An Honest Lie

Wait, what did I say?  Yes, I am calling it an honest lie.

Picture this:

Laughter from two happily playing children. A moment of silence.  A 6-year-old girl screams at her little brother.  You hear a small collision of a 26-page book to the arm of a skinny 6-year-old. Seconds later, a screaming and crying 2-year-old emerges from the room.  And following him, is the 6-year-old saying, "I did not pinch him on the arm!"

Analyze this:

The 2-year-old does not have enough words in his vocabulary to even tell us anything happened to him.  Who is telling on who?

Ronan has a brand new toy...

Okay, not really.  It's mommy's toy.  My Cricut Expression.  

Ronan has been really into helping me out with everything I do.  When I say this, I mean everything from prepping his toaster waffle for breakfast, handing me toilet paper when I pee, and now, pushing the buttons when I use the Cricut.

I was making signs for the PTA and he was happy to push the letters I needed.  I had to point some letters out for him, but he knew some of them on his own!  His favorite thing to do is to push "cut" which gets the machine started.  


He's been watching the Letter Factory, which teaches letters and their sounds, and it has helped him so much.  Not just for the speaking aspect, but for the letter recognition, too.  He knows several of the letters and now, we can use the Cricut to practice.  My scrappin'/card-makin' friends should appreciate this post!

Update: Ronan Chase

Ronan has been a nightmare with his picky eating.  A true, absolute, pain-in-my-bum nightmare. Blog followers know that I celebrate mealtime accomplishments, if they involve anything other than french fries or chicken nuggets.  His two-year doctor's appointment was a wake-up call for me and one that I wish I had more control over...but I don't.

He's on target for his weight, head circumference and height.  This, was to much surprise to his pediatrician.  Why?  Well, after I told her what his diet consisted of (mainly carbs), she was shocked to see that he was actually growing.  When I told her that he barely eats meat and refuses his disgusting smelling pediatric vitamin, she suggested a test to check his iron.  Sure enough, a toe prick later, little man is anemic.  

I freaked out in my head.  I didn't know what to do.  Ronan is headstrong and stubborn and knows exactly what he wants...or doesn't want...and it has been something extremely frustrating for both Ryan and I.  Many tears have been shed in the kitchen, wondering what in the world we could offer him of nutritious value that he might possibly try.  Nothing.

So, the pediatrician suggested I take him to a speech therapist -- to evaluate his speech, which I was worried about -- and to evaluate his feeding issues.  We went.

His speech is fine.  He might have started out slow and behind, but has caught up and isn't anything they have any concern over.  Not the same could be said about his eating.  They had me bring in a few items he loves to eat (so I picked Original Goldfish -- he's allergic to the cheesy ones -- and his water) and a few items he refuses to eat (I brought a Nutrigrain bar and a banana).  

He was so well-behaved in the office...very considerate in wanting me to feed the therapist some of his goldfish, as well.  She said his chewing is perfect, swallowing is exactly what it's supposed to look like  but that he has "texture issues."  He is hypersensitive when it comes to various textures.  He would not touch the banana (even though he did in the past.)

So now, we are just waiting to hear back from Tricare, as to whether or not they will cover his visits to them so they can "work on Ronan" and get him to touch, try, whatever...different things.

I know whatever is done is going to be more than I could ask for.  At this point, it's like I need a miracle.  To those of you concerned about him, thank you.  Thank you for caring.  He's fine and will eventually move on...but not without help, so let's hope we can get that help from someone. I will keep everyone posted on little dude's progress...

A New Year, A New Me...

I'm not going to sit here and complain about how much I weigh or what I look like under my clothes, but I will sit here and say that this year, I'm going to be a better me than I ever have been.  I am done feeling sorry for myself, wondering what my life would be like if I could wear a triangle top two-piece bikini.  This year, baby, I'm going to make it happen.  Alright, so maybe not the triangle top, because let's face it, a triangle top is just another name for nipple warmer...but I vow to expose my mid-section to the world and allow it to be penetrated by the sun, so that it too, may match the rest of my exposed body parts.  I do NOT want it to match my white bum.

I'm working out.  And not just any sort of working out, but I'm working out with Ryan, at a gym and guess what, it feels good.  

