December Pagan Families - Page 7

[DaughterOfKali]

Today is Roo's birthday party!  I got 9 balloons and scattered them throughout my (tiny) living room.  Plus, one spider man ballon (for good luck).  This will be the first party that I'm jn charge of keeping the kids entertained (a friend, Marvelous Marvin, kept the kids busy at Roo's last real party.)  I hope the crafty thing that I have planned isn't too 'young'.  My son wanted to do it so I hope all the other kids enjoy it.  I bought plain white cardboard boxes at Paper Source and the kids will decorate them.  I will start by talking about what they think they want to be when they get older.  What their hopes/dreams are.  These boxes will be a special place for them to put their most important things (I will give them ideas.)  They can decorate it with their current interests (I have mode podge, decorative papers, stickers, etc).  They can also choose to decorate it at their house (I know there will be at least one boy who won't be interested in crafting.)

One of ds's major interest is music. Rock music.  So after we are done with the boxes, the kids will get to jam.  We have instruments so the kids can try them all out (or they can bring their own.)  I'll take photo's of each child and either print it out for them to take or email it (depends on how much ink I have left!).

Then we eat.  Phew!

Will post pics on my blog this evening.

Maia- Omg, I thought that pic was from when you were younger!!  You look amazing!  I'm almost 45 but definitely look my age.  

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali 

Today is Roo's birthday party!  I got 9 balloons and scattered them throughout my (tiny) living room.  Plus, one spider man ballon (for good luck).  This will be the first party that I'm jn charge of keeping the kids entertained (a friend, Marvelous Marvin, kept the kids busy at Roo's last real party.)  I hope the crafty thing that I have planned isn't too 'young'.  My son wanted to do it so I hope all the other kids enjoy it.  I bought plain white cardboard boxes at Paper Source and the kids will decorate them.  I will start by talking about what they think they want to be when they get older.  What their hopes/dreams are.  These boxes will be a special place for them to put their most important things (I will give them ideas.)  They can decorate it with their current interests (I have mode podge, decorative papers, stickers, etc).  They can also choose to decorate it at their house (I know there will be at least one boy who won't be interested in crafting.)

One of ds's major interest is music. Rock music.  So after we are done with the boxes, the kids will get to jam.  We have instruments so the kids can try them all out (or they can bring their own.)  I'll take photo's of each child and either print it out for them to take or email it (depends on how much ink I have left!).

Then we eat.  Phew!

Will post pics on my blog this evening.

Maia- Omg, I thought that pic was from when you were younger!!  You look amazing!  I'm almost 45 but definitely look my age.  

Wow, thank you! No, it's from this past Halloween, actually. So...not even two months ago. But I have lost 35lb or so and I put my hair back to the way it was in high school, so maybe that's it?

The party sounds fine. I notice it usually goes its own way, no matter how I plan it Happy birthday, Roo!

ETA: mine likes rock, too...Green Day in particular. Yours?

[FeralFox]

Happy Birthday to Roo!  DoK, that sounds like an awesome (but noisy!) party!  I wish I were that inventive - so far Badger has just had quiet parties at home with family.  His friends at school are starting to have big ones that all the other kids in class are invited too, and though I know I should start doing the same, I'm really dreading it.

Clay - How scary about the accident!  Maybe the other driver was drunk.  I'm glad only cars were harmed.

Maia - I was thinking late 30s, so I was as surprised as everyone to learn your age.  You're gorgeous!

We had Yule at the grove yesterday.  It was nice, but they did it outside, so I didn't last long.  I hung out in the house until everyone came back in, but only stayed 3 hours total because I was wiped out.  I wish I could trade this exhaustion for morning sickness!  As long as I can hold it together for Yule so Badger can have a good holiday, I'll be good.  I don't have a lot of ornaments so I hung dum-dums and candy canes on the tree (I read about the tradition of hanging goodies on the tree, and it sounded fun).  We're going to make bird ornaments, a gingerbread house, and ornaments to give as gifts.  I used to be sad about being so low budget at Yule, but I've changed my mind and I like it now.

