The end....

of Nablopomo, that is!!! I don't' have much of anything new to put on here today. I can't take credit for the following thing, as it was forwarded to me today. I think it says a lot. Check it out, if you wish. Though we all need a day to unload, every so often, I guess you never want to seem like the "garbage truck".

The Law of The Garbage Truck. How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, Or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly one can get back their focus on what's important. Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxicab. Here's what happened:

I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches! The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean really friendly. So, I said, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck".

Many people are like garbage trucks. T hey run around full of garbage, full of frustration and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you.

When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.

So this was it: "The Law of the Garbage Truck".

I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: At work, at home, on the streets?
It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore."

I began to see the garbage trucks. Like in the movie "The Sixth Sense," the little boy said, "I see Dead People." Well, now "I see Garbage Trucks."

I see the load they're carrying.

I see them coming to drop it off.

And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

One of my favorite football players of all time,Walter Payton, did this every day on the Football field. He would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being tackled. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready to make the next play his best.

Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting.
Good parents know that they need to welcome their children home with hugs and kisses. Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.

What about you?

What would happen in your life, starting today, If you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

Here's my bet. You'll be happier.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so..

Love the people who treat you right.

Forget about the ones who don't.

Believe that everything happens for a reason.

If you get a chance , TAKE IT!
If it changes your life , LET IT!
Nobody said it would be easy...they just promised it would be worth it.

Thoughts for Thursdays - That spark of inspiration

I am so excited for Christmas. I know I've mentioned it before, but I love the entire Christmas season. I love the shopping, the wrapping, the music, the baking, and I also love to do holiday crafts. Each year, my sisters and I usually obsess about making something different kinds of things for Christmas. Last year, it was all about the baking. I must have turned out over 500 chocolate covered pretzels in the couple of weeks before Christmas. Additionally, it was the season of those scrumptious peanut butter balls. Not only do I whole heartedly enjoy making these sorts of things, I love packaging them. For me it's all about the presentation. Now, I am not the most creative person in the world, though I would love to be more creative. Coloring is about as artistic as I get, but I would love to be able to paint and draw. (I am thrilled that my children seem to have a rather artistic and creative side.) However, I love finding new ways to package my treats. For me, this is my artistic expression.

I also like to make holiday crafts. Now, no matter how much I would love to "invent" a clever holiday craft, I just don't think it's in my genes. Although,I think and think about doing this at night (note - I think and think and think about a lot of things!!!) I am usually a copy cat of some sort. I rummage through magazines, blogs, and websites looking for new things to make. Today I spent two hours in Michaels shopping for crafting materials. Though I don't do this often, I truly get excited from buying these kind of items. Walking around that store is like therapy for me. It's also very addictive, because I want to do EVERYTHING!!! I only wish I had the time and money to enable me to do that.

This Christmas season seems to have come quicker for me than in past years, and I couldn't be happier about that. My shopping is by no where complete, and that's okay. I am so moved by the sense of creativity that surrounds me this year. Lately most of it has come from fellow bloggers, as well as my sisters (who are also my fellow bloggers!!!) For me, this holiday I want to be happy with the simple things. I want to soak it all up. I am inspired, and I am running with it!
Well I guess I need to take a rest tonight from blogging, I have crafts to make!!!!

Camouflage and the Civil War....

John and I picked up Matt and Charlie today from preschool. Afterwards, we went to Pizza Hut for lunch. We had a nice lunch and some great laughs with the three boys (Thomas too!) but when it was time to leave, we couldn't find the keys. John had mistakenly locked them in the truck. Thanks to the firefighters at the firehouse next to Pizza Hut, they were able to unlock the truck with a slim jim.

On the way home, John and I were listening the conversation between Charlie and Matt. They crack us up. with their talk. Today they were discussing how they would always stick up for each other. They would never let Brendan (Charlie's 5 year old neighbor) boss them around. A couple of weeks ago, Brendan was bullying Matt a bit.

You might be wondering why the title of this blog is Camouflage and the Civil War. After John got home from school, Charlie and Matt were playing. They were all dressed up in their cami's when John walked in the playroom. Charlie asked John if he wanted to play "Civil War" with them. I should note that my boys are obsessed with history. Well John is and by default, Matt latches on to things which John likes. Having said that, the boys were all set for their Civil War reenactment, or so they thought. Instead of John answering yes or no, he had to be a little smarty pants by telling them that they were wearing the wrong clothes. Apparently camouflage isn't part of the Civil War period. Hummm did you know that? (if so I bet ya don't really care!) Any way, Charlie responded by saying, "John if we want to do it wrong we will. And if you want to do it the right way, go ahead! We'll still do it our way!!!" I had to keep my laughter in and I felt like I was busting at the seems. (and I had my favorite stretchy jeans on so it wasn't that they were too tight!!!)

