10...9...8...7...6...5...

Happy Almost New Year!!!

I have to say, as I reflect back on 2010, it was a little "intense" and crazy. A household move to a different state can do that, I suppose.

2011 will be just as interesting, I imagine. And I'm not saying that because I will have three of my kids in soccer, instead of one. ;-) I'm saying it because I have a feeling it will be an interesting year.

Here's to a better, more interesting 2011!

RAMBLINGS is Moving!!!

AS OF JANUARY 1st 2011, this blog url will no longer exist. You will be able to find my blog at
http://suburbansoccermom.blogspot.com. (Since Postum no longer exists, I figured it was a wise choice!) If you have a link to my blog, you might want to change it effective Jan. 1. (But not until then!)

See you on the other side! Happy Almost NEW YEAR!!!

Lara

Merry Merry!

Merry Christmas, everyone! This morning we woke up early, beat the crowds for breakfast at The Original Pancake House, and saw a morning showing of Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Now we are resting up before the big night! I hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday! Merry Christmas!

Lara

In Defense of The Gift Card.

 

"And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care"...(notice how "Dad and Mom's" stockings are way bigger?? SCORE!)

So. Gift Cards. My MIL hates 'em. She says when you give a giftcard, it screams: "I don't have time for you/you didn't mean enough to me to search for a meaningful gift."

BAH, I say. Giftcards are personal. Want to know why? Because no one has the same taste. I walk into a handbag store, and I'm walking out with Coach. My Aunt Gertrude walks into a handbag store (this is hypothetical) and she walks out with the latest black vinyl organizer with free calculator and wallet with 72 compartments for credit cards. (Not that that is a BAD thing, but it's just not "me.")

We are all different. So, in my opinion, the giving of a gift card tells me: "I care about you enough to want you to have exactly what you want--so--go forth and buy it for yourself!"

There's something "giddy" about shopping with a giftcard. You know you have X amount of dollars to spend, so you can either spend it all, or save some for later, or put it towards that big item you wanted (and now with the giftcard it will be half off), etc. etc.

For those of you who aren't into giving gift cards, I am not knocking you. You probably select the perfect gift every time, for those you know and love. I am merely suggesting that not everyone is like you. Not everyone has the inborn talent of "perfect gift selection."*coughcough* like ME, *coughcough*

Ergo, gift cards rock, in my opinion. I give them, and I love to receive them. But sometimes, sometimes, I try to give personal gifts. But only when I see something and it screams: "the person you're thinking of would really dig this!" Otherwise I am pretty much deer in headlights/clueless/needing to be taken out back and shot, when it comes to gift-giving. And yes, I would be lying if I didn't say giftcards took the "stress" out of gift shopping.

Am I completely insane?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

Here are two of my trees. I actually have one more in the office to the right, but couldn't fit it in the frame. Can you tell I like Christmas?? I'm actually being tame this year.

Registered two kids for Spring Soccer. My 13-year old daughter, who played soccer for six years and gave it up two years ago, wants to play again. So, I've signed her up. I suspect she's reeeaaaallly rusty, but isn't it kind of like riding a bike? A little conditioning and a few skills classes to brush up, and she will be ready. I'm not sure why we have the sudden change of heart, but as long as she wants to stay active, I'm fine with it.

I am sad--it looked like we were getting some snow on Christmas day here, but now it is just rain. It's been in the 50's here, so no snow for us. And NO, I'm not complaining, but I do like to see a "little" white for Christmas. Then it can all melt the next day and never come back...heh heh...

Thing Four is completely potty trained. It only took a day. He's been going regularly ever since. I am actually surprised at how easy it was, once he was ready. My other kids were scared of the toilet/scared they'd fall in/scared of their own poop/you name it, but Thing Four is AWESOME.

Me yesterday: "(Thing Four), you are AWESOME!"

Thing Four: "I know, mom. I wanted to be a big boy so you wouldn't have to change my poopy diapers anymore."

Hello, Little Lord Fauntleroy, much? He just needs to call me "dearest."

I have a head cold, and I can't sleep. Luckily I'm more at the end of it. Head colds make me whiny and boring. Well...more than usual!

Keep warm, everyone, only THREE days until Christmas!!!

HEY, I just realized I forewent my favorite Christmas tree countdown widget! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? What's wrong with me???? Maybe I can find it real quick! Oooh, yes, I did!

A Thing of Beauty...

Can you guess which side my 3-year old (who looooooooves gum drops!) decorated?

Bet you'll never.

I discovered some new things yesterday. I discovered Postum (it's actually Pero but old habits die hard) tastes absolutely REVOLTING with gingerbread-flavored coffee creamer. I'll stick to plain, thanks.

