Mom, It's Cold Outside!

One of my fondest memories of childhood was spending New Years Eve Day in Boston with my family. The whole family went, and since I was the oldest I usually brought a long a friend or two on the trip. My Father, who grew up in Mission Hill, would drive us all in to the city where we would park on Huntington Avenue by the YMCA. From there we would walk down to the Prudential Center and through the mall and hotels to Copley Square, where we would see the first of the Ice Sculptures. Since it was early in the day we were able to witness the ice being sculpted before our eyes. From there we would move down Boylston Street, passing and sometimes stopping in FAO Schwartz and down to the Public Gardens and the Boston Common for more Ice Sculptures. After that we would walk through Downtown Crossing and to Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market. This is where we would eat lunch and shop from the carts and shops of North and South Market. Then we would walk or take the train back to the car. By the time we got back to the car we were exhausted. We could only managed to stay up long enough when we got home to eat our Chinese food, before crashing.  

In college, I carried on the tradition with friends from college. Taking the walk later in the day, into the night to see the ice scupltures- staying up for the fireworks over the harbor and having an Italian Sausage on the walk back to the dorms. 

Today we followed that tradition with our kids. Though they are younger and the weather wasn't the best it could have been today I think everyone had a good time. We bundled the kids up, placing them in multiple layers of clothing and headed off. It wasn't as cold as it had been, so being outside was bearable. Lex was excited about the ice sculptures and as always was Boston's Welcome Ambassador. Loki was bundled up like a little Indomitable Snowman and really not able to move much, but she smiled all they way. We ate lunch at Quincy Market and walked down to Haymarket station so Lex could ride the train, not before Gigi bought a book on Haunted Boston from the Boston Historical Society.  We cut our trip short, skipping Copley Square this year, which worked out well, since on the trip home Loki got sick in the car.

We got everyone home and cleaned up. Loki is snug in her bed for a little new years eve nap, while Mad Dog and Gigi read in the living room and Lex plays in his bedroom. I'm planning on making some paper hats for our New Years celebration, and Mad Dog is planning out our order for Chinese food. Though I wish my Dad was here with us to have joined in our continued tradition, I know he was here in spirit and at heart. Maybe next year, my brother, Kevin will join us again or if Sean is here. I think they would get a kick out this little trip down memory lane too. 

Next year will be even better, with Lex and Loki being a little older. We start a new year full of fun new adventures and mischief. Another year, full of things learned and places to go. We wish our friends and family a safe and Happy New Year and hope you can join us on the Road to Nowhere in 2010. 

Like Father, Like Son? - No Not So Much!

I had started my day out with a blog post idea, but after events of the day I have to change that thought. Today was Mad Dog's day off with the kids. This day usually beings many things - a trip to the library, some house work, and often a phone call from his Father. Today was no different, however the phone call went much different then usual.

For those who don't follow my blog you can reference December 22 on "50% Off All Holiday Traditions and Drama". It would seem that action of my posting on Facebook on December 22 out of complete outrage and hurt resulted Mad Dog's Step-Sister (by the way - they are no longer friends on FB with us) telling his Father and Step-Mother what I wrote. For anyone who missed it: "Kimberly is finally home and would like to make a notation: If you ask what someone's kids want for a gift and are given a list by the parents - don't go buying something not on the list and give it to said child 3 days before CHRISTMAS without asking said parent if they might purchase this is for said child! Because the Parent might just have had their heart set on seeing their Child open that gift X-mas morning from Santa."

Needless to say, Mad Dog's Father and family don't understand why I was so upset. This is mainly because they are A) NEVER WRONG and B) ARE COMPLETE MATERIALISTIC. After explaining our issues multiple times to his Father, Mad Dog gave up saying that -If he didn't understand, there was no use in him explaining it again. Curt's answer to this was to say that Louise was very hurt by what I wrote, and Mad Dog stated I was very hurt by the whole thing. This was an impasse, since we knew Curt wouldn't apologize since he is always right, and Mad Dog wasn't apologizing because we were justified.

We doubt we'll hear from them for a while, if ever (Mad Dog doesn't think it will be never, but it will be a very long time). I'm sorry this happened, however I will not apologize for what I've said, felt or done. What I am sorry about is that now Curt has drive his only final blood relative possibly away. He doesn't talk with his daughter, Michelle (Mad Dog's older sister) or Jeff (Mad Dog's younger brother). He has alienated all of them.

