Resolution?

Hubby and oldest daughter had a civilized talk last night. I'm hoping after their chat (consisting of them both admitting what they did wrong and how they could handle things differently in the future) that I can now enjoy my holiday season with joy, laughter and peace! I am thanking God, who answered my prayers for this resolution.

Now keep both the hubby and oldest daughter in your thoughts (good thoughts) today. They both have job interviews! Hubby is interviewing with a different company, luckily it is based here in CO! Daughter is interviewing with Perkins after school today. I am SO hoping she gets a job! She's excited and scared at the same time. I'm anxiously awaiting about 4:00, when the interview should be over and I hear some news!

Losing It

I was happily looking forward to the holiday season. I was expecting to get most of my shopping done early and enjoying the actual reason for the season. All that went to hell in a handbag (anyone know where that saying came from?) on Saturday. The hubby and the oldest had a huge blowout which peaked with obsenities being hurled in the middle of our cul-de-sac while neighbors were out putting their Christmas lights up. Then it moved to the garage where the car keys were demanded and then ripped out of the daughter's hand, almost breaking her finger. While I agree with the hubby that the daughter does not talk to him with any respect, he also has no respect for her and yelling at her in front of Morgan and her 5 friends who were all sitting at the kitchen table does not help the situation. The biggest problem is, they are exactly alike. Neither is going to back down and apologize for anything that was said/done. They both think they were totally in the right with their actions. As a daughter who went through similar problems with my own dad, I can totally understand Ashley's point of view and am sort of happy that she will stand up for herself (something I had a hard time doing). As a parent, I want her to understand that she doesn't get to make the rules and yes, she does need to follow them. As the wife and mom, I am stuck in the middle....trying to stay neutral, but having a hard time doing it. They need to learn how to communicate their feelings about the situation and about each other, without the sarcastic tones, yelling and hurling obsenity lace insults at each other. It truly is killing me.

And if all this isn't enough, the hubby just called and said a former co-worker just called to see if he'd like a job with the company this guy now works for. The only plus at this point is that it is based here in CO, there'd be no moving involved. Of course, this all could mean nothing....but it's no wonder my head is pounding.

Thankful

On the chances that I won't be able to get on the computer for the next few days (the kids will be out of school and the youngest one will be permantely attached to the chair here, plus Thanksgiving)....I wanted to make a list of things I am thankful for....it's always good to put these things in writing, to remind yourself you have it much better than you sometimes think.

I am thankful for...

1. My husband and daughters....they add joy, laughter and sometimes insanity to my life, I am forever grateful they are part of me.

2. My family....my parents, my sister and her family, my grandma, my aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. They all have made me who I am and even if it isn't always good, for the most part I AM a good person!

3. My dogs. Sounds crazy I know, but they love unconditionally and when everyone else is busy living their lives, I always know they'll be there under my feet (or in my lap), with wagging tails and kisses.

4. My friends. Most of my friends are like my family. After having moved around the country and sharing many holidays with friends instead of family, it is nice to know they are there. I can always count on my friends.

5. The roof over my head. I hate cleaning house, but I love my house. It's home, it's where I am most comfortable.

6. My husbands job...because of his job, I am able to work just part time, be there for my daughters and live the life I do. He works hard so that I don't have to.

7. For my job. Even though I don't make much money, it gives me a sense of purpose and I get to help people become the person they've wanted to be.

8. For my Durango....silly yes, but it's a nice vehicle, it gets me where I am going and it's comfortable in our travels.

9. For my SAHM pals....the people who my husband *still* thinks aren't real, even after 8 or 9 years! They are the people I can always count on to listen to my rantings and put up with bragging!

10. For God...the One who put me on this earth and gave me the life I have. Without Him and my church, where would I be?

I hope everyone has a chance to realize the wonderful things that make their lives what they are.....even if you have to search a little to find them.

Totally Weird!