The tat happened when I was already pregnant, but barely.  I did a lot of research online about infection risk, and in the end decided that I trusted my shop (and Kali) enough to go through with it.  I'm very glad I did.  Husband got his very first tattoo a week later!

My belly hasn't gotten any bigger, thanklfully, just harder.  I did wear a 2 but I'm slightly out of them now, though my 4s are still a bit loose.  I'm 5'6" but short waisted, so I guess there's just nowhere for Fishy to go but out.  Thanks for all the compliments, btw   I've struggled with body image and an eating disorder for a long time, so pregnancy is really rough on me that way.

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by FeralFox so far Badger has just had quiet parties at home with family.  His friends at school are starting to have big ones that all the other kids in class are invited too, and though I know I should start doing the same, I'm really dreading it.

Maia - I was thinking late 30s, so I was as surprised as everyone to learn your age.  You're gorgeous!

I've struggled with body image and an eating disorder for a long time, so pregnancy is really rough on me that way.

Aww, thank you! I don't feel gorgeous...but then, I never have, much. I've always been called "cute", which I hate, but when you're 5'1" what else can you be? I'm just starting to realize just how teeny I am. I see much older women my height (or lack thereof...sigh) and think they look ridiculous, and "Is that what I'm going to look like when I'm old?" I feel silly. If I was less fat, I'd look even tinier, like a fairy or something. Some people have already said I look like a hobbit

Don't dread...ALL the other kids in R's school have always had parties at places and invite the whole class. I simply can not afford that, so we have NEVER done that. We have always had at-home parties and the most kids that were ever in our tiny house is 9, I think, but usually hovers around 4-5. I've never told R that we don't do it because of money. That's only partially the case anyway; I think it's ostentatious...I think birthday parties should be rather intimate. But that's just me.

I bet you are one gorgeous pregnant woman! Pregnancy always makes a woman beautiful. Plus I would not be surprised if most of us have struggled with body image issues.

[Wolfcat]

Originally Posted by FeralFox 

I almost forgot, someone wanted to see my back piece when it was finished.  It's done now, so here it is:

(I really don't have huge love handles.  I had to pull my skirt way down my hips to show the bottom completely, and as a result am almost showing my bottom completely.)

That is sooo freakin' AWESOME! (DH says "f*cking epic", btw). And we both agree that what you have isn't anywhere CLOSE to love handles.

We are finalizing our plans (keeping it basic) for Yule. We decided not to travel over 400 miles this holiday season, so that eliminates a TON of stress.

Oh, and I got a promotion at work.

[DaughterOfKali]

Two kids brought recorders and Roo hates the sound.  He suddenly wanted the jam session to end.  LOL.

The craft was a HUGE hit!  I was amazed at how much they were into it.  

Now, I'm completely wiped out.  I started having bad pain (surgical area) afterwards so now I'm just chilling out on the sofa.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by Wolfcat Oh, and I got a promotion at work.

Yay! Congratulations! What a Yule gift, eh? What do you do, again?

And yay for less stress for the holidays!

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali Two kids brought recorders and Roo hates the sound.  He suddenly wanted the jam session to end.  LOL.

The craft was a HUGE hit!  I was amazed at how much they were into it.  

Now, I'm completely wiped out.  I started having bad pain (surgical area) afterwards so now I'm just chilling out on the sofa.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

See, parties always go how they want to and they're usually successful. I'm glad it all went well! And I bet you are wiped out! Been there, done that, mama!

Off to the public Yule ritual. Yay!

OH!! I just looked closer at my tix for Boston on the 30th-- I did not have seat confirmations/assignments! Yikes!

Last year, on 12/26, when I was supposed to leave to go there, I got a call late on Christmas evening that my flights were cancelled! I scrambled and scrambled to get replacement flights, only to barely make it out of Norfolk because of the storms all up and down the east coast, and then I didn't have a seat assignment on the flight out of Atlanta to Boston, and then I was the very last standby to get on that flight to MA. Boy howdy, was I in tears, no mistake. First, tears of fear and anxiety and utter deflated disappointment, and then tears of abject relief.