When Ryan and I first started dating, that's what we did.  We went to the gym.  And a couple that sweats together, stays together.  We were really good about it, too.  Then, pregnancy happened to both of us and well, let's just say the last place I wanted to be was in a gym filled with bacteria that I could potentially bring home to my newborn child.  So, we made our own gym, in our garage and worked out there.

Then, Ronan happened.  Pregnancy was my best excuse to not workout and to eat everything in sight.  My double chin doubled.  But, I nursed and nursed and nursed and the weight came off. What is funny, though, is that even though the weight came off, it didn't make me feel any better.  I still wasn't exercising.  That is, until December 27th, 2008.

I'm no newbie to the gym scene.  I've been a member of various gyms since my freshman year of college (where I gained the freshman-30).  And as expensive as some gyms can be, there is something to be said about paying $20-40 a month for a membership, with childcare...and being around a fair amount of people who are working towards the same goal you are.  It's motivating and it's entertaining.

I say entertaining because let's be realistic, some people are down-right funny.  The gym is the only place that knows no fashion boundaries -- where thongs on top of your shorts is accepted and where noone tells you that the 80's wants their tie-dyed MC Hammer pants back.  It's where many male upper bodies are twice the size of their legs and a place where girls give you dirty looks if your boobs happen to look really good in that tank top.  

It's also a place where you can stare at yourself in the mirror, flex your muscles and nobody laughs at you.  (At least not to your face.)  It's a place where grunting is normal and somewhere I often say to Ryan, "I don't want to do that because it makes my legs burn."  Does he take that for an answer, absolutely not.  But I'll still say it.

We've been on lots of "gym dates" lately.  We drop the kids off at the Kids Klub and exercise. We catch up on life, what work was like, what the kids did that day and what we're going to eat. No, it's not a dinner date at our favorite restaurant...but it's allowed us to reconnect and we are starting to become the people we want to be:  Healthy and Active.

I will have a six pack this year.  It might be underneath some fat and skin, but it'll be there.  It might not make it's debut until the next year, but you can't fault me for having a goal.  I plan to continue working out with Ryan at the gym every chance we get, not only for the physical benefits, but mentally, it's done wonders.  Exercise truly does decrease stress and I'll take that as long as it will work for me.

Look for me this year, a new me...more positive, more focused and more energetic.  I'm going to be able to balance everything on my plate and more...and maybe I'll be wearing a bikini while I'm doing it.

Happy New Year

We've been so fortunate to be stationed in warm weather states  for the past few years.  How many people can say that they were at the beach on New Years Day?  Well, if you are from where Ryan and I were, Pittsburgh, you know that it's not something you'd do there...hang out along the Three Rivers...

We took advantage of the nice weather we were given and headed out to the local beach about 10 minutes away from where we live.  I don't know that I would ever swim there, but to walk along the sand and let the kids play...well, I'd do that anytime.  The kids had a blast...

A Very Merry Egal Christmas

We didn't plan to spend a lot of money on gifts this year...a sentiment I'm sure I shared with many other parents.  The amazing thing, though, is that we actually stuck to it.  Many of the presents the kids received were from Pa and Grandma...and seeing as how they decided to spoil both kids, we figured, "why spend the money when they bought what we were going to buy!"

Ronan has been obsessed with trains and cars, so of course, he had an abundance of those under the tree.  He was definitely more into the present concept, being that we had talked about it more...but he wasn't quite as excited to open all his gifts, like Riley was!  The difference between the two kids was that while Riley was more about the QUANTITY of gifts, Ronan was about the QUALITY.  He actually wanted to play with each thing before moving onto the next present...something that I'm sure will change as he gets older...

Ah, onto my precious Riley.  She still believes in Santa, which is great.  She asked him for this cupcake maker (which I really didn't want to fulfill, but since Pa has to get anything Riley asks for, he took care of that for me...)  It was under the tree, unwrapped (because Santa's 401K was drained and he had no extra funds to wrap presents for every boy and girl) and it was the highlight of Riley's Christmas.  

She could not wait to use it.  I, on the other hand, put it off as long as I could.  A few days went by, me, still procrastinating the opening of this bright pink box...when I couldn't take the "can we do the cupcake machine?" question any longer...I had it all set-up one evening so in the morning we could just play.

