So, here I sit....another Christmas behind us....and new year ahead of us.

 

It doesn't feel all that long ago that I was blogging about this very topic last year. This leaves me to wonder how it will feel when I am my grandparents' age. When they celebrated Christmas at 75, 80, and now, even 85....did it seem like yesterday that my mom or dad was opening gifts and sitting on Santa's knee? Much like my child'ren's infancy and first months, I want to rewind and do it over again so I can pay more attention to every detail, facial expression, and sweet moment.

 

As I took down the tree today, I couldn't help but feel like I was just putting it up. Was it really up a whole month? And why didn't we turn the lights on every chance we got? I remember a few busy nights where we all fell into bed, just passing by this pretty tree that I spent so much time decorating. I remember taking about a half day off of work to shop for the girls. It was so much fun finding just the right thing. Now the gifts are scattered about the house, the wrapping paper long gone and on its way to the city dump, I'm sure. I just paid the credit card bill for those gifts. They'll be in the "don't play with this pile" before I know it. In fact, I just donated seven large garbage bags of those kind of toys today. Parents who shop Goodwill for their kids are about to get really lucky. My kids will never miss that stuff, to be sure. But right now, Kate adores her Amazing Allysen, and Liv can't get enough of all of her baby (beebee, as she says) gear. "Tanta" as she calls him was good to them this year. A most treasured memory, I hope forever, is helping Kate "track" Santa on the internet as he went through Britain, Italy, Egypt, Peru. Just about the time she needed to go to bed, he was headed for the U.S. I wish I could box up the sheer rapture on her face as she realized he'd be down our chimney within hours. Another memory....listening to her exclaim Christmas morning, "I love Santa!....But don't worry Daddy and Mommy, I love you too. I love all of you." We got it on tape, priceless.

 

Hubby wanted me to keep all of the seasonal decorations up through New Year's, but I've already tired of the clutter. Today, I finished up the packing, and re-organized the storage closet underneath the stairs. With so many toys gone, I was able to convert most of that closet into Liv's "baby room" where she can care for her babies downstairs so I can keep an eye on her while going about my usual routine. I organized the kids' art cabinet. Everything has a place, at least for now. I organized their closets. Out of season clothes are stored, and outgrown clothes are in "give away" sacks. Everything is hung and folded as it should be, again....at least for now.

 

Realizing that while this is a "get stuff done" break for me--I don't go back to work until the 4th--it's a true break for my Kindergartner. She deserves a real break away from school, in my opinion. So yesterday, we headed off for some mom/daughter bonding. I took the baby to the sitter and we ran some errands -- got the car all cleaned out and organized, returned Christmas gifts that weren't right for me, and hit the mall for some sales deals for her. Ok, and me. Just a little bit. We had an ice cream cone. I haven't had ice cream in a long time. We just sat on a bench, talked, and enjoyed the ice cream. Enjoyed the moment. Her fun has continued through today, as her best friend for the past three years (yes, half of her life) has been here since this morning. They have played everything imaginable and giggled more than I thought possible. I rounded them up and took them to see Charlotte's Web at a nearby theatre where you can have lunch while watching the movie. It was really fun to watch them become so enchanted with a story that I loved as a little girl. Both of them got a little teary-eyed when Charlotte decided to move on to spider-heaven, but they quickly found humor in Templeton and were ready to get back home and back "into character." In fact, they've been so many characters today, I'm starting to forget what I'm supposed to call them. She'll (probably) sleep over, which will delight Kate to no end. I hope that will make for a "memorable" holiday break for Kate. Tomorrow, my father and step-mother are headed to town. I'm sure the visit will be somewhat forced, like last time, but we'll get through it. Thing is, this was a last-minute trip, so I have precisely 3 hours to get some sort of gift and lunch put together tomorrow before they get here. One thing is for sure, if you are a child of divorced parents, your "Christmas" can literally drag on for weeks. Since I was a child, I have had so many "Christmases" -- home, the other parent, one set of grandparents, the other set, the step-parent's family, and so forth. Now I add in my mother-in-law. Decorations are long down and the spirit has died, but we're still exchanging gifts into the New Year. Funny how the kids seem to get most of the inconvenience when their parents divorce -- it was their decision years ago, yet the effects of it go on through generations. If I had even a penny for all the miles I've put on vehicles trying to get to everyone and make every "side" happy through the years...... well, let's just say I'd only be working for the hell of it. Certainly not the paycheck, in that I'd be a millionaire.

