See What I'm Saying - Christmas '08 Edition

No rambling here...just watch the video clip. For once, you'll be able to see what I'm saying!

To see the "sister video" to this, visit my sister at Chatty Kelly...after leaving a comment, if you want.

A New Post

It seems like it has been ages since I have actually sat down to write a new post. I had a few short ones lately but some of those had been written beforehand and scheduled. I, like everyone else, have just been SO busy. So here I sit at 2:00AM on Sunday morning with so much to say that it is just bubbling out of my fingertips. However, even though I am writing this post in the wee early morning hours , believe it or not, I sometimes tend to ramble on and on about nothing in particular. Add that to the wee hours of the night and I could end up sitting here and writing word after word, sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph, and even page after page and end up not saying anything at all.

What a waste of time it would be to sit here with all these neat ideas and actually not say anything. You would be reading and waiting and waiting for some sort of plot or storyline. When you finally finished reading, you would end up being baffled, confused, perplexed, bewildered, abashed, muddled, and well, my favorite, discombobulated. (ok, ok, I'm putting away the Thesaurus now).

But seriously, you know what I'm talking about when it comes to being discombobulated. DISCOMBOBULATE: To confuse or disconcert, upset, frustrate, to throw into a state of confusion (that's my fave).

So, you can be sure that I wouldn't want my wonderful readers, who bless me with their precious time and then walk away from reading my post thinking that maybe, just maybe, they missed something.

When you sit down to read something I have written, I expect you to walk away with a feeling that you can now take on the world.I want you to take the things you learn from my posts and apply them to your everyday life. LEARN from them, PONDER over them, STUDY them. You even have my permission to do a book study class on them. After all, in this one post alone, there must be loads of important information that could be discussed amongst yourselves.

I feel really good about this. I feel that maybe I am broadening your minds. After all, if you hadn't read this post today, look what you would have lost. I, for one, learned a lot!

So read it, Take it, Carry it with you, Share it with a friend, Talk about it together.

Just remember where you read it first.After all, this post has taught me more things than I thought possible.

And the wonderful part is. I could very well sit down and do another one in a day of two. And that, my friends, is remarkable.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Surprise in The Mail Box!!

I went out to the mail box the other day and there was a package in it. Not a huge surprise because I was waiting on a few items that I had purchased from e-bay for the kids. I didn't even pay any attention to the return address label.


I opened the box and the person that sent it had Gift Wrapped the item!! It still didn't strike me as odd. I just figured the seller must have alot of time on their hands. Then I saw the card and thought that this is an awful lot for someone to do for an e-bay sale.
And it was wrapped beautifully! (actually it looked even better than the picture does, as I am not in the habit of taking a picture of everything that comes in the mail....yes....I re-wrapped it for the photographic effect!)
And then I RE-opened it!
What a WONDERFUL surprise!! A beautiful plaque from Edie at Rich Gifts!! I was completely speechless (ha!). I am truly, truly blessed to have made such wonderful friends through blogging. I never, EVER expected to get to know anybody, much less meet people that I consider friends.
Anyway, Here is a picture of my plaque. I am going to write out what is on it because my camera doesn't always take the clearest pictures.......unless......dare I say.....it could be the photographer? Nah, it must be the camera.
Oh, and after e-mailing Edie to thank her I found out that SHE MADE THIS!! Amazing!
Thank You. Thank You. Thank You, My Friend, Edie!
Merry Christmas!!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

(she reads me like a book)

Today Is Tuesday. You know What That Means... 12-23

Today Is Tuesday.
You know what that means.
We're gonna have a special guest...........
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I TOLD him to eat his food...

He had been warned.

He should have known.

The minutes were ticking away.

I must have told him 3-4 times.

It was getting late.

The bus would be here soon.

Once he realized what was about to happen, it was too late.

The wheels were in motion......

You need to hurry up and eat your food.
(pause.....he looks at me with alarm)

Please don't think that I'm being rude.
(he quickly begins eating....but it was too late)

To swallow your food, it must be chewed.
I really didn't want to start a feud.
And I don't want this to alter your mood.
If you weren't dressed then you would be nude.

"MOM, I'M EATING!! I'M EATING!!"

You took too long and I'm sorry little Dude.
The Beatles had a song that was called Hey Jude.
You better be happy I am not a prude.
Or I would take you court and you'd be sued.
What I want you to do can not be misconstrued.