Now the common thread in this whole long story is that Charlie and Matt are growing to be very independent. Though John wasn't really intending to be tough or mean spirited, he was being a little smart ass. I am just tickled that Charlie put him in his place. Even though they are the best of friends, cousins, and brothers, there's always going to be some rivalry and power struggles. I just love that the little ones can hold their own. I guess today was just a mere test. For in the future, there will be other Brendan's out there, John was just a prop for the big world. Go get 'em Charlie and Matt. Hope you guys always stick together, you too, John!!!

Kick ball anyone?

Thank goodness John had a half day of school today as Matt was waiting for someone to play kickball with him. Though it's cold right now, today was actually a nice day with the temps in the 60's. According to Matt, it was a great day for kick ball!

Blue eyes, a bad hair day, and pretzels!!!

Well I think the title sums these pictures all up. Seriously have you ever seen eyes so blue? I just love them. I am having so much fun taking pictures these days. I don't know how much Thomas is enjoying it though. After wearing a hat out this morning, he had quite the hair! While I was making lunch, he enjoyed a pretzel and watched the boys through the slider, playing kick ball.

Family

I seldom ever get a picture of us all together. It's surely not the best picture but it captures the moment! I think I've posted enough pictures for a while. I'll try to get back to writing. Have a good Monday. I definitely need another cup of coffee!

oops!!!

I was just made aware by my sister Lisa that I didn't post a picture of Charlie. I had one uploaded but blogger can be a real pain in the behind. When I was deleting a bunch of extra spaces, I must have deleted Charlie. Sorry. Of course, I love him too!!! Here is Charlie....

It was sooo much easier to add his picture here than to edit the previous post. Blogger can be a real biatch when it comes to uploading pictures!!!

What a weekend....

It's not too often that I can really say that I am totally exhausted. Yes. I am spent, but in a good way. Today was the annual Christmas Parade and it topped off the weekend. It was a gorgeous day. Last night, I pulled out the warms clothes, boots, hats, and mittens, but we really never needed any of it. Maybe just the hats and jackets for part of the time. There's nothing the parade to put me in the Christmas spirit. We all claimed a good spot in the square, taking up quite a bit of the curb! Our teritory is surely growing, as is our family! John worked at the parade but was able to stand with us. It is no coincidence that we pick that spot, as he is stationed there every year. We brought lunch, snacks, and of course hot chocolate. It was a great day, however my kids are now junk! I have been counting down the minutes until bed-time.

He's really coming....

Here's Matt telling Abby that Santa is coming. I am not sure she belived him at first!

Full Moon....

I went for a run late this afternoon, along the beach. It was right before dusk and the moon was in the sky. I love, love, love, the views....

Oh what a day!

For the past 30 or so years, Santa has parachuted into our city. This year was no exception. The children waited with anticipation for him and his elves to arrive. The air was chilly, but the sun was strong. It was a wonderful day!

Friday's Favorites

silly one.....

I know it's slightly blurry and a bit goofy, but it's the only one from today of my guys!!!

Just a couple of pics....

Tagged again....

Allison tagged me with yet another meme. It has a bit of a Thanksgiving twist. So in keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, I'll go with it. It's as simple as listing 7 thanks you're thankful for.

Here goes....

1. My husband. He is the best except when he knows we are going Christmas shopping for the boys tomorrow, but has the new Bass Pro Shop as the first store he wants to hit in the early morning hours. I don't thing that stop is for the kids!

2. My boys. They make me who I am today..... a mother! I love them!

3. My family.

4. God

5. To live in America, my freedom and the men and woman who fight for this every day!

6. My health. I am so lucky for this.

7. The fact that my parents have my little cherubs tonight and John is off. Yeah!!!

I know there is so much more for which I am thankful but these are the big ones. Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

I am tagging.... Mary, Lisa, Beth, Zoe, Kim, Denise, Leslie

Well having said I am thankful for #7, I should get off this computer!!!

Just some random thoughts...

Instead of posting a LONG comment on Zoe's blog, I could have just made it my post. It was surely long enough! Sorry Zoe!

Last night I got a call from a marketing firm requesting me to do a focus group. Of course I said yes when I found out it pays $150 to have a research person shadow me while I do my grocery shopping. By the way, if I see the scary lady, I won't look at her!

