them.
59. My brother was injured in Fallujah.
60. I have 4 nieces.
61. I have 4 nephews
62. I have $4 in my account. Hehe. I'm mostly not kidding. Good thing PDaddy shares with me.
63. My dad didn't believe in giving an allowance.
64. Strange that he gives my kids $ all the time now.
65. Favorite tv show of all time: Three's Company....and Seinfeld.
66. My feet are always, always cold.
67. I love 6th graders like no other creature on this planet.
68. Inside, I am a 6th grader.
69. PDaddy shaves his head. He looks like Mr. Clean.
70. Oprah Winfrey scares me. I think she is evil. I know...I know.
71. Dr. Phil too...but mostly Oprah.
72. I think Robin Williams is a genius. And probably evil.
73. Favorite sport(s): The Summer Olympics. Bring it on, Baby!
74. Secret Indulgence: Romance novels...bad me. Bad me.
75. Longest time without shaving my legs: 14 days....it was a social experiment to prove that the survivors on Survivor WERE shaving between episodes.
76. Favorite drink: Cherry Coke
77. Breakfast? No thank you.
78. PDaddy is the nosiest fellow alive. Hello dear.
79. Great movie: Nanny McPhee.
80. I hate bananas.
81. I've never eaten an orange.
82. Cheese is a great topping for ANYthing.
83. Special K with chocolate pieces? It is surprisingly good.
84. I should be sleeping.
85. Just because you don't sing bad, doesn't mean you sing good.
86. Viva Viagra? I just saw this commercial. Oh. My. Gosh.
87. I love to roller skate.
88. If I had one more daughter, her name would be Maggie.
89. Least favorite household chore: All of them.
90. # of baths taken a day: 3
91. Neil Diamond is my boyfriend.
92. I am petrified just THINKING about flying over an ocean.
93. Remember when Saturday Night Live was funny?
94. Presidential choice: Oy.
95. Chicken and dumplings? SURE!
96. Chicken pot piet? SURE AGAIN!
97. No intiendo.
98. Tomorrow we'll have 3 palm trees planted by the pool.
99. I hate peanut butter.
100. See! I made it!
1. (We'll start off easy...) I was born in July of '73. NO! Not 1773.
2. I have been pregnant 4 times and birthed 3 children.
3. My grandmother and her twin sister shared my birthdate. It was wonderful.
4. My sweet, dear friend Rachel also shares my birthdate. Or do I share her birthdate?
5. Rachel's sis and PDaddy's sis share the same birthdate.
6. My grandfather and my oldest brother share the same birthdate.
7. The birthdate connection is getting old, right?
8. I once taught myself to do a back handspring. I forever regretted what I did to my back in the teaching of that little trick.
9. My honeymoon sucked like nothing has ever sucked before. Have I told you the story?
10. I am married to the nicest man on the face of planet Earth. He makes me look like Cruella DeVille.
11. I have lived on a peanut farm.
12. I attended 3 colleges in 5 years. Hehe. Go me!
13. I was born in Albuquerque.
14. I have 16 first cousins on my dad's side of the family.
15. There are 23 first cousins on my mom's side of the family.
16. I have a rare and creepy birthmark that only PDaddy knows about. If he tells, he dies.
17. A jaguar once sprayed me....marking me as his territory.
18. I have never been arrested.
19. There was once a warrant issued for my arrest.
20. My favorite job ever was the time I spent working as a bank teller. I loved it!
21. My middle name sounds like a French hooker.
22. I do not eat fruit.
23. My lips have never tasted cantaloupe.
24. And they never will.
25. My middle brother was born in a tiny Texas town called Pecos.
26. Bones I have broken - 2, if a nose counts. 1 if only toes count.
27. I don't care if I never get to visit South Dakota.
28. I DO care if I never get to visit England, Ireland and Scotland.
29. If I could go back in time, I would want to go back and see where my great-great-great-great ancestors came from and who they were and what sorts of
30. I have taken a multi-vitamin every day since January 1.
31. PDaddy just bought me an exercise ball, a jump rope and a resistance band. It was a thoughtful gift.
32. My favorite scent from Bath&Body Works is White Cherry Blossom.
33. My secret dream is to write a book that lots of people want to read.
34. That would involve me actually writing something other than this blog. I don't see it happeneing.
35. I would love to live in a cottage decorated entirely in pink, white and green. The male factors in my household would object, I'm afraid.
