Bring on 2010!

On the last day of 2009...

We took down the Christmas decorations and neatly (key word) packed them away. Next year I won't dread pulling out the Christmas stuff and sorting through the mess. That is a good feeling. Reorganized the hallway closet. Bows, tissue paper, wrapping paper and gift bags will start the new year tamed. For me it seems a fitting way to end one year and begin another... with a sense of being ever so slightly better organized. I think Markas was happy to end 2009 with OU winning a bowl game and trying out Sam Adams Winter Lager. Evan enjoyed helping to break in our neighbor's new trampoline and sharing some of his Christmas toys.

**Happy New Year! Welcome 2010!**

Trooper Twins

Cousins Evan & Alon with their matching Captain Rex helmets. And Evan is shooting some bad guys with his trooper gun.

The boys totally absorbed in the Star Wars saga.

They enjoyed good cousin time at the grandparents the past several days.

at the lake

Evan & I are spending time at the lake with my parents and nephew. Will be home soon with lots of pictures of the boys to share.

Christmas part deux

'cuz once just wasn't enough ; )

...and because road conditions were better today

Holiday Cheer

(click on image to enlarge)

my snow angel

Christmas Morning 2009

Sadly the snow (about 4 inches) and ice on the roads prevented my parents from traveling to join us today, but it made for a magical morning for Evan. We will celebrate Christmas again with my parents when the conditions improve... it just makes Christmas last longer : )

our winter wonderland

Evan & Price checking out the backyard snow tonight.

'Twas the night before Christmas

(click image to enlarge)

This will be Evan's first white Christmas! Expecting 2 to 4 inches before morning.

Holiday Greetings (and a helpful flowchart)

chart from HolyTaco.com

Happy Holidays Free Stuff

holiday dove tags from Creature Comforts

The Creative Place paper lanterns

shortcut from Whisker Graphics (for paper lanterns)

paper toy Santa

a note from the teacher

Evan's class had an intern (aka student teacher) this semester. She gave each student a personalized card during her last week with the class. This is what Evan's card said.

Evan,

You really know how to make an entrance and how to describe the best stories, you are so smart! Thank you for the lovely picture!

Love,

Mrs. Johns

Using one of Evan's new favorite descriptive words, I thought this was really delightful. I am also delighted with Evan's overall first grade experience so far and that he has had not one but two wonderful teachers.

the shortest day

Happy Winter Solstice

**image and text from http://www.starofthebards.com/wintersolstice**

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn - the cycle and circle of Nature's year. In an age where most of us have lost touch with the life and rhythms of our mother, the Earth, the cycle of the year is a sure way back into the Center of Life. As we struggle to reclaim the lost heritage of our natural life rhythms, it is through the gateways of the Wheel of the Year that we come to understand once again the cycle of birth, growth, fulfillment, decline, and finally death, which turns to birth once more.
Winter Solstice is the birthday of the Sun and of the year. It is a time when we experience the greatest darkness, when the hours of darkness are so much greater than the hours of daylight. And yet, it is within this time of greatest darkness that the Light of the World is reborn, for now the hours of daylight will begin to grow and the hours of darkness will lessen.
In all cultures, the Winter Solstice is a time of rejoicing, a time of thanksgiving and a time of hope, when the beauty and truth of the Light is remembered and honored. We light fires and gather together with our loved ones, we give and receive presents, and we make wishes for the New Year. For this small space of time, we actually come close to living the ideal of "Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men" which the angels proclaimed in the skies over Bethlehem.
At each of the eight gateways of the year, we connect to the natural laws governing this world and the cosmos. Inner and outer become One, and Life's dramas are manifest. But it is at Winter Solstice that the truth of our Oneness is most evident, for the darkness that we face is our own darkness and aloneness, and the Light becomes most precious as we realize that it is through the Light that we come to love and appreciate each other.
***

check out Winter Solstice facts from National Geographic News

got religion?