"I'M FINISHED!! LOOK! I'M DONE"

Well I'm not finished so don't you brood.
I like tomatoes but not if they're stewed.
The beginning of a song can be called a Prelude.
If I liked coffee, if would have to be brewed.
Please don't think that I am being shrew.
But, I have held back and my list has accrued.

"HEY. IS THAT THE SCHOOL BUS COMING?"

It's not coming yet, don't try to delude.
You need to relax, don't come unglued.
Don't forget your books need to be renewed.
I saw your grades yesterday so they have been viewed.
You grades are very good and we never argued.
You know I'll keep checking, it's my job to intrude.

"OK, THERE'S THE BUS!! BYE MOM!! LOVE YOU!!"

Well , the school bus came and he's been rescued.
I need to go and call my sweet aunt Gertrude.
Then I need to take a shower and have my hair shampooed.
My time alone is something that is really valued.
SO, goodbye every body it is time to conclude.........

Today is Tuesday. You Know What That Means...AGAIN

Today is Tuesday.
You know what that means.
We're gonna have a Special Guest.......

OK, most of you didn't remember the Mickey Mouse Club song that started off my mini series but I'm not giving up on you yet.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy another walk down memory lane.

SO. Without further ado.....Here is today's special guest.....

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Virginia Tacky Light Tour

In Virginia we have what is called The Tacky Lights Tour. They probably have them all over the place but because we are so conservative here in Virginia, (my house, along with most of the neighborhood and surrounding communities pretty much stick with white lights), it is especially fun to go check it out.

There are tour busses you can take but we prefer to go in the car.

So anyway, this week Chatty Kelly and her kids, Our Dad, Alberquando, myself and an unexpected guest (a friend of JM's got stranded and needed a ride so we picked him up and made him go with us even though JM was at work) went and took our own tour.

Of course the pictures don't do these houses justice....or perhaps they give too much, haha.
Anyway, here is a sample of what we saw.

In one of them, it is a mom that lives next door to her son so both houses are done. In another it looks like the entire block got into it. The man that lives at one of the houses said he starts putting things up September 13th and usually finishes taking them down around mid-February. He also makes many of his decorations himself. In other words he spends well over half of each year on this.

They are fun to look at and the hours involved are amazing, but as I've said before...."Woe to the neighbors". (Remember National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?---and they didn't have to deal with tour busses!). Also, no matter what you put out to decorate your own house with will surely look bland next to houses like these.

In one of the pictures you will see Chatty Kelly's angels peeking through the cut out faces of a snowman and Santa. Hey, Look! There's another picture of the snowman and Santa but with 2 different faces peeking out! Wonder who THAT could be!?!!

Missed Me!!

Hi. Lea, at the Shabby Olde Potting Shed, is playing TAG. She says she tagged me but I KNOW for a fact that I dodged just in time. I was going to deny being it but you know what happens then. I'll say that she missed me, she'll claim that she didn't. Next thing you know, we are arguing in the street, the other kids take sides, and then someone's mom get mad and makes everyone go home.

SO, in order to keep the peace. I'll Be It.

A Christmas Tag......

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Egg Nog definately

2. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree?
He wraps them. After spending all that time creating them, he wants the "moment" to last longer.

3. Lights on house / tree are colored or white?
I live in Virginia...White. (but it is fun to go tour the other houses that go
C-R-A-Z-Y.......pictures of that later this week)

4. Do you have mistletoe?
Why? Do you want to kiss me?

5. When do you put your decorations up?
USUALLY, I have it done by the beginning of December. This year hasn't worked out as well. If I don't hurry up, it will be Groundhog's Day!

6. Favorite Holiday Dish (EXcluding dessert)?
Dressing...... Not Stuffing....(here we go again).

7. Favorite Christmas memory as a child?
I was never a child.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
After I put some money in the Salvation Army's bucket, the Santa thanked me for helping to give presents to children, that otherwise wouldn't get anything for Christmas. I asked my mother why didn't Santa give presents to the poor children and she responded with, "What do you think?". I figured it out that day.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, but it's harder to spread out the gifts as they get older. Stuff is MUCH more expensive.

10. How do you decorate your tree?
With ornaments.

11. SNOW. Love it or dread it?
LOVE it when it's coming down and everything is covered. DREAD it when everything is
slushy and dirty and the kids have been out of school for a week.