 

Speaking of Christmas, funny story. I emailed my husband an extremely detailed list of things that would be nice for Christmas. I have ended up with some really odd "surprises" before, so I figured I'd help him out. He went overboard on the spending, thinking I wanted everything on the list, when in fact one or a combination of small things would work. Gotta love a guy who goes for it, right? I asked for these cool Puma Winter Flex boots--I got Uggs. I asked for a diamond circle pendant -- I got one, but not the one I showed him. In fact, outside of the two being circle, I couldn't see many similarities. More on that later. He did get me the Tiffany ring I wanted -- love it -- but it was the wrong size. And he got me a great Mom Agenda book (thanks Alleycat) and a cool Gomez t-shirt that is 10 sizes too small, but that's not his fault. It's the t-shirt's fault.....

 

So, here's the little diddy about the Big Exchange. When Kate and I set out yesterday, I had made up my mind to exchange these items. I knew I wouldn't wear them, and that he'd prefer the money go to something worthwhile. I decided I wouldn't make a big deal about it. In fact, I didn't even tell him. First stop was Nordstrom. Bless his heart, he didn't actually take the magazine ad I ripped out for him, circled, and wrote my size on. He just went to the store and described the boots. I admire his will to brave holiday crowds and hit the mall in search of women's shoes...... The saleslady thought he was describing Uggs. Now, um, I think Uggs look great--on Kate Hudson, Lindsay Lohan....even my sister. Thing is, they have nice legs. I have short legs. Uggs just don't work for me. And, it's hot in Texas. That furry inside of the boots makes me sweat just thinking about it. So I take the boots to the counter and tell the guy the story. He immediately says, "Oh, you want our Puma boots. We don't have many left but we'll check." Yeah, go figure. And then he laughed, "How did he get Puma and Uggs confused?" Well, he's a guy, right? Anyway, they did have the boot, just not my size. So I ordered it, and I'll have it 5-8 days. Plus, it was $25 less, so now I have $25 to spend. Yee-haw.

 

Next stop.... Tiffany's. I remember an entry from Smalls (shout out!) awhile back about his latest experience in this store. Well, I have felt like that before too--like I shouldn't be in such a fine establishment. However, I will say that with some of Tiffany's "lower-end" offerings, people shouldn't feel afraid to go in there anymore. I saw teenagers in there exchanging gifts. Let's just say there was a WIDE range of people in there.  In fact, there were so many people in there, it took me almost 45 minutes just to exchange a ring for size. As it turns out, they didn't have my size, either. That little silver piece of yum will be here on January 2. No boots, no ring. But at least when I get them, they'll be right. Trust me, the fact that he pursued these items with gusto is a huge step in the right direction for him!

 

So now we have the kicker. The necklace. I was surprised I got the necklace and the other stuff. I felt a little spoiled, but let's all say it together....I deserve it. I've been a very good girl this year. Anyway, I the address I found on the receipt revealed that the store is in a very random part of town--a part of town that is well, questionable. How did he find this place? I realize it's sort of by his office, but not exactly. I really wanted to see if I could find something I liked better, even if I had to pay a little extra. I drive around and look for this place -- Gallery of Gold -- or something like that. Sketchy name, to me anyway. I pull up and see that I have to ring the buzzer to be let in. The place is owned by a sweet Indian couple. I scan the offerings--very not me. Very gold. So, hey, the store is aptly named, right? In that I'm not a huge fan of gold (my necklace was not gold) I was beginning to worry. The owner comes out and figures out who I am and remembers my husband. He flat-out tells me that the pendant I got was OK, but certainly not that nice. A friendship was born--we were on the same page. So I try on the pendant the next size and total carat weight up; I don't like it. It doesn't look right. My mind keeps going back to the pendant I really wanted--and showed him--at another store. Too much time has passed to get a refund, and I really didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I started to go back to the original pendant, when this voice in my head told me to stop. Stop.