Lex's 3rd Birthday, his coming up in the end of February and I already explained (prior to the phone call today) to Mad Dog that we would be extending an invitation to them to join us in the celebration. However I did add, that this would be the last invite if they do not come. They didn't come to last years party and had made an excuse for this First Birthday prior to it being canceled due to illness. There is always something, that prevents them from coming (and keeps them from having to see Mad Dog's other family). Of course because of today and the events of the last weeks, they most likely won't come, which will be a self fulfilling prophecy.

Oh - I forgot to mention this (I love this)...they thought that my Mom's comment on the status above was an attack on them! She wrote: "Just to let you all know it was not me....I know better I just buy whats on the list..." An attack? How self-involved can you be?

50% Off All Holiday Traditions and Drama

Christmas is over. Earlier in the week I had planned on writing a clever version of  "Twas the Night Before Christmas" in reference to our life, but just didn't have the time or energy to do so. This holiday was for the most part very good, with a few hiccups along the way.

To start with, for me Christmas is all about family, not the gifts. I honestly know that my brothers, my Mom and my Grandmother would all be happy with hand made little gifts or something all about sentiment and I am the same way (like the snow globes made for Lex's Godfather). I don't think it's about the amount of gifts we get, if fact Mad Dog and I opened very little if nothing for ourselves this Christmas, making it all about the kids. In the kids case, I want them to be happy and have the toys and things they wish for, but within reason. Mad Dog and I honestly took a look the aftermath of this holiday and would like to come up with a better plan for next year. With all the family buying for the kids, plus Santa and us it is far too overwhelming and too much. We think next year Santa will look at bringing a little less, and maybe even more of a family gift. With Wish List for our families I think we would much rather (in Loki and Lex's cases) have them receive money allowing them to take a class and then possibly a small gift. Both kids have Birthdays very close to Christmas (Loki before and Lex after) and I think the volume of gifts are sometime lost on them.

So, how did the holiday actually go? Okay - we started with the EARLY arrival of Gigi, coming on the 16th of December. Though early we were able to work things out and it has been a pleasure having her here. She has grown-up a bit, even since the summer.

December 17th brought Lex's Lighting McQueen bike. My Brother Sean and Sister-in-Law Tiffany sent it for Christmas. Though Mad Dog and I didn't quit know how to deal with the bike, Lex is happy and will have to understand he has to wait until the spring to ride it - once we get a helmet.

December 22 brought Mad Dog's Father and Step-Mother for a visit. This visit was difficult for me though I was at work. I am grateful to have them in the kids lift, however I don't think there is a ounce of thought when it comes to anyone else sometimes. Though we give them a list of gifts okay to purchase for the holiday (this is done to prevent duplication not only between the multiple people purchasing for them, but with the gifts we have purchased through the year for Christmas from Santa) - despite the list they purchased a gift for Loki (My Pal Violet) which was not on the list. I had purchased this gift back in May for Loki when it first came out, and everyone who is close to me, knows I have bursting at the seams to gift it to her from Santa on Christmas morning. This excitement was not only for her, but for me. When Mad Dog called me to tell me they had brought Violet I was devastated, knowing that not only did I miss the excitement of the gift which should have been open Christmas morning, but also I had to deal with Lex and Gigi knowing that Loki had received both. Needless to say Mad Dog was given the receipt and I since exchanged it for something else for Loki. In addition to Loki Scout Incident, Gabrielle was take for a shopping spree 2 days before Christmas. This again is something that was not thought through. What if (and it almost happened) if the same things happened with Gabrielle?

Christmas Eve, was a long day for us on all counts. I worked the morning/afternoon until 2PM, then I drove home to Worcester, to get out of the car, fill the car and get back on the road. For multiple reasons we took Route 9 out to Western Massachusetts - this wasn't Mad Dog's best idea and he knows it. It was a longer trip and the kids were dying to get out of the car. Once in West Springfield we ate dinner at Mad Dog's Mom's and then we're given gifts from Mike's Mom before heading to Mad Dog's Sister's for dessert and more gifts. The evening was VERY LONG - between the longest Yankee Swap (thank you Michelle) in history and the disappearance of Mad Dog's brother Jeff before he gave out his gifts to the kids. The night in West Springfield ended when Loki took one of Lex's new toys and Lex went into a fit pummeling her until we pulled them apart. We were home by 10:15 PM. Lex and Loki in bed. I made suger cookies for the Big Man and Gigi went to bed. Leaving Mad Dog and I to wrap the hoards of presents.

