It's here!

Remember a few years back when our president told us that the best way to fight terrorism was to go about our daily lives? We were told to go out to eat, to go shopping, to boost this economy that they were trying to destroy!

Well, we now have a TV bigger than our son. Take that, Osama!!

Yep, posting again!

Impressed aren't you!

First, congratulations to Miles for being the winner of the first Shew Box poll. I feel you ran a clean campaign, and although I was personally pulling for King Henry IIX, you are a worthy champion. I am a fan of your platform, and look forward to your tenure.

Second, highlights from the holiday break:

We introduced (and, of course, addicted) yet another family to the wonder that is Guitar Hero. Keith is right, Sony owes us a commission check.

We got our outdoor Christmas lights mostly put up. Those of you who have witnessed the progression know that we try to add at least one new element every year. This year's? Two more trees added to the colored line (you kinda gotta see it to understand, maybe I'll post a pic when it's completely finished). That's right neighbors, we love the Baby Jesus more than you!

Lots of cuddle breaks with a 2 and 4 year old. Also, having these same children cry because they didn't want to leave our house. Yes! I'm not just a "great Aunt" in name only...I live it man.

And the biggest highlight...

more days are off the calander, which means we're that much closer to the new TV being delivered!! Tomorrow is supposed to be the day. Yeah, I probably won't be blogging much for awhile. If you want to have contact with anyone in the family, put yourself in an HD signal and broadcast yourself to the family room.

Tootles.

Yum!

A rare occurance happened this evening. Abbie and Keith are both out of town for the night, so Adam and I were on our own. First, we went to Goodies and split a piece of French Silk Pie, then we were going to go to Spenser's for a smoothie and to watch our good friends Bryan and Jaron rock an original song on open-mic night...but, alas...open-mic night was trumped by karaoke night. So, Adam and I headed to Mr. Movies and rented Ratatouille, which we had both seen in the theatres, but was playing on the Mr. Movies screen when we went looking...so, in a nut shell....their marketing worked.

Anyway, the movie started me on my own personal food rant. You see, not unlike our favorite rat chef, people think I can cook. The truth is...I'm not sure about that. I feel like everytime I get the "what's for dinner" question, I have to re-invent the wheel. Remember when you were growing up and you could say "oh, my mom makes the best _________"? Well, I don't think my kids have that, mainly because I don't feel like we eat the same things very often. Now, you might think that's a plus...really, it's a lack of planning. It's 5:00, we need to eat in the next hour-ish, so I throw together what's in the fridge/pantry/cupboard and serve it. I'm trying to remember things we've eaten...and really liked...and I can't think of even one, even when I've made an effort and started with a recipe.

Which is another part of my rant. I google and print recipes...alot. I have recipes and the print date on the bottom is sometime in 1997. Remember 1997? People weren't even sure what the internet was in 1997. You would think with all these recipes, I would have those staple favorites that I make again and again. You would be wrong. Now that's not to say I never repeat dishes, I guess there is a small core. However the closest thing my kids have to the proverbial "my mom's ______________ is my absolute favorite", is the sweet potato in orange cups I make on Thanksgiving...and it's not even my recipe...it's Emeril's. *sigh*

Take it or leave it

I'm sick of every post starting with "well, it's been awhile..." or something to that effect. Here's the thing. I haven't posted regularly for some time because, well...people were reading them. People whom I didn't always know were reading them. This caused much distress.

I finally found some peace with this whole thing by adopting the following philosophy..."yeah, I wrote that...all of it...and sometimes there's mild swearing or opinions you don't like...take it or leave it".

So, I'm trying to live into a new era of blogging where I actually comment on all of your posts that I read - because you all know I read them all anyway - without fear that someone will track me down through said comment and read my blog without my knowing!! AHHH! Wait...it's fine. It's just a blog... To quote Cosmo Kramer, "That's right I'm out there baby, and I'm lovin' it!". Truthfully, I'm not sure I'm lovin' it yet, but I think I will...

In other news:

We recently painted 85% of our house a different color...I like it.

Keith is getting a new TV...possibly 2.

We've also 'tweaked' lots of areas of our house...gives us the feeling of something new without actually having to move.

The book of Daniel is currently blowing my mind.

Abbie has 8 more weeks until she can legally drive, albeit with a permit..help me.

Adam is turning into a stereotypical boy...he loves video games, football, star wars, pokemon and sharp things. I think I need to get that kid some dolls...

Keith had a birthday...so he's older...but that little rascal is still as cute as ever!

Here's some random eye candy before I go...