Shopping Nirvana/Happy Birthday Lizzy

Nothing will deter us from going to Park City (shopping mecca) for Liz's Birthday. She repeated this over and over again as we braved a pretty wicked snow storm to drive up for our annual shopping spree. The nasty storm managed to bracket our trip, snowing heavily on the way up, letting up while we were there, then picking up again for the drive home. With the exception of the year Aaliyah was born, we have made this shopping trip every year since Liz was 17. We have gone shopping for her birthday every year since she was 15. Reason being she loves clothes but is waaaay too picky for us to buy anything for her. It is much easier to give her money and let her pick out her things. It's sort of a party for everyone involved, we all shop, we all buy fun stuff, it is fabulous! My camera is out of batteries so I can't show all the fabulosity that I came home with, but I did a good job picking out some really nice wardrobe pieces and saving a ton of money.
Happy Happy Birthday to Lizzy! I love you tons and hope your quarter of a century celebration was as great for you as it was for me. You are an amazing daughter and I am so proud to be your Mom!

Why do I do this to myself EVERY year?

Every January I have great and grand plans of preparing all year long for next Christmas. I think I will be able to make a few gifts every month, start on Christmas jammies, do any number of preparations. During canning season I also think "this would be a great time to bottle some really creative neighbor gifts". Starting in October I feel the pressure to actually do something. The story repeats itself year after year, I am left to do all my Christmas sewing, newsletter, neighbor gifts, yada yada yada the week before Christmas. I am guessing I cannot be taught new habits and this scenario will play itself out over and over again. I wish I was one of those get it done early people, but I am sadly one of those rush around like crazy and not get it all done people. I can't find a decent picture of all my family to send out, I think all our newsletters sound the same, I haven't made any jammies. Worst of all, I don't understand why I do this every year. I may be pathetic...

Raising MaryAnn

A careless child tried to throw a hoodie over the half wall in my living room. The hoodie fell short, making a huge mess. It knocked a large houseplant over the edge and down the stairs (dirt everywhere). It also pushed a glass plaque over on the piano, the glass plaque pushed over all the pictures and decorations on the piano. Who was this careless child and what should I do to punish her? Of course it is me. I was folding laundry and came across a dirty hoodie, so rather than get up and carry it down the stairs, I tried to throw it from across the room. The sad part of raising me, is that I knew I couldn't throw it that far. As soon as it left my hands I knew I had made a big mistake. I griped and grumbled at myself while cleaning up my giant mess. I even tried to comfort myself to keep me from getting too sad. I kept saying things to myself like "it's ok, you needed to clean that plant up and take care of the dead leaves anyway". I don't really recommend throwing a plant down the stairs to remove its dead leaves. So, what should I do with myself? I'm thinking no dessert, and possibly grounded tomorrow. Since I have no backbone as a parent, I will probably give in, have 2 desserts and play all day tomorrow. This is why I never learn my lesson.