So Long 2012!

End of the year... picture style

We've been busy over Christmas Break and I didn't have a lot of time to post here, So I'll  paraphrase with some pictures, memes, and kid-isms.

The first Monday after the CT school shooting was Logan's class party. So many people were nervous that it would go poorly, the teachers would say too much, or there would be copycat episodes. I was afraid a kid (probably mine) would blurt out what s/he heard on the news or his/her parents said over the weekend. It was business as usual for a class of rowdy 1st graders. I read them How the Grinch stole Christmas and we all made crafts. The teacher was visibly relieved that it went so well.

Heh... Guilty Conscience collection. 

Logan: If everyone's phones just stopped working that would be bad. We would have use those big flat things with the long string in the back... and the spirally spring connector piece... 

Me: You mean a telephone with a cord? 

Logan: Yeah! one of those big telephones with bumpy buttons. 

Random thought from Kendal: Books are the best thing EVER!!!

This is how Kendal feels about ANYTHING healthy. Especially vegetarian sausage.

If you haven't watch TED talks, you should. I found this series and I LOVE IT!! (Mind you I read psychology textbooks in my spare time) There is amazing information in here about everything from schizophrenia to aspergers to Alzheimers. Just amazing stuff for my fellow psych friends. 

I always said that someday when my kids are older and hate me (teenagers) I'll go back to school for psychology. I just thought of the best stress relief during therapy ever: Bubble wrap. Big rolls of it. You can choose any size bubble sheet you like. This way I will instantly know if a question or conversation makes the person nervous or angry. Over time I will be able to tell more about them by what size bubble wrap they choose. I prefer the big ones. You can plug the first hole and pop those bitches again if you want!

 I'll have the coolest psych office ever. 

This would be my coffee table book in the waiting room..

Done.

I bought Logan the last Diary of Wimpy kid book. He sat in the cart and read while I shopped. When we left the store he was on page 32. When he went to bed he was on page 100. This morning he woke me up at 10ish to tell me he was done with his book. NOW what am I gonna do? That was supposed to keep him occupied for at least a couple days. He is currently re-reading his favorite parts. 

Logan found the Harry Potter wand he got for his birthday. I am trying to clean the house and get ready for some grocery shopping and he keeps hitting me with "confundus and "Petrificus Totalis" makes is REALLY hard to get things done. I was going to lock him out of my room but he also knows "Alohomora" I give up.

One night I met some friends for a candle light vigil down at Flagler Beach in memory of people who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary. It was really very beautiful. All the names were read and a short biography about each person. They weren't just names, they were women and children. That is how they should be remembered. 

The paper lanterns were beautiful

Bags and candles left on the beach.

One of the good things about Christmas Break is plenty of free time to spend with friends. We met up with Susan, Nick, and Mia and headed out to Matanzas National Monument. It was the look out tower for the St. Augustine Fort. Anyway. The kids were super excited for the boat ride (pontoon across the river)

Mia: Oh Mom, Look, there is the castle where the princesses live!

Kendal: Oh Mom, Look, it's CAMELOT!! Lets go in and get that grail. 

On Thursday night before break a friend was panicking a little because her kid (Logan's age) didn't have anything dressy to wear for his Christmas program. Since my kid loves to dress up I figured I'll just get something that BOTH kids can use. I found a super cute 3 piece suit at wal*mart and dropped it off for her to use first. When she brought it back, Logan started handing out books and ran back inside to INSTANTLY get dressed up. He thinks he's all grown up now and looks pretty damn handsome!

Loopy got selected for Jury Duty last week.When he told his new boss he was worried that she would tell him to make up the time or just come in later. But she just said "wow, that's a drag." And dropped the subject. Then he was chosen to be ON a jury. (again, shockingly, it was not an issue for his employer) The only downside to this is trying to talk to Loopy after he spends the day in a jury box. It is irritating. He cross examined me about a conversation on conspiracy theories and gun control. We were agreeing but he totally lawyered me. Hand in his pocket, gesturing.. I told him to go away. 

