Missing In Action...

[FallingOnVegas]

I've been busy this holiday season, and I've been keeping good on my promise to myself to STAY OFF THE COMPUTER!!!   I just have to say, it's made me a better mom.  I used to spend a lot of time on the computer for work, but I don't need to anymore since real estate has taken a nose dive.  Good Lord, what ever did those pilgrims do without the Internet?!

I've actually got to try to make this quick because I'm running on my battery now...

Here's what's new since I've hung out at the Cafe:

Jason is now in a "big boy" bed, and he's an angel about it.  He goes down like a dream and has never gotten out of his bed... not even once, even for naps!  He learned to say "SHUT UUUUP!" when the big kids sing to him, to which he has been getting lots and lots of time outs.  I told him he was going to get soap for bad words, and now when they sing to him he looks at me, tilts his head and says "soap?"  We tried potty training, and he's awesome at it, he's just too young to have it stick.  His little bladder isn't mature enough to make it worth the time investment right now, but he's got the idea.  We'll revisit this project in about  2 months, and take it when we can get it in the mean time :)

The big kids have been driving me batty since they've been off school, but it's been nice having them around.  Santa was good to all of them, and they have been kept pretty busy with their new toys.  Tomorrow we are going to see Marley & Me.  This should be interesting... the last time I saw a movie it was just Nathalie and I. We went to see Twilight and that kid had to pee twice in 90 minutes.  You know the "emmmmmerrrrgeeenncy" kind of emergency?  Yeah, like that.  I missed the middle and end of the movie since she moved at a snails pace.  We'll see if our trip tomorrow, which includes a 2 year old, goes any better.

I've read 3 of the Twilight books in the last 2 weeks too.  They are fabulous, but I am just now realizing that the target audience for the books is teenage girls, which makes me feel like a little bit of a creep.  I know that sometimes I feel like I'm 17 years old still, but the fine lines and wrinkles are part of my morning wake up call these days.  Moisturizer is my new obsession.

Speaking of Nathalie, she lost another tooth... at Walmart.

At dinner the other night, we were talking about the baby when Eric announced that he remembered leaving a rattlesnake in my belly for Jason when he got in my stomach.  It was really much funnier than it sounds, mainly because he really believed it.  He's had a bit of a problem with lying lately.  I have had countless conversations about telling the truth the last few weeks; I'm not sure he's ever going to get it!  Our time-out stairs have been getting a workout this winter!

The kids missed their Christmas parties at school because of a snowstorm and Mark was devastated because this is his last year in elementary school.  He's emotional about things like that.  I imagine that they will be able to make it up, but I felt bad for the little guy.  He was really looking forward to it.

My ultrasound is scheduled for January 26th, which is Tony's birthday.  It's always reassuring to know that everything is good and that the baby is healthy.  I feel like a horse, but eating like one over the holidays hasn't helped me feel any less awkward :0)

We had a snowstorm 2 weeks ago and a tornado watch last week.  Our huge gas grill was launched into the air on Saturday night which is really crappy because we just bought it this summer.  It still kind of works because I used it last night, (in the freezing 17 degree temperature!) but it looks like it's been beaten with a bat to within an inch of its life. 

The Christmas decorations are down, and as we packed all of the ornaments away I realized how quickly time really flies.  All of our ornaments are either handmade or were gifts so putting the tree up and taking it down is always emotional.  Not in a bad way, just memory laden.

I went to a funeral today.  This was the 2nd one in the last 3 weeks.  My best friends dad died a week before Christmas, and one of my dad's best friend died on Saturday.  It's always bittersweet to see the familiar faces of the past, but always under such unfortunate circumstances.  Most of my dad's family is gone now, and I try very hard to keep in touch with my cousins... but as time goes on, it seems like everyone just keep drifting further and further away. 

I'm off to catch up on The Real Housewives of Orange County so I can remind myself of how I never want to be.  Yes, cross my heart, I cannot stand these women, but it's like a really bad car wreck that you just can't look away from. 

Well, that's what I've been up to.  So much for being brief.  I'm sure I've left something out, but it will have to wait. 

Happy New Year friends.  I've missed you :0)

[tess-n-co]

Jan. 2, 2009 at 9:54 AM

sounds like lots of happenings and going on's. glad you and your bunch are well. love to you.

[3bs]

Jan. 2, 2009 at 11:51 AM

Your family is precious.... 

[mimitothree]

Jan. 2, 2009 at 4:43 PM

Best wishes for a Wonderful New Year.  I love hearing about your family, it reminds me of when my kids were young.  Thank you for sharing your life with me.

Carol

xox

[CoolBeans]

Jan. 2, 2009 at 6:58 PM

Misty and I were just talking about you yesterday. Good stuff!

We miss you. Love.

[Allison]

Jan. 2, 2009 at 10:25 PM

I have missed you! Glad things were so awesome over the holidays for you! Glad Santa was good to everybody.  I watch Desperate Housewives of Orange County for the same reason. LOL!   Sad but true! Hope you enjoy the movie tomorrow. Love ya girlie!

[Allison]

Jan. 2, 2009 at 10:26 PM

oh.... I know tons of ladies reading the Twighlight books.  Keep reading sweet friend!

[bootiecall]

Jan. 3, 2009 at 7:21 PM

You sure have had a lot going on. I don't get on here as often as I would like but I find I get more accomplished if I don't log on every single day! Glad you were able to update us, at least we all know you & your family are doing fine! Hope you can update us when you get your ultra sound! Happy New Year!

[Aimz]

Jan. 8, 2009 at 10:12 PM

Hey Girl~

I have been MIA as well!  Have been on tonight at work trying to play catch up a bit. Glad you had a good Christmas.  Jealous you got your tree down--would ya believe that mine is STILL up!  UGG--should come down this weekend.  Sorry about the loss and snowstorm etc.  I have the first of the Twilight books--1/2 way through the first!  I know what ya mean about feeling 17...I feel the same way sometimes--LOL!  I also sneak a glimpse of the the Orange County Spoiled Brats from time to time! LOL!

Big Hugs!!!