I read the directions and carefully placed all the necessary supplies on placemats at the dining room table.  Riley was in her glory.  She stirred and stirred and mixed and touched all the ingredients she could get her hands on.  I walked all the way to the microwave and cooked that cupcake for an entire 30 seconds.  

It was done.

We prepared the icing, as noted in the directions, placed it in the machine and away Riley went, pressing the button to ice her cupcake.  That's when the screaming started.  No, not from Ronan.  No, not from Riley...but from ME, as the icing literally went everywhere.  Picture pulling a mixer out of the batter, while it's still on.  That's what it did.  The icing started to fly all over the place and I about freaked.  We stopped and with a sad face, I looked at Riley and said, "Honey, this was poorly made.  It was made in China."

We cleaned it up and I let Riley lick what icing she could get her hands on.  Guess where the machine is now?  It's in several pieces scattered throughout Riley's room.  I think the next time she bakes, it's going to be with REAL batter and icing and we'll do it in the kitchen.

Thanks, Santa...thanks for nothing.

Christmas Eve

I know, I'm what, 20 days late with this post?  Better late than never, I always say.  Well, I don't think I ALWAYS say that.  I think I just say it when it suits my situation...anyway...

We went to Sea World on Christmas Eve with our neighbors and had such a great time.  It was so different than last year, mostly because Ronan really understands what's going on around us now and so he was able to react to everything happening.  

The kids loved the pet show and the Shamu show.  I, on the other hand, loved the holiday decorations.  The very same tree we took a picture in front of last year, was here again...and I still loved it as much as I did last year!

The kids and I:  
Riley and Ronan being silly in front of the tree...look at how huge those ornaments are.  They are truly bigger than Riley's head.
And a picture of Riley and I...she seems to still love her momma.  

Oh, Riley...

a)  The other day, Riley came home from school and said to me, "Momma, Robbie was dancing so funny today.  I couldn't stop laughing at him."  I said, "Really?  What was he doing?"  She said, "Oh, he was dancing soooo 90's!!!"  

The best part of that conversation was that she was born in 2002, so the 90's for her is like the 20's for me...I know it happened, but I don't know what...

b)  She got into the car last week and before I could ask her how her day was, she blurted out, "I got a note in my agenda."  She was so sad and in asking her how it happened, she dramatically emphasized that she "haaaaad to tell Ada something during storytime and Ms. Graves warned me but I just had to tell her. I couldn't wait."  

When I probed more to find out what it was that she just haaaaad to tell Ada, she blankly responded, "hmm, I forget now."

c)  Riley's new catch phrase is "by the way."  She enjoys tagging it on most sentences, and not in the beginning of them, as to let us know it's something 'new,' she adds it to the end:

"I got my jeans wet, and by the way, I had no umbrella."

"I wanted to get a snack today at school, and by the way, I was hungry."

She is so funny sometimes!

He shrugs his shoulders...

Yep, that's Ronan's new thing.  When I ask him what he wants, he looks at me with his puppy dog brown eyes and shrugs his shoulders...it's adorable and frustrating at the same time...

He's only two and I know two-year-olds can be trying on parental patience.  I know they throw tantrums.  I know that are extremely active.  I know that they are picky eaters.  But none, none I have ever known are like my Ronan.

Anyone who has read my blog, knows that the boy is a picky eater.  To only have a handful of foods in one's repertoire might be normal for a toddler, but for Ronan, it's become a medical issue.

He's anemic.  It's not life threatening...but it's still something I'm concerned about.  Why is he this way?  Well, if you only eat carbs and chicken nuggets from Wendy's, how could you not? He gags at the smell of the vitamin drops.  He won't touch the chewable vitamins.  He doesn't like anything soft or wet. He doesn't really like anything that isn't from the 5 ONLY things he eats. You might say this has caused lots of heartache and stress in the Egal house.

So tomorrow, I have an appointment to take Ronan to a speech therapist -- who is going to help him with his "expressive disorder" he has and also, for the "feeding issues"  we are facing.  I have received positive feedback about what the therapist will do for us, so I'm hoping we are one of the success cases they can brag about.  I don't want Ronan to be sick, ever.  