36. I detest David Letterman with every fiber of my being.
37. I detest Gloria Estefan equally as much.
38. I live for Survivor.
39. I was once addicted to Lost, but it broke my heart.
40. Wanna know what scares me? Wasps. Bees. Stinging things. I'm phobic.
41. I've never been stung by anything in my life. Well, ants don't count.
42. One of my favorite smells is dirt. Nothing smells like dirt. Or as good.
43. When my hands are in dirt, I am a happy, happy girl.
44. I could shave my legs 4 times a day. It wouldn't help. I am a hairy beast.
45. I've had 3 c-sections. One happened as a rather emergency sort of c-section.
46. My water broke with all 3 pregnancies.
47. Normally, I do not wear sunglasses. I HATE wearing sunglasses.
48. It has been 15 years since I have balanced a check book. To this day, I do not balance my account. It's called....Fuzzy Math.
49. My great-grandfather was killed in Arkansas by Missouri Red Legs. Whatever those are.
50. If I could be healthy, wealthy or wise, I'd choose healthy....every time.
51. Sometimes I send emails to people without proofreading them....ok, ok...I NEVER proofread emails. I tickles me to think of people reading my emails and going, "Tsk. Tsk. And she teaches children..." HAHHAHAA. Life is good.
52. I can play a flute.
53. I can't play it very good.
54. I love Vienna sausages.
55. Am I the only one who calls them Viennie Weinis? Admit it.
56. I always wanted 4 kids. Sniff, sniff.
57. If I could play any musical instrument really well, it would be the piano. Oh, and the cello. And the french horn.
58. My dad learned how to fly helicopters in Vietnam. They let him keep flying them.
59. My brother was injured in Fallujah.
60. I have 4 nieces.
61. I have 4 nephews
62. I have $4 in my account. Hehe. I'm mostly not kidding. Good thing PDaddy shares with me.
63. My dad didn't believe in giving an allowance.
64. Strange that he gives my kids $ all the time now.
65. Favorite tv show of all time: Three's Company....and Seinfeld.
66. My feet are always, always cold.
67. I love 6th graders like no other creature on this planet.
68. Inside, I am a 6th grader.
69. PDaddy shaves his head. He looks like Mr. Clean.
70. Oprah Winfrey scares me. I think she is evil. I know...I know.
71. Dr. Phil too...but mostly Oprah.
72. I think Robin Williams is a genius. And probably evil.
73. Favorite sport(s): The Summer Olympics. Bring it on, Baby!
74. Secret Indulgence: Romance novels...bad me. Bad me.
75. Longest time without shaving my legs: 14 days....it was a social experiment to prove that the survivors on Survivor WERE shaving between episodes.
76. Favorite drink: Cherry Coke
77. Breakfast? No thank you.
78. PDaddy is the nosiest fellow alive. Hello dear.
79. Great movie: Nanny McPhee.
80. I hate bananas.
81. I've never eaten an orange.
82. Cheese is a great topping for ANYthing.
83. Special K with chocolate pieces? It is surprisingly good.
84. I should be sleeping.
85. Just because you don't sing bad, doesn't mean you sing good.
86. Viva Viagra? I just saw this commercial. Oh. My. Gosh.
87. I love to roller skate.
88. If I had one more daughter, her name would be Maggie.
89. Least favorite household chore: All of them.
90. # of baths taken a day: 3
91. Neil Diamond is my boyfriend.
92. I am petrified just THINKING about flying over an ocean.
93. Remember when Saturday Night Live was funny?
94. Presidential choice: Oy.
95. Chicken and dumplings? SURE!
96. Chicken pot piet? SURE AGAIN!
97. No intiendo.
98. Tomorrow we'll have 3 palm trees planted by the pool.
99. I hate peanut butter.
100. See! I made it!
1.03.2008
A remote control tarantula. It's war.
