TWO MOMS' HOMESCHOOL

Mind Blowing Generosity

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 16:27:00 +0000

The only reason I can afford to go to school is because I get a fairly good amount of financial aid in the form of grants. Being the working poor does have its benefits, LOL.

Anyway this semester I FINALLY, after years and years of writing scholarship essays, won a scholarship award . . . a RENEWABLE scholarship award. It was an amazing feeling. Also, my scholarship is what is called a "named" scholarship, which means it is funded by an individual who donated the funds to the university with specific requirements, and they are deeply involved in choosing who wins the scholarship.

All that is to say, last weekend I went to the Recipients' Dinner and met the lady in person who funded my scholarship. It was such an amazing and humbling experience. She talked to me in detail, specific detail, about my essay and why she chose me. She told me about herself and her life and how my life parallels hers in many ways. It was such an intimate and enlightening conversation. I almost cried. Financial aid awards are one thing, but this was a remarkably unique experience like I have never experienced before.

It just really reminded me that there are still honest, genuine, good people in the world. She is. She gives me something to aspire too. I'm glad to have had that experience. I won't put her name on the Internet, because she may not want her privacy exploited, but I will post a photo of us at the dinner.

Me with my Benefactor

Has anyone or anything blown your mind lately?

Until next time . . .

Best Birthday Gift Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 14:40:00 +0000

Well, today is my birthday. I'm still 40-something.

Interesting aside . . . I share a birthday with one of Amy's sons. Isn't that neat? What are the odds I'd make an Internet friend whose son has my same birthday . . . although I'm sure we were born several decades apart, LOL.

Also my little sister's birthday was three days ago so we had a nice shared birthday dinner on Sunday. All of my family and in-law's family came. That was very nice.

But . . . here's the best gift ever I hinted to in the title:

Yesterday I was on campus and for the first time in the history of me going back to school, I was able to get the three Bs - my Belly, my Booty, and my Backpack - into a regular sized bathroom stall without slathering up with butter first or getting out of breath! WOO HOO!!!

I'm down 50 pounds on my diet! I still have another 50 pounds or so to go, but I'm sooooo excited. This was a really big deal for me. I usually have to use the handicapped stall because I was too uncomfortable in the regular sized stalls . . . apparently 50 pounds too uncomfortable. Now I'm not!

Happy Birthday To Me!!

Have you accomplished anything spectacular lately? I'll be more than happy to celebrate with you.

Tell me about it.

Until next time . . .

New, Different, Exciting, and Exceptional

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 21:31:00 +0000

Today was a day of firsts at Two Moms' Homeschool . . .

This is the only proof we have that today was Baby Boy's first day at University. Now no one can corroborate his story, but we don't have any reason to not believe he was there. :-)

In a truly shocking and amazing turn of events, the biggest Fairy had her first day of kindergarten today. We do want to eventually keep the girls home, but right now school is the option du jour for this Grand-Baby-Girl.

Biggest Fairy Saying Good-Bye to Twin Little Fairies

Ready To Take On the World

We've Taught Her Well . . . Going Straight For The Books

Ready To Learn!

Has anyone else started anything new, different, exciting, or exceptional lately?

Tell me all about it.

Until next time . . .

Where Do Broken Hearts Go?

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 20:54:00 +0000

Baby Boy just drove off . . . possibly never to live at home again.

He is going to college about 400 miles from us. He will be staying with relatives for the first semester, but I won't be there.

Whaaahhhh! How on earth did you Moms of young adults survive this? I've been weepy for the past few days and just a plain miserable crying mess all day today.

Boy, they sure grow up fast.

Until next time . . .

This is . . .

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:26:00 +0000

. . . my wild child.

Found her like this. Straightened her out and covered her up.

A little bit later, found her like this.

Which is why we keep her bed so close to the ground.

And this is just her sleeping personality. You should see this little Texas Tornado when she's awake!

Until next time . . .

