The M Word

Halloween Confessional and Ramblings

I have something to confess. I don't like Halloween all that much. I know it rivals Christmas in popularity, even my kids like it better than Christmas. At least that's what they told me last night on Halloween eve. This time of year I have to remind myself that this about them for them.

They love getting dressed up and getting scared. The pumpkin patch and carving is high their lists of 'holiday favorites'. And then there is the candy. Oh yes, the candy. After trick or treating I always let them eat as much candy as they want, or until they get sick. The next day we dole it out a little at a time until it's gone or forgotten about. I can't tell you how many times I've thrown out bags of forgotten candy months after Halloween. There is a street on our block that is decorated with skeletons, headstones, cobwebs and blood. Lots of blood. Every year he adds more details. The kids wait with eager anticipation to see what new additions are made. Last year they could only look at it form the end of our driveway in the daylight. It was that scarey. They were all too scared to go up there on Halloween. This year they all assure me that they are brave enough to go. Even the cousins. I'll believe it when I see it. They did surprise me with the haunted house on Sat night. Only #3 went through once. The others became braver each time they went through it. It helped that their BFFs were there to share in th scarieness of it all. It was all they could talk about yesterday.

My favorite Halloween memory is when Mr M and I were first married we lived in a not so good neighborhood. It was one of those neighborhoods that we were told was 'on the rise' and 'turning over.' The people across the street never got the memo. Social workers from SCF were frequent visitors. The two little girls were so sweet. They were 3 and 5 and desperate for attention. That summer I would sit on our porch with our new puppy and they would come over and play. We would talk and giggle. That year I got them each the biggest Hershey bars I could find. They were absolutely delighted when they came to my door in their rag tag costumes and saw what I gave them. They had never gotten anything like this before. Their smiles were pure happiness. It is such a joy knowing something so simple can bring so much pleasure to someone.

After looking back on all of the pain-in-the-ass pumpkin carving (Yes we do carve those complicated Pumpkin Masters patterns. They are really cool, and worth the trouble.), all the candy I have to buy and try not to eat, and the costumes that are cobbled together in the wee hours the night before. I have to remind myself that the joy in this holiday is creating memories for my kids. That the simple things like picking out a pumpkin, making a costume or decorating a window, will create a wonderful memory for them. Hopefully one they will want to recreate with their kids.

Updates

Time sure has flown by around here. It seems like just yesterday was 3's birthday. The birthday party was a great success. It was a Laser Tag party. I was a little skeptical that 3 was coerced into having her party there by her older brother. But she LOVED it much to my surprise. All of her little friends were too cute wearing the gear and strategizing about the best way to get the big kids. Meanwhile, I took the whole thing quite seriously and got a fair amount of pleasure shooting all of the kids running around. I'm WAY too competitive, ask my family about Apples to Apples Easter 2004. I have been banned from large family games ever since. Anyway Laser Tag was defintely the way to go. I predict many more birthday parties there in our future.

Parent Teacher conferences went well this year. The teachers all seem to really understand and connect with the kids this year. Better than last year, the-grade-that-shall-not-be-named, that's for sure. 2's ADD symptoms seem to well under control. He is enjoying school for the first time in a long time. 1 is like totally like having like an awe-some time in 5th grade. (Yes 'like' is her new favorite word. I thought that went out in the eighties). She is really entering into her 'social phase.' 3 is doing as 3 does. Making things look easy and moving through life on her terms.

Cheerleading is over for the year. It was bittersweet this year. A BFF and I worked together to coach these girls. In the beginning they were a group of misfits who blossomed into a tight squad. We were a small squad, but I was very proud of their performance overall. They came a long way over the last few months. I'll miss seeing these girls on a regular basis. Hopefully next year we can work something out.

The Cashmere sweater......hmmm. This is not turning out very well. I hesitate to mention it, but it will come out eventually. I don't think I like it very much. The color is not to my liking. The pattern is not very interesting. And quite frankly I'm bored. I always try to finish these things that I commit to, so....I'll finish it then rip it out and wait for the next idea. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. You never know when you will end up with a happy mistake.

Now we are off to more lessons and getting ready with projects to keep busy in the winter months.

Laundry

Last week in a moment of impulsive shopping I purchased this. Yes dryer balls. Who knew such a thing existed?! But I will have environmentally-friendly, softer clothes for pennies. I am such a geek for getting a big thrill out of this.