Why would my husband purchase a remote control tarantula? What could he possibly hope to accomplish? Perhaps he intended to relive some of our more memorable family moments. To this day, I maintain that the creature in question was planted. It was a set up. I'm sure of it. (Strangely, I think I've had more readers from around the world with that one entry. Seems lots of folks in Jakarta have googled stories using the words naked and tree frog. Yeah, weird. ) Where was I? Oh yes. A set up. A remote controlled tarantula. I saw the empty box for the blasted thing in PDaddy's office. I know he has conspired with the male children he has spawned. I smell a rat hairy spider.
1.01.2008
A List
Ang loves a good list, so I thought I'd start the New Year off with some of the questions, comments and remarks from the Pinkie clan. We celebrated the holiday by losing another tooth. That puts the 2008 Tooth Count at ONE. Only time will tell if we surpass the 2007 record--8...or was it 9?
Questions, Comments, Remarks, etc.
1. If you live in a cave forever, will you grow a long beard? (Sam wants a beard at ANY cost.)
2. I wish we had a jaguar to keep in our backyard.
3. Why do hula girls wear coconuts on their stomachs? (Clearly we need to discuss the finer specifics of anatomical correctness.)
4. Look at that kid over there. When did he get so big? (PDaddy just realizing the startling rate at which his eldest son is growing.)
5. I want my teeth to rot out, so I don't have to brush before bed. I hope they turn black.(Again, Sam is willing to pay any price to have his wishes fulfilled.)
6. Mom. Sam's trying to saw me in half. Mom. I'm not. Kidding!! (Sophy is BIG on theatrics.)
7. Hey, I was gonna smell your bandaid before you threw it away!
8. Mom! Mom! Sophy's tooth fell out in the sink all by itself. I PROMISE! I didn't do anything to her this time.
9. Do ya see something ya like? (Jackson tries his hand at witty sarcasm while Sam stares at him as they watch tv on the couch.)
10. Sometimes, when I go outside to aggrivate the birds, I just stand really still like I'm a tree, and then they land on me and figure out that I'm not a tree...and they HATE that. (Sam. Being Sam.)
Happy New Year!
Questions, Comments, Remarks, etc.
1. If you live in a cave forever, will you grow a long beard? (Sam wants a beard at ANY cost.)
2. I wish we had a jaguar to keep in our backyard.
3. Why do hula girls wear coconuts on their stomachs? (Clearly we need to discuss the finer specifics of anatomical correctness.)
4. Look at that kid over there. When did he get so big? (PDaddy just realizing the startling rate at which his eldest son is growing.)
5. I want my teeth to rot out, so I don't have to brush before bed. I hope they turn black.(Again, Sam is willing to pay any price to have his wishes fulfilled.)
6. Mom. Sam's trying to saw me in half. Mom. I'm not. Kidding!! (Sophy is BIG on theatrics.)
7. Hey, I was gonna smell your bandaid before you threw it away!
8. Mom! Mom! Sophy's tooth fell out in the sink all by itself. I PROMISE! I didn't do anything to her this time.
9. Do ya see something ya like? (Jackson tries his hand at witty sarcasm while Sam stares at him as they watch tv on the couch.)
10. Sometimes, when I go outside to aggrivate the birds, I just stand really still like I'm a tree, and then they land on me and figure out that I'm not a tree...and they HATE that. (Sam. Being Sam.)
Happy New Year!