A friend posted this fantastic video on Facebook. It has been in my head for about a week now. Here you go. 

I saw this picture on FB for how to keep a cat off the computer. I have always said having cats and kids is pretty similar. Here is an example.

Loopy was having issues with kids on the laptop while he was tinkering on facebook (OH YES, we found a way to suck him in) So he suggested we find boxes for the kids to get them away from him Worked like a charm. 

See? Happy kids in boxes














The size of the box really doesn't matter, they are happy to climb right it.

I got pulled over on the way home from the grocery store on Christmas Eve. First thing I do is make sure my seat belt is on. The first thing Logan does is UNBUCKLE and jump out of his seat to see the cop standing at his window. I got out of the ticket and Logan got a long lecture from the police about always wearing his seat belt. (which he ALWAYS does) He was trying so hard not to cry and explain that he just wanted to see and dropped his paper on the floor. I nearly went mamma bear on the cop for going a little too far and scaring him to the point of tears. Logan honestly did nothing wrong. He is still upset about this a week later. After the cop walked away Kendal let out a nervous giggle like she just got away with something.

Um Yeaaaaah, I'm gonna need you to go ahead
and come in on Christmas tomorrow... 

Loopy left work at 3pm Christmas Eve and headed to pick up some stuff at Target and he was still home in time for dinner on Christmas Eve. This has not happened without repercussion in years. 'Real World' for the win.

Christmas Eve Loopy was passed out on the couch while I wrote a little poem.

Me and Logan left out the milk and cookies for Santa. Yeah, in a Corona cup, guarded by Tiki Guys. It's Florida, what can I say.

Merry Christmas!!

I 'Mustache' you a question. 

Getting down to business!

LOVES her dinosaurs!!

I got a SKATEBOARD!!!

Yeah we got the pads, but he didn't have time
to get dressed or wear shoes.

Practice. Practice. Practice.

Hungry Hungry Hippos and Mouse Trap!!

Kissing dinos

Hugging Dinos

Logan got THIS awesome shirt from Aunt Kris.
And also did his own hair. Wowsers.

Using his new electricity kit. It works,
the hair is also working for the scientist look. 

Look mom! I have an idea!

Logan was MOST excited about his skateboard. Obviously. He was riding it back and forth in the house for 7 hours. SEVEN. HOURS. Gotta say his balance was way better than it was this morning. 

Kendal was most excited about her dinosaurs and new squishy animals. That went about the way we expected. My parents got her a doll in attempts to not limit her toys. It stayed on the floor where she opened it for about 3 days. I finally had to move it to the playroom yesterday cause it was creeping us out. I kept thinking there was an unconscious child on the floor. (I think she was using it for wrestling practice with Logan today though, so don't worry grandma, its getting used)


The day after Christmas was incredibly mellow. The kids were happily playing with their new stuff. Logan was working on creating a permanent groove in the floor by the sliding doors while practicing his balance. Adriana and Sean came over in the afternoon to hang out for a while and exchange presents.



Loopy came home and said his day at work was also "Fun and Relaxing" I love that he is all smiles and laughing with us, cracking jokes. I wonder how long this "Moment of Sanity" will last? No complaints here.

Friday was the first time Logan tried to skate at an actual skate park. He is such a lady's man. The girls were lined up at the fence to cheer him on! Some of the older kids were really nice and helped him get more comfortable on the ramps and learning the basics. He REALLY loves this sport!

Also, Kendal LOVES to swing.

Other than time at the park, the kids have been finding new places to keep their new toys. Mostly on, under, and near the couch. Smaller items and skateboards are kept directly in walkways.

Luckily I have great friends, so this also applies.

Friday night I went out with Karry. We stayed up drinking coffee, shaking, and talking until the UPS trucks showed up in the Bealls parking lot. Gotta say she is one great coffee buddy. As for this ----->
That happened when I got over zealous in conversation and spilled my coffee everywhere. That was about 2 hours and unknown cups into it...

