one for me, two for you

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 10!

Day 10, the last day of vacation...

One last day of lyin' around in bed in the hotel bein' lazy and takin' our time before heading off to real life.  But first, back to the Picasso Cafe that we fell in love with the last time we were in OKC.  We were pretty excited to be there on a Sunday morning so we could experience brunch, which we'd heard was out of this world.

Vanilla haze coffee for me (Yes, this would be considered an adult beverage.  Hey, I'm on vacation!)!Next, the Artisan Cheese Plate, with three cheeses I literally don't remember the names to!

Sweet crepes, with bananas and strawberry sauce for moi.  Marc got eggs benedict, and I did take the picture, just can't find it.  You're probably getting tired of pictures of my food anyway!One last movie, The Fighter.  Excellent!Then pick up my little men to head home.  They zonked.The most perfectly timed, nap filled ride from OKC to Tulsa to date!Then, to Mimi's for Christmas over there!Then home for Christmas at Mommy's, finally!Say cheese!We're in love with the Pigeon books, thanks to Aunt Megan!One for each...So cute, Aidan was way excited about candy canes with Nick Jr. characters on them!And the gifts from Santa:  Star Wars Legos for Mr. Aidan.And a helicopter for Mr. Alec.  He's hugging it...awwweee!And he loves his new Yo Gabba Gabba nap mat!

All in all, a very sucessful vacation and Christmas, complete with wonderful, activity filled time with the kids, and sweet, memorable moments with my Love, kid-free.  I'm so very thankful for everything and every person in my life, and sweet Jesus giving us a reason for a holiday of giving and receiving.

And...on to the next adventure! 

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 9

It's interesting to wake up on Christmas morning in a hotel.  No tree, no kids clamouring to open their presents, just quiet.  You can lie around as long as you want to and leisurely make some mediocre hotel room coffee and listen to the birds sing.  We'd already planned on mimosas, so Marcalish got dressed to go track us down some OJ, and found a stocking at our door!  Yay!Ho Ho Ho!When we popped the cork, it sounded like gunfire!  We were really glad we didn't shoot a hole in the ceiling.  Or shoot one of our eyes out (which is doubly funny since A Christmas Story was on all day long on TBS)!

Cheers!Headed downstairs for an amazing Christmas morning brunch at the hotel cafe.  Smoked ham, bacon, sun-dried tomato risotto, ommelette made to order with swiss, cheddar, spinach, tomatoes, and onions!I think Marc got one of everything!  I love his grin peeking through in this pic.We walked over to the Harkins theatre in Bricktown for a movie.  This is no small adventure.  It was literally the second time we've ever gone to the movies together, just the two of us.  And the last time was our first trip to OKC!  Unless you count the drive in...

It was a frigid walk to be sure, but it was nice to get some exercise, and truly wasn't that far.  We saw True Grit, which was really good.  And no joke, there is a movie coming out about gnomes.  This is really becoming a hilarious theme in our lives.  I didn't get a pic, but here's the IMDb page.

On the way back to the hotel, we passed this shop I've never seen before.  Looks delightful!  Of course it was closed Christmsas day, but I plan to come back and check it out another time.  Reminds me of Ms. Sarah and her s'moregasm cupcakes and oreo balls.  She would be famous with a store like this!Stop off at the hotel for socks for me, bundle up again and off to walk to the ice skating rink behind the municipal building in OKC.  Burr!Christmas in OKC - love the lights!After we walked on dead downtown streets, into the wind, for what seemed like an eternity, we finally found civilization, Christmas music (which was skipping), and a big hunk of ice.Cheeeese!  Insert cute pic here!Let's just say niether of us had been skating in quite some time, and we were a little trepidatious, but we carried on like good soldiers.  I honed my ballet skills.And refused to put my arms down while skating.  I was DETERMINED not to fall on the ice.  Marc teased me, saying, "You're flying!  You're flying!"Marc honed his smartass skills and...well, at least he didn't fall.We skated just long enough for our toes to go numb and our ankles to start hurting, then opted for hot chocolate and a warm cinnamon roll (complete with a big glob of melted butter on top!), before heading back to the hotel.We spent some more time being lazy at the hotel, watched the end of Knocked Up and Grease, then got all snazzed up for our fancy dinner at Deep Fork!  Look at that guy!  He cleans up pretty nice!And there's my beautiful new coat I got for Christmas!We settled in with wine and bread, then had some great shrimp ceviche as an appetizer, and salads.Marc got the rack of lamb, which I tasted, but wasn't super excited about it.  He loved it!I got the serloin, which was delicious;  I was just so full from the bread and pre-dinner courses I couldn't come close to finishing it!  But everything was so yummy and it was a great experience!Our next plan was to pick up coffee and find some playing cards and head back to the room and play gin rummy, but we never found any cards, and our Starbucks did not keep us awake any longer!  We fell asleep on the early side of things, and have no shame in it whatsoever!

