OOH: The Packing

The fact that I am willingly posting pictures of my messy basement, should show you how excited I am about going home for the holidays.  Two days and counting...

Here are the bags.  Mine, HP's and The Dude's.  We are trying to pack light and efficiently.  This isn't a problem for The Dude and I.  Unfortunately, HP feels the need to pack every outfit under the sun along with coordinating accessories.  I may just have to repack when she isn't looking.  (Don't mind the blue lizard on the floor, it is left over from The Dude's birthday party this weekend).

Here is our basement and Mt. Laundry.  All of this is clean and I had the *sarcasm* good fortune of being the one to sort it on to piles.  Starchy would help, but he doesn't fold right and we can't pack wrinkly clothes.  There is a method to my madness...I swear.

Operation: Home for the Holidays (OHH)

I am going to try something new with my blog (besides my new layout).  

I am going to attempt to chronicle my Christmas vacation (OHH) from start to finish.  Why would I do that you ask?  BECAUSE IT WILL BE AWESOME!  Whoo.  Sorry about that.  Didn't mean to yell.

Anyways, the reason I want to document it is so that everyone can watch (um...read...) as HP, The Dude and I travel to Canada (and we can enjoy the pictures and my witty posts for years to come).

It is going to be a trip (pun intended).

The kids have never been North.  The Dude has been to the Caymans (little punk ass, I haven't even been there) and keeps telling HP everything there is to know about urrr-planes (that is how he pronounces it).  And HP wakes up every morning, points to the jammies she is wearing and asks "can I bring these to Gramma D's?".  I think she is worried she will forget something.  Silly girl.

I haven't been home in 7 years.  Not for lack of trying, I just had to unfortunate luck of getting the runaround from the Immigration & Naturalization service.  After years of filling out forms, getting physicals and fingerprinting and mucho deniro (I know ZERO Spanish, so if I spelled this wrong, my bad) being spent, I am now legally able to cross the border!  Whoot-whoot!

So.  The kids and I will be spending 10 days in the bustling town of Saskatoon!

I will do my best to post pictures and stories about our big adventure.  It should be fun! :)

I hope you can join us as we commence OHH!

Five

My little Dude is 5 years old today. 

Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis know what a friggin' sap I can be around milestones.  Today is no different.  I have a nice pit in my stomach and a big ol' lump in my throat.  He is five...

The day he was born was one of the best in my life.  

I remember both Starchy and I being so dang excited to finally get to meet him.  Labor took a little longer than I expected and was DEFINITELY a lot more painful then I had planned for.  

But the moment I laid eyes on him...I was done for.  

He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen (disclaimer: I think I was suffering from new mommy euphoria, because looking back at pictures I can now see he looked more like the bald Stooge).  

The nurses wanted to take him from me to check him over and I remember thinking "No need ladies...my little man is perfect".  If I would have been a cartoon I would have had two little hearts where my eyes should have been.  I was smitten.

I can honestly say with every ounce of my being, that five years later I feel the exact same way.

The Dude, thank you for being my little man.  I am so proud of the thoughtful, generous boy you are growing up to be.

Happy Birthday, I love you from the bottom of my heart. 

Love, 

Mom

If I had a million dollars...

Inspired here by Barb a blog friend of mine, I decided to tell you all who made the "nice" list and what you are getting from me this year!

*drum roll please*

Starchy- For Christmas this year, you will be receiving a personal butler (a wrinkly old man, don't get your hopes up that Lucy Lu is going to waltz through the front door...perv.).  They will live with you and personally iron your clothes each night.  They will triple starch and get the iron nice and hot (just they way you like it).  Enjoy.

The Dude- For you I am building a giant indoor gym.  That way, when your boundless energy comes to a boiling point, you can run around like a chicken with your head cut off.  There will be climbing ropes and old school gym scooters as well.  Enjoy.

HP- I am getting you a jewelry box, filled with the best costume jewelry money can buy.  Because I have never seen a 3 year old so into accessories in all my life.  Enjoy.

Peanut-  I am getting you a daycare husband.  This way, when you have the "bride" dress on at daycare and none of your friends will marry you, you won't have to beg me as a last resort.  I promise he will play "prince".  Enjoy.

Swanny Jr.- I am getting you a temporary tattoo with Michael Jordan's head on it.  We are going to plant that sucker right on your bicep, tough-guy style.  The chicks are gonna dig it.  Enjoy.

Shmook-  For you, I am building "stairs to nowhere".  I figure you would love to have the opportunity to climb stairs to no end.  This way you can stop getting upset with me when I put the gate on the 3rd step up (I swear he is cursing me out in baby talk). Enjoy.

Sissy-  I have decided to turn all of the daycare meals into different flavors of milkshake.  This way you never have to suffer through eating food (blech!) and can drink all of your meals with a straw.  Enjoy.

Miss. Thang-  I have decided to appoint you "Boss of Daycare" for Christmas.  That way, when you are telling everyone what to play with/eat/sleep/breathe, they will actually listen.  Enjoy.

