The Tree...Unveiled

After sitting in our living room for 4 days looking all sad and lonely like this…

Our tree now looks like this…

Just kidding…

OOOH! AAAAH!

And I was even able to get a few shots of the kids…

(Babe thought it was best if ALL the ornaments hung on the same branch. This is her putting ball #4 on that branch.) (Click the picture to see it up close in all it's glory. Bud in the cow costume is worth a look too.)

(I believe they are both thinking, "Take the damn picture mom!")

 Before they literally sprinted away…

May your holidays be action-packed!

Lily

New York City

This past weekend we took a trip to New York City to do the tourist thing with my husband’s parents and one sister. We jam packed over 20 sights into one day (between Midtown and Downtown)! It was CRAZY! By the end of the day we were literally shuffling our feet (I’m not exaggerating) making our way back to Grand Central Station. But we had a GREAT time and we hope to do it again in the warmer weather.

We came thisclose to being on the Today Show. We elbowed, kicked, and clawed maneuvered our way up to the railing and the hosts came out and stood on the other side of the plaza. When they were done all the people from that side started leaving but we knew they would be coming out one more time so we elbowed, kicked, and clawed maneuvered our way to where they had been standing. Doesn’t it figure, when they came out again they moved locations to EXACTLY where we had been standing just moments before! WOMP WOMP! But we still had fun!

What really helped our weary bones was the event my mom got us into for lunch. Her office was hosting a Christmas party for all their millionaire clients. Let me tell you, living like a millionaire, even just for lunch, was pretty awesome! We monopolized Santa and took about 65 variations of pictures with him, then they also had a second backdrop set up so we took several variations of family pictures. They gave us 5x7’s and snow globes of each shot…for free! (I really liked being a millionaire. I wish I was one all the time!) They had an amazing spread for lunch (and even had gluten free options! Can you hear the angels singing? I can.) and there was a snow machine (that Bud monopolized the entire time), face painting, gingerbread man painting, a FAO Schwartz display table and an American Girl Doll display table. It was a great party!

I’ll let our pictures do the rest of the talking…

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Plaza - getting ready to jump

NBC Plaza looking at Rockefeller Center

The Palace Hotel 

(notice Bud holding up my iPod. I think that's the only reason he's smiling so nicely.)

The Palace Hotel

From the Palace Hotel looking at St. Patrick's Cathedral

Doesn't Babe looked thrilled to have her picture taken with the Toy Soldier?

She was ready for a nap. I swear she really wanted her face painted. I don't think she wanted to kill anyone, despite the look she's giving. I think.

Empire State Building from my mom's office

LET'S GO RANGERS!

  

Family picture in front of "The King" (aka Henrik Lundqvist - the goalie for the NY Rangers)

Proud Ranger fan

He was so excited to get to stand up on the subway and hold on like the "big people"

JUMP!

Walking to Ground Zero. That's my mom and Babe in the distance

Ground Zero - new tower

Ground Zero - other new tower 

  Bud wanted a crown hat in the worst way! I couldn't deny him!

 Looking at the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park

Looking at the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park

Looking at the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park

Rockefeller Center at night from my mom's office

We actually made our way into the crowd down there. It was nuts but we survived! Now I know why we never went to see the tree even though we lived so close! 

Lily

Friday Flashback

Tis the season! 

This is my most favorite picture of my mother and sister…EVER!

I don't remember where we were sledding but I remember the screams from my mother as they made their decent. 

Lily

Here kitty kitty

Via

So anyone who knows me knows I’m not an animal person. (I know! Stop throwing rotten vegetables! Or at least throw them at my parents, I blame them. It’s easier that way.) Being the non-animal lover that I am I don’t think I’m missing out on anything not having a pet.

But here’s the deal.

My kids LOVE cats. They see a cat and they get all excited and squeaky (which maybe would explain why cats love them back. They become rather mouse-like.) I feel it’s my motherly duty to “enrich” their lives by getting them their own brand new, shiny kitty.

Here’s the problem.

The husband…he does not feel it’s his fatherly duty to get a cat. (He’d much prefer a dog but he, and I agree, thinks that it’s just not a good time to have a dog.) I really don’t want to be cleaning up after a cat (God, that might mean I have to vacuum more than never!) and cleaning the litter box would not be high on my list of fun things to do with the extra 3.5 seconds I have in my day. I don’t even know what cleaning a litter box entails. I suspect it’s not pleasurable.