Many years ago when Mr M and I were first married we both worked at night alot. It would take us a few hours to unwind, and we'd usually watch TV for a bit before heading off to bed. Usually at 12-2am there would be these fabulous infomercials and paid programming that made everything look so easy "in 3 easy steps." We did a bit of binge shopping and purchased or got 'free' many of those things "As Seen on TV." We couldn't pass up those great bargains. Everything looks fabulous and easy when seen through sleep deprived eyes. Our current garage is living proof of this pursuasive advertising.

Anyway, I thought we had mended our ways. That is until last week. In an effort to fool myself into thinking I had less laundry to do. I decided to just wash larger loads. Nothing gets completely dry the first time through and I usually have to dry a load 1 and 1/2 times, but I'm not willing to give up on the 'idea' of doing less laundry. So I bought these dryer balls, and you won't believe it..............................
but they really work! Honestly. Truly. I'm so excited!!

I love it when things work the way they are supposed to. This is one thing that will not end up in the garage, that Mr M affectionately calls The Hellpile.

A Birthday

Today dear, sweet #3 turned 8 years old.

#3,

You are a special little girl. So thoughtful and caring. The last 7 years have flown by. Daddy and I still remember the day we met you for the first time. It seems like yesterday, we walked into your foster home. As soon as we made eye contact you reached out your little arms and our hearts were instantly connected. You and your brother and sister made our family complete.

Many times I have been amazed at your maturity. You can look into my eyes and it feels like you are looking deep into my soul. I can't wait to see the places you'll go. Today you told me you wanted to be a pet vet or a brain surgeon. I am excited for your future, I know you'll do great things.

Your giggle is infectious. Your fashion sense is eccentric. Your honesty is wonderful. Your humor is silly. Your kindness is inspiring. Your ability to make things look easy is amazing. Your friendship is supportive. Your wisdom makes you wise beyond your years. All of these things are what makes you you.

Thank you for letting me be your mommy. Every day I am grateful for having adopted you.

I love you. XOXO.

M

Mimi

Mimi is my new name.

#6, my niece, calls me mama all the time. Her mother for all intents and purpose is MIA. I spend more time per week with them than she does. It can be confusing for young children to navigate all the grown up relationships.

When I dropped of 4, 5, and 6 off to their 'mother' last week, 6 clung to me crying mommy, mommy, mommy. She was torn from me without so much as a goodbye, although there was plenty of negativity to go 'round. Poor little thing was so flustered and confused. After talking with my brother we decided to call me Mimi. Now it's just a matter sharing it with the kids.

We all work so hard not to say anything about Her in front of the kids. She has already turned 2 of them against her. I want them to grow up and come to their own conclusions. I don't want them to think I am trying to take her place. I don't want them to think I don't like her. I don't want them to grow up thinking her choices are okay. I just...don't.

So for now I'm Mimi.

Second Life

I've lost my Husband. He has been sucked into this.

An "Second Life". Who knew that such a thing existed! I am still trying to understand it all, it seems pretty complicated. Apparently all of the people you meet are actual people playing the game. Not programmed characters. All I know is that he was supposed to be working while I took the kids to the movies. When I got home I found him 'working.' Deadline be damned!

As I asked him what he was doing he looked at me with crazee bloodshot corkscrews in his eyes and answered, "Clubbing with my new friends." Yes my darling 56 year old husband was virtual clubbing with a bunch of 20 year olds. His name is Moose and he is built like Mr Universe. Hubba Hubba!

I find the whole thing strange, kinda like driving by a car wreck. You can't pull your eyes away. Check it out if you get the chance. Don't forget to say 'Hi" to Moose for me.

Patience is a Virtue

I've got itchy fingers. I am desperate to start a new knitting project.

In an effort to practice patience I ordered some beautiful hand-dyed yarn from Posh Yarn. Dee kindly offered to custom dye some cashmere for me, and now it's on the way. I am so excited! I have successfully warded off the temptation of starting a half-hearted interim project for the past several weeks. Yeah me!

However, I did discover that my love of television is quite fickle when I don't have something to keep my hands busy. Most TV isn't quite as entertaining when you are paying complete attention. The yarn will be here on Monday or Tuesday. As soon as I can cast on all will be right in TV land.

Here we go!

Sometimes the best intentions get side tracked. This week was was no exception. Too many kids, too many dogs, guinea pigs, no food in the house, complete with a teacher planning day is a recipe for chaos. Just glad this is a new week and I can start fresh.

I'm back and have been tagged for my very first meme by Silly. Wish me luck!