My apprehension abounds. Evan is attending Awana tomorrow evening with his best buddy. I have so many misgivings about him going as well as about him not going. uugghh! just can't win with this one : /

a holiday tradition - 2009

(click on image to enlarge)

Holiday train ride and hot chocolate with friends - a fun tradition

not the best quality pictures... (camera phone pictures at night not ideal), but you get the idea

Weighty Issues

So I am now carrying 20 less pounds around with me everyday. I appreciate the lighter load. I told the 'J.C. (Jenny Craig) Ladies' yesterday that I should buy some of the fake fat that they have on display at their front counter and nail 20 pounds of it to my refrigerator as a blatant reminder to myself. Or keep a chunk handy to use as a stress ball i.e. oh those cookies look yummy... squeeze the fat... squeeze the fat. LOL!

My relationship with food has lost a lot of the love-hate quality. I need to food to sustain my body and provide energy for life. And yes I can still enjoy treating myself, but the "need" to treat myself with food has begun to soften it's all consuming grip. Here's to hoping it stays that way...

a few unsettling thoughts:

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**If you don't know, than I guess it doesn't matter...?**

My 2 closest Wally-Worlds do not carry a single scale of any kind. zip. zilch. zero. I wanted a digital scale to measure my progress during the week at home. I searched both stores and even asked associates. I was informed that they no longer carry any scales. What does that say about us and our 'Wal-Mart society'? I can buy 25 pound slabs of bacon, but no way to record what I weigh after I eat it? By the way, Target (the French version of Wal-Mart) had a decent selection of scales including an end cap display in one of the main isles. hmmmm

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**The existence of what I call relative health care.**

If I tell my doctor that I am concerned because my cholesterol has risen just above the normal range, I am almost guaranteed to be met with ambivalence because he/she says that they have patients with cholesterol levels around 1000! So see, if relative health care is practiced, than relatively speaking I am relatively less likely to kill over on the spot so why get relatively worked up over the deal? that makes perfectly relative sense, right?

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**eating at the troughs**

The all-you-can-eat craze is out of control. How many buffet-style eateries does one town need? I think per capita this area must rank pretty darn high. And don't think that I am immune to this American epidemic of piggy proportions. I have loaded up my share at say a Golden Corral and gone back for more. Seriously though, eating at a place named after a Corral? Even if it is called golden... it still evokes all things herd and trough related. I'm just saying...

I live in a land of little giants/Life is in the details

I had a house full of kids the other afternoon (nothing unusual). I sat back and just observed the chaos (because honestly it is futile to try to control it) and things started popping into my head. Later that night I wrote some of my random thoughts down to share.

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hand prints low on the door frames

a sprinkling of crumbs

shrunken chairs and shoes scattered everywhere

playtime protests and proclamations.

Details stuck to my life like a cosmic suction cup.

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used hand towels unable to return to their hook on the wall

trail of toys left as if a map home from a maze

armies of steps march in and out like a song's rhythm
doors rush open, crash shut again.

Mystical attachments between what is big and little.

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small bodies taking up so little space yet their presence completely fills any room

hushed voices and free flowing giggles planning the next move

how is it that the smallest people make the biggest noises?

Littering of happiness left in their wake.

3 more little things that make me happy for no apparent reason

1. spray paint (used for good and not evil) - it is currently one of my go-to art supplies

2. celebrating lesser known holidays/holiday traditions (Canada Day, anybody?)

3. planning trips I never take - I like the idea of traveling, but the actual traveling... not so much

art tells a story

Here's Evan's art.Here's the story (as told by the artist himself).

"This is Santa yelling 'No!' because I am taking presents and ripping them open. Even if it's not mine and it is something I want, I still take it. And Rudolph is looking back like 'What the...!'"

well, the boy isn't afraid to display stark honesty in his stories, that's for sure... LOL!

'Tis the season

Baby, it's cold outside

The cold weather finally found us. I feel less silly about putting up Christmas decorations now that it isn't 75 degrees all the time. We even have a 7 foot inflatable Santa in our front yard this year. Never thought I would own a blow-up decoration of any kind really ; ) Evan of coursed picked it out. And I of course get to inflate and deflate Santa every day. For a quick deflate there is a zipper to open and let the air out faster. Guess where the zipper is located... yep, on Santa's ass. It just seems wrong on so many levels! LOL

***

All I want for Christmas...

