New Pic

My latest painting. I actually finished it a while ago but haven't gotten around to posting it. BTW all my paintings are my own copy of a photo or painting done by someone else. I just do it for kicks.

Oh, Christmas Tree!

For some reason my kids think our Christmas tree is party of their play zone. I know some people have pretty Christmas tree's that look perfect. I actually tried that this year. I have color coordinated (non-breakable) balls, gold icicles, pretty bows and ribbon that runs all through the tree. But for some reason my kids didn't think it was festive enough that way and keep contributing their own decorations. As I write this I can see a pink Tinkerbell slipper tucked carefully in the lower branches. Other items of interest I have found in our tree are: a shark, a pink clothes hanger, a tiger, our dog Harley (thank you Shaylee), dirty socks (I think that was an effort not to put them away upstairs) and a live turtle under the tree skirt.

PS I will also confess... I was feeling rebellious and set up my Christmas tree a week early. When feeling very rebellious I drink Dr. Pepper, throw my clothes on the floor and don't brush my teeth before I go to bed. Luckily that doesn't happen too often...

Help from Michael

So, we were having a problem with Shaylee being a bit of a hypochondriac. It started out with a bad flu and somehow turned into an stomach ulcer. After about two months on antacids I had a feeling that she was freaking herself out and making her stomach hurt and that she was using the antacids as a "crutch." So, to figure it out if I was right, I gave her allergy medicine instead of Zantac for a week and she didn't seem to be any worse. However, when I told her she needed to stop taking the Zantac she freaked out. So, I had an idea. I told her that she couldn't keep taking medicine every day if she didn't need it. I told her that bad things happen to people who take too much medicine and I had an example to show her. I pulled up two pictures of Michael Jackson, one at age 17 and one current one and told her that is what happened to people who took too much medicine. I haven't had a problem with her since.

Little Sisters

Jacob has had older siblings but having a little sister is new for him.

Jacob: Mom, why does Avery follow me around everywhere?
Me: That is just what little sisters do.
Jacob: But she is ALWAYS talking!
Me: That is just because she thinks you're the coolest.
Jacob (with a little smile): Oh, OK.

I think that he thought is was OK because he liked being the coolest to somebody. Welcome to the world of being a big brother.

bloggitude

I have decided that I want to update my blog more often in an effort to make this a little more like a journal. So, my random thought for today is this; I know the time when my kids start questioning Santa is soon at hand and I have decided on my Christmas policy from now on.

Those who do not believe in Santa will only get socks and underwear for Christmas.

Cough

I'm trying to decide what is worse; to get a bad cold and be down for a couple days or to have a more mild cold and have it last FOREVER. I have been coughing so long my stomach muscles are no longer sore and I have a six pack (it is just insulated). Night before last I coughed untill midnight and then again from five to six then got up at seven to get the kids ready for school. Yuck! At least this last cold has been over Thanksgiving and Paxton has been around to help. I can't remember the last time I got sick and Paxton could stay home. I guess I should be grateful it wasn't the flu durring the yummiest day of the year. But I can't work off all the pie I ate because I cough so hard exercising and I really don't want to see what would happen if I actually do cough up a lung. Guess I should put off working out until Christmas is over...

Grateful

Looking at little Jacob's traumatic life made me grateful for lots of things I often take for granted. This little guy never lived with both his parents (who were also never married). Before his foster home, he didn't have anyone who taught him how to dress himself or use utensils. He didn't have anyone who brushed his teeth or gave him basic medical attention. He was always placed second behind drugs and lived in a house where he was constantly in danger. I know I have lived a charmed life and I have so many people who sacrificed to make it that way. So the top ten things I am grateful for this weekend are:

1. Forever Families
2. True Eternal Love
3. Forgiveness
4. Parents who loved me unconditionaly
5. Siblings and inparticular sisters
6. My health
7. My home
8. Good books
9. Good food
10. Forever friends

Happy Thanksgiving!

PS I finished reading Hunger Games (Books 1&2) for the second time. Move over Twilight here comes the next big thing!