Francis-  For you, I am getting a Platinum Mastercard with no limit.  But don't you worry, credit cards are free money, so you don't have to pay it back.  Buy yourself some furs and diamonds.  No more wine tastes on a beer budget!  Enjoy.

Jen-  I am signing you up for a service that cooks your family a healthy dinner each night.  That way when Swanny is working, you can enjoy your evenings and maybe get an hour or two of solitude (and blog surfing) every once in a while.  That, and I am nervous that pretty soon all you will be eating is omelets. ;)  Enjoy.

Swanny-  I have set up a dinner for you with Barack Obama, Michael Jordan, Superman and J.A. Konrath.  I wanted to invite Harry Potter, but he had a scheduling conflict.  Enjoy.

Joanne-  For you, I have invented a travel pod with a direct line to the UK.  That way, when you are missing home, all you have to do is hop in and say the magic word.  You may have to lend it to my parents from time to time, but I told them you were nice like that.  Enjoy.

Kane-  You are getting socks.  I wanted to get you something cool, but you are always on the cutting edge so I went practical.  At least your feet will be warm right? I promise they won't be scratchy.  Enjoy.

Mom-  Much like Joanne's gift, I have decided to give you the gift of travel.  The only difference is yours is more "Star Trek" style.  You know, the whole "beam me up Scotty" thing.  Direct line from Toon-town to O-town.  Enjoy.

Dad-  I have bought you a house in the Bahamas AND it has a dishwasher.  That way you don't have to live where it is STUPID cold, and you can enjoy all of the modern comforts a dishwasher will bring!  Enjoy.

People who did not make the "nice" list:

Rod Blagojevich, Rex Grossman, Hillary Clinton & Sarah Palin

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The Big 3-0

I am 30.

Holy shitznit.   I remember when MY mom turned 30 (and I thought that was old).  

Now that I am here, 30 really isn't that old.  Right?  

While reflecting on this GIANT birthday, I realize I am in a really good place.  

For starters, I have a great husband.  Yes, he may starch and iron his sweaters (I kid you not).  Yes, he may have a 13-step process for getting ready in the morning (of which the steps can never be rearranged).  But, he is a great husband.  And he is the best dad I could ask for my kids.  

Speaking of the kids...I got a couple of good ones.  They are really growing up to be fun little monkeys.  They are both healthy and well adjusted and I love them to bits and pieces.  Being a mom to them, is the best job in the world.  

I have a great set of parents.  As a parent myself, I am finally able to realize how wonderful, my own were.  My brother and I truly did grow up in a warm, loving household.  I really feel like the past 6 months have allowed my parents and I to connect better (through my blog and the wonder of ichat), and I know the kids are blessed to have two sets of grandparents who love them to bits and pieces.

I am also lucky to have a set of in-laws who I LOVE spending time with.  They are wonderful to me.  I know there are people who would never dream of vacationing or spending time alone with their in-laws.  Not only have I, but I do so happily.  I married into a great family.

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes.  

I hope the next 30 years are even better than the first 30!

Cheers!

Dudeisms

The Dude has been saying some funny things around home base.

He has started to become more observant, which has lead to more questions.

Why, just yesterday he exclaimed that his "pee-pee was peach colored".  

And just a few minutes ago the following conversation took place:

The Dude: "Mom, do I have butt teeth?"

Me:  "Butt teeth?"

TD:  "Yeah, you know...the ones in front" (taps his fingers on his front teeth)

Me:  "Buck teeth?"

TD:  "No...Butt"

Me:  "No Dude, you do not have Butt Teeth"

TD:  *Pause*  "I still love you even though you have butt teeth mom"

Hairy Christmas!

The little boys never really play dress up.  I decided to remedy that this morning...

Shmook was a good sport.  He kept the wig on his head and was actually smiling (though not in THIS picture).

Swanny Jr was a bit more reserved.  He didn't fuss, but looked at me in a get-this-freaking-thing-off-my-head sort of way.  He is such a good little guy!

Grandma D and Grandpa Spencer Visit!

I have a good reason for the lack of posts.  I really do.  My parents were in town.

It renders me physically incapable of posting on my blog.  

We were just too busy having fun that I barely sat at the computer all week (except or to play poker online with my dad).

I think we jam packed a months worth of activities into 10 days.  It was a blast.

The kids were completely over the moon to see their Canadian grandparents.  HP was constantly sitting on Grandpa Spencer's lap or holding his hand, and The Dude had a constant play pal in Gramma D, who were always playing kickball, feeding the creatures or chasing each other around.  Even though they don't get to see my parents as much as we'd all like, the kids had no qualms and were completely smitten the moment they walked through the door.

Here are a few pictures from our wonderful visit...

Snow...sort of.

The older kids were amazed to go outside this morning and see snow on the ground.

Now you may be looking at my pictures and thinking "Um...Rikki...are your kids trippin' because I don't see any freaking snow?".  

The great thing about 3 & 4 year olds?  They can find snow in the darnedest places.

Here are Miss. Thang and HP going to check out a "discovery" at the other end of the yard.

