Family & Friends

We've been making our rounds to visit friends & family while we're here. We went to see Chris' grandmother, who is as feisty and fun as ever. She'll be 90 on her next birthday and is in great shape for her age.

Then we saw Chris' high school friends, which consists of them reminiscing of their party days and me thinking that they wouldn't have even talked to me in high school, because I would've been way too boring. We ate at Claim Jumper which was so yummy. I've missed their huge portions that I used to enjoy when I was in college. Then we stayed up until 2:00 in the morning playing card games. I went to sleep, but Chris and his buddy stayed up until 4:00 a.m. catching up on each other's lives.

Christmas morning, we hurried and opened presents because I had to drive Chris to the airport. Vacation time is over for him and he had to get back to work. My sister's girls got Rock Band from Santa. My kids played it the whole time. It was so funny hearing Sophia belt out "Living on a Prayer." My sister also had a dog that Selena couldn't get enough of. She would play with her all day. For a second I thought I might buy her a dog, because she looked so happy when she was with her.

Later in the week I was able to see my girlfriend from high school. We had lunch at our high school hangout -- Del Taco. We caught up on our families and old high school friends/flames which is always fun.

Then I hit the road with my parents to drive to Vegas. The road trip was very entertaining. My dad and I argued over who was going to drive. He didn't want me to drive because he said I was distracted with the kids, looking in my purse, changing the radio. He doesn't understand that I've learned to multi-task as a working mother.

I didn't want him to drive because -- well, he's old and he can barely remember my name. But I conceded and let him take the wheel.

Traffic was terrible and we were at a stand-still for a majority of the time. But that gave us the opportunity to observe grown men standing on the side of the road with headlights shining on them, peeing in the dirt. No, they didn't even try to hide themselves -- they were standing right there, in plain view of the thousands of motorists on the I-15 freeway. I wanted to take their picture, but we weren't moving and I didn't want them to come to our car and yell at me for photographing their not-so-private moment. Selena thought I said that I had taken their picture, so she kept asking if she could see the picture on our digital camera. I had to explain that the moment was gone and I didn't get the shot -- maybe next time.

Home For The Holidays

Sunday night we had a fun family dinner, with what seems like 100 children screaming and running around. We exchanged family gifts -- everyone gave a board game; the children sang Christmas songs; we read Christmas stories; and ate a ton. I told my sisters I was taking pictures of us together -- and one of my grumpy sister's said no. I assumed it was because her hair was all over the place and was in desperate need of a brush. After a lot of pleading, she put some color on her lips, fixed her hair and let me take pictures.
We had a marathon shopping spree for a couple of days. I love shopping with my sisters, because we are brutally honest with each other. I tried on one blouse that my sister picked out for me because she said, "This looks like you." Then after I tried it on she said, "That looks good now, but when you gain weight it's going to be too snug." Well, I don't plan on gaining that much, so I bought it.

We were at Mervyn's where I loved to shop when I lived in California, but was so disappointed to see they are going out of business. Everything was 70% off the first day we went, then 80% percent off the next day. It really was heaven as were walking through the store getting such great deals. When we left the store the first time, my receipt said, "You saved $299.00." Then on the second day, I saved over $300. I would go back again, but the store is practically empty at this point. My sisters and I were out of control in there. I don't think Chris will move me back to California any time soon, because he thinks I would shop constantly and eat constantly -- and he's probably right.
Then we also went to the outlet mall where once again, I felt like I was in the middle of the Shopaholic series. As we walked into Banana Republic, my sister and I went crazy. They had $50 shirts for $9.99. I found a $60 dress for $17. When we got home, I realized there's no way all of the stuff I bought is going to fit into my two carry-on bags -- oops. So I'm going to have to ship a box back home. I think I'm done buying myself Christmas presents.

It's been a great few days. My mom is loving having all the grandkids around, even when Selena goes into her room first thing in the morning to kiss her good morning. We tried to get my mom to go see "Home For The Holidays," which was a very funny movie, but she wouldn't go. Hopefully before I leave, she'll agree to go out with us. In the meantime, she's loving all the cuddling.

