Scrappy Time

Just had to order a new tab punch today.  You shouldn't have to stand on your tippy toes and press down with all your strength for tabs.  It's served me well all these years, but it was time to move on.  It's not me, it's you.

In other scrappy news, I saw this idea on Becky Higgins' Instagram account to trim down the monthly Project Life dividers as transparencies.  I remembered I had an old Cherry Edition set so I went for it.  Of course I forgot to take an after shot but they came out cute, and will see the inside of an album instead of the back of a cabinet!

Target Find

I hit Target up for a new floor lamp and doormats today, not really in the mood to shop but was happy with what I needed and found.

As I was leaving I passed the scrapbook aisle (that's really just a hit or miss mostly), and I was going to keep walking but this caught my eye.

I am loving the Amy Tangerine stitch kits so this was a fun find.  It's got some similar patterns but it's all good.  Don'tcha love when you find the un-expected?

Shopping Haul

Seems crazy to be out shopping for new goodies just after purging some old supplies, but I swear I was good!

I went primarily for some white cardstock that I use for all of us.  Joe's work needs signs, the girls' homework, they all use my cardstock!  I couldn't help drool over some of these goodies.

That's mostly what I did though, drool.  I just came home with these.  Wood veneers?  I'm a sucker!  Plus the mustache ones are really for Gianna-she's obsessed!  

Later while checking Instagram, I found Staples was running an awesome deal on photo paper. BOGO free?  You bet I turned off the stove (I was cooking dinner) and ran to my nearest Staples!  

Apparently, I get all my news from Instagram.  LOL!!

My ferocious attack dog guards me well as I IG my score from Staples....I love her.

Ikea Run

Yesterday we didn't have any plans but Joe stayed home to make up for all the long days he's been putting in. He knows how I've been wanting to go to Ikea for those Expedit bookshelves for the Den & the girls rooms. I think he got sick of me saying what a mess the girls' rooms were & said we could take a ride to Ikea to pick some up.

I jumped on that!

We measured the girls rooms real quick deciding where they would go but that turned into some furniture re-arrangeing for both rooms & then we left for the store. He put them together right away & the girls & I went to work arrangeing things. Their rooms are roomy now & we're all happy!

Marissa's room BEFORE
Her bed was in the middle of the room...

Marissa's room AFTER....
Gianna's room BEFORE
Her bed was against the outside wall...
We switched her dresser to where her bed was & put the bed where the dresser was on the opposite wall.


The rooms still need to be tweaked a little but overall we all like it so much better!

Today Joe said he measure the Den for another set of the bookshelves & we'll be doing that soon! YEAH!!! Mommy is HAPPY!!!

The Girl with the New Earrings

Today Marissa & I hit the mall. I had to get a few things & since Marissa's out of school she's my shopping buddy!!

However she's not totally into the whole "shopping" thing....yet.

She is 8 though so she's getting there. Of course halfway through my "must-shop" stores she's whining about it not being fun---SIGH!!

We were close to a "Claire's Boutique" & I thought she'd might like all the frilly girly stuff. We didn't need to go far before something caught her eye. Right at the entrance to the store she spots all these "dangly" earrings. She's been getting tired of her "everyday" earrings & wanted a change.

She'll be a natural shopper yet!!

We start showing each other some pretty dangling earrings & I tell her to pick something out. Well she is my daughter after all & can not make a decision. Before I knew it she had picked out 6 pkgs of earrings that multple earrings on each pkg!! I try to explain money to her & she starts playing "Let's make a deal". Trying to teach her a lesson I tell her I'll buy them if she pays me back with her own money when we get home. She agrees.

I didn't put much stock in her promise but she shocked me! Promptly when we got home, she disappears in her room & later brings me the exact amount of the bill. WOW!! Not only was I happy that she showed a little responsibility (not the word I'm looking for) but she was happy too!
Now I just need to teach her how to take the earrings in & out!

OK Break's over--Back to School!

Today Marissa went back to school. After being on break for approx. 2 weeks everyone here has been off schedule. We all stayed up late & things got lazy around here.

Don't even talk to me about laundry!

After school, I took the girls to Target. If I thought I had problems buying too much going there alone, going there with the girls can be a trial. I can't remember how many times I said the words

"I'm not buying that. You just got a ton of stuff for Christmas!"

