FINALLY!!!

The house is done!! It only took almost four months from start to finish. And I put the start at when we made the initial purchase. Almost two months for the actual work. Running out supplies not once, but twice... I am really not complaining though. I know things happen. I am very thankful it is done. Finally.

I am sure you will be glad to not hear me rant about that anymore...

Me and the hubs took C#1 and C#2 to see the movie "War Horse." One of our "local" theaters had to do a complete renovation because of a recent flood. Anyway.... The theater is now completely AWESOMEEEEE!!  The picture isn't that good, but, yes I am reclining in a leather seat. You could seriously take a comfortable nap! Everyone was highly impressed. And the movie was good, too.

And today is December 31. Which means New Year's Eve. I guess you're supposed to be all party-ey, but, alas I must be old. I am drinking some coffee, and am wearing my comfy pjs and toasty slippers. Who knows if I will even make it to midnight.  The new year is annoying anyway. You have to remember to change what month you write AND the year. Sheeeeesh. (I do like to complain about important things like that...)

I hope everyone has a happy and safe 2012!!

Of course it's breakfast.

They have oatmeal and milk with just a touch of chocolate in them.

Yes. Fudge and No Bakes Cookies are breakfast.  Well, they were for Christmas Eve.  And have been ever since.

I did make five gazillion cookies during the "cookie marathon." But, apparently I didn't make the right ones. Or we just needed more. I am going with the just needed more, since, the previous gazillion cookies are practically gone.  My bro casually mentioned that he wanted these cookies and my SIL has a very serious aversion to peanut butter. So, me being the wonderful sister, made the ultimate sacrifice and "no" baked these cookies. C#2 became my official sous chef and did a perfect job with the mixing and "cookie dropping."  They were/are delicious!

The Christmas Eve party was a complete success. Which means, we all acted like goof balls and ate lots of food.  I would post pictures, but, I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone.  Well, I would, but, I'd have to ask permission to post those endearing photos.

Oh! And I got "The Help." And the darling hubby watched it with me and he even liked it. 

So there you have it. A very short blurb about the last couple of days.

Merry Christmas!

In honor of my favorite Christmas movie...

Plans... What plans?

So yesterday, the lovely C#2 woke up to an earache. This child has an annual ear infection (sometimes two) and I guess we were due. I had made plans with my BFF to meet up for lunch, so now it was a wait and see if that was going to actually happen......

Thankfully they have very early walk-ins at the local doctor's office. But, the trick is to get there early, but, not so early. If you need to get a prescription, you have to wait until the pharmacy opens at 9:00 a.m.  We got there around 7:30 and I was still going over the insurance information when the nurse called C#2 back to start her check-up. The doc showed up only a few minutes later (which in my book is a miracle -- normally you're waiting there for an eternity.) Her one ear was 60 - 70% packed with earwax and her other had no wax, but, there was an infection. This infection was causing issues with her hearing (and the pain) and I was getting soooooooooooooooo tired of repeating myself.

Anywhoooo, we were outta there in about 20 minutes or less. Therefore it was WAY to early to get the prescription. We headed over to my parent's house. It was either go there or go to a grocery store and spend money on things I don't need. My dad was nice enough to make a new pot of coffee and so we chilled for about 45 minutes.

We got C#2 her prescription and then I took her to school, so she wouldn't miss anything (not that she was missing anything, since it was the day before vacation.)

AND I was able to make my lunch date -- WHOOHOO!!!

I got wonderful Christmas presents from my BFF. Here's a picture of the ornaments. I bet you can guess which one is supposed to be me. And no -- NOT the donut.

And then, we are onto today. The first day of vacation and both C#1 and C#2 had decided to do a half@ss job on their given chores. And then, they both proceeded to argue with me about what the chore actually was. And then, there was some yelling. And then, they were both officially banned from television and video games for the rest of the day (maybe longer.)

I was trying to be a "nice" Mommy and give them grace and lots of breaks. But, to no avail. So now they are both my little house slaves. C#1 has come around and is behaving MUCH better. C#2 --- not so much. Lots of glaring and whining. I will have to remind her I have ZERO patience for that. Yes, ZEROOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!  They had plans for playing video games, maybe watching a movie and just relaxing.  But, now I have other plans for them!!!

I am very interested to see how the rest of the day unfolds.

Cookies Galore!

One of my besties had a great idea to make cookies for the upcoming winter break. I've never done a combined baking event and thought it was a fantastic idea.  I was planning on making cookies for family anyway. And the "Cookie Marathon" commenced! 

