DRAMA Queen!!!

It's so hard raising girls!! Drama, Drama and more drama. I've just about had it with my oldest.  She and I butt heads so much.  Tonight she was so disrespectful.  Dan's parents arrived tonight from Canada and the four girls decided to play Wii bowling.  It was my first time to play and I needed help.  It was also grandmaman's first time and she too needed help.  Megan was more than willing to show her grandmother respect.  (she would have really been in deep $%%^) But with me, she rolled her eyes, pretended as if I was stupid, etc.  I ignored her. Why you might ask? Well because her grandmother had just arrived and I didn't want to ruin the evening by sending Megan to her room or screaming at the top of my lungs.   So once Wii was over, it was time for the girls to go to bed.  When I went to put Megan to bed, she starts in on me about another subject that is too long to mention.  I'll just say, she was suppose to be in the school talent show and now she isn't partly because of me. So as I say good night to her, waiting for my nightly hug, she tries to avoid hugging or saying good night to me. So that's when I let her have it.  I left the room mad.  Plus Emotional!! My feelings were hurt.  I love her so much and she acts like a brat!!! Am I to blame for her behavior? I do remember behaving much the same way with my mother. I thought my mother was so DUMB.  I know hormones are to blame too!! But she's 10 not 15. I don't remember having the same feelings in 4th grade. High School- yes, but this is just way too early.  Are the tv shows to blame? Icarly, hannah montana, zack and cody???  Whatever it is-it's uncalled for!!! So what's my solution?? I'm not sure. I think I will start with a prayer.  I'm so not ready for what's ahead.  Boys, Friends who are mean, Brokenhearts, driving.   Oh.. I could just cry thinking about all of it!!  

Ok.. Julie..ENOUGH!!!!Lift your head..Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Your not the first mother whose daughter acted like a spoiled brat. Tomorrow is a new day.  Take one day at a time!!! 

Christmas Blankets

I wanted to share the pictures of our blankets we made from fleece.  Megan and Rachel's school made 103 blankets for the Salvation army and since then we have been busy making our own blankets to give as Christmas gifts.  Today we made one for my granny who is a breast cancer survivor. It is pink on one side and the other side has pink ribbons.  If you are looking for a great homemade gift, this is perfect and inexpensive.  I love homemade gifts.  

Trip to Asia

I've been back from Asia almost 4 weeks now and I've yet to post a blog about my awesome trip.  Mainly, I have been playing catch up.  My suit case just got put away last week.  On November 8th, we flew from JFK to Dubai, UAE.   From Dubai we flew directly to Bangkok where our trip began.  Bangkok is a big city with lots of people in it.. Also with lots of cars, mopeds, and SMOG.  Unfortunately, I can't tell you that I loved Bangkok because I did not and I have no desire to ever go there again.  I did find it interesting!! Very interesting!! The first day we were there, we went to China town.  Ok.. I found this odd because we were in Thailand but we went to China town.  I wanted to see how the Thai people lived not the Chinese.  Of course this is not your typical China town found in NY or San Fran.   After China town, we walked threw the flower market. WoW-I've never seen so many flowers.  They were celebrating their 2nd largest holiday called Loy Krathong. During this time, many people will send a raft made from the tree of a banana trunk down the river.  The raft is decorated with beautiful flowers.  So after dinner one night, we also took part in this tradition.  Some people will take part of their fingernail and place it inside their raft.  So after our walking tour of Bangkok, this somewhat set the tone of how I wanted to spend the next day in Bangkok.. IN THE SPA... So that's exactly what Dan and I did.  For dinner one night, we went to a restaurant called the Vertigo.  It's located 61 floors above the streets on the rooftop. After diner we took a cyclo to the Bangkok night bazaar.   Each night, the street closes so that vendors can sell anything from fake Pradas to fake Mont blanc pens.  After spending three nights in Bangkok we flew to Chiang Mai, Thailand.  

Chiang Mai is in Northern Thailand.  We stayed at the most fabulous Mandaran Oriental called the Dhara Dhevi. It is located on 60 acres surrounded by paddy fields and every room is a villa.  I think our villa must have been at least 2000 sqft.  It was two stories with a kitchen, living area on the first floor and on the second the bedroom and bathroom area.  It had an outside & indoor shower and also a outdoor jacuzzi.  I could have stayed there the entire time relaxing.  But!!!!!! if your going to travel almost 30 hours by air..you should probably see the sights.  So the next day...we went to the Mesa Elephant Camp and boy was that a treat.  We first hand fed bananas to the elephants. The elephants were in an open grassy area..no fences..We then learned how to climb on and off a bareback elephant.   The elephant will actually lift his foot for you to place your foot on and then you grab his ear and lift yourself up onto the gigantic animal. The Asia elephants are very gentle and much smaller than the African elephant.  From there we got on a elephant seated for two and took a 45 minute ride up the mountain.  The ride ended in a village where the Karen Long Tribe people live.  The Karen long people are known for their very long necks.  The women actually wear rings around their neck starting at a very young age adding one a year.  It is strictly for beauty.  At one time it was believed to scare off evil spirits.  The women look as if their necks are longer but actually the growth of their collar bones has been stunted over time which gives the appearance that they have longer necks in reality they do not.  The elephant experience was definitely the highlight of Chiang Mai.  Oh..I forgot to mention..the elephants can paint.  One painted the words ACURA which took him a month to learn.  