This afternoon my hubby and the youngest headed off for South Dakota. Ashley and I are staying home due to some prior committments. I decided I needed a malibu rum and Dt. Pepsi....but was almost out of rum. I decide I'll go to the new liquor store in town....haven't been there yet. It is co-owned by our school's former athletic director (hence, why he's former). I go in and find my bottle of rum, and head to the counter. Ahead of me, paying for a 12 pack of beer, is my neighbor...who happens to be the high school principal. When he realizes I'm behind him, we chat, he introduces me to the former A.D., who recognizes my last name because Ashley sang the Nat'l Anthem at some of the sporting events last year. While we're chatting, in walks our head volleyball coach. Again, I get introduced and we joke about everyone getting alcohol. Of course the vball coach says "Season's over!" I tell her she deserves to relax, they took 2nd in state, and that was after a very shaky start to the season. We all get a good laugh....and I promise my neighbor I won't be spreading rumors about him! hehe!

It's Too Late Now

There's no turning back....I already paid for it. During this weeks meetings, our topic was, of course, about Thanksgiving and how to maintain your control. One of the things we suggest is exercise. Of course I've quit going to Curves since I am bored with it. But I'd like to enjoy Thanksgiving without too much quilt. My friend suggested the "Turkey Trot"...an annual Thanksgiving morning 2K or 5K run/walk. I mentioned it to the youngest....heck yea, she wants to do it. The oldest hymed-hawed around, then said she'd do it. I stopped today at the store (a store that sells running shoes, coincidence, I think not!) and signed the 3 of us up. For $50, we all got long sleeved t-shirts, #'s to wear and depending how we do, we could win prizes! They give out prizes for age brackets. Ashley and I will walk....Morgan plans on running. I only signed up for the 2K (gotta start slow, ya know!), I'm expecting Morgan might win something. Lets hope the weather cooperates and isn't too cold at 9:00 a.m. on a Colorado Thanksgiving morning!

Poor Mags

My oldest dog, Maggie, is sick. She threw up EIGHT times last night, and it wasn't pretty. She's still looking pretty sad this morning. My carpet looks really sad too. I'm not sure why, but I have never found a spot cleaner that works. And I've tried everything people have suggested.
Pathetic dog, pathetic carpet....

Can't They Wait??

I know I've already addressed this topic, but seriously, I HATE going into a store before Thanksgiving and see so much Christmas stuff out and they are playing Chirstmas caroles!!! Obviously Corporate America forgot the true meaning of Christmas!

Awwww.....Crap!

Well if anyone read my last post, I was thrilled to death that my hubby went to a boosters meeting in my place and actually came home with a title!

Last night I went to Morgan's club volleyball meeting. The director gave a little speech, then we all went to the correct teams coach and had another little lecture on what to expect (oh, and the fundraising speech too) and the girls tried on and ordered uniforms.

One of the things each team needs is a "parent coordinator" to be the liason to the coach. They'll do things like take care of the fundraising money, organize food for tournaments, make sure all the dcs are accounted for at tournaments, etc. When the coach asked for a volunteer, we all sat there looking anywhere but at her. After a bit the director came up and asked her if she had a coordinator yet and she said no. Again, all us parents looked at our hands as if they were terribly interesting. But the silence was killing me....so I foolishly said, "what are the responsibilities again?" And then, of course, said I'd do it. Grrrrrr! What was I thinking??

I'll Send Him More Often

I'll admit, my hubby doesn't get too involved in school things. He'll work a shift for something, only because I sign him up and tell him he has to. He doesn't usually go to meetings of any sort, unless I suppose it involved sports. I'm usually the one who gets involved at school.

Last night I had to fill in at work for a lady who's husband got free tickets to a Bonnie Raitt concert. I mean, who wouldn't go to a free concert? Last night was also the first meeting for the Music/Band Boosters, which was defunct for the past few years. It is for the middle school and high school. Ashley sings in the HS choir, Morgan is in MS band. So I really thought we should get involved. But I had to work. The hubby volunteered to go. I was shocked and thrilled.