But I did score some MM Fa la la goodies on clearance!
Hey, priorities right??

Monday well spent

Today me & the girls had plans with my friend Samantha & her kids to go out for lunch at Chili's. Since the Marissa & her daughter Ariel were in Kindergarten (they're BFF's) we've gotten together during the break for a playdate & to exchange presents.

This is where I should have pics.....


BUT I was in a rush & forgot my camera!

The kids had a great time & afterwards Marissa had some fun at their house.

Gianna & I went to Kohl's to do a little shopping & I scored some great deals on clothes. I got 2 tops for myself that were $2.40 each! Thanks to Gianna we even picked up some Hallmark ornaments that were 1/2 off. I'd say it was a good day.

Crazy Week Catch-up

How's that for an original title? This week I've been going nuts getting the house all decorated. Basically not doing a whole lot of anything else...unless you count laundry.

Sunday I attempted to take pics of the girls for this years Christmas cards. After 65 pics I was agrevated & gave up. Joe even tried but only got 5 pics before he gave up. I was annoyed & decided I'd try again during the week.

Monday, Gianna woke up extra early complaining tht her belly hurt. Hmmmmm....could it have anything to do with her refusing to eat dinner the night before & going to bed rather than eat the pasta I made for dinner? Maybe. She was also running a slight fever so we skipped going to gymnastics just to make sure. She cuddled up on the couch watching tv all day as I decorated the house.

Found out Monday afternoon that it was the last day for CCD until after the holidays. Not only was I happy, but Marissa was estatic!! The down side? I forgot to get a gift for her CCD teacher & felt like an ass but luckily she's a teacher at Marissa's school so I can easily get something to her. They even had a little "party" of sorts & Marissa (not wanting to spoil her dinner) brought most of it home. Here's the "snowgirl" she made with a tree in the background. She's creative like her mother & made sure I took a pic! LOL!

Didn't get a chance to re-shoot the Christmas pics.

Tuesday, was Marissa's Brownie meeting for the month. Luckily after Monday night's screw up of not having a gift I made sure to go out & get something for the 2 Brownie leaders. Marissa was happy to pass out the gifts & thrilled to find out she was the top seller for the "nuts & magazine subscriptions" they sold in the Fall. She got a special badge (that I'm adding to the pile of badges I need to iron on her vest) & a fancy smancy light up pen/fan.

oooooooohhhh...aaaaaaahhh

I also came to a conclusion Tuesday that the earliest I'd be able to re-shoot the Christmas card pics would be Thurs. That wasn't working with me since I already felt so far behind & just wanted to have it crossed off my list. So I broke down & went through the pics I took of the girls on Sunday. There were a couple that were acceptable, not ideal, but they worked. Got Joe's vote on it & ordered the cards from Costco to be picked up the next day. Call me a cheater but it's just easier for me. I like saving time/my sanity this time of year. This is the pic for the card, maybe next year both girls will be looking at the camera at the same time. **SIGH**

Gianna was fine & went to school on Tuesday. She's got a considerable amount of Christmas clothes (Marissa's hand-me-downs) so I figured it'd be fun to see how long she can go without wearing any "normal" clothes to school. Just realized I should've taken pics of each days outfit but too late. Oh well.

This was Wednesday's outfit. Aren't those stockings adorable??? Like how they match the elves legs on her top? Yeah I scrapbook--not recently mind you but I do!

This is Marissa 3 years ago wearing the same shirt, taken at Disney World at the Christmas Party. Today I went shopping with my F-I-L's ladyfriend Marlene. I helped her get the girls' Christmas gifts. We went to Target & I showed her how to power shop! We were done in record time! I showed her things they'd like & got her approvel & bam! into the cart it went!! We hit a few other aisles while we were there only 'cause you gotta check things out & make sure you don't miss any good deals of course. We were out of there in 1 1/2 hours max!

