Little Boy Doe

It hasn't been very long now that I've been writing my little blog here, and I guess you could say I've developed my own "style" as it were. I try (being the operative word) to inject some humor into life's daily battles, frustrations and celebrations. I may exaggerate here and there ( just a tad) to get my point across or to get you to chuckle just a weencie bit (because you know I am a drama queen). Although all of the "mommy blogs" we write collectively are as original and different as we are from one another, the one constant, I think anyway, is our love for our children. In all the blogs I read, (and I read lots) that is the one true theme that runs through all of them. A common thread that binds us all.


I know this is Friday, and because of that I questioned myself as to whether or not I should write this today. It's the end of the work week, the beginning of the weekend, it's the holiday season and all that good stuff, and I don't want to be a big downer for you all. Then I thought about it some more and came to the realization that there is no "good" time to talk about something like this. Instead of writing about my daily trials and tribulations and silly stuff, I would like to use this opportunity to bring your attention to something that I think is unbelievably tragic, and deserving of a voice.


Yesterday the front page of our local newspaper, the Chicago Tribune, featured a story about a little boy. A little boy who was found dead two years ago, his tiny body stuffed into a laundry bag and thrown away near the side of a railroad track in Naperville, Illinois. A man who just happened to be out walking his dog discovered him. If this isn't horrific enough, what is even more disturbing is the fact that it's now two years later and absolutely no one has claimed him. They estimate his age to be somewhere between three and four years old. They think from his remains he may have been Hispanic or American Indian. The authorities have waited for two years to see if anyone would file a missing child report, a mother or father, a grandmother, an aunt or uncle, a neighbor, anyone at all,...but not one person has. They've not been able to determine what he died of, if it was murder or natural causes, and with no other information to help him, he was finally laid to rest, thanks to the donation of a burial plot by the Catholic Diocese of Joliet. They purchased him a headstone as well, but weren't able to inscribe anything on it since they do not know his name or date of birth. According to the newspaper, scientists have been able (through absolutely amazing technology) to test the teeth and bones for molecular evidence from water that he had drunk when he was alive. The article goes on to explain that the water where you live is distinctive and can help pin point where someone has spent a good amount of time by the deposits in their body's cells. They have determined that he lived in northern Illinois most of his short life, and may have been conceived by a mother who lived in the U. P. of Michigan or Canada before his birth. If that isn't amazing, I don't know what is! (like something out of C.S.I.)


As a mom, as a human being, I cannot for the life of me imagine that his mom, dad, grandparents, aunts or uncles, no one at all is looking for him? Missing him? This was a beautiful little toddler for heavens sake! Whether this was accidental or if indeed someone did take his life, I just find the whole situation so terribly sad and disgraceful. To think that no one cares, no one even noticed that this small child was tossed out like a bag of garbage,...makes me sick.


Every day it seems we hear a new story about a child that has gone missing or has been found dead. How many children have to disappear, or come to some horrible fate before we collectively stand up and say ENOUGH? Somehow, we have to come up with ways to keep our children safer, to protect them from abusive family members, from child predators, repeat offenders, it just has to stop. I don't have any answers right now, I wish I did. Do our laws need to be changed? Do families need to be more vigilant? As parents we all need to become more involved. Not only for our own children's sake, but for all children.



I've attached a link to a web site that is a useful tool for anyone who has children and wants more information about child predators who may be living in your neighborhood. Simply click on the title of this post, "Little Boy Doe", and it will take you to a national registry. By law, child predators are required to register with the county in which they reside. Of course, in a perfect world there would be full compliance, but in the real world, not all convicted felons register themselves. The list may be incomplete, but at least it is something. I personally was shocked to find that a convicted child molester lives about two blocks from my house. Unbelievably, he lives across the street from a public park and less than a block from a junior high, and a pre-school. When I questioned our local police department on why he was able to live so close to where children gather, I was told that the law regarding how many feet they have to be away from a school or park went into effect long after he was convicted, so he was grand-fathered out of it. If he were convicted today, he would not be able to live where he lives. A prime example of a loop-hole in the law, and that is why bad stuff happens!


Please say a prayer for little boy Doe, that they may find out who he is and where he came from. His short time here on earth should not have been in vain. Give all your kids an extra hug and kiss because they are so precious to you, I know I'm going to hug mine.

Calling All Volunteers!

If your kids are a little bit older then you'll know what I'm talking about, if they're still pre-school age, be assured, your time is coming! It's the inevitable school call to volunteer! Over the years I've volunteered to do just about everything at my sons' schools, I've been the recess mom, the art mom, the party mom, the lunch mom, the room mom, the library mom, snow mom (yes, there is such a thing), and then there are the team sports and the multitude of volunteer opportunities to help. It's not enough that you pay a fairly substantial amount of money for registration to the league and for uniforms, etc. No, there are more fees like referees payment, coaches payment, heating and lighting the gymnasium, etc., and the only way for schools to off-set these costs is through fund raising. I get it,... really I do, so I don't know why I always have this feeling of resentment. I guess because I feel like it's something that I HAVE to do, not because I'd LIKE to, out of the goodness of my heart, of course!



So, last night was my first gig of the basketball season in the 'ol kitchen at school running the concession stand. (had the choice of working in the kitchen or taking money at the door, thought working in the kitchen sounded a little more fun) It is rather interesting talking with the other moms and catching up on all the parking lot gossip, for sure. Trying to prepare food suitable for human consumption in a kitchen that is nearly fifty years old and literally falling apart, not so much fun. Seeing and smelling 100 or so hot dogs boiling in huge pots of water, icky to say the least! It doesn't stop the hoards from coming, though. I've come to the conclusion that tired parents who didn't have time to make dinner between rushing home from work and trying to make it to the game on time will eat just about anything! Kids who normally are picky eaters at home can pack away an amazing amount of food through the course of a one hour basketball game, it's incredible! One little girl came up to the window a dozen times, each time ordering bags of popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, hot pretzels, candy bars,...we started placing bets on whether or not she'd make it home before she threw up, or if it would happen right there in the gym! It's also a challenge (at least it was for me) to take the order, prepare the food, take their money and give back the correct change, yikes! Felt like I was working at a fast food restaurant, except us moms weren't so fast!


Between trying to decipher what people were actually ordering, "I'll take two hot dogs, three hot pretzels and a pop,..no wait,..make that three hot dogs, two pretzels and two pops. Oh, wait, I forgot about my other son, better make that two hot dogs and a slice of pizza, three pretzels.....". HUH? Then of course, you have to try and memorize the prices of about three dozen different items, and add them all up in your head. There is no cash register, just a simple box with money in it, and four mom volunteers all trying to put money into it and take change out of it at the same time. Confusion reigned! My one hour of volunteer time went by pretty quickly, actually, and it really wasn't all that awful. Now I have only three more games to work, phew! (*Note to self: bring a calculator with next time!) Nothing more embarrassing than having a brain fart while you're trying to figure out how to make change for a twenty dollar bill! My math skills are atrocious, I can't deny that, must have that "math phobia" thing. (well, at least that's what I tell people!)



My son's team lost their first game of the season, 25 to 39, ouch. I think all the boys could have played a little bit better, don't think they gave it their "all". There was a large group of girls watching the game, my mother's intuition tells me more than likely that had something to do with it! My son was driving me crazy because instead of paying attention to the game, he kept running his fingers through his hair, (not sure if this was an attempt to straighten it out, or to try and look studly). He has another game on Friday night, hopefully things will go better. My older son has a game that night also, at the same time, so hubby and I will have to do split duty. Ditto for Saturday! Sometimes it's overwhelming and I think how will we get through another season, but I try and keep in mind that this won't be forever. We should just consider ourselves fortunate to have two healthy kids who are able to play. Focus on the positive, right? Besides, what else do we have to do, anyway? (take a nap, go the movies, go to a restaurant, go shopping.....) Someday!

Birds of a Feather

I was reading several blogs the other day, and one of them mentioned a trip to the zoo. I started thinking about the last time my family had been to the zoo, it's been awhile,...gee, has it been two years? Three? I honestly couldn't remember. I asked my kids if they remembered when we were there last and they couldn't remember, either. My oldest Andrew gave his customary "I don't know" answer, under his breath and barely audible. Brian, however, was really thinking about it, he's like an elephant, never forgets anything. He's the child that you never promise ANYTHING to that you don't fully intend to honor, because he WILL remember and hold it over your head for eternity! So, he's thinkin' away and I can see the little wheels in his head spinning at turbo speed. All of a sudden he yells, "I know! Remember when we went a few years ago with Aunt Deb and Uncle Dave when they were here for a visit? That's the last time we were at the zoo!". Aahh,...it's coming back to me now, s-l-o-w-l-y,....my sister and brother in law were up for a visit and wanted to see Brookfield Zoo, the zoo had made all kinds of changes and improvements and they wanted to see the new Asia exhibit, I believe. Now my wheels are spinning, and suddenly I remember, too!