Christmas morning was over in 20 seconds. I don't even know how we got any pictures. Hours of wrapping undone in seconds. Mad Dog ventured out for Dunkin Donuts while the kids played. After that they all dressed and we headed to Mansfield for Christmas with my Family. It was the quietest Christmas we had in a long time in Mansfield. The kids opened gifts from My Mom and Stuart, Nonna and Uncle Kevin and Brent. I was very excited to give Kevin and Brent our gift, a copy of the cookbook Intercourses complete with 2 framed photos from the cookbook for their apartment.  The day ended with a visit from my cousin Tracie, Morgan and Josh.

It was a long holiday and I'm glad it's over. I'm looking forward to New Years Eve with the kids and Mad Dog. I'm going to carry on a tradition from my childhood and honor my Dad in doing so. I hope the kids are ready for it (there is a lot of walking involved).

Imagine if Jesus had Been Named "Bob"

Was just watching the trailer for Evangelion: 1.01 You Are (Not) Alone on Amazon. Have to pick it up when I have the time and cash. Mad Dog happened to walk in while I was watching it. He thought for a moment and then said, "You know even with her being a year old, she isn't an Asuka." He was of course referring to to Loki. That was going to be her name Asuka Langley. Yes, I know strange.

This exchange between Mad Dog and I got me thinking. Is Loki not an "Asuka", because she's a "Loki" plain and simple? Would she have been more fiery if we had gone through with Asuka, would her temper be ten-fold from what it is? Does she have the mischief look in her eye because she was blessed with the name Loki and does she take after her namesake in some way? Please always say we're in for it, because we named her after the Norse God of Mischief - but would we have been in for it still if we named her Mary, Sara or Heather. Is it our genes combined that have created personality that is manifesting before us? or Is it some kind of curse handed down from Grandmother and Mother to Daughter for past tantrums?

Don't get me wrong, I love my Daughters personality. She has one! Which is saying a lot. Most children don't develop personalities for a long time, but both Lex and Loki did very early on. Each of them is their own person and they are developing even more each day with their interaction with one another and the world around them. They are independent I'm happy to say - which is not something I can say for Gabrielle. They are self reliant even at this age, which makes me feel confident in their future.

Irrational Mother Shreds Christmas Cards

If you're not aware of this, I have 2 children and a step-daughter. This is something I feel I must put in print because I don't think everyone is fully aware of this fact. Most importantly my Father-in-Law. I know I spoken of this before and to be honest I'm mainly writing this now because Mad Dog is currently speaking with him and I'm trying not to ripe the phone from his hand and scream "DO YOU REMEMBER YOU HAVE OTHER GRANDCHILDREN!"

Since Gabrielle's arrive he has phoned twice inquiring about her. I think this is all fine and grand, I'm glad he can take time-out to check on his granddaughter who comes and visits from 983 miles away, but he hasn't seen the 2 grandchild who live 48 miles from him in 5 months. Need I say more.

Oh, I will. Today we received not one, not two, not three, but four Christmas cards from them. That places the cost of cards and stamps at about $9.88. Taking into account the average cost of gas in his town, the average gas mileage his car receives on the highway (seeing the Mass Pike is the best way to get to us), the miles to us - he could have come and visited (round trip mind you) them 1 1/2 times.

This is just information for anyone wondering how I really feel. I know I might sound irrational, but I think I am truly done with this now.

TSA Precautions for Incompentent Mother Catching Flight

Just a quick post regarding Gabrielle's arrival or her departure I should say. Her flight this morning was to leave Milwaukee at 7:30AM. Now in this day an age (the post-911 age) most people understand the need (especially at the holidays) that they need to get to the airport early. This is not the case when it comes to Gabrielle's Mother. Gabrielle's Grandmother was there early to pick Gabrielle and her Mother up to take them to the airport, which is a very short ride from their home, but Melissa (aka Gabrielle's Mom) wasn't ready. In fact she wasn't even ready to go until 7:05AM.
Upon arrival at the airport, the ticket agent told them she didn't think they would make the flight, since they still had to make it through security and to the gate. There was one of the mad dashes through the airport and security (makes you feel safe huh?) to get to the gate, just before the door was about to close. They did manage to get on the flight. From Mad Dog's retelling of the story Gabrielle was non-too-happy with her Mother. Which does put a happy spin on Gabrielle's arrival.

Do you have a Gift Receipt for that?