From there we got a Dunkin Donuts fix & decided to hit Kohl's. I had to shop for our family Secret Santa & knocked that out which still only killed an hour. I impressed her today by both my power shopping skills & my ability to make sure I stay on budget with my shopping--oh yeah I also showed her how to make the most of the Kohl's coupons. I think I blew her mind! (Sorry just giving myself a pat on the back.) I'm happy to say I've only got 3 people left to shop for but they're mostly done already just need a few more little things. WOO-HOO!!! I'm so starting early next year!! This year it all just snuck up on me & I don't like it one bit!

I also tried figuring out my camera settings so I could try my luck on getting a nice picture of the tree. I finally know how to adjust the "iso" but my camera would freeze up & not take a pic. Resisting the urge to toss it out the window I got out a tripod & tried taking a pic without the flash. Think it's the best tree pic I've taken.


The family room. The double doors behind the tree lead to my scrapping area in the den.

After Christmas my camera will head out to get fixed. I just know they'll tell me it's not worth fixing & to upgrade to a new model but I really like this one (despite the problems) & it's not available anymore. **Sigh**

Finally starting to get into the Christmas Spirit! I feel like I can finally breathe....but not for long! There's cookies to bake & gifts to wrap!

I'm Here!

OK, so I've been a bad blogger. Sorry! I just haven't been in a mood to post...KWIM?

Let's see what's been going on? Saturday we went to my sister Marie's house for the kids joint birthday party. I felt like crap thanks to the head cold but it was nice to hang out with the family. The kids loved their presents we got them (ummmm...ever know a kid to NOT like presents??)


Sunday after Joe came home from work I crashed on the couch for awhile & napped. He kept the girls under control & it felt good to just sleep.

Monday I felt better (thanks to Joe for my nap!) & I took Gianna to her gymnastics class. Had some "Mommy time" chatting with another mom there. It was nice to sit & watch the kids have fun while we talked un-interrupted!

Tuesday I went shopping for a baby shower. Let me just say I LOVE seeing all the little teeny tiny babies that are always there!! But I'm not crazy about searching for things on the Gift Register--so hard to find despite the eager sales reps!

Today was Gianna's 1st day of Dance. She was so excited for it & loved her little outfit. Joe didn't get to see the girls before work this morning so I took a pic for him. Just don't mind the hole in her stocking. We did change them, I promise!!

After dropping her off at school, I went to Kohl's to pick up a baby gift for a friend who just had her baby yesterday & found they were having all sorts of crazy sales! PLUS I happened to have my 15% coupon with me {which never happens OR it's expired!!} I ended up finding all sorts of clothes for ME, not the girls, not Joe, but ME!! Yes I did & some of the things were marked as low as $7! How crazy is that??

Tonight we have Gianna's "Back to School" night. Should be fun. Luckily it's tonight & not tomorrow because I'll be watching this.....

So that's been it. I'm still working on that mini album. I didn't work on it yesterday but I'm getting there! Now I'm off to work on the laundry so I can wear my new clothes!!

Random Non-sense

Not much to say today so I'm gonna make this pretty random.

I'm happier to report today was better. Can't stop thinking of my nephew though.

Took this pic Monday. Gianna couldn't wait to get outside to play & I wanted to take pics of this tree so we compromised! This is in the front of the house, isn't it pretty? For so long I've wanted to take pics of it but usually when it blooms it's rainy & knocks all the petals off. So I made her hang out with me in the front while I took some pics. Tried getting her to stand still in front of it but that didn't happen too well. Got some great close up shots of the tree but I'll share those another day.

I spent some time scrapping today--very relaxing. Eventually my stomach reminded me that I hadn't eaten yet & that's when the flow was interrupted. I still got some stuff done & I'm happy.

Didn't get a chance to re-shoot those pics of my LO's. I thought about it but didn't want to stop scrapping to do it--maybe tomorrow.

My friend Samantha called & asked if I wanted to walk to school to pick up the kids. Great!! It'll count as exercise & I won't have to go on the treadmill!!

After picking Marissa up we came home jumped in the car (so much for Earth day) & went to book her party. I drove up & panicked a minute when I saw they changed the name from last year but luckily they still do the same parties & everything's the same inside. It's all set & Marissa got to choose what activities they'll be playing. She's so excited!! I let her get a scoop of ice cream when we were done & we sat at one of the tables while she ate. It was so nice to sit & talk with her. I feel like we don't get a lot of alone time.