Why can't the boy just eat a freakin' apple or banana?

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!  Hope that Santa treats everyone well (I'm hoping I get the cleaning lady -- who will come everyday; a personal chef and trainer; and a new wardrobe to fit the body!)

Wall E

We just bought this movie the other night and already, the kids have probably convinced us to play it 3 or 4 times. No, they don't watch the entire thing...but is has played in the background as the kids play.

I haven't really watched it. I missed the first part of it, but last night, when the kids were watching it and I walked into the second half of the movie, I found myself tearing up at how cute this robot was and the emotions he had towards the other robot, Eve.

Now this made me think one of two things: a) I'm overly sensitve and can really connect with characters, real or robotic, thereby allowing my inner feelings to expel from my heart in the form of tears or, 2) I'm starting menopause at at 31. What the deuce, people? Can I not watch ONE show, ONE movie, ONE commercial without wanting to cry? What is wrong with me?

But I think the best part of the movie, is actually hearing Ronan ask for it.

"Wall Wee" = Wall E

"Momma, I wah Wall Wee?" = Momma, can I please watch Wall E?

"Wall Wee, Pea?" = Put the damn movie in mom, I need to watch Wall E, please.

Gotta love it.

Now, I have to go, back to crying about a robot wanting to hold another robot's hand, even though they don't really have hands. Do robots even have feelings? And why does Wall E give puppy dog eyes? He shouldn't even have eyes. Robots don't have eyes. Or do they? I don't know.

A convo with Riley

Me: Hey Riley, did you know that the Victoria's Secret fashion show was on last night when you were sleeping?

Riley: Awesome! Uhhhh, what's a fashion show?

Me: It's when these girls come out and model the latest fashions for a certain designer or store.

Riley: Cool. Were you in it?

Me: No, Riley, I wasn't. I was home watching it.

Riley: (Silent and staring at me like I had three heads.)

Okay, so let's just rewind and evaluate this conversation. Me, in a fashion show? Ha ha. And not just any fashion show, a VS one. Right. I mean, I guess it IS feasible...if I were like 9 inches taller, 25 pounds lighter, had abs that weren't in the shape of Michelob Ultra beer bottles and could walk in heels on glittery gravel in front of millions of people. It's not completely unrealistic.

I know y'all are laughing right now.

And the menu continues to expand...

That's right, friends, Ronan had a veggie AND a fruit...all in one homemade muffin. I baked it. Can you believe it? It's got carrots and apples in it and he ate it. Got the recipe from the Disney Family Cookbook.

He ate two in one day and now has taken a break...but it's better than nothing, right?

Holidays don't always bring out the best...

I have learned that abruptly since I started working at Victoria's Secret.

I know how frustrating retail is for people. I know how frustrating shopping can be, too...I mean let's face it, I'm still a consumer despite the fact I stand behind the register at VS. But, I'm also human and the lowest stump on the totem pole at that store, so I do as I'm told. I don't make the rules there, I follow them.

As the holiday season started on "Pink" Friday, it was clear to me that the economic hardships people are facing have come through by how they treat others. We are all suffering in some way. But do I take it out on some stranger in a store? No.

We can't combine coupons. I'm sorry. We just can't. Every coupon states that it cannot be combined with any other discount, special promotion or offer. Yet, 7 out of 10 clients will come up and try to combine their coupons and when I tell them I can't, they literally throw fits and demand that all their items be rung up individually. All 20 items. I have learned to grin and bear it.

I can't say that the first dozen customers who have yelled at me and talked to me as if I were a piece of shit didn't hurt my feelings. I would turn my back to grab a bag and bite my tongue to fight back the tears. Who are they to tell ME what to do and how to do it? I get my direction from the managers there and personally, I'd like to keep my job and not lose it because some PMS-crazed woman couldn't get a free pair of panties with all 8 of her transactions. One pair of free panties per day, lady. Get over it, it's underwear and bras.