I just finished making two apple pies, and I am pretty pleased with how they came out.

My oven needs to be cleaned and my smoke detectors went off a few times during the pie-cooking process. I hate when that happens. When the outside of my house was sided. They covered up my exhaust fan for the stove because we will be remodeling our kitchen at some point in the near future and the placement of the stove is going to change. It's no wonder the fire department hasn't arrived at my house a few times.

Made some more delicious peanut butter balls for tomorrow and for Friday. Friday is girls night out at my friend's house. By the way, for those of you who emailed me for the recipe, I will send it to you just as soon as I type it out. Sorry for the delay. It's been a hectic week.

I had a scary experience down town today. Note to myself.... NEVER go to the dollar store. It's like an insane asylum!

Cleaned my family room from top to bottom. I was frightened by what I found when I moved the couches to vacuum.

Played with my new camera that my husband bought me for Christmas. Yes. It's very early, but he wanted me to enjoy it during the holidays. I was so happy. I LOVE him (and my camera!)

That's all folks. Hope you have Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I've been tagged.

Jenny tagged me for this nablopomo meme. I have to list seven weird or random things about myself. this should be interesting. Don't laugh too much!!!

1. I was in a car accident while driving by myself two years ago.
2. Consequently, I only drive out of necessity. I don't like to do it.
3. I procrastinate way too much.
4. I love to get my hair cut.
5. I am content for now, but wish I knew what I want to do with my life, career wise.
6. I talk to myself and don't even know it until my husband or someone brings it to my attention.
7. I have a fear of going down in the basement at night.

Here are the rules:
1. link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. share seven random and/or weird things about yourself.
3. tag seven people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving them a comment on their blog.

I'm tagging: drivingwiththebrakeson, cindy, kelly, patios, girlymom, heatherann, and heather

Okay maybe I shouldn't look?!?!?!

Last night, like whenever my children get sick, I had flashbacks of all nighters with newborns. It's amazing how you can in part get used to no sleep when you have infants (in my experience with Matt this lasted for almost three years!) Then when they're older one or a few bad nights sleep seem like eternity. In any event, John's persistent cough had him and me up most of the night. I kept him home from school and took him to the doctors. Thankfully he doesn't have pneumonia, but she is treating him for an upper respiratory infection. I must say, it's kind of nice having him home. I sometimes have to remind myself that he's seven, because hanging out with him is like hanging out with an old friend. As much as he may seem like an old soul, today's experience brought out my motherly instinct and protective nature.

After the doctors John, Thomas, and I went to pick up John's prescription and some groceries. While in line at the pharmacy, I looked to my side to check on John and Thomas when a middle-aged woman with her son yelled, "Don't look at me, I don't even know you. What are you looking at?" Though she was very hostile in nature, thankfully she kept going. My initial reaction was to say something back. However, I didn't because I had two children with me. I was happy I let it go, though I almost didn't. Perhaps she thought I was looking strangely at her, because I glanced over at the boys, at the same time she was going by them. I don't know. She did act strangely and inappropriate, but maybe she was mentally ill or something.

So often I am tempted to blurt things out when people act out in public, or when I think they are just way out of line. I then try to step back a bit and think before I respond. What happens if they get confrontational? Do I want my children to see this? These are all things I think of before I react. In no way, do I condone peoples' inappropriate actions, I just would not want to provoke further inaptness. In this case, maybe I just should not have
looked!!! lol

Best Buds

This morning is a LAZY morning. It's almost noon and we're all in our pajamas, still. Of course my little men were up by 6:00 am as usual. Though I was awake, I was not up. I lied in bed listening to their silly voices and thumping around. They were having a blast downstairs. I am not certain, but I think there were some serious pretend games of Star Wars going on, as I could here the light sabres! I decided to forgo Church this morning as we are fighting colds.

Here we are hours later, and they're still playing. They have the playroom filled with all their play mobile figures and they're imaginations are running wild. I love being in the background listening to them play. Though they've had their spats this morning over sharing, whose going to be what guy, etc, they've worked things out by themselves.

I love days like this. I love when they play. They love to play together too. They're best buds, and I love that.

Tear Jerker

Well I stayed true to my previous post and did, indeed stay parked on my couch this entire night. I have been watching a Walk to Remember. Yes. I need a box of tissues!!! Hell, a girl needs a good tear jerker every once in a while. You could say it's a bit of therapy. Good night!