As the classic song goes, 'All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth'. Well Evan looks to get half of that wish. He has been without his two front teeth since last December when they both fell out within a couple days of each other. Last week one of his front teeth finally started breaking through his gums. I have gotten so use to Evan without his top teeth that it will seem weird to see teeth there. Typically kids just don't look right with these two huge chompers overtaking their small mouths on their not-fully-grown heads. It usually isn't the most attractive stage of development. That makes me sound shallow and vain, doesn't it? ; ) I am just trying to prepare myself for the end of perfect cute little baby teeth.

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Hard to buy list

Every holiday season I found myself at a loss for what to get certain people in my life. Always the same people it seems. This year though I have a new hard-to-buy-for person on my shopping list. What does one get their imaginary friend? I would like to think I could get Lucy imaginary presents, but I don't think she will let me get off that easy. LOL! Any suggestions?

random quiz

"What does your birth date mean about you?" quiz

(June 1st)
You Are an Idealist
You are a natural born leader, even if those leadership talents haven't been developed yet.You have the power and self confidence to succeed in life, and your power grows daily.Besides power, you also have a great deal of creativity that enables you to innovate instead of fail.You are a visionary, seeing the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details.

Your strength: Your supreme genius

Your weakness: Your inappropriate sensitivity

Your power color: Gold

Your power symbol: Star

Your power month: January

blogthings.com

HOLLA @ YOUR BOY ; )

Is it wrong to express my sense of humor through my child's clothing? I don't think Evan really appreciates the true 'flavor' of this shirt. I find it amusing though and isn't that what it's all about?

Great Quote

I saw this quote on a church sign today.
***

"What is done to children, they will do to society."
- Karl A. Menninger (I think)

Is it just me...?

or has anyone else ever weighed various articles of clothing before deciding what to wear for a weigh-in with their diet consultant? Every ounce counts, people, when you have to answer to 'the scale of truth'! And I am happy to report I lost 2.4 lbs over the last week aka Thanksgiving week! [patting myself on the back] Eight weeks down... way many more weeks to go...

my latest

"Four Calling Birds"

for 12 Days of Christmas ATC swap I'm hosting @ SIStv

I put a little twist on the traditional ; )

***

"Cornflake Girl"

for Linda's ATC the music blog

inspired by the song Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful day. Hope you all did too.

Backyard Adventures - 2 of 2

camera phone picture of Evan in our tent

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Still feeling adventurous from our morning forest exploration, Evan and I decided to put the tent up in the backyard just for fun. By evening Evan had hatched a plan for us to spend the night in the tent. The forecasted low temperature for the night was between 37 and 40 degrees. It would be a clear night with low humidity. No doubt about it... it was going to get cold. Evan was unfazed.

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At 8:45pm Evan and I were climbing into our outdoor sleeping quarters. With thermal PJs, wool socks, hats and gloves, sleeping bags, extra blankets, flashlights, cell phone and our brave and adventurous spirits, we were set.

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The cold last night wasn't the big issue for me. I was pretty warm and toasty in my mummy-style sleeping bag. It was all the people sounds... cars, trains, planes, sirens, heating units. (I am a light sleeper.) Kinda hard to get in the camping spirit when the pulse of the modern city is beating all the time. I didn't hear too many nature sounds. I guess it was too cold for the owls and armadillos and other woodland creatures. Even our dog Price was nice and cozy inside the house with Markas ; )

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About 1:30AM, Evan finally decided that he had had enough outdoor adventuring for one night. I honestly can't say I was disappointed when he finally announced he wanted to go inside. Not only was it ridiculously cold to be sleeping outside by choice, but everything was wet and seeping into our little bundled up world. We made a mad dash inside and settled into our beds. When we got up this morning and looked outside everything including our tent was coated with a thick layer of frost. I wonder if we had stayed outside all night if we wouldn't have been covered with a thick layer of frost too ; )

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Evan is already planning our next camp out. Here's hoping it will be after the Spring thaw! ; )

Backyard Adventures - 1 of a 2 part series ; )

a camera phone picture from inside our outdoor room

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A few steps behind our back fence is a tract of land that Evan calls a forest. In the four years that we have lived in our house, we have never set foot in the forest. There is a small road on the other side of the forest. We have explored it on our bike rides. But what is found in between our backyard and that road has always been a mystery... until yesterday.

