Christmas

Well after 10 pounds of fudge, too many cookies, and wrapping like a fool (not to mention making presents), Christmas is almost here!

I am excited. Maybe Sam really being into it this year helps. I so want to open all their presents early.. it's not like they know what day Christmas falls on! But no, I guess I can't do that. Oh, I think Nathan woke up.. maybe more before the big day!

talesfromtiffany

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Back UP

So yesterday everything didn't want to work for me. The printer didn't want to feed paper. The USB ports weren't working on my computer.. the sewing machine hates me. I just had to leave.

Then I turned everything off and on and *presto chango* it works again! well.. the printer still doesn't work and the sewing machine and I still have our love/hate relationship going on.. but the USB ports work again!

I keep looking at my Christmas tree and it looks so naked compared to everyone elses.. but I don't want to add more ornaments either. Simplicity this year!

Now I have to wrap all the presents.. Still have to make/order some. Want to make the boys a puppet show stage.. am slightly (okay very) afraid that if I pick up a circular saw I will cut off an appendage. For those who know me, it is very redundant to state that my coordination is less than ideal.. power tools + me= .. oh the unpleasantries!

Got our christmas pictures back yesterday. How cute my kids are! And I even look good in one of the pictures! I don't mean to toot my own horn, but i sure to make some adorable kids!
It is hard to concentrate, this church smells like sewage. Septic problems.. Who ever invented air fresheners was a genius. They probably got *stinkin'* rich!

Sam's Gift

It was in early December when I received an email from a cousin of mine. She is a teacher in a poor school district. One of her student’s family of 12 had suffered a house fire which destroyed all they owned and killed their grandfather and dog. They had a little baby the same size clothes as my youngest son and two high school girls about my size in clothing.
I responded by getting some curtains I no longer use, some clothes that were “professional” nice but not trendy, and some of my son’s clothes that he did not really wear to much any more.
As I was taking the boxes of stuff I had collected to the front door one morning, Sam, my three year old asked what was going on. I told him there was a fire in someone’s home and the family lost all they owned. Even their grandpa and dog got hurt. I explained to him that there was a baby who lived with the family who was Nathan’s (his baby brother) size. Sam’s face got very serious. “Hmmm..” he said as he put his hand on his check (his new thinking gesture). Then he went to the kitchen and brought out a container of juice to the front door. He went back and forth until he had brought all of his juice to the front door. My children do not get very much juice. It is only for special occasions, which lead me to ask Sam, “What are you doing?”
“Juice, Mom. Juice make Baby better.”
Sam wanted to give ALL his juice to the child he had never met before.

Sam showed me what true giving is. My son gave what was most valuable to him. I only gave what I no longer wanted or used. My three year old taught me how to give from your heart, even to people you don’t know and will never meet. Sam reminded me of what the Christmas Season is about.
The following week, I moved the kids up in clothes so that I could donate all of the clothes we have in the other child’s size.

Timing

I have just been thinking about how it seems some people have everything together. They get so much done, efficiently. I am thinking of how I appeared to the administrator of the preschool/daycare this morning. Two lunch boxes, check; two book bags, check; extra shoes for the boys, double check; all the doctor physicals, eli physical, permission forms, and various papers, check; Sam, check; Nathan, Nathan.. where did your socks and boots go? We just walked in the door and I carried you in with both boots and socks on.. check.

Yolanda, the sweet woman who stole my heart, (she was the first person--no family--to watch either of my children), asked me this morning (hair disheveled and lopsided), "More? More babinos?" I had to reply, "Uh.. NO.. not today .. maybe tomorrow!" She love my little guys.

I don't know how people have THE job, THE cars, THE houses, the KIDS, a social life (??), friends, animals, and then the hobbies! Some days I am more ambitious, sure, and I get quite a bit done.. then, most of the time, I am with the boys.

I think I have enough time to sew presents, go to school (trying to make it work), sell real estate, be a secretary, and mommy of two little boys. I don't know how anyone does it.

I know how I am saving a lot of stress and time this holiday season anyway, online shopping. That is the way to go. I had to wait in line to return a printer cartridge forever today. Then there were more and more lines everywhere I went. Internet or Catalog shopping, so much easier! If you can get free shipping, icing on the cake!

My deepest respects to all out there who do it all, pretend to do it all, or have children and throw there hands in the air as they dump all the noodles/instant potatoes/cereal on to the floor after smearing the mysterious unknown substance on the walls/floor/you.