But it didn't stop there. If you have read my blog, you know a couple of friends and I started a side-business making cards/albums. It's going well...staying relatively steady. I decided to put an ad in Riley's school newsletter, hoping to drum up some new clientele. We had a bite. A lady contacted us via e-mail wanting a "sticker book." Long story short, we sent emails back and forth and agreed upon an album for the same price we quoted for the sticker book, $45. To you, it might sound steep, but after the cost of products and time, we were essentially giving her this album at a net loss. After explaining to her that due to the price, we were going to have to be very basic with the pages (and I provided her a sample picture), she didn't appear pleased and wanted more embellishments. It wasn't going to happen for that price.

So, with lots of consideration and collaboration, we opted to pass on the project and professionally declined via email to this customer. She became irate and composed an extremely rude email and actually threatened to take out an ad in the newsletter (if she saw another one of mine) and tell everyone how awful we were.

I was shocked. And when I say that, I mean that I really felt sick to my stomach and couldn't believe that someone would actually get that angry and vindictive over PAPER. If you know me, you know that I don't turn down anything. I'm a "yes" person. Even if it means sacrificing time, I will do everything I can to help anyone. So, even this was hard for me to do...and now I know why it was the best thing for me to do. I would've never made this woman happy...and I probably would have never gotten my money for making it.

What's scary is that she walks among us somewhere...her step-daughter goes to Riley's school and I have no idea what she looks like. For all I know, she could be standing right next to me when I pick Riley up at school. It's just repulsive that someone could be so vulgar and over nothing of huge importance. It's a scrapbook. It's not a mortgage payment or a traffic violation. It's paper and glue. Chill out, right?

But the big thing is that all this reminded me of how I want to live my life each day. Do I want to spread that negative energy all over? Absolutely not. The actions of these idiots just reiterates to me how I need to be a good example for my kids that we must respect each other. And if you don't like someone, you don't need to torture them...just take a deep breath, turn around and walk away.

I could end this post with a deep thought or quote, but I can't think of any good ones. I know Shelley mentioned something about 'silence being golden' or something about an owl and being wise and not talking or something like that. See, I told you, I can't think of one. So just know that maybe when you are shopping this holiday season and someone frustrates you, before you tear them a new one, think about what kind of example you are being for others and know that it isn't their fault they can't combine coupons and give away free panties all the time because it's only until supplies last.

Our Riley...

I'm her mom, so I guess I'm biased, but man...she's so pretty...
She's been so photogenic since the first day she was born...and it hasn't changed. I wish she wasn't so shy so she could do some modeling and make us the big bucks. Haha.

Instead, we are currently rearing her to be a plastic surgeon. She says she wants to be an artist or a teacher or a person who bakes cakes. We tell her that plastic surgeons ARE artists. She isn't quite convinced of that just yet.

But man, don't you just love that face of hers?

Poor Poor Baby...

Ronan's birthday, part two:

After we returned to Shades of Green for the night, we all hopped into bed for some much needed sleep. I awoke to a scorching pair of tiny, sized 7 toddler, feet on my back. In my haze, I reached for Ronan's forehead and he was burning up. The little man had a fever. I didn't have my thermometer, but if I could estimate, he was probably close to 102 degrees, if not warmer.

Lucky for me, I had a bottle of Infant Tylenol in my bag and gave him a dose (of what he would swallow because now, he likes to spit everything out) and fortunately, within an hour his fever broke.

As soon as we woke in the morning, I called the pediatrician and made our appointment for that morning. We had to leave Disney right after feeding the Koi fish to make it back for Ronan's doctor appointment. Turns out he has/had croup.

They checked his oxygen levels and they were not where they needed to be, so they made us nebulize him in the office...


So sad.

The treatment didn't bring the level up fast enough, so he was given an antibiotic steroid injection -- within 10 minutes, his levels went up and we were free to go home. What a way to spend the day after your birthday, huh?

He's getting better, I guess. The doc said his fever would be on and off for the next few days. Well, it's onto the 5th day and his fevers keep coming back. Doesn't help that he refuses any medication. But now, he's peacefully asleep and hopefully within the next day or so, he'll be rid of the fevers altogether.

Buddha Bear turned the big TWO...

That was then....(December 4th, 2006 and mid-December, 2006)

And this is now: (December 3rd, 2008, at Pump It Up and December 4th, 2008 at Magic Kingdom.)