I discovered that when it's 55 degrees out, it rains a lot.

I discovered my kids can't go even one hour without wanting on the computer. (So I took it away, bwahahahahahahaaaa!)

I discovered shopping at this point is futile.

I discovered Starbucks' Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate. Am massively in love.

I discovered that I tied the festive wreath on my car so darn well, I can't wash it now:
I also discovered that now the presents are all bought, the cards are sent out and all I have to do is wait for Christmas to happen, I love everybody and everything.

Happy Tuesday!!!

Cue The HALLELUJAH CHORUS!!!!

I never thought it would happen. I had HOPES, but not really. I was going to have a five-year old in diapers. I was trying to figure out how we could "hide" it when he went to Kindergarten. Maybe I could sneak in and change him during "naptime..."

Now I worry no more. Thing Four (who is three, and has plenty of time before he's five) is officially Potty Trained!!!

It happened yesterday. Yes, in ONE day. I knew when it happened, it would happen FAST.

We were getting ready for church, and Thing Four was getting into the shower, and I asked him if he wanted to sit on the potty. To my great surprise (in the past this question has been met with a resounding NO!) he shrugged his shoulders and said "Sure, Mom."

So, I put him on the toilet. And he peed! I think he was so surprised by my reaction (squealing/crying/jumping up and down/telling him he was the awesomest EVER) he very quickly warmed up to the idea of going in the toilet. After his shower, he eschewed the diaper and asked me if he could wear "big boy underwear." I happen to have a package of pullups on hand, so we got one on and he kept it dry all day. I guess it helped I told him he had to "prove" he was a big boy by wearing the Big Boy Underwear.

And in the late afternoon, he told me he needed to do "poopies." Skeptical (and not even thinking lightning would strike twice in this case) I put him on the toilet, and guess what he did!!! Number Two!!! WOOOO!!!

Most of you are probably wondering why this is such a huge deal. So I have a toddler who finally goes on the toilet, Whoopdie Ding Dong. Well, you don't understand. A) This is my last child and B) He's been capable of going on the potty for about nine months, so you can IMAGINE my frustration! I mean, this kid is smart. He's one of those "old soul" kids. He's very logical about things, and I find that I can actually reason with him, whereas with his siblings it was My Way or the Highway. (And I'm not talking about me.)

Granted, now that we "go on the potty," I am stopping about every hour to put him on it. But that's ok. Eventually he will figure out the "urge to go" himself. This morning, he got up, and I put him on the toilet, and he went. Of course, I told him I'd buy him some Legos if he went on the potty, so THAT helps. ;-)

I am so excited. I need to celebrate. This is the BEST!!!!!

Some Holiday "Cheer."

I was asked if I would be interested in testing Cheer BrightCLEAN recently, since I am assuming I sound like such a "connoisseur" of laundry know-how. (I say that tongue in cheek-- since I have a family of six it is a given I have a pile of laundry the size of Mount Vesuvius at all times in my laundry room, and since I have BOYS, I have been FORCED to become said laundry know-how connoisseur. Because you know boys. Boys =STAINS.)

I will admit, I am unabashedly in love/lust/major twitterpation with Tide. Have been for, oh, say about 15 years. But I am also willing to try new things.

SO--I took the plunge. I was super excited when my complimentary bottle of Cheer BrightCLEAN (2X Ultra HE because I have front-load washers) arrived on my doorstep!

For those of you who don't know, I am super anal about my laundry. I have different piles I make. I have "White" whites, "Sorta" Whites (which includes socks and white shirts with logos on them, etc.) Greens, Lights, Darks, Reds, Pinks, yadda yadda yadda. You get the picture. Ever since that unfortunate day in 1997 when I washed my brand new red towels with blue towels (yes, I was newly married and very much NOT a connoisseur of laundry know-how) and everything came out PURPLE, I have been vigilant in separating the colors.

I tried Cheer BrightCLEAN on my whites, first. And they came out white. Like, very white. And they smelled good. Did I mention the smell of Cheer smells pretty dang good? Like a fresh sunlit meadow you could dance through...but I digress.

I HATE to admit this, but I have been throwing a dash of laundry whitener (which will remain nameless) in with my Tide lately, to make a "whitening cocktail" of sorts, so my whites will get "super" white.

With Cheer BrightCLEAN, I didn't have to add the second ingredient. And they came out just as white.