Church fair, plenty of junk, & Matt's invention

Today was an amazingly fun-packed day at the church fair. Woo hoo!! My guys were up and dressed by the crack this morning. They were jumping out of their socks with anticipation and excitement for the fair. Can you imagine? It's big happenings for them. They begged me to get ready quickly so that we would get there early. John even asked me to skip doing my hair. I assured him that it wouldn't be long for me to do my hair, barring no flat iron casualties! By 9:30 we were out the door, with baskets of treats galore to sell at the fair of the year!,

Yes we were out early, along with lots of other people too. My do these sort of things attract all kinds of people. It was very interesting to say the least. I helped my mom with her table, while the boys bought more junk from the white elephant table than you could imagine. All my organizing and purging at our house, over the last couple of weeks has been thwarted by this "new" junk. That's okay because in the next couple of weeks the junk will disappear with no explanation. Just like it does every year. It's fun while it lasts then it's time runs out. Mysteriously it all finds it's way to the trash. I won't tell, if you don't tell! All that matters is today and for the next few days, it's the best junk these guys could dream of. They're simply delighted by their new finds but the newness (or should I say oldness) will wear off rather quickly.

Following this almost all day event, John took John to his basketball game while Matt and I stayed home. Matt said he didn't feel well so we planned on taking a little nap (or I planned on it!) Matt had other plans. He is not and has never been, a napper. He sorted through his new stuff, examining it and lining it up, all the while coughing and sneezing. The poor guy is fighting his second round of the cold, cough thing. This afternoon he asked me for a band-aid. I said sure but asked him why he needed it. He explained it was for his nose. He wanted to wrap it around the end of this nose so it would stop dripping. Rather innovative.... what do you think? Imagine everyone with a cold, dawning band-aids over their nostrils!!!

Well the fun-filled day came to a close. All three men were in bed by 7:00. Hopefully the boys are so wiped that they will sleep all night. I will cross my fingers and pray. John is resting until he goes to work at midnight. I am lying on my couch and I couldn't be happier for that!

and the winner is.....

Kim. Enjoy. Thanks for checking out my blog. I will email you the code.

Reminder for Random Drawing!!!

Just a reminder some of you have emailed me or commented on my blog, you can notifiy me either way if you wanted to be included. There is one more hour until I draw a name. The drawing is for a 30% off, GAP Friends and Family online coupon code, to be used at the for this weekend. Let me know if you want to be entered!

Friday's Favorites

Tis the season for my peanut butter balls. I have made several batches over the last couple of days for our church fair which is tomorrow. Peanut butter balls are surely a favorite in this house. That is why on just finished my third batch a few minutes ago (that makes 15 dozen!). Though I told those who reside in this house and also those who visit daily (Mary that's you!) they were off limits, nobody has listened. Consequently I keep pumping them out. They are just like they sound a peanut butter mixture, dipped in melted, milk chocolate to form a ball. I am told they are delicious. (I think so too, but I don't like to blow my own horn!!! lol) I wanted to include a picture but they are all packaged with ribbons and resting in the freezer until the morning. They need to be good and frozen so they won't melt at the fair. However they probably won't get the chance to melt because they'll sell so quickly! he he he...

With Christmas coming, this house will turn into a make-shift confectionery. Some other sweet favorites for this household include home-made fudge and chocolate chip cookies. I made those as well for the fair. Of course, some of the goods will remain here as they are some special favorites for my three men!

Prospective GAP shoppers, check this out....

I have an extra GAP Friends and Family's 30% off coupon for this weekend. Unfortunately I can't get it to you in time to physically use in the store, as its for this weekend. However, if you email me, I'll do a random drawing for the code, which can be used on line from now through Sunday. If you're interested shoot me a quick email. I'll do the drawing at 11:00 pm tonight and post the winner then as well. I'll email whoever wins with the code. Good luck!!!

TFT - Need your help

I recently posted about our annual trek to get our Christmas tree. It's always a fun time. As I said before for the last eight years (except for last year) we have gone to Vermont to get our tree. We have also done it solo, meaning without the boys. Of course this tradition started before kids. Then afterwards, it was just a fun thing to do with the two of us. Our trip to get the Christmas Tree are the only times we have gone away without the boys in 7 and a half years. It's not that I haven't wanted to bring them, it's just that the time fulfilled two things: 1. to get our family a freshly cut Christmas Tree and 2. to have a day or two of "alone" time for me and John.