The 'ol Asia exhibit, with it's free roaming animals and birds. The birds. Flying freely over our heads. Oh, gawd! They weren't vultures or anything evil, they were pretty, very colorful birds that were singing,...and flying over my head. (heart beating faster, starting to break out in a cold sweat) I like birds, I think they are beautiful creatures and amazing in so many ways. From the way they build their nests, to the migration they go through, and the way they care for their young, truly amazing. I just like them at a DISTANCE. I like to look out my kitchen window and see a scarlet red cardinal in the winter, or see a big fat Robin in the springtime, as long as they are outside and I am in, there is no problem!

On this particularly hot, humid summer day (are there any other kind in Chicago?) there was a line a mile long just to get into the Asia exhibit. After waiting for quite some time, it was finally our turn. We entered the building and immediately were greeted by the unique odor that only an animal exhibit can have, part rain forest and flowers, part poop, let's be honest! There was a fine mist of "rain" coming down on us (part of the "realness" of the rain forest, I suppose) and in the distance we could see large rock formations with monkeys climbing on them. (you know the ones that are light and dark gray with the bright red butts? Those would be the ones) We can hear the large gorillas that are also roaming around making loud grunting noises, but we couldn't see them yet. The anticipation builds. As we followed the path with hundreds of people in front of us, and hundreds of people behind us, it happened! A bird of some sort swooped down and flew very low and close to our heads. I screamed. Not a tiny "Oh, my!", no. More like a blood curdling, someone is killing me, type of scream. Time stops. The people in front of us stop and look our way. The people behind us stop and look our way. The flippin' monkeys and gorillas stop and look our way! I probably startled the poor bird half to death, and now I am soooo embarrassed! My sister is laughing hysterically, well,...lots of people were laughing at me, but especially my sister. She knows why I'm having this reaction and finds it oh so amusing!

Rewind about thirty years, give or take, and she and I are home alone, my parents had gone out somewhere and she was baby-sitting for me. (my sister and I are 12 yrs. apart) Deb had a pet parakeet named Donovan, he was very pretty, yellow with blue tips on his wings, and was tiny like parakeets are, not big and scary. My sister wasn't allowed to let the bird fly around the house indiscriminately, my mom didn't want him leaving his mark all over the place, but,...with my parents away, I guess she thought they wouldn't be any the wiser if she let him out for a little bit. Boy, was she wrong! At first Donovan was fine, fluttering here and there, stopping occasionally to sit on a piece of furniture or a door frame. Then, for whatever reason I don't know, he decided to land on my head. Now, you may say, big deal. It probably wouldn't have been, except for the fact that his teeny little parakeet feet got entangled in my hair. I screamed, he panicked, and chaos ensued! The more the poor little bird flapped around trying to free himself, the more hysterical I became. All I really remember was my sister laughing and begging me to stay still and she would get him out. It seemed to take an eternity, when the little bugger finally let go his death grip and flew away, oh,..but not before he pooped on my head!

Since my close encounter of the "bird" kind, I have been afraid of birds. Correction, I have been afraid of all flying, flitting, fluttery stuff, even butterflies who dare come too close to me. Stupid, I know. I just can't help myself! Hence, my reaction at the zoo and my sister's as well. I had no choice that day but to muttle through to the end of the exhibit, my purse held over my head for protection, like the bird fearing wimp that I am! It may just be two or three more years before I venture back to the Asia house,..uh,.. or maybe never. Think I'll just stick to the elephants, tigers and bears!

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree!

Well, folks,..here she is! This picture really does not do it justice, however. I tried all afternoon to get a picture of the lights, and it was so weird! They'd be blinking away in all their colorful glory when I snapped the picture, but when the picture came out, it just looked like little white flecks. The lights are l.e.d. and it's fiber optic, maybe that's why? I don't know very much about cameras and flashes, etc., I'm probably doing something wrong. (tried it with the windows open, the windows closed, lights on in the house, lights off, I give up!) Oh, well,...at least you can kind of see what it looks like. In this light it actually appears fuller than it is. The branches are really soft, kind of like a webster duster, and as a result the only ornaments we can hang on it are super light weight. It's one strange tree!

The Times They are a Changin'

My husband Ken and I were married on November 25, 1988, and yesterday was our 19th anniversary! It's so hard to believe that 19 years have passed, I feel like I'm in a time warp or something, surely this can't be possible! Surely, we can't be 19 years older than we were when we got married,...and quit calling me Shirley! ( a little Airplane humor, for those of you old enough to remember the movie Airplane) Actually, if I'm being accurate here, it's been 29 years (of being together that is) we dated for 10 years before our wedding. Did I really say 10 years, you ask? Yes, I did! Well, we couldn't exactly get married when I was 14 and he was 17, that would have been illegal! :) Plus we had high school and college, you know, stuff like that to get through first before embarking on "happily ever after"!

Photo circa 1979 Turn-a-bout Dance (check out the Annie Oakley outfit I am wearing, and the huge crucifix necklace and disco suit on Ken, not to mention the hairdos) Too sexy!

Ah, yes,...unfortunately, 19 years have indeed been added to our ages, (along with a few added pounds, wrinkles, and all that comes with middle age) but happily for us they've been spent together raising two great kids, in the company of many good friends and family. Well worth the time invested, I'd say!

The hubby and I don't exchange gifts on our anniversary, I don't know why, guess it just seems kind of unnecessary. We usually celebrate by going out for dinner or doing something special, however, yesterday was Sunday, we were pooped from the long holiday weekend, and the Bears game was on at 3:15 pm, need I say more??? It was actually a really nice day spent together putting up the Christmas decorations around the house and setting up the,...um....tree thing. (I'll tell you about that in a minute) and, shock! My husband made me an "anniversary dinner"! It wasn't anything fancy like champagne and lobster tail,.. he made beef and bean burritos with Spanish rice, and a pan of brownies for dessert, but it was all really delicious! (everything tastes so much better when you don't have to cook it yourself, doesn't it?) We watched the football game and cheered our Bears on to an overtime victory, can't ask for more than that!

So,...anyway, we put up the "tree". We had an artificial tree which my mom had given us as a gift on our first anniversary. It was really big, full, and looked amazingly real, however, after 17 years the holes where the branches go were getting stripped, and they would fall out unprovoked at the most inopportune moments (like when you had just finished putting all the lights and ornaments on-ugh!). It was time to purchase a new tree! We have had real trees in the past also, that we've cut down ourselves, but still always put the artificial one up in another room, so,....we searched for a new tree. Correction, my husband "researched" trees. He spent an entire afternoon one Saturday last fall on the Internet looking at tons of trees from tons of different manufacturers, until he announced he had found the "perfect" tree. Uh-huh. I suggested that we go and look at the tree in person first, as there was a store not too far from our home, but he insisted that he had looked at the specs. of all the other trees and this tree was the ONE. Well, how do you argue with that? We ordered the tree online and a few days later it arrived FedEx, we were so excited! Until we took it out of the box and set it up. Then,...not so much! Yuk,...ugly,....hideous, are a few words that come to mind. It was baaaad! My husband spend $300.00 on THE ugliest tree ever known to mankind. Seriously, it makes Charlie Brown's tree look like the one in Rockefeller Square, okay? Not to mention, it has these flashing,..no,.. strobbing, l.e.d. lights that are all the colors of the rainbow,.. orange, purple, pink, (yes, orange!) that flash with an intensity that I think should have a warning label for people who are susceptible to seizures. (why don't you just return it, you say?) Well, see...the company that my husband purchased the tree from has a "restocking" fee, equivalent to half the price of the tree. So, to get rid of the "Anti-Christ" tree we'd have to pay $150.00. My husband refuses to pay $150.00 and have nothing in return, and there you have it! I suggested after last X-mas that we donate it to a charity or a church (well, maybe not a church), but my stubborn hubby insists that if we use it for at least three years we will have gotten our money out of it, and THEN we can donate it. So,..we are making the best of it, or trying to anyway. Every square inch of the thing is covered with an ornament, it's in the corner behind the couch so that you can only see the top half,...and we only have two more X-mas' to go, including this one! (If by any chance there really is a Grinch, I can only hope he'll take my tree, shove it up the chimney, and NEVER bring it back.) I promise I won't tell little Kenny-loo-who,...promise!

My Meme

I am so excited! I found out today that Kami has tagged me for
a "meme". I've been sitting here trying to think of seven things
about myself that I could tell you, and hopefully not bore you to
tears with. Actually, I'm not really all that fascinating (hard to
believe, but true) and at the risk of frightening you with too
much information, I'll try and keep things pretty basic. Does that
sound okay? Well,...here goes!