I have never, ever, since then, forgotten to make seat assignments! I don't know why I couldn't, this time (online), but I just called and talked to a person, and paid an extra $25 to have one on the way up there. I was NOT going to chance it being too full, even if I did get to the airport early. I just got my confirmation email, and printed it out. WHEW. YAY.

At least on the way back, I have more wiggle room. But a big WHEW, again, to me, eh?

[CariOfOz]

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali 

Today is Roo's birthday party!  I got 9 balloons and scattered them throughout my (tiny) living room.  Plus, one spider man ballon (for good luck).  This will be the first party that I'm jn charge of keeping the kids entertained (a friend, Marvelous Marvin, kept the kids busy at Roo's last real party.)  I hope the crafty thing that I have planned isn't too 'young'.  My son wanted to do it so I hope all the other kids enjoy it.  I bought plain white cardboard boxes at Paper Source and the kids will decorate them.  I will start by talking about what they think they want to be when they get older.  What their hopes/dreams are.  These boxes will be a special place for them to put their most important things (I will give them ideas.)  They can decorate it with their current interests (I have mode podge, decorative papers, stickers, etc).  They can also choose to decorate it at their house (I know there will be at least one boy who won't be interested in crafting.)

One of ds's major interest is music. Rock music.  So after we are done with the boxes, the kids will get to jam.  We have instruments so the kids can try them all out (or they can bring their own.)  I'll take photo's of each child and either print it out for them to take or email it (depends on how much ink I have left!).

Then we eat.  Phew!

Will post pics on my blog this evening.

Maia- Omg, I thought that pic was from when you were younger!!  You look amazing!  I'm almost 45 but definitely look my age.  

Oh fun stuff!  Sounds like a brilliant birthday party   

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali 

It's late but I wanted to pop on quickly to say that I've left Facebook.

Did you?? I must be goin crazy because I thought I saw you post lol.  Either I need more sleep, or more coffee ;)

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali 

Two kids brought recorders and Roo hates the sound.  He suddenly wanted the jam session to end.  LOL.

The craft was a HUGE hit!  I was amazed at how much they were into it.  

Now, I'm completely wiped out.  I started having bad pain (surgical area) afterwards so now I'm just chilling out on the sofa.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

LOL  Lucas does not love recorders either!  

Sorry mamas,  I haven't been on a lot.  I'm over the net at the moment... I play a few fb games and say stuff it lol.  School is out here now, so Connor is home during the day so our days have gotten a bit busy!  We're enjoying a fairly mild summer so far... we've hit a couple of parks and we even wandered over to the nature centre / animal park and spent the morning seeing all the australian critters .   Our holiday preparations are pretty much done,  we wrapped some pressies last night and Derrick (my teenager) was inducted into the grown up role of wrapping gifts hehehe.  We're having the parents over for Christmas eve... mum is bringing the prawns and salmon, I'm in charge of whipping up some salads (DOK, ty for the layered salad link!  that's one we haven't had in a while so I'm definitely making that).   We'll have champagne and nibbles and the boys will get their gifts from Nan & grandpa that night... cause I'm a softie hehe.  

On Christmas day I'm going to cave in & crank the air con up and roast a turkey breast ;) make stuffing, rolls and some veggies.  It's supposed to be iffy in the weather department here the entire week so lets hope we get a wee break and some sunlight ;)

I'm sure there was something else I wanted to post, but I have a headache and I'm scatterbrained... might come back later if I remember!

[Valerie.Qc]

Another busy week-end...

Yesterday, we had Santa's parade and Children's Christmas in our little town; DD2 ended up with 3 gifts! She got her regular gift from Santa (Nanny Oakes) then one for the Drawing contest (Drawing Daisy from Crayola) and a last one in a raffle (a red shovel)!  Two of the gifts need batteries... One is very loud and annoying... But she's happy. ;-) 

The Buche de Noel recipe I tried (flourless cake) is very good and that's what I,ll bring for Christmas at my sister's.