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Evan and I suited up and loaded our gear and began our adventure by crawling under the barbed wire fence. Almost every step required cutting back thorny underbrush and tangled vines. I was armed with a small branch clipper and Evan manned the hedge trimmers. It was slow going and there was no following a straight path. We wound around fallen trees, impassible vegetation and large holes in the ground which I suspect are home to small armies of armadillos. We blazed our own trail.

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Halfway into our trail blazing, I spotted a structure topped with vines and fallen leaves making a natural roof. It had four distinct corners giving it the appearance of an outdoor room. My first thought was of a man-made structure that had been taken over by the forest some time ago. But when we finally made our way to it, we discovered it was nature-made. A random occurrence where two tree branches reached out and touched and over time vines grew and tied the branches together creating a canopy. It was like a secret spot just waiting to be discovered.

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We hiked on for awhile. We could see what looked like a clearing ahead that might have been the road on the other side. But we never made it to the road. After about an hour of cutting our way, Evan decided we had gone far enough for our first trek into the forest. I didn't protest since the last leg of our hike appeared even more thick with gnarly overgrowth than what we had already conquered. So we carefully searched out our newly created path and made our return trip.

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We felt mightly accomplished after our adventure and the forest is now a little less mysterious.

Oh the guilt!

I am experiencing Santa guilt. When Evan was 3 or 4 I thought lying to him about the Santa thing was part of the parent gig and it was all in good fun. Now that he is older and asking me point blank if Santa is real... I can't help but think it is a lousy thing to pull on kids. When I have mentioned my Santa guilt issue with others, I usually get a 'oh it will be okay. it happens to everyone.' response of dismissal.

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Though I guess I wasn't too traumatized when I finally uncovered the veil of deceit as a child. I can't even tell you how or when I found out because I don't remember. It was most likely my pesky older brother who slammed me into harsh reality. Just my best theory, but I am not sure ; )

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I am dreading that moment when Evan realizes that the elaborate, multi-year scheme purposely perpetrated by his parents is all smoke and mirrors. I don't think I am going to get off the hook too easy. There will probably be a period of rebuilding the trust that crumbled to the ground in a heap of "Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas" and flying reindeer.

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Oh what a tangled Holiday web we weave...

161 and counting

Does it say more about me that I have read 161 books since Spring 2004 or that I actually know how many I have read? ; )

Not that 161 books is necessarily a lot of books. Plenty of people average 1, 2 or even 3 books a week. I go in spurts reading several books back to back then not reading anything for weeks. I keep a list of books I have read and those that I want to read (now 5 pages strong). It comes in handy especially when I am at a book store trying to remember 'what was the name of that author?'

Does anyone else know their book number? Or is it just me? ; )

3 little things - thankful edition

Inspired by the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and my '3 little things that make me happy' lists, I am listing 3 little things that I am thankful for this week.

1. kleenex with lotion for collecting snot and moisturizing all in one swoop (sheer brilliance if you ask me)

2. socks with arch support for being so darn comfy and helping my feet through walking and step aerobics (surely I'm not the only person concerned about saggy arches)

3. Trident Layers gum (strawberry + tangy citrus flavor) for taking the edge off of some of my sweet cravings (if only I could buy you by the case...)

just for fun ; )

Foghorn Leghorn rants

Apple for the teacher

Evan got in trouble at school today. Nothing big, but the teacher wrote a note in his journal which comes home with Evan every day. Basically Evan got wound up playing with several other boys and wasn't listening well. This is the first time this year that he had a note sent home about a bad choice at school. Evan and I talked about it. I sent him to his room for a few minutes while I called Markas and then Markas talked to Evan over the phone. Of course Evan found the entire ordeal extremely upsetting. I let him stay in his room a little longer and then called him out to talk a little more. I asked him what he thought he should do tomorrow. He said make better choices. I agreed. I told him he needs to apologize to his teacher for not listening. Evan agreed. Then he said "I know what I have to do... I have to bring an apple." I asked why. He shrugged and answered "I don't know, Mom, but that is what you do in these situations. That's just how it is."