Went to Payless Shoes afterwards because Marissa desperately needed new sneakers. She picked out a "Hannah Montana" pair but I told her if she wants them she has to learn how to tie the laces. Yes, my almost 7 yr old child never learned--velcro is just too easy!! They were running a BOGO sale so she got the pair she liked & I got her the pair I liked!! Hey I'm a sucker for shoes!! I looked around for me when she was all done & she just could not wait to get out of there! What a pain! Tried on a few pairs of shoes like these that were so cute & surprisingly comfy but I don't own enough green to qualify me buying them. Looking at the website I see they come in pink which might lead to a purchase in the very near future!! Have I ever mentioned how many pink clothes I own?? Funny but my favorite color is purple!! But I did find these CUTE pair of shoes that I don't really need & a pair of flip flops. I'm happy! Shoes+Me=SUCKER! Did some LO's a few years ago about how many shoes the girls had this one summer--it was insane!! Just so you know? I didn't buy all of them myself either! Seriously, I swear!! LO #1 & LO #2.

Marissa learned how to tie her sneakers tonight after dinner. She caught on quick too! No "bunny ears" for her! Guess she realllllllyyy wanted to wear them tomorrow for gym!! Had to wear them with a "Hannah Montana" shirt so it "matches"! Is she my kid or what?? I've taught her the value of making sure things match!!

I'm eagerly waiting for Grey's tomorrow night! I warned Joe that nothing & I mean nothing will pry me off the couch until it's over. There better be no interruptions from the peanut gallery either if they know what's good for them!

Never realized how many people visit the blog by way of Laura's blog. Thanks Laura for putting me on your "list"! I was very surprised to see me there! Now if I could just make these people stop long enough to say Hi.......that means LEAVE A COMMENT PEOPLE!!! LOL!!

Gave Joe a haircut tonight. I was done in record time...maybe 'cause I really didn't feel like it. Had to be done tonight--he has a grand opening for a new location he's in on Fri & there is NO WAY I'm missing Grey's tomorrow!!

Went through my horde of supplies for give aways from the RAK the other day. It's surprising how much stuff I have & don't use!! I think half the fun of scrapping is shopping for the supplies!! That's gonna be my new motto. "what's a motto? "nothing!" "what's the matter with you?!" Quick name tht movie (sorry it's late & I'm punchy)!! Susan & Crystal, your pkgs will be in the mail by the end of the week. Don't ask me my logic in how I chose the stuff--there's just no answer!

Wow! Was this a random post or what?? Didn't think I had much to say. With that I'm going to bed so much for scrapping anymore tonight...bad computer! It just draws me in I tell ya!!

Target fix

Had to run some errands today. My list was as follows....

Go to the Post Office
Go to the bank
Return some shirts to Kohl's
Buy Joe new sneakers
Go to several mall stores for returns
And my favorite part??
Go to Target!!

Don't let my list fool you they were mostly really quick stops...well except for Target!!

So thanks to Laura I realized I HAD to go to Target this week for an assortment of things but namely this. They re-vamped the scrapbook aisle after their mega super sale from the last time I was there & boy was I a kid in the candy store! I saw American Crafts ribbons, KI Memories, & best of all some new MM kits!! So I stocked up on a few different kits that I've been drooling over, because well basically Laura is an enabler & I will do pretty much anything she says!! LOL!!!!! Then I proceeded to the medicine aisle & picked up some of these....cause well we're all sick again!! Fun.

Yep, my head is congested as I type. The only thing I feel like doing is sleeping. Still have more to pack but don't think I'll get to it before I have to pick up Marissa from school. The plane ride should be super fun as we're all sniffling & coughing....bet you're hoping you're not sitting next to us on the plane!!

Shopping Spree...Bust

So I went to the mall today fully intending to get clothes for all of us for the trip. My 1st stop was Old Navy. I found some cute tops for myself only when I tried them on they didn't fit good so I gave up. I did manage to find the girls some cute, cute clothes so I was happy with that. The rest of my shopping extraganza was basically directed to those 2 little easy-to-shop-for girls of mine. So I settled on living through them. They will were the clothes I would love to wear if I was a smaller size. Now don't get me wrong, I managed to buy myself "A" shirt however not for vacation. I also bought Joe some new much-needed jeans & polo shirts so that's good.