Trying To Leave On A Jetplane

Alec and I had quite the adventure trying to get on an airplane to come out west. All the flights we tried to get on were oversold, but we had to try because Chris and the girls were already gone. We left our house at 4:30 in the morning on Thursday and drove to DC, which for me is quite an accomplishment. We didn't make it on a 7:30 flight, because it was full. But we had better luck with an 8:30 flight to Vegas. We actually got on the plane and were seated.

The man next to me even gave up an aisle seat to go sit in a middle seat so Alec and I could sit together. I didn't even ask him, he just volunteered, which was so sweet. So Alec and I were waiting and waiting for the plane to leave, when the pilot finally gets on the intercom and says, "We are over weight for takeoff. The 5 non-revs need to exit the plane." Which meant the five of us that were on the plane flying for free, could not stay on. It was a major disappointment to say the least, especially since they could not get my luggage off the plane, so it went to Vegas without me.

The next flight we tried to get on was full. I even left DC and tried to fly out of Baltimore, but that flight was full too.

So Thursday night, Alec played in his basketball game and helped his team win by getting some great rebounds. My friend Kim told her son Skylar how we got kicked off the plane because it was too heavy. And he said, "Ms. Tracy was the biggest one?" Yes, he thought because I was too big, we got kicked off -- nice.

So Friday morning we got up once again at an outrageously early hour and headed down to DC. Getting ready was a lot of fun since my makeup bag was in my suitcase in Vegas, so I had to scrounge around for something to put on my face.

Getting the first flight was a no-go. Alec at this point is just ready to go home and spend the week of Christmas with just the two of us. But we tried the Vegas flight at 8:30 again. It was oversold by six seats, and there were two people ahead of us going standby also. So we had to have eight people not show up to get on. I was praying the whole time as I watched the nearly 200 passengers boarding the plane.

Then they told all the leftover waiting passengers to come down the jetway and they might have seats for us. They were counting the empty seats and it was going to be close. Then a flight attendant says, "I have four seats, let's go." Alec and I were number 5 and 6 in line. Argh! But our disappointment only lasted a moment because a few seconds later another worker came back and said, "I have two more in back, you're on."

We were so happy, and just hoping this time we actually got to stay on. The weight this time was fine, and we were able to take off. I'll have to tell Kim to let her son Skylar know that this time the plane actually got off the ground despite my weight.

Alec was seated next to an older couple. I found an empty seat next to two very jovial, loud women. Apparently one had already started drinking before we got on the plane -- remember, it was an 8:30 a.m. flight. Whenever the pilot would mention Las Vegas over the intercom, these women would clap and cheer loudly. They drank multiple beers throughout the flight, weren't afraid to throw profanity into their conversations, and played a word game that wasn't exactly rated G. They were nice to me and we even shared magazines. They gave me their Cosmo to read -- which I have never bought before. And holy cow, was it an eye-opener. I learned quite a bit from those articles.

At one point one of them came back from the bathroom and noticed her friend's underwear sticking out of her pants as she was leaning over looking out the window, so she decided to give her a wedgie, which she had to lean over me to do. It was very entertaining.

When it was time to get off the plane, a man came up to me and as he gestured to the women next to me said, "Six hours of that, I feel so sorry for you." The women either didn't notice or didn't care that he just insulted them.

But honestly, I was just grateful to get on the plane and I was very, very grateful that I sat next to them and Alec didn't. Because he would've totally learned some new words and witnessed some serious alcohol consumption.

My sister Susana picked me up and we went straight to Jack-in-the-Box so I could get my yummy, greasy tacos. When we arrived at my parents home, there were homemade tamales waiting for us. It was quite an adventure getting out here, but totally worth it seeing how happy my mom was when she saw us.

My dad and just a few of his rambunctious grandchildren. My sister and I thought my dad looked like he was ready to chop some wood with his flannel shirt and fancy suspenders.