I'm glad he is aware of first grade protocol 'cuz his momma evidently isn't in the know about these situations ; )

**Update**

After reading over my 'Oh Christmas Tree' post, I decided I was beyond ridiculous. Yesterday I marched (okay more like crept steadily) my happy ass up the ladder and eventually crawled into the attic... cell phone and utility light at the ready. I found the skirt for the Christmas tree then took a few moments to gather myself for the decent. I made one attempt that I abandoned before settling on my technique to extricate my now not so happy ass from the attic. It wasn't pretty. And if someone had been filming it I might be a reigning YouTube pseudo celebrity, but I made it and it gave my independent woman spirit a nice boost.

Happy Mail

Look what I got in the mail today!

These are ATCs made by Linda Phinney (California girl and artist extraordinaire) for me. I feel so special : ) We each made 5 cards and then swapped them. (There was also two pairs of 'happy socks' for me and a surprise for Evan in the box.) Thank you!

Your cards blew me away! They really are little pieces of art!

the secret society of sealed lips

(click to enlarge image)

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book excerpt:

Somebody Else's Children by John Hubner & Jill Wolfson

"What sets juvenile justice apart from the rest of the legal system is that it is wrapped deep in a cocoon of confidentiality, and like everything about the system, the cocoon is purported to be in the best interests of children. But the system - and the public and often the children themselves - pay a heavy price for confidentiality.

Inside the system, confidentiality means that few people - the judge, perhaps an advocate - have access to the full and complete records of any family or child. Attorneys are prohibited from asking certain questions, and in turn they prohibit certain things from going into the record; social workers are barred from reading certain records; therapists are not permitted to share their insights with foster parents.

Outside the system, confidentiality has contributed to making juvenile court the least understood, least explored branch of the American legal system."

I say amen to that!

And confidentiality prevents me from sharing most of my trials, tribulations and triumphs as a CASA. It is as if I lead a double life just without the changing of clothes in the telephone booth or any cool powers like x-ray vision.

www.nationalcasa.org

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree: my tale of shame and too much glitter

Shameful is what it is.... just shameful! I bought a new Christmas tree and some decorations to avoid climbing in the attic to pull down our old tree. Oh, hang my head in shame. Yes our old artificial tree is pretty worn out. It was used when we got it. Yes I can't stand to put the old tree together and then string strand after strand of lights. Yes I have wanted a pre-lit tree with LED energy-saving lights for several years. But the cold hard truth is that Markas is gone and Evan and I decided to put up the Christmas tree and I am too chicken to go up in the attic. I have a horrible fear of heights which gets worse with age. I could make it up without a major panic attack, but I don't know that I would make it back down again. Which means I would be living in the attic until Markas gets home late Friday night. Evan would be forced to throw food up to me and hitch a ride to school every day next week. Certainly not a good situation. At least I am trying to get in the Holiday spirit. One year I never even put a Christmas tree up at all. We just had a pile o' presents to huddle around on Christmas morning... another shameful moment indeed.

So here is where the glitter comes in! Every stinkin' ornament at Wally-World was caked thick in cheap glitter. I sorted and sifted in search of glitter-free options, but they were few and far between. After putting the ornaments on our new tree, Evan and I looked like we belonged in a bad Mariah Carey video. I fear I will be cleaning up stray bits of glitter for the next eighteen months.

Shame and glitter infestation aside, Evan is excited about our new tree and I am glad that I already accomplished my second most dreaded chore of the season... packing the tree and trimmings up post-Christmas being the first. When did I become so bah humbug?

