Is it really wrong to drink in the morning?

OMG

I could NOT find the cheese pretzels this morning...BLASPHEME!!

The sarge put some regular ones in her bowl (yes, she has a bowl, and it better be the one with the lips on the side, because the plain round one WILL NOT DO!) and said, "come on, we're gonna be late for school"

She just throws the bowl. (Translation? She wants the cheese ones)

Well, lemme tell ya, YESTERDAY I had cheese pretzels in the cupboard, but TODAY?? THEY'RE MISSING! and we all know who TOOK the cheese pretzels, but do you think that pretzel-nabbing-skunk can remember where she put them??? OHHHHHH NOOOOOO!! (and trust me, when they're hidden, they are gone for life)

So, she sits her pretty little monkey butt in the rocking chair, folds her arms across her chest, AND REFUSES TO MOVE!

Now, those of you with typical children know that you can reason, or at worst, jerk them up and throw them screaming into the car....but that doesn't work for us. Picking up a temper-throwing child with DS??? It's like trying to maneuver around a 85 pound water balloon!

So, after dodging shoes, having her remove her clothes, and scream at the dog (who has inserted herself into the situation because she knows molly is upset...Add 90 pounds of hair) I finally find a 1/2 bag of Cheetos, stuffed in her drawer.

"Will these yellows do?" as I pour them into afore mentioned Tupperware bowl.

She examines the contents and looks up at me and says..."more"

And I'm thrilled she used her words.

Daddy, on the other hand, is not thrilled at ALL, but both of them are on their way to school, and I have cheese pretzels at the top of the shopping list.

Oh BTW, she threw her blue "has to be back on Monday" folder during this fit and I ran it out to the car, when the dutiful German Shep escaped behind me. Mizzy had decided that SHE was going to attend school with the upset child, even if it meant running behind the Tahoe all the way to school.....so my apologies to the neighbors who had the misfortune of witnessing the Kramer-haired woman, with a hair brush, in her (no-bra)jammies, chasing a dog around a vehicle. I'm sure it was a scary sight!

And how was YOUR morning???

1/4/10 Aubrey says sorry at OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

HAPPY LEAP YEAR 2010

Well, it was ALMOST over! Ha! I didn't think our new year's celebration was going to amount to much, but it turned out WONDERFUL!!

Not big party-people anymore, we did get hats and horns and champagne...The sarge was due to take off for KC in the morning early to get Kelsi Shae for a visit, so him and molly retired at the usual bedtime, but gramma & grampa & the dogs and I stayed up, vowing to AT LEAST make it to 11pm, when we could celebrate with the New Yorkers, Anderson Cooper, and my fav girl, miss potty mouth, Kathy Griffin!





and a kiss to start it off!!



I had to work New Years Morning, so after the festivities headed right for bed, only to start fielding phone calls when the REAL New Year happened from all my kiddos (except the new parents, who also were snoozing) and STILL got up feeling like I'd partied all night! UGH!

Since i had to work, the sarge took Molly Kate to see Aubrey Jo in Springfield. That's her favorite trip for sure...still i was surprised when waking her (she's a heavy sleeper and despises having to get up for school) that all i had to do was whisper in her ear...."molly? do you want to go see aubrey jo this morning?"

She was up, dressed, and handing Larry his coat in about 5 minutes!! "Huuuuuuweeeeeeeee!"

On the way home? He brought me the best present! Not only was he packing Kelsi and Molly...but grabbed "Jo Jo" too! I had a long weekend coming (school doesn't resume here till Tuesday) so baby came and played with us!!








Jo Jo is VERY verbal (19 months old now), and the funniest little skunk you've ever seen! She's into everything so i had to implement some emergency tacktics to keep her out of my "cleaning" cupboards





Gabe even showed up for a biscuit and gravy Sunday Breakfast! He commented on molly's weight gain by yelling.."Who has a fat belly???!!" Immediately Jo Jo ran over and lifted up Larry's shirt!! HAHAHAHAHAHAAH poor larry!

And trust me, Big Gabe and Little Bill are the only men in my family that can clean and jerk this load!






And he whipped up some snow ice cream for us! Breakfast dessert!