You're So Vain

In keeping with the song theme, I was reminded of the Carly Simon song "You're So Vain" as I had the following experience with Mendy:

Mendy: Let me take our picture together. (Holds the camera out in front of us)

Tracy: No, wait. You're too close. Our faces will look fat. (As I'm speaking, she snaps the picture)

Mendy: Ha! Look at your face! (Her digital camera shows a picture of her looking pretty with a perfect smile. My face is distorted, looking stressed, mouth open as I was in the middle of speaking)

Tracy: You have to delete that!

Mendy: No, way. I think I'll post it on Facebook and my blog. (Does her evil laugh)

Tracy: Don't you dare! You delete it now!

Mendy: No. Just let me have one picture where I look better than you. (evil laugh again)

As Mendy is looking down at her camera, contemplating how many places she can post this unflattering picture of me, Chris snaps a picture of her with my camera. Let's just say the photo of her broke her one-chin rule when appearing in photos.

Tracy: Oh, look at the picture Chris took of you. Oh, look what happens when I zoom in on you. (She observes that I now have an unflattering shot of her)

Mendy: Oh, !@*#%^! Okay, I'll delete your picture and you delete mine. (We both put our fingers on our delete buttons)

Mendy & Tracy: 1, 2, 3, delete. (We both push delete with great relief)

Then Mendy takes another shot of us, which we both approve of for postings.

There are so few things we have control of in life, but having a bad picture posted of us, shouldn't be one of them.

I'm sure Mendy might have a different version of the events, but that's how I remember it happening. Oh, yes, this all took place at our church Christmas party, so I guess I'll post some pictures of the children now -- who always manage to take great photos.

Alec played Joseph in the program. Sophia was a shepherd. Selena was an ox.

If You Leave Me Now...

When I was in high school, I loved the song by Chicago that went, "If you leave me now, you'll take away the biggest part of me." Well, today I thought of that song once again as I said goodbye for the first time to my little girls. I have never been separated from them for more than one night. But today they got on an airplane with their daddy to start their Christmas vacation early.

The girls were so excited to go visit "tickle" grandpa in New Mexico and didn't even mind getting up at 5:30 a.m. I didn't think it was affecting me until I hugged them goodbye and the tears started flowing -- my tears. Selena is like her dad, happily said goodbye. Sophia is so much like me and started to cry when she saw me losing it. But I sucked it up fast because I didn't want to upset her. I hugged her and told she was going to have so much fun.

I got in the car and the tears came again. My stomach actually hurt because I felt so anxious that I wasn't going to be with them. I came home and got emotional when I walked by their empty bedroom. I know Chris will take good care of them. How could he not after I gave him a ton of instructions on which lotion goes on which girl, which toothpaste they each prefer, keep them warm, and I just pray they get their hair combed at least one day while they're away from me. They arrived safely to falling snow.

I thankfully had two jobs today to keep my mind occupied. I didn't even mind that my doctor depo went 5 hours instead of the scheduled one hour, so I didn't have the chance to get emotional again. Alec and I did some Christmas shopping tonight, bought our Christmas cards, and ate cheeseburgers.

Tomorrow will be hard when I wake up and don't have the girls coming in my bed, fighting over who gets to touch my neck and cuddling with me. But I'll be with them soon and I hope I remember this feeling of missing them terribly, so I'll be more patient when I'm with them.

16 Year Anniversary

Today Chris and I celebrated 16 years of fantastic, sometimes frustrating, years of marriage. We spent the day eating, shopping and attending a friend's birthday party. We had lunch at Red, Hot & Blue, dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (yummy avocado egg rolls) then shopped at the mall. I hadn't bought one Christmas present, but finally started tonight.

Then we headed off to our friend's 40th birthday party at a restaurant/bar. Normally the parties we go to aren't quite like this one was, considering I actually got carded before I was allowed in. But my goodness, it certainly was an entertaining crowd. It was fun watching all the inebriated people dancing to Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me." The birthday boy, who had a few drinks and was very happy & friendly, actually got me out on the dance floor, which I haven't been on in years. I also got a fancy drink -- a root beer float.