Explorers roasting over an open fire?

We got a recall notice in the mail today for Ole Blue, our trusty 2002 Ford Explorer. Ole Blue has served us well, but apparently has the ability to spontaneously combust at any moment! ; )

Ford cannot be confident that over many years in service (are they call Blue old?), a speed control deactivation switch installed on your vehicle will not leak brake fluid, posing the risk for fire. This condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is being operated.

But wait, here is the best part! (this just takes the cake)

Until you have the recall service performed, park your vehicle outdoors away from structures to prevent a potential fire from spreading.

For some reason this struck me as funny... really funny. Who gets paid the big bucks to write this stuff? Poor Blue was relegated to the driveway after we got the Acadia so luckily we are already complying with parking away from structures. Alas now I feel the need to look outside all the time to check for a bonfire coming from dear Ole Blue. [snicker giggle giggle laugh]

My Latest Time Wasting Obsession ; )

Attention:

Until further notice...

I am going into seclusion to focus all my time on taking care of Goose my SuperPoke! Pet. I thought everyone who was addicted to Facebook games were a little off in the mental department, but have since rescinded that belief as I have discovered and been drawn into the world of SPP.

LOL!
If you have not heard from me within 72 hours, please organize the appropriate intervention ; )

Thanks!

losing my balance

I hate it when I lose my balance! It throws me completely out of whack! I don't mean my inner ear balance. I mean my happy life balance. It is a delicate balance of keeping up with my day to day obligations and responsibilites while still honoring and spending time with my inner self... my creative self. I like my inner self a lot. I enjoy my time with her and when I don't spend enough time with her we get disconnected. I am thankful that I had a creative project already planned that in a way pushed me to stay creative during the past few hectic weeks. These are the ATCs I made for the 5 for 5 swap I am doing with my URL friend Linda aka Phinner.

"Destination Unkown"

This was the first of the five cards I made. It came to be around the same time I was planning my move to Vermont ; ) I cut up an actual state map with my current location to use as the background.

"All Original"

No intentional symbolism with the fish. Saw them in a magazine and just felt the need to use them.

"Seasons"

Inspired by one of my all time favorite songs, Landslide by Stevie Nicks. "Can I handle the seasons of my life?" Love the lyrics! I actually splashed bleach on the picture to get the splotchy look.

"Accessorize"

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize." Movie quote "Clairee Belcher" (Steel Magnolias)

And truthfully a lot of folks are 'ify' on the accessorizing... ; )

"My Way"
A question that I ponder quite often ; )

I owe you an apology, Blog.

Dear Blog,

I miss you. Sorry I haven't spent as much time with you lately as I should. I promise to do better... pinky swear.

Lots of love,

Danica

'Cuz That's How We Roll

2 witches, a clown, a Star Wars hero, and a blind Big 12 ref

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(click on image to enlarge)

a wannabe witch

**Happy Halloween!**

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I love this sign! Find it here.

Another Halloween is upon us. I am going to be a witch again this year. Evan was disappointed because he said I can't be the same thing two years in a row. He said it would be okay as long as I am a different looking witch this year ; ) I wonder if I missed my calling as a witch. I would like to be a mostly good witch. Wouldn't it be cool if universities offered degrees in fields of wiccan arts. If you follow a wiccan calendar, you realize the importance placed on celebrating the changing of the seasons and the respect for the powers of nature as well as utilizing our own innate human abilities. That kind of stuff appeals to me. Yet for now I will live out my witchy dreams on Halloween like so many other wannabe witches.

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Halloween 2009 pictures coming soon!

A Small House on a Big Mission

The playhouse to be raffled to raise money for our area CASA program.Evan & I went to check out this year's playhouse today. As a CASA volunteer I can't win this playhouse, but if I could it would be my very own private domain ; ) The inside is decked out with laminate wood flooring, window draperies, a chandelier, and an area rug that is nicer than the one in my living room ; ) For only $5 you can buy a ticket and have a chance to win this gem for yourself or a young person in your life... and help support area foster kids!

more info on CASA here