It was a Christmas to remember for sure!

Tomorrow, looking forward to a Sunday Brunch, possibly one more movie, then picking up my sweet little men and finally getting Christmas with them! 

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 8

Day 8 began as a slow going and lazy one.  Without my kids around, we didn't get up until about 8:30 - WAHOO!  Took our time with coffee, Marc and his kids had some skype action goin' on with Grandma and Grandpa in Florida, and I caught up on my blog.  Finally, around lunch time we all got ourselves cleaned up and ventured out for the afternoon.  Marc had some last minute shopping to do, so the kids had to go with me.  Headed to Utica Square to pick up my Scentsy order from a friend who works at J. Jill, and found myself a little more than Scentsy!  Uggs!  I know I'm about 13 years behind on the times with these, but I'm psyched.  She gave me a $50 off coupon, as well as an internet promotion discount, so that justified the purchase in my book.  Merry Christmas to me!  Is it wrong to purchase something for yourself off your Christmas list before Christmas?Sadly, the favorite lunch spot, Queenies, closed at noon on Christmas Eve, so we went around the corner to Peppers.  Hey, they have coloring sheets and free chips!These kids are so cute.  I think Carter kinda looks like an owl here.Corrinne asked why I didn't get a coloring sheet.  I remedied that!Next up: our little Christmas with the kids before they go to their mom's.  Marc's presents are there for them, but I wanted to give them a little something, and of course we had to do our stockings!They were psyched about the Tech Decks I found at Big Lots!  (Just don't remind us of the lost miniature nut that got lost in the shag rug shortly thereafter...)Marc got a surprise in his stocking!  At first, we thought it was just a little book about gnomes, But, Oh No!  It's a real tiny gnome!  They've found us again! S#%*@!!Don't forget the ambiance...Carter's gift - always a good feeling when they say, "This is just what I was wanting!"Corrinne ripped through the paper so fast you can barely see her arm in the picture!Yay!I've had such a sweet time having a whole week with Marc's kids.  We usually only have them for the weekend, and I don't always get one on one time with them.  I was a little sad to see them go when we dropped them off for the night. 

So, what do we do with no kids for Christmas?  Get out of town!  We made a stop at the liquor store before getting on the road.  I can't get over this face as Marc picks something out for himself...Something for mimosas in the morning...Something for Missy...And something to keep in mind for the future!Even though I still have a hard time saying the name of the convenience store out loud and don't know why anyone thought that was a good idea, thanks for the free coffee!Don't mind if I do!  My only option to get mocha was super charged with extra caffeine.Grab a couple snacks, get on the road to OKC, and bada bing, bada boom, we're there!  I landed like this on the bed and couldn't make myself get up to go down to the restaurant for dinner.  So much for the Mocha Charger, huh!

Oh well!  That's what room service is for! 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! 

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 7

Ahhh, Day 7.  Day 7 started early to take my kiddos to drop them off with their dad for the holiday (trying not to think about my first Christmas without them), then Marc, Carter, Corrinne and I headed to Mimi's Cafe for an amazing breakfast.  If you've never had their breakfast, GO!  Their eggs benedict are out of this world.  Marc got their eggs florentine benedict (which are amazing with spinach, tomatoes and bacon) and I got their crown jewel, crab cakes benedict (no words can describe them).