Oh, and did I mention that I have allergies? When I was a child I tested positive for cat and dog allergies (and also oranges, June grass, and chocolate – however, I ignore the recommendation to stay away from chocolate). My allergies come in handy when arguing against picking up a stray. But. My motherly instincts are telling me my children need a cat. (Or Bud might be sneaking into my room and whispering subliminal messages in my ear while I’m sleeping. I’m not positive.)

I don’t know who is going to “win” this argument. And really, will there be any winners? I guess my kids, but I think either way I lose. I’m either a horrible mother or I have to clean up after a cat. Neither situation is appealing.

The debate rages on…

Lily

Babe's Bedtime Story

Once upon a time there was a little girl who didn’t want to go to sleep.

The Mommy said, “Ok little girl, it’s time to go to sleep.”

And the little girl said, “But Mommy, I don’t want to go to sleep! Will you sing me a song?”

The Mommy said, “Ok little girl, I’ll sing you a song. But then you have to go to bed.”

So the Mommy sang the little girl a beautiful song.

And when she was done she said, “Ok little girl, it’s time to go to sleep.”

And the little girl said, “But Mommy, I don’t want to go to sleep! Will you tell me a story?”

The Mommy said, “Ok, little girl, but when I’m done you have to go to sleep.”

And the little girl said, “Ok Mommy.”

So the Mommy told the little girl a wonderful story.

And when she was done the Mommy said, “Ok little girl. It’s time to go to bed!”

So the little girl climbed up in her big girl bed, snuggled under the covers, and went. to. sleep.

The End.

Lily

Hockey night (limited edition)

When we signed Bud up for hockey we only paid for the first session (October – December) because we weren’t sure if he’d like it to do it all the way through March. At the end of the summer he talked about doing karate and I’m good with that but I told him he’d have to choose hockey or karate, he couldn’t do both, and hockey is only for the winter. He decided to do hockey and I was thrilled! A few weeks ago we started talking about signing him up for the second session. It’s a big commitment for the entire family but how else is he going to make the NHL? but he really does enjoy it and it’s worth seeing the NHL contract the smile on his face when he’s on the ice. I asked him if he wanted to sign up for the next hockey session and after giving me his “thoughtful” expression (face scrunched, finger tapping his chin) he declared it’s time to try karate. And then I melted into a puddle of tears on the floor, sobbing hysterically for the NHL contract that never was!

I have to say I’m proud of him even if he’s dashing my dreams. He wants to try everything, any new sport, any new adventure. I think he’s made the right choice. I really do! No, I’m serious. Really. (I mean, maybe he’ll get to train with the next Mr. Miagi. How cool would that be?) He knows I want him to do hockey (I’m not nearly as crazed dramatic in front of him – I swear!), and while this character trait may not be the easiest to put up with, he knows what he wants and goes after it. How can I be mad at him for that?! I certainly don’t want to push him into something he doesn’t want (serious) and I want him to explore his options. An informed decision is a better decision I never always say.

Plus, I guess we do have twelve a few more years before pro-hockey is even an option so I guess I can wait it out for another year. I’m a generous mom. I wonder when Babe will start hockey? 

Also, hockey night means pulled pork for dinner. I suppose I can keep Pulled Pork Monday's going even without hockey but it's so much more fun with hockey. Just sayin.

Lily

Friday Flashback (on Wednesday)

Since I have very fond memories of Thanksgiving at my Grandparents house I thought I would honor them in this week's Friday Flashback (on Wednesday).


I am so thankful to have wonderful grandparents who love us unconditionally, taught us how important God is, and know that every family get-together is better with food!

This was taken in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx (sometime in the 40's)

We love you Super Grandma!

If I remember correctly, this picture was taken during WWII in Germany.

RIP Grandpa. We miss you!

I will be ruthlessly elbowing people out of my way shopping on Black Friday so I probably won't get a chance to post again until Monday. I hope everyone has elastic waist pants a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Lily

15 Things I am Thankful For

I am thankful for...

1. My family. Without them I would be nothing.
2. Having in-laws that do anything and everything for me and my family. I am thankful for them but I am also damn lucky to have them!
3. My friends
4. Food that is labeled gluten free in the regular grocery store
5. Although money is very tight, we still have enough to host Christmas and buy presents (I think)
6. Having a good job that enables me to blog during the quiet times
7. The fact that my husband finally has a new job even if his pay is crap
8. Sleep timers on TVs
9. DVRs (even if I never find the time to watch the recorded shows)
10. My iPod
11. Black Friday savings (even though I HATE to shop, I hate paying full price even more)
12. Warm socks (Dude, why are my feet always freezing?)
13. The ability to make lists
14. A good book that I can’t put down
15. And last, but certainly not least, YOU! My blog readers! Thank you for stopping by (and maybe even commenting). Without you my little corner of the internet would be pointless and I would find that depressing. So thank you for clicking, and reading, and commenting, and just being you! Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

(Starting Friday I won’t be offended when you blare your Christmas carols. I’ll be there next to you singing along and dancing like Elaine from Seinfeld.)

