No More Scrooge!

I'll write my Thankful Thursday post later (after all - it is Thanksgiving Thursday), but for now I just need to post that I've managed to un-Scrooge.

I picked up the phone, called a friend, and headed to church. I remembered where I came from, shared some experience, strength, and hope, and suddenly got grateful for what I have today. Amazing how that works.

(And might I add that no one was happier than the Husband at this. Poor guy. I so often take out my moods on him. I would do well to remember Jon and Kate. Sorry honey! Fly safe!)

Wordless Wednesday

Venus



Available for adoption at AARF (hint, hint).

The Thanksgiving Scrooge

I need to get the Scrooge out of my system and whine a little bit.

I keep hearing about all these people that are busy, busy, busy on Thanksgiving. And I'm trying to be happy that that is not me, but truthfully - it makes me sad. Let's face it - we all know Wendy is never happier than when she is busy!

Here's the deal. We're spending the holiday at home. I honestly do have some school work to do and was using that as an excuse but the reality is this - our family lives out of town and we just can't afford to travel. Yes, I know my parents only live four hours away, but to go there would mean $200 in boarding costs for the dogs plus the cost of gas and we just don't have it right now.

And I was ok with staying home. I really was. I had visions of our little family of four sitting down to stuffing and mashed potatoes (not turkey - a whole other post), a fire in the fire place and maybe after dinner, we'd all put up the tree.

Then the Husband got an opportunity to deliver a plane.

To Malaysia.

Over the holiday.

He's trying to build his business, so what am I going to say no - I'm sorry honey - that will ruin the Norman Rockwell painting I have in my head? Plus, it's really a great time for him to pick up a job. Things are slow at work, which means I can be with the boys and they won't have to go to day care.

He picked up the plane on Saturday (it was in California) and brought it back here to finish up some paperwork and take care of the boys while I was in class, but I expect he'll be off again late this afternoon or early in the morning.

So no it's just me and the boys - who could care less what I cook on Thanksgiving - and I am feeling sorry for myself.

Ba-humbug.

Thankful Thursday.....

We've had some crappy weather here recently (and, yes, I could be more elegant - but really is there better word to describe 40's and raining?) which brings me to my Thankful Thursday (on a Tuesday)....

Thank you to the crossing guards who make sure our kids get to school safely and who make sure we parents don't t-bone each other in the parking lot.

And a special thank you to the guard on Buena Vista Rd who stands out there every morning when I drop the Woodman off. I'm sure the last few days have been less than pleasant for you but I really appreciate your being there. Thank you.

Musical Monday

If you have a kid under a certain age - you'll no doubt recognize this singer. But I'll admit it. I have been known to listen to Laurie even when the kids aren't in the car.

Enjoy.

Embarrassed

It's pouring here. Again.

I don my preppy plaid rain hat before jumping in the car to drive the Woodman to school. We're driving along and from the back seat I hear....

Woodman: Mom, I don't want you to be embarrassed.

Me (confused and wondering if I am singing too loud): What are you talking about?

Woodman: Your hat. I don't want you to be embarrassed.

Me: What's wrong with my hat? I like my hat. In fact, I think it's quite cute. Are you embarrassed about my hat?

Woodman: No....I just don't want you to be embarrassed.

Me: I'm not embarrassed. But don't worry, I'm not walking you in - just dropping you off, so you won't have to be embarrassed by being seen with me and my hat.

After a few minutes....
Woodman: Mom, they have to open the car door to let me out. They might see you. I don't want you to be embarrassed.

Much to the kid's chagrin, I left my hat on.

It's going to be a long 15 years before the kids gets around to thinking his mom is cool again.

The Paw Says It All

'Nough said.

Confession Friday

At 6:30 last night the Husband tells me he has an opportunity to deliver a plane.....from California.....to Malaysia.....leaving this morning. He knows it's last minute (even for him. Usually, I get a whole 24 hours notice.) so if I don't think he should do it, he won't. I tell him to take the job. Why - aside from the money and the chance to build the business which are both well and good but the real reason? So I can feel all superwoman like (in getting everything done while he's gone) and be a martyr (work, school, and taking the care of the kids while your husband is out of town? on Thanksgiving? You poor thing!). I think I need to pray for some humility.

We aren't having turkey for Thanksgiving. Nobody here really cares and the thought that millions of turkeys go to the slaughter just before Thanksgiving because we Americans are "supposed" to have turkey really bothers me. So we aren't having it. And since Ed's out of town and at least one of my two kids doesn't know any better, we may have pizza. (Hey, I'll at least get a pumpkin pie for dessert. And I may even whip my own cream.)

And since a certain someone asked for parenting confessions here's a couple (at least one of which you Catholic moms might be able to relate to)....

The Woodman has CCD at 9:00 on Sunday mornings. The idea is that your child goes to "church school" at 9, then you pick them up at 10:15 and attend the 10:30 Mass.
Confession - I am just as likely to pick up the Woodman from CCD and go home as to go to Mass.

My children ate pizza for dinner twice this week and ate Chinese take out once. (Although I do want credit for making them eat an orange with their pizza).

If we are only going two blocks, I'll let my oldest sit in the front seat.

My children are not on any sort of a shower schedule. The rule around here is if you can't remember when the last time was that you took a shower, it's time to take one. Which suddenly reminds me....I wonder when the last time the kids did take showers.....

Thankful Thursday

In keeping with Thankful Thursday.....

today I am thankful for.....




my job.

Shocking, I know.

But in this economy, I'm not going to bite the hand that feeds me (and my family - quite literally!) and I'm happy to have it.

Wordless Wednesday

Jeff



(available for adoption at AARF - hint, hint)