Belated Thanks Giving...

There is so much I am thankful for. It may be human nature to focus on what I don't have or what I wish for, but over the past few days, I've tried to focus on what I'm really thankful for...

I give you "What I am Thankful for 2008"(in a stream of consciousness order):

-the good health of my family and friends.
-the strong bond I have with Bobby. Even after hearing "mama" approximately 10,000 times on Thursday, it never gets old and it makes my heart giggle. I hope to never lose that feeling...
-Rob, and the fact that he accepts my "quirkiness" and "Irish Stubbornness" without fail. He thinks my trying to relive my childhood, aka "Camelot" with Bobby is endearing and not psychotic.
-that my sister and I, after some tumultuous teen years, are the best of friends. I can't even quantify how much she means to me and how much I rely on her.
-that Killarney is alive and well, even if she is a "geriatric canine". She is my daughter and the best dog in the world. I'm thankful for every day Bobby gets to know her. She means more to me than anyone can imagine--and more than I've ever told anyone.
-That Bobby calls my sister, Ee-Ee (what I used to call her), now I have to work on him calling my brother Brian, Bubba.
-That my 88 year old grandma is as lively and feisty as ever.
-that my Grandma has been able to enjoy Bobby and is someone who truly appreciates him just for him.
-That my parents are so supportive and loving of me and my family
-that my friend "Tootie" and I can go weeks without "talking" but I feel as close to her as anyone in my life...I thank god every day for our friendship.
-that I live in the same city as all of my immediate relatives
-for a happy married life, better than I could have ever imagined
-for Bobby's fun personality and childlike wonder
-for a job with wonderful co-workers and a fantastic work-life balance
-that I was at SMC in the 90s when Lou Holtz was the Coach and the IRISH WON GAMES and were National Contenders
-for Chapstick ultra
-that Rob's worst vice is sports memorabilia collecting
-that my life has led me to where I am today...

"Oh, the horror, the horror. They are hitting the ground like sacks of wet cement!"

18 month stats...

There is really little to no chance of Bobby being average size or smaller. There are really no "petite" people in my family. Rob is 6'8". At 18 months, Bobby is 33lbs. and just under 35 inches tall. It may look and seem ridiculous but I still love cuddling with my "baby" even if he is all arms and legs and almost too heavy for me to lift/carry.

Merry Christmas-Hope it's your time of the month...

I've been searching online for a Christmas gift for one of my 16 year old nieces. On the site for UncommonGoods.com, they have a gift finder tool. I put in "Teen" Price "$25-$50" and the #1 suggestion was this:

What is that you ask? Brushed steel tampon cases. For $32. Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a tampon holder, don't you think? The search continues...

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss

For those "Yinzers" (and you know who you are) who have been following the musings of PittGirl on the BurghBlog (the link was in my blog list)...it is no more. Unfortunately, PittGirl's anonymity was compromised and so she had to bid adieu! No more rantings of pigeons. No more fun analysis of Steelers games-what were they really thinking? No more dread lord Zober. No more rantings about annoying burghers. *sniff* *sniff*

To read her final farewell, click here.

PittGirl and the BurghBlog will be missed. That's church.

Momgenerations.com Giveaway!

Check out Momgenerations.com and their video gift guide & contest to win some really cool stuff for the kiddos!

Let your tears come. Let them water your soul. -Eileen Mayhew

My cousin, Irishembi, blogged about crying here. I fully admit I am an emotional being. I cry while reading books. I cry hearing certain songs. I cry at movies, commercials and t.v. shows. I cry at memorable, happy events. However, I vowed not to cry at my own wedding and I didn't (I didn't want to appear to be a blubbering mess in all the pictures!!! It worked and I was just all smiles!).

Once when I was dating Rob, he called and I literally could not speak because I was crying so hard. He was very concerned that something had happened. It took all my energy to tell him between sobs that everything was fine and I was just watching the "Dawson's Creek" series finale and I'd have to call him back. The fact that he didn't go running for the hills after that meant a lot to me. (He has since seen me blubbering watching "My Dog Skip" and reading "Marley and Me", so I think he's grown somewhat used to this quirky behavior).

My grandmother used to tell me that sometimes you feel better after a "good cry". I think that's true. I don't cry everyday, and I have a pretty even-keeled temperament but sometimes a good cry is good for the soul.

There are a few movies, and certain scenes within those movies, that guarantee the unrestricted flow of my tears. In no particular order, here's a sampling:

1) Rudy
2) The Notebook

3) My Dog Skip

4) Paulie

5) Steel Magnolias

6) Life is Beautiful

7) Billy Elliot

8) Dead Poet's Society

9) Hoosiers

10) The Lion King

Friday Funny

Aloha Friday

Aloha Friday! In honor of the past few weeks of my life, here's today's question:

How do you deal with Stress? What do you do to relax?

For me, a warm bath usually helps. Also, if I can squeeze it in, a nap! Last night, I took a warm bath, poured myself a glass of vino and watched "The Office". Heavenly!