12. Can you ice skate?
Purple

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
It was an honor just being nominated.

14. What is the most important thing about Christmas to you?
No brainer. The birth of Jesus Christ.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Same as Lea's. Home made sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Watching How "The Grinch Stole Christmas" with my kids while decorating the tree. Also, in the evenings, our fire dept rides through every neighborhood in our district with Santa in the bucket of the truck. Usually we have 5-7 pieces of apparatus and it's like a parade. Horns and sirens are blaring. Spotlight is on Santa and the people LOVE it. They come out and thank us and bring us homemade treats and donations.

17. What tops your Christmas tree?
A star made out of cardboard and aluminum foil. JM made it when he was about 4.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving gifts?
I actually really do prefer giving. I also would rather exchange a small thoughtful, inexpensive gift than just something we pick up because we can't think of anything else. (I know, cheesy).

19. Favorite Christmas Song?
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Mary, Did You Know?"

20. Candy Canes, Yum or Yuck?
YUM

21. What do you want for Christmas?
A Water Buffalo

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party?
Everyone comes to my house on Christmas Eve and to my sisters' or brother's house on Christmas Day (and Thanksgiving).

23. Do you usually dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's?
Dress Up.

24. Do you own a Santa Hat?
Yes, and another one with a beard attached and also reindeer antlers.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
My family, extended family, inlaws, outlaws, etc.

26. What is your favorite Christmas decoration and why?
An old walking cane that belonged to my grandfather. My dad gave it to me after his dad died. It reminds me of my grandfather but also reminds me of Miracle on 34th Street. That was always my favorite Christmas movie. One of my favorite quotes is from it. "Faith Is Believing In Something, Even When Common Sense Tells You Not To.".

OK everyone...TAG...You're It!!

Today is Tuesday, You Know What That Means...

I don't post many videos. Of course that could be because I had to call Chatty Kelly to find out how to post this one. Anyway, it's Tuesday and I think of this song at one point or another almost every Tuesday. I think most of you have heard it....many, many years ago. I used to watch this show on TV every afternoon that I could. Now, I WAS watching the reruns. I think the originals ran sometime starting in the early 1950's.

You Tube is SO cool. You can find ANYTHING.

SO.....sit back, relax and take a walk down memory lane......

The Cough Drop Story

I am in the middle of reading a book. Actually I am in the middle of reading about 10 books, but that's another story.

The name of the book is Driven To Distraction, byEdward M Hallowell MD, and John J Ratey MD. It is about recognizing and coping with ADD and ADHD from childhood through adulthood. I think the authors have been spying on me my whole life as I could have been the person they refer to in just about all of their examples. Most people have a few ADHD symptoms, the problem is when you have most of them.

There is one story called The Cough Drop story that I can relate to so well that I am going to share it with you. A lady is talking to her doctor...

"....that is about a cough drop someone left on the dashboard of our car. The other day I saw the cough drop and thought, I'll have to throw that away. When I arrived at my first stop, I forgot to take the cough drop to a trash can. When I got back in the car, I saw it and thought, I'll throw it away at the gas station. The gas station came and went and I hadn't thrown the cough drop away. Well, the whole day went like that, the cough drop still sitting on the dashboard. When I got home, I thought, I'll take it inside with me and throw it out. In the time it took me to open the car door, I forgot about the cough drop. It was there to greet me when I got into the car the next morning."

Now think about that story and add it to just about every aspect of your life. whew....

What was I talking about???

Can You Relate?

What...Me Ramble?

I'm sitting here typing with nothing to say.
It's time for a post but I have nothing to display.
I guess I'm going to ramble if you think it's ok.
I thought of popping Edie's bubbles but I don't really want to play.
If I was really wise I would use this time to pray.
But my mind is on the fritz and it's running away.

I made a new paragraph so you wouldn't go away.
I read that one long paragraph makes my readers start to stray.

If it wasn't after midnight I could go out and play.
If I sit here too long then night will turn to day.
If i had a horse then it would probably neigh.
And if I had a hen, then an egg it would lay.

If it isn't yet tomorrow then it must be today.
I'm getting kind of tired and my feet feel like clay.
But I'm determined to finish so here I will stay.

If you don't brush your teeth they will start to decay.
yes, I know that was random but I've no rules to obey.