December of last year we were all waiting for the arrival of Loki, who joined us on December 11^th, 2008. All our family, friends and co-workers supported us all the way, until my impending delivery. Though this year we didn't have to deal with the flurry of Doctor's appointments, the continuous weigh gain and the 8 week leave where my work had to be covered at work, today at 10:45AM without the nervousness of giving birth or surgery of a C-section I will be gifted with a child once again! Mad Dog's daughter, Gabrielle, was scheduled to arrive today on a flight from Milwaukee. As you can guess though this arrival was expected, the surprise of the timing is much like going into labor (in this case not as long as some labors - less than 12 hours). The phone call Mad Dog received is like the first labor pains and by the end of the conversation I was thinking that "THIS MAN DID THIS TO ME!" We know she is a blessing and we do love her, but like labor I just don't like the way it all happens. She will be here with us for the holidays and we are happy for that.

So, like all things in this season of giving, there are some things you wish people would keep for themselves (like fruit cake or Christmas moose sweater) but we must always remember “Tis’ the Season!”

Tis the Season

Today was special for us. Mad Dog has off and we were able to spend a "quiet" day together as a family. We planned today to be our Tree day. We had purchased our Christmas Tree Thursday night from a small lot not  far from our apartment.

Lex of course was extremely excited about the whole process and wanted to decorate it as soon as it was up. We had to explain to him that the tree had to rest and that we would let it sleep until the weekend. This off course prompted a bunch of attempts to "wake the tree". Lex standing in our living room, calling up the tree "Wake up Tree!" All dun night nights!" It didn't work and the calls would continue of the next few days.

Mad Dog and I put up the lights with a little help from Lex. Then we moved onto the ornaments. This is always a nervous process with the kids. First Gabrielle and now Lex, and next year Loki. The ornaments we have are mainly from Mad Dog's and my childhood. some being our first ornaments and made of glass, others being sentimental and homemade. Explaining this to a very excited 2 1/2 year old is difficult. Last year we lost one of Mad Dog's early ornaments, pieces are still in the box. I don't have the heart to get rid of it. I think I'm going to add the glass shards to a new empty glass ornament to keep some of the memories.

Each year the kids get a new ornament to add to their collection, that they will be able to take with them when they leave us to start their own family. A tradition my family had. To be honest they usually get more than one ornament, between Nana Sandy and I. This year they each (Lex and Loki) got their next Hallmark Keepsake Ornament. Because they are the same for each year, I mark the back with their name and year. They also each (all three) their initial in the form of a decorated cookie. With Lex and Loki both getting L's because my Mother thought Lex might get confused with the A (though she calls him Alexander more than Lex). We hung ornaments trying to avoid any heartbreak. Something we managed with the except of one break of a non-important generic glass ball.

The tree was topped with our topper. Most people have stars or angels, but we have a Flying Christmas Monkey, Chistery (one of the flying monkeys from Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked). He has been a tradition since our first Christmas in Chicopee. He was made from a little stuffed Monkey Gabrielle had, who I stitched black vinyl wings to and then was donned with a pipe cleaner halo.

The tree is up, and the few extra decorations are up or in the processes of being placed (namely our Lego Holiday Train). The morning has been full of tears and screams. Mad Dog and I are down to our last nerves, but isn't that exactly what the Holidays are all about?

And the Cat's in the Cradle and the Silver Spoon

I think I've mentioned it before, that I self-sensor myself when blogging because I don't know who is reading my blog. Between family, friends and co-workers you don't know who is reading what. Who follows you're blog and how pops in from time to time to catch-up. It's really rather annoying - or at least I'm annoyed with myself for doing it. Mad Dog makes the joke that things would be a lot more fun if I just didn't sensor myself and let my thoughts just follow. (Photo: My Mom and Lex)

Mad Dog knows I love him and of course with any person you love their family comes as part of the package. For a little bit of background Mad Dog's Mother and Father have been divorced for many years, and he has a brother and sister. Both his siblings don't speak to his Father, Curt. When Mad Dog and I first met comments were made by both of them referencing me meeting Curt and I will say their comments were far from complimentary. My initial feel was that they were lucky to have a Father who was alive and I honestly thought that in the end will regret missing the time that could of had with him. I will say I do still feel their behavior is foolish and that they should grow-up (Curt included in this) and move on, however I will also say that dealing with Mad Dog's Father makes me twitch.