We tooled around a bit and ran a couple errands then came home to be lazy.  I'm really enjoying our Christmas card collection.And I'm snugglin' on the couch, enjoying the view.Of course, we've got to get a pic of the snuggles.Marc said he looked like a dweeb in that pic so I had to take another one.He said he still looked like a dweeb, a word I was hoping he'd say again because I'm pretty sure I hadn't heard it since the 8th grade!

THEN, I got some Mommy time.  Mommy Love.  I found a gift card from LAST Christmas for a spa treatment and made an appointment for a milk and honey pedicure at Spa Lux.  Which was a burn to Marc, because he got me a gift certificate for the exact same thing (along with a manicure and a swedish massage) but I assured him it's FINE and that that present with NEVER get old and I WILL use it!!

Here is Spa Lux.  P. T. L.Happy Missy.Some fur ball attacked me on the gorgeous leather sofa.And I was served some delightful vanilla caramel tea!Then I had the most delightful hour in...who knows how long...and I came out with these lovely little piggies!Next on the agenda was running to Big Lots to get stocking stuffers.Wahoo!  The kids said they wanted Tech Decks for Christmas and Big Lots has them cheap!! Gotta love this place.^#%$#@^%*!!!  They found me.  I don't know how but they found me.AND I've been craving an orange cranberry scone for days, so it was time!  That with a Starbucks mocha, again, made a very happy Missy!Next on the agenda, Target (pronounced tar-jay).  Do you think Marc knows I'm having an affair?Once I got home we headed over to my mom's, Mimi's, for Carter and Corrinne to open their gifts from her.  Happy kids!And Marc and I couldn't wait any longer.  We did our Christmas with each other since our whole Christmas day thing is going to be weird anyway.  I'm pretty stoked about the gift I got him.  An old turntable I found on Craig's List along with Pet Sounds and The Stranger on vinyl.  I must say I'm pretty proud; he said it was the BEST present he's ever gotten.  *blushing grin*Yay!  He got me an adorable sweater...And a gorgeous coat from Fossil, which I totally needed and totally would have never bought for myself.  That combined with the gift certificate for Spa Lux makes one freaking incredible Christmas.  I love you honey!!

The rest of the night was spent listening to Pet Sounds the way it originally was played, along with some white russians, as I have already mentioned...God only knows what I'd be without you...

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 6

Well, well, well...I woke up on Day 6 early, and couldn't go back to sleep.  I was pretty sure the novelty of being a stay-at-home-mom was starting to wear off.  So I actually felt excited about waking up early and having some time to myself before children woke up, to sit and watch the news and work on my blog and leisurely sip some coffee.  But we all know what happens when mom wakes up early thinking she'll get some her time.Even HE doesn't look happy about it!  We made due though.  He kept me company and we watched some cartoons, while Alec slept in til 8:40!!  Poor kid was pooped.  Since I was feeling pooped from all our activities, I farted around most of the morning, when I should have been cleaning, then finally did a mad clean up before lunch.  The carpet was DISGUSTING so I was determined to get things picked up enough to vacuum before we got out of the house, which made me late (just call me Linda) to our lunch date at my brother's house!  My sister-in-law is a teacher so she's off for Christmas Break with her kids and invited us over to sammies and romping around outside, so I took her up on it.  We got some good mommy chat time and the kids enjoyed themselves!

Then we stopped over for a visit with Yaya (my best friend's mom, who is like a mother to me and in turn another grandma to my kiddos)!  We needed to return a movie rental to her and she had gifts for all the kids...As if they hadn't already had enough sugar over the holidays...Yikes!  On the way home we stopped and picked up some construction paper and glue sticks because the children had been begging to make homemade ornaments.  *Sigh* another project.