My Little Darlin' is a firecracker....with regrets to Josh Turner
PDaddy sponsored an illegal display of firecrackers for the kids tonight. Luckily, no police showed up on our doorstep. 
I'm not one to frequent the country end of the radio dial. Don't get me wrong. I'm proud to be a 
12.30.2007
An identity crisis and other ramblings.
Here you have the Red Monster dressed for our Christmas Eve service at church. He wasn't sure whether to go with business casual, formal, industrial...it was all just too much. GrandPinkie got Sam a set of gas station/work shirts with his name on the name tag. Yes, he is quite the happy child now, and he can't be persuaded to take them off. Even for church. (Notice the pencil in the pocket? HAHA)We made good time today on our way home from Austin-ish. We all had yeehaw fun, and I just hope the Pinkie family members don't move without giving us their forwarding address. We can't be easy to live with. Hehe.
There was just enough daylight left when we got home to begin Phase I of my new garden. Well, ONE of my new gardens. It felt good to get really dirty and do something physically challenging. I took before pics, but I'll wait to show them until I have the AFTER pics to show with them. Sophy and I are planning a Fairy Garden. It will have fairy lights and lots of nooks and crannies for a little fairy girl to play. I am watching some fairy lights on ebay, but they're not cheap (at least not the ones I can find), so I'm giving myself a little time to win them. I've missed my garden, and this is my favorite part of gardening....ideas!!
PDaddy just showed up with Chili's burgers....ta.
(Billie! I just got your pic of Freddie-Li! Congratulations! I've missed the whole adoption saga. Update me! She is adorable! Love the hairy pups, too!!)
12.27.2007
Be back soon.
I'm taking the kids to my bro/sis-in-law's house this weekend for a family gathering of sorts near Austin. PDaddy has a rehearsal dinner to shoot tomorrow evening and a wedding on Saturday, so he'll be holding down the homefront while we're away. Thank goodness I have one more week off because this one was a vapor. Where did it go?
Say a prayer for me tomorrow. I'll be in the car with three kids for 5 hours. EEK.
Later!
Say a prayer for me tomorrow. I'll be in the car with three kids for 5 hours. EEK.
Later!
12.26.2007
Shameless Product Endorsement-Christmas 2007
Sophy:
Sophy received most of your usual girl toys that require no explanation....Barbie, Barbie car, dance clothes, jewelry, bobbles, clothes, make up etc. Her favorite, and mine, is the Rose Petal Cottage by Playskool. I was afraid that she would be too old/big for the likes of this cottage, but she (and Sam) have played in it all day today. It's a really pretty, little house. All three of the kids got a Plug n' Play video game. These were a cheap compromise to any of the more expensive video games...plus, they're old school. Ha. Sophy got Ms. PacMan......I am happy to report that I have not lost my PacMan touch!
Sam:
A favorite toy for Sam....a security system for his bedroom. Due to how cheap inexpensive this set was, we figured it would be a joke and cause nothing but heartache. However, it really works....and it works really, really well. I now wave my hand past the door threshhold before entering to ensure that I do not get pelted by a barrage of missiles triggered by the laser beam trip wire. Yyyyeah. It works. Sam also got a cheap, kid version of skateboard along with every piece of safety gear one might need to hurdle himself down the driveway. The GrandPinkies from Hot Springs brought the guys each a RC controlled monster truck that is capable of driving 30mph...or so it would seem. Of course, his favorite gift came from Auntie Pinkie. 500 pieces to add to his old bucket of parts and pieces. Overall, these were a few Sam's fav things. Oh, and this. I am thankful I read the reviews and did not get the Fisher Price version like I had originally planned. This seems to have been a much better buy.