A Grown-Up Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:40:00 +0000

For the very first time in 12 long years Mom #2 and I went on a grown-up getaway with no kids, no grand kids, and no pets! At first we hardly knew what to do with ourselves, but we recovered from that fairly quickly.

First we found a very grown-up room in a historical and beautiful hotel.

Then we thought we'd have some fun visiting some touristy attractions.

We enjoyed lots of different sights that may have been fun for children . . .

. . . But without the endless trips to the potty. . .

. . . Without a pocket full of tissues to wipe runny noses. . .

. . .Without the too-cool-for-school eye rolls. . .

. . . And without leashes, kibble, doggy-doo bags, or travel kennels.

I'll never forget the complete conversations Mom #2 and I were able to have without interruption.

We also had several delicious meals in nice restaurants with real tablecloths, finely dressed waiters, and cloth napkins.

When it was time for bed, I only had to bathe myself.

And when we tucked each other in . . . .

. . . We only had to kiss each other.

We had an incredible time!

I hope we don't wait 12 more years before we have another grown-up getaway.

Have you done anything for yourself or your relationship lately?

Until next time . . .

Mothers and Daughters at the Opera

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Last night was the opening night of this season's Educational Opera Program. They performed Pagliacci.

I had never seen it performed live before, only on PBS. It had to be the shortest opera I've ever attended. We were home before 10 o'clock!

As an olive branch of good will, I invited my Mom to come with us, as she has never been. I didn't think she had any interest in it, but a few weeks ago she began hinting around for an invitation, so what's a daughter to do. She really seemed to enjoy herself, even though she had LOTS of questions. I'm glad we were able to spend a little quality time together without too much pressure of stimulating conversation. I'm not much for small talk these days and things have been a tiny bit tense between us since she moved so close to me. Actually, I've been a bit tense, but I don't think she has noticed. It is kind of unnerving to have your Mother about to pop up at your house at any given time of day or night. Since I don't have a day job, she thinks I'm available to do things with her all day every day. That's actually not true at all, my family keeps me on my toes quite consistently. Anyway, I'm working on boundaries. Let me just say, it's a work in progress.

She was already hinting around at an invitation for the next performance when I dropped her off at home last night, LOL. That lady really is something else. But she's my Mother, and I love her. What else can you do.

Speaking of the performance, everything was spectacular. Poor Canio, the Pagliacci, a jilted, suspicious, homicidal clown is really something to behold on stage. Although his killing scene wasn't nearly as terrifying as Lucia's from Lucia di Lammermoor, I still had to give him a lot of credit. He was a beautiful tenor.

There was a strange moment at the end where after the curtain call and all of the ovations, the three main characters . . . including ones who had just died . . . got up and sang a few bonus songs at the end. I don't know if this has a formal name in the opera world or not, as I've never witnessed anything like it. It was so nice to go drive home humming the bonus score.

I've never really understood why some people have a fear of clowns, but after last night, I think I'm going to keep my distance from them. Also, I have truly witnessed the literal interpretation of "Tears of a Clown."

So now I know what music I'll be playing around the house all weekend.

What wonderful weekend plans do you have?

Until next time . . .

Apparently There is NO Justice in this World!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:36:00 +0000

After surviving:

The most frightening night of the year for any dieter, Halloween, without eating a single piece of candy.

A family dinner in which your Mother-in-Law, the slimmest lady in the world, fries ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING plus serves delicious desserts including a heavenly cake and scrumptious homemade cookies by drinking a couple of gallons of water and saying "No, thank you" excessively.

AND . . .

Sitting across from your brother-in-law who is shoveling desserts into his mouth like a human hoover while STILL WEARING a compression garment from the LIPOSUCTION he just had the very day before.

I got up this morning and weighed in. I only lost 0.8 pounds this week.

Life. Is. Not. Fair.

That. Is. All.

Until next time . . .