One: My real first name is not Lizzy, or Liz, or Elizabeth. My
actual birth name is Helen. I was named after my Aunt Helen,
my mom's sister-in-law whom she was very close to. I guess
it was difficult to call a little baby Helen, it seemed too mature,
so my middle name, Elizabeth, was used instead. Somewhere
down the line people began calling me Lizzy.

Two: I am one of those people whose second toes are longer
than their "big" toes. I had never noticed this until one day when I was about eight years old and my friend pointed it out to me. I ran home horrified and demanded an explanation from my mother. She told me that having a second toe longer than the first is a sign of royalty. (would you believe that I bought it?)
I did! Always makes me think of that Jerry Seinfeld episode when George Costanza is dating the woman with the long second toe, remember? Funny!

Three: I am terribly, terribly afraid of heights! I cannot go on roller coasters, climb ladders, or even look off of or out the window of a tall building without
getting that "dropping" feeling in my stomach and my knees
going weak. I don't like that feeling that I am not secure and
could fall out/off of anything.

Four: I'm an aspiring writer and artist, and would like to one
day write my own children's book and illustrate it myself. I'd
also like to write articles, similar to a blog, about life, family,
kids, etc., for a women's magazine or a newspaper. That
would be my ultimate fantasy job!

Five: I have a reccuring dream, that I've had since I was a
very little girl, of a house somewhere in Massachusetts, I
don't know how I know that's where this house is, I just do.
It's near water and I walk through the house, up and down
the stairs, down the hallway, etc. I can explain in great
detail what the wall paper looks like, what color the
carpeting is, what the furniture and curtains look like.
There are no people there, at least that I ever meet in the
dream. I've never been to Massachusetts, nor have I ever
been in a house like this one. I don't know what this means,
if in fact it means anything, who knows!

Six: I think I'm the only person on the face of the earth
who does not own, nor know how to operate an Ipod!

Seven: Last, but not least,...I am allergic to alcohol! I haven't
always been, but about a year after the birth of my second
child, I began having an allergic reaction every time I would
drink something with alcohol in it. It doesn't matter if its wine,
beer, mixed drink, you name it! I get all red and blotchy on
my neck and face, it's not itchy and it doesn't hurt, it just
looks really weird! Then, about an hour after consuming the
drink, my nose gets all stuffy and I begin sneezing like crazy.
It's no fun, believe me! One of my friends has nick-named
me "Hoover", because it sucks to be me! (Get it? Like the
vacuum, I suck?) I know, real funny, huh?

Well,..that's seven strange but true things you now know
about me! I guess I'm supposed to pass this thing on, except,
I think I'd probably be sending this back to most of the same
people Kami sent it to. I just started blogging a short time ago,
so don't know that many people yet, but here goes, in no
particular order, and don't feel obligated to do this if you don't
want to, it's just for fun! Hallie, Girlymom, julie b, acb, Michelle.

The Day After

Hi, All!

Well, I hope you all enjoyed a very nice Thanksgiving with family and friends! For all the worrying and obsessing I did about it, the day actually went pretty smoothly and we had a good time. It was a kind of un-traditional Thanksgiving, we didn't have turkey, stuffing, cranberries and all those other things, we had ravioli, salad and garlic bread! My husband's father is Italian, and it's traditional for them to have ravioli on special occasions. In the past we've always had turkey and ravioli, but my mother-in-law decided to keep it simple this year and just have the ravioli. Maybe I'd feel a little disappointed if I didn't know that I was making my own turkey this weekend, I don't know. At any rate, it was pleasant, no major meltdowns from the kids, everyone was jovial, nothing burned on the stove setting off fire alarms, no one threw up, you know,...a good family gathering by all accounts!

So, I guess "fall" is officially over now (not by the actual calendar) but seasonally anyway. We got our first snow flurries Wed. night into Thurs., it's in the mid 20's here, and feels more like winter. Makes all the Christmas music, shopping and hullabaloo seem more tolerable! I won't be venturing out to the stores today, even though there are some great deals to be had, I'm not going! I spoke to my sister yesterday and she was so excited because she and several girlfriends were going on their annual trek to the malls today, at the butt-crack of dawn I might add. She just loves it and they make a whole day of it, starting with breakfast at a local pancake house at 3:00 am. Um,...I love pancakes as much as the next guy, but I'm not getting out of my warm little bed to go to the I-Hop, nope! Last year she got into a scuffle with some woman who was trying to take a television that she had in her cart, my sister was like, "Excuse me, that's mine!", the woman said, "Oh, I didn't realize it was yours." Hmm....well, it's in a cart, my purse is in the cart, and I'm pushing the cart,..what was your first clue?? Back off, baby!

Besides, I'm a lover, not a fighter, always have been. It's like that movie "Mean Girls". I wasn't the cool, mean girl. No, I was the shy one hiding in the corner hoping that the mean girl wouldn't look my way! If that had been me, I probably would have said, "Oh, can I give you a hand stealing my tv? Go ahead, I'll just get another one later." Like that commercial...wimpy, wimpy, wimpy...some things never change, I've come to terms with the fact that I'll never be hefty, hefty, hefty!

Today my husband has the day off and my oldest has a basketball tournament this afternoon. I'd like to know what genius scheduled this tournament for the entire week of Thanksgiving? (I'm guessing a...MAN!) We've been to a basketball game Mon., Tues., Wed., (wow, they gave the kids Thurs. off) and now Fri.. My son informed me that there will be a "tournament" the week of Christmas, also. Why, of course there will be! Who cares if people have shopping, wrapping, baking, etc., to do. Not to mention families who may want to travel over the holidays, or have family coming to visit with them,..nah,...let's just play basketball! Oh, well,...we'll muttle through like we always do, complaining all the way! :)

I guess I'd better be going, hubby is grumbling something about me being on the computer all day and not paying enough attention to him. It must be different when he is typing away on his lap top for hours or taking business calls all day long, right? '-) You know that saying "Men are just boys with bigger and more expensive toys"? Yup! They never truly grow up, do they? Lucky for them, women understand that and love them anyway!

My Top Ten (plus 2)

In honor of Thanksgiving, and those tenacious, hard workin' pilgrims and Indians, (and turkeys, of course) I thought I'd share with you some of the things that I am personally grateful for this year. (in no particular order, mind you!)

1. I am grateful to be alive! Some days are great, some not so much, but no matter what, I'm so thankful to be here.

2. I am grateful that someone invented the Swiffer Sweeper. My wood floors have never been so easy to clean, Looooove them!

3. I am grateful for fate, or whatever it was that brought my husband and myself together. (While in high school attending a Friday night basketball game a snow storm hit. A new friend of mine said that her next door neighbor was a Senior and had a car there at the game. She'd asked him if he'd mind driving her and a couple of girlfriends home, and he obliged. I took one look at him, he looked at me, and the rest is history!)

4. I am grateful for the Internet, (blogs, e-mail, Google, maps). Don't know how we all existed without them before, do you? Just imagine if the poor ol' pilgrims would have had Google! They could have looked up pneumonia on Web MD and cured themselves, and the Indians could have checked out the weather conditions for growing corn on The Weather Channel web page!

5. I am grateful to have conceived two wonderful boys who bring me joy and amazement each and every day! (and exasperation, sometimes) (and occasionally pumpkin pies *smile* ) I am also so thankful for the opportunity to be a mother.

6. I am grateful for, and to, all school teachers. You make the world a better place by making all of us a whole lot smarter than we would be naturally! Plus we get to buy all sorts of cool school supplies every fall, I just love buying new pens and paper! (Weird, but true!)

7. I am grateful for the loving parents that I had and the guidance, love and support they always gave so freely. (and a gentle swat on the keester when needed!)

8. I am grateful for my soft green robe. When the day comes to an end and I want to get comfy, I wrap up in my cozy green robe. Aaahhh. Feels so good!

9. I am grateful for my big sis Deb! I love her and miss her because she lives far away, but she is always close to my heart and never farther than a phone call.

10. I am grateful for my Pampered Chef large baking dish! I use it a bizzillion times a week, to make casseroles, cakes, lasagna, brownies, breaded pork chops, meatballs, chicken,..you name it! It better never, ever break or I will cry, seriously. *boo-hoo*

11. I am grateful for all my supportive, silly, slightly deranged (wouldn't have it any other way) friends! We have shared so much and know so many things about each other, slightly embarrassing things, down-right scary things! (just kidding) We love each other no matter what. Isn't that great??

12. I am grateful to you for having indulged me this chance to share with you all the things, (well, not ALL the things, that would be WAY too long and far more boring than this list!) that I am grateful for, thankful for, and just plain think are great!

Shopping with Mr. Magoo

My son Brian and I went grocery shopping together last Saturday and it was quite an experience! I had already been up for several hours as well as my husband and older son Andrew, but Brian was exercising his childhood prerogative to sleep in and did not get up until noon. Must be nice! Even if I could sleep until noon, I don't think I'd be able to. Ten is about the very latest I could manage. Anyway, sleepy head awoke and I asked him if he'd give me a hand and go shopping with me. He wasn't thrilled about the idea, but he hesitantly agreed to accompany me.