Jack:
Jack begged and begged for a Rip Stick. We caved and bought him one (along with all the safety gear.) Now, the endorsements all say for ages 8 and up. Jack is an extremely proficient Razor scooter rider, but this little baby is gonna take some serious skill and practice to even be able to mount. He's an agile guy, so I guess he will eventually manage. I just assumed it would be something he could jump on and zip off into the sunset. Not so. Still, he was so excited to get it, and I guess it will be something to challenge him. This was not his favorite gift, although he has played with it a lot already. For a Hot Wheels item, it is suprisingly fun. We've wasted a lot of money over the years on Hot Wheels items that aren't worth the box they're sold in. This one had a little more bang for the buck. A little. Jack loves Hot Wheels, but I'm not sure if he is too old for them or not. Oh well! He also got several DVD's, lots of books (happy boy), and the subscription to a train magazine that he really, really was hoping for. OH! And his very first bottle of cologne. He asked for it!! It made me weepy just paying for it. Hehe.
Sophy received most of your usual girl toys that require no explanation....Barbie, Barbie car, dance clothes, jewelry, bobbles, clothes, make up etc. Her favorite, and mine, is the Rose Petal Cottage by Playskool. I was afraid that she would be too old/big for the likes of this cottage, but she (and Sam) have played in it all day today. It's a really pretty, little house. All three of the kids got a Plug n' Play video game. These were a cheap compromise to any of the more expensive video games...plus, they're old school. Ha. Sophy got Ms. PacMan......I am happy to report that I have not lost my PacMan touch!
Sam:
A favorite toy for Sam....a security system for his bedroom. Due to how
Jack:
Jack begged and begged for a Rip Stick. We caved and bought him one (along with all the safety gear.) Now, the endorsements all say for ages 8 and up. Jack is an extremely proficient Razor scooter rider, but this little baby is gonna take some serious skill and practice to even be able to mount. He's an agile guy, so I guess he will eventually manage. I just assumed it would be something he could jump on and zip off into the sunset. Not so. Still, he was so excited to get it, and I guess it will be something to challenge him. This was not his favorite gift, although he has played with it a lot already. For a Hot Wheels item, it is suprisingly fun. We've wasted a lot of money over the years on Hot Wheels items that aren't worth the box they're sold in. This one had a little more bang for the buck. A little. Jack loves Hot Wheels, but I'm not sure if he is too old for them or not. Oh well! He also got several DVD's, lots of books (happy boy), and the subscription to a train magazine that he really, really was hoping for. OH! And his very first bottle of cologne. He asked for it!! It made me weepy just paying for it. Hehe.
Shameless Product (and food) (and movie) Endorsement of Christmas 2007 to follow
I plan on updating later on with a few shameless product endorsements from some of our favorite gifts of Christmas 2007. PDaddy's father and step-mom are here for a few days from Hot Springs, so I'll update when they leave tomorrow. PDaddy has them out of the house for a few minutes to make a quick grocery run and to pick up some lunch, so I'm trying to get a start getting the Christmas decorations down and the house put back to rights. I love decorating for Christmas, but I can not stand Christmas decorations that are left up for too long. Pet peave!!!
Anyway, we had nice Christmas dinner (ham, sweet potatoe casserole, green beans with tomatoes, etc.) and fire last night, while the kids played with their Christmas toys that PDaddy's father brought (he made them guns that shoot marshmellows...yay.) It's raining and cold today, so the kids are a bit restless and over-stimulated from 3 days of family gatherings and present openings. Not a good combination!! I'm hoping to UNstimulate them as fast as possible!
I think for dinner tonight we'll have white chili, guacamole, pico, etc. Dessert?? Hhhmm. Oh, last night with dinner I made the Olive Cheese Bread from Pioneer Woman's site. Heavens to mergatroid....it was delicious and so simple! Check it out....and then make it for someone you love (and yourself.) In other news, have you seen Alvin and the Chipmunks? Cute movie for kids. We met PDaddy's sis and little girl on Sunday to see it, and the kids loved it. I wouldn't have seen it without the kids, but it was enjoyable (unlike some kid's movies we've been tortured with over the years.) Jack LOVED it so much. And now he wants a chipmunk. Uh.....no.