The goal was to fill the dining room table and that is exactly what we did!!!

We split the cookies up "even Steven," at the end and now I have to fight the temptation to EAT.THEM.ALL!  They are calling my name. "BBBBBBBEEEEECCCCCCKKKKKYYYYY"  I really need to get these plated, because then they would be off limits! However, I will not be sharing them all. I LOVE THEM TOO MUCH!!

Peanut Butter Blossoms.  I might share a few of these. They are one of my favs!

The Macaroons will NOT be shared. The hubby would killlllllllllllllllllll me!

Snowballs ~ I will share a few, but, only a few.

Date Nut Bars 

Chocolate chip with a chocolate surprise. 

Peppermint Patty stuffed cookies. These were our only "fail". They taste good. But, we both decided it would be much easier to just make some peppermint brownies.  These were way too labor intensive.

Rice Krispie Treats!! 

Oatmeal (plain) and oatmeal with raisins and coconut.  The variety was so everyone would be happy.

So there you have it. A bonanza of cookies! I have never had such luck with baking. I think it might have helped that I was working with my friend and between us, we were able to make sure nothing burned..... 

Now, I only have a little more than a day to resist the temptation. It is going to be VERY difficult!!

It must be one of THOSE days...

Or mornings, that is.

I woke up at the bright and crispy time of 3:45 a.m.  I lay in bed and continued to doze off for the next hour or so. Then I remembered that C#2 had a science project due today. I decided to get her up at 5:30 to finish up. She said she was done, when I woke her, but, wanted to add more stuff to her poster. I proceeded to print out another picture and she wrote down some information. I made breakfast for C#1 and C#2. Everyone was happy...... 6:38 rolls around C#2 decides to add MORE stuff to her poster. WHAT?! The bus will be here in 10 minutes! She continued to work on her poster for a few more minutes and then was done. She headed out to the bus and I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

Two minutes later C#2 was shrieking outside. I opened the door and said, "What is going on?!" She was having a serious mental breakdown because her hands were cold. Again, WHAT?!?! She knows that it's cold outside, do I have to revert to treating her like a kindergartner and making sure she has all her warmies on? She continued her crying and I ran into the house and grabbed some of (my) gloves. She kept saying, "I can't feel my hands!!!" Really, it's that bad? Well okay, maybe. I saw the bus coming up the road and told her to "KNOCK IT OFF!" Yes, please read the caps lock as yelling. I was seriously not understanding her breakdown.  THEN, C#1 came over and informed me that his hands were numb. I asked him if he was going to cry, too?! Yes, I know not the best response. But, what the heck?!?!? He said he'd be fine and stuffed his hands in his pockets like a good child.  He apparently doesn't know how to dress for the winter either. Niceeee...

This afternoon, I will be making list of what needs to be found the night before school. I am going to MAKE them get their crap together -- including gloves, the night before.  I should mention that C#1 decided to try and find his other winter coat five minutes before the bus came, too. Totally NOT cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now you all think I am an awful person/mother. I don't really care. These children have a few winters under their belt and shouldn't be so surprised it's cold outside.  Guess what? It's December and it's cold outside.

Okay, I am done ranting on that topic. I know everyone is waiting with bated breath. And my house is --- drum roll please ---- not done. Yeap! They ran short. Again. My house apparently has too many angles. The dude putting the siding up, figured they were gonna be short. When they ran out I called the bossman and he was not pleased and was like ,"I told Cindy (supplier person) blah, blah, blah..." He said he would put a rush order on it. Which means it will take two weeks to show up. Wow! That is fast (sarcasm.) But, whatever, there is nothing I can do about it but, b*tch and moan. The sad thing is it is only going to take about 10 minutes to finish. Here's a picture of what is left:

Yeah... Not much left to do.

On a not so b*tchy note. We did get our Christmas tree this past weekend. We went all "Griswold" and headed out into the wild.

It was a bit of a challenge to find a tree. They were already picked over  and finding the perfect one is so important. We didn't have any snotsicles or frozen eyelashes at the end. So I guess it was a win. We got it home and I had already wrapped most of the presents. Once the tree was plunked into the stand and the decorating was done, the presents gave it the perfect finish. Thankfully the process was mostly drama free. Which in my book is the most important thing. 

So there you have it. My last few days in a nutshell. Now I need to water the tree. I completely forgot until now.... YIKES!

Today COULD be the day!!!

I hear hammers banging and I see MORE siding. Oh pretttttttty please!!!!!!!!!!

I must add that I do feel badly for the guys. It is really cold outside. I am glad, I am not them.