I think I'm blogging again

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It's been a whirlwind few months! I won't bore you with all the details but let me just say that we have been going through a LOT of changes. I'll try to divvy it out in bite-sized pieces so it's not so overwhelming, LOL.

I would like to share one of my tiny victories. I finally finished my very last required Spanish class. I took it over the summer. Thank goodness it's over! I'm still trying to read, speak, and watch television in Spanish so I don't lose everything I've worked so hard for . . . but I must say . . . my Spanish speaking part of my brain is exhausted. I don't know when it gets easier to switch back and forth between languages, but I certainly have not reached that point yet.

Did I tell you that my parent's just bought a brand new house right around the corner from us? We'll have to discuss the art of dodging a Mom who likes to call and say that she's on the way when she's actually in your driveway. HELP!

Until next time . . .

Reunited And It Feels SOOOOO Good!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:30:00 +0000

My parents, married thirty-six years and then tragically divorced, have been working on finding their way back to one another for the past few years. It's been a long, arduous road, filled with ups and downs, and way too many tears.

Well . . . On Saturday we attended the most beautiful, intimate, perfect wedding . . .

The Wedding Party

The Coordinator

The Blushing Bride

The Ceremony

Yes, She Gets ANOTHER Ring!

Sealed With a Kiss

It's Not Official Until They Jump the Broom!

A Family Reunited

We are all so very, very, VERY happy!

Until next time . . .

DIRRRTTTYYY THIRRRTTTYYY!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:30:00 +0000

This morning I finally passed the 30 pound mark on my weight loss challenge.

I still have a looonnnngggggg way to go, but 30 pounds down is a great start!

I'm sooooooo excited, I think I'll celebrate with a 0 point value apple!

*SIGH* ;-)

Until next time . . .

A Very Nice Formal Evening

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Baby Boy escorted a Very Nice Young Lady to the Homeschool Formal a few nights ago. There was a Masquerade Theme, can't you tell?

All the preparations were going along fine until the actual night of the event. Now this whole situation really has me thinking. Every since the doctor said "It's a boy" I've been so happy that I had a son instead of a daughter.

Not that there is anything wrong with girls, but I've seen what my sister goes through trying to find affordable fashions, the right amount of make-up, and just getting out of the house with my niece. Let's just say, I don't have that kind of patience.

Well . . . on the night of the formal, I had to say "good-bye" to my son without being able to see the Very Nice Young Lady's dress, corsage, or mask. I was bummed! I hated having to count on Mrs. Very Nice Young Lady to get photos of MY SON. It did not sit well with me AT ALL.

Also, at my advanced maternal age, I can't stay up very late these days, so *SIGH* I was sound asleep when Baby Boy got home in the wee hours of the morning.

Luckily, Mom #2 and I are early risers, so while Baby Boy slept off the memories of a fantastic evening, Mom #2 fished my handy dandy camera out of his jacket pocket.

And found these incredible photos on the memory card.

Thank you so much, Mrs. Very Nice Young Lady!

Have a great weekend, Everyone!

Until next time . . .

Change, Expectations, Sacrifices, and Realizations

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Right now I'm trying to process a lot of change, expectations, sacrifices, and realizations in my life. I about to unpack a bunch of emotional baggage, so . . . if you didn't plan to spend your leisure reading time hearing about an old lady's problems . . . you might just want to move on.

Changes: The three fairies have become a front and center fixture in my life, possibly for the long haul. Last week when they stayed with their parents, it wasn't as successful as Mom #2 and I had hoped. We're really trying to work with their parents and get the girls back home as soon as possible, but we are meeting resistance. That's very sad to me. I'm also still struggling with parenting a young adult, since that is apparently what Baby Boy is now. Going from "Mommy" to "Ma" is quite a change. *SIGH* That last sentence is going to need to be a separate blog post one of these days.

