The Holiday Curse and Santa's Surprise

Hi readers. I am writing to you from my couch in my jammies with a heating pad and big blanky....because I am sicker than sick. My entire body hurts, I am dizzy and nauseous, I am hot then I am cold, my nose is stuffy then runny, and it feels like someone dragged a knife down the back of my throat.
I have strep throat and a kidney infection. The kidney infection I have had for over a week but the strep I just got....on Christmas Eve. Honestly, I was not surprised; I was actually expecting it. Why would I be expecting to be sick on Christmas? Because I have a curse. Since I was born 27 years ago, I have been sick for every single majorly celebrated holiday. And I do not mean with the sniffles or the common cold, although I would love for that to be the case. No, I mean I have been actually sick with something that required a prescription for every Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. So why should this year be any different? Of course I have Strep Throat on Christmas.
And you know how it could only get worse readers? I have passed on this curse to my children. Thankfully, their's is not nearly as severe as mine is: birthdays, Easter and Halloween tend to be the worst for them. So I am sure you can imagine I am really hoping that they do not get this and stay healthy through New Years.

So now that I have explained the curse and whined about feeling icky, let's move on to the giant Christmas surprise that my tiny humans and I got this year. First, a little background:
My little sister is a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and in July she was moved from being here with us, to California, three time zones away. She is my best friend and my tiny ones adored her. We were ready for our first Christmas apart. It was not something we wanted to do, but something we understood was going to become our version of normal--being apart on Christmas.
On Saturday December 21st, the love of my life, his three kids, The Nursing Nurse and her husband and I were all going out to dinner. (My tiny ones were at their BF's house.) When we got to where we were eating, my love and I took the kids and The Nursing Nurse's infant to the table and she said she was staying up front and calling her husband to see how long he was going to be. As we were getting situated at the table and I was getting the baby out of her car seat, my love kept telling me to sit down. So I finally sat down and I look up and The Nursing Nurse is walking to the table, holding her cell phone with a giant smile on her face.....with my baby sister behind her in uniform.
Very loudly I said, "What are you doing here? How did you get here?!" I froze. My mouth dropped, I smiled, and as all of the restaurant was watching me, I started sobbing. The last time I got to hug my sister was when she was leaving to go to California five months ago; I stood there and hugged her for what felt like an eternity. When we finally sat down, I do not think I let go of her the entire time we were there, even when we were eating. After dinner, she came to my house and we caught up before she had to go back to her moms house (we are half sisters, we have different moms) but before she left we came up with a plan to surprise the kids.
Both of my tiny humans wrote letters to Santa this year asking to bring their Aunt home for Christmas. Then, to make it even more heart wrenching, they asked him to bring her home again when we went to see him at our local Santa's Wonderland. It was hard for me, especially since I had no idea she would actually be here when all of this happened. So imagine how excited I was to be able to surprise them with her on Christmas morning! So we planned it out perfectly. I got the kids back from their BF at 9pm on Christmas Eve and they went to bed as soon as we got home. Once they were asleep, she came over and we wrapped a GIANT box--it was seriously big enough she could have slept in it. We cut the top off and wrapped the sides and then made sure we had enough to tape down on top after she climbed in. Then we hid in my bedroom all night and went to sleep. In the morning, I made sure we woke up first with enough time to get ready. My sister climbed in the box, we taped the wrapping paper down and then I woke up the tiny humans. They were really excited to see everything that Santa brought, and of course they wanted to open the big box first. When they opened it and their Aunt popped out, they were shocked! They asked her how she got there and of course she told them Santa brought her in his sleigh. They were so excited; it really was our best Christmas to date. But with that fantastic surprise, comes the tearful goodbyes. The day after Christmas, we went to breakfast with her, her mom and step-dad, and our Brother. We shared our last three hours together laughing and eating and talking. And we made the goodbyes quick; although not tear-less, this "See-ya" was much easier than the first time.
That readers, was the highlight of our Christmas. Not the gifts, not the food....our Family was together for the holiday and it was more than I could have ever asked for. I have always cried watching video's of servicemen and women coming home to their loved ones to surprise them but I never thought that YouTube video would be me....and now it is. I love her so much and I am so proud of her. I hope all of you out there had a beautiful Christmas and I hope your New Year is full of blessings!

Happy Holidays!

With the exception of our little Elf, Nook, hiding new places every night and waiting for the tiny humans to find him, last night felt like the kick off to Christmas in our house: we went to see the big guy. We go to a store in our town that has a big Santa's Workshop set up every year; games, concessions, Santa and tons of decorations--this year there was even a carousel! We took pictures at all the little "photo-op" sets, and of course got to see the Man himself!
My kids cracked me up though. I asked them if they wanted to go together or separately and they told me they wanted to go together....while holding hands....which made me smile. Anyway! So I took them up there and tiny boy human was suddenly very shy! This was hilarious to me because last year he was all about sitting on Santa's lap and could not stop telling him the mile long list of what he wanted for Christmas, but this year, he could barely muster enough a one syllable word and looked to me for answers with every question the Jolly One asked:

Santa: Have you been a good boy this year?
TBH: (looking at me and nearly whispering) Mom....?
Me: Well have you been good?
TBH: (to Santa, again almost whispering) Yes.
Santa: What do you want for Christmas?
TBH: ....mom....um....I don't remember.
Me: Well in your letter you asked for Aunt Allison, playdoh, legos and an Ipad, right?
TBH: Yeah....
Me: Well tell Santa. He repeats what I said to Santa
Santa: Legos huh? Do you like to build things?
TBH: Mom....
Me: Do you like to build things goober? At this point I'm laughing out loud.
TBH: Yes.
Santa: Ok well if you have been a good boy maybe I'll have to bring you some! Merry Christmas!
TBH: (To santa) Ok. Merry Christmas. (To me) Mom....can I get down?
Me: (laughing) Yes honey. Come on.