From Chiang Mai..we flew to Hanoi, Vietnam.  This was even a bigger cultural shock than Thailand.   Again..mopeds and people everywhere!! Cows unfenced..Just grazing wherever they please.  On the mopeds people carried everything.  One guy was carrying a dead pig.  

 Our first night in Vietnam was at the Temple of Literture.  For appetizers, we were served snake meat.  It tasted good but then after eating it, I was mentally disgusted.   The next day we took a helicopter to Halong Bay.  In the bay, are thousands of limestone karsts.  Basically, it looks like small mountains in the ocean. Absolutely gorgeous!!!  We took a boat from the bay to the islets and went inside one of the limestone caves.   Seeing the limestone karsts made the trip to Vietnam all worth it.   And I also might add that the people of Vietnam and Thailand were extremely friendly.  

I've left so much out!!  After being gone for almost 2 weeks it was time to return to the great USA.  But one last stop before heading home.  SINGAPORE..

We spent one night in Singapore.  Singapore was not part of the Acura trip.  Originally, we were going to be in Singapore for 5 hours waiting to board a second plane but our trip was extended so we could see the city. 

Ok..I spent way too much time at this computer trying hard to explain my adventures.  Usually I find this time to be therapeutic but this post was not. 

Precious Moments

Today I received word that a friend of a friend died. I didn't know her personally only had heard my friend speak of her.  She leaves behind a husband and two children.  She had ovarian cancer.   Life is so precious!! I feel guilty for how often I take it for granted.   I know we should enjoy every moment but sometimes it can be so hard when we get caught up with day to day activities.   God seems so unfair at times but then at other times He gives us so much.   I have today which is so awesome but my friend's friend does not.   Thank you God for all that you have given me.  

The stressed out MOM!!!

Oh..the troubles of owning a home... Our AC unit in our bedroom went out again.  I just remember paying the 600 dollar bill to have it fixed in Aug.  So.. yesterday Southmark heating and air came again to see what was the problem.  Turns out..the ac unit drain is backing up and then the tray is overflowing and damaging the control board.  This drain ties into a main pipe in the house.  So yesterday.. the Heating guy (not the plumber) tries flushing out the line, which in turn blows the pipe off.  A long story short..the heating guy is going to save me from calling a plumber... by moving the drainage line to another pipe that isn't backing up.  I not sure I even understand it all but today I am stuck at home for the 2nd day waiting on Heating & Air.  I have so much to do to get ready for our big trip.  Plus Megan's 10th birthday is Tuesday and I need to buy all the supplies for it.   I still don't know what I'm wearing on this trip.  We can only take one suitcase each.  I have enough shoes and purses to fill up one suitcase.   Next week is Book Week at school and the school has planned something for almost everyday.  Character parade, class visit to the library, milk and cookies night.  Then add on Soccer, Cheerleading, Piano and that leaves me with Zero amount of time to do anything else.  I guess you could argue that instead of blogging I could be packing.  Yesterday.. I brought down my suitcase and packed two purses, undergarments and bedtime clothes.  Now for the other 40 outfits that need to fit into one suitcase... YIKES!!!  I think Dan and I are considering a 3 suitcase and mailing it to the hotel.  Acura has limited us to the 1 suitcase not the airlines.  PLus we are planning to have clothes cleaned and just wear a 2nd time.... OMGoodness... can you imagine ME wearing an outfit a 2nd time.. I think I'll die.. hee hee..  

BUG PLAY

Rachel's 2nd grade is having a Insect play on Friday.  She is the only congress woman.  How exciting!! I can't wait to see it. For the last few weeks she has been singing the songs and they are so catchy.  I've got them stuck in my head.  The play is about taking care of our bugs and not using bug sprays.  One of the songs talks about putting a lightening bug in a glass jar. Anyway...the bugs are declaring a national bug day. So the bugs go to Congress to pass a bill of rights.   All the children will be dressed as different bugs.  Ladybugs, Grasshoppers, Butterflies, Etc... Except Rachel will be dressed as a sophisticated Congress woman.  She's wearing a black jacket of mine with a scarf and black rim glasses.   She's a great little actress.  Never afraid to speak out loud and clear.  

I'll try to post some pictures after the play.   

So next time you want to step on the cockroach crawling across your kitchen floor just remember- their here for a reason.