My thoughts today are whether or not we should take the boys out of school and make it a family road-trip to Vermont. In the past they were little and it just made sense to leave them, as it's a four hour ride, and we do a lot of walking at the tree farm in order to pick out our tree. Then when we come home, the family tradition begins. The boys help with the decorating, we listen to Christmas music, and we have a lot of fun. For them the tradition has been to stay with Mary, and they always have a blast.

The other day as I was trying to pick a date to go John suggested that we just bring them with us this year. I almost cried. My reasons for this are were and are two fold. Of course I love doing things together as a family and 99% of the time, that is how we operate. Whether it's going for a bike ride or going any where, we generally always go together. I love spending time together as a family. In fact, when John is off (which is very rarely weekends, we always try to spend the time all together). That being said, I also cherish the very little time I get, just with my husband. Due to the nature of his job, and working nights we don't go out as a couple very often. Therefore, once in a while I love to spend time with just him. Right now I am overwhelmed with by feelings of guilt.

Now taking all of my thoughts into consideration. What should I do. This issue is weighing very heavily on my heart, and I am torn. I am weighing in the direction of bringing the boys, though I would love a night or two without two little (or not so little) munchkins, hopping into bed with us. Your suggestions are kindly welcome. Thank you in advance.

Candy, throat lozengers, and prenatal vitamins

I should preface this post by saying I have an affection to anything sweet (unfortunately Matt inherited this addictive trait!!!). Though I have been blessed with relatively good teeth, the thought of expensive dentist bills has recently scared me into better habits. I now only chew sugarless gum on occasion and I no longer chew or eat hard candy or real sticky, sugary things. Those that know me well (primarily my husband and sisters) know that I will raid cabinets, glove boxes, drawers, pockets, etc. for a sweet fix when the urge arises. I guess I could be worse. I could be rummaging to find cigarettes or alcohol. Never the less, I love all things sweet! Keeping this in mind, one time while pregnant with John, my sister picked me up to go shopping. When I got in the car, I reached into my pocket and popped what I thought was a piece of hard candy in my mouth and proceeded to chew it. To my disgust, it wasn't candy at all. It wasn't even a cough drop. It was a prenatal vitamin and I had just completely chewed it. It's no wonder it didn't put me into labor. Have you ever chewed one of those horse pills? Take it from me; they're nasty.

Flat iron woes.....

After my previous flat iron calamities, I believe I was going to do away with the darn thing. I should have!!! Today before John's report card conference, the flat iron fell out of my hair and hit my neck on the way down. It burned my neck which now looks like a huge hickey. Oh that was a great way to look for a teacher conference. It will only get worse when my hubby sees my neck. Oh of course, he won't think it's a hickey. He'll know it's a burn. Then he'll probably toss it the trash on me!!! Do you think a little make-up will cover it???

It's hard not to be

in the Christmas spirit when I look at these pictures!!! They were all taken last Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I love them! I am so excited for the Christams Season. For me it's about the fun times, I have with my family. The kids' excitement is magical to me!!!

My little Chrismas Dork!

The mother of the year award goes to .....

my husband!!! Yes that's right. This morning, I slept until 8:00. Then I quickly got up and showered, as Matt had to be to preschool by 9:00. John got home from work while I was drying my hair. We had plans to take little John to breakfast, though Matt was not aware of this. If he knew, he would have clearly objected to going to school.

While I was getting ready, I asked John to make a quick peanut butter and jelly sandwich for Matt's lunch. When I went in the kitchen to assemble Matt's lunch, to my surprise was two Christmas tree cut-out pbj sandwiches! Matt said, Mom look at the Christmas tree sandwiches that Daddy made me." He then said, "Daddy you rock!" It really melted my heart. I love how John makes every little bit of time he has with these guys so special. It makes me so happy and proud. It also makes me realize that though, Christmas tree cut-out pbj's are not always practical and time prohibited, I sometimes rush to much. These guys are only going to be little once and for such a short time. I really need to soak this up and take more time out for the fun stuff. I want to "rock" too!

Sports Bras, Breast Enhancers, and Exercise Class

Though I probably shouldn't be telling this story, I will. If I can make you laugh today, then I'll feel good!!! Here goes....