I will definitely keep you posted!

Well Monday it is!

So the weather didn't cooperate on Thursday, so no siding. I guess putting siding up in the snow isn't such a good idea. Althoughhhhh it was melted in the required area at noontime. Here's hoping that this weekend doesn't bring a snowstorm and that it's 75 degrees on Monday!!

Here's a little coffee humor to complete your day:

My new motto!

Actually it starts much earlier and goes wayyyyyyyy later.

 And what is your name?!?!

Later....

We have no power.

So it appears that this mighty snow storm (sarcasm) has taken out our power. Or a line came down or something. According to the electric company only 18 houses are affected. Which leads me to presume it's only my road. Greattttttttttttt.... They said it would be powered up by 9:00 a.m. I'll believe it when I see it. C#1 and C#2 were not impressed that they had to go to school anyway. Thankfully the hubby was nice enough to get the generator going, so all is good in the world. Just don't get too close. I haven't brushed my teeth.

Another issue is that the they were supposed to finish up the siding today. I do think they need electric to do that. Hopefully they have their own power source or now how to hook into the one we have. And I should mention we have snow. Like an inch of it. Ewwww...

Yes, I know it's December, but, still.

Last night was C#1's band concert. He did really great. Of course, the snow was coming down, so it made for an interesting ride home. I love where I live. (I actually do, but, sometimes....)

So that's it for this morning. I hoping the power comes back on when they say or I might cry.

Till next time....

Got the call....

From the store that ordered the siding. It's in. Now I just have to wait to hear from the contractor. I guess I just needed to "vocally" b*tch and then VIOLA (!!) things happen. I am hoping it's done this week. Thursday!!!

I will keep you posted.....

Clearly nothing exciting is happening here...

I have been very lax in my blog updates. Sooooo sorry! 

I am still waiting (impatiently) for the rest of the siding to show up. I called the contractor and he said they would be right over to put it up, once it shows up. I am still being patient, since he said it takes 1 - 1.5 weeks to come in. Of course, the weather was cruddy today. Cold and drizzly.

Yesterday I wrapped Christmas presents. It is usually a task I procrastinate until the very last minute. We don't even have a tree. BUT, we do have the presents. Truth be told I would be just fine without the tree. The dearest hubby insists on a real one, which means it makes an incredible mess. AND the task of getting a tree is something out the book of "Griswold."  Let's hike out into the middle of nowhere and drag the biggest tree we can find back home. Well, not exactly (but close.) It does look nice, but, I always look forward to it going away. Yes, I am a Grinch!

Here are some words of wisdom for today....

A nice glass of wine or three sounds like a great idea!  

Till next time...

This says it all!

Stillllllllllllllllllll....

Not done. The house that is. But, I am being patient for last week's holiday. Of course, it is December which seems WAY to late to be doing siding. However, I would like it DONE!

This week was mildly entertaining. Monday I had my car inspected. Did I ever mention how much I hate the annual car inspection? Well, let me repeat myself. I.HATE.GETTING.MY.CAR.INSPECTED. Thankfully, by the grace of God, it passed with no extra work. However, the hubs car wasn't so lucky. But, thankfully we were aware of this issue -- $500+ later.

Then on Tuesday, I had C#2's parent/teacher conference. I wasn't overly concerned, but, it's almost, almosttttt as bad as going to the dentist. C#2 has had decent grades, but, I don't know what happens the rest of the day. To my delight, I got in there and her teacher showed me her report card (which I had already seen.) She says, "C#2 is great. I loved C#1 (C#1 had the same teacher in the same grade.) But, I lovvvvvvvvvvvvveeeee C#2!" She really said that. I made sure to share with the hubby, but, made sure C#1 didn't hear, even though it was ALL good. Sooooooo, after my two minute parent/teacher meeting and with 28 minutes left, we chatted about the end of the year trip and random nonsense to take up the time.  I should mention I very much like her teacher and the co-teacher (there are two teachers and they work together to give the kids a taste of switching classes etc.) She said if she could stay with this particular class all the way through she would. I wish she could, too!!! Especially since after this year the teachers get a little tricky. Teachers these days. Sheeeeeeshhhhh!!!  I do have a story to tell but, I will save it for another day.  I do appreciate all the hard work that they do, but, sometimes, they make me wonder. You know what I mean!! Don't deny it!

Anyway, that is it for this week. I might have to venture out this week, but, am hoping (praying) for a phone call from the contractor to finish up the job. I've got my fingers and toes crossed.

Later!