Better run and get back to my Christmas break-down before they get back from town. Hope you are all well and HEALTHY!
Anyway, we had nice Christmas dinner (ham, sweet potatoe casserole, green beans with tomatoes, etc.) and fire last night, while the kids played with their Christmas toys that PDaddy's father brought (he made them guns that shoot marshmellows...yay.) It's raining and cold today, so the kids are a bit restless and over-stimulated from 3 days of family gatherings and present openings. Not a good combination!! I'm hoping to UNstimulate them as fast as possible!
I think for dinner tonight we'll have white chili, guacamole, pico, etc. Dessert?? Hhhmm. Oh, last night with dinner I made the Olive Cheese Bread from Pioneer Woman's site. Heavens to mergatroid....it was delicious and so simple! Check it out....and then make it for someone you love (and yourself.) In other news, have you seen Alvin and the Chipmunks? Cute movie for kids. We met PDaddy's sis and little girl on Sunday to see it, and the kids loved it. I wouldn't have seen it without the kids, but it was enjoyable (unlike some kid's movies we've been tortured with over the years.) Jack LOVED it so much. And now he wants a chipmunk. Uh.....no.
Better run and get back to my Christmas break-down before they get back from town. Hope you are all well and HEALTHY!
12.22.2007
Yuletide Virus
Pics from Sam's book parade and Sophy's Christmas program.
True to form, we're knee-deep in the same virus (I assume) that ravaged through Jack's poor body for 13 days. Sophy came down with bronchitis, a double ear infection and a throat infection. After 10 days of antibiotic, we took her back to the doctor to learn that the antibiotic had not worked. At all. So, now we're on to a different type of antibiotic to see if it has more luck. The girl is 6 years old and has never had an ear infection in her life. She's paying back double for that now. On Thursday, Sam had his book parade at school--dressed as a taxi. He designed his taxi and was so excited that he got to read a book of his choice to the class and parents. It was a nice little program, and he promptly came home that day with a 101 degree temp. YAY! By Friday a.m., his temp was 103. By Friday p.m., it was 104.4, and he was delirious. Didn't know me from Adam. Or Eve. I worked like mad for 2 hours (tepid bath, cold rags, popsicles, motrin, tylenol, etc.) and finally got it down to 102. After that, he started slipping down under the 100's. Sigh. Of course, it's a holiday, so you'd think I'd be expecting this. I've learned that my hopes renew every year. Maybe it's the holiday spirit, but every year I (mistakenly) believe that we're gonna creep by.....make it through one major holiday without someone being violently ill. I'm sure it will happen one year. It just won't be this one. Ha! However, I am thankful that my kids have something that can be treated with meds from a pharmacy when so many moms and dads are hoping their kids just make it through the night. I'll take a virus every holiday. Gladly, if it means we're healthy otherwise.
Sophy had a kindergarten Christmas program on Friday. It was too cute for words. I love how she loves to perform in front of people. She's not exactly shy and retiring. Hahhaa. Wonder why?
PDaddy is about 6 hours away today watching a local high school team play for the state title. He and my dad left really, really early this morning, so the kids and I went to town and bought PDaddy's Christmas gifts. I let the kids pick out a gift each for him, and we wrapped up the day (no pun intended) by riding the Christmas train at the mall. That made the kids very, very happy. Then I popped into Long John Silver's for the first time in about 4 years for my yearly quota of grease and sodium. And THAT made me very, very happy. What is it about those little crunchie things? What ARE those little crunchie things?
Tomorrow, I hope to take the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks before we go to my folk's house for Christmas festivities. Or should I say Festivus activities. Hehehe.
12.19.2007
Pam!
Of course I remember you! How are your kids? I can't reply directly to guestbook comments (because I'm a techno retard), so I had to make a quick post to say hello! If you want to sign my guestbook with a private comment and leave your email address, I'll email you! Glad to hear from you!