I complied.  I got out the printer so they could print off pictures to color.  And this......became this......and then there was a nerds explosion......and mommy was glad Yaya gave her her own sugar...The kids really did work hard and enjoy themselves being crafty.And made some cool ornaments!A little bit later that evening my friend Megan from high school came over to learn the ropes of her sewing machine.  She's had it for a while but didn't know how to use it, so I told her I'd help her figure it out.  I got out my machine and apron kit thinking I might be able to get started on my own project (which never happened because I had monkeys I had to tend to in between giving instructions...).And before she showed up I decided to get my crownie on.Which are chocolate chip cookie dough brownies.  I normally make them with ganache, but I just used some store-bought frosting, because I knew this one was dairy free so Aidan could eat it!

Here they are fresh out of the oven!As I was frosting them, the kids joined me and wanted some licks out of the can.

...as if they hadn't already had enough sugar for the day...Corrinne also came to help Megan with her little project.  Hi Megan!  You're on candid camera!Her lesson was successful and she learned how to use her machine.  Very well I might add!!  The whipped up a little gift in just a couple of minutes to give to Corrinne for being her helper.  So sweet!

And then Marc finally made it home from work after a very long couple of days, and I was very glad to see him.  Especially knowing he didn't have to work the next day and we'd officially be able to start our Christmas vacation together!

Whew!  What a tiring few days, looking forward to some days of relaxation to round out the Ten Days of Christmas! 

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,

I know I owe you a post from both Days 6 and 7 of the Ten Days of Christmas, but I already had two glasses of wine at Mimis' and have now begun one of Marc's "infamous" white russians, have also thus had several typos in this sentence already, and am now waiting for him to get Pet Sounds running on his new turntable he got for Christmas (you're welcome, my love); I also think it's pretty cool that this entire letter is all one sentence.

Love,

Missy

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 5

Day 5 started with hauling out a LOT of trash and junk in the garage out to the curb, then the usual making of the coffee and feeding of the baby chicks.  Aidan requested chocolate chip pancakes and I couldn't say no.  Shortly the bigs and one little made their way outside to explore, and the last little decided to stay close to home.  He kept me company at the kitchen table with his work while I pecked away at the computer.  Mimi had just asked if I thought he would like a Play-dough fun factory hamburger shop for Christmas.  I think he'll be fine with that.As I worked on my blog for Day 4, I was distracted by the compost pile in the back yard.  The kids seem to find projects constantly that involve various forms of garbage for building forts and such, and it appeared they had dug into the old squishy pumpkins.  I know, ew.  Anyway, I stepped out just to turn the compost and gather the bits of veggies that had been dispersed and put them back in.  I was delighted to find a nice, rich, earthy-smelling pile of compost and soil underneath as I turned it - just as it should be!  I then raked up a few scattered leaves in the yard to add to the mix.  As I was raking, I found a little friend in an overgrown "weed bed" (project #45628 awaiting us).Whats HILARIOUS about this is several weeks ago, Marc and I ran across How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack at Barnes and Noble.  There is a whole chapter on recognizing whether or not you're at risk for an attack, and one of the risk factors is actually having gnomes in your yard.  Another is when you notice that something different is in your yard, or if a gnome is in a different place one day than it was on a previous day.  I will be sure to check his location today, and also search for any others that may have joined him in the night.

After my intruder discovery, I found the boys sharing their library books with some neighborhood friends.  I ADORE this about our neighborhood.  The kids all play together, outside, everyday.  The migrate from one backyard to another, riding bikes and creating adventures.  And as much as it drives me bonkers to constantly find debris in the yard from one of their latest projects, I'm overjoyed that they're using their imaginations building forts and acting out elaborate scenes.  Yesterday I was served a leaf and grass pizza in a mangled Pizza Hut box.  Love it!!Speaking of neighbors, shortly after a lunch of pigs in a blanket (for the wee ones) and homemade tomato basil pizza (for me), our neighbor from across the street knocked and asked if I would be home for a couple of hours and if I could keep an eye on his kiddo while he and his wife finished up their Christmas shopping for him.  Uh, duh, of course!  So, on our errands to Akin's and Wally World, we had a stowaway!Along with two happy littles and one disgruntled big in the back seat.While at Wal-Mart, Alec wanted to be the leader, so the others marched behind him while he sang, "We're following the leader, the leader, the leader..."We needed a few more supplies for oreo ball and crownie making, as well as projects for the kids, who, even with beautiful weather outside, can still get cabin fever on Christmas Break!