Boo and The Dude doing the same thing.  All of the kids figured out right away that there was more snow in the shade (smart little whipper snappers).
HP stopping to pick some very dead flowers.
It was cold today.  Hovering a little warmer than freezing (but not by much).  Luckily the sun was out and there was no wind, so we were nice and toasty.
They found more snow behind the climbing wall handles!

Peanut playing peek-a-boo.  Doesn't she have gorgeous eyes?!
This is the snow we found!  Isn't it exciting! (I am sure all of my Canadian readers have just choked and spit their coffee on their computer screens) (WHAT?!  The kids were stoked, and it is real snow...albeit pretty pathetic snow).
HP likes to swing on her tummy.  They girl always goes against the grain.  Beats to her own drum...that sort of thing.
The Dude practicing his jump off the swing technique.
Mr. Stink himself.  He was obsessed with blowing smoke (steam) out of his mouth outside.  He exclaimed "Mom!  I look like a chimney!".

Hair Affair

Today is a blah day.  

The sky is grey, it is cold out, and when the kids got here this morning, I knew we would need a change of pace.  

So when Boo requested that we play "beauty shop" (her second favorite thing only to "princess") I figured we would kick it up a notch.

Miss. Thang, HP and Boo were thrilled to have wacky hair makeovers!

All The Leaves Are Falling....

Starchy, the kids and I (I am including myself but honestly was good for nothing) raked leaves this past weekend.

It was the first time this season that it has been really cold.  After bundling up, the kids were ready to help.  

They started out swinging each other around with a rake.

They helped Starchy pull the leaves to the street (it is a bad picture, but you can see the little white and black heads poking out of the pile).
HP was especially good at lying on the grass and making "snow angels".  *eyeroll*
HP also declared a "bike break" after all her hard work was done.  *sarcasm*

The Dude loved this hat!  It wasn't quite cold enough for a rabbit fur lined hat, but he couldn't pass it up.  Here he is giving a go at making a snow angel. *eyeroll*
HP "helping" Starchy...

Fashion Football

HP is has been coming with Starchy and I to The Dude's weekend flag football games.  She has embraced the role of cheerleader with vigor.  She screeches from the sidelines whether her brother has the ball or not.  

But, I can say with all honesty that her excitement on Saturday mornings is due to the fact that she will have a crowd to play to...and she is working it like a mofo.  

When I post about her fashion sense I imagine people thinking "Well Rikki, you are the one that dresses her, so aren't you...like tooting you own horn by marveling in HP's fashion sense?".

That's where you are wrong.

HP, and ONLY HP, picks her outfits.

She has more girlishness in her little finger then I do in my entire being.  

My little three year-old can accessorize with the best of 'em.

Case-

in-point:

This picture was taken this weekend.  HP not only decided on the purple shirt because that is The Dude's team colors, but was able to coordinate her boots to match.

This one was taken the weekend before.  An outside game, so HP had to accessorize with striped tights and a hat (and is ANYTHING more Diva then Starbucks hot chocolate?).  

Random Rikki...

I have been neglecting the blog.  Sorry.  

I think I over celebrated with my 100th post and got burnt out.  That, and the fact that my camera has been sitting on the microwave with a dead battery leaves my blog pretty sad looking.  And, I have been glued to the TV watching Obama for the past 3 days straight.  I think I have a politi-crush...WHAT?  He's cute.  And smart.  And the next President (thank GOD!).

Plus, things here have been uber busy.

Daycare is rocking and the kids and I have been enjoying the last few days of fall.  They are calling for snow showers this weekend.  Which leads me to this question...

Is it wrong for me to want to get my Christmas decorations out already?

Now before you judge, think about this.  

I am going to Canada on Dec. 17th.  If I do the typical American thing and get my decorations up after Thanksgiving (for my commonwealth readers it is November 27th), I will only have two-ish weeks to get in the mood.  

I love Christmas.  It is my favorite time of the year.  Which is why I think I am going to have Starchy put Christmas lights on the house this weekend (shh...don't tell him, he doesn't know yet)...and go all out and decorate the house the following weekend.

Call me crazy, but I am getting the itch.

*Rikki stands up and raises her right hand*

"My name is Rikki, and I am a Christmasaholic".

Anyone else want to bum-rush Christmas with me? :)

Halloween Party & Parade

The Crew really embraced the sprit of Halloween!  

We had a costume party complete with witch's brew and homemade monster cookies.  

We had a parade which gave all of the kids a chance to strut their stuff and show off their costumes.  

Our day was fantastic!

The force is strong in this one...

Werewolf and his sister, the Cheerleader.

HP showing her cheering skills.  
Little Monkey man (he was even snugglier than usual in this outfit!).
Poor Sissy, slept right through the festivities.  
Butterfly and Bee!
The kids on parade.
The Crew
The little ones LOVED the wagon!  

Our Party (complete with a visit from Jo-Jo the clown).

Halloween Morning 2008

Miss. Thang and The Dude had their preschool Halloween party this morning.  They were BEYOND excited.

Miss. Francis was nice enough to do The Dude's makeup for his Werewolf costume (you will see the too-scary-for-preschool mask tonight).    He got to his class and was practically running on all fours.

Miss. Thang was SO cute in her little Bears cheerleading outfit.  

Check them out....