Coffee time is ALWAYS my favorite. 

Saturday was spent sleeping in and playing with our new toys. Loopy took Logan to the skate park for a bit to practice. Later that night I was bored and suggested we head up to St. Augustine to see the beautiful lights on the Christmas train. This is what I had envisioned.

And we did ride the Holly Jolly Christmas Train, but Loopy got a wicked bad case of indigestion from his new meds, Logan got in trouble for being incredibly annoying, Kendal had to pee and everyone was really really cold. It was beautiful, just a little stressful. I am happy to say they ALL fell asleep on the way home and I enjoyed the silence.



Today we slept in some more, played with our toys and I took Logan to a new skate park. This place was great because I got to sit in the car with the heat on and read while he scooted around and watched the big kids. I love that the big kids are so nice to him and try to teach him new things. Lord knows he won't listen to me and gets really frustrated if I suggest anything.

Maybe I'll write something reflective and deep tomorrow. Depends on how much wine I drink. We aren't goin' anywhere so we'll see what happens. If I don't get back to this before then:

Happy New Year!!

'Twas the night before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
Not a child was sleeping, but dad is passed out.
The stocking are missing, strewn through the house.
I bought a new holder, It broke.

The children are naked, fighting over the bath
While one is screaming about soap in the eye.
And mamma with her wine, and Dad with his rum
Has just snored himself awake from a long couch nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I forgot to turn off the sprinkler system. That's what's the matter.
Away from the window I dash, it was open, we live in Florida
Panicked, I knocked down the heavy blinds, I need more wine.

The moon on breast of the wet sprinkled grass
Gave luster of the mid-day to piles of buckets and shovels.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
A wild boar, tearing up the ravine and 8 shady squirrels.

With a deep sigh of relief the kids are in bed,
In a moment I knew one would be up to pee.
More likely than not it will be Kendal its like a game,
And then Logan will come and yell my name! For no reason.

"Now Logan! Now, Kendal! Now, SLEEP! Now, Loopy wake up!
On, Cookies! On, Ice Cream! On, with the midnight purge!
To the top of the attic and in both the closets!
Now Hurry up! Find all the presents before they wake up! Hurry up get them all"

And then, in a twinkling, I heard something shatter
The tree has gone 4 days without water
As I drew in my breath, and was turning around,
Under the tree another ornament falls and some lights. Poor tree.

I put on my Santa hat with matted fur, there's chunk missing,
(because last year the nutcracker's mustache fell off and I had to improvise.)
Bags and boxes of toys we had stashed,
I feel like a phony, I have told many lies.

My eyes how they drooped! My husband is snoring!
My heart is still happy, I know it'll be worth it.
When the kids see the presents from parents and grandparents!
I hope the camera has batteries, Oh shit, I FORGOT BATTERIES!!

The pain in my jaw from the gritting of teeth
And the Elf on the Shelf has been of no help.
I'll have another cookie, Oh crap, we forgot to leave out some cookies!
Logan's not sleeping anyway, I'll call him back out to set out the treats.

Lets try this again, I laughed to myself
when Kendal came back out, "where are you pants?"
With a slow blink of an eye, they're finally asleep,
Time to be Santa, This hat is itchy.

We speak not a word, but get strait to work,
And searched for the stockings, they have to be here somewhere.
And laying a finger aside his nose
And looking quite scary, Loopy let out a sneeze, damn these sinus'.

We sprang to our work, and got the presents set,
And with quickness we moved, we are tired too!
But I heard a door creek, SON OF A... False alarm.
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Trying to get into the Christmas Spirit

December 5

The kids got their Santa emails last week. Kendal watches her's at least once a day. 
This is Kendal's and This is Logan's. I didn't pay anything extra go get my very own digital copy, so if you want to watch it you gotta follow the links. 

December 6 

I went Christmas shopping at Walmart with a big group of friends then spent the evening wrapping LOTS of presents for the the next day. When I got home Loopy and the kids were playing a rowdy game of throw the pillow at a kid's face. Logan invented it and it is a great way to blow off some parental steam.