We have a little snow right now... hope it will stay! Easier to be in Holiday mood with some snow around.

I'm searching for our Sausage Stew recipe to make for Solstice... can't remember where it is... If I don't find it, I think I'll make super easy Salmon Cari...

Going to boil some more water and make a big pot of Honey Lemon water to sooth DD2 and I. Might add Marshmallow root... We both caught a cold and feel like we've been hit by a truck. ;-(

[LionessMom]

wow! i couldnt get on for 2 days and there is so much to read! 

i love the kali tat! i used to be a size 5, way back when i was 25. since then i gained and then lost a lot of weight. i was back down to a 6! right before i got pregnant again. i am only 12 weeks and look 6 months. most of that is bloating. i havent been following my diet too well. eating stuff i shouldnt bc i want it lol. 

my 8 yr old had a bday party this sat. she invited 4 friends and her half sister. one kid called to say they couldnt come, the other 3 just didnt show up. at least her sister came and 2 of her grandmas. she still had a blast. but i feel so sad for her. every year it is the same thing. no one shows up. last year her grandma didnt come either. it is always like that so she doesnt know that people have parties where all the friends show up. ioo told her that since her bday is so close to xmas that we will have a half bday this summer either early june before baby or late july after baby comes to make up for it. it will be a huge kid party at the park with the water play area and a giant picnic. and i will invite everybody! she said that sounded good and that if kids didnt come that she would still have fun with her sisters. i love that kid. there is something so special about her and her outlook on life. 

i scheduled my first midwife appt today! and yesterday met with a doula who lives 2 mi from me. she is working for her accreditation and this will be the first birth she has attended. i feel good about that as last time i didnt need all the much. ii think i mostly needed company by someone who understood. she was real nice. i like that i am helping her to realize her dream of helping women in birth. she has actually been a client of the same midwife. and DH actually sat down and shared his feelings about it with her. yay for progress with him!

DH is laid up for a couple of weeks. he had eye surgery to replace his lens and give him a vitreoctomy. he had scar tissue in there. he is supposed to be doing nothing but he strained himself and caused a small hemorraghe. i had to take him back to the hospital to get it looked at and they put him on lots more meds. he has another appt today. i am hoping for good news. he has had way too many things go wrong. i need him to heal up so he can go back to work. both for his sanity and for our pocket books. we spent too much on presents and the 8yr olds bday presents. and with living off our savings, it will be tight even though i get paid the 3rd of every month. my income is nothing after our bills are paid. but mostly i worry about his eye. he has gone through so much to try and get some sight out of it. i keep praying every day that it will work. he will be happy just to see sort of shapes out of it. 

i finally decided on what to make the grandparents for presents. little handprint ornaments and little suncatchers from a kit. they look fun and the kids love crafts. i need to get on the making homemade bread. i am going to start early thurs morning so we can eat thur night. the kids have school thur so instead of staying up all night wed we will get up a little early to welcome back the sun. we went to a CUPPS meeting the other day where they listened to stories of the solstice and the suns rebirth, made crafts, and ate food. it was tons of fun. now that my little kids are getting older it is more fun to do the holidays things with them. we always did DHs thing cause he loves it like a kid lol, but now it feels right to add my stuff to the mix. 

[wombatclay]

Ugh... I got sick on Sat (a GI bug that started at the top and worked it's way down) and am just barely human today.  Yesterday was a total blur.  SO between not having a car during the week (I still don't have a car bleh) and then not being able to do more than crawl from bed to bathroom for the entire freaking weekend... the Yule cards will be going out late (I need stamps!).