On Thursday evening, I rushed around to get dinner ready, feed the boys, bathe them, and get them into bed. I was trying to complete all of these tasks smoothly so I could get to my exercise class. I would call it a successful night, as I had them all tucked into bed and was heading out the door on time. I was in my workout clothes, however it dawned on me that I didn't change into a sports bra. Generally I do this and am more comfortable. Well by the time I remembered, it was too late. Instead, I went to my class, regular bra and all!!! (yes and all, I'll explain)

I have to say that this class is a rather butt kicking type of class. It's a combination of dumbbell exercises as well as cardio. We don't stop for the entire hour. Now your probably asking yourself, why I mentioned forgetting to wear a sports bra? I will tell you but please don't tell anyone! lol Before I do that I must divulge a little secret. On some occasions, I have been known to stuff my bra. No not with toilet paper or tissues like a sixth grader! I mean those little Victoria Secret jelly things like these. Though I originally got them to wear in my sister's wedding with a strapless bra, I occasionally still wear them with some tops. They enhance my under endowed chest! Anyway, not only did I forget to wear my sports bra the other night, I forgot I had my little jellies in too! Oh man! I was on all fours doing leg lifts when out popped my jelly right on the floor. As If I wasn't already sweating enough (my perspiration issues could be a whole post!), now I was really sweating. What did I do, you might ask? I picked up my Victoria Secret jelly and put it right back and finished my leg lifts.

Note to myself, always wear a sports bra when working out and NEVER wear my jellies to exercise class.

Cleaning Tip!!!

Well one of my little cherubs got bubble gum all over one of my leather couches. When I noticed it, both were already aware of it, though neither of them owned up to it. Anyway, thankfully the couch is made of leather and the gum came of with a little work. I used an ice cube to aide in the removal, and it worked quite well.

We seem to have frequent gum mishaps in this house. A few months ago, Matthew glued his eyelids shut with gum. In this case, ice did not work. Peanut butter was the saving grace, instead. Yes. I smeared a whole bunch of peanut butter all over his eye and the gum loosened up from his lids and lashes.

Though I don't wish bubble gum disasters on anyone, if it happens to you or a loved one keep in mind these tips!!!

Haiku Friday

I decided to try this Haiku Friday. Got this from a fellow blogger, binkybitch, thought I would give it a try. If you go to her blog, she'll tell you how and you can leave your link.

Wish both boys would sleep

through the entire night for once

Yes, they're old enough!

I'll try it once more.

Hope this weekend's good

I need a bit of a rest

Whatever that is!

Come on, give it a try.

Friday's Favorites

Thank god it's Friday!!! On that note, I'll take a few minutes to highlight another "favorite". By doing this, I am reminded that there are so many good things in life. Here goes.....

Without music, I would be lost. It makes me feel good. Ever since I was young, I could remember song lyrics, and artists. I can still here a song on the radio and even if it's an "oldie", I can probably tell you something about what I was doing when I might have heard it. Hearing certain songs, can make me recollect vivid thoughts of car rides with my family. My father always liked his music too. He always had record albums playing and I thought it was wonderful when he would let me pick an album to listen to.

So many of the those one-hit wonders of the 1980's also stirs up memories. For me, that's when I grew up. Hearing songs from that era makes me think of what I was doing with my friends as a preteen and teenager. When I went to college, my taste in music spread out so much more. Like in many ways, can just expose you to more. It did this for me with respect to music as well.

Fast forward to 2007. I think my taste in music still broadens, daily. I enjoy country, pop, classical, and much more. I think that's another thing that I like about blogging. I love to see what if any type of music people are listening to and playing on their blog-sites. I sometimes even open up some one's site in the background so I can listen while I am on my computer. Right now, I am I have the Nicole Barczak Photography website in the background playing, because I find this music so soothing and peaceful. Additionally, I love my ipod. I love listening to it while I run. I have many different play lists which my mood usually dictates which one I will choose.

One of my favorite things to do is listen to music in my car, alone. When I am by myself. I listen to whatever I feel like, and I turn it up loud. I love this!!!

If you are interested in some of my current favorite songs, check out my play list midway down on this screen. I update it periodically. Hope you enjoy. Let me know what you're listening to as well. I would love to hear.

Thoughts for Thursdays

I am not quite sure what to say here, but I will try. I know it's Thursday so I should write about my thoughts but today is a really tough one. My friend has become very ill. Since hearing her news, a myriad of thoughts have come to mind.

Life is so precious and having your health is paramount. Without your health, nothing matters. However, it's so easy to get caught up in material things. Who doesn't get excited when they get something new? There's always something that I am hoping for albeit, a new camera or or something new for my house. Sometimes it's hearing sad stories that makes you refocus on and reexamine what's important to you.