 

It would be so like me to just take the old pendant and go home. I'd keep it in the box and wear it only occasionally just so he could see it now and again. However, this piece of jewelry wasn't right for me......I didn't want to waste it. I had to wonder why he didn't just get what I showed him. I love the guy to pieces, but let's face it--he just doesn't always "get it" when it comes to gifts (read: hand vac for first mother's day; men's slippers for first Christmas together). In his defense, we've had winners--a beautiful Ebel watch one Christmas....... So my eyes wander over to other styles of pendants. I see a very simple, yet pretty, one with three diamonds, all the same size in a vertical line. The jeweler tells me that he made that piece himself. I try it on. I don't love it--but I like it a lot. Since I can't return the original and get our money back, I exchange it. I pay a bit more, but I don't care. I'm wearing it, and warming up to it. It's money put to good use because I will wear it. But back to money--now altogther, we paid about the same amount for this OK pendant that we would have paid for the pendant I loved. So guys, when your wife says "that one, right there...." listen up.

 

In turn, hubby liked all of the gifts I got him. They were all very well thought out this year. Of course, he went and bought yet another guitar to add to the stash. Let's see, this makes what... 12, 13 guitars? And he's not even in a band. He swears they are investments, in that they are vintage guitars. I'd like to "invest" them in some plastic surgery in 07.

 

And why? Because I'm sick of this post baby belly. I can feel all of the ab exercises working--but there is still that leftover "stretch" of skin that won't go away with exercise. I really want it gone. And I want my baby boobs back where they go, too. However, I am too chicken for surgery. It's so invasive. I talk big, but I wouldn't do it. So, I'm left with one choice--keep working out and change my diet. For the past month or so, I've been investigating nutrition options for women my age who have had children. I don't want to change the way I eat just for losing weight--but also for a more healthy and hopefully, longer, life. I've been reading so much lately about all of the junk we consume--the artificial stuff, additives, etc. and their link to disease, particularly cancer. I found a 21-day "detox" plan. It sounds tough, but my friend who did this swears that she has never felt better. She is not a dieter, but after facing cancer with many of her family members, she felt she wanted to "get clean" when it comes to what she puts in her body. She looks great. Her skin, hair....everything. And she's thinner. It's not a starvation diet--just a change--a very nutritional, balanced change. I'm thinking of starting off with that and then just going into a more whole foods approach to eating. My hope is that the results will not only make me feel better, but look better too. It would be nice to put on a pair of pants and like what I see, rather than trying to find a long top to cover up the stuff I'm ashamed of. I will probably kick start this when I get back from my mom's next week. I may try to find a way to journal about it on my blog so I can remain accountable for everything I'm doing and have a black-and-white reminder of my daily intake and activity.

 

Ah yes, mom's. We spent the day before Christmas Eve there. I won't go into the "gory" details, but let's just say that 2-3 family members went at it, so to speak, pretty much ruining the evening. Tensions are high right now between some members of the family, and it's disappointing. Again, I think when it comes to blended/step-families, you just need to call a duck a duck. You won't bond and have the same connection as a nuclear family. Yes, you can love and care for each other--but to try and force something that's not "natural" just doesn't work. Eventually, everyone needs to find their own niche and way and just send cards. Forcing the concept of family never works. I'll end that "philosophy" there. We'll see what happens.....