SIgh.  I have a to-do list that's a half mile long and I'm running out of time.  And I don't have a car.  And I'm sick.  LOL  This means we'll have a new year of health and happiness right?  'Cause we're using up all the ick right now, yes?  Actually I realized that this is the third year in a row that one or more of us have been sick as dogs for Yule.  I can only hope I'll feel better by the end of today and be able to get everything done tomorrow (I"ll have to drop dh off at work, get the kids to a full day of doctor visits, then finish the shopping/get stamps/wrap gifts/plan a new Yule meal because the last thing I ate was chicken and rice on Sat and there is no way in heck I am eating chicken again for a loooooooong time.).

Yay for happy birthday parties!  And boo for parties where no one shows up.  That happens a LOT here.  Like the winter spiral we threw... we had absolute "we will be there" responses from a few families and then none of them came.  And the two families that did come hadn't said they would.  Mike and I have decided that, with a family of 6, individual birthday parties are going to be too much work.  So we're going to pick a week and call it a "family birthday week" and do the "party" stuff then.  On an actual birthday we'll let the birthday kid pick the meal or craft or movie or something special, but it'll be the "party week" that has all the nifty stuff so we can just kind of do it and be done.  LOL

Ok, the computer is killing my headache... hang in there all!

[vydalea]

DoK: The party sounds AWESOME.  So glad to hear that it went smoothly.  Hooray!  and, happy birthday to your Roo!! 
 

Originally Posted by FeralFox 

The tat happened when I was already pregnant, but barely.  I did a lot of research online about infection risk, and in the end decided that I trusted my shop (and Kali) enough to go through with it.  I'm very glad I did.  Husband got his very first tattoo a week later!

Feral, I hope you know I wasn't being judge-y -- I didn't even think about infection or anything (i'm horrible!) I was just peeing my pants with excitement for you since you had concerns about how Kali wanted you to proceed with tattoo/TTC and it all went down so perfectly timed for you!  Really, really, really, fricken cool.  LOVE!  

Originally Posted by Wolfcat 

We are finalizing our plans (keeping it basic) for Yule. We decided not to travel over 400 miles this holiday season, so that eliminates a TON of stress.

Oh, and I got a promotion at work.

WAHOOOO!!!  to both!  We cut a bunch of travel out of our holidays last year and it made it so much more enjoyable.  And a promotion -  that's just spectacular!!!  

Maia: I'll echo everyone to tell you that you're beautiful and timeless. 

Thank the Goddess that you got your seat assignment all figured out and can rest easy.  How fun that you can ring in the New Year with M!!  So cute.  
 

Cari: your summer sounds like it's going nicely.  I know you said you seriously dislike the heat so I'm glad to hear it's been mild so you can actually be outside with the kiddos.

Valerie: I hope you feel better by the time the holidays are here...which of course, is so soon!!  I've never heard of Marshmallow Root... can you tell me more about it?  What does it taste like?  Do you use it for sore throats or colds or just to make the body feel better?

I am feeling super, super in the holiday spirit today!  I got most of the presents finished adn wrapped this weekend.  I'm giving the grandparents "treasure boxes" to put special Z keepsakes in.  Painting them has been a much bigger undertaking than i thought it would be but they are NEARLY done!  and then... WE BAKE!  woohooo!!!  kitchen meditations!!  weeeeeee!!!

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by CariOfOz (DOK, ty for the layered salad link!  that's one we haven't had in a while so I'm definitely making that)

Yay, Cari, missed you! What's this layered salad? It sounds NOM.

Originally Posted by Valerie.Qc Going to boil some more water and make a big pot of Honey Lemon water to sooth DD2 and I. Might add Marshmallow root... We both caught a cold and feel like we've been hit by a truck. ;-(

Add fresh garlic, srsly. Aviva Jill Romm has this garlic lemonade recipe that kicks butt, for getting rid of ickies (CLAY, are you listening too?). I just whipped up a gallon of it for my very sick best friend. I hope they're feeling better, actually; I need to call her! But she had no voice at all, the other day, poor thing. I don't want to stress her voice out any more than I have to.

