Christmas Decorations - Part 2

So just when you think that you have inundated your blog with boring pictures there is a request for more....... (DEBI)

I have taken some more pictures of our decorations and a couple other funny ones. I have been swamped with planning this Junior League Fundraiser on Friday. Maximum capacity for the event is 200 people and we are at 227, needless to say things are a bit chaotic. Also, if another person donates a time-share at the last minute where all sorts of work has to revolve around organizing I am going to freak. All really good problems to have but still doesn't make it any less stressful.

Enjoy!

The best picture is what the girls were doing while I was trying to take these pictures.

Case of the Monday's

Simon woke up with the girls this morning and let me sleep in until 7am. The girls were out of sorts from the moment their eyes opened. Ruthie had a massive meltdown over not being able to push the butons on the microwave for her pancakes. I mean, alligator tears sobbing. When she finally came up for air all she could get out between sobs was "I....Need.......My......Gammy" Lulu refused to get in her highchair for breakfast and when she finally sat down she determined that Bananas should be thrown across the kitchen and that Pancakes should go in her hair. This all happened in a matter of 5 seconds. Simon looks at me and say's I think this is blog worthy. They are not always cute and cuddly. And that is true. I like to celebrate the positive but here is the harsh reality. Some mornings are better than others. I turned to Simon in the middle of the chaos and literally offered him $100 if he would switch places with me. He just laughed and said, I'll see you later.

I know that Ruthie and Lulu are having a difficult time this morning as they spent the last 5 days having their special time with their Gammy in the morning as she gets up with them and lets us sleep in.

Nobody misses their Gammy more than me. If she was here I could go back to bed and I wouldn't even be out $100.

Thanksgiving done....Bring on Christmas

Since there was not alot of stuff to do on Thanksgiving, and the girls and I sometimes feel bored in the house with nothing to do I figured Thanksgiving would be a great day to start decorating for Christmas. The girls had a great time decorating the tree. Although, there really only was a small spot where they put ALL the ornaments and the rest of the tree was bare so we had to do a little re-working of the ornaments.



We also, and again by we, I mean Simon decorated outside with the lights and wreaths. Simon had the great luck of having my mother to help. She loves projects. Usually ones that require tools. And anything that involves her being a project manager. So Simon was ready for the task. They didn't managed to kill each other and my mom didn't nearly have to be rushed to the hospital like last year when she fell down the ladder. (Thankfully we got the hospital trip out of our system on Wednesday before Thanksgiving) But that is a whole other post for another day.



I really wanted to put inflatables in the front yard. Not that I am a huge fan of them. Because I really am not, but, if you want to see a child's eye's light up with the wonder of Christmas put one of those in front of them. Simon refuses. And I kind of am torn. He says we will just have to keep taking them to Lowe's to look at their displays and for long car rides. We do live in Michigan where yard art is really not that hard to find. So anyway.



Simon had Ruthie to help once she woke up from her nap too! In true Simon fashion the first night of lighting the house up, a bunch of strands didn't work, so of course he stressed over it for a good 12 hours and then got them to work today. So here are the beautiful pictures of our decorated house. Somewhat hard to see since of course the picture had to be taken in the dark and then the snow also didn't help. I had to take the picture far enough back so that you could see all the hard work. I didn't want to leave one strand of lights out. You know..."All the neighbors will drive by and look and see what a bad job, we did if we can't get all our lights to work". You can't really see the beautiful greenery around the garage lights with large bows Gammy made and my christmas trees at the front door with a sled also decorated by a festive arrangement a la Gammy. You will have to use your imagination. Maybe I will take some ictures of them in the light. They are too cute to leave out and other than our neighbors not many people will get to enjoy them.

The Elf on the Shelf

Jacob, our elf on the shelf

We had heard about The elf on the shelf and thought that it may be a good idea to start this year. While Gammy and I were out shopping we found it and brought it home. We let the girls decide what they would like to name him. They named him Jacob. I have no idea where Ruthie came up with that name but Lulu was on board with Jacob like it was one of their long lost friends.

We love santa

We also went to the mall again and saw Santa. Ruthie once again, loved him and Lulu was not convinced. Ruthie ran right up and gave him a hug and Lulu had to be placed on his lap. At least she didn't cry. When Santa asked Ruthie what she wanted for Christmas, she told him she wanted a baby. I asked her is she wanted a pretend baby, and she said no she wants a real one. I hope she doesn't tell her dad because you know how he can't say no to either of his girls. When we were finished with santa we road the carousel. What a big day at the mall.

Lulu on the zebra - she kinda looks like a zebra with all those stripes

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day was a wonderful day. We got to sleep in while Gammy got up with the kids. That was certainly getting the day off to a great start. Then we all helped to get the meal prepared. Ruthie was really into helping out this year. We also decided that since it was freezing outside and not much for the kids to do that we would bring out all the Christmas decorations. The girls were so adorable while decorating the tree. As you can see, there is a 2 foot square where all the decorations were placed. We had our delicious meal and then Ruthie Gammy and Molly took a moonlight walk to walk off some of the turkey. Everyone had to get to bed at a reasonable time so that Simon and I could get up for a shopping trip at 5am this morning.

