Saturday

I woke up Saturday in a super duper lazy ass mood. Zoie wasn't feeling well, I was energy zapped and Riley was getting over a case of the coughs.  Christopher, of course, is no help at all... <sarcasm> (because he had to work).

Nicole sends me this text at something like 8:30 in the morning (note: NOT direct quote)...

I'm taking my two toddlers to Big Lots, the Tree Park, IKEA and grocery shopping. Out the door now, TTYL.

Just reading that text made me want to crawl back in bed.

Maybe I did.

Of course, I've got tons to do. Why can't I be super motivated when I have things that need to get done?!? So here's what we did.

First:  Family Meeting. We made a list and hung it on the fridge. I made sure to set the bar pretty low today.

Then: Execute List.

I was REALLY impressed with how our snowflakes came out!

And things were getting crossed off the list. 

Test Princess Leia headband and the beginnings of our foam lightsaber collection.

We did it!!! Victory parade!!!

:)

Dear Mommy,

I need to make a compelling argument, so I've put together the following list for you.

Reasons why you NEED
to come visit me next week:

1. I am overwhelmed! I could really use some help... I have a party to plan (and only 9 days to do it, eep!), Christmas to prepare for and a house engulfed in random toys.
2. The kids miss their Mimi.
3. You have to get the Bear's birthday present here somehow...
4. The puppies miss their Mimi.
5. What else are you going to do?!?
6. I can't get Zoie to drink milk or eat anything except Pirate's Booty.
7. You haven't been to any of the Bear's birthday party's before (is it low to throw a little guilt in the mix?).
8. I'll make you banana bread.
9. Chris is having surgery next Thursday (pity?).
10. I NEED MY MOMMY!!

 So, I'll expect you on Monday, sometime?

XOXOXOXOXO

Love,
Tabi

I've been thinking...

... a lot lately!!

I think about time travel. I think about neutrinos that clock a better time than the speed of light.

I think about ways to better myself - mostly for my family's sake. I hate being a yeller. I know kids that don't listen, definitely don't listen to a yelly Mom...

I think about the best things to eat for our family.

I think about Darth Vader and how tragic it must have been for him to spend half his life misguided by the dark Sith Lord Sidious - when all he wanted to do was save his love from death.

I think about politics and how powerless I feel in our country as a jobless, non tax paying adult. Sure I vote, but honestly, I've even lost faith in how truthful the elections are.

I think about the ways we let the kids spend their time. If they need more/less stimulation from their activities and toys.

I think about the economy and how if I don't do something soon, our way of life that has already changed dramatically, but we are still comfortable in, will again change dramatically. But in a much less comfortable way.

I think about different ways to channel my creativity. I find that for me - not having a creative outlet - is doom doom gloomy.

I think about ways to reinvigorate my marriage. Three little children have a way of pushing sexuality out of a marriage. And for my husband - not having a healthy sex life is doom doom gloomy.

I think about ways to declutter my home. To make it more organized. A clean, organized home is as equally hard to keep with three children as it is important for them to have to grow up in.

I think about how satisfying it is for me to be home and raise my children, making sure all their needs are met. That they are growing physically, emotionally and mentally properly. But there is a stupid voice in my head that tells me I need to do something to contribute financially. There has to be an answer so that I'm not miserable and can still meet these needs of my children.

I think tomorrow's my birthday...

Belated Thanksgiving Post

The only thing that would've made our Thanksgiving better than it was is this: seeing my Mom, Dad and sisters.

The food was. to. die. for. (and I'm NOT exaggerating, I swear.)

 The appetizer spread.
All was deelish, some I want to point out because they were super duper deelish....
The green stuff: Avocado Dip. The smooshed polka dot stuff: Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball, and they are hidden, but there: Bacon wrapped mini hot dogs.

(What's missing? I guess I was so excited about the actual dinner, I forgot to take a picture. :( Sorry.)

 

The boys on the couch. Too stuffed to move.

 OMG. The pies. Let me see if I can get these right...
From bottom to top of picture: Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Pie, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Brownies, Pecan Pie, Lemon Tangerine Cake, Sour Cream Apple Pie and the second Pumpkin Cheesecake that looked more like a pie.

 Thanksgiving To Go Bag.

 Obviously, we ALL ate too much. 

...

Seriously, though. Happy Thanksgiving from the Deneweth's. <3

Things I'm thankful for: my husband <3, my Roxy, my Bear, my Zoie, my part time kid Cameron. My Mom, Dad, Lala and Steffensmeiers. My in-law family (I actually love that my husband has 3 sisters!) My health, my family's health. The love we all have for each other. My home, the food in our kitchen and our running water and electricity. The things my children teach me about the world and about myself everyday. The beautiful environment I get to live in (Florida rocks). My friends!!! New things in the world to discover. The magic my kid's reassure me that exists everywhere. Pandora radio. Steve Jobs and his vision. My bed. Wine. Rock and Roll. The YMCA. Yoga. Coffee and Chocolate. And much much much more, I'm sure. :)

(in no particular order)