I'm a little bummed about not finding stuff for me but that should just motivate me more to get myself back on the treadmill.....right after I polish off those brownies that Joe brought home!! Kidding!! Just kidding!! I gave him dirty looks & told him that I appreciate the thought BUT seriously NO THANKS!

Random Friday Blabbiness....

So yesterday I tried REALLY hard to slow down so I could draw out the book Twilight. This way I'd have time to run out & buy the next book New Moon. I couldn't wait so I finished it & I tell you it's so GOOOOOD! A really sweet romantic story! But that's all I'm saying--read it for yourself!!

Of course like I said I didn't want to wait to get it for my b-day on wed. so I went to B & N today & picked up the next 2 books in the trilogy as well as a few others for our Disney trip. I almost have the urge to take some scrappy things with us on vacation but really what are the odds that I'll actually scrap??? Nevermind I ALWAYS overpack & that would just take up my "shoe space"!!

After we left B & N, Gianna & I had an hour to kill before we pick up Marissa from school. I felt the urge to visit my LSS despite having Gianna with me (thinking she'll make sure I'm out of there in time to get to the school). She had no patience for the store at all. Practically from the minute we walked in she wanted to leave and she mentioned it repeatedly. And LOUDLY! Luckily we were the only ones in the store besides the owner & she just laughed. I did manage to buy these cute stamps & they make me want to create a LO of Joe & me--gotta find a good pic!

Since Gianna herded me out of the store so fast we STILL had time to burn so I went to Target. I figured I could bribe her with lollipops there. It worked too! She got in the cart & held onto the bag for dear life while I shopped. I finally picked up the Making Memories kit--think it's called the Garden Party Springtime collection, I've been eyeing it since I saw how pretty the papers are on Laura's layouts. I'm already thinking Easter. Then I hightailed it outta there just in time to pick up Marissa.

As for my haircut--I went to a new salon that my friend Samantha recomended. The stylist cut my hair differently than I've ever experienced but it came out GREAT! She styled it so cool--of course & of course I didn't take any pics that day. I styled it today & it didn't come out too bad but nothing like she did. I'll try again tomorrow & have Marissa take a pic.

I am so grateful that it's Fri. I have been fighting another sinus infection & just want to relax this weekend. It's snowing softly right now but it's supposed to continue through the night & we're supposed to get 4-6 inches. So at least this way we'll definately be staying home. Yeah I lead a wild & crazy life!!

I'm also thrilled that Feb. is OVER!!! It felt like the month would NEVER end!! I'm anxious for Spring to be here already!! I want to pack up my coat & break out my flip flops!!

It's Raining....

It's POURING!! The old man is nowhere in sight! Seriously. It's coming down in bursts. Now I think it's letting up.....

I'm off to visit my girlsfriend Patrizia's baby, little Sabrina. I can't wait!! I'm sure I'll come home later telling Joe I'm ready for #3. I already warned him about that & told him to smack me if that happens!! LOL!!

Yesterday I got my Feb. Kit from Heather over at Scrapbook Bakery. Can I just take a minute to say it is such a FUN looking kit! It's all reds & pinks & so Valentine-ish!! I'm not even putting it away because I can't wait to play with it!

Which brings me to mention how crazy I've been this year so far with a Scrapping Shopping Spree (say that 3x fast!!). For Christmas Joe gave me some pre-paid credit cards with some obscene amounts of money on them & I let loose! Things I have been drooling over are now in my possession. My only problem now is where to store all this stuff! So instead of being scrappy in 2008 I've been re-organizing my supplies (which I seem to do every Jan). I'm just itching to scrap!! Yesterday I started going through some pics to get ideas on what I what to start with & can not wait for some free time!

Speaking of free time I don't see any in my near future.
Today besides my baby visit, I have to go vote & just for the record it will NOT be for Hilary!!

Then I have to tally up all of Marissa's Girl Scout cookie orders because it's due today when I drop her off for her meeting. And no I'm not the snack mom today! LOL!

Then tomorrow myself & the cookie manager will be here in my messy house to enter in all the orders together. Apparently I somehow volunteered to help out. I have got to learn to keep my big mouth SHUT!