It was great that Chris & I were able to spend the whole day together, considering he was on-call, but didn't get called in.

Oh, and where were the kids? Thanks to great friends, they all had sleepovers tonight. I didn't even have to ask, Mendy just volunteered to take the girls. And Alec was at Jared's house, his second family. The house is so quiet, it's kind of strange, but we will enjoy sleeping in.

Middle School Madness

I was very nervous about Alec starting middle school -- him being mixed in with 7th and 8th graders did not thrill me. I worried about evil kids influencing my sweet boy, and loose little girls trying to corrupt him. Well, seems like my worrying was justified.

We have only finished one quarter of school and I've had enough drama for all of his school years.

Leaving out the gory details, Chris and I had to meet with a counselor at 7:30 in the morning the other week because of a bad decision Alec had made. I went in with my sweats, sweat shirt, no makeup, and looking just lovely. Alec said, "Are you going like that?" I told him if I had to go in, that's how I would look, all natural. I was not getting up that early to put on makeup and do my hair for a bunch of middle school kids. He understands that if there's any more incidents at school, I will join him in his classes with a look that will scare his classmates and teachers, so he better behave. I mean, my own father told me, "You're just one of those girls who need makeup," so I know I look scary when I try the natural look.

Then there's the whole hormone thing starting. There are already girls calling the house for him. He's 11 years old! There's no way I can sit there and listen to him chat with girls already. I've kind of put a stop to it, which didn't exactly make him happy.

The latest bit of drama we had was a girl at his school started a fire in the bathroom, so the whole school got evacuated and sent home early. They're charging this girl with arson. I feel so badly for her parents and can imagine the pain they're going through.

I've always said I could never home school, and honestly I can't. His homework is so hard, that I know I could never teach him all he needs to know, but it would be nice to keep him from all the mayhem that goes on in middle school. I just hope I can get through these years without having to take special pills to keep me sane -- right now my Excedrin and weekend dates help a lot. I just hope the rest of the school year is uneventful, but I doubt it.

Alec and His Old Mom

This weekend was all about Alec. He had his first camping trip out in the 20-something degree weather -- sleeping outside in a tent! I don't understand how that is even the slightest bit enjoyable. You'd have to pay me an awful lot of money to ever do that and have a lot of bodies to snuggle with. I'm thinking the winter camping season is a good time to move back to California.

But he survived with great leaders and friends and had an experience he'll never forget. They woke up with frost on their tents, then did a six-mile hike. He looked exhausted when he came home. And he appreciates our heated home so much more now.

He also had his football banquet and award ceremony at the Marriott this weekend. The food was buffet style, so of course we all over ate. Chris was in Buffalo, so I was glad Laurrel and Teresa were there to be my dates.

As always, the highlight at our sports activities were Avery and his fun wife Kim. I could just watch them interact all day long. Avery is not only a great coach, but so entertaining.

Oh, yes, this weekend I also celebrated a birthday. I wasn't too excited about it because I don't like how high the number is getting. I was able to celebrate it with lots of good friends, which helped ease the pain. My girls left me a big bowl of cereal on the table for breakfast, which unfortunately was a little soggy by the time I came downstairs for breakfast a couple hours after they had prepared it.

Thanks to all my friends for their birthday wishes -- it really means a lot.

Hairy Vampire Face

Working as a pilot on-call, my significant other doesn't always work a lot. I didn't realize how many days he'd been off until his face started to get covered in hair. He hasn't shaved, since he hasn't had to work. I mean, I do enjoy him being home, but I wouldn't be disappointed if he got called in to fly a one-day shift just so his face can be smooth again.