Lost for words

I really don't know what to write about today.  But again I thought I owed it to the computer to write so here goes...

I can't believe November is just a couple of weeks away.  This year has flown by. Megan will turn 10 next month.  DOUBLE DIGITS.  Man the years have clicked on by... 

Dan and I are going to Asia Nov. 7th and once again we are missing our daughters birthday.  Every year a trip or meeting falls on her birthday.   Well.. not every year but either we are gone or we come home a day early.  So this year I have planned her party for Nov. 4th.  She is having a skating party.  But since it is a double digit birthday we also have to plan a sleep-over.   I'm running out of days.  The sleep-over will have to wait until we return.   When I was little my mother spoiled me on my birthday.  My husband however says he and his two siblings received one cake because their birthdays were all within days of each other.  Aug 9, 10th and 12th.  I guess it makes sense to have one cake.  Anyway..Megan seems to understand.  Grandma will be here to spoil her like she spoiled me growing up.  Now speaking of birthdays... Rachel turned 8 on Oct. 3rd.  Her big party is this weekend.  We are having it in the service drive of the dealership.  Believe it or not, Dan has planned almost the entire party.  Or his assistant did but I'm not suppose to know that.   It has made me a nervous wreck not having control of this party.   So after Sunday one down 1 to go. Or 2 to go since we have to have a sleepover too.   Then there's Thanksgiving and then Christmas... It's too bad those two holidays are not spread apart more.  Maybe we could start having our Thanksgiving in Oct when the Canadians celebrate theirs.  That would be so much more convenient.  

Ok.. so I'm off to vote today.   

Soccer Etiquette

Rachel had her 2nd soccer game today.  It was an extremely busy day for her, this morning she cheered.  When I signed Rachel up for soccer, they gave us like 5 pages of rules.  1. Don't instruct from the sidelines, 2. don't yell at your kid from the sidelines. 3. Let the referee do his job and don't yell at him to instruct the kids.  This is not word for word but you get the idea. Apparently, this lady at today's game clearly did not receive the rules. Or she did not read the rules.  The kids are ages 7 and 8.  They are out there having fun.  They have no cruel intentions or is anything malicious. So this lady is yelling at another little girl to stop shoving.  And then yelling at the Referee to stop the girl from shoving.  The referee looks to be no older than 17.  I was so happy when he looked at the lady and gave her a piece of his mind.   But even before that, she was yelling at her daughter.. "Anne Wallace-get to the ball.. Hit it!!" And then when Anne Wallace would miss- she would say.. "Anne Wallace"  in a disappointing tone.  It was so ANNOYING!!!  Maybe it's her loud voice that annoys me.  Who knows!!   It just reminded me to keep yelling "WAY TO GO GIRLS!!" "Great Job Girls".. I was so proud of Rachel when she gave her teammate a high five for making a goalie.  She did this at last weeks game too.  Great Sportsmanship.

MARRIAGE

It's 10:23pm and I'm posting a blog instead of packing. Tomorrow I leave for San Diego.  Dan is there on business.  We will be celebrating 12 years of marriage.  I must say for the most part they have been 12 very happy years.  We've had our ups and downs like most couples but neither one of us has ever left.  Maybe we've wanted to leave.  I never knew where to go.. It's a good thing MAMA doesn't live close.  Hee Hee.  I'm positively certain we will be celebrating again in 12 years... Ok.. I really must pack but I thought I owed it to the COMPUTER to write a blog.. I really don't think anyone reads this.. but it makes me feel good to write my thoughts down. 

HAPPY BLOGGING!!! 

A First

So.. this is my first blog.  My daughter is helping me set up my web-page.  How come she knows more than I do? Shouldn't it be the other way around.. I guess not when it comes to computers.Any-WHO... I'm new at this so I will keep it short.   Who AM I?? Well.. I'm a mother of two lovely little girls.  Did I say lovely? Not always..but for the most part.  They are ages 9 and 7 but the 9 year old seems to think she is much older.  For some odd reason.. she wants a cell phone.  I don't know many 9 year olds walking around with a cell phone.  The 7  year old is content without a cell phone but thinks a TV in her room would be nice.  Hmmm...Typical kids!!!   Ok.. back to me... I'm also a WIFE!! Yes.. you must get married to have kids.  At least that's the word on the street.   Dan and I have been married for 11 years.   He would have so much more to write about himself than I but, then again he would never leave a blog, or create a blog.  

I said I would keep this short.  I lied!!!  More about Me.. Remember this is my blog.  What do I do??? Well besides taking care of kids, my husband and our dog,  I am currently the captain for my tennis team.  I am also the room mother for my daughter's 3rd grade class.    Nothing really all that spectacular but someone must do it.  I must say that I will be happy when my responsibilities end.    I'm talking about being room mom not taking care of kids. 

OK.. I'll go for now.. Funny because most of you reading this already know all of this.