1.You can press a button that will make any one person explode. Who would you blow up?

A certain German fraulein who made my life a living hell for 3 years. Mean, nasty and spiteful always with a smile on her face. A chapter of my life better off forgotten.

2. You can flip a switch that will wipe any band or musical artist out of existence. Which one will it be?

Richard Marx

3. Who would you really like to just punch in the face?

My ex-SIL. A dumb and destructive woman.

4. What is your favorite cheese?

My favorite food. This is like asking my favorite child. If I have to answer...Gruyere.

5. You can only have one kind of sandwich. Every sandwich ingredient known to humankind is at your immediate disposal. What kind will you make?

Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich. Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, sweet potatoes, on thick white bread. Mmmm. Delicious!

6. You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie celebrity of your choice. We are talking no-strings-attached sex and it can only happen once. Who is the lucky celebrity of your choice?

Colin Firth

7. You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who do you pick?

Harry Connick Jr.

8. Now that you've slept with two different people in a row, you seem to be having an excellent day because you just came across a hundred-dollar bill on the sidewalk. Holy crap, a hundred bucks! How are you gonna spend it?

Yarn

9. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

Paris

10. Upon arrival to the aforementioned location, you get off the plane and discover another hundred-dollar bill. Now that you are in the new location, what are you gonna do?

Go to the Paris Flea Market

11. A demon rises out of Hell and offers you a lifetime supply of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. It is...?

I don't drink often enough to know the name of anything. A wine I guess.

12. Rufus appears out of nowhere with a time-traveling phone booth. You can go anytime in the PAST. What time are you traveling to and what are you going to do when you get there?

The 50s. I love the fashion, the New Look. Everything was so stylish.

13. You discover a beautiful island upon which you may build your own society. You make the rules. What is the first rule you put into place?

No rats or mice allowed.

14. You have been given the opportunity to create the half-hour TV show of your own design. What is it called and what's the premise?

Life as We Know It. A show about nothing, except with kids.

15. What is your favorite curse word?

Fuckity-fuck-fuck. I say it all the time in my head.

16. One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by MUMMIES. The mummies aren't really doing anything, they're just standing around your bed. What do you do?

Tell them to go back to bed.

17. Your house is on fire! You have just enough time to run in there and grab ONE inanimate object. Don't worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So what's the item?

Laptop

18. The Angel of Death has descended upon you. Fortunately, the Angel of Death is pretty cool and in a good mood, and it offers you a half-hour to do whatever you want before you bite it. Whatcha gonna do in that half-hour?

Write letters to my children about how important and loved they are, and share my thoughts with them for the future. Give them each a hug and kiss good-bye.

19. You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What's it gonna be?

Super speed.

20. You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again?

The first time we met our children.

21. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

My sisters childhood leukemia

22. You got kicked out of the country for being a time-traveling heathen who sleeps with celebrities and has super-powers. But check out this cool stuff... you can move to anywhere else in the world! Bitchin'! What country are you going to live in now?

Isle of Skye, Scotland

23. This question still counts, even for those of you who are under age. Check it out. You have been eternally banned from every single bar in the world except for ONE. Which one is it gonna be?

I haven't been in a bar in ages. I have no idea. How 'bout one in New Orleans?

24. Hopefully you didn't mention this in the super-powers question.... If you did, then we'll just expand on that. Check it out... Suddenly, you have gained the ability to FLOAT!!! Whose house are you going to float to first, and be like "Dude, check it out... I can FLOAT!"?

Silly, because she'd really appreciate it.

25. The constant absorption of magical moonbeams mixed with the radioactive vegetables you consumed earlier has given you the ability to resurrect the dead famous-person of your choice. So which celebrity will you bring back to life?

Phil Hartman

26. The Gates of Hell have opened, and Death appears. As it turns out, Death is actually a pretty cool entity, and happens to be in a fantastic mood. Death offers to return the friend/family-member/person, etc. of your choice to the living world. Who will you bring back?

Timmy. I agree.

27. What's your theme song?

Stuff Like That There by Betty Hutton ot Bette Middler

Thanks Silly for helping me to get started.

Finally....

Welcome to my new blog. I've been thinking about starting this for sometime now. After some deep thought and arm twisting here we are. I am hoping to use this space to write about my thoughts on parenting and family, adoption, tv and knitting. That's quite a broad subject base, but I suppose I'll figure it out as I go. I don't know too much about computers so please bear with me. Right now I am planning on posting a few times a week, and I hope that you will join me.