Oh, the irony!

We've been married 13 years, this past September, and in all those years, I've never thought ahead enough to get a "Christmas card" picture taken.
Until, this year.
In May, we went to Jamaica. Before we left,I surprised myself by remembering the people we saw at the beach, 7 years ago, with their Santa hats on taking Christmas card pictures in the sand.
Of course, I thought, this would be the perfect time to do that. So, in the last few minutes before our departure, I secured white shirts and khakis for all.
I was ever so proud of myself.
Because, truthfully, I almost always remember these kinds of things, AFTER the fact. Like when we're already in a 3rd world country without a Target or Wal-Mart within a 3 hour flight of us.
Upon arriving, we found out a free photography session was included. BINGO! We have the clothes, and now, we have the photographer.
Things were looking good, I tell you. My plans were falling perfectly into place.
I scheduled a shoot for our last day there; thinking that we'd all be toasty brown and relaxed, by then.
After experiencing rain EVERY afternoon we were there, I began praying that our shoot wouldn't be rained out. Because I had made the appointment for the absolute last minute.
In hindsight, not my brightest move.
However, the Lord answered my prayers and not a drop of rain fell that day.
Good thing, too, because our ONLY excursion? Yeah, that afternoon, as well!
Boy, was I gambling.
We had our shoot and took several pictures that would be perfect for our cards.
Now, fast forward to today. It's the middle of December, and our finances? Not good. Therefore, no Christmas cards this year!
UGHHHH!!
Why, this year?
The first year I'm PREPARED with a picture.
That, my friends, is IRONY at its best.
Do you think anyone will notice if we use the picture NEXT Christmas?



(The picture at the top is one of those pictures, but not the best one. ;))

It's My Birthday!

Today is my birthday.
I shan't say which one, but let's just say that I might re-use T's last birthday candle on my cake tonight. Because it's the number 3, and that's the most important part of my age!
Yes, 3 and not yet, 4!
It's been a good day, albeit somewhat low keyed. It started off very wintery looking, but the clouds are gone, for now, and the sun is, actually, shining on me while I type.
I took the boys to school. T had Speech this morning at his "old cool". Yes, he has an "old cool" and a "new cool". His "old cool" is where he goes for Speech, and it's in the back of C's. His "new cool" is where he goes for PAT, and it's at the school next door.
Anyway, I dropped him off and ran to town to pay a bill. I decided that since it was my birthday and all, I'd run through the Golden Arches drive thru and pick up a sausage biscuit. I inhaled it on the way back. But, in my haste, I failed to dispose of the "evidence".
Yes, I know, being the "experienced" Mother of 3, I should've known better.
Let me just say BIG MISTAKE!
Because T had no more got buckled in, when he spied it!
Let the wanting begin!
"Want somethin' else to eat! Donald's!"
(And that's what he says. Not "I'm hungry", but "Want somethin' else to eat"! I hear it all the live long day, because that kid can eat!)
Now mind you, he'd already had his breakfast, but that matters not to a 3 yr old who's staring at an enticing, but empty, bag.
I calmly told him he had already had breakfast, and I wasn't going back into town right then.
Well, hold your ears, because this kid has learned how to scream! And kick the back of Mama's seat!
"WANT SOMETHIN' ELSE TO EAT! DONALD'S! NO, GO HOME!"
Boy, was he NOT happy.
I continued driving and repeating in a calm manner, "No, not right now, maybe later!"
Not even a phone call to Daddy could calm the screaming banshee.
I finally told him that if he'd calm down and be good, we could go to Sonic after we picked Bubba and Sissy up from school.
But let's be real here for a second. That was really going to be a reward for Mommy and her ears for having to listen to him! Just don't tell him, ok?
Well, that was the trick.
Who knew that the cure for a Donald's craving was a promise of Sonic?
And guess what he said right before he fell asleep at naptime?
"After nap, get Bubba and Sissy and go to Sonic?"
That kid's got a memory to go along with those lungs!