Rants, Raves and Other

I have had lots going on. I even thought "Oh, I am soooo going to blog that", but then I forget what that was. So this is going to be a little bit of this and that. Some whining. Some joy. Some other stuff of some sort.

We are planning this big trip home (can NOT wait) to Tennessee (Gatlinburg, anyone?) in a couple of weeks and I have had some issues. Shut up! I wanted to make sure the kids had plenty to do on the trip. It is 16 hours in a vehicle. So I searched high and low for a cheap good deal on portable DVD system for the van. I found one. I informed DQ I had ordered one, and did she say "Oh, wow, Mom you are the best!"? Nope. Did she say "That is a great thing to do for us, Mom!"? Nope. She complained. Whined. I believe even shed a few tears. Why? Because there is only one DVD player and two screens, thus they have to watch the same movie. Brat! Can you believe that nonsense?

I received the system I bought today. I am so excited. Obviously more excited than the brat! Lucky for her, Mom is smart. I can hook