Ruthie and Gammy making dinner

We have so many things to be thankful for this year.

Our health, our loving family, our wonderful friends, and a brand new dishwasher that was an early Christams present and made it just in time for our Thanksgiving dishes.

The tree decorating

Lulu dancing to Christmas songs

More to come on our shopping trip today and tomorrow we hang the outside lights. And again, by we I mean, Simon and my mom while I hang out with the kids inside in the warmth.

Thanksgiving Ham

So, we haven't even bought anything for our Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, I am totally going to be that girl in the grocery store tomorrow morning the day before the big feast filling my cart to the top. I hope they still have potato's. Can you imagine?

No matter how long he lives in America he seems to never get the Thanksgiving Holiday. Many years ago when we were first together, we got into a heated debate....It went something like this....

Simon: "I was thinking we coud have Lasagna for our Thanksgiving meal this year"

Molly: "Uh, No, we will be having Turkey, Mash Potatoes, green beans, bread, etc"

Simon: "Can we have roast potatoes and broccoli? I don't want mashed"

Molly: "No we have to have mashed potatoes, it is a set menu"

Simon: "Who says we have to have Turkey?"

Molly: "THE PILGRIMS, THE PILGRIMS SAY!!!!"

Anyway, you can imagine my eye rolling situation this morning when he says casually while he is getting ready for work "Have you made your shopping list for this weekend yet? Can you get some Ham" Isn't this the holiday where we eat Ham"

We are all looking forward to Thanksgiving. Simon is taking a vacation day tomorrow and the girl's Gammy (Molly's Mom) is going to be arriving tonight. She is going to stay for 5 days! Yea! She will be able to assist in the massive shopping trip. And the girls have been counting down the days. Ruthie and Lulu could barely fall asleep last night they were so excited. Last year we hung all the christmas lights and by we I mean Simon. So, there should be some good pictures on our next post.

We have turned Thanksgiving into our tradition with Yorkshire pudding for Simon and roast potatoes too. I just don't think that I can turn it into a "Ham Holiday".

I am thankful for so many things and am looking forward to a relaxing holiday weekend with the ones I love.

Crust

Something that has been baffling me for a while is crust on bread. I know why it is there. I know that it is by far the tastier part of the loaf. What baffles me is toddlers shear disgust with it.

When both of my girls were little they enjoyed toast for breakfast, or the occasional piece of bread with a little bit of jam. They would eat the crust every time. Now for the past few months everytime they eat toast, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich there are little pieces of the crust left on the plate. Ruhie could eat Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches for every meal of her life, yet no matter which way I cut the sandwich the crust is trying to kill her. On whole wheat which is what we eat you can hardly tell where the inside bread meets the crust yet, I swear I saw her gag when her lips touched the outer crust.

I know that when I was little I did not eat crust. Now, I enjoy it. As a matter of fact I enjoy all things having to do with bread. Yet at what point did I cross over? What is the point of the period in time where most little kids hate crust. Is it just to drive me to find a higher meaning of things. Is this symbolism for something more meaningful than bread?

I think it means I need to find a hobby.

Funny story of the week.

I had to go shopping for a dress for a fundraiser and I had to take the girls. There I go heading to the mall with the girls in their double stroller, a bag full of bribery and a food court steps away with a carousel. I figure I may have 45 minutes total where I can get to a couple of stores try things on and find something take them for a ride on the carousel and have lunch and drive a half hour home to make it in time for naps.

We are in the first store, I am feeling pretty positive, the sales assistant is bringing me loads of stuff to try on, the girls are snacking on their bribery goodies and Ruthie starts wih her questions. "Why are you taking your clothes off? Why are you leaving the tags on? Mommy just take the tags off." As I can hear the other woman getting a chuckle out of our talking I politely explain that I have to take my clothes off to try on the clothes at the store and I can't take the tags off until I buy the clothes at the register. This seems to keep her occupied for a little bit of time. Until..........

Ruthie says in the most innocent voice...."Mommy, I don't like you naked"

All I could reply was..."Ruthie, sometimes I don't like me naked too"

Does this still qualify for behaving and taking a carousel ride?

Another One Bites the Dust

Another class that is.

Simon turned in his final exam on Sunday for his second class in this long journey known as his Master's. He is currently pursuing a Mater's in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. Yes, for those of you paying attention we do live in Michigan so this is a bit of logistical challenge. He started this process in May with not much warning and the Bisson Team has been juggling everything trying to find a balance. He was away for a few weeks in the summer and spends most nights and weekends hunched over his laptop. Much to all of our confusion the classes last sooo much longer than typical classes. The class he just completed started in June and ended in November and is overlapping his fall classes. Crazy!! Right!!!

He always amazes me with his determination and drive and ability to balance everything. Not only did he start his Master's program in May but also participated in Leadership Michigan where he traveled all over the state with other business leaders 3 days a month learning about other business operations and networking with other business leaders. Also, then for his official job, traveled to Florida, California, Chicago, Montana, and Ohio meeting with donors. All the while pulling A's on his assignments and class grade!