Slip Slidin' Away

Ahhh.. the year is almost over..

and I am reallly inspired lately. Perfect time of year. Normally get a well needed boost before Christmas. Hope I can keep it until after the season.

Seeming sick, for whatever reason.. (*could it be the jolly green snotted little?*)

Inspired just the same. I had even started making everyone's Christmas presents this year.. slightly short lived vision. Good thing some of these houses closed, now I can buy presents!

Still trying to wrap up (ha-pun!) my crafty work for two people.. I hope they don't hate it too much when I'm done. If I get done. Maybe I'll get them supplimental gifts to go along with the hand crafted one... hmmm... only Christmas Eve will tell!

Today, I had to take the boys to get blood work (lead/blood count testing) and shots (not so fun). It took the people over two hours.

On a side note: I've been wanting to make bread. Every time I try, well it just doesn't look quite right or taste quite right.. I should do this in the Summer when it is hot, perfect for rising. I think next time I will put it in the oven on warm.. wonder what that would do. I am glad I get MS mag.. they have a bread making page tutorial. Hope it works.. if not I might have to enlist people to teach me in a remedial bread making class or something.

Now I am getting tired again... damn sickness..

planes, trains, and automobiles

I am back. I have been back for almost a week now. What a trip. Really nice to see all my family for the holiday. It was busy and scheduled pretty tight. It would be cool to just hang out with my family some time instead of "doing" things all the time. I miss just laying in bed with my grandma watching movies. she always has the best pillows- and lots of them! She looked great! You could tell some of the family members were a little stressed out! So glad they weren't here for the holiday!

Thanksgiving dinner we had at their local c.c. Pretty good, just missing the real traditional stuffing and mashed potatoes. I gave the last piece of pumpkin pie to my dad, and sucked it up by eating the decedent chocolate cake! Oh, the sacrifices..

Did I mention that the trip to and from was the real adventure? We were lugging a car seat (not just a little one, a monster of a car seat), 3 carry ons, and the boys? I learned pretty quick that you can hail down those electronic cars like taxis! I was going down the escalator and one started going away, I yelled out "Don't you see us?! You can't leave!" He radioed in backup.

Taking the boys' shoes off and putting their lovies on the xray machine was not a happy time.

My dad stayed relatively calm and collected throughout. I was impressed. Probably figured we were in hell and there was no turning back now.

The next day I had a huge bruise all across my shoulder and collar bone from all the carry ons. I told my cousin I was a little sore and Mc replied.. " It will make you stronger!" yeah right.. carrying around heavy shit all day and juggling children will make my skin thicker and less prone to bruising.

On the way back almost to CLE airport, we had to fly through the overcast clouds. It was cool to watch Sam's eyes bug out of his head. He couldn't believe we were going through the clouds. I told him he was sort of like a care bear (since they even get to drive around in cars made of clouds). "Me?! CareBears like me?" it was cute!

The stewardesses both ways were, uh, um, well I thought they were supposed to be pleasant, nice even. Maybe nice went out the window when the first one told me that since my car seat didn't have the frickin' sticker (the car seat is airline approved) we couldn't use it on the plane (did she know we just dragged the monster through the entire airport?!).

Next time, we are taking the train.

I get home and over the weekend make a real thanksgiving dinner--complete with mashed potatoes, real stuffing, and apple pie.

Then I wanted to set up the tree, I just love Christmas! Problem. Sam broke the tree on Christmas last year. I was the town idiot who took down the gate guarding it.

Trees are expensive. Ridiculously expensive. Found one pretty cheap, opened it up, *so excited*.. and it smelled like old people and smoke. Poof no more Christmas spirit.

Something about old people and smoke on the tree sucked it right out of me!

I decided to wash it. So for a whole day I had 6.5 feet of Christmas tree on towels in my kitchen. This was the same day I was stuck in my dress for 20 minutes. (I called for help and no one would pick up the phone). Also same day I went with the boys for Holiday Pictures! Oh Boy.

After five days of trying to get the tree up and decorated, I finally finished tonight.