Say hello to Fred.
Santa sent us an Express package from the North Pole earlier this week. Inside the box, was our very own scout elf from the ranks of Santa's finest. Santa, ever-efficient, also sent us a book that told us the job of this elf and our duties as well. Seems that Santa's best kept secret is his useage of scouts. Have you heard? Your first duty is to give your new elf a name and fill in his certificate that dedicates him into your family. The elf, in our case it's Fred, watches and listens. Fred listens and will always hear about news in the car, the park, or at school if a rule is broken. Then. THEN! Each night while you are asleep, the elf flies to Santa by way of magic. Yes, magic! He chills with his pals. He reports to Santa. He eats and takes a nap. In the morning (after the elf returns to your house), you have to find the new spot where the elf is sitting. The kids wake up earlier and earlier every day to see who can find Fred first. So far, at our house, Fred has perched in the kitchen, on the ceiling fan (see photo above) in the living room, the boy's room, and just this morning....amongst Sophy's glass elephant collection. There is only one hang-up. One rule you have to obey. You can NOT touch the elf lest he loose his magic. Fred can't speak, but we can talk to him. You can tell him your wishes, apologize for being bad, plead your case as it were. Of course, Santa has the executive decision on all things toy-ish. In the end, Fred will hear the sleigh bells on Christmas Eve and say adios to the Pinkie family. Take heart. Next year, he'll be back when it's Christmas-time again.
The info above is from a book by Chanda Bell and her mother Carol Aebersold, The Elf on the Shelf~A Christmas Tradition. The book is so neatly written, and my kids love it! The illustrations are really pretty to boot. The book comes with the Elf, and my only regret is that I didn't have this when the kids were younger. Nonetheless, they have eaten this up--even at their advanced ages. ((Smile))
12.15.2007
Shopping, weather, thanks, and a movie
Shopping - We're finished! HOOHOO!!! ((Except stocking stuffers!))
Weather - Is it cold or what? Yikes! It was nice to do Christmas shopping in cold weather. East Texas Christmas shopping usually means you wear shorts and flip-flops. We commemorated the cold snap by having, as planned, lunch at my tea place. Yes, it was nice.
Thanks - Tricia, thank you for the recipe! I will definitely give it a whirl! Sounds really tasty!
Movie - Also as planned, we saw I Am Legend.....and....Wow. Uh, it was good. Creeppppppy, in a Doom's Day/end of the world kind of way. Nonetheless, wow. Didn't see it coming.
Now that I've spent an entire day shopping, wrapping and eating, I must make up for it by doing laundry tomorrow. Haha...or should I say, WAH-WAH!
Weather - Is it cold or what? Yikes! It was nice to do Christmas shopping in cold weather. East Texas Christmas shopping usually means you wear shorts and flip-flops. We commemorated the cold snap by having, as planned, lunch at my tea place. Yes, it was nice.
Thanks - Tricia, thank you for the recipe! I will definitely give it a whirl! Sounds really tasty!
Movie - Also as planned, we saw I Am Legend.....and....Wow. Uh, it was good. Creeppppppy, in a Doom's Day/end of the world kind of way. Nonetheless, wow. Didn't see it coming.
Now that I've spent an entire day shopping, wrapping and eating, I must make up for it by doing laundry tomorrow. Haha...or should I say, WAH-WAH!
12.14.2007
Friday Night Fever
Today, we learned that Sophy has infected ears, an infected throat, and the beginnings of bronchitis. Honestly, she doesn't seem THAT sick. Then again, she has the constitution of a horse....so there ya go. Anything else that knocks the boys off of their feet, she just takes in stride. My back is still hurting like nobody's business, but I think it's something muscular...and not anything big. I just really thought it would be better by now, or maybe I was just HOPING it would be better by now?