I tried Greens next. And Reds. And Pinks. Maybe it was psychological at this point, but I honestly feel like the colors were brighter and more "vivid," when they came out of the dryer. And I know I mentioned the fresh clean scent but for some reason it is very appealing to me. Even my oldest son, who wouldn't notice if a cicada bug landed on top of his head and started singing the Beatles' Greatest Hits, mentioned how "good his shirt smelled." And that, folks, is something.

I am beginning to think, that after 15 long years with Tide, we may have to try a "trial separation." Because I'm totally cheating with Cheer. The grass is definitely greener. The CLOTHES are definitely "greener." (And yes, my surprise at finding a detergent as good as/better than Tide has made me resort to lame puns.)

Go and and try a bottle yourself. You won't be disappointed. This Laundry Connoisseur certainly wasn't!

Water For Elephants Trailer is HERE!!

I am so excited to see this movie! Congrats to Sara Gruen--how great it must be to see the story in your head realized on the Big Screen! WOO HOO! You Go Girl!!!

Busy. With a Capital "B."

And that's really all I have to blog about. 4th-Grade Class Christmas Party Craziness!

Just cross your fingers I don't get fed up with the kids and start shooting them with projectile decorative icing...

Need a Little Christmas? Right This Very Minute???

Noooooo! I'm not ready yet! It's coming too fast!!! EEEEEK!!!!

Well, it's 10am and I've already been to five places so far this morning. WOO!

First off, happy thoughts/get well vibes being sent to Karen (of The Wet Donkey) and her family, since her hubby is recuperating from illness. Hope all is well soon!!!

This week is going to be crazy. I have a classroom party tomorrow and I am making 30 gingerbread houses out of graham crackers. I already have half of them made, and am making the other half right after I'm done with this post.

Had Thing Three's birthday party on Friday, it was a little crazy, and of course I SHOULD expect that a big group of ten-year old boys WILL get into a burping contest while eating pizza and soda and cake--but we had laser tag and arcade games and rides so at least they had fun. After the party we ran to dinner and then a friend and I saw Morning Glory at the theater--hilarious! I was surprised at how dang funny it was! Maybe a little formulaic, but I was laughing my pants off!

Saturday Hubby and I had a meeting across town, and then we got the boys' hair cut and hung out until Thing One's basketball game. We didn't try to see Dawn Treader, we're saving it for next week when the lines won't be as long and we'll be officially on Christmas vacation. :-)

This week is going to be...interesting. I have cards and gifts to get out, presents to buy and it's officially going to be "too late" in a week for a lot of stuff I want to do.

Holiday Craziness. Gotta love it!

Technology Scares Me. Like, "I Might Need A Diaper" Scared...

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE technology. I am no longer resistant to about 80% of it. Ten years ago, I had dialup internet, a PrimeCo cell phone, and I signed up for this cool new thing called Ebay. Which I promptly went crazy on.

Cut to today. I blog, I Twitter (however I don't FACEBOOK and I don't think I ever will) I have a Mac, iPad, iPhone, and a Blueray player. I even stream the internet (LOVE Netflix) through my living room TV. I mean, I LOVE technology. It's so...convenient.

But sometimes they go too far. Case in point, now they are claiming that soon computer hard drives will be obsolete because everyone will be storing their personal files and info in online servers, rather than hard drives on their computers. In fact, it's already begun. I'm sure you've seen commercials for "GoToMyPc" or "The Cloud," programs that let you access your personal computer and all files online. Apple and IBM are working tirelessly on new computers that someday won't have hard drives, because those few minutes of "whirring and starting up" are SO DANGED INCONVENIENT in this world of "Convenience" Technology" and the "Me Me Me Now Now Now It's Not Fast Enough" consumer.

TERRIFYING. I mean, really? Maybe it's because I'm a writer, and I like to protect my ideas, but why do I think this is a TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO-GOOD, VERY BAD idea??

Think about it. Here's the following hypothetical situation: Say you sign up for one of those programs and it doesn't matter where you go because you can access all of your personal files/photos/whathaveyou online because they're all stored in the Fort Knox of Online Storage Services. It's convenient. It's comfortable. It's great to have instant access to everything you need no matter what device you are using. You've been "Cloud-ified." Life is Good.

Then time passes, and you awake one morning to headlines screaming about how hackers have finally figured out how to HACK the online servers storing all your personal information. Your personal photos (even the ones you don't want people to see) are now out on the internet. You find that embarrassing video of you drunk at your sister's wedding on You Tube. Your files have been sold to the highest bidder--including the password-protected (and easily cracked) Word document that has ALL the passwords to all your online accounts recorded in it, so you won't forget them. Your virtual "hard drive" is now Public Knowledge, for all to see. Oh, and just to be "funny," the hackers have sold then ERASED all your files. And if you are a writer, like me, all your stories are lost. Years and years of work. Because why the heck would you make hard copies? You have everything stored in the Fort Knox of Online Servers! Well, NOW you don't...