Now on to the wrapping of current presents and the making of the rest. I really need to do this all year long, so I can enjoy this "season." Happy Holidays~

distractions

I have so much to do before we leave. I've decided I have to get the boys to sleep by like 5pm in order for us all to wake up in time for the trip! I have so much to do but I keep putzing around on the internet! I just tried to put even more pictures on here.. but it errored on me and I don't have the energy to try again.
Have I mentioned how much I love space heaters? My office is the coldest room of the house. It is the only one over a crawl space. The heat is connected but for some reason this room is frigid. I told my dad about my frosty problem and he was like, "but it isn't even cold outside yet! how cold can it really be in there?"
His next suggestion was to wear gloves (great to type with or sew with) and a ski mask!
I can see it now. Nathan and Sam having nightmares about Mom's office.
Now I have a small, wonderful, space heater right next to my lil' toes. Ahhh.. it's the little things that make life wonderful!
I've wrapped up some jellies and have them individually bagged and surrounded by clothing for some gifting while I am in Louisiana. Don't have any clue what to take to the airport to keep the boys occupied for 2 hours of waiting to board. 2 hours on the plane. twice! 2-2-2.. hmm.. crayons are only going to get me so far.
I think I am going to make Sam wear a diaper for this little adventure. He can still go to the bathroom, but if we can't make it in time (when he says he has to go, well he has to go) I won't have to rip into my carry on and find another outfit.
I wonder if I should bring extra crib sheets/blankets for Nathan. I doubt the hotel has non-queen/king size sheets and blankets.
I have to write an offer tomorrow morning, drive to kingsville to take a picture of a house (doing a mini-appraisal, BPO, on it due by 1pm) and need to finish packing by the time I get the boys.
I am waiting to see what wrench will get thrown at me in the morning..
I'll have to take my laptop with me.. and plug in at the hotel. good thing about real estate. everything is on line.. well I won't be able to physically meet with people and show them houses.. but most stuff is right online.

Random Photos of the boys

Sky Pilot

I am so excited about going to Covington for thanksgiving. I am even happier that my dad is flying with me! WooHoo I don't have to try to juggle a three year old, a one and a half year old (Nathan is not a normal one and a half year old), car seats, luggage, laptops, tickets, did I mention little people that run in opposite directions when excited?!

*Sigh* It will be so nice to have help. It's the best kind of help too, the naive help! Poor 'Pa has no clue how much FUN this will be! hahahaha..

I have so much more to do before I go..

I can't believe how fast this year seemed to go.

It's already time for Sam to knock down the tree again! Already! I wonder if this year Nathan will beat him to it? The great tree race of 2007. I wish my video camera still worked. Quality entertainment.

Sam is so excited to fly! "like a bird mom?!" "me?!" "up high?!" "baby, too?" ear to ear smiling!

A little electrical tape!

So my treadmill was delivered last night! Yea! I asked them if they could take it upstairs for me... half way up the electrical panel broke off.. great.
We *they* took it all the way up. We plugged it in ( to my already filled extension cord thing) and it worked! I just have to crazy glue and screw the thing back together.. In the mean time.. it's electrical tape all the way.
I need another extension cord until I can get someone to put in a new outlet for it.
I was on it for 10 minutes last night and then tried stretching... Goodness I'm out of shape!
Made jelly yesterday morning. If Nathan doesn't start letting me sleep past 6am soon, I might just have to get earplugs! Sam's even had enough, the other morning I was having a hard time getting up( it wasn't even 5 am yet) (we are all sick to boot) and Sam started yelling out, "Stop!!! , Pleaseeee Stop". "Ugh"
I used to think I was a morning person..
I know I'm not a night person (all the yawning at 9pm that just won't stop)
I'm not an afternoon person (nap time is quickly becoming my favorite part of the day)
I wonder what kind of person I am?!
Must just be the tired mommy who needs a vacation!
If I actually took a vacation, I would be a wreak wondering if the boys burned down the house or killed whoever was fortunate enough to watch them! Ah the joys of motherhood.
Sam was sick last week and Nathan is this week. I was sick for both. Can it possibly get any better?
That treadmill is like my new beacon of hope! Now all I need is a little electrical tape and an extension cord!

Breakin' on Through

Finally getting through the sickness. I did have strep and Sam gave it to me.. poor little scarlet fever infested child. Nathan was in everyone's face and nope, healthy little peanut!
I have to get Halloween put away now.. and get ready for the next big holiday. Thanksgiving. Why everyone decorates in Christmas theme in November.. i don't get it! The preschool was already playing Christmas music.
I love the Christmas season... but couldn't they wait until next week?

Heard from my brother. Seems he likes Kuwait.. said it was like a vacation (they have a gym and rec area and everything). Not good internet though.. Good to hear from him. I was getting a little worried.