People are key in our day to day life. Yet how often do we take our families and friends for granted? We think we are always going to see them. Very rarely to we think that on any given day, life can change it's course very quickly and without warning. Though our families and friends are critical in our day to day lives, there are others that play very simple but also key roles in our lives as well. There are so many people that impact us just on many different levels. We don't always have to see or talk to them daily but in some way they help to shape our lives. It is important to always know this and treat people special. They are what matters.

Hope and faith and faith are my strength. I have to believe in hope. I have to think that my prayers really matter. I have to believe a plan exists and it's for the best even if I don't know what it is.

My friend has a very long and difficult battle ahead. I have hope that this fight will be victorious. I will continue to pray.

Heart Breaker....

This afternoon, I overheard a conversation John, Matt, and Charlie were having after John get home from school. John asked them who their girl friends were. They both chuckled and at the same time said Lily and Meghan. Yes. The two cousins like the same two girls. To make it funnier (or perhaps you might think scarier) is that one of the girls is actually their third cousin (I think I have that right, she's my cousin's daughter). Matt then said that he can't wait until he gets older so he can break up with both of them. I don't know where he gets this stuff, because it's definitely not from us. Needless to say, I will have a lot of work to do with him. There are definitely enough creepy guys out there and I don't want my boys to be one!!!

Doctor's Office

Got this in an email today and thought it was funny. I see a physicians assistant, however the medical assistant or secretary always screens the calls, and sometimes i just don't feel like saying why I want an appointment. Here goes......

North Pole

Just thought this web site was worth sharing. Check it out. http://www.northpole.com/ There are tons of fun things to do with your children. Perhaps any teachers reading, may enjoy it with your students as well. Hope everyone finds it fun!

Just a little white lie......

My husband frequently reminds me that our marriage was in part based on a lie. Yes. He says it's true but please continue reading so I can explain. Here's the story.

The very first night we met, John said he enjoyed skiing. I then said I LOVED skiing. Okay that was a little lie. Then I proceeded to say I skied all the time. BIG lie!!!! I just wanted him to like me. Oh that was bad! Well I can honestly say, deceitful is not a word I would use to describe myself. However perhaps this night, I was a tad dishonest. The truth of the matter is I would LOVE to love skiing and if I did LOVE it, I'ld be happy to go ALL the time. The second truth is I am afraid to ski because I am so bad at it.

Well when John was still under the presumption that I LOVED it and went all the time, we made plans to go on a trip to Zermatt Switzerland. We stated at the Hotel Alex. We had been dating for a little under year. It did not take long for John to learn the truth about me. Skiing in the Alps very different than skiing in the states. I was miserable after my first day skiing. On the second day, John signed me up for ski school. I was the only one who spoke English. That was awful too. Needless to say, I tried skiing a couple more days, and then hung up my skis. I shopped and walked around the small town rather than ski. Though I wasn't thrilled with the skiing aspect of Zermatt, I did love it there. It was truly a magical place.

Well I am sad about the fact that I was a bit dishonest to John in the beginning. Do you think he could divorce me based on this premise?!?! lol Well in honor of our 10th wedding anniversary this year, I am going to try to make good on my word. Since the boys are getting older, (in fact John already knows how to ski) I plan to dawn the skis again this winter. I know that my husband would love nothing more than a ski partner. Yes. I think he would love a ski partner so much that it's probably a good thing for that little lie. I wouldn't make it a habit, but maybe that one time a little white lie brought us together. What do you think? ;)

Lisa, remember this?

For as long as I lived at home, my mom always waited up for me. Whether I was babysitting late, working, or out with my friends, my mother was up or maybe lying on the couch with one eye open. She was pretty strict. For the most part, I couldn't get much past her, though I wasn't a complete angel either.

Well this night wasn't my fault. There was a party. I had had my license, therefore drove a couple of friends and my sister. I didn't even have so much as one beer. I cannot say the same for Lisa. I'll just say she had a great night!!!

I'll fast forward to the end of the evening. I drove everyone home. Lisa and I went in the house. My mom was wide awake. I had already told Lisa to go upstairs to bed as I didn't want her to give herself up! Of course, she did the opposite. She went in to chat with my mother. I sat with them for a couple of minutes. Embarrassed for Lisa I excused myself and went to bed. I tried to save Lisa's butt but she wouldn't let me. Ironically it didn't matter. After I went to bed. My mother remarked to Lisa that I was acting very odd. She then asked Lisa if I had been drinking. If I had been drinking!?!?!

In short. I was the responsible one that night. I didn't want my sister to get in trouble. She went home sat with my mother and rambled on, being silly and border line obnoxious and guess what? I got accused of drinking??? Go figure.