Brian usually only enjoys shopping when there is something in it for Brian. Heaven forbid you take him to the store he wants to go to first at the mall, because once he has that grimy little t-shirt or cd or whatever in his hands, that's it! You will forever more be bombarded with whining, "Aren't you done yet?" "C'mon, mom! Why do you need to buy Grandma a birthday present anywaaaay?". Oh, how that grates on my nerves! Anyhoo,...he wasn't really, totally awake. He threw on some clothes and we set off for the store.

I was doing my "Good Karma" chant as we circled the parking lot stalls, "Give us a close one, give us a close one" I mumbled. Eureka! Someone in the third stall put their car in reverse. I swooped in and parked my super fast and schnazzy mini van. I was giddy with victory! Brian thought I was very strange, I could tell by the "Oh, my goodness! What on earth is she doing?", look on his face. He pulled down the sun visor to take a quick peek at himself in the mirror. He is twelve and a half and the hormones are hittin' him big time! I've never seen a boy so consumed with looking "cool" in my life. He makes a horrified face at himself and gasps. "What's the matter?", I ask innocently. "I have my glasses on!" he shouts. I continue to stare at him, eyes widening a bit. "So." I reply. Big mistake! I then listen to a ten minute tirade about the fact that he left our house with his glasses on, the fact that I did not "inform" him that his glasses were on, and if I really cared about him, I'd take him back home that minute so that he could take the glasses off and put his contacts in. Umm,..let me think about that for a sec,...uh,..NO! With the price of gas these days there was no way I was going to drive all the way back home and then drive all the way back to the store again with the now "newer and cooler" version of my son, sorry! Okay, maybe I could have been a little bit more sympathetic, I was a silly teenager once, but honestly, he looks (dare I say) cute in his glasses.

"Well, I'm not getting out of this car then." he informs me. "What do you mean you aren't getting out of this car?" I ask. "I will not go in there. I might see someone I know." he shudders. Then the thought occurs to him to simply take the glasses off. "Oh, great!" I say. "Brian, you're as blind as a bat, sweetie. That's ridiculous!" I laugh. The poor kid inherited my families bad eyes, I think everyone in my mother and father's families and my husbands wore glasses, it's just his destiny.

Well, of course by saying this I sealed my fate, because that's just what he did. He took off the glasses and began what must have been the equivalent of a drunken stupor of a shopping trip. His first comment to me once we were in the store was, "Wow! Everything looks all blurry, like people are just these big blobs! Way cool, man." Yes,....way cool man, indeed! He managed to "rear end" several people with our shopping cart because his depth perception is warped. "Oh, I'm so sorry! He's having a bad day." I apologized. The crowning jewel of the day came when he turned a corner and was dangerously close to a display table. A big display table of fresh baked pumpkin pies, piled three high and ten across. Smack! Plop! Smashed pumpkin pies! I now own three of them. Guess what I'm bringing to my in-laws for dessert? (I'm just kidding) Oh, balderdash! My son has turned into Mr. Magoo!

Neighbors are a Blessing

We were the newcomers to the neighborhood. We were the "young kids" who moved in across the street. My husband and I purchased our first home the summer before we were married. We'd looked at lots of town homes and condos, but not too many houses. Most were well out of our price range. Then one Sunday afternoon, on a whim, we decided to attend an open house at a small ranch. It was an older home with a big yard and mature trees, we fell in love with it immediately. The next few months were spent painting and removing wallpaper (mint colored treasure chests with mermaids in one bathroom, orange and yellow treasure chests in the other). All our friends and family would pitch in on the weekends, and we'd ply them with beer, wine and pizza as payment. It made for some interesting painting, to be sure! One afternoon our doorbell rang, and when I answered the door there stood a couple on my front porch both with their arms full of dishes and bakery boxes. The woman introduced herself and her husband as Mr. and Mrs. DiGiovanni, but told me to call them "Mr. and Mrs. Di". They even called each other Mr. and Mrs., I thought it was cute. I introduced myself, but I don't think she cared what my name was, she called me "Doll". From this day forward I would be known simply as "Doll" or "Dolly". Before I could invite them in, they had opened the door and were inside, walking around checking things out. Mrs. Di explained that she had made her homemade italian sausage and peppers, and that she would come over again some day to teach me how to make it. The sausage was delicious, but she never did give me the recipe. I wish now that she had.

Two years later my husband and I welcomed our first child. The day we brought Andrew home from the hospital Mr. and Mrs. Di were waiting for us. They had all sorts of baby gifts, and one very special blanket. It was white and beautiful, handmade, and she asked that we use it for Andrew's christening. We did. I have it all safely wrapped and tucked away. Someday it will be an honor to give it to our son when he welcomes his first child. They did the exact same thing for Brian, and his special blanket is tucked away, too.

Over the years they continued to shower us with special Halloween, Christmas and birthday gifts, with homemade goodies and what has become their tradition, coffee cake from a local bakery that we all love. My husband and boys shovel their driveway in the winter time, and we occasionally receive an s.o.s. call for help, (locked the keys in the car, toilet is overflowing, etc.). We are always happy to help.

About two years ago Mrs. Di found out that she was diabetic. She also had a heart condition and was in poor health, although she would never let on. For as friendly as they are, they were also very private about some things, and there was a line we did not cross. Mr. Di found out that he had prostate cancer, and he also needed a knee replacement. These two wonderful people who had worked so hard all their lives to build a nice life for themselves and their family finally had the time to enjoy it, but now were unable to. Mr. Di asked me why they call it the "golden years". I don't have an answer.

Mrs. Di's kidneys were damaged from the diabetes, and as a result ended up having to go for dialysis several times a week. Mr. Di drove her there himself, faithfully every single time. At one point she needed to be hospitalized, and the doctors informed her that her toes needed to be amputated. Mr. Di sat at her side day and night, refusing to go home. The two of them so close, they couldn't stand to be away from each other. What a love they shared. Mr. Di called me one morning and said Mrs. Di would be coming home from the hospital in two days. He was so excited and I was so happy for them both. He asked if I would do him a favor. I quickly agreed. What is it that he wanted? He asked if I would go to the store and buy all new bedding, sheets and blankets, and new towels for her bathroom. He wanted the house to look nice for "his bride". I shopped for all the things that he wanted, washed them and took them over. He nervously watched as I made up the bed, wanting everything to be just perfect. I wanted everything to be just perfect, too.

Fast forward to this past summer. Mrs. Di had become bedridden, Mr. Di could no longer care for her. We knew it was a matter of time, had received several calls for assistance in moving her from couch to bed, etc. Hated to see it happen, though. Mr. Di was devastated. He couldn't stand being home all alone in his house. He decided to move into the nursing home with her. They shared a room. Their house has been empty now for months. No flowers on the porch. No Mr. Di driving up and down the street ten times a day to the grocery store. (they were very old school, didn't believe in freezing food. They'd shop each day for what they were going to eat) We miss them. The street doesn't feel "right".

Yesterday, Sunday, we heard a knock at the door. It was another neighbor of ours from down the street. He is a friend of Mr. and Mrs. Di's son. He had bad news. Mrs. Di had passed away that morning. We are all sad beyond words. My heart aches for Mr. Di, he will not be alright. He won't make it, I don't think without his "bride". Our street will never be the same without her cheerful face, and I will no longer have someone to call me "Doll". It's amazing how each and every one of us impacts the lives of those around us. She was a beautiful person, a loving woman who left a mark on all of us who live here. We feel so fortunate to have known her. She was an angel in life and we have no doubt that she is now an angel in heaven. God Bless, Mrs. Di.

Update

Well, me thinks me spoke too soon,...yes, my mom-in-law called last night and invited us to Thanksgiving dinner. (Can I get a High Five?) To tell the truth, she didn't sound terribly excited about it. (I'm sure she's not) I'm feeling kind of guilty right now, but I know I really shouldn't. My husband and I hosted the family dinner last Thanksgiving, we also had Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. I really like the idea of making a special dinner for my husband and kids, and I'm going to do just that next weekend. (thanks for the idea, Stacie!) I also liked the suggestion of "chocolate covered Prozac"! (thanks, Kami!) I can hear the commercials for it on tv already, can't you? "By the makers of Hershey's Chocolate and Pfizer Laboratories." There isn't much that chocolate can't cure, is there? Perhaps instead of that lovely commercial that always seems to come on when my twelve year old is watching tv, "Viva Viagra", it could be "Viva Godiva"! I'm just sayin'.... .



All your comments were so sweet, I really appreciate them. (I'm so about being a drama queen lately. Maybe I need to cut down on the Grey's Anatomy, I think I'm channeling some Meredith!) I wonder why some days it's possible to move mountains, and other days just moving a pile of laundry seems insurmountable? (Of course, you've never seen my piles of laundry, we're talking ginormous) Anyway, hope you all have a wonderful weekend, *hugs*!