If you do a good job then I'll give you a yay;
But if you make a mistake then please don't dismay.

If you used to be happy, you would say you were gay.
But now people take it in another way.

I'm not a good cook, can't even do consomme.
Not good at crafts either, not even applique.
I don't know how to act so I won't do a matinee.
I need to chooses what to do , maybe write a resume.
Have no idea what do do which is why I delay.
But I can't fight fire, much to my dismay.
You need a back that works and mine refuses to obey.
That's making me sad, off that subject we will stay.

Sometimes I use the dictionary but also the Roget.
I'd probably write better if I had a glass of Monet.
I'm really not picky. I'll accept Chardonnay.

I just put on my PJ's I don't wear a negligee.
It's getting rather late so in my bed I should lay.

Tomorrow will be better than yesterday
Because tomorrow is now and the past has gone away.

Goodbye to my friends, I can no longer stay.
If I don't gt any sleep ----I will be tired and grumpy.
Good Night.
Well, I'm going to bed as soon as I check out a few of your blogs. It has been too long.

See ya,
MyADHDMe!!



I wonder why kids buy jeans that have started to fray.
And those jeans aren't cheap, you need much moola to pay.

The matador sees the bull and he yells OLE!
If you buy your lunch at school, then you carry a tray.

My mom had a friend and her name was Faye.
But if they're still friends, well I just can't say.

If it's not the sea or ocean then it may be the bay.
Oh Look, there's a bird, perhaps a Blue Jay.

I really have no message that I wish to convey.
It could really be worse, it could be Saturday.

If the answer is aye then it isn't Nay.

Mothers of Teenagers Know Why Some Animals Eat Their Young

It all started out as a typical afternoon. JM, my 17 year old son, is a senior in high school. He gets out of school early every day for work release.....of course he only works 2 days a week. The school alternates classes every other day, with A days and B days. On A days he gets out at 2:00 and on B days he gets out at 11:40.....geez, that barely gives me time to get a shower.

ANYWAY, That is entirely too early in my opinion.

OK, back to the story. Yesterday he asks if his friend Sam can come over so they can "hang out" and practice for their band. You would just LOVE their music. The genre is called Grind Core. It really is lovely. Actually, lovely isn't really the right adjective. But it is loud. There is a lot of bass, (did I mention it is loud?), drums, major guitar playing and vocals that sound like ...hhmmm.... how to describe the vocals.....if you make your voice as low as possible, growl , and make noises that sound like blah rahra, la ra oo ou, then perhaps you know what I'm talking about. I think I have a video of it somewhere. If I can find it and get CK to talk me through how to add it to this post I'll let you enjoy the experience yourself. I've checked out the lyrics. I think the idea is to sound as bad and incoherent as possible while singing about random nothingness....meanwhile, your audience thinks you are singing about awful stuff. Example-one of their songs is about a toaster that is toasting your bread. .....did I just hear you ask me why? Who knows. I guess it makes as much sense as "Get off the Bus Gus, Gotta new plan Stan, Don't gotta be coy Roy....". You get the picture.

Sorry. I know you are all extremely disappointed but I can't find the video. However, all it not lost. I did find some pictures of their first "gig". These pictures are from April 2007. He plays lead guitar and is also doing vocals in the top right picture. JM doesn't look like that anymore (thankfully). His hair got about 6 inches longer than it is in the pictures but a few months ago he cut it all off---almost buzz cut. About a month after that he shaved the goatee off. he really is extremely handsome now. (Really). In these pictures he is 15 years old...I know...he looks A LOT older.

OH yeah, I was talking about yesterday.

So, I say "yes", Sam may come over. I allow him to have sleepovers on school nights, (I know..BAD MOTHER). But as long as he gets up without problem and gets his work done and doesn't sleep during class (again) it's ok.

They are here for a while, eat dinner, (lucky for Sam, they picked a night where I actually cooked instead of giving them Hot Pockets)---(or was that lucky?). Anyway they ask if they can spend the night at Sam's house. They have a ride.....remember, JM is still car-less since his last "minor-mishap". He'll probably be licence -less after he goes to court on Dec 18. I know I mentioned this before but just a side note (ever realize that most of my posts are side-notes?), but did I tell you that our auto insurance went from $1,200 yearly to approx $6,500---thank you JM.