Jake helped me insulate my attic and my room yesterday. It's like a pink palace up there! I noticed that the "blown in insulation" never was blown in in the attic! Some insulation people are coming today to tell me if the geniuses who lived in my house before me actually had people insulate the house, or if they just drilled holes all around the entire house. It's my luck that they just drilled the holes.. my gas bills from last year are starting to make sense!
Jake was so funny. He told me I should be a doctor (I'd love to be in peds). I told him that was a great idea. "Now," I asked him.. "how will I support myself while I go back to school?"
He thinks I just need to get a boyfriend with a good job to pay my bills. Right.. I asked him where those are kept.. For some reason there was no answer. Simple enough theory.. too bad there are no men around! I wonder if I could mail order a sugar daddy.

Did I tell you I'm getting a treadmill? I am so excited! I will be able to walk this winter when we have two feet of snow! I will be able to exercise every day, if I want! Have I mentioned I hate the cold? I can't move in the cold. It's just too cold!

Sold another house while I was sick. This once might actually close. One of the other ones from last month still hasn't closed. It doesn't have a deed yet! I told them not to list a house that was still in redemption.. should be any day we get the deed now.. The buyer's wife is due to have her baby any day too! Which will come first the chicken or the deed? Ahh.. the EXCITEMENT!

blooming like geraniums

Feeling so much better today! There's nothing like being able to swallow without pain. I am just sitting here waiting for two emails. One stating that a house that was supposed to close 10/19 still doesn't have a free and clear title. The other an offer for a listing that I am going to lose in two days. If I get and accepted offer before the deadline, I might even get paid! Happy day!
It's so strange.. earlier in the summer I had NOTHING going on. I was working every day and still ... nothing. I had some potted flowers on my porch all summer. They weren't growing right. Not enough blooms. I even babied them. nothing.
I finally brought them in last night (it got down to freezing) and did I mention they are blooming better today then I have seen them all year? Beautiful!
Even if the real estate goes to pot.. at least I have pretty flowers today!

Woke up this morning with an aching throat. Looking in the mirror and I have spots on the back of my throat. GREAT.
If I could get Nathan's father, Sean to come over and watch the boys while I go to the ER (just to take a rapid strep test) that would be better. I could get some antibotics and we would be back in business. I'd have better luck of letting my throat cure itself!
Was supposed to meet up with some friends from PA.. guess we'll have to reschedule again.
Sipping on my tea.. wish I could add some rum to it and go to sleep.

As I sit here contemplating sleep, I look over and see the completely unfinished spider costume for Sam.. He was going to be a cowboy and decided he HAD to be a Big spider.. I've been working on it most of the day, in between brownie making and pumpkin carving. Pumpkin carving with metal spoons and a one year old/three year old combo is just asking to get hit in the head repeatedly!
Liz even convinced me to make a costume. Can you guess what it is? I made a sign that says "GO CEILINGS". I am going to make up a little cheer to go with it! Any idea? *the ceilings are not a professional team* .. I am going to be a Ceiling Fan. Ha!
It was a toss up between that and a "leaf blower" (tie a leaf to a ball cap and when prompted, blow the leaf).
Just thought, should probably make the boys cute little trick/treating bags for all their *my* (chokable) loot. We will just have to see what everyone feels like tomorrow!
I volunteered to be the Sunday School Teacher tomorrow.. why do I do those things?! My children do not sit still during any part of the church/Sunday school services/programs. I guess this means I really have to go tomorrow.. It wouldn't be so bad if the church started earlier. The boys, Nathan I should say, gets up much too early. By the time we should be going to church it is closer to lunch/nap than I prefer..

Introduction

Hello everyone and anyone who has stumbled onto my blog. Since this is my first entry, I probably should introduce myself! My name is Tiffany and this blog will be about my very *interesting* life!
I have two beautiful sons, Sam (3) and Nathan (1). I am a single parent. My brother, Matthew, just went to South Baghdad yesterday for 15-18 months. He is an Army Medic in the 3rd D. Infantry.
I sell real estate with Real Living Realty One and work part time at St. Anne's Church as their secretary.
That pretty much is a quick summary of my life!
Today, actually in about 4 minutes, I have a house closing that I sold. After finishing at the church, I have to stop by the mechanic and figure out why my car does not want to start. Hopefully he will figure it out quickly so I can get to my house in time to watch Lilly. If not, Angel will have to bring her to the mechanic and I will take her with me as I finish.