Cleaning. I have been majorly cleaning! Trust me our trailer needed a good deep cleaning I just wish I felt like I could get things done without feeling like I'm ignoring Jewel and Cannon. Cannon seems fine with not being "mothered" as long as we get our little talks in during washing/drying/putting away the dishes or on the drive to school in the A.M. (or kids club) about what he's learned in Spanish class or the most recent book he's read or is re-reading. Jewel on the other hand still desires a fair quantity of face time. She scolded me last night while informing me it has been over a week since I'd read her a good night story and even though she can read herself, "its not the same" . She is correct I've been up cleaning/sorting/throwing things away until midnight or past every night this week. Things are shaping up, but there is still so much more that needs to be done.
My paternal grandmother is fairly progressed in her Alzheimers and she celebrated on Christmas Day with us and she was a lot of work! I love her dearly, and she wasn't physically pushy this year like last year, but she is so difficult to keep safe (she forgets there are things she shouldn't do due to her heart problems and balance problems-she doesn't recall having a heart problem!). Anyway... it was good to see my family, eat some of mom's fudge. I wish I'd had more time to visit, but there were dishes to do, tables to clear, g'ma and lots of little ones to keep an eye on; it was still a good time. I did get to play with and hold Henry a little bit. He doesn't smile as often as Elizabeth and George did, but when he does it is worth the wait-his little eyes shine and his smile spreads almost cheek to cheek.
I've had a headache for over 4 days-maybe its the late nights, hum.. However, every once in awhile when nothing else will ease the headache sugar helps-today I gave in and ate a Snickers nutcracker shaped treat-didn't help so now I'm mad because I wasted calories eating something fun and high caloried when I wasn't "dying for it craving it". Hum..
I already know what I want for Valetine's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mad About You season 3-yeap after a long hiatus from seasons being released for this show it will be released in February of 2007.
I miss scrapbooking, but there is too much else going on right now.
I would like for you all to respond with your favorite Christmas movie.
Mine is The Preacher's Wife or Charlie Brown's Christmas or Miracle on 34th St. or .. okay I LOVE watching Christmas movies and I won't even start with Christmas Carols; there are almost an obession with me.
Smiles! And start working on your New Year's Resolutions.

Jennifer

I'm grumpy, tired and have another sinus infection. My poor dear mother-in-law was subjected to my grumping today when she stopped by to ask for more gift info. for Cannon and Frankie. I'm just so tired everything is getting to me and I need a clear speaking voice to work which I hardly have a voice at all. 2 of our Christmas cards came back in the mail-sorry Michelle B.-I'll resend it.
My aunt's mom died (my aunt that is married to my uncle that's my age. Aren't large families fun?) Anyhoo.. her mom had M.S. and fought long and hard against the disease, but it took her physical life right after she turned 60 yrs old. My aunt is only in her 30's, with 2 very small children and her mom has passed-not an easy thing at any age to loose a parent. My good friend has lost both of her parents and is younger than I am; she handles it very well, but I know its difficult. I must say my little cousin, Ashley, is getting cutier every time I see her.
Okay, I'll go.
Merry Christmas
This is one of those days I repeat, "Jesus loves me"

Sick kiddies. My poor dear children. Cannon had a "dream " day planned- a bowling field trip in the A.M., early out school day then he got to meet with his mentor, a pre-med student from I.S.U. that plays games with Cannon, talks with him about geeky things, etc. Cannon got a headache Tues. night, but it wasn't a migraine so I figured he was just tired. Well, Wednesday A.M. he squeaked, "Mom, my throat really hurts". Even though his tonsils and adenoids have been removed he often breaths through his mouth as he sleeps-so I figured he needed a drink,etc. he would then feel better. Nope. Cannon, "Mom it hurts to even try to swallow". I felt his glands-HUGE, took temp. yes running one. Into the Dr.- a bad case of strep throat- The Dr even had me look at this throat which was gross and cool at the same time- a bloody red mass it was it looked like. Then. around 6:30 P.M. Jewel complained her hurt to void-tons of cranberry juice and water by 8:30 P.M. there are "bees in there mom"-Frank got home from S.C.A. practice and took Jewel to E.R. b/c there was no way I could miss work again and the poor dear was almost in tears. Lab confirmed bladder infection on meds. What did I do the rest of Wednesday you ask? Bleached and washed-we found evidence of mice in our home for the 1st time in 7 years. I have most of our utensils already stored in the drawers in Rubbermaids, but not everything. We never had mice at this place yet, so I was very bummed. I am a huge germ freak. I bought more containers while picking up Cannon's meds at Hy-Vee so I didn't even get to be lazy at all -another vacation day spent cleaning and with sick kids-well at least I have days to take at all; I am very thankful for that.

I have Christmas lists started for Frank, Cannon and Jewel does that count as progress? I also found the Christmas cards I bought on clearance last year, but I haven't written the letter yet.

Work is picking up. Better go.

Smiles to you all!
Jennifer

Tasty fried food, good for us? No, but tasty! It is very dangerous for me to have a child who is doctor ordered to gain weight because I actually love to bake and fry foods! But due to the weight factor and my stomach disorder I don't indulge in fried food oftens and when I do indulge I practice my napkin trick for which I have become famous here at work! and among several friends and family members. (Okay maybe its infamous-typically they laugh at me while referring to my napkin trick). Morning star produces a meatless bacon product (soybeans and wheat gluten, etc). The 1st time I prepared it I microwaved it- YUCK so I gave up. Then another veggie person I work with said, 'Oh no you must fry them in a little veggie oil". I'm thinking-yuck and my stomach won't like it even if my taste buds do.

The sizzling sound of the canola oil blend as it danced around in the pan was invigorating! The soy bacon hit the oil and bubbles started to form. I stood there and flipped and fried it was GREAT! I also purchased big whole wheat buns and sharp cheddar cheese since I knew Cannon liked bacon and sharp cheese together. The skeptical Cannon approached the plate (I had lightly dabbed the oil off- I didn't even squeeze all the oil off). He wanted to taste test the "bacon" before he prepped his sandwhich, "Ah not too bad, Mom. Not bad at all" the thumbs up sign was issued. He ate almost the entire sandwhich without begging or pleading on my part. Jewel and I were really bad-I NEVER fry up or soy burgers, but last night as long as the oil was hot we fried up or burgers too- The 1st bacon cheeseburger I've ever had-DELICIOUS! I even added a little light mayo. Good thing I start my exercise class through work today, huh? I need to make up those hours later, but I'm so excited to take part in the class-its been YEARS since I got to participae in an actual exercise class. I'll come in early or stay late when I can to make up my hours.

Speaking of work,.. better go!

Smiles,
Jennifer