Friday's Favorites

Thank god it's Friday! I thought I would change up my Friday's Favorites this week. Rather than list a whole bunch of random favorites, I think I'll highlight one thing. Here goes.....

Seeing that the Christmas season is upon us, one of my favorite things to do is picking a Christmas tree. Since 1999, we have stayed true to our family tradition of selecting and cutting down our own Christmas tree. I just love the smell of a freshly cut tree. Some times it takes us a few hours walking around the farm, to find the right one for us. Usually I have to talk John into getting something that will actually fit into our house. I don't know why it is about "big" trees but is always attracted to them!

Most years we go here, in Vermont. It's about a four hour drive but well worth it. Generally, John and I make the trek and stay over for a night or two. The first time we ever went, we stayed for three nights here and it was truly spectacular. There was no snow when we arrived and by the next morning it was like a winter wonderland. We have stayed at a few other places too like here and here. All of them have are unique and I always enjoy our stay.

Last year we were unable to get away overnight. We took the boys on a day trip to a Christmas tree farm about an hour away. The name of it escapes me. It wasn't the same because there wasn't any snow and it was about 60 degrees out but, being with the boys, it was fun just the same.

This year we plan to go overnight again, if everything works out. I can't wait. For me, there's something magical about having my Christmas tree up and decorated. I just love it.

I'll leave you with a picture from a previous Christmas Tree journey! If you want to be included in Friday's Favorites. Shoot me an email and I'll link you up. Enjoy your weekend!

John at Paine's Christmas Tree Farm

Thoughts for Thursdays - Sibling Relationships

How often do you hear parents talk about how their children fight ALL the time? I here this quite often. Although my guys do fight, it's not all the time. On the contrary, they get along very well. They both share a bedroom and sleep in bunk beds. That's all by choice. Perhaps it's in part due to their chemistry but, I also think how they are raised plays a role in their special relationship as well.

Positive sibling bonds can be formed from the very beginning. As parents, we can help shape these bonds. I hear so many people tell their older children right from the start, when they are expecting a new baby. Nine months is a long time to wait as a parent, there is so much emotion and anticipation. For children, who really aren't old enough to grasp the concept of time, nine months can seem like eternity. Therefore, I think resentment can build up in this period of waiting for children. Of course, older sibling can and should be included in this happy time, but I think their little minds are not able to withstand this waiting. I think holding off a little while to tell children about the new baby coming can yield more positive results. Similarly would you start hyping a young child for Christmas starting in April? That would be way too long. It is definitely helpful to talk about the new baby before his or her arrival but perhaps it is more positive to do it more closer to the baby's due date.

From my experience, some of these parents are the first to say their older child/children are so jealous when the baby arrives. First and foremost, it is very common and natural for an older sibling to show some jealousy, however by talking about jealousy in front of them, they are only making it worse. Sometimes assuming it's going to happen, makes it happen. I think including the older child as much as possible in caring for the infant fosters that special sibling bond. I think if you do this at their pace, in due time the older child will feel like the baby has always been a part of their family. "Family" this word brings me to my next point.

Though I feel its important to spend some individual time with children, with the addition of each child a "family" is growing. To foster healthy sibling relationships, it's important to emphasize the family unit. Too many times, parents just accept that their children "just don't get along." They therefore do everything they can do keep them apart. So often I see family's that always split up. The mother takes one or a couple of the children and the father does the same. Though this might be effective in splitting up house hold chores or errands, I think that as a family it's important to do things all together. The worst spoiler of children's relationships is to always separate them just because you anticipate a fight. Children must learn to get along with each other. They will have their fights. That's normal but, they need to interact enough with each other to learn how to work things out. These are learned skills but can be facilitated by parents.

In sum, children need some guidance from parents when it comes to their relationships. Growing up with sisters, we had our spats. Most often they were verbal and embarrassingly enough sometimes they were physical (thankfully not often!) We fought over clothes, boyfriends, the phone, the television, etc All three of us shared one room (yes, crazy!) However, my parents always emphasized working things out and forgiving each other. They tried not to take sides, but they did encourage us to get over things. I am thankful for that. To this day, my two best friends are my sisters, and I hope my boys can say that still when they are adults.

Happy Belated Halloween!

Rent a kid I mean dragon, otherwise known as Thomas!

Rent a cop and rent a kid!!!

Ghost Rider aka John

Jack Sparrow aka Matt

Hope you all had a fun Halloween. As you can see, we did!