 

OK, so I've written a book. The holiday isn't quite over yet, so I'm sure I'll have more updates as it progresses. We still have my father's visit, New Years Eve (party in the neighborhood, I think), and a small trip back to my mom's to get through. I think when it's all said and done, and I've organized every last crevice of the house, I'll be ready to get back to work and greet 2007 with open arms. 2006 was good--it really was--but I'm also looking forward to this year, watching my girls turn 6 and 2. I'll turn 35 this year. Wow. 35. We have joint savings goals, project goals, vacation goals, and health goals, which is good. Therefore, my hope is that we stay happy and healthy in order to enjoy it all.....and hopefully, soak up the moments that make life so sweet.

 

Til next time......

....... and to all a nice glass of vino.....

 

Cheers to my fellow blog dorks......

 

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and all the rest of it, friends.

 

xo

Seems like it though, doesn't it?

 

I started getting the signs of a cold just more than two weeks ago. It quickly escalated into a full-blown upper respiratory infection. It's gone from bad to worse, to a little better, to bad, to horrible, and now back to a little better. In the meantime, my husband caught the cold and got over it and my oldest just got it. I expect the baby to start with any day now. Funny how such a tiny little germ can wreak such havoc in one household.

 

Therefore, not only have I not had the energy to do the dishes, straighten the house, wrap presents, or run errands.... I haven't had the energy or will, I suppose, to blog either. Until today.

 

So here's your riddle for the day....

 

Q. What do you get when a husband tells his wife on a lazy, Saturday morning that more than 40 people will be at your house later that evening, expecting food, drink, and merriment?

 

A. A wife who is about to commit a horrible crime against said husband just so that she can get rest and peace every day in an isolated jail cell.

 

OK, so maybe I'm exaggerating....about the jail thing. I am NOT, however, exaggerating about the small get-together turned Party Fest 06.

 

I felt like a lunatic, driving through parking lots at an alarming (read, not safe) rate that morning, scooping up serving dishes, drinks, snacks, cute plates, napkins, favors for kids, and stuff for the carriage ride. I had a few hours to plan a party that I should have, or could have, spent weeks planning. My credit card took a huge beating. As it turns out, the party went well but it wasn't as nice as I would have liked. We polished off some champagne and wine, but we had way too much food left over. It feels like a waste. There were about 11 kids running through my house. So here's another riddle?

 

Q. What kind of damage can 11 kids do to a house in three hours or less?

 

A. More than you can imagine or care to know. Also, red lipstick doesn't wipe off of walls and carpet all that well.

 

Oh wait, back up. Friday was fun. Went to happy hour with two of my gilfriends..... fun time, consumed lots of wine, hubby took care of kiddos, still got in bed at a decent hour. Also completed two stories -- a huge relief before the holidays.

 

Then, Sunday. I woke up feeling horrible, like I had taken 10 steps back in my cold. I guess staying up late and drinking the previous two nights didn't do much for it. I cleaned up the mess (just HOW many wine and champagne glasses do we have, anyway?) that morning and tried to get things somewhat organized. Then it was time for......drum roll, please....

 

High School Musical!

 

Ah yes, the concert of the year hit town and thousands of screaming girls packed the American Airlines Center to sing every word to every song of Disney's latest brilliant idea I wished I thought of, High School Musical. I can't get those songs out of my head, and I also forgot how a concert will have your ears ringing for days. Another thing I forgot, how a cute guy can bring a 12-year-old to tears just because, "OHMYGOD he's soooooo CUTE!" I realize that this is all just around the corner for me, and I partly kick myself for encouraging my six-year-old's interest in all of this teeny-bop/pop stuff, but I also like the fact that I was with her and could get a sneak peek at the future. It wasn't that bad, just loud. I also saw a lot of things that won't happen in her future, such as a Louis Vuitton purse (real) before she's 10, a limo ride to and from the concert, Tiffany jewelry before she can even drive, make-up in elementary, and other such travesties. Sigh.

 

The good part is that my daughter had a blast and genuinely liked being there and spending time with me. I realize that might be the only time we hug and dance together at a concert, so it was cool.