Everyone is on their way home now, at home, and it's quiet around here. I'm cleaning up and getting ready for the work/school rush tomorrow, which is going to be slow-going...they forcasted a 'dusting' of snow as a possiblilty for the new year, but we ended up with about 4 inches! Not much to my yankee neighbors, but we have NO SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT!! Down here? it doesn't happen enough to warrent it...so you just wait for it to melt.



but im not complaining...Molly LOVES the snow!! Good thing..just got the news that now TUESDAY school is called off!!





I get to fly around and do all sorts of fun stuff....but having a load of girls together for some weekend fun seems to top the list! Not that we don't have our moments...Jo Jo was pickin' on Aunt Molly, grabbed her beloved bag of cheeze pretzels, and just showered the room with them! Course "mom-mom" doesn't really get excited about stuff like that, but daddy thought it needed to be addressed....this is aubrey telling me "sowwy" and Aunt Molly, unphased, running thru with a new bag! No harm, No foul! (she has THE sweetest little voice!)




Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com


http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=a223264b2672ab4202e4be&skin_id=1010

wow, is it over?

It's over...i can tell by the load of laundry on my bed waiting to be put away.....It seems all fun ends with my laundry...which is why it's almost always in baskets! UGH!

We got shauna home...and she remains precious! Molly was thrilled, as were all of us, and she brought a new cooking technique to us from a french girlfriend, which also was embraced and to become a part of our traditions...the pumpkin soup poured over roasted nuts, and mulled wine were both delicious & health conscience. For the first time in forever?? My time was not all spent in the kitchen...she LIVED in there! YAY! Hattin the Cat...who moved back to the ozarks after being too pent up in a studio apt..was more than thrilled to have her home!



Christmas morning was full of molly presents and fun....Molly just doesn't rip thru paper, she wants to play with or try on each gift as it is given....she opened her new coat first, and it remained on for most of the morning!




As well it should, given the fact that we actually had a white Christmas!! This is also something very uncommon in these parts (missouri) but more than welcome! Grandpa and Sarge couldn't wait to get at it!



We usually just get gifts for the kids, but Grandma & Pa surprised us with something I've been looking at all season, but just couldn't justify spending the money on....what a surprise that it was a gift for grandpas best buddies, Hattin and Lucifer! A cat tower!!Shoulda figured!!


Or maybe he just got it for them, to get them off of their favorite place to stay...on HIS BED!!




Then, we travelled back to Spg, to see the boys albeit too short of time, as we had to hustle girl-child back to the airport.....I did get the rare opportunity to have them all in the same room at the same time. Merry Christmas, Mommy!!






The hardest part to my "little angel" was letting go of all her siblings. Molly keeps pretty good control of herself, and really tries hard to act appropriately....but there were no holds barred when we had to say goodbye. She screamed all the way from gabes to the airport...finally stopping with the vocals, but still shaking her hands...and then it started all over when she saw shauna gathering her bags to run into the airport. Daddy had to make an emergency McDonald's stop...as nothing soothes the tortured soul in Molly's eyes, then some Mickey D's French Fries!! *whew* It's ok Molly...momma feels the same way!

I'll leave yall with 'dare-devil' baby...Aubrey is at her Peak in the getting-into-trouble phase! Hope Your Christmas was as good as mine, and that you have less laundry to put away!!

LMAO!!

Guys...we're doing a mid-week update, because my kid is SUCH a HOOT!

Last night was the Christmas Pageant...grades 2 and 3. Very well put together, and adorable! I dropped Molly off at her room, and asked the teach (after seeing no aides were around) if i needed to stay? or go get a seat.....Teach takes me out to the hall....just giggling. She says "nope, the only trouble we've been having with her is she keeps grabbing the mike, and saying this longggggggg story!" She told me it was too cute....but other than that, she's good with the group, knows where she needs to be, and knows all the songs! YAY!

So, she's up on stage singing her songs..and there are 3 mike stands at the front. 4 kids each line up behind each mike stand, and say their parts of a little play. Then we see it. Behind the middle mike...Molly has assumed a position at the end of the line of kids.