On top of his other responsibilities he finds time to take Ruthie to a "Mommy and Me" gymnastic class even if he has to miss a work function because as he puts it.. "Nothing is more important than his family" and wake up with Lulu at 6am to have their special time together (although, thankfully she has been sleeping in since the time change).

While this whole process is going to be a 3 year process complete with an Iternship, we like to celebrate the little things along the way. The girls and I are so lucky to have such a wonderful Team Co-Captain as our leader and we couldn't be more proud.

Way To Go Team Bisson.

Happy Birthday Debi

Happy Birthday Debi!!!

Funny/Interesting things about Debi.....

She always got stuck doing Jewish Services at camp.

When asked to describe Jewish services her response once was... "We do it at the Lake, and there are candles"

Her birthday is on Veteran's Day so she can never receive cards in the mail on her official Birthday. And since it is on a Sunday this year she will have to wait until Tuesday. (Unless of course you have an Ode to Debi on your Blog)

She shares her Birthday with her father.

She is one heck of a Math Department Head for a Fabulous school (MKA) yet she doesn't have a Math Degree.

She has been to some pretty amazing places (Iceland, Seriously)

She is such a great photographer on her travels that she should enter a contest.

She was an extremely patient roommate.

She may make fun of "blah, blah, blah, I am sleeping in my clothes" .... But she secretively thought it was cool and tried it on a few occasions.

Have a Great Day Debi.

Totally Awesome

So, I find it interesting that people love to say to little kids.."Hi, How are you?" Picture it in your head, you are in the grocery store and there is a little 1 or 2 year old and you say in your most high pitched voice "Hi, How are you?" How many of you actually get a response from a little kid. Most of the time they look at you as if you just asked them if they eat liver sandwiches for lunch. So, since I talk to the girls as if they are my girlfriends not just babies we talk about appropriate responses to said questions. I know, seriously they are 1 and 2 but I am proud of their manners. I think it is a good thing that people are amazed that my 1 year old says "Thank You" anytime you give her anything, and sometimes just for changing her diaper. But back to the "how are you questions" we talk about responses to questions. Ruthie used to like to say "Super" and when Ruthie says to Lulu over a pretend tea party...."Lulu, how are you today, she ponders and replies..."Good". So today as Ruthie was walking down stairs from her 2 1/2 hour mid-afternoon nap, hair sticking straight up and all disheveled, I casually ask her "How was your nap" and her reply......"TOTALLY AWESOME"

What is not totally awesome about a cool, gray, fall day and a mid afternoon nap. Sometimes it is the little things.

This picture was taken on the way back from Cleveland after another one of her naps.

I like to call this.....Something about Ruthie.

Weekend in Cleveland and THE WIGGLES

What a fabulous weekend. The girls favorite place in the world is Cleveland, especially their Gammy's house. Probably because their Gammy spoils them. We arrived in Cleveland on Friday and went directly to my Grandma's house to see the 2nd Ruth Catherine. My great grandma was Ruth Catherine and so is my grandma. Ruthie has big shoes to fill of strong women. Grammy (Molly's Grandma - I know confusing right?) is doing great. Really kicking it still at age 86.

We went to the Cleveland Zoo on Saturday. The girls absolutely love the zoo. Did some shopping on Saturday. When I get to a big city I have to spend some time shopping. And then went to dinner with our dear friends Kelly and Justin at our favorite place...The Moosehead Saloon. Kelly is a wonderful friend who is due in 2 weeks and seriously looks like she is only 7 months prego. Don't you just love girls like that. At the Moosehead we ran into my other great friend Nicole's mom who informed us Nicole was in town. What a treat to get to see her. She is living such a fabulous life in LA and is by far the most successful gal I know. I couldn't be more proud of her and all her accomplishments. I hope that our busy lives will allow for a much needed visit out West to see her and her husband Trav.

Last, but certainly not least, THE WIGGLES. They were totally awesome. The girls had the most amazing time. I am sooo glad we went. At one point I looked over at Simon who was holding Lulu and crying. He is so emotional. He also cried at Ruthie's haircut a little while back. He really needs to get it together. If he keeps this up the girls are going to get rather embarrassed by his behavior. Ruthie was dancing so much we had to take her up to the walk way because we were worried she was going to fall down the cement stairs with her fabulous moves. The girls got their guitars to "Play your guitar with Murray" and they have not stopping having dance parties since the show.

What a fun time.

Guernsey the Wonderdog

Simon got upset that there was no mention of Guernsey on the site. What can I say about Guernsey? He is a beautiful Chocolate Lab. He is six years old in just a few weeks. Most importantly, he is a bigger baby than both the girls combined, and this picture sums it up...... He tolerates us all. This picture is over a year old but it still makes me laugh just looking at his face and looking at Ruthie.

Guernsey will be spending a wonderful weekend with all his friends at the "Dog On Inn" while we all go to Cleveland. We have an exciting weekend planned. We are staying with Gammy, and going to the zoo, and the main reason we are going to Cleveland is to go to the Wiggles!!!!! We can all hardly wait.