This weekend will be all about packing away the last remnants of the 2006 Holiday Season. Although I am a little wistful seeing everything bright and glittery packed away, I won’t waste energy begrudging the passage of time. Besides, the beginning of a new and what I believe will be a wonderful year is hardly reason to be sad.

December was a whirlwind of different activities, and with it I know each of us takes some wonderful memories.

For the first time EVER, I volunteered to be a chaperone for one of the rugrats’ school field trips. As Riley is my baby, the chances to do this are quickly coming to an end; I thought it was time to experience Momhood as a chaperone. Riley’s class took a trip to Polar Ice Skating rink, to ice skate and have a pizza party. Riley and I worked out the rules for Mom, including what I’m allowed to say and not say while in the presence of his classmates. No “I love yous” and no hugs. He did allow me to sit next to him on the bus, and to eat pizza with him and his buddies.

I found the experience rewarding. A chance to observe Riley and how he interacts with his classmates; I was actually surprised to see how low key he is around his classmates. Riley’s teacher has a special gift and bond with kids, and maintains control of the class with relative ease. Which meant what I mainly did was snap photos of the kids having a good time.

This month brought Tayler’s Holiday Orchestra concert as well. It amazed me at the amount of improvement in their music, just from the Fall concert. Watching her play beautiful music brought tears to my eyes. Of the good kind of course.

The hubby and I took the kids to MAC (Mesa Arts Center) to see the Mesa Symphony perform Handel’s Mesiah. A new experience for Riley, not-so-much for Tayler, who is in her school’s orchestra. Honestly, I have to admit that listening to classical music is something I would rather do in the privacy of my own home. Sitting for more than a couple of hours, even in the beautiful MAC was, well, torture. I’m getting old, and sitting in the same position is more than a little uncomfortable. Had it been a musical play, possibly it would have kept my interest more. How Riley got through it is beyond me. Overall I’m glad we went and had the opportunity to expose Riley to the Arts.

Kevin’s brother Jim, and his family, sent us a gift card to the Broadway Palms Theatre that we’ll use to take the kids to see a musical or play. I think this will be a much more enjoyable experience for the kids. (OK, as well as me) It was a wonderful idea and thoughtful gift. We have been talking about taking the kids to a play now for a couple of years. Now we just need to pick one. Tayler will love it. Riley? We’ll see. I’m thinking since his first experience was a symphony, seeing a play will be far more interesting and fun for him. (I know it will be for me.)

Close to Christmas I had a Christmas brunch for the girlfriends that I have met through blogging. We had a wonderful and relaxing time, visiting, eating and drinking. I want to thank Rhonda, Rachel and Jade for taking time out of their busy holiday schedules to come out to our house for a visit. I put together stockings for each of the ladies, stuffing them with different goodies I thought they would like. (I love playing Santa!) Kevin played bartender, and I don’t believe anyone could have done a better job at it! I am really amazed at what wonderful friends came from this hobby. I love each of these ladies as if we had known each other for years!

Christmas Eve, we went to my X-husband’s house for a little celebration with the kids, and their grandmother. (The X’s Mom) They had a wide variety of appetizers and champagne, and Tayler and her Dad put on a little Christmas concert for all of us. Her Dad played the guitar and Tayler her violin. Robby, my oldest, and his grandmother provided vocals. It was enjoyable, if not a little Norman Rockwell-ish. After all, my kids were performing, and they did my favorite Chritmas song, Oh Holy Night. As odd as it might sound, socializing with my X and his Mom, the joy in my kids’ faces, having all of their loved ones together is worth any slight discomfort there might be. I thank my understanding and confident husband for handling this situation as well as he does. I know if the tables were turned, well....I don’t see myself handling it quite as well as he does. (That may be putting it extremely mildly)

We didn’t end up making the turkey Christmas dinner as we had tentatively planned. It’t just so easy to make a reservation at a close resort for their Christmas buffet and let the kids eat themselves into a stuffed state of contentment. And it meant that the hubby and I could take off for Laughlin earlier in the day, not having the mass clean-up and prep a Holiday dinner carries.

Now it’s time to pack it all away, and look towards the first half of 2007.
I hope it’s a good one for us - and you!

Love,

3T

The New Year has started; thus ends another Holiday Season jam packed with activity and chaos, and now I’m up with insomnia in anticipation. The kids go back to school tomorrow morning, the hubby to work, and I can reclaim my quiet time. I’m so excited I can’t sleep! There’s something to be said for routine, especially when there’s a lack of it for a spell.

Kevin always takes the week after Christmas off from work, and we have our reconnect time during that week. A celebration of our anniversary a week early.