He came home from the meeting...he is now the treasurer of the Music/Band Boosters club. Yep, I should send him more often!

Just the Ladies

I had to go to Denver on Sunday for a WW's Simulcast. It's the yearly gathering and it's usually about awards and what's changing or coming up. This year is was a live video broadcast and it was about changes that are happening for staff. The ladies I work with decided we should go down Saturday and spend the night. I am SO glad I decided I would go. There were 6 of us. We didn't hit the town or anything. We went to one room at our hotel, had snacks and drinks and laughed until we cried. It was great fun and a good "bonding" experience because we don't all get to actually work together. I'm thinking this is going to be tradition!!

Killing Time

Last night Morgan had her confirmation class. It's an hour and half long. It's in Greeley. We don't live in Greeley. I usually try to have something planned to occupy my time, but I didn't last night. Morgan asked if I would please go to Kohl's and get her some leg warmers (yes, they sell leg warmers at Kohl's!). I figure, what the heck, I'm looking for some black "hooker boots" (as my daughter calls them) anyway. I stop at Target first, I'd already looked for boots at Kohl's earlier this week and they didn't have them in my size. But Target didn't have boots in my size either, and they didn't have leg warmers. I walked over to Famous Footwear...they had all their boots 30 - 50% off. I looked, didn't see any I liked. Then I noticed the "clearance" table. There is a pair of boots, black "suede" ones...in my size. I try them on and think they're hot, so I buy them! On clearance. But they didn't have leg warmers either. So, since Kohl's is in the same shopping center, I go over there. I have no intentions of buying anything but the leg warmers. I find them, then look at the time. I still have an hour to kill. So I wander around the store. I see pj's on sale. They're nice, I pick them up. Then I see their fleece blankets on sale, and I think about our church's blanket and coat drive, so I pick one of those up too. I decide I'd better leave. But I still have quite a bit of time left. I stop at Hobby Lobby. I wandered for quite a bit. I found a picture frame that is two little flip flops sodered together. They are green with white polka dots. Ashley loves green AND polka dots AND picture frames, plus the darn thing is 50% off, so I buy that. I decide it'll be a Christmas present. Finally I decide it's time to leave so I have time to pick up McD's for Morgan. I had no intention of shopping last night, but I was just killing time!

Did You Get Yours?

Yesterday was flu shot day. My husbands company does a free clinic every year (except last year, when there was a shortage). So he made an appointment for all 4 of us and I picked the girls up from school and we went and got a shot. I knew one of the ladies giving shots, so I insisted Martha give me mine. It didn't hurt a bit. So why is my arm sore today? I am expecting the whole family to be "flu free" this winter. It better work. The hubby even invited us to stay for lunch at their cafeteria. And it's no average cafeteria. They have everything from burgers and hot sandwiches to steak and salmon filets you can pick out and they grill it for you. I made the worst choice possible (when you're on WW's anyway) and asked for a Rueben. I came home to figure out the points....17!!!!! And BTW, they was all the points I had for the rest of the day (doesn't help when you only get to start with 20!). So I didn't eat the rest of the day. I'd better not get the flu!

And we had local elections yesterday. Yes, I voted. Although what I voted against passed anyway. Boo....

And it Starts...

I was at Target yesterday. None of the candy was on clearance yet, and the H'ween decorations weren't either. But they were busy clearning all the shelves off and guess what they were putting up? No, sillys, it wasn't Thanksgiving stuff, it was Christmas stuff! Sheesh! Can't they PLEASE wait until mid November for that? It hasn't gotten cold enough here to even realize that winter is around the corner. I can't even believe Thanksgiving is around the corner! And I'm really mad they didn't have their H'ween stuff on clearance yet! Like I need H'ween candy now!