I guess "Oh, Crap" wouldn't quite cover it.

Are you afraid, yet? Because it will happen, folks. I mean, it's not like I'm about to put on a sandwich board that reads "AVOID THE CLOUD" and walk around uptown Charlotte or anything, but I feel pretty strongly about this. Technology is a good thing, but sometimes convenience is dangerous. I think the CLOUD is dangerous. I will never, ever, ever sign up for it. Twenty years from now I'll be one of those luddite-types who buys old computers online that aren't manufactured any more because they have a hard drive that can store information privately. Hackers can do anything, people. They are getting smarter and smarter. In our rush to have super fast, super-convenient, super NOW, we are forgetting how vulnerable we are making ourselves.

Am I totally crazy? I probably sound like one of those "paranoid people," but actually, think I might have a point.

Think about it.

Spooky Empty Pale Green Pants.

Downloaded all the Dr. Seuss book apps I could find for my iPad yesterday. Thing Four LOVES Dr. Seuss, and these books are so great because they are interactive, and have a "read to me" feature, which is great for my three year old! I was pleased to discover that his favorite. story. ever. was available for download. It's called "What Was I Afraid Of?" and it is a story about a character's run-in with spooky green empty pants. Sheer Brilliance.

We saw the lights at McAddenville last night and they were pretty. They weren't super "fantastic" as far as lights go, but I think it's more about making memories with your kids, and maybe starting a tradition or two. The people we went with always hang out their moon roof and sing Christmas carols. My boys opted to "silently" hang out of our moon roof as we drove through. ;-) But then we stopped for hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts afterwards and oh my gosh they were good!

AnyhowIamgoingtoweigh10,000poundsinJanuary, things have calmed down...a little. I still have a few gifts to buy/send, but I'm almost there. Christmas is coming at us way too fast!

And now I must go and do some laundry. I am so excited I think I need to run outside and to an impromptu cartwheel in the frosty grass.

Yes, that would be sarcasm.

I WANT I WANT I WANT...

Courtesy of Tartx

OMGosh I want this bracelet from Tartx sooooooo bad! Isn't it beautiful?? It is Henry VIII and each of his six wives in chronological order. Click on the picture to learn more, if you love it like I do. It is made with real sterling silver and the quality looks amazing-- it is lovely.
If you are an obsessive Tudor Fan like me, this is just the most gorgeous thing, ever! I know, you all probably think I'm crazy because I like Henry VIII history. But I still WANT IT!!!!!!!

BREAKING NEWS!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER, CHRIS!!!!! And no, I'm not going to make any jokes about you being ancient, because since I happen to be five years older than you, I really don't have a leg to stand on...

Hope it's a good one, bro!!!

Now, about that news, well, um, it's actually kinda cold, right now in North Carolina! As in, twenty degrees! That is a big deal for here. I was laughing this morning as I took my daughter to school at 6:45 (she has an all-day field trip two hours away). A house one subdivision over had run it's sprinklers-- Ice everywhere. The lawn was covered, the entire sidewalk was a skating rink, and the street as well.

Dumb a**es!!!

I wonder if they'll turn their sprinklers off, going forward? **snort**

Yesterday was just...blech. Too much running around. Today will be the same. I guess I'll be able to relax in January. Maybe.

Hope everyone has a good day. Stay warm!

Ahhhhh...Monday.....

Maybe it's just because I'm a stay-home-mom, but I have to say, weekends are CRAZY around here, and my Mondays are actually as welcome as most working-out-of-the-home people's Fridays. That probably doesn't make much sense.

ANYWAY, the party on Friday went well! I am happy to report I had zero wardrobe malfunctions, I didn't break the itty bitty spiky heels off my pumps, I didn't drop/spill/projectile missile any food on my clothes, and things were pretty...normal.

Saturday was a lot of running around, and Thing One had her first basketball game. They lost, but put up a good fight. (Although we were shaking our heads when Thing One got fouled and instead of having her go to the line to shoot, they put another girl at the line, who had the same identical blonde ponytail.) Thing One didn't speak up, which surprised us, and the girl missed both shots, which made me mad, because Thing One would have made those free throws.

Oh well.