Expectations: I am expected to morph from "grandma" to "surrogate mom" on a dime and the transition is very labor intensive. I still have a lot of presence in Baby Boy's life, and I am trying to be a good spouse to Mom #2 as well. Baby Doggy also has a lot of needs, LOL. I've apparently set up a system of dependence in every life I've come into contact with . . . and now I feel stretched a tiny bit too thin.

Sacrifices: I didn't go to school this semester. The semester is over next week and I think this is the first time I've "said" it "out loud." I see Baby Boy with his books and leaving for class, and I'm soooo envious. This has led to some very good discussions between us though. I've really been a not-so-shiny example of how not to wait until you're middle aged to get your education. Right now I'm not sure if I'll be able to return next semester or not. I have a few weeks to turn in my paperwork.

Realizations: I do realize that these challenges will not define me. I have a FANTASTIC support system in Mom #2 and Baby Boy. I realize that there is a sparkly lining to every situation. I realize that we'll make it though this together, as we've made it through so many things before this.

Boy, reading back over this post, it sounds very depressing, but I'm not depressed. I'm actually happy to have a little clarity. Sometimes just getting all the feelings outside of yourself helps to bring resolution to what seemed to be a perpetual problem. Off to enjoy the day!

Thanks for being my therapist for the day!

Until next time . . .

Sounds of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:43:00 +0000

I am many weeks late properly thanking :)De for her beautiful Springtime gift, but her kindness is really on my mind today as we enjoy the Sounds of Spring on our back patio.

It is such a relaxing sound. I love it!

Until next time . . .

Taking a Breather

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:35:00 +0000

The fairies are staying with their parents for the week. It's been soooooo quiet around the house. I have so many mixed emotions about the situation. I am so grateful to be able to slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet that is our home with three adults (yes, I do view Baby Boy as an adult now) living in it. At the same time, I worry about the girls and how they are doing. I worry about the situations that led to them living here in the first place. Needless to say, we call them - OFTEN.

Worried. Relaxed. Worried. Relaxed. That's been my frame of mind all week, LOL.

I have had a chance to catch up on some housework and on reading the piles of unopened mail stashed on every single horizontal surface in the house. Most of it just requires shredding anyway. Too much junk mail for me. I should actually be cleaning right now, but . . . yuck . . . you know. ;-)

Last week Baby Boy had a birthday! I guess he's my Baby Young Man now that he's 19. My goodness, every time I look at him he seems to be getting taller and eating more and more. When the heck do boys stop growing? I'm good with his current height and weight, so any time he wants to dial back the growing legs and feet is fine with me. We had a great big family get together party, but the photos are on Mom #2's phone, so I'll have to upload them later.

Speaking of Baby Boy, he's been very busy with school. His classes seem to be exponentially more difficult this semester than they have been in the past, so it looks like it'll be touch and go right up to the finish. Please keep him in your thoughts. He's also going through the certification process in order to be a volunteer at our local hospital. There are lots of hoops to jump through with meetings, training, paperwork, and immunizations. Hopefully he'll get through that pretty soon.

Other than Mom #2's work keeping her busy-busy-busy, that's about all we have going on with us right now.

Until next time . . .

Settling in FAIRY Well

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

We've been oh-so-busy with three new little fairies fluttering about. I think everyone is finally starting to settle in and find a rhythm. The fairies are on a pretty strict schedule, which brings me peace. I don't do very well with surprises or the unknown. Regularity and predictability are my very best friends . . . I don't know why I can't seem to blog with any sort of regularity or predictability . . . but I do like regularity in all the other areas of my life. It's very Virgo of me, I guess.

Our first order of business was to get everyone acclimated and feeling safe and secure. That's my favorite part because it includes lots of hugs, kisses, and lap-sitting! We'll be keeping that as a permanent fixture around here :). The second order of business was to get everyone potty trained. Which they finally are! This past week we had ZERO accidents including after nap time and over night. Now everyone is wearing big-girl panties (except for Baby Boy who would have no part of it ;-).