Then the rest of the week I seriously have to clean my house because we will possibly be celebrating Joe's birthday this weekend since it falls on the 12th & that's a Tues. Somehow we still haven't decided on which day.

So that's my week of craziness. Hopefully I can pace myself & get it all done & not wait until the last minute. I usually do put things off till the last minute & then get pissed off at myself. Sorry I'm grumbling but that's what I do best.

Oh & in case you're wondering...it stopped raining & there's the slighest hint of -dare I say-sun peeking through the clouds. That's all from the weather desk--carry on.

Random Info

So I've spent today doing some necessary things & some things very un-necessary. Let me share with you a peek into my day....

Got the girls to school & went to DMV to re-new my driver's liscense. Now I can hear the moan but we know of a not so well known DMV that's about 15 mins away & no matter when you go it's still a shorter wait than any other DMV I've ever been to. Seriously I was in & out in 10 minutes. I think the pic came out ok & the whole experience put me in a good mood.

That mood led me to shop!!

So off I went to Target. I've been wanting to go because it's an addiction of mine (among many) & I haven't been there since Christmas time. I was due. I was having some serious withdrawels!! I didn't have anything in mind that I had to get but you know you can always find things to buy once you're in! Boy did I find things to buy!! I bought the girls some cute Valentine shirts. I bought a few scrappy things. I bought some storage containers that I need to finish packing up the Christmas stuff. I bought a really cute Valentine chip & dip/ cake stand.

the top is pink but it's not showing up that great in the pic.

The inside is also pink but their was too much light to really see it.

I justified buying this because Joe's birthday is Feb 12th & I could use it for his cake. I think I might even keep it out for everyday though--it's that cute! Basically while I was there I just BOUGHT stuff! Don't tell Joe but I spent $300!! I was even shocked at myself!!

After I got home I spent a lot of time reading everyone's blogs & noticed that everyone had updated their blogs so I figured I needed to update mine as well. So what if the Christmas decorations are only 1/2 down!! LOL!!!

Seriously--I'm DONE!

Seriously. I have GOT to STOP the buying people!! I had to buy some disposable tupperware to ship some cookies out but what do I do FIRST?? I stop at the Hallmark store & buy a bunch more ornaments & other STUFF! It's an addiction! I buy the girls the Disney Hallmark ornaments every year. They each have their own HUGE container of ornaments & I plan on making them take them with them when they move out...which won't be for 40 or 50 years. But seriously I'm done shopping...seriously....

NOW I'm REALLY done...

I went out today to return a few things & came back with LOTS of bags full of STUFF!! I could have SWORN I was DONE shopping!! NOW I've got even MORE things to wrap! Crap! I had to buy a frame for a gift for my F-I-L but when I went to put the pics in it I realized I bought the wrong size frame...CRAP! NOW I need to go back out there again...BUT I'm gonna have will power this time...partially due to spending all my money today!!

Tonight was Joe's company X-Mas party....at Hooter's. Why Hooter's you ask? Well being that he owns the company & he likes hot wings & there are no female employees--they have it at Hooter's! And not for nothing but I like hot wings too & we as a family actually go there for dinner...please don't judge...it's a night without cooking for me!!

So I took advantage of this hubby free night & put the girls to bed early & barricaded myself in our bedroom. I spent my time going through my purchases & started wrapping them. The reason for the barricading? Let me put it this way...the back of our house has lots of windows & they don't have any blinds or window treatments on them because it would take away the look of the windows. So that means when Joe's not home I get spooked TOO easily & hightail my butt upstairs. This way I don't get freaked out everytime some animal trips the motion sensor lights that are all over the back of the house. I'm a big chicken...but I'm not on the Hooter's menu!!

Christmas trees to button up....

Only 7 more days until CHRISTMAS EVE!!! I feel like I've got a lot done BUT I always seem to fall behind. So until every present is wrapped & I can sleep on Christmas Eve I'm keeping my fingers crossed & my big mouth SHUT!