December 7

We skipped the Flagler parade this year.The last few years we've been there to watch Santa parachute out of a plane an land on the beach and eat endless candy canes that people throw to the kids. Loopy has a cold or something and can't get off the couch, and the kids were content. 
Either way, it was destined to be a good day. ♥ I was looking forward to spending the day with an amazing group of ladies delivering presents to local friends who needed a little Christmas cheer. The look of gratitude on the families' faces when we stormed in with a tree and decorations was what Christmas is all about. 

December 9 

Kendal is learning to write her letters on the Leapster Explorer
Kendal: I am making 'K' for Kendal. And Cat and City!
its a start anyway...

December 10

I think me and Logan got Loopy's cold. Kendal is hoping to "get the sneezes too" so she can "have some drink-medicine, that makes me happy!" (Drunk)

Christmas cookies count as dinner, right? Spritz cookies are my favorite at Christmas. A couple years ago I got a cookie press from my mom and I LOVE it!! I usually try to get the kids to help me but they lose interest and wander off. Each kid (including Sean) helped out with some of the decorating but it didn't last long. 

Plus they had homework to do. I told them to work on it together but that quickly deteriorated into silliness. 

December 11 

This is how you know it will be a good day. Kendal woke up early to snuggle with me and pushed snooze for me on the alarm. Logan got himself up and dressed. His favorite thing in the world is when we both stumble out of our rooms at the same time and run for a spinning hug like we haven't seen each other in days. Coffee with a friend. We are all just pretending we don't have a wicked bad cold. accept Kendal, she had some medicine.

Logan had me style his hair and spray it in place. (there is a LOT of hair on his head!) He said "Now the gals will really notice me and LOVE it!!)

December 12 

Simply make sandwich as usual and put into the bag!
Set toaster to medium.

I took some TheraFlu in the morning to combat the stuffy, sneezy, scratchy, runny mess that I had. The cold meds tend to make the day a blurr. I know that we received a box from ABC Distrubuting. I love that company because everything is dirt cheep and you get a HUGE box in the mail. The only problem is that only 1/2 the stuff ever works. The stocking holder tree that I was most excited about fell apart, the stocking stuff for Logan didn't work ect. Who would have thought that my new travel mug and 'Toastabags' (which we bought as a joke cause they were $3 would be so awesome!? 

Careful, bag and sandwich will be hot!

Enjoy! (the water was for just in case it went poorly)
AND the Toastabag is dishwasher safe!

A week away from Christmas and I'm not sure what to get for Loopy. I considered getting one of these. I found this in my coupon pile last week. The add says "Who wouldn't want their very own 10'' lifelike baby chimpanzee for Christmas?" I don't think its worth the unbelievably low price of $69.99 plus $8.99 s&h to find out the answer to that question. Back to the drawing board.

December 13 

3yr olds have NO patience. 
Kendal: Can you pweese wead this to me?
Me: Yeah, lemme finish this, I'll be right there.
Kendal: Pweeeese.
Me: Just a second.
Kendal: Pweeeeeeese pweeeeese pweeese!!
Me: I didn't say no, I said I'll be right there.
Kendal sobbing on the floor: Pweeese pweese mommy!

She also has some terrible eating habits that are proving impossible to correct. I think we can add this to the list of things to work on.







Logan was in his room reading books to Kendal. She is asked him all kinds of questions. The only problem is that he is telling her dinosaurs are extinct and they all died. She LOVES dinosaurs.. this might not go over well but listening to them have conversations makes me smile. 

Later that night me and Loopy were sitting on the couch. Logan came out of his room and walked through the living room, through the kitchen and back to his room. Then he came back again. I was like what are you doing, he said "I have to get something" Then did another lap and came back naked. I was like "Dude, what are you doing!?" He was sleepwalking and had to pee. I think he got lost again. The next morning when I woke him up for school he threw off the covers and grabbed them back real quick and looked embarrassed. He is pretty sure that our Elf on the Shelf, Pippi, stole his pants while he slept.

