a quick glance in pictures...but probably out of order

He got some major nerf gun action this year. In order to work all of it we had to get 12 D batteries!

Santa brought a sled...but he forgot the snow

Little man thought it worked just fine in the house without it

they got portable DVD players from Nanaw (since mean mom got rid of the car with the TV)

one sassy little girl

a new bike from Nanaw & Papa

me & my grandparents

a new duck call and lanyard from dad

little man on his green machine...watch out!!

and Santa brought sis a jeep that she cannot steer :)

a quick family snapshot on our way out the door. Notice sis trying to make a break for it?!

pity party

I think I have been feeling a little sorry for myself lately. Really not even being in the Christmas spirit. I have had to almost make myself "go". Some days are better. Some days are worse. Yesterday was worse. Little man has gotten OUT.OF.HAND. Everyday is something different, more over the top. More days than not by the time hubby gets home I am on the couch in tears. We saw his Dr. and he is referring us. Mixed emotions about that. My grandpa is beginning to have symptoms from his lung cancer. I went with them to the radiation oncologist yesterday and treatment is still questionable. My grandmother can't think straight on a good day and can't ever remember anything. I'm afraid its the beginning of alzhiemers. They aren't able to take care of themselves any more. My parents can't decide if they are going to get along or not. My 2 year old is becoming more dramatic by the hour. Last night she cut her hair. I didn't think it was that bad, and it could definately be worse. But while I was trying to fix it this morning I saw the real damage. Its to the scalp. A big chunk over her left ear. There is a thin layer that I can cover it with but she looks like a little rag a muffin. I know, its only hair & it will grow back. It was just the final piece that sent me over the edge. I had a pretty good melt down. Bad enough that hubby even called to check on me this morning. Today I have been much more calm and rational. I laid in bed, listening to the hamster scratch the carpet at 5 am, and thought about a few things. First, I'm just reallly being a big baby! We will get to have Christmas as a family. And its going to be a good one. My kids are all healthy. I get to stay home and raise them. We have a warm house to sleep in and plenty of food to eat. I have a husband who loves me unconditionally. I have wonderful friends who listen to me complain. And most of all I have a God that forgives.

In need of some help, please!

So, my little guy. What do I say? I love him more than I can put into words. He is cute as a bug. And CAN be sweet, loving, kind, compassionate, shy, quiet, thoughtful, respectful, helpful, and much more. However he saves all those wonderful qualities for everyone but me. I have talked to his teacher, his principal, and his school counselor. They all brag on him. I never, ever hear anything negative and they can't believe some of the things I tell them. Even his friends parents tell me he is good. (although I am a little frightened everytime he goes somewhere without me) I have tried positive reinforcement, like mom and him only days with special dates. It worked once or twice. A behavior chart with rewards. That only worked until he decided the rewards weren't good enough. And even money, yes I know thats wrong but I had to try it! And the Elf on the Shelf lost its appeal after a few days. Even punishment doesn't work. He could care less about a spanking, which he rarely gets. Taking toys or grounding him doesn't even phase him. He has lost everything in his room. He has a bed and thats it! I am at a loss. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. And they are about to be home for 2 weeks. I am convinced its me and my parenting skills, or lack of them. I take Sis to her well child check up pretty soon and we are going to have a chit chat about little man while I'm there. I will go see someone or take him with me and let both of us try to find a common ground. Right now its like a war zone around here. So any prayers, comments, suggestions, advice is completely welcome!!! PLEASE!!!

Santa Claus is coming to town...maybe

I have the video chat with Santa on my phone. Sis calls him no less than 25 times a day. Many of those are to the "naughty line" to inform him of some major trauma that one of her brothers has caused. Amazingly she is NEVER at fault. Hmmm...at this rate he may not stop here :) With the boys we didn't have "terrible twos". There were days from 3 to 4 that I questioned if any of us would make it. And as her third birthday quickly approaches, I can definately see the same attitude, only this time its a little more dramatic!

I thought I was getting a Christmas CD the other night at Wal Mart (yes a CD & not I tunes) so we could listen to it in the car. I was looking for the fun stuff like "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus" etc. Well, I ended up with one that Lady GaGa is singing "Christmas Tree" who would think you could put that kind of a twist on Christmas music?! It doesn't have inappropriate words, but the insiunations behind them, OH MY GOODNESS! It took a few times hearing it before I really listened to the words. I never dreamed I would have to screen that music! Needless to say Sis walks around singing "cherry cherry boom boom" all day long. Thankfully thats the only thing she sings :)

this & that

She is up to a whole 6 pounds! this is pretty much her usual position. to be a puppy she is very lazy. and a big baby. she thinks she must be held at all times. (except of course by sis who tends to get her around her neck!)

they were making the gingerbread house. she was supervising ;)

going to work with her "stepekopes"

Little man's deer he got in TX.

the black buck. They are rotten, just like their daddy!!

ACH called this week and his surgery has been moved to December 27. That's a good thing for several reasons. The insurance, of course. We will already be there for Christmas and it gives us a reason to come home quickly. And he will be out of school for break so he won't have to miss any days. Now to convince him of all that. He is MAD because he has to miss duck season. There is no hunting for at least 3 months. Maybe he will make it for Turkey season. Geez...these boys!!