Issues range from him insisting on knowing what is best when is comes to: Mad Dog's career; Raising our Children; Dealing with Mad Dog's Ex-Wife; Holiday Planning and what we spend our money on. Just about every event regarding the children's lives there is an issue with them attending, which just comes down to them not want the possibility of dealing with Mad Dog's Mother or siblings.When an emergency arises, they are the first to say "You should have called us!" and when we do they don't get back to us, or can't assist with said emergency. (Photo: Mad Dog's Mom and Lex)

I think the biggest thorn in my side (recently) has been regarding Loki. Mad Dog tells me part of it is because she isn't a boy like Lex (the whole carry on the family name bull). I don't know what it is. They didn't see Loki until after Christmas for the first time. This meant not the 4/5 days I was in the hospital and not the 2/3 days I was home from the hospital before bleeding out and being rushed to the emergency room for emergency surgery. They have seen her a handful of time, where Mad Dog's Mother comes once if not twice a month. When he does see her, he questions how Mad Dog and I care for her - looking to Mad Dog's Step-Mother for approval. I bite my tongue A LOT.

Their last visit, our best guess, was before we went away to Disney in September just before Gabrielle left for WI. We're taking bets that we won't see them until Christmas if that. I told Mad Dog, he will have to sit next to me and poke me if I go today something. He said I probably won't see them - if they do come it'll be on the Tuesday when I'm not home and they'll stay for like 2 hours and go.

Mad Dog just finished the typical call with his Dad. Asking how we all are, what we were doing for the Holidays, when Gigi is coming out, why can't he push the issue with Melissa, and so on. They didn't come out this week, because he had a doctor's appointment he forgot. This is the man that doesn't understand why we don't make plans more than a month ahead of time - well he does and then cancels because he forgets other engagements. I will also note the last time they were to come out (Mad Dog canceled this time) - it was said the only reason the were coming that day was because they were heading to Mohegan Sun afterwards!

I'm sorry that my children won't know my Father. I know he would have loved this time when them (anytime for that matter). Loki would have been his "Chunky Monkey 2"; and Lex and him would have gotten into so much trouble (Mad Dog thinks he still does - he's thinks my Dad tells Lex to do things). I am glad the kids both know my Mother's Husband Stuart and Lex call's him Papa (all on his own); they also have Poppy (Dennis - Mike's Mom's Boyfriend/Husband/Whatever) - he's good with them. Lex and Loki are very lucky they know their Great-Grandmother just like I knew mine. I'm grateful for that. They also, love my Mom and love staying at her house, they way I did when I was a kid with my Grandmother. The kids are growing up so fast - and the people who are their for them, will be able to enjoy and will cherish the moments they have with them. For those who are not - well that is a loss for them. (Photo: My Grand-Mother and Loki).

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

It honestly still doesn't feel like the holidays to me. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's because I'm not running around the Malls like other people, or that we have just a few loose ends to tie up before Christmas, whatever it is I'm just not there yet.



Last night on they way home I stopped at Target to pick up a few things to I grabbed some construction paper for Lex and I. Today I cut one inch strips and we started to make paper-chains to hang around the house. I have a feeling I'll be doing most of the making, but that's okay. He helped. I also took time during the kid's nap to cut out pieces to make a Santa and Snowman. After dinner Lex and I used a glue stick to glue it together. I also dug out our Christmas Stockings that my Mom made us (photos of stockings from last Christmas). Super Heroes for each. Mad Dog has Green Lantern, Mine is Supergirl, Gigi's is Wonder Woman, Lex is Batman and Loki is Oracle (from Batman - Barbara Gordan who was originally Batgirl before the Joker shot her paralyzing her from the waist down). I think we're going to go for our tree sometime this week. I know Lex is getting excited with each new things that comes out. I'm hoping I'll get more excited as we go.

My mindset might not be there yet because of Loki. Next Friday is her First Birthday - I feel kind of bad we're not making a huge deal about it. We're going to have pizza and cake at my Mom's Friday night. Just the family and Loki's Godmother (well her future Godmother if I ever get around to taking care of that). We did the same things for Lex, since we were both sick around his First Birthday.

I also have a few projects/gifts I have to work on. I had wanted to finish my Brother and Brother-in-Laws LATE wedding gift - have to find the time for that. Have changed the look of it like 3 times already. Think I'm happy with the latest idea. Along with that I have a shelving unit I would like to finish - oh wait START for a friends son. It's something I could work on in bed at night, and now that I have some of the supplies I need it might go a lot smoother.  I have to decorate the Lego town for the Holidays - need to hunt for pieces. Plus I have a few little gift projects to do with Lex and an ornament I would like to make too. Oh, and did I mention that Lex seems to be desperate to be potty trained - but can't seem to alert us that he has to use the potty before it happens.  If I have all this to do, WHY AM I BLOGGING?