Sunday was a little less crazy, but I was ready for today. And I am not sure WHY, because I had to take the kids to school, take Thing Three to the Dr., then take him to school, go to the dry cleaners, go to Southpark (last day for extra associate discount at Belk) call 8 stores because they were sold out of every single pair of Uggs in size 10 (I finally found a pair in Knoxville, TN and had them shipped here), go to the grocery store, go to the playground and freeze my butt off while Thing Four ran around pretending he was Iron Man, and now I'm finally home. But I still have to pick up kids from school, run to South Carolina to pick up my Christmas cards from our photographer (don't worry, I'm being melodramatic, SC is only ten miles from my house) and cook dinner and do a load of laundry and take Thing One to Basketball practice and plan a lesson for Family Night.

So, I guess the title of my post is moot.

Ahhhh...Tuesday...

RELAX.

Yeah, it's a little crazy out there. Traffic (especially around Malls) is awful, stores are selling out of goodies fast, you have to think of gifts for all the people in your life, not to mention all the parties you have to attend (some "political," some not), and the Holiday cards that need to be sent out and the presents that need to be bought and the cookies/assorted goodies that need to be baked etc. etc. etc. etc. because it's officially the HOLIDAYS.

So, my suggestion? Relax. Try not to let it get to you. Take one day at a time, and realize you are one person. But for heaven's sake, don't procrastinate. Then you really will run yourself ragged, and be unable to enjoy the spirit of the holidays. A little bit each day, and you should be fine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was advice given to me yesterday. I think since the advice giver was under the influence of painkillers, I should totally disregard what she was saying, but you know, it DID resonate with me a little. Just an eensy little bit.

Because during the holidays I'm usually running around like ohmygoshIamgoingtohangmyselfifIdon'tgetthesecards/presentsoutintimeandcookiesbakedandpresentswrappedandjustkillmenowIamgoingtohaveanervousbreakdown.

Anyone else feel like this?

Maybe I should take some pain killers. ;-)

OPEN NOTE TO DECEMBER: WILL YOU SLOW DOWN, ALREADY????

It's already December 2nd--the kids opened the door on our big wood advent calendar this morning and found treats inside, and I panicked. It's December 2nd! I need to relish each and every day, because this month only comes once a year!

The trees are all lit, the lights are up, there's frost on the ground this morning (my parents have twelve inches of snow--har har) and it feels like Christmas. And despite all the scary stuff going on in the world, I am tuning it out and determined to be festive. For a while, anyway.

Maybe I am like a kid in Disneyworld--Christmas just helps me suspend my jaded cynical ways for a little while--and enjoy the atmosphere. Is that a crime? ;-)

Thing One's first basketball game is Saturday night--and I mean night--at 8pm. That kind of stinks, hopefully her Saturday games will be during the day from here on out.

My kids are begging me to take them to buy ECLIPSE at Midnight--I mean, really? All they're going to do is go straight to bed afterwards. It's not like they are going to stay up and watch it. I have a better plan: go to sleep, sleep in, and leisurely stroll into Target the next morning at 11-ish and choose from the GINORMOUS display of ECLIPSE dvds.

I like my plan MUCH better.

I Shopped!

I got the outfit for the party! Thank you for all your suggestions! I ended up with a gorgeous deep red frilly CK top and black shrug, dark jeans and CK pumps. And red crystal jewelry that goes perfectly!

I am set. WHEW, can I just say? My friend and I hit Belk and Nordstrom and found everything in an hour and a half, and finished up at Cheesecake Factory because we were both starving. (Next time you're there, try the hot crab and artichoke dip--TDF!!!)

Lots to do today--Thing Three turns ten on Sunday! He's growing up so fast. I can't believe it. I only have one kid left in the single digits for age! :-( But I have to get invitations out for his party--he wants laser tag this year. I still don't get the appeal but then again, I'm not a ten-year old boy.
We are planning the classroom Christmas party as well, and I'm in charge of a station making "gingerbread houses" and I'm using graham crackers. It will be a lot of prep, but fun.

Thing One says to me last night: "Oh, by the way, Mom, I need modeling clay, in Brown and White. Do you have any? I need it for class tomorrow, or I'll get an F on my project."

I do happen to have modeling clay in red, green, blue and yellow, but not the colors she needs. I was so mad (those of you regular readers know why) at her lack of consideration I told her "too bad, I guess you'll just be getting an F on that project."

She freaked. Crying, whining, the whole thing. And of course, since I don't have a heart entirely of stone, I ran to super Walmart this morning after I got Thing Three on the bus and found the clay she needed. But I let her believe, up until the last minute, that she was getting an "F." No more honor roll for her! Is it mean that I enjoyed watching her freak out a little?
Needless to say she was extremely grateful and humble, she apologized and promised to give me at least 24 hours notice, and told me she "owed" me. Don't worry, I will be collecting on that "owe" very soon!

**grumble**