DS and DD in their Sunday best!
DS
Countdown to Christimas 2010!
The countdown is on…. I usually never rush to get a tree as there are everywhere on sale. Well this year I get a tree and to my surprise there is a bird’s nest buried inside. After taking the tree outside for fear of possible eggs hatching and chirping in the middle of the night, I pulled out the nest with gloves of course. After shaking the tree multiple times, I dragged the tree back in the house. Oh I forgot after realizing the tree stand was not strong enough to hold this tree I called Tarjay to see if there were any stands left and of course not a week before Christmas. Then we stopped in Lowes to see if just maybe there was one left and of course not. After my daily call with @tomikabryant she suggested I stop in Rite Aid, great suggestion there were plenty of tree stands left. Also signed up for their discount card and the tree stand went from $16 to $9, wow can’t beat that discount. Note to self make sure to sign up for discount cards at other retailers it comes in handy at least one time during the year.
My DD has on her list a beauty salon set and after scanning the internet I found one at Amazon.com with a 5 star rating. In order to get it quickly I signed up for a trial membership to Amazon Prime, so for $3.99 I get one day shipping. (my fingers are crossed). Next, purchase is a netbook for my DS for under $150.
Next, I need to find a pork crown roast. After seeing Paula Deen make this on her Food Network show with cornbread stuffing, I had the bright idea to make something different for Christmas dinner. Also our traditional cookie baking is scheduled and of course my DD wants to make gingerbread cookies(wish me luck). This will be my first time making gingerbread cookies, so we will add our traditional oatmeal raisin, magic cookie bars and an oldie but goodie the M&M cookies. We are skipping the gingerbread house this year and I believe the red velvet cupcakes…. There will be enough goodies to indulge in and feel stuffed.
I always look forward to Christmas because the kids are so excited and happy to receive things from their list. Plus we get to fill ourselves with yummy food and treats..
Blogging Hiatus, My Apologies
Since the summer ended, I have felt so overwhelmed and super busy. The new school year for my DS has quickly approached in full throttle. He is in a new school which is challenging to say the least. His increase in nightly homework has him glued to a seat for a few more hours a night. In between this we are trying to figure out when to have dinner and back to homework, read, get ready for bed and the next day. Lucky for me my DD has a new preschool which she loves that I discovered at the end of September. Now while it may appear the kids are settled I decided to start graduate school to feel a sense of productivity. In light of my unemployment status I wanted to find a way to challenge my mind. Well, I found it because these two classes are definitely pushing my time management skills to the limit. In between my studying and homework assignments I am trying to find activities for the kids that fit around my class schedule 4 nights a week. Whew, can I take a deep breath? Some highlights of the past few months, my DS is now 10 and pushing to be in the tween category, help me! I celebrated a birthday last month and trying to create a “how to celebrate me” plan for the next year. My DD, forever the princess is looking forward to turning 4 this month and spend the day getting her nails, toes and hair done for her birthday celebration. My new schedule consists of the usual packing lunch, laundry, mealtime, homework, getting to class on time, bedtime, reading for class and studying. This new schedule has made my blogging time very limited.
I did manage to get away for my birthday weekend and enjoyed a wonderful spa day. The Diner is my favorite breakfast place in the Adams Morgan section DC. Now me and the kids are off to our new activities of basketball, swimming and gymnastics. My apologies for the long hiatus but hopefully I can chronicle the next few weeks of busy, busy before the holidays begin…….Sleep deprivation makes me stronger, I think!
Happy Mother’s Day 2010
Mother’s Day is the one day during the year when I take a major break. I look forward to no laundry, no dishes, or no dinner preparation. I usually spend the day at a restaurant for brunch or lunch with the kids, my mom and brother.
This year I feel like kicking back at home all day. We do plan to attend the morning service at church. My mom is being my cheerleader and encouraging me to treat myself to a pedicure and pick a restaurant for us all of us. Honestly I would prefer to treat kids or have her spend the money on herself. I feel my smallest cheerleaders deserve a special treat day. I wonder sometimes if I am doing a good job as a mom and really making the right decisions for them. This is probably one of the daily challenges of being a mom. It is all worthwhile when I’m dressing my 3yo DD in the morning and she says “you’re a great mom”. Now my 9yo DS on the other hand is trying so hard to act like Mr. Mom, he tries not to show a whole lot of affection but when he says “thanks mom”, I believe he really appreciates the job I do.
To all my real life mommy friends and to all my virtual mommy friends, I wish all of you a very beautiful & blessed Mother’s Day with your child(ren).