I think he might be going a little stir crazy though. I came home the other night and found Chris with a vampire-white face, collar up on his shirt, hair wild and a romantic look. He had transformed into Edward. The kids loved it. They thought their daddy was playing vampire and squealed as he chased them. The rest of the night Chris smelled very pretty since he used my perfumed powder to put all over his face.
Chris has had many days off. I, on the other hand, have been working quite a bit so I can take some time off at Christmas to go to California and lay around with my mom, take her to movies and go shopping with my sisters.
I just hope Chris gets out of the house soon or I don't know what I'll come home to next.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Living far from family, I don't really get excited about Thanksgiving, because I don't enjoy cooking and I don't get to see my parents or siblings, plus I'm never sure if Chris will be home. If it weren't for friends inviting us over to share their feast, Boston Market would be preparing our Thanksgiving Day meal.

We spent the day with Laurrel, Amy, Dave and their family. Chris didn't get called out, so he was able to be with us.

We went to the mall on Friday and Saturday. The girls got to see Santa, but Alec just watched from the side. He thinks he's too old to sit on Santa's lap now. The Columbia Mall once again had the naughty & nice meter, the mailbox that goes directly to the North Pole, and Jolly old St. Nick.

I usually enjoy trips to the mall on sale days, but I like to do my shopping alone. When Chris is there seeing how much I spend, it takes me out of the shopping mood so I'll have to go another day. Saturday the girls had a party at Libby Lu, which was every girls dream. They got their hair and makeup done. They were able to choose a stuffed animal with an outfit and carrying case. Then they got to fill a bag full of accessories and dance to a Hannah Montana song.

It was a great party, but I was very sad to find out that Libby Lu will be closing at the end of January. We're going to have to go back again for one last party for the girls before that pink, glittery piece of heaven closes.

The weekend ended in a very good way. I saw Twilight for the second time -- still got chills seeing Edward on the screen. Chris and Alec wanted more vampire action, so they didn't enjoy it as much as I did. Then I was able to go spend an evening with friends to celebrate Christie's birthday. It was fun folding her laundry, eating food and chatting about men and Christmas presents. It was a busy, but relaxing weekend that I wish lasted longer.

TWILIGHT MOVIE!

About three things I'm absolutely positive about. First, Edward on the big screen was amazing -- the way he looked at Bella, the way he said the lines from the book that made me melt, and how when he kissed her, I was tingling all over. When he put his lips on her neck, I nearly lost it. When he appeared on the screen, you could hear the gasps of joy across the theater. The same reaction occurred when they showed Carlisle's gorgeous face. And even though I know James had to die, it was enjoyable seeing his masculine features for the short time I had to enjoy them.
My only real disappointment was the meadow scene was not like the book. That was the one scene I couldn't wait to see acted out, when Bella sees Edward in the sunlight for the first time and how it was so intense as she was touching him, discovering what he was. But as they showed close-ups of Edwards gorgeous eyes, all was forgiven.

Second, seeing the movie opening night at midnight with almost 40 women who immersed themselves in the whole Twilight experience was unforgettable. The best was Mendy calling out these women who tried to cut in line. There was no way she was letting these women in. After her first warning when they didn't leave she used her mean mama voice, "No, I'm serious. You have to go to the end of the line. You can't stay here." No one comes between Mendy and her Edward!

A majority of us wore our Twilight shirts with sayings like, "Addicted to Edward," "Why Am I covered in Feathers?" "Yes, I Admit I Read Books About Teenage Vampires," and my favorite since I own it, "Edward Can Bust My Headboard, Bite My Pillows, and Bruise My Body Any Day." There were even a few "Team Jacob" shirts, which I thought they should've put those women in their own theater.

Third, I am still unconditionally and irrevocably loving Twilight and Edward. I loved seeing scenes I read being played out on the big screen and the characters come to life, and most of all seeing it with great friends. I will see it again, because, yes, I was dazzled.

Twilight Gifts

With Twilight only a day away, my family and friends have made it a special week by giving me some great Twilight gifts. First I received a phone call from my very fun friend Scarlett. She said she had something for me, but I had to promise not to open it until Friday. When she came over, she had a huge smile on her face as she handed me "The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion" to the Twilight movie! We both squealed as I took it from her, but restrained myself from looking through it.