By the time I have this posted it will be our 4th wedding anniversary. Although the world and our daily lives don’t come to a halt on the actual anniversary, it is a day I know we both celebrate all year long.

I thank God daily for bringing my husband into my and my children’s lives. I truly never believed I would ever share the kind of love and companionship that I have with him. After two failed marriages, and various failed relationships, it was a pipe dream I had given up hope of ever finding. I never forget that feeling, and always treasure our time together.  (You may skip this post if too much ooey-gooey feelings are not your thang)

In celebration of our Anniversary, I put together a list of why I adore my husband.

1. He is an affectionate husband, who never fails to tell me he loves me; many times each day.

2. He cooks. Well. And often.

3. He consciously strives for my happiness. Even though he knows he is not responsible for my happiness, I love that he puts the effort into it.

4. He is wise. He is also intelligent, and knows that intelligence and wisdom are two very different attributes, both of which he has in spades.

5. He is attentive and caring; with me and the kids.

6. He really listens to me when we talk.

7. He is loyal and faithful, to me and our marriage.

8. He is sexy and handsome.

9. He makes me feel beautiful, even when I look like something the cat dragged into the house.

10. He is honest.

11. He is strong. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

12. He is disciplined, and is a hard worker, always striving for perfection.

13. He is ambitious. (Which is damn sexy to me. I’m not sure why, it just is.)

14. He values my opinions and seeks my advice.

15. He makes me feel needed and important.

16. He makes the effort daily for us to connect and talk, without interruptions, TV’s, kids or phones.

17. He shares my dedication to getting away, just the two of us, on a fairly regular basis.

18. He knows how to play and just have fun.

19. He is funny and has a sarcastic edge to his humor that I love.

20. He loves me completely.

Only a few of the many reasons, but some of why I love this man with everything in me. He is my lover, best friend and confidante. I treasure each and every day with him, even the not-so-terrific-days. 

And I want him to know I love him more every passing day. Happy anniversary “Kevin.”

Love,

Teri

Kevin and I took off mid-day Christmas day to our favorite hide-away in Laughlin, Nevada. The kids had a great Christmas, as did we. We opted for the resort buffet Christmas Day to skip all the work, and the kids loved being able to pick and choose Christmas dinner. (And we got out of town a little earlier too!)

After all the work and socializing and enjoyment that is the Holiday Season, it has always been our tradition to ditch town, just the two of us, and de-compress! We were excited to pull up in the driveway today, rested and re-connected as a couple.

Of course, it’s all sorts of football games from here until, oh I don’t know, till hell feezes over? I can’t keep up, and don’t want to waste brain space attempting to. Suffice it to say, Kevin will happily watch game after game after game, while I happily blog on and on and on.

We have a New Years Eve party to attend at Oh-Girl’s house, which should be fun. Although Rhonda, we’re old, and late nights rarely work for us. So if we bail before midnight, please understand worn out old people need their beauty sleep. Hey, and at 10:00 PM our time, it will be midnight in New York, which technically willl mean we made it until midnight. (Don’t argue with me, this is how I see it)

Once again, another Christmas Season comes to an end, which in some ways makes me sad; and of course, the parent in me breathes a sigh of relief. Although my tree and outdoor lights WILL remian on in full force until New Years Day. It’s tradition, and one must never mess with tradition.

Well, I hear a jacuzzi screaming my name full force. (That could be my aching muscles screaming for the jacuzzi.) Either way I’m on it!

Hope everyone’s Christmas was full of joy, happiness, and above all, time with loved ones.

Love,

3T

Oh Holy Night

Oh holy night!!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine

Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend.

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Merry Christmas, and God Bless you and yours this Blessed of Holidays.

Love,

3T

3T Tree 2006

I haven’t posted in two weeks. Although I have tried reading some of my faves hit and miss during that time. As I have a few minutes before the day really get’s going, I thought I’d put up a quick post.

First, let me say, that Ira Blecker, MD, was correct in his reading of my sonogram. “Probably benign” = Definitely benign. That’s behind me and my family and now I’d like to forget that whole losing-a-breast scare. (OK, losing a breast was only in MY mind, but since it’s my breast, I’m thinking this was an understandable melodramatic reaction to the uncerntainty of it all. Don’t argue, this is how I see it.)

Not that it slowed down the usual holiday scramble to complete all the chores that are on my and my husband’s holiday to-do lists. I will not be dwelling on my fondled, battered and flattened breast for another 6 months. This mammogram flattening of the breast can’t be condusive for maintaining firm breasts. But, I can’t think about that right now; that’s a lament for another day.