Blah is Me...*sigh*

I feel blah today. It's one of those gray, overcast, typical, cold November Chicago days, and my mood seems to match. It's the kind of day I'd like to just stay in my jammies, drink a pot of coffee (which, incidentally, I am at this very moment), and watch old movies on AMC. Unfortunately, I actually have things that need to be done and playing hookie isn't really an option. Damn! I started out the week with a full head of steam, went on a cleaning frenzy and felt all productive and everything, maybe I used it all up and now there is no "productive" left? I don't know.

So, next week is Thanksgiving, I can't believe it! Where did this month go for cryin' out loud? I swear, I don't know if it's because I'm getting older or what, but time just escapes me lately. If anyone happened to read an earlier post of mine which broached the subject of the holidays, you know I'm not exactly looking forward to Turkey Day, for a variety of reasons. (namely my husband's family) Oh, I am definitely going to hell for that one! I'm just kidding, honestly, I actually get along fine with my in-laws, it's just all the "finagleing" that I dislike. As of today, we still have yet to be invited, or to invite, anyone for the holiday. It's less than one week away, and as usual, everybody's being a weenie about it. We are all purposely avoiding one another, so as not to get "stuck" with this chore. It's like the game of hide and seek, only for immature adults. (Tag! You're it!) Why don't you all just go out to a restaurant instead, you ask? Oh, nooo. We can't do that because it's just not the same as smelling the food cooking, having the left overs, etc. Back to square one! (I wonder if Mickey D's is open on Thanksgiving?) :) I'll keep you informed of the progress (or lack there of) as the big day gets closer. Anyone want an extra four people for dinner next Thursday? I'm totally serious, by the way.

Perhaps I feel like this because I miss the type of holidays I used to have with my own family? (now I'm going to get all analytical) My mom used to get up at like 5:00 am the morning of Thanksgiving and begin preparing tons of food, baking pies, setting her table (which was like something out of Vanity Fair, with the fine china, place cards, flowers and decorations). She missed her calling in life, I think. She should have been doing something like Martha Stewart, truly. When evening came and it was time to eat, we'd all sit down at her beautiful candlelit table, we'd say grace, there would be soft music playing in the background, you knew it was a special occasion. I've tried to incorporate these things into our holidays, to make them special for my kids, but it just doesn't work with twenty-some people, it's hard. Oh, well. Maybe someday,.. a girl can dream!

Sheesh, on that dreary note (I'm feeling like quite the "Eyore" today). Guess I'd better shuffle off and get my poop in a group, as in, get my s**t together! (maybe take some Prozac, you say?) :0 Oh, you know, I just can't decide which sounds like more fun,...hmm...clean the pee-pee off the toilet bowl for the umpteenth time this week, because even though my kids are teens, they still can't guide their missiles,...or....should I wash the nine thousand loads of laundry waiting for me? No, wait. I think going to the bank, and the grocery store sounds like a b-l-a-s-t, whoo-hoo! Okay,..I need some therapy. Things are not good,...send chocolate. Hurry, please?

Just One Hour

Just one hour. Sixty minutes. That's all. Doesn't sound like a lot, does it? My girlfriend called last night and asked if I'd go shopping with her, she had some gifts she needed to buy and wanted some company. We'd only be gone for about an hour. Kohl's, for those who may not have them, is a department store, and they were having a big sale yesterday (actually, they have a "big" sale every week) but this time they were promising 50% off many items, and they were staying open until midnight. (oohh!) I don't normally go shopping in the evening, usually too busy, but didn't have any plans last night, so I thought, why not?

This was my first mistake!

As I'm walking out the front door my oldest son, Andrew yells, "Um, mom! While you're there, if you happen to see a pair of sweatpants, XL long, black, with pockets, Nike, with the "swoosh" mark on the left hand pocket, could you pick me up a pair?". (What? Did he have this rehearsed or something?!) I hadn't planned this shopping excursion, how did he just come up with this? Then he added, "Oh, and I also need a package of Nike socks, mid-length." Huh?? Okay, let me see,....I had to repeat what he had just rattled off to be sure that I got all the specs. I ask him why he needs these items, and I'm informed that he has to have them for basketball, and needs them by Friday. And WHEN, exactly had you planned on telling me this?? I promise to do my best to find them.

This was my second mistake.

My friend, Michelle, picked me up and off we went to the store. (tra-la) We arrived at Kohl's and immediately noticed that the store was quite busy for a Wednesday night. Wow! Guess the word was out that there was a good sale going on. We also noticed that the store looked a little, disheveled,.. a little messy,.. a little like a tornado had blown through! So, we start looking for the items we need, wading through unkempt bins of boxer shorts, undershirts and socks (Oh, my!). I find one package of large mid-length Nike socks, Yes! My friend is looking for men's small boxer shorts for her son, the two of us are on our hands and knees, butts in the air, fishing through mounds of plaid underwear. Large, X-large, Large, Medium, X-Large, Medium,....finally, Small! Hallelujah!

While we are shopping we hear Bing Crosby, Johnny Matthis and Andy Williams doing their damnedest to put us in the holiday spirit (not working), and some Polish woman screaming at the top of her lungs at her little boy who was about 15 mos. old (give or take) that was running up and down the aisles, gleefully plucking random items from shelves and throwing them in the air. "Joosha! Joosha! No-no, Joosha!". (Now fighting the impulse to drop the socks and run for the door!)

I detect the faint sound of my cell phone ringing from inside my purse, it's my younger son, Brian. He wants to know if he can make himself a grilled cheese sandwich. I am slightly annoyed that he needed to call me about this, where I wondered, was my husband? So, I continue shopping, and again, my cell phone rings, it's Brian. This time he wants to know if we have any more margarine, it's running low. Hmmm. If I was a tub of margarine, where would I be? (now I am annoyed) "Check the fridge" I tell him. "And by the way, what's your dad doing?" I inquire. "He's asleep." he replies. Perfect! I ask to talk to Andrew and instruct him to oversee the sandwich making, to which he says fine, he will. Phew! Okay, now back to searching for sweatpants with swoosh marks on the left.... .

My phone rings yet again. It's Brian, telling me that everything is okay, but he kind of burnt the grilled cheese sandwich. He had turned the burner on HIGH and forgotten about it, until he smelled it burning! Okay,..not the end of the world. He informs me that he also left the plastic spatula resting on the side of the pan, and it "kind of " melted all over the stove and pan. Now I'm concerned. "Did you burn yourself?" I ask. "No, I'm fine. But, the pan is kind of ruined, I think, and the spatula is history." he sounds embarrassed. "That's okay. Let me talk to your brother." I demand. "What is going on?" I ask. "I thought you were going to keep an eye on him?". "Well,...we were watching a football game on ESPN and I kind of forgot. The smoke alarm started to go off, but I waved a kitchen towel around underneath it, and it stopped." he explained very calmly. "Super!" I exclaim. "And your father?" I inquire. "Oh, he's still sleeping. He didn't hear it." I'm stupefied. I've been gone for exactly forty-five minutes, and in that time they've called me three times, and practically burned my house down. GEEZ!


I arrive home a short time later and am greeted by the smell of burnt grilled cheese and melted plastic, a disgusting looking pan in the sink with a now water logged sandwich floating in it, black plastic melted all over my stovetop and a piece of metal with a handle that formerly was a spatula. Sleeping beauty finally wakes up, rubs his eyes, sniffs the air and asks what's burning. (Hmm...perhaps your WIFE!)

I'm Having Technical Difficulties!

Hi, Everyone!

I don't know what is going on with my blog/computer today, but everything seems to be a bit messed up. For whatever reason, the post I wrote today has appeared where my older posts are, and has dated itself November 9, 2007!

If you're interested in reading todays post, please scroll down until you see "Lizzy's Lampoon Vacation". Thanks and sorry for the incovenience!
In the meantime, I'll be trying to troubleshoot and fix it, but with my limited computer experience, it's a longshot! Lizzy :)

Pack-Rats Anonymous

First of all, I'd like to say "Thank you so much" to Girlymom for mentioning me in her blog and for the Friendly Site Award. It was such a surprise! Thanks for the vote of confidence, it means a lot! (I'd like to thank my mother, my father, my second cousin twice removed,...oops! Wrong award!) :)

So, I'm s-l-o-w-l-y learning how to do a few more things with my computer, thanks to a mini lesson from my hubby last night. I took this picture this morning after I went into my son Andrew's room to wake him up. I started cracking up when I saw the position he was lying in and our dog Charlie looking oh so comfortable using his knee as a pillow. How in the world can he sleep like that? I'd have a stiff neck for a week! Neither of them so much as flinched while I fumbled with my camera, wish I could sleep that soundly!