 

Christmas shopping is done, except for a few gift cards here and there that need to be mailed. I just need to get bows on the packages. I am actually proud of what I got hubby this year. At the same time, I don't feel like I got my oldest daught enough. In dollars, yes, but when you see the pile, it doesn't look like much especially when compared to her baby sister's. Her stuff is pretty inexpensive and really big -- doll stuff-- so it looks like more. Oh well....... birthdays are next month. Speaking of which I am on the ball and already booked the place and two cakes for the girls' birthdays next month. Yes!

 

Went to the Dallas Symphony last night. It was beautiful. It was their Christmas show....... It was a private party prior and then we got tickets. The seats were perfect. I wish we could do stuff like that more often. I realize that we may not get to go to a Christmas Eve service this Sunday. This is hubby's mom's "year" and it looks like she wants to dine out that evening at one of the few chain restaurants that are open and then do brunch at her house on Christmas Day, after Santa. I'll miss not being there..... It's one of my favorite things. Maybe I can steal away for the really late service after the kids have gone to bed......... We will be with my family the 23rd and some of the 24th, then heading back. I am crossing my fingers this quick trip works out because it will be the first time all four of the siblings -- The Fantastic Four--will be together in over two years. And, all of the grandkids, too, which is neat. I hope to get lots of pics.

 

What else? Oh yeah! Today, I took a Blow Drying 101 class. It's a complimentary (read: give them a big tip) class on how to blow dry and style your hair at home so you get the same results as the salon. I don't know if my hair will look that good every time, but I did learn some tips....

 

1. Round brushes are NOT out. In fact, they are the best at giving you volume. However, use a smaller brush than you think you need. The smaller the brush, the easier it is to handle and the smaller the twirl, the more volume you get.

 

2. Products matter. Get the right product for your hair type. If you have too much product in your hair, it's not going to turn out right. And no, not all products are the same.

 

3. Velcro rollers are your friend.

 

4. Use a powerful blowdryer with an attachment on the end that delivers the heat to one area. This way you can smooth the hair from root to tip, or twist it, then blow the hair for volume at the roots.

 

5. Volumizing spray is a good thing, as is a little bit of mousse just before you dry your hair.

 

The bonus is that I met a stylist and a colorist I really like. Plus, the owner of the salon gave me a consultation and for one of the first times ever, I really do agree with what he said. After the new year, when my hair grows just a bit more, I'm headed there for a cut and color. Yea me!

 

OK, I have lots more to write but alas, am out of time. Go figure...... more later.

 

 

Since it's already happening, it won't hurt to include the words in this blog so google can throw my blog up there......

 

I. Don't. Know. Why. Kellie. Raspberry. Is. Getting. Divorced.

 

I've used all of those words before in random ways and sometimes together in my blogs, which is why I guess Google is bringing people to my page. I cannot begin to tell you how many people have found me as of late by typing in "Why is Kellie Raspberry Getting a Divorce?" Now that oughta be good for another 50,000 or so hits.

 

I definitely have my suspicions, and, one reason I've heard is probably true and has the most merit to it. I like Kellie and KKITM is one of my all-time favorites in life. Anyone who has read this blog long enough knows that I heart Kidd and have a not-so-secret-but-not-stalker-like crush on him. I have met Kellie on a few occasions, and she is really nice. She's a lot like what you hear on the radio, but nicer. Some of what she does on the show is well, for show. Having been divorced myself, I'm not going to pretend it's all one party's fault. I have no idea what went on within the four walls of their house, but I do know that although this is a big city, it's also a small town. Word gets around. It won't be long and most people will know why they split. That's just the nature of the gossip mill here. And yes, I think it leans heavier to one side. The only thing I will say for sure is that her baby girl has a great mama, and that in the end, she and her baby will be just fine. The hardest part will be that both Kellie and Freddie are in the city's social spotlight....not sure if there's room for two under that big, bright light. And those who know the show can bet on who has the staying-power. Not-so-subtle-hint: It ain't him.