Lily

There used to be a holiday between Halloween and Christmas

via

Why must the radio stations play Christmas music before Thanksgiving? This holiday gets passed over earlier and earlier every year. One of my favorite radio stations turns into all Christmas, all the time, the day after Halloween. What’s up with that? Just because there are no Thanksgiving songs worthy of the radio doesn't mean they have to switch to Christmas on November 1st. I boycott all Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Christmas carols but, even me, the most impatient person in the world, thinks Christmas music shouldn't be on the radio until December. Why is a month of songs not enough? Don't you get tired of 2 months of Christmas music? Keep it fresh people! Do you eat a whole sleeve of Oreos in one sitting? (Ok, maybe that's not the best analogy.) (Ok, that might be the worst ever.) (Ok, it definitely is the worst analogy ever.) (Moving on...)

Why do so many people hate Thanksgiving? It’s not just one or two people that have mentioned it. Almost every blog I read that has mentioned Thanksgiving says they just can’t wait for the day to be over. Perhaps it’s because I remember all the amazing Thanksgiving dinners at my Grandma’s house before our clan grew too big to accommodate everyone, but I like Thanksgiving. I’ll be completely honest and admit that Thanksgiving without stuffing is sad (I can’t eat the real stuff and haven’t found a good substitute) but I still enjoy getting together with family (even if it’s the in-laws family now – who, let’s face it, are just as good to me as my own family). I like having pistachio pudding next to my mashed potatoes. I even like drooling over the biscuits as they are passed under my nose.

I have so much to be thankful for and marking the day with food just makes it even better! So hold off Christmas. I’ll get to you soon, but right now just give me some turkey, mashed potatoes, pass me the pistachio pudding and for the love of God, someone go get me my elastic waist pants! I’m gunna do me some eatin’ and thankin’!!!

Lily

Why my husband is the best

I have the best husband. He gets me out of all my jams. Not only does he come to the rescue when I have a flat, he also comes to the rescue when I’m incapable of remembering the simplest task! One task that I am particularly horrible with is remembering to buy root beer. You see, every Monday we have pulled pork (hockey practice night and it’s the easiest meal) and I only cook my pulled pork in root beer (have you ever tried this? It’s amazing.) so this morning as I was trimming the fat off the pork I realized, CRAP! I forgot to buy the root beer again! (I also forgot last week and had to use cream soda – we have a cream soda addiction, it’s really bad…but oh so good. Thankfully the cream soda was an excellent substitute but I didn’t make it to the store this weekend to replace it.) So being the fabulous husband that he is he told me he would run out to the store for me. Thankfully he pays attention to personal hygiene and brushed his teeth before leaving. That gave me enough time to realize CRAP! I forgot to get the ranch dip for the baby carrots Bud was taking to school for snack. So off he went, to fetch my irresponsibly forgotten items. Before he checked out, he called to double check that I didn’t need anything else while he was there (he’s so thoughtful). I assured him that was everything.

I was woefully late, even thought I woke up early to make sure I had enough time to trim the pork. But I was humming right along (even pouring Babe a drink with one hand while the other hand was covered in pork fat). My husband came home and helped me finish getting the kids ready. He was organizing Bud’s school folder and came across the little slip of paper that said Bud (aka ME) was responsible for bringing a bag of small marshmallows so they could make a Thanksgiving treat tomorrow.

CRAP!

I’m already running late, my husband has already gone to the store once for me, and I’m still an idiot. (I had read the note on Friday but didn’t realize they needed it today.) So I figure I’m in for a early morning dash to the store with my uncooperative slow ass kids. My husband and I leave the house at the same time (he even helps me get the kids in the car, this new job, with different hours is the BEST!) so as I was closing my door he says, “See you at the store.” I respond with a dumb look because I don’t know what he means. Yes, my friends, he lead the way to the store (even though the store is in a opposite direction from his destination) and went into the store for a second time that morning while I sat and waited in my car so that I didn’t have to schlep the kids around with me, gaining valuable minutes in getting to work! He is a God-send!

Thank you husband for always rescuing me when I’m a stupid idiot who would lose her mind if you weren’t there to find it in my time of need!

Lily