Anyway,..I am cleaning out closets today, one of my least favorite things to do, but very necessary if we hope to ever fit anything else in them. I called the Salvation Army and they are coming tomorrow to pick up everything, so I can't put it off! We are definitely a family of pack-rats, that's for sure. My younger son, Brian, cleaned out his closet last night all by himself for the first time ever, and I was really proud of the way he was willing to let go of things. This process has not gone as smoothly in the past! I'm sure you've all been through this scenario, your child is clutching a shirt that is ten times too small for them, but is not willing to part with it, right? It's so frustrating! Brian is finally understanding the concept of giving that which you cannot use to someone who doesn't have any, thank goodness!

My husband, on the other hand, is possibly worse than my son. King of the Pack-Rats! The man will hold onto a t-shirt from twenty years ago that has holes in it, stains on it, just in case. Just in case of what you ask? I've yet to figure that one out! I think they have sentimental value to him, "I wore this one the day the Bears won the Superbowl". That's great, honey! That was twenty years ago, hasn't been that lucky for them since, ya know? I'll admit, I'm bad at this too, when it comes to getting rid of clothes that are perfectly good, still in style, the only problem is they have, uh,...shrunken. (Okay,..I've grown!) See, I keep thinking if I just hold onto them, it will be motivation for me to lose those extra ten pounds, and then I'll have all these new clothes to wear. So far this "theory" has not worked, and probably never will. I'll have to face the fact that those really cute Levi jeans that made my butt look smaller (or so I thought) will never have my "cheeks" smashed inside them ever again. Sad but true!

Well, I'm off to see what "treasures" await me, or more to the point, what "lurks" in the closets. Brian found an art kit that he received for Christmas two years ago and has never been touched, and then on the floor of his closet, along with the dust bunnies, he found a dead lightening bug! The poor thing was petrified like a dinosaur fossil, god only knows how long it's been there! Yuk! I guess I won't be winning the "Martha Stewart" award anytime soon! :)




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So Much More Than Football Games

My husband and I had the honor of attending our oldest sons Football Banquet and Awards Ceremony yesterday. It was held at a very nice banquet hall that served the usual fare, rainbow beef (you know, the kind of sliced beef that when you look at it just right in the light you can see a rainbow in it?) I have never learned what causes that exactly, I like to think it's a "natural phenomenon"! Anyway, they had all the usual trimmings, mostaccioli with red sauce, baked chicken of some kind, steamed veggies, salad, rolls, etc. The football team devoured it all in no time flat, not surprising in the least to the parents, although I think the waitstaff were caught a little off guard and went scurrying about trying to refill chafing dishes that were emptying faster than you can blink!

After the feeding frenzy, each of the coaches from the Freshman up to the Varsity, came up to the podium and gave a nice speech about the football season. It was interesting to note that the Freshman coach referred to his team as "boys" and spoke often about the fact that at any given game there were always one or two players whose helmets were missing, or thigh pads that were m.i.a., etc. The Sophomore coach referred to his team as "his guys", and spoke more about their developing skills and understanding of the game and their positions. The Varsity coach addressed the team as his "men". He went on to say that the men on his team have formed a bond, not unlike that of brothers, and that no matter what they do beyond high school, or where they go in life, they will always have each other. While he gave this speech the Seniors were asked to join him up on the stage. Looking at these young men, some comfortable with being up there on stage, some obviously not by the red faced cheeks, it really brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. I've seen them all for years now, growing and changing from gangly boys with changing voices and stubbly facial hair (that they are so proud of), into these young men standing before us, so handsome and full of promise. I peeked a glance at my son sitting a table or so over with his buddies, they are all Juniors, and they were all so focused on the stage, hanging on every word the coach said and looking at their teammates who soon will be leaving them permanently. I had this epiphany moment, that kind of took my breath away. I realized that in one short year it will be MY son, standing on that stage, on the brink of starting the next chapter of his life. I wanted to get up out of my chair, run over to his table and hug him and cry "NOOOOOOO"! (of course, I did not do this, my son would have disowned me if I had) but I wonder if I'll be able to control myself next year?!

The luncheon concluded with the announcement of the raffle winners. We were asked to buy tickets and could put as many tickets as we wanted into a container which sat in front of huge gift baskets, and one ticket would be chosen for each. My husband and I spent fifty dollars on tickets, and of course, didn't win a darn thing! However, even with the average food, not winning a gift, and listening to many long speeches, I feel lucky to have attended this event. I feel my son is lucky to have wonderful adults like his coaches in his life who clearly care very deeply about the kids they work with, he is lucky to have a bond with so many other nice young men whom he'll have as lifelong friends, and I feel lucky to have two wonderful sons that I love so much. Years from now my son will have forgotten what the statistics were for the season and which school won what award, but he will remember his coaches, his teammates and the time they shared together. It's really about so much more than football games, after all.

Lizzy's Lampoon Family Vacation

The best part of cleaning out closets and sorting through drawers is you come across things you tucked away at a moment when you were either pressed for time and intended to take care of it later, or needed to straighten up and didn't know where else to put it! (You all do that too, right?) Well, it's the only bright spot in an otherwise dreary chore, coming across the occasional surprise. Kinda like a little hidden present! So, yesterday I was cleaning out my bedroom closet and dresser drawers, and stumbled upon a few things I had completely forgotten about. I found a leather belt I had been searching for and assumed was lost forever (I'd actually been blaming my best friend, thought I'd loaned it to her and she'd never returned it. My bad!). I found a sweater I forgot I owned, and I really like it! Yay! I came across a Mother's Day card my kids had made for me years ago, barely legible with a picture of, I'm assuming me, drawn on the front (although, it could be an alien), addressed to the "Best Mom in the World". So glad that I kept it! I'll have to take it out and look at it more often, probably right after one of my boys tells me I'm the meanest, most un-cool mom ever. I also found a picture card, I don't know what the proper name is for these things, but it's the card thingy that you stick in your digital camera, you know? So, I put it in my camera to see what the pictures were of, and it contained pictures from our vacation this past summer. Why it was stuck in my dresser drawer that contains my bras, underwear and pajamas, god only knows!

Anyway, after looking through the pictures, and laughing, thought I'd show you a couple from our trip to Colorado. I'm not going to bore you with the ones that show the beauty and majesty of the Rocky Mountains, no, instead I'm going to share two pics that just crack me up! These were taken on about the third day of our trip, we had started out at the eastern part of the state, Denver, Estes Park, Boulder, and made our way south towards Colorado Springs, with a scheduled stop about half way in between to do some white water rafting. Anyhoo, we had made all of our reservations over the internet, basing our decisions on where to stay more or less by name recognition, figuring if it's a fairly decent hotel chain, they will all be pretty much the same where ever you go. Boy, were we wrong! We arrived at our destination for the evening after a long day of driving and sight seeing, only to find that our hotel (I won't mention the name) was not exactly what we had expected, and most definitely not the one we saw on the internet. It was located in this tiny little town, which I swear, was less than one block long, and surrounded by nothing but farmland for as far as the eye could see. They had a post office/ bar/restaurant, a gas station, and a jail. Oh, and a hotel, which was really a "no-tell motel", and I think Norman Bates was still running it! Needless to say, we did not spend the night there. Instead we drove, and drove for another two hours before we came to something resembling civilization and found a hotel (actually went to six before we found a vacancy). On our search for somewhere to lay our heads, we came across the sorriest looking thing I've ever seen, poor old Bessie the cow who had seen her better days, stiff as a board! The boys screamed for my husband to stop the car so that they could get a better look, and insisted that we take a picture to preserve the moment. I refused my husbands suggestion that the boys and I "pose" with the cow, (now THERE would be a Christmas card picture!).

The only thing we were missing that day was Chevy Chase and his big 'ol station wagon! Aren't family vacations great? We ended up having a wonderful time, seeing some beautiful sights (Colorado actually is gorgeous), and made some very special memories to treasure forever. Now if I can just keep the pictures some place safe, other than my underwear drawer! :)

Kids! Whose Idea Were You Guys, Anyway?

Today began pretty much the same as it always does, alarm went off at 6:30, got up, let the dog out, put on a pot of coffee, opened the shades, unlocked the front door, (carefully looked around for neighbors), grabbed the newspaper in my robe, woke the kids up, ...and then it started. "Where are the frozen waffles?", my twelve year old asked. "We're out. You and your brother ate the last of them yesterday." I replied. "What??", he asked in a very indignant tone. "I said, we are out of them. As in, we don't HAVE any." I replied. This time my tone was slightly irritated. "Why didn't you go to the store yesterday and buy more?" he insisted. "Look, I am truly sorry that we don't have waffles, and no, I did not make a SPECIAL trip to the grocery store to buy frozen toaster waffles, I will buy some more when I do my normal shopping. Eat something else today, okay?" I said with authority. Thinking that the matter would now be over and we could move on to something else, I started to ask him about a test he was going to take today at school, but no,...no, he was not through with the waffle interrogation. "I can't believe you didn't buy more waffles, mom! I mean, I eat them every day, you know that's what I want to eat every day, and you didn't buy ANY, I just can't.....blah, blah, blah,.......waffles,.....blah, blah, blah,......terrible mother,....blah, blah, blah,......".