She didn't want me reading it and ruining the movie. So I've just stared at the cover and haven't looked inside yet. But Chris did look through it and tease me by showing me a picture of an opened-shirt Edward.

Later that same day my kids handed me a wrapped present. I was squealing once again as I held the Twilight soundtrack. It has Bella's Lullaby; Robert Pattinson singing a song; and my favorite is Linkin Park's "Leave Out All The Rest." Big thanks to Scarlett, Chris & the kids for filling my week with Edward.

I am sooooo ready for the movie. I have my new Edward shirt, my movie ticket and a group of girls who are just as excited as I am to see it. The only thing I didn't have was someone to stay with my kids while I'm at a midnight show. Thank goodness for my college-aged sitter who is willing to sleep at my house. When he moves away, I'll be very sad, because he's available at all hours.

There were more things that happened this week too, like report cards coming home, dinner at Outback, seeing the new James Bond movie (so good!), some snow flurries, and Selena & Chris loving the fall leaves.

So You Think You Can Dance

When Chris got called in to work today I started freaking out a little, because tonight was the night for the So You Think You Can Dance concert. So as he packed his flip-flops to go to Florida, I got on the phone to Rex, my go-to sitter on school nights. Thankfully he was available, so I could go out with the girls and watch some amazing dancers.

Before heading to downtown Baltimore, we met at Cami's house for some take-out. Alex brought Chinese for Mendy & me, and apparently thought we were big eaters, because she brought enough food for 10 people.

We had great seats on the floor, not too far back. My favorite dancer was Mark. He was so unique and danced in my favorite dance with Chelsie, "Bleeding Love." It was so passionate and heartbreaking.

When they would announce Will dancing, Alex would ask, "Is this the one with his shirt off?" Thankfully, there were many dances with shirtless men, so she was happy.

It was great seeing all the dances that we watched on TV come to life on stage.

Edward & Jenni

As Alec carried the mail in the house he said, "Mom, you're going to love this." My first thought was Twilight. I knew my Entertainment Weekly was coming and I thought what else could it be? Sure enough, there on the cover was Edward and Bella. I squealed and quickly looked inside for more pictures. I wasn't disappointed. There were some very nice shots that made me squeal some more. Now I'm even more excited for the movie, if that's possible. I'm so grateful they didn't put a ton of makeup on Edward like last time they featured Twilight. He looks amazing and yummy in all the pictures. There are three different covers, but I probably should just be happy with the cover I received and not go buy the other two.

Taking a break being lost with Edward was what I needed today since my day was spent working on transcripts while watching seven children. Thank heavens it was a nice day so I could send them outside.

My evening was spent with a friend who against my wishes moved away. She's back for a fun weekend of girls' nights and a So You Think You Can Dance concert. We played games, gabbed, laughed and munched. I'm so glad Jenni came back, because it brought a group of friends together that otherwise wouldn't have planned a night to make a memory.

An Older Man

Today Chris woke up to the kids very loudly saying "Happy Birthday!" We celebrated Chris' 40-something special day by eating a lot and shopping. Alec and Sophia were at school, so Selena & I took Chris to lunch at an El Salvador restaurant, then headed over to Kohl's. While Chris looked at juicers and doormats, Selena & I went to the clothes section. To celebrate Chris' day, I bought a very nice jacket for myself.

I told him he was having the best birthday -- eating & shopping. He didn't seem as excited as I was. Then when everyone was home from school, we went to dinner at a pizza buffet where they had a big screen TV playing the Disney channel. The kids have never been so well behaved. They sat facing the TV, eating all the pizza, mac & cheese, and cookies they could shove in their mouths. I'm tempted to have dinner there every night. (For my friends close by, it's on Route 1 across from Popeye's)
I've done recent posts on all the great things Chris does for me and what an amazing man he is, so I'll just wish him a happy birthday and say my favorite thing about him is that he put up with me for almost two decades and can still manage a smile.