OK, I say they can go to Sam's. "Bob" comes to give them a ride. I usually call to check up, but trying to give him the benefit of the doubt I didn't. This happened sometime around 8:00 PM.
At about 10:00 PM Sam's mom calls me and asks if she may speak to Sammy....hhhmmm. So I take it they aren't there? I tell her that, then I tell her I'll text him and see what is going on.

here are the texts:

Me- Did you get to Sam's?
JM-Yeah, we're fine. We might go to Bob's but not for long.
Me-Are you at Sam's now?
JM-We're just leaving now.--- (notice how is is skirting around the truth)
Me-Leaving Sam's house, or leaving to GO to Sam's house?
JM-Leaving Sam's, but we won't be late.
Me- You are lying. (I hate using that word, but I KNEW!) Where are you now so I can come and get you.
JM-I'm not lying.
Me-I just spoke to Sam's mom. She called to speak to him. WHERE ARE YOU?

long pause

Me-"I re-send last message."
JM-Sam just called his mom. We're at Cory's friend, Bob's house.
Me- Call me NOW

20 seconds later the phone rings.

Me-Where does Bob live?
(pause)
Me-Where does Bob live?
JM- off of Altee Road (5 minutes away)
Me- You have exactly 15 minutes to either be here or at Sam's or I am going to come there and bring you home myself. It's late. your brother is in bed and I promise it will not be pretty.
JM-There's no way I can get there in 15 minutes.
Me-Fine-I'm coming right now.
JM-Wait, We'll be there in 15 min.
Me-I'm going to call Sam's mom and if you aren't there in 15 minutes, you can plan on being home for a long time.
JM-We'll be there. Bye

(wonder why I have the feeling that after he hung up he had a few more choice words to say???)

Anyway, I called Sam's mom to confirm and they actually got there before she and I hung up.

2-3 min later I get a text:

JM-We're at Sam's now.
Me- Thank you. I love you. Good Night.

(hhmmm, he must have forgotten to hit send for his "You're welcome. I love you too. Good night" text.)

And THAT my friends, is why Mother's of Teenager's Know Why Some Animals Eat Their Young.

Monday Monday Monday

I LOVE Monday's!

I have incredible respect for moms that can and do home school their children but I KNOW that I am a better mom and even a better person because of that yellow school bus that picks them up on Monday mornings.

Every one just close your eyes for a moment and picture me home schooling....not a pretty picture. Even homework time has been known to send me into a frenzy or at least a migraine. And believe me, Vicoden and Earth Science don't go well together.

Weekends are nice but Monday morning are magical. I go into each of my boy's rooms singing and cheerfully waking them up. For some reason they never seem as cheerful as I am. But I know the remedy for that! If you don't remember it, I told you about it once before.
It's If You hear What I say then You heard what I said.
For some reason I can't get that exact link to come up. It's on the right page though. It's the 6th one down. ( oh for goodness sake....go read it...you're already here anyway) Great, now how do I make this line go away...sigh.
Anyway, as for the song, It works every time! It drives Alberquando CRAZY! And of course another one of my favorites is
The Pretty Yellow Schoolbus. The kids aren't too fond of that one either.

They drag themselves up, usually a bit grumpy...we aren't morning people here. I get them breakfast, they get ready and each walk out the door (Alberquando to the school bus and JM to his friend's car). I give them a kiss, a hug and I love you and I'll miss you....I close the door....sigh....and then I smile. Picture the smile on the Grinches face when he had an "aweful, wonderful, terrible idea" and then his smile got bigger and bigger until it took over his face.
Sad to say, that is me on Monday mornings. SMILING!!

As I've said numerous times, Please don't get me wrong. I love my little sweethearts and am smiling and waving as they come home but I am DEFINITELY a better person for the few hours of freedom that I get every time I see it coming down the street. See what coming down the street you ask????...Oh, you shouldn't have asked. Here I go again....

Oh you Pretty Yellow School Bus
Pretty Yellow School Bus we love you.
And that Pretty Yellow School Bus
Pretty Yellow School Bus Loves us too.
Near, Far, I don't need a car to take them off to school today.
Bus Bus Pretty Yellow School Bus
We know you know the way!
Bus Bus Pretty yellow School Bus
We Know You Know The Way!!!!!!!!

(sorry, you'll have to go to the links to read the rest of this classic tune)

Have a wonderful wonderful Monday!!