We started Ronan's birthday celebration by hosting a party for 20, I mean 19, I mean 15, I mean 9 of Ronan's closest friends (the list deteriorated from 20 that morning to 9...how 'bout that!) at Pump It Up of Brandon. We decided to have it there because we knew Ronan would have a blast and that it was the safest place for him to play. Not only is it just bouncy houses and slides, but they have their parties set-up so that it's just YOUR party in a room during a set amount of time and it's virtually impossible to misplace your kid...unlike at Chuck-E-Cheese where when you turn your head, your kid is gone (or asking you for a handful of tokens!)

What was awesome about this party was that when I say Ronan's friends came, I really mean it )mind you, all were girls except for one and Ronan!) Everyone that came was someone that actually cares about Ronan and that he loves right back. It was great to have our "family" there to see the little dude having fun, all while having fun (or sweating their butts off) themselves!

Joni and Shelley made it to the celebration and from what I was told...Joni made a trip down one of the slides...I think you have to see Shelley's blog for the proof!

The biggest flop of the night wasn't Ronan or Riley flying off the slide, it was the fact that when the party was ready to move to the pizza room, they didn't have our pizza ready! Mind you, it was almost 8 p.m. and we were all starved from jumping around and not having had dinner yet...so we waited about 10 minutes before it came. Apparently the Pizza Hut next door forgot to put in our order! Anyway, Ronan opened his presents...or should I say, I opened his presents and then we chomped on pizza -- Ronan only ate the crust -- and cookie cake! [If you aren't sure why we didn't do traditional cake, it's because last year, we found out Ronan has allergies to the icing...]

We got a rare family photo that night... and here's a picture of all the kids that made it (and passed out on the way home, I'm sure!)

And then the next day, we decided that we would head over to Disney and check out the Christmas lights they had up. Because of my poor planning (or misreading of the Disney calendar), we ended up having to buy tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Although it was an added expense we weren't planning, it was worth every penny. We sat for the parades, stopped in our tracks for the fireworks, and took the lighting of Cinderella's Castle in. Absolutely breathtaking. Looking at it that night, it was definitely our Disney dollars at work. I have never seen such a sight.

We stayed at Shades of Green and they had a beautiful tree that I will peg as our own. (I have no picture of our tree at home, so for those that want to see it, this is what it would look like):

During the day, we stopped at Downtown Disney and Ryan took a cute picture of the three of us...wish Ryan was in it, though...

And here is our little dude completely exhausted from the festivities...

Oh, oh, oh...I completely forgot to mention...

We had the chance to eat at CINDERELLA'S ROYAL TABLE! I know what you are thinking...whoopdie doo. But anyone who knows about Disney, knows how hard it is to get a reservation there. Most people who know they want to eat there, call 180 days in advance and even then, aren't guaranteed they can get in.

As we were walking by, Ryan joked that we should eat there. I said to him, "you should just go up and see if we can get in. I know we won't, but might as well ask." He happily obliged, thinking we would have no chance at all of getting a table. BUT, I crap you not, the girls at the desk said there was a cancellation and we could get seated right away. I have to tell you, I didn't believe them. I stood there with my mouth wide open in complete shock. Could it be that we would get to see Cinderella?! I asked the girls if they were joking and whether or not we were on Candid Camera. They assured me we weren't and off we were...into the Castle for dinner and a meeting with the Princess herself...

They gave us a photo they took and once I get it scanned, I'll post it, but it was pretty awesome to be inside that Castle. The food was delicious and the Fairy Godmother (along with those cute little mice) were there for singing and dancing. It was so cool!

Ronan and Riley seemed to have a great time and guess what...we didn't buy ONE souvenier. Not one pin, not one toy, not one shirt or pen or car or crown or jewel or sword...nothing. Our souveniers are the memories we have...

The Day After The Day After Thanksgiving...

Whew, I made it through yesterday.  For the past few years, I have been shopping on "Black Friday" for the deals and yesterday was no exception.  There were definitely some great deals out there.  