(this is their adorable little costumes...and the infamous microphone. Molly is just behind the little boy in green sonic shirt, in the middle)



The last kid says his part...and then molly steps up......(at this point I'm thinking God Bless Music Teachers Everywhere!!!) She motions to molly the "Hurry Up" sign language, and starting with a wee voice, and then clearing her throat...my non-verbal daughter reaches her mouth up to the mike and says....

"bub bub.....bub bub bub"

And then turns around to take her spot on the riser.

HILLARIOUS!!!! and everyone enjoyed her ending remarks!! The sarge almost pooped em and I was rolling.

Just cuz you're not a big conversationalist...doesn't mean you can't be the star of the show!


:-)

(this is her...her costume now on the floor in front of her....standing next to "Bobert" who continues to be the main man in her life at school)

A whole MONTH???

It's been a whole MONTH??? Ohhhhhhhhhh I'm not winning any prizes for sure! HA!

I think Facebook has alot to do with it...we can update in real time now...not a bunch of recapping needing to be done...and EVERYONE i know is on FB, except YOU, PAMMY AND STEPHANIE!! FOR SHAME! hahahahah!!

Lets see, we left off with Vets day...went right into Thanksgiving, where everyone but shauna made it home and ate BIG! Those boys can still put away more food than any 12 of your men, and I spent most of the day in the kitchen!


Allyson and Gabe brought wonderful pies and smoked briskit from the new barbeque place Ally's managing, ("Whole Hog" for those of you in Springfield) as WELL as my grandbaby! Aubrey Jo stayed with "mom mom" for a few days after, as the kids had to return to work. Her stays with us are the highlights of all of our lives....and let me tell ya, it takes 4 adults and one Aunt to keep up with her 17 month old, busy-body self.





Bill and Angela also came loaded with new movies and lots of fun!! Ok, maybe some of it wasn't THAT fun for bill...but Gabe seem to enjoy himself! UGH!





We had a little bout with bronchitis and molly, but we're able to muscle through it at home with NO PNEUMONIA, and no hospital stay. YAY! So that took up some time and energy. Molly wants nothing to do with getting well..she will fight you every drop of medicine,(we always wear part of the dose) or has to be hogtied to be nebulized.



We're done with that, all the Christmas cards are in the mail, and the presents secured....and for the first time this month, I feel like i can sit and breathe easy! We did get to see the Christmas parade here in West Plains (mom and dad really like parades) and even though molly was JUST getting over her bout of lung-crap....her and mom just HAD to stand out there for a bit, in a cold rain, and cheer on the participants! (and get candy)



The rest of the month has had some really good news for my other moms and friends online...i know I've asked for prayers for these families...and thought i'd update them for a sec!

Renee Garcia has her little Reece's Rainbow baby, adopted and at home now WELCOME HOME KELSEY!! (also with DS, like molly and renee's daughter Kennedy!)....and Nicki's Ashey, who had a relapse in her Leukemia??? Is cancer free as of latest scans, but continues to keep up with the protocol to keep her that way. Ben?? Amy's Ben? The wonder child-chef, and Keeper of the Love... also has had scans recently and continues to be free of the beast.....so KEEP UP THE PRAYERS....i see them working everyday. Prayers to all that continue the fight.

Shauna will be coming home for Christmas (barring anymore snow storms pounding the east coast) and we're THRILLED!! She arrives Wednesday in Springfield! Molly has a party Monday, as well as a program Mon Night, 1/2 day of school on Tuesday, and then Christmas break begins here! IM SO EXCITED!!

I just love this time of year....and not in the tradional way...there is not a load of presents under the tree but just one "something special" for each of the kids...but really, that's all. We all have everything we could ever need or want... and the whole commercial part is avoided as much as possible.

Part of the reason??? working in retail....part of it happened when we had nothing....but lately??? its just another one of the very wonderful things about having a child like Molly. She has some stuff to open, for sure (she loves the whole tearing of the paper thing) but isn't easily impressed by what we can buy. Holidays to her mean getting to see all her sibs and her niece with a dash of rough housing, laughing, sharing meals and hugs! She's a different child when surrounded by the love that is radiated by my older children and those that love them. I so appreciate each and every one of them...they are all OUTSTANDING young adults and make me PROUD!