Now, I have to admit, that was pretty funny and I couldn't help but laugh. And for those of you who do not know, their Aunt Allison is in the Air Force and is California; she is their best friend and they want her home for Christmas, but she is not allowed to come home until after January. But the girl was just as funny! After we had our picture taken--and yes, I was required to be in it per orders from my tiny ones....even though I really didn't want to be--she had had enough and was ready to go! She completely forgot about telling him what she wanted! The flash went off and she tried to get down! So I reminded her to tell him what she wanted, and through her speech delay, mumbling and very low voice, Santa heard:

"Allison, Doc McStuffins, movies, new leappad games and Dora."

That was it haha! So he said Merry Christmas to her and she said it back and then my kids grabbed my hands like they were in a hurricane and my hands were the only things that would save them from being blown away. We got our picture, played some games and then were on our way. I wish we could have stayed much longer but we were on a schedule to get home so they could go to their BF's house.
Which brings me to missing my tiny ones. They are spending the next five days at their BF's house--I get them back Christmas Eve at 9pm--and I miss them like crazy. But I know when I pick them up they will be so excited to see me and that Christmas morning they will wake up with the biggest smiles....and that will all be with me. I can't wait <3
We wish you all happiness, joy and a very Merry Christmas!

Sweet Candy: One of Those Days

Today was an extremely weird day for me. It started off great! I got my tree when it started snowing and spent some quality time with my sister. But then I saw my ex....again. 2 days in a row now, and definitely not on purpose. He occasionally passes me in his work vehicle, while I'm in my work vehicle and he happened to see me dancing in my van with my clients!!! lol without my knowledge. It's tough for me, because I've been trying to get over him. But everything happens for a reason, so I'm trying to go with the flow.
Then, later today as I was walking up the sidewalk to my other job, an old crabby lady was driving up the street, stopped in the middle, and started yelling at me, saying my car was too close to her handicapped parking spot. She then stated she was calling the cops and having my car towed! (Which of course made my blood pressure rise). I went inside, put my things down and walked back outside, moved my car a couple inches, lol, and started walking back in. She continued to yell at me with her threats and all I said back was, "you must not have taken your medication today or your extremely sleep deprived cuz your mood is screwy!"
The cops arrived and said I didn't do anything wrong; there was no need for me to even move it. She continued to yell at me in front of the officer. According to the other worker, she frequently makes calls on other people all the time. When I heard that, I felt a sense of sadness. This crabby old lady must be a very angry, hurt person. If she feels like there's nothing else to do nice in her life. How can you be so grumpy when it's snowing out? Why couldnt she ask me to move up a little? (even though i was 4 1'2 feet away from where her car would be parked).. It just saddens me when people are like this.. Word of encouragment to you readers out there: Be pleasant and nice to strangers. Dont yell at people for stupid stuff. =)

Are YOU a Mom?

You know, I never imagined my life would change so drastically when I had my children. There are times where even I amaze myself at my intense mommy-skills. But how do you know when you are really a MOM? I have come up with a list here that may make you giggle at first, and then realize that you too are a Super Amazing Mother.