I stood in line at Super Target with my friend, Manami and her sister and friend starting at almost 4:45 am. The store didn't open until 6 am.  I have to say, though, that time went by pretty fast.  We were immediately approached by a group of people giving out coffee and honey buns (you know, the kind that last FOREVER), and in the midst of saying "no thank you" a dozen times -- they handed us several pamphlets on Jesus Christ and his teachings.  I mean no offense to anyone who reads this blog, but please...can't there just be ONE place I go without being stopped and given a teaching on the Lord and His work?  I believe.  I grew up going to Catholic school.  I went to church everyday.  I just prefer that I'm not solicited at every junction I make a stop at.

If I didn't mention this before, I was pumping gas one day with Ronan in the car, and this car pulls up in the pump beside me...the girl jumps out of the car and asks me if I would take her pamphlets.  I politely refuse and she hops back into her car and drives away.  SHE DIDN'T EVEN PUT GAS IN HER CAR!

Okay, so I digress, I'm sorry.  So as we stood in line, I swear, we were approached by the most random people.  They wouldn't talk to the group I was with, but JUST ME.  I guess I had a sign on my back that said, "please stop and talk to me this morning."  I found out from Manami's sister that I have a very approachable look.  I guess that is a good thing and I hope that look takes me far someday.  Maybe someone will approach me and offer me a million bucks.

Anyway, promptly at 6 am, the doors to Target opened.  It was as if the lights from Heaven were shining down (detect my sarcasm?), and you could feel the adrenaline rushing through everyone's veins.  I got that nervous excitement and warned all the girls to make a bee-line to the electronics section (because that's what they were going for), and I would try and meet them after I hit the toy section.  As I took a short-cut through the towels to get to the toys, I made my way to the aisle where the Star Wars stuff was.  I witnessed a man grab two Star Wars lego sets and another man HIT him and argue with him over why he was taking two.  

Can you believe that two grown men would actually fight over toys?  Toys, people. Come on. The minimum wage paid Target employee standing right there just happened to nonchalantly say, "please sir, that was not appropriate" (in her best monotone, it's too early for this shit voice).  I smiled at the lady next to me and just giggled.  Men can be so silly that early in the morning.

So, I headed two aisles down and found the Thomas the Train Trackmaster stuff that Ronan has.  I grabbed one of each (that were on sale) and opted to buy them and return them later, should I change my mind.  Did the same with stuff for Riley.  It was an easy shopping trip.  [And after talking to Grandpa or "Pa" I guess I'll be returning a lot because he too, went to Target, and bought a lot of the same stuff. -- Saves money for us!]

Anyway, I ended up having to go to work that afternoon and smiling at all those moody and greedy people who would yell at me for not having enough bags to give away (like I had anything really to do with it...)

The next morning, we pulled out our artificial Christmas tree.  I don't care that it's fake.  I love it.  It was $24 at Old Tyme Pottery and worth every penny.  The kids really got into it and wanted to help out as much as they could.  Riley wanted to tell a story for each ornament and Ronan, well, Ronan just wanted to destroy them all.  We have glass ornaments that are ball-shaped and anything round (in his mind) is something to be thrown.  We spent a good amount of time that morning telling him not to throw.  

I have no picture of the tree right now.  Why?  Well, because one strand of lights just burnt out and I don't want to photograph it without it.  This shouldn't surprise me, since the first 2 sets of lights we tried to put on it were all burnt out, too.  Guess that is what you get when you spend less than $2 a box on lights, right?

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll post after tomorrow, as we are celebrating our 5th annual Friendsgiving this year.  Every year, it's with different people...and every year, I'm thankful to have had the chance to spend it with those that were there!

We've got a big crowd coming tomorrow, 11 adults and 8 kids!  Can't wait to eat!

Hope everyone has an wonderful turkey day!

From the mouth of Riley...

In the car last night....

Riley:  Daddy, thank you for taking me to the hockey game last night and for coming to my school for career day.

Ryan:  You're welcome, honey.

Riley:  Mommy, thank you for uhhhhhhhhhhh (long pause) whatever it is that you do.

Me:  Uhhhh, thanks?  (At this point I'm thinking, how about housing you in my uterus for 40 weeks, or for giving birth?  LOL)  

Conversation #2

Riley:  How does Grandma say McDonalds and Chicken Nuggets?

Me:  Mack Dah-no and Chee-king Mack Muggetz (in my best impression of my mom.)

Riley:  I'm so glad we are English, so we can say whatever we want.