So this is a short update, but we wanted to wish you a Molly Christmas!! She knows the real reason for the season, likes to take a quiet drive and just be in awe of the Christmas lights, and rejoices in the love of her family.

Know that we count you all among our blessing this season....Family, Friends and moms like me!!

Merry Christmas!

Veteran's Day

We had a very special Vets Day in our little town....for two reasons

My dad was here

and

Andy Ingalsbe got to come home....He's our local teacher who also serves, i think he was on his 4th tour, when he caught enemy fire right in the gut. We were sooooo scared as they could not even get him stabilized to get to Germany for awhile. He finally made it there, and then on to Walter Reed where they have got him all patched up and on the road to total recovery!

He's home till Dec 3, and then has to return to Walter Reed for more follow up surgery. GOOD LUCK ANDY!!

we started with a parade...and an Airman (Mr. Garrett) came over to stand with mom and i, telling us about all his sons who were also airman!! He was also proud of the fact that he could still wear the uniform...too cute!




And of course, besides a flyover, the parade started out with the troops!



And J Peterman of the sheriff's office! (he used to play basketball with my kids at fairview, and his mom works with me)



and bands and cars and horses and harleys...it was one of the biggest Vets parade we've ever had!!

Of course, we had to put dad on a float..

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Then on to the big luncheon! We were met by a handsome marine, who helped mom out when she needed it most...I don't know who you are...but THANK YOU!!



Inside i was happy to see Coach Don and Bonnie Long. They helped raise my kids, both being teachers at Fairview, Don teaching the kids to reach far beyond what they thought they could achieve. Bonnie commented on how Shauna HATED running long distance and giggled at the fact that she was now a marathoner, and told me her Luke (shaunas class) had just finished an Iron Man Triathalon! WTG LUKE!! Bonnie is Andy's wife's Sister.



And another shout out and thanks to this young man, who made sure dad got on the float, and then stayed with him till he was seated at the dinner. I should know him, and my heart shuttered when I saw him later gather with all the Purple Heart Receipients. God Bless



Inside a GENERAL made the presentation of Andy's Purple Heart ....He was explaining to us that this was such an honor for HIM, as usually he just puts the medals on the soldiers pillows as they evac out...at this point? He quietly broke down, and all of us cried for all the soldiers. Obviously he had placed many purple hearts on many pillows but didn't get to have too many ceremonies after that.

It was a very moving meeting.



He immediately turned the show over to Andy's original recruiter, and long-time friend, who actually made the presentation.



God Bless you All




all the photos from the day, awesome especially if you love old cars and Harley Davidsons...are here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21477528@N00/sets/72157622684861437/

**************************************************************


On to family news!! The little sonogram was from my newest (#2) grandbaby who is on the way! He/She will be here the first week in April and i hope to be able to tell you next week, what colors i will be buying...PINK OR BLUE!! Thanks Gabe & Ally for keeping my MOM-MOM title in use!!

Shauna has decided to sign up for the Boston Marathon, ALSO in APRIL! So that's going to be a huge month for us....after this december of course..SHE'S COMING HOME!! Having my kids home for the holidays is all i ever want!! Speaking of which, i think im going to set the tree up today.....I KNOW!!!! can't help it...too exciting for miss molly!

The boys are here hunting deer at camp, and i was SUPPOSE to be baby sitting miss Aubrey Jo, but the work schedule didn't work out...so we anxiously are awaiting our next visit. Molly gets up every morning looking for details of the day...and if it's "no school" day?? the first thing she does is bring me a pic of Aubrey Jo...telling me she wants to do a road trip!! She loves that baby girl obsessively! (just like mom-mom)

Hopefully, i'll be able to post some camp pics next week, with big ole bucks hanging from the trees...as it stands? All hunters are skunked, and the inaugural chili pot is empty. The deer are winning!! (we had to turn the air on today...that could have something to do with it..hahahahaha)Don't worry boys...there is a front moving in, lots of rain and cold wind, and I'm sure that will bring the deer out!!

Have a great week!! and remember to Thank a Veteran if you get the opportunity!