I could go through my grocery list of activities over the last two weeks, but I’m sure it’s similar to everyone else’s. Besides, doing so would exhaust me before I start today. Today, I brave the malls for what I hope will be the last time before Christmas. With two kids in tow, no less.

The day started around 5 as usual, getting Riley up and nagged into school readiness, to pull into an empty school parking lot.  Winter break started today, not tomorrow. It’s only 8:45 AM and already I have received the first “I’m bored” from Riley Rugrat. It’s going to be a long two weeks. But at least it will start at around 8 each morning versus the normal 5:00 AM.

After the Holidays wind down, I’m hoping to post a little more consistently. Right now, any spare time has been all about photos, and my flickr photo album.  I’m not allowing for a build-up, but uploading them as I go. Hey, it’s what I’m enjoying at the moment, so I’m going with it.

Hope all of your prep work for the Holidays is winding down and we’re all able to take some relaxing breaths and enjoy the reason for the season.

Back to the grind.

Love,

3T

Sometimes I wonder if I don’t sabotage my efforts at being organized and completing all that I would like to complete. I find myself procrastinating on just about everything that I do, and always manage to run late due to this annoying habit.

I know my schedule is no more (probably less) than anyone else’s but still I find myself running at break neck speed to be here or there, or get this or that done. I could psychoanalyze the shit out of this, and still I come up blank.

I’m sitting here writing this while I should be in the shower, getting ready for what I admit was supposed to be a more than normal hectic day.

We have yet another cocktail party to attend this evening. My attitude leaves a lot to be desired. I know I will pull out my social hat at the last minute, and we will go and smile and visit and put in the appearance. The amount of time we’ll spend there will be far less than the amount of time I’ll dump into getting ready. (Teri thy name is vanity)

Maybe it’s the fact that it’s the middle of the week. Or that it is yet again tied to my husband’s job. A job that admittedly provides well for our lifestyle. He has given me permission to flake on this one tonight, if I don’t get everything I want to get done, done. I feel like we need to show up, as all of his bosses will be there, as well as those in the community that it would bode well for him to network with. I’ll be a good wife and prepare accordingly.

This Thursday is my appt. for the biopsies on the two masses in my left breast. I don’t believe I’m worried per se, although the thought of those needles still make me queasy; I’ll be going in prepared. Translation: 10 mg of valium and a 10 mg percocet. (For pharmacy sticklers its 10mg/325mg percocet) My homegirls wanted to get together that evening for a dinner, but with the kids here this week, the cocktail party tonight and the biopsy that day, it’s not looking good for socializing. Which reminds me I need to send an email to let the girls know I can’t make it this Thursday.

Well it’s time to start running errands.

side note: I’m still looking for gift ideas, in the post directly below this one. Thanks to those of you who have offered up some ideas. Although baking is not something I do often, I imagine I could try to whip up some fudge, although the thought of cheating and hitting a bakery to put together some gift tins did cross my mind....this may not be the point of gifting baked goods.

Hope everyone’s Tuesday is a good one!

Love,

3T

It’s the low buzz of tension building that started when the calendar hit December 1st.  The ultimate countdown has begun. I have two weeks to get the Washington Christmas gift box shopped for and shipped out, and to decide what we will be getting for the relatives back east. It’s agony trying to decipher what would be an appropriate gift for family, that lets face; we don’t know well enough, or know enough about their day-to-day existence to adequately pick out a Christmas gift that will be seen as either useful, practical or appropriate.

Never mind that there are only so many Christmas dollars available per paycheck. Which means prioritizing gift purchasing based on when the packages need to arrive at each geographical location. It takes finesse and intricate planning to pull this feat off each and every Christmas Season.

The easiest on the gift purchasing list will be my children of course. I make each child write out a Christmas wish-list; making a point to emphasize that I need a list with a wide dollar range. Reminding the youngest, that yes, it’s only your parents who will be crazy enough to buy you an item at a dollar range of $100.00 or more. I need cheap wish-list items!

For me, I have always felt Christmas was a time to say, “I love you” with a gift. Unfortunately I feel the love for a long list of family and friends. That list stretches far longer than the Christmas gift budget does. A conundrum that will last right up until Christmas Eve.

This is the month where I have always wished I had an artistic talent that I could put to use, creating Christmas gifts! There’s no use crying over a lack of artistic talent.

So at this point, I thought I would ask the readers here for ideas on Christmas gift-giving that doesn’t break the bank, but communicates “I love you and thought of you this Holiday Season.” Keeping in mind the time crunch, and the lack or artistic talent on my part, any ideas?  Come on folks, I’m feeling the tension of time ticking away far too fast!

“Help me?” (She said, in her best little-girl-whiny-voice)

Love,

3T