 

OK, on to other things.......

 

I am finding that as I get older, I have less tolerance for the stupid things in life. Just little petty things........ Things that I would politely tolerate a year or so ago. But some people just drive me nuts and are getting on my nerves. I'm starting to get annoyed by two different types of people. One type is the person who constantly has to throw how "great" they are in your face. Whether it's where they traveled, which Manolos they just got, which "it" neighborhood they're considering, what hot thing they are doing New Year's, what high-end brands of everything they have from make-up to clothes to cars.......Why do you feel the need to reveal every little detail of your "fabulous" life? If I ask then sure, give me all the juicy details but when you weren't asked and you just start yapping, then give me a break! Yes, you're fabulous. Now let's move on and talk about something much more important. You know, like what in the world is K-Fed going to do now that the recently tummy-tucked Brittney has gone back to her good girl status? How will he support four kids when both of the moms are richer than he is? Oh the travesty and injustice......

 

And the second type is opposite of the first. These are the people who make me feel like crap for complaining about something small. For instance, having too much to do in the holidays -- schlepping up to church 3 times in a day so my my kid can sing in her little church choir, going from store to store to find just the right gift, dragging out boxes of messy decorations, dreading putting them back up, wrapping and more wrapping, going to more events in a four-week period than you do in a full year..... These are all wonderful things that anyone would be blessed with but responses like, "You clearly can't find the true joy in Christmas or the true meaning of Christmas" or "You have your priorities out of line this season....." Really? Do you have any idea what kind of charitable deeds I do this time of year? Do you know how much the season of advent means to me and what we do to celebrate it? How I bend over backwards to make certain my kids know the meaning of Christmas and that they are to give as much as they get? That O Holy Night brings me to tears every time? That I smile every time I drive through our Vegas-looking neighborhood, listening to families laughing and carriage rides clip-clopping through the streets? I'm just a little peeved that there's so much to do in a short time. That's it. Don't tell me how I don't know how blessed I am. I thank God on a daily basis for my blessings. So there. Zip it.

 

Ahhhhhhhh...... that feels better.

 

Did I mention I have laryngitis? Well I do. I can barely get two full words out. It's really fun on interviews...... clients stare at me like I have some sort of weird disease. I have a cold but feel relatively OK...... but my voice is gone. GONE. Kind of takes the fun out of yelling at my husband and kids. But it's hilarious to get into character of "granny" and ask hubby to "go get granny a pack of Cool's from the corner store." Yeah, I know....easily amused.

 

So I'll leave you with a little Christmas funny.....

 

My almost-two-year-old is starting to talk up a storm. That's a good and bad thing. For instance, she loves animals and is excited to identify them for us so that we can all celebrate that she knows a new word. For whatever reason, she thinks all birds are roosters. Like most little kids, she likes to say the noise they make when pointing at them.  Therefore, cockadoodledoo, except she can't say the whole word. So, whenever she sees a bird in a book or outside, she says, "cock."

 

Yep. You read that right.

 

Imagine the fun of this little game........ "Mommy, I see cock!" "Mommy! Look, pretty cock! Funny cock!"

 

Now that Christmas has arrived, penguins abound. Despite how many times I tell her, penguin, she insists they are cocks. So as we are driving down residential streets with penguins lit up all around us, this is what I hear from the back seat.

 

"Mommy cock! Look! A cock! Pretty cocks! Baby cock!"

 

Worse, is when I drive on and get to a house with no lights or no penguins..... then I get,

 

"No mommy. No! I want cock! More cock!"

 

I am SO not kidding you about this story. It is REAL. Every scary word of it. And now, her older sister thinks it's cute and will say, "Look Livvie, there's a cock over there? See the cute cock?"

 

I die laughing and am horribly embarrassed if others hear it, and they don't why I'm laughing. I dare not explain. Sometimes, the truth is too painful.

 

Ah, the joys of Christmas..........