Oh, my lord in heaven! I have unleashed the ravings of a boy bent on waffles and syrup, a waffle jihad, if you will. I walk away from him, go into my bedroom to make my bed. He follows. The assault continues. "Okay, buddy! I've had just about enough! There are plenty of other things in the kitchen for you to eat. There are eggs, toast, cereal, poptarts, cereal bars, oatmeal bars,...go find something to eat!" I shriek. This is not how I wanted to start the day. I was in a perfectly good mood only ten minutes ago! Why is it my kids can take a normal, sane woman and turn her into a screaming maniac in a sheer matter of minutes? I need to get a grip. I breathe slowly, trying to tune him out, counting to ten,..nothing works. Now almost a half an hour has passed, he is not dressed yet, he has not eaten anything, and if he doesn't hurry, he will be late for school. "Look at the time!" I yell. "You had better get dressed!" I mean business. Finally, sensing the urgency, he leaves me alone and goes to his room to dress. He reappears a few minutes later, teeth brushed, hair combed and clothes on, grabs his backpack and makes his way to the front door. "Aren't you going to eat ANYTHING? Why don't you take one of these breakfast bars with you and eat it on the way to school?" I beg. "I told you, I don't want anything but waffles. I'd rather be hungry and wait for lunch." he digs the dagger deep into my heart and twists it. Now I feel guilty. He brushes past me and walks out the door. I hang my head. "That went well." I say to no one in particular.

Then I hear a voice from the laundry room. It's my older son, and he is rummaging through a laundry basket. "Mom, where are my gray sweatpants?" he asks. Oh, god. I saw them yesterday, at the bottom of the laundry basket. I passed them over in search of something red or black for a dark load. Now what am I going to do? I can't take another meltdown, not today. "I have no idea, honey. Why don't you wear some jeans instead?" I ask innocently.

Some days being a mom is war. The best defense is often a good offense!

We're Off and Running!

Yet another sporting season is upon us, yes,... it's basketball season. Do I sound excited? No, you say? Well, let's just say I prefer it to football season only because I get to sit inside a nice warm gym, and games generally last about an hour or so, not two or three!

We've just come off of football season which ended two weeks ago, thankfully right before the weather started to get really chilly! My sons are both sports fanatics and both play basketball for their respective schools. They both had try-outs this past week, and both made their teams, I'm truly happy for them because I know how much they want to play. Honestly, I don't know how they do it, and I give them each a lot of credit. It takes hard work and determination to do well in school and be part of a team. My younger son, Brian, has two practices a week and one game, my older son, Andrew, has practice everyday after school for three hours, plus practice on Saturday and one game a week. Then throw in homework and studying, it isn't easy. It doesn't leave a whole lot of time to just be a kid, which worries me. I think kids today are so scheduled and busy all the time, it leaves precious little time to just BE.

I guess the upside of all of this is the fact that they are so busy, they don't have time to get into trouble, that's a good thing! I have never forced either one of them to participate in anything, it's been their choice, but I have witnessed many kids who play just because dad or mom really wants them to, and that's sad. It's hard not to live through your kids to a certain extent, (we all do) however, just because dad was an "all-star whatever" doesn't mean junior wants to be one, you know? I do have one rule that I make them abide by, and that is, if you join a team, you stick with it until the season is over, no quitting. For the simple reason that the team is counting on you and you have to honor your commitments. Andrew joined soccer one year and absolutely hated it. He wanted to quit after the first couple of practices, but I wouldn't let him. I told him if he never wanted to play soccer EVER again in his life, that was fine by me, but he had to stick it out. He told me he hated me! :( But, he got over it, and so did I (eventually, sob).

Well, at least basketball uniforms are easy to wash! For any of you who have kids in football, baseball or softball, you know what I mean! Dirty, smelly football pants for me are the worst, with baseball pants and socks that have orange dirt ground into them as a close second! For any hockey moms out there, you win, hands down, for "All-Around Smelliest", and you deserve a special "Mom Award" for carting those nasty pads and skates around in your car, my hat's off to you!

Now I'm off to the store to try and find myself something to wear this weekend to the "Football Banquet and Awards Ceremony". After consuming too much Halloween candy I have discovered that my classic dressy black pants are, shall we say "snug". (after yesterdays tirade, don't even get me started! I'm blaming PMS :) ) I'm a little nervous after just watching Oprah, don't know if anyone else saw that today, was a "what not to wear" kind of show. Don't want to be the mom that everyone is whispering about behind her back! (Do you think a micro-mini with a crop top and go-go boots would be too much?) :)

My Body Has Betrayed Me

Okay, so I'm a forty-three year old woman. I've never been that woman that everyone takes one look at and goes, "Oh, my god! She's gorgeous!", however, I guess I'm not completely unfortunate in the looks department, either. I'd say I 'm pretty average looking. My mother and father must have given me fairly decent genes because up until now, I've been able to hold it all together pretty well. Survived two pregnancies with only one tiny stretchmark (less than one inch), go ahead and hate me! I've been able to maintain the same weight for the last ten years or so with very little effort, and, if for some reason I did put on a few pounds, I've always been able to take it right off by simply cutting back on what I eat for a day or two. (I know,.. you hate me.) I've always had clear skin, and have little or no wrinkles. (you want to scratch my eyes out,..oh, yeah,.. and you hate me.) You're probably saying to yourselves, "what a conceited *****!". But wait!.......

What's this?? Strange things are happening to me! I see dark circles under my eyes, mental note to self, -must get more sleep-. I get adequate rest, but yet the dark circles persist! I look in the mirror more closely. What's this? A blemish? A cyst? A small mountain? I buy acne cream, acne facial scrub, pore cleanser, you name it,...the mountain will not go away! Seems it's my hormones, nasty little things. This past summer I put on a tank top and shorts because it was 140 degrees in the shade, take a quick peak in the mirror just to make sure everything looks okay, and then it happened. Oh, no. No!! I have muffin top and saddle bags! OMG. "I am not going out of the house looking like THIS!", I shrieked. "Looking like what?" my husband asked, completely oblivious to my pain. "THIS! THIIIIS! (grabbing my thigh and shaking it) Don't you SEE?" now hysterical. "What? That matches.", he looked at me bewildered. Men soooo do not get it. "I'm not talking about my OUTFIT, you idiot!" How can I be married to this person for 19 years, and he doesn't understand how devistating this is to me?? (okay, so I was being a wee bit dramatic) Not only that, but I have taken up walking for exercise, four or five times a week with my friend, plus I lift small weights and use a treadmill at home, and,....I'm GAINING weight! I walk three extra hours on the treadmill, that should bring things back to normal, but, alas, the scale does not move. How can this be? I diet, I eat nothing during the day but a yogurt and an apple for two weeks, surely, this will do the trick! I weigh myself. I lost a whopping half pound. What the **** is going on here?? I feel as though I'm having an out of body experience, truly. Whose body is this, and what have they done with mine? I want it back! My plan is to simply live in denial that I am, uh,..aging. Getting older, at least physically, really stinks. In my minds eye, I am still about 25 (I really liked 25!) and although the outside of me is changing, the inside still feels the same. I wonder how I'll feel when I am 60 or 80? The thought kind of creeps me out! So, for now, I am keeping that younger, firmer, prettier image in my head and trying not to think about it too much. I know it sounds shallow, but I can't help myself, sigh. (and for all the women who say "I love my wrinkles! I've earned every one and I'm proud of them!", I say, "Liar, liar, pants on fire!". :)

I Need a Good Kick in the Behind

Do you ever have one of those days, when you have a list of things to do as long as your arm, and not one ounce of ambition to do them? That's my day today! I've been roaming around my house for the last few hours, cleaning a dish here, picking up a pair of dirty socks there, but not really getting much of anything accomplished. I've been sitting here at my computer reading countless numbers of blogs, responding to them, reading my email, responding to them, reading the headline news, the entertainment news (so very important), even the sports news (God help me). Now I've told myself that I have my daily "writing" to do, which I truly want to do, however, I could always find the time to do this later, after checking off a few things from my "to do" list. The horrible, ugly truth of the matter is that I'm a terrible procrastinator. There, I said it! I have been since my earliest memory, and it's a habit, which once formed, is so very hard to break. (I'll get around to it tomorrow) It drives my husband crazy, as he is one of those people who when given a task goes immediately about getting it done. He subscribes to that old adage, "never put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today". We are polar opposites, I'm afraid. I suppose that's why we're good for each other, he needs me to help him slow down, catch his breath and smell the roses, and I need him to nag, cajole and give me a kick in the ass when I need it. Isn't love great?