December 14

Got Logan to school, came home, chugged a cup of coffee, and went back to school to see Logan at the student of the month ceremony. This month's quality is patience. He didn't win THAT award (I felt bad, he was SURE he would) but his class sang a song about it. Kendal spent the whole time whining that she wanted to go home. On the way back we saw her buddy Grubbs walking so we picked him up and stopped at Panera before dropping him off at work. Now she is refusing to leave the house again. More stuff to accomplish this afternoon! Maybe movie in the park tonight.. we'll see.

When I got home I sat down on the couch and turned on the computer. It didn't take long to realize that something terrible had happened that morning. The details were sketchy but painted a horrific picture of the 'new reality' that we are living. It doesn't seem real, it CAN'T be real, right? I was JUST at an elementary school watching MY 6yr old first grader sing about virtues. Someone charging into an elementary school and killing 26 teachers and children is horrific and unfathomable. My heart cries for that community. Its hard, because I know what 6 looks like. It could have been my child. 

Logan got home and turned on the TV, it was still on the news channel I was watching earlier. He read the report at the bottom of the screen and looked so sad. He said "Why mom? Why would someone kill all those kids at a school" I have no answer. There is a Mr. Rogers quote floating around. I told Logan the same thing. There will always be more good people than bad. 

December 15

We woke up early and went over to ISTC for Logan's play "A Bug's Christmas" It was a little dreary that morning so we all ended up in the cafeteria. Which was CROWDED. Some parents had to watch from outside peaking in the windows. My friend Michelle was right down in front by Logan so she took a couple videos for me. 

Then we went out for breakfast where Kendal cried most of the time because I wouldn't let her bring her noisy jingle bells into the restaurant. 






We went to town center for the annual lighted Christmas parade and got there early enough to check out the lights, have a snowball fight, and ride the kiddie train. Kendal panicked and didn't ride the train.
Its similar every year. The parade is led by a couple police motorcycles driving in circles, followed by about 50 corvettes from the local corvette club. Most of them weren't decorated and made a us a little dizzy from all the exhaust. Then things pick up with decorated cars and floats, LOTS of candy canes and mints are tossed to the kids. Naturally, right when things started to get good the kids had to pee. We ran to the bathroom on the other side of the lake and then the sugar kicked in. It took us 1/2 hour to get back because the kids had to run in circles around every tree, pole, and traffic cone. Then some hopping, then some skipping.. 

SNOWBALL FIGHT!!

Leftover snow from a sledding hill

We watched Prancer when we got home. Logan hadn't seen it before. I told him it was filmed in Three Oaks near Grandma's house. He was all excited. I can't help but laugh at the small town-ness of the movie. The dad had to go "ALL the way to town in Benton Harbor" for the day. (Less than a 20 min drive) When you come across a reindeer injured on the way home from church what do you do? You get your already loaded shotgun out of the huge rusty pick-up and think, Mmmm, meat. My friend Carl is a police officer in the metropolis of Three Oaks (population 1,600) and said people ask him to show them where in town the movie was filmed. The town is 3 square blocks. Small towns are awesome. 

sitting on her brother's lap

sitting on his sister's lap

CHEESERS!

The kids were pretty cute snuggled together on the couch. I love when they get along!

December 16

Adriana offered to watch the kids AGAIN. FOR NO GOOD REASON. We dropped them off around 1ish and met up with Scott to go see The Hobbit in 3D on an IMAX. That was intense. I won't ruin it for those who haven't seen it, but I will say that there was LOTS of scenes with short hairy people on cliffs in various states of distress. Seriously, LOTS of cliffs. While we were eating dinner Adriana sent me a picture of the kids playing LIFE. Logan got to the space where you have to "Stop: Get Married" he proudly announced "I got myself a hot gal!" 

Coming this week: Countdown to Christmas!