HAPPY 1/2 BIRTHDAY TO ME...

My birthday is May 13. Today is my 1/2 Birthday! The fun part is that today, November 13, is my older sister's actual birthday. Yes, we are exactly 3 1/2 years apart-to the day. So in a twisted way, we get to share in each other's special day. I don't know exactly how or when it started but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with my sister feeling left out in May. (Middle child syndrome?) You see, My birthday is May 13. My older brother and our grandmother-who lived with us growing up-share a birthday on May 12. Also, our birthdays usually fall around Mother's Day, so to my sister, it probably seemed like everyone in the house was getting presents except her. My uncle Danny was the first to start giving my sister something on her 1/2 birthday. It kindof evolved from there.
It is a fun family tradition that we have kept up-even my parents wished me a happy 1/2 birthday this morning! I want to keep the fun and tradition going with Bobby. Last year I had a 1/2 birthday party for him(his is Nov. 21, since his actual birthday is May 21) complete with 1/2 a cake! In 6 months time, he changes and grows so much, why not celebrate it??
Rob thinks it's ridiculous but it is just something silly that means a lot to me! So I will continue to celebrate!

I Just Want a Chocolate Chip Cookie...or two, or twelve

Maybe this is why I haven't lost much weight recently!
For me, stressed = desserts!
Does it ever seem like things are going along just fine and then *BAM* you get hit from every direction? That's been my life the past few weeks.

Bobby's part-time caregiver informs me that she is not going to be able to watch him regularly anymore, so I embark on a child-care search. Bobby is with the new sitter for the 1st time today. It was the first time I had to leave him somewhere unfamiliar and have him crying and clinging to my leg. It really broke my heart. On top of all the childcare drama, my 10 year old dog, Killarney--my first "baby" had a tumor that needed to be removed. She had surgery yesterday. She got home last night and was listless and lethargic. She has a very large incision with 2 drainage tubes. I just wanted to lay on the floor with her all night and pet and cuddle her...

My Honey Did...

Rob was off yesterday for Veteran's Day. I took Bobby to the sitter, so that Rob could have some time to do some things around the house...Boy was it worth it! Rob did so much yesterday, and was still in a good mood when I got home last night!

He emptied the dishwasher, did all the leaves/grass cutting, winterized the outside stuff like the grill and A/C unit, did laundry, re-caulked my tub, stripped the beds, flipped the mattresses, washed the sheets, put new sheets on and took out the garbage. He rocked the Honey-Do list...

I've gotta give him props!!! He is a gem!!!

Only 44 Shopping Days Left...

The holiday shopping season has officially begun in our house! I prefer to do most of my shopping online--there is the initial rush of ordering everything, then you get a second dose when packages start arriving at the door...
Once again, I'm going to try to get to Christmas before Rob guesses his gifts. I think ruining my surprises for him is part of his holiday traditions--it sure does bring him great joy! Last year I had to throw down the gauntlet and tell him that if he guessed what his presents were, I would return them all and he'd be getting whatever crap was left at the stores on Christmas Eve. I still think he guessed everything, but he kept it to himself, thus giving me the illusion that I was surprising him. I really do love buying for everyone and trying to get frivolous gifts that nobody "needs" but would really want to have!

Now, if I can only learn to wrap presents well. I really do try but honestly, I can't wrap a box, let alone an odd-shaped item. Bobby at 17 mo. would do better than me. But, it's the thought, right?

Aloha Friday

This week's question is...............

What is your favorite Children's Book?

My personal favorite is the classic "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey.


To read to Bobby, my favorites are:
"You are My I Love You" by MaryAnn Cusimano and
"On the Night You Were Born" by Nancy Tillman

Friday Funny

My Fantasy Me...

You'll notice I added a cute little cartoon version of my family down at the bottom of this blog. Go ahead, scroll down, I'll wait for ya..................................................................................................
Did you see it? Good.
Now, let's play Reality v. Fantasy.
Reality- I wear glasses.
Fantasy-I wear a string bikini.

Damn! Stick Colleen is so Hot! Fo Shizzle!

One for the History Books!

Last night was an historic one, but not for the reasons you may think. Yes, it was inspirational to see the American public get off their asses and vote like they've never voted before. No matter which candidate you supported, this election got people interested, excited and hopeful that they could change the course of history. I think it was a real turn-around from the usual voter apathy. However, that is not why last night was historical, at least not to me personally.

Last night, I got my first unsolicited kiss from my little boy! Certainly I've showered him with kisses and cuddles. When I ask for a kiss, most times he'll oblige (unless he's engrossed in one of the political ads on t.v.--Thank God that's over with for now!). No, last night, unprompted, Bobby said, "Mama!" and then came over and gave me a kiss. It was one of the most heart-melting moments of my life. Even though I've been stressed and emotional recently, last night, I was happy and content. I was reminded that no matter what, nothing else really matters other than the love of family.

Happy Election Day!