Anyway,...I guess I'd better get going here so I have time to run my errands and do all the things I'm supposed to be doing right now. I have to beat them all home before school lets out and my husband returns from his day in the corporate jungle (sounds impressive, doesn't it?). This lolly-gagging around is just between you and me, okay? As far as they are concerned, I have been running around God's green earth today, dropping off dry cleaning, picking up prescriptions, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, preparing a beautiful meal (is meatloaf beautiful?), doing countless loads of laundry,...why, If I weren't me, I'd want to marry myself! :) Just kidding. I try to look at the situation in a positive light,...I am just a slow starter. I am the turtle to my husband's bunny rabbit, slow and steady wins the race and all that good stuff, right?

Wish me luck and remember, no snitching, okay? Have a great day everyone!

It Never Fails

Well, it never fails. Call it bad luck, Murphy's Law, Karma, whatever.....if it can happen, it will happen to us! I mentioned in my last post that my husband had taken our oldest son and two of his friends to the Notre Dame game on Saturday. You know, the one they lost in TRIPLE overtime?? Their first loss to Navy in 44 years, and that's the game we get tickets to, right?

Don't get me wrong, my son was really excited just to be at a college game with his buddies, and, in a way, kinda cool that the game was sort of "historic", if you will. But, not surprising to us that they lost big time. That seems to be our luck when attending games. I think we unknowingly put a hex on teams or something! We went to a Cubs game this summer, they lost, two White Sox games, they lost, last winter a Bulls game, they lost, a Blackhawks game, they lost,....do you see the pattern here? Just once I'd like to attend a sporting event and have our team win for a change, just to see what it feels like! (Don't worry, we won't go to any Bears games, they are doing poorly enough on their own and don't need any of our "help".)

I guess it was a worthwhile experience for my husband and our son and his friends. (and quite an expensive one at that) It's like that Mastercard commercial, you know? Four tickets, $60.00 each, parking pass $40.00, buying them all breakfast at McDonald's before the game, $25.00, gas for the car, $60.00, four nachos with cheese, four large pops in souvenir cups, one polish sausage sandwich, two hot dogs, one slice of pizza, two hot pretzels, and a souvenir baseball cap, $100.00. Spending the day with your sixteen year old son and his two best friends,....PRICELESS. :)

Texas, Football and Shopping Malls = Saturday

Hi, All! (or Y'all, as my sister from Texas would say)

Just got off the phone with my sister who lives in Dallas and it's the weirdest thing! Everytime I talk to her (we're usually on the phone for a good hour catching up) I end up speaking with a southern drawl for the rest of the day. Not majorly, but enough to make my husband and kids look at me kind of funny and ask if I'm okay. It makes me laugh because I don't even realize that I'm doing it! My sister, Debbie, (yes, Debbie does Dallas, ha-ha) was born and raised in Chicago, but having been "transplanted" down south for the last nine years, you'd swear she was a tried and true Texan. Her voice is all breathy and sing-songy, "Oh, mhyy, thayt's a dayndy!" Translation: "Oh, that's a good one!" My husband and I and the kids went down for a visit a couple of years ago and it was kind of a culture shock. The first thing we did upon arriving at noon was go out for some lunch. The waitress asked if we'd like something to drink, and my husband asked her what they had to offer. She says, "We have Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Pepsi, Coke 7-up, Coke Rootbeer, Coke Orange".....you get the picture. We didn't know what she was talking about, so to avoid confusion ordered "Coke". Apparently, in Texas all soft drinks, or pop, are called "Coke". Who knew?? If you want something OTHER than an actual "Coke", you add it to the ending, such as "I'll have a Coke-Dr. Pepper". Another thing that cracked me up was the way we were greeted. If there is one person or maybe two, you are greeted everywhere with "Hey, Y'all!", if there are three or more people, it's "Hey, ALL Y'all". (Are ALL Y'all ready to order?") Anyway,....it is quite different from the midwest.

Well, it's Saturday (Yay!) and my husband and I have gone with the "Divide and Conquer" theme for the day. He took our oldest and two of his friends to the Notre Dame game, and I am taking our youngest, Brian, shopping (his choice). He loves the Steve and Barry's store, I don't know if everyone has those or not, but for those who don't, it's a discount collegiate wear store, but also carry jeans, and more recently shoes designed by NBA players that are pretty decent looking for $14.99 (can't beat that) and Sarah Jessica Parker has a very cute line of clothing that she designs for them and nothing is over $15.00, again, can't beat it! Problem is, I probably spend TWICE as much as I would normally because everything is such a deal. It makes you feel good though, doesn't it, when you think to yourself, "Self, I got three pair of jeans for what I normally pay for one!". Granted, I could buy just one pair, that would truly be a savings, but not nearly as much fun! :)

The Holidays are Coming! The Holidays are Coming!

Okay, so Halloween is over and suddenly I'm being barraged with Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff. My oldest son, Andrew, came home from school yesterday and informed me that he is working on Sunday morning at the high school (apparently the football team is required to help out, which is fine) at the "Holiday Craft Fair". My newspaper is full of grocery adds and recipes for turkey and stuffing and such, and our local grocery store has removed all signs of Halloween, skipped right over Thanksgiving, and has emersed itself full bore in Christmasville, replete with artificial Christmas trees, tinsel, ornaments and stocking stuffers. Oh, and they're playing Christmas music! It's November 2nd, am I correct?? I think the bigger questions begs to be answered, "Who buys their Christmas tree at the grocery store?" Am I the only one who thinks that's kind of,..I don't know,....STRANGE?

It drives me crazy! I can feel that tight feeling in the pit of my stomach already, (I'm pretty sure it's not from all the candy bars I ate two days ago, either). Why do they do this to us? The pressure is on already to make the perfect holiday meal, bake the best holiday cookies ever and get all your gift buying done by, I don't know, November 19th or something? Not to mention what they do to our kids, our poor kids! I used to think the wait for Christmas morning was sooooo long when I was a kid, didn't you? Back then the official "season" didn't start until the Friday after Thanksgiving. Now a days, the kids have two long months to wait, and whine, and whine, and whine,...about what they want for Christmas. In my opinion, the merchandisers have really taken all the magic out of the season. What do you think? Am I just being a Scrooge?

Then of course, you have the "family holiday gatherings". That yearly ritual of deciding who is going to host which dinner, who is bringing what, (this kid won't eat this, that kid won't eat that)... yada-yada-yada! I have two sister-in-laws and my in-laws that live nearby (my sister and her family are out of state and we rarely, if ever, get to spend the holidays together, sad ) The rest of us either avoid each other, hoping that the other will call FIRST to invite, or, if invited, won't commit until we find out what the others are doing! It's so bizzare,..one big HAPPY family!

Okay,...I'm just not going to think about it anymore today, that's all. Maybe someone will call later to invite us to Thanksgiving dinner, then all I have to worry about is making some sort of side dish that contains no vegetables or fruit, no "creamy stuff", no "jiggly stuff", and no "crunchy stuff". Ahh,...that should be EASY! :)

Help! My Sugar High is Crashing!

Hi, All!

Well,....I promised myself I wouldn't go crazy with the Halloween candy, and I did alright with the candy that I had in the house to hand out (I purposely bought the kind I don't particularly like) figuring it would help me "just say no" to the fattening stuff. However, when my kids came home with their bags bursting of treats, I just couldn't help myself! Especially when my kids offered up the candy that they deem "gross", "Hey, mom. You want these almond joy bars?" my twelve year old hates coconut, so you know, what could I do but eat them?? The poor coconut never did anything to hurt anybody, right?

Both my sons actually went trick or treating, which surprised me. My oldest is 16 and well over the age limit, I think anyway, for that sort of thing. He hasn't gone for the last two years, however, some of his friends were going to go, so I guess he figured, what the heck! I told him he was going to give some poor old seniors a scare when they opened the door to see ten boys, actually young men, (my son is 6'2'' and 210 lbs.) and his friends who are all about the same size, standing on their front porch. Can you imagine? They must have thought it was a home invasion or something! Also, my son's idea of a costume could not have been more lame. He wore jeans, a hoody, an old feather boa from a previous Halloween costume, and a mullet wig (also from years gone bye costume). Lovely! One of his friends simply put all of his clothes on backwards. Clever, I guess. I asked him what he was supposed to be and he said, "I dunno, Backward Guy, I think.". Oookay!

This morning we were all moving like slugs, and noone was hungry for breakfast. I think I still have a few Almond Joys in my stomach digesting from last night. My sugar buzz is gone and now I feel so guilty, I hate the day after Halloween! Curses! Not to mention that today is November 1st, NOVEMBER!! When did this happen? I swear it was just like September 5th or something, wasn't it? I opened my newspaper today, which was noticeably heavier than usual, and 10 flyer adds fell out, one including Christmas trees! Oh, heaven help us! (this is actually All Saints Day, so you know, call your mothers everyone!) Have a Good one!