I have been doing some gentle "learning-time" with the fairies. We are learning to recognize the letters of the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors. It's been frantic, fun, and frustrating, but rewarding. They have a long way to go, but fortunately we have nothing but time to get them where they need to be. I have to admit that I have a whole new appreciation for those who choose to have big families. My goodness, everything is immensely more complex when you have to do it three times rather than one. I didn't realize how easy Baby Boy and I had it, LOL. As for myself, I'm learning to be humble, patient, and most of all, optimistic. Those values are being reinforced in me every. single. day.

As an added bonus, the fairies are excellent for my diet as I barely have time to eat anymore and my pedometer gets well above Dr. Oz's recommended 10,000 steps almost every single day.

Insanity has its benefits!

Until next time . . .

It's a GIRL! It's a GIRL! It's a GIRL!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:30:00 +0000

It's a loooonnnnnngggggg story, and not really mine to tell, so I'll keep it brief.

The three fairies have been staying here off and on for the past few weeks and since their parents are unable to care for them right now, they'll be staying at Two Moms' Homeschool for the foreseeable future.

They are just soooooo precious and really deserve a positive start in life. I hope that Mom #2, Baby Boy, Baby Doggy, and I can give them that. I also hope their parents wake up and see what they are missing out on very soon. That second hope is that one that's really on my mind lately. Either way, we've chosen to celebrate the new additions to our family.

To give you just a glimpse of our new lives, we are being treated to regular serenades such as this one:

There's nothing like three pint-sized bundles of energy to keep you young! At least that's what I keep telling myself, LOL.

Have a great weekend!

Until next time . . .

The Clutter-Free Guarantee

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000

In my absence I've been busy clearing the various clutter from around the house. While not completely done, I think I'm off to a great start.

Vanity Before - A complete disaster. Not only too many products, but a lot of trash that just simply never made it into the bin. For shame!

Vanity After - I got rid off a lot of stuff. What I simply could not live without, I stacked up neatly. I think a shelf will be nice in this area. I've kept it clean for about two weeks now, so this system does seem to be working.

Nightstand Before - A catch-all for anything that I brought with me when getting ready for bed.

Nightstand After - Pared down to the bare necessities.

Even those two silly boxes that were on the floor next to the nightstand are completely gone! POOF!

The dresser has been the biggest disaster in the house for YEARS! Mom #2 and I have just piled every single thing up there that didn't really have an assigned spot. I had been putting off cleaning it because it just seemed too overwhelming. I was finally forced into cleaning it this past weekend.

My Mom was coming over so that Mom #2 could show her how to use some computer software. The software is only installed on Mom #2's computer, which is in our bedroom. We couldn't find the original software disc to install it on another computer in the house . . . so cleaning my room from floor to ceiling was the only option. Believe me, my Mom NOTICES cleanliness (or the lack thereof). I was raised as a military brat, don't forget; both my parents are veterans. Cleaning was my JOB growing up.

But I digress. Here's the Dresser Before - A complete catastrophe.

Dresser After - Spectacularly Clean!

Amazing! Yes? (I know "amazing" is completely overused lately, but in this case . . . it's the appropriate word, believe me ;-)

That's all I have to report for today. I know you all thought I was slacking off and not posting because I'm too lazy, but I have been busy, LOL.

I do have a lot of other stuff to blog about, but those posts are still :"simmering." I'll get to it soon!

Until next time . . .

You Slay Me, Lucia

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Last night Baby Boy and I went to see Lucia di Lammermoor. OOOhhhhhhhhh Mmmmmyyyyyyy Gooddddnnneeessssss it was sooooooo good. If you have read here for any length of time, you will know that I am a true blue lover of all the arts, but opera is my absolute favorite and a personal passion.

The first act started out kind of slowly and I could actually see Baby Boy wilting in his seat beside me. He got up and took a brisk walk in the crisp night air during the first intermission and came back somewhat refreshed. Fortunately, the action really picked up in Act II and I was no longer in jeopardy of losing him. We were both thoroughly engrossed by Act III.