$3 Dino Dig for Carter (go figure):$3 Clay Art for the others:And $9 Apron Kit for Mom:I also bought Uno for the kids, which we'll work on teaching them tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

We took a break in the projects to meet Marc at Carl's Jr. for dinner.  He was pretty pooped from a long day, and he's growing out his hair; doesn't it look great?After dinner, we headed home to finish our art projects and settle in for a movie (Night at the Museum 2 from the Library!)

But before we started the movie, Carter finally dug out his dinosoar:Aidan made a cat out of his clay:Alec made...something...Corrinne made a bee and an owl, very impressive!And Cheeto (the gecko) got a Christmas present.  Corrinne found a kid's meal toy in the play area and decided to bestow it on him.  Merry Christmas Cheeto!

And I...am pooped...

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 4

Today, I got to be a stay-at-home-mom.  Now, I've been a SAHM before, and I KNOW it can be overwhelming and isolating.  However; when you work full time and constantly feel like there is never enough time for anything, kids, boyfriend, self, houswork, ANYTHING, the opportunity to act as one is refreshing (for me anyway).

I missed the opportunity to snap a pic of the campout in the boys' room with their pop up tent and two folding chairs with Corrinne joining the adventure, but soon one of the chairs made it downstairs.  Enter Alec, and his new favorite spot.  He would literally stay here all day if you let him.  Please note the camo boots.  He would also eat, sleep and bathe in those if I'd let him. 
After playin' around the house and outside for a bit, we braved Old Navy to get Carter some pants that fit him, which THOROUGHLY embarrassed him (as most things do these days), then Target for some supplies (I saved $14 in coupons, thank you), then met up with Aunt Jeannie, Jack and James at the dollar theatre for 3D Legends of the Guardians!Funny thing about it was that Movies 8 is where I used to go as a middle and high-schooler.  I remember getting dropped off by my mom and paging her on the payphone when I was ready to be picked up.  She would always tell me to call/page as SOON as the movie was over.  Of course I would wait until we met up with boys at Fun House for a bit before calling her.  I have no idea how I thought she didn't know that...

Outside we found a strangely familiar satue...And another statue at the library.  We asked him what he was reading; according to Corrinne it was Popular Science.  Aidan tried to get his soda, but he was kinda stingy.The Library is SUCH an excellent adventure for the kids.  The bigs are engrossed.So are the littles.And in the car, a love for dinosoars is shared.As we got in the car, leaving the library, Corrinne asked to go to the park, "plllleeeeeaaaaasssseee!"  I thought that was a pretty good idea considering how much sugar those kids consumed at the movies!  Teeter totter:Happy Momma.Carter found Lady Loch Ness and specifically asked that we take her picture.Got invited into a car that was much to small for me.  My head stuck out of the roof, but Alec was driving and said we were going to see Aunt Megan.  *tear*Pretty, pretty girl!Went home for a mad rush of a dinner, then headed out to Rhema to see the lights.  Can you believe I've lived in Tulsa my WHOLE LIFE, and NEVER been out to Rhema to see their lights?  I didn't even know you could get out and walk around!!  While we were on the bridge (with a full arc of lights covering) the lights were timed with the music playing.  Carol of the Bells was playing and it was actually really really cool, though the kids were a little weirded out!I was mezmerized...Awe, Daddy Daughter pic!We then endured Aidan and Alec running off numerous times, extensive whining (no naps for either of them), got home and got the littles in bed, THEN cocoa.  Hot cocoa, made real on the stove with Ghiradelli cocoa, sugar in the raw, evaporated milk and milk.  A little whip on top and mmmmmmmm!Then, just because, I'll leave you with a shot of Buzz and Woody. Peace out folks!  Onto Day 5, which has already begun because I didn't blog last night!  Oh so many delightful things for me to share with you when today is done. 

Just you wait 'enry 'iggins, just you wait!

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 3

Sunday, bloody Sunday...