I got some wrapping done today which I feel good about but I got sidetracked tonight after putting the girls to bed. I have been wanting to make these button trees I saw on Ali Edwards' blog & 2 Peas. They are so cute & I figure I can do this a lot better than the paper trees I attempted last year. I had ordered a bunch of buttons & today got the remainder of my order BUT I think I under bought so I placed ANOTHER order just now for MORE buttons. WHAT is WRONG with ME!??!?!?! I should really just finish the layout that's been waiting to be stuck together since THANKSGIVING & put that to bed before starting something else! It's the last birthday layout for Gianna's album & I can move on to another topic...say like CHRISTMAS!!

Over the weekend we had a Christmas party at another neighbor's house. We got my sister to come watch the girls early so we could go out to dinner first. We went to Chili's which was nice (& close). Then went to the party. We had intended to be home around 10pm due to the impending Nor'easter that was threatening the area BUT we were having a good time chatting & let's face it gossiping that the time got away from us. We had to get 2 phone calls from my sister telling us she wanted to leave, it's not her fault exactly but my mom had decided to come with her & didn't know that we would be out until late. So we got home around 1am & they bolted for the car. I can't blame them it was sleeting/hailing (don't see much of a difference!)

I was pretty buzzed from all the wine that was forced on me **wink**!! It's weird...after 33 years of being Italian BORN on the other side I'm FINALLY accuiring a taste for wine! Kinda funny if you know me...my dislike of cheese & Italian meats like salami & stuff...I'm the most un-Italian Italian EVER! Maybe in another 33+ years I'll acquire a taste for something like cheese, but then again let's not get wild & crazy we're gonna take this nice & slow--REAL slow!! LOL!!

I'm DONE!!

I had hoped to start wrapping presents today but realized that I'd rather go SHOPPING!!

So after I dropped Marissa off at school I went to Michael's. I was trying to find these music boxes that look like Christmas presents BUT they were sold out-FIGURES!! So I picked up some yarn to tempt my mother into knitting the girls some more ponchos but in colors that I chose because she has a habit of picking colors that aren't always--what's the word?? Oh yeah PRETTY!!

Then I went to Target & bought Joe his last X-mas present which I can't mention IN CASE he actually READS my blog. I also found the music box that I went to Michael's for!! How FANTASTICAL is THAT?? I would like to say that I am officially DONE with my Christmas shopping but I don't want to jinx myself!! YEAH!!!!!!

Only MY child

Today was Gianna's 1st full day of preschool. We got there early & she couldn't wait to go in the classroom! Finally her teacher came out & the parents walked the kids in. I helped Gianna find her name tag & her teacher said they could all have playtime. So I quickly reinforced to her "You gotta pee on the potty & keep your underwear clean" & pointed to the bathroom. I gave her a hug & kiss & left. I was SO nervous about getting a call from school saying she wet herself...or WORSE!!!!

I wanted to stay local in case I got that dreaded call so I wen to Michaels to return somethings & then FINALLY I went to my LSS. I have been WANTING for the LONGEST time to go there by MYSELF & CASUALLY browse the store without saying "STOP don't touch that or stop chasing your sister!" So I took the opportunity today. I'm so glad I did! I managed to find the Basic Grey file set that I've been eyeing online. YEAH! (Yes it's the little things that excite me!)

I left a little early to pick up Gianna because the teacher comes out 5 minutes early to report about the day. Right before she came out to talk to us we heard some crying & I could SWEAR it was Gianna. It really sounded like her. Great!! Finally her teacher came out & said it was an interesting day. The kids not being used to the routine needed extra time to do things like cutting with scissors & glueing & just basic listening. She said there were some tears & some kids throwing toys (I cringed...ONLY MY KID!!). Finally the kids came out & Gianna looked so drained that I knew by looking at her she had been crying at some point. I asked the teacher how she did & she said that she was the one throwing toys & despite being warned Gianna would smile & throw the toys again. I apologized & she said that's why they're in school to LEARN & that they'll straighten her out. Yep, my daughter will be the class bully. ONLY MY KID! This just re-assures me about what I said over the summer....she needs REFORM school! Joe called it & said she'll be kicked out by the 3rd day! Marissa never did that at school. She was the opposite. She would listen at school but misbehave at home. UGH!!!!

Tonight is Marissa's Back to School night. I can't wait to see the classroom & hear what they'll be doing this year. I also want to find out who the class mother is. I hope she's good like the one they had for Kindergarten (I got along with her real well). Is it Friday YET???