Sausage in a stew? Now yum, that's an idea

Lioness, wow about your DH. I hope he's up and running soon. That sounds very unfun. And ITA about the birthday party issue. That happens with my ds, too, only-- he's an only, so when nobody shows up, it's extra sad. I try to overinvite just a bit, and if everybody shows, oh well. They never do, though. But they have this weird habit in this town of asking (or just assuming!) that siblings are invited, too. TOTALLY pisses me off, that one does. Um, no-- if I wanted siblings, they'd have been on the invitation

Off to finish wrapping, while I can. DS gets off at 1:30 on Mondays, and he's off for winter break on Wednesday at noon I need to get working!

[Maiasaura]

Who was talking about latkes earlier? Here are low carb ideas: http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/b/2010/12/04/the-original-latkes-were-low-carb.htm?nl=1

[DaughterOfKali]

Here's the link to the layered salad:  http://www.abeachcottage.com/2011/12/beach-cottage-too-easy-recipe-christmas-layered-salad.html
 

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Yay, Cari, missed you! What's this layered salad? It sounds NOM.

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali 

Here's the link to the layered salad:  http://www.abeachcottage.com/2011/12/beach-cottage-too-easy-recipe-christmas-layered-salad.html
 

Oh. My. Gods. I can have all of this except the peas. I am SO going to make this at some point. Thank you! YUMMY!

[FeralFox]

Vydalea - I didn't think you were being judgey, just wanted to clear up that question for whomever might be curious.  I agree with you on the timing, it was too perfect.  care to share pics of your treasure boxes when they're done?

Wolfcat - Congrats on the promotion, and on being able to stay home for the holidays!

Lioness - Healing vibes to your hubby!

Maia - Good job with the wrapping, I haven't even started mine yet!  And I'm glad to hear everything worked out well for your flight!

I'm at work right now (usually am when I'm online, no interwebs at home) after having to take three different buses to get here, because my usual bus decided to just not show up.  That is all too common in this city.  I really can't wait to get out of here!

I'm working tomorrow night too so I have to sleep tomorrow, but I also have to clean up and organize like crazy to get everything readcy for the holiday.  Badger comes down Wednesday morning, so I want to have the house tidied up and his gifts wrapped by then.  The in-laws are being so accomidating, I don't know what to think.  They've agreed that we'll come over on Yule, and we'll do our dinner and gifts with that that day, on our holiday, rather than having to do it on xmas.  I'm impressed - maybe they're starting to accept that this whole polytheism thing is our true belief and not a phase we're going through, lol.

[Valerie.Qc]

This is a page about marshmallow root: http://www.learningherbs.com/marshmallow_root.html

I've used it in hot/warm infusion but will try the cold infusion...

The taste... well... I tend to use it with other herbs... I haven't tasted "nature" but, being a root, I guess it's a little "earthy". ;-)

Thank you Maia for the reminder about garlic! Today, we'll eat garlic in honey a few times...

[revolting]

Originally Posted by 3xMama 

I'm thinking about doing a Yule Log, too. I'm a little intimidated by it, but DH has done them before so I'd at least have someone to ask for help! And since we can't burn a Yule Log, at least we could eat one!!

Man, all this talk of Yule Logs makes me wish I was up to doing that this year! I tried to make meringue cookies this morning, and it was a total disaster. Anyone have a recipe they really like?

Originally Posted by _ktg_ 
 

Yule is looking like a bit of crazyness for us because of Hanukkah and also we've been invited to a friends for a holiday party that night, but I'm totally doing a buche de Noel again this year as it was super fun last year.   I will also keep my eyes spied for a yule log to drill into!  Yay for power tools!!!

You know, going into the holidays, I thought it would be cool that Solstice, Hanukkah, and Christmas all intersect this year, but I think I prefer last years more spaced out holidays.

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Ye Gods, I'm just-turned-52 and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I've quit so many things I've started. Like nursing school. Twice. I'm happy just being a mom, but by Fall of 2013 I will have to have a job. My annuity that I've been living on runs out then. I have to find some way to make $1039/month. And I haven't worked since 1999. Yikes.