Ok, I need a better song to start out Sunday.  Sundays always seem to be a little lazier than Saturday.  We're all more likely to sleep in a bit longer.  Kids didn't start knocking until at LEAST 7:30 AM.  Talk about a Christmas miracle, and it's not even Christmas yet!

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I cooked up some strawberry and blueberry pancakes.  Ooh...ahhh...

Aidan was a happy camper!  He ate 3 huge ones!

Then I was determined to make that lasagna.  One for the adults: with spinach, ricotta, sauteed red onions with baby portabellas, sauce, sausage and hamburger meat.  One for the wee ones: basically just noodles, sauce and meat.  I went ahead and sprinkled some of Aidan's soy cheese on top.  Aidie jumped on the trampoline singing and talking to himself while I cooked. 

I guess I ran out of picture juice or brain juice b/c I didn't get a picture, but if you've ever seen lasagna, it looked like that.  Not much new there.  It was yummy though, just not enough sauce on the grown up pan.

We crashed my two year old nephew's birthday party, came home for naps...poor little reindeer was worn out!
Then I got going with dinner.  Got the lasagna in the oven and fed the troops. 

All in all it was a very satisfying day.  While the gorgeous sun was out the kids got plenty of playtime outside, and when the sun went down we all just sat together in the living room with Christmas movies on the tube, coloring, stickers, card games and the like all in the mix.  Marc and I got several hands of gin rummy in, and even started teaching Corrinne the ropes...

Oh no!!  I just remembered we were going to do Rhema lights tonight!  Darn.  Well, good thing there's tomorrow.  I'd like to get the day started early with outings for the kids.  After cleaning up the house tonight, I think it's possible to keep it that way tomorrow.  Library?  Park?  We need to see what free activities are going on...maybe hit up Wally World for some arts and crafts (though that kinda goes against the whole keeping-the-house-clean plan)...we'll see. 

So much to do...SO much time!

Ten Days of Christmas - Day 2

Saturday was a delightful kickoff to Christmas Vacation.  As was planned, I started the day by taking my time with my coffee, and catching up on some blogging while Marc cooked up some yummy breakfast: hashbrowns and eggs a la Marc.  Got the kitchen uber clean and made some banana bread (Mom's kona banana bread if anyone's keeping track!).

All the while I was buzzing around the house, Charlie Brown's Christmas specials seemed to be on repeat on the apple tv.  My boys couldn't get enough of it (especially Alec), and I can't get enough of THAT!

Corrinne and I got some girl time and went to the mall to get my eyebrows threaded, did a little shopping...
THEN we got papmered with manicures!  We went to Elegant Nails, though it seemed a lot like Beaufitul Nail.  I didn't get any pics of the filing and painting because, well, my hands were occupied, but once we got under the dryer I was able to find a free hand!It was hard to tell if she was enjoying herself while they were painting, she seemed so bashful, but by the end I think she was having an alright time!
Pink and white zebra stripes for her and french manicure for me!  My thumbs have snowflakes on them, since Corrinne wanted me to get something "kinda like hers" though!Once we got home, I went about more cleaning and laundry while the kiddos (three if you count Marc) napped.  I know it doesn't sound exciting but for some reason I'm thoroughly enjoying domestic things on my time off.  The fact that I have the TIME to do things today, knowing I'll have plenty of time tomorrow to do more things is incredibly freeing!

When the boys woke up we headed over to Nana and Papa's house for a visit.  Aidan had an American Flag he had made for Papa on Veteran's Day that we still hadn't had a chance to present to him.  It was a very sweet moment; it was all I could do to get my phone out of my pocket to snap the moment quickly!We had snacks and visited and nearly broke a clock and the coffee table but we made it out of there in one piece and I think Nana and Papa were happy to see us!  Sadly, by the time I made it home, the big kids had already eaten because they couldn't wait any longer for the lasagna, so we had to save that for the next day!  But we cleaned out the leftovers, then kids snuggled up to their own movie while we snuggled up to ours.

Crashed out pretty early, which made a delightful end to a delightful day!