Sunshine....what is that?

This photo was supposed to be in anticipation for a cute family holiday photo. "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" (or Igg and Ook as they are sometimes known--Hudson Hawk anyone?) were less than cooperative. But, I look good!!!! And that's all that counts, right?

My friend and "sister", J. has been in Ireland for a few weeks. She'll be there until....whenever. All this past week and weekend, it's been overcast and cloudy, even a bit rainy during the night hours. She doesn't know what she's missing....wait a second...it's similar weather over there! Maybe the sun moved, too? You can read her blog by clicking the link over there on the right ------>. It's the one that says something about Ireland.

We finally contacted a lawyer to get our Estate Plan worked out and starting Trusts for the kids. Guardianship is an agonizing thing to think about. But, with two kids and family across the country, we have been worrying about it for awhile. What really set things into motion was the case of Terri Schiavo case and the fight between her parents and her husband. Heart-wrenching and awful to watch or think about, Terri's case had wide-reaching impact. Making those types of plans seems so strange to someone in their 30's. But, with little kids, it is so very necessary. Choosing Guardians has been the most difficult thing to do. But, we finally figured it out (right after we met with the attorney). I feel so much better like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

Funny, that meeting also brought an offer from the firm to work part-time, possibly as a paralegal. The idea does appeal to me very much. Hubby seems to be in agreement and willing to give it a try-out. It would give me large blocks of time out the world of adults, using my brain for more than Dr. Seuss or potty training. Not that those things are not important. But, two-on-one is draining much of the time. Bouncing back and forth like a ping-pong ball between them and then suddenly remembering at 4:00pm that I never ate breakfast (or anything else all day) is the ultimate Yo-Yo Diet!

I think fondly of the tribal times when the whole village would take the responsibility of raising each child, so no one person had to bear the full burden all or most of the time. Elders with their wisdom and knowing were strong in their convictions and body. No such thing as a nursing home back then. The children of the village kept them young in spirit. Can you tell I've been reading historical fiction?????

What else....the Steelers had a particularly impressive game yesterday against the Cinncinati Bengals. Did I get to see it? No. But we saw the highlights. It would have been a game to see. Darn the black out rules!!!!

One of my oldest friends, Ann, finally told off her buttinsky mother-in-law, Trish, who basically treats her like something icky and squishy on the bottom of her shoe. Ann, and her husband, Donald, have been together since we were all in high school (20 years ago. Ewww.....) Anyway, from day one, Trish has disliked Ann and made no secret of saying as much to anyone within hearing range (including Ann the day before she got married). Tacky Trish had the audacity to tell Donald (right in front of Ann!) that she thought that Yours Truly was such a nice girl and he should have married me instead. Well, not only was that an awful thing to say in Ann's presence, but it made me want to punch Trish's lights out. Now, I'm not sure where I was at the time. I was around somewhere for the wedding, but I didn't hear about that until after the fact. Oh, I remember, I think I was chasing around after the best man! :) I've wanted to punch Trish's lights out (okay, figuratively) just about every time I've seen her in the 15 years or so since Ann and Donald's wedding. It's always torqued me that I seem to be nowhere nearby when something like this has been said. I miss the perfect opportunities for weenie roasting! Anyway, I was so proud of Ann. She told me the story and I was laughing so hard from trying to picture the two of them shouting at each other in the restroom of a public restaurant. It's like something out of a movie, and a long time coming. I giggled for about another hour after I went to bed. I so wish I had been a fly on the wall. I hope Trish remembers that Ann is strong in her own right and she'd best take heed or risk seeing her only grandchild. It sucks that Ann has to play it that way, but she is undermining the relationship of the child and it's parents. THAT is just not acceptable.

Hallows is next week and it's a new moon. The perfect time to celebrate my personal New Year's Day. I'm really looking forward to it. In the meantime, there are parties, parties and more parties. Sweet! It's SO good to be popular.

Catch y'all later. Until then, tell me what's happening in your world? Leave some comments so I'll know you have been here.

~~Mama