1) Instead of running from projectile vomit, I run towards it. It is easier to wash my hands than to steam-vac the carpet!
2) A night out with adult beverages requires more recovery time than major surgery, including two sick days!
3) I do more in seven minutes than most people do in seven hours.
4) Vacations have gone from sunny beaches and booze by the pool, to grocery shopping alone.
5) Instead of dollar drafts of skunky beer, Happy Hour is now the 60 minutes between when the kids go to bed and when my head hits the pillow.
6) My nutritional pyramid has changed its definitions of "nutritional." Wine is made from grapes, grapes are fruit, therefore: Wine now counts as a daily serving of fruit! And we all know that a well balanced diet requires 3-4 servings of fruit, right? Wait, is that just the wine talking?
7)) Who needs to pay for therapy? I will have mini-therapy sessions all day long, even with strangers! I will tell anyone with an ear and the will to listen about my issues, even if they are deeply personal and in "mommy talk." Example: bumping into an elderly, distant relative who politely asks how the children are, without any real interest and I respond: "My daughter STILL refuses to wipe her own butt when she makes a stinky in the potty so I always have to do it AND check her underwear for any remains from the day so I know when to treat for stains or throw them out and buy new big girl panties!"
8) I can experience Heaven (hugs, kisses, snuggles, and "I love you's") and Hell (stepping on legos, wiping boogers, "you're mean!") multiple times a day.
9) It is two in the morning. My significant other is snoring, loudly. My bedroom door is closed. The kids' bedroom is three rooms away and their door is closed. The heat just kicked on so there is a humming noise. And I STILL hear a sneeze followed by a cough and then a whimper. A cold has reached a small one! I am able to get out of bed, without waking my darling, sleeping SO and able to walk down the hall, get the kid out of bed and find the cold medicine....all without turning on a single light.
10) Sex life? What is that? Where are my flannel jammies at?? Point me towards my bed please....with my pillow and my giant down comforter! (Ok to be honest, this one does not really apply to me. I don't even own any flannel pajamas and my sex life is, well--at risk of TMI--outstanding! But I know there are many of you out there who feel like this, thus why it is on the list!)
11) I have heard some women speak of something called a "Spa" where they go to get pampered and relax. Here I thought that was what my 15 minute shower ALONE was for!
12) Sometimes I would like to pee by myself....oh that is out of the question now? Well damn it then. I guess I should just get used to the audience.
13) I use baby wipes for EV.ER.Y.THING. Kid sneezed? Baby wipe. Spilled coffee on the floor? Baby wipe. Dash of my car is dusty? Baby wipe. Seriously, NOTHING will ever come in as handy as baby wipes.
14) I HATE being sick, with a passion, but I would much rather have a 103 degree fever instead of my tiny humans. Probably because the instant they get sick, or at least start showing symptoms, it is too late and they already have pneumonia and have to be admitted to the children's hospital. (Ahh, the life of preemies!)
15) You know when you go to the hospital and they ask you about your pain level on a scale from 1-10? I no longer have that scale. My pain can be registered on a four tiered system: pain, excruciating pain, Kidney stones or stepping on a Lego.
16) Sometimes, I wish I could have the stomach flu. Just so I could have diarrhea and lock myself in the bathroom and have some time to myself. Actually, I might pretend to have diarrhea tonight, just to catch up on some reading!
17) Every mom has seen that ecard about hiding in a closet and carefully unwrapping a candy bar as to not make any noise so you do not have to share, right? Well, it is true. And I may or may not have my own secret stash of chocolate in my house because frankly, I just do not want to share sometimes.
18) How many times do YOU wash a single load of laundry? While many of you are answering, "just once, why?" in a very confused and concerned voice, I am washing the same load of laundry for the fourth time because I keep forgetting to dry it and now it smells....again.
19) Everyone has their own favorite television programming, right? Well, apparently mine is anything on Disney or Nick.... for at least 30 minutes after my children have been in bed....because I could not find the remote and was too tired from the day to look for it. And to clear, I hate the yellow sponge with buck teeth. He is the worst.
20) I love hearing how other people have accomplished so much during their day and all I can think to myself is, "Well, the kids are up, dressed and fed....I am showered and brushed my teeth....And nobody has died; seems like a successful day to me!"
21) I can talk on my cell phone, carry my 35 pound son, have my purse on one shoulder and carry 2 gallons of milk and 7 bags of groceries up 2 flights of stairs while yelling at my daughter to stop picking her nose....all at the same time. It is called multi-tasking people, and it is a handy little skill to have!
22) I have a car. I love my car. I do not have to pay on it, it is mine, for as long as I want it. Which at this point will be forever. First, because I cannot afford to have another bill to pay every month. And secondly, because no detailing shop in the universe could get out the stains from spilled beverages or ground in poptarts out, no matter how hard they tried.
23)It is amazing how good a can of Chef Boyardee Spaghetti can taste after a long day! Seriously, I wish I could make meatballs that tasted that good!
There you have it readers, 23 reasons that make me realize how much my life has changed since bringing my tiny humans into this world. Can you relate? What would you add to this list? Leave us your comments below!

The Next Step

The love of my life and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary in November and it has been every thing that I could have dreamed of--I would not want to imagine my life without him in my future. In the first 12 months of our relationship, he has become a very big part of my family, a very important part at that, but I often felt like things were incomplete because I had not met his 3 tiny humans. I knew that when he was comfortable with me meeting them I would, and I did not push him to make that decision because I did not want him to feel pressured and I did not want him to resent me for "forcing" him to make a decision that he was not ready for. I wanted him to make that choice on his own, when he was ready for it.

I am writing you today, readers, to let you know that I am beaming from ear to ear and have been since Saturday. Why, you ask? Because not only was this Thanksgiving our first time going to each others family holiday events, but I got to meet his kids.

That is right readers: he took that giant leap forward and let me meet his tiny humans. I could not be happier. What made it better was that my tiny ones and his tiny ones got along GREAT! And his three seemed to be really comfortable with me--I was even allowed to take the oldest one to get a new charger for one of her electronics, just her and I!

Later, he asked them each individually what they thought about me and while the youngest two just said something general along the lines of "I liked her," the oldest told him I was a "9 out of 10!" Needless to say, I am very happy with the outcome of our first meeting and I look forward to slowly getting to know them each more as we move into the future. Everything is exactly how I hoped it to be readers, and that makes this mommy beyond happy.