In Act III there was a scene where Lucia comes on stage in a blood soaked wedding dress after killing her moments-ago-married husband, hallucinates, and then commits suicide (it's a tragedy). The soprano who played Lucia had a voice so pure and clear and sweet, it just about brought tears to my eyes. You could actually see her losing her grip on reality and going insane right before your eyes on stage. She then proceeded to die the most beautiful, disturbing, and agonizingly slow death ever to be performed. She actually sang blood curdling screams in time with the score. She was simply marvelous! Baby Boy and I enthusiastically participated in her standing ovation.

Last night was amazing and just happens to be in extremely stark contrast to what I'm doing today - - taking my Mom to have her colonoscopy. *SIGH* Such is the life of the first born child.

Oh, well. At least I'll have something lovely to hum to myself in the waiting room. If I get too bored, I now know how to convincingly go crazy for an audience. ;-) You never know when that skill will come in handy.

Have a FAN-TAB-U-LOUS weekend!

Until next time . . .

66 Confessions of an Around-The-Corner Hoarder

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Today I am coming out of the closet as an Around-The-Corner Hoarder.

Let me explain myself: When people visit, they see a nice, clean, normal looking home. BUT I have a dirty little secret . . . around every corner is a secret hoard of clutter! As a matter of fact, I spent the weekend counting and there are exactly 66 such areas in my home.

Here are a few examples:

I get up and make my bed every morning . . .

. . . But right around the corner, the nightstand is a nightmare.

I hand wash dishes several times daily . . .

. . . But right around the corner, this counter is a disaster.

I keep the table where we eat virtually spotless . . .

. . . But around the corner, the top of the dresser is catastrophe.

I can only brush my teeth in a sparkling clean sink . . .

. . . But around the corner, the vanity area is begging for a shine.

I wash all of my family's laundry and hang it neatly weekly . . .

. . . But around the corner, or rather immediately below, the closet floor is fighting WW III.

So . . . I've made a very detailed and thorough list of all 66 problem areas, and I'm going to tackle one every day for the next 66 days. Hopefully I'll post periodic updates, but you know how I am with blogging, LOL.

Honestly, I LOVE to clean, but I HATE to de-clutter.

Whew! Confession really is good for the soul!

Wish me luck!

Until next time . . .

Happy 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Last night was the very first New Year's Eve that Mom #2 and I have ever spent without Baby Boy. He decided to go to a party with some of his friends. It seems so strange to have a son who is old enough to make his own plans, follow through with them, and leave us behind to figure out what the heck we're supposed to do by ourselves.

New Year's Day is Mom #2's and my anniversary, but we've always celebrated it together as the day we officially became a family. I guess this means Mom #2 and I officially got to have an actual New Year's Eve/anniversary date. It feels so strange, especially since we just stayed home, made an enchilada dinner, and watched a movie, LOL. I guess I'm just a cheap date. ;-)

My wish for myself as well as each and every one of you is that we wistfully and nostalgically wave good-bye to 2011 and that 2012 brings peace of mind, body, and spirit, as well as happiness, prosperity, and, of course, plenty of laughter and love.

Don't spoil it with any silly resolutions!

Happy New Year!

Until next time . . .

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:30:00 +0000

From our Family . . . to Yours!!!!

Until next time . . .

Miscellaneous Holiday Musings . . .

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Last week Baby Boy had surgery. Nothing major, as he does have this same procedure every year. Mom #2 and I always anxiously await biopsy results. For the first time in literally 10 years the biopsy found ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. We're so excited! We feel like we have just witnessed our very own private Christmas miracle. There is usually a little something, often a lot of something, but we are extremely grateful for absolutely nothing. Hurray! I hope this positive trend is indicative of our fortune for the new year.