I tried to get into nursing school, too, but with a kid, just getting into the coveted pre-reqs at times I could actually make work with childcare was impossible.

BTW, thanks for all the wonderful support on the age thing.
 

Originally Posted by LionessMom 

Oh Yule is next week! yay. i better get to wrapping presents! the kids actually have school that day so we will probably wait till sun on xmas to open presents. but i want to make an awesome dinner and gingerbread men. and some homemade bread. and read a book about the solstice! 

Wrapping presents? I have to finish presents: why am I playing on the internet again? LOL.

 

Originally Posted by 3xMama 

My dad got some good news yesterday mostly just in the fact that this new dr isn't assuming he's full of hooey and really is in a lot of pain. They are going to run several tests to see if there's an infection, if the implant is loose or if his body is rejecting the implant and going from there. They didn't discuss solutions but it was nice that the dr is willing to look at possibilities for the amount of pain he's in rather than just writing it off to low pain tolerance. The dr also said hip replacements are generally more difficult for ppl with osteonecrosis and they have more complications which is something Dad was not told. But he also said Dad should be able to get 5-10 years out of his left hip before that needs to be replaced. The bone is still pretty strong and no where near collapsing so that's a huge positive. If Dad could just go two years without surgery and pain I think he'd be a whole new man!!

Glad to hear some good news about your father!

Originally Posted by wombatclay 

Random- DH was in a car accident last night!  He said an older woman in a red car was driving really oddly, then she cut in front of him, slammed on her brakes, he hit her, she sped up and hit another car.  DH and the other driver both pulled over and expected her to as well but she didn't.... she just kept going!  DH is ok, the airbags didn't go off or anything, but the hood is all crumpled and the grill/radiator is smashed in.  The other driver (the one the lady rear ended/side swiped) had a bunch of scrapes and dings.  We're trapped at home since dh has to use the minivan till the subaru is fixed but ugh!  I'm so glad he's ok but what the heck?  The woman MUST have known she'd been hit and although she could get in trouble for reckless driving being hit from behind is automatically "not her fault" in terms of insurance (though her hitting the other guy could have been a problem).  I wonder if she didn't have insurance or something?  DH said she was weaving in and out of lanes, and was driving right down the yellow line at one point.  So maybe she was on something?  I'm just glad there wasn't a bigger crash... that section of road has a lot of pedestrians (it's a major bus stop so people are running to catch buses and there are a number of restraunts/bars/coffee shops there too so lots of foot traffic) and it could have been really bad.

39% interest? That's just usury. And that sucks about the hit-and-run. Glad he's okay!

My big kid found a dead mouse in the closet this morning. Ugh! We just caulked up the closet really well, even though we didn't see any mouse holes just in case because we kept seeing them run in and out of there. Where are they coming from??? Upstairs neighbors have mice, too...the rest of the neighbors, I'm not sure since they don't speak much English yet.

Edited by revolting - 12/20/11 at 7:20am

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by FeralFox Maia - Good job with the wrapping, I haven't even started mine yet!  And I'm glad to hear everything worked out well for your flight!

Oh, that's just ds's stuff I have to do it while he's at school, and he only has one more half-day till he's on vacay. Everybody else except my mom is getting a basket of stuff. Check this out: Dollar Tree has basket bags! Two in a bag for $1.00. So cool! So I am not wrapping what's in the baskets, just putting the whole basket in the bag and putting a bow on.
 

Originally Posted by revolting I tried to get into nursing school, too, but with a kid, just getting into the coveted pre-reqs at times I could actually make work with childcare was impossible.

I know; I had to have someone move in, in order to do it, as y'all know I'm a single mom. I gave her free rent in exchange. Hey, y'all, guess what? I signed up for a drawing class next semester. I used to draw/paint/do artwork for years and years, long ago, but my muse went on vacation and hasn't really shown up since. This is a nature drawing class. I'm excited but nervous!