PDaddy and I are going Christmas shopping tomorrow, and I really hope we get to see a movie. It may not work out in our favor, but it would be nice if it did. I imagine we'll be in town all day, so I may get supper at Caraba's out of the deal. HOO-HOO. At least I know I'll be eating a scone and having hot tea. Is it just me...or am I really obsessed with food at the moment? Heehee.
I think we'll make some sugar cookies tonight. A sort of pre-Christmas dry-run. For some reason, Shepherd's Pie sounds warm and yummy. I only know one way to make this. I'm curious if anyone out there has their own recipe for it? Anyone? Anyone? I wonder if Pioneer Woman ever makes Shepherd's Pie? Can you imagine? Maybe I'll get that going for supper with a salad....some rolls.....slurp.
PDaddy just came in and made a fire. Niiiiiiice.
Thanks for all the lovely Christmas cards! Jack is scoping out who has cute daughters and inquiring as to their names and ages. Pah!
PDaddy and I are going Christmas shopping tomorrow, and I really hope we get to see a movie. It may not work out in our favor, but it would be nice if it did. I imagine we'll be in town all day, so I may get supper at Caraba's out of the deal. HOO-HOO. At least I know I'll be eating a scone and having hot tea. Is it just me...or am I really obsessed with food at the moment? Heehee.
I think we'll make some sugar cookies tonight. A sort of pre-Christmas dry-run. For some reason, Shepherd's Pie sounds warm and yummy. I only know one way to make this. I'm curious if anyone out there has their own recipe for it? Anyone? Anyone? I wonder if Pioneer Woman ever makes Shepherd's Pie? Can you imagine? Maybe I'll get that going for supper with a salad....some rolls.....slurp.
PDaddy just came in and made a fire. Niiiiiiice.
Thanks for all the lovely Christmas cards! Jack is scoping out who has cute daughters and inquiring as to their names and ages. Pah!
12.12.2007
Parade & Recital pics
Here we are on the parade float waiting our turn in the processional. Our float was pulled by an 18 wheeler with a giant guitar on top with a sign that said, GIRLS ROCK! Hahaa. We only thought we were dead once on the parade route when the giant, electric guitar pulled down a power line. Were we frightened? Uh-yeah. I'd say we were a teensy bit scared. In the end, our float placed first for having the "Best Lights." I guess that is unavoidable when there are 78 little girls wearing flashy-light Santa hats on board.
The girls wore their regular dance leotards for this little program, but they had the option of wearing antlers while they danced for us. I can't wait to see the program in May. They spend August through May learning the 3 dances for the recital, and they sure are working hard. Their tap routine is to Material Girl (heheheee). One of their other dances is to some Hannah Montana song (try to control your gag reflex...ha!) It's all very cute. The ballet dance will be the last one they learn, I believe. There are 12 girls in Sophy's group. Here she is with 3 of her partners for the tap dance.
See this guy?
This poor kid. 11 pounds lost and a horrible case of pneumonia....I don't think I've ever seen him so sick. He's slowly getting better. Still no appetite to speak of, but his energy level seems to be on the upswing. Sam took this picture of Jack last night at Sophy's Christmas dance recital/party. The Grandpinkies came to watch, and the boys were surprisingly supportive of Sophy despite the fact that they were at an all-girl event.
DaddyPinkie and I plan to take the whole day Saturday while the kids are with my folks to get our Christmas shopping started and finished....all in the same day. We probably will be in town all day, and I'm hoping that we can catch a movie while we're in town. DaddyP. says that if he gets to pick the movie, he'll let me pick where we eat lunch. Hehee....I am dying for some cheese scones and chicken salad at a cutesy-girlie tea room that I love. It's not much of a man-food place, but hey! he said I could pick!! Besides, he usually isn't one to turn down a fluffy, hot pastry...and their scones are rather tasty. Maybe I'll get really lucky, and he'll drop me off at the nail place for a pedicure while he does some shopping. HAHHA. Never hurts to plan.
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