Even though no one in this family is Italian or Catholic, Mom #2 and I decided to have a Feast of Seven Fishes for Christmas Eve dinner this year. Why? Because we like seafood. It's yummy! We felt like doing something a little different from the same old thing . . . our families were VERY against any Christmas change in the Christmas day meal, so we're having our own pre-Christmas whatever-the-heck-we-want celebration on Christmas Eve with our family and Mom #2's daughter, son-in-law, and the three Fairies.

I have a 40 point cleaning list posted on the pantry door. All of those items must be done before a single guest is allowed to set foot in this house. We got about half of them done today, so that puts us right on schedule. Mom #2 and I have done almost all of our assignments. Baby Boy is procrastinating. Oh, the joys of being 18. If he thinks he'll enjoy one. single. moment of Christmas without getting his assigned cleaning duties completed, he has another think coming, I assure you.

Finally, Baby Boy experienced some natural consequences today. Because he procrastinated so much ordering a gift for his *ahem* *cough* girlfriend *cough* and it just got here today, he had to pay almost three times what I consider a reasonable amount to get it to her by Christmas, since she's not exactly local. Now he sees why I preach "The early bird gets the worm," all day and all night. Once again, the joys of being 18.

Nothing earth shattering. Just wanted to catch y'all up on everything that has been going on with us this Holiday Season.

I wish you all love, peace, and prosperity in everything you say, think, and do this Holiday Season!

Until next time . . .

The Taste of Victory!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:55:00 +0000

Last Thursday was the OFFICIAL last day of the semester for Baby Boy and me!!!

Since we're so darn proud of ourselves, we decided to have a victory meal. Baby Boy planned the menu as follows:

Barbecue Chicken Wings
Homemade Pasta Salad, and
Hand-cut Home Fries

Which, of course doesn't include the strawberry fruit bars we had for dessert, YUMMY.

I have to admit, it is one of the strangest meals I've ever eaten. Mom #2 and I thought the entire thing was hilarious, but Baby Boy REALLY enjoyed the Taste of Victory!

We never could say "No" to the tummy desires of a hungry Baby Boy. It's just the Mom in us, I guess. I'm so proud of him for getting another semester of school behind him.

Congratulations, Baby Boy, YOU DID IT!!!!

Until next time . . .

I'm Already Having a Freaky Fun Christmas!!!

noreply@blogger.com (MOM #1) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Well I'd like to say that I successfully completed two VERY intense presentations at school over the last couple of weeks. One in Spanish, OMG, that was tough. The other was presenting a research poster on a project I've been working on all semester. It was so intense and scary. I hate speaking in front of groups, especially when I'm supposed to be an expert on something and I feel like a blubbering idiot on the subject, LOL. But look, I'm still alive . . . I'm battling hell week right now, but that's ok, after this, it'll be over.

One reason I was able to get through the last week was because of some great advice and just a general friendly listening ear from one of my very best blogging buddies, Freakmom. Thanks to her years of experience speaking in front of groups, she really helped me calm my nerves and get the job done. I was all ready to send her a thank-you email, when something super special showed up in my mailbox.

Isn't it beautiful??!!!!

It's a real live handmade knitted from scratch scarf! I've never had anyone sit down and actually make something with their own two hands while thinking of me. I just about burst into tears when I saw it. It's just the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. It really made my whole day/week/month/year/lifetime.

It got here just in time too, because it's been freakishly cold here in Central Texas. You know, I don't do well when the temperature falls below 65 degrees. That's hibernating weather to me!

See, I like it so much, I'm wearing it right now.

This is how my face looks with no make-up. Don't allow your small children to look directly into the computer screen, they may turn to stone. Grownups, you can just ignore it if you like. How do you like my Merry Christmas Rudolph pajamas? We're already in full-fledged Christmas mode right now.

Anyway, What a Freaky Fresh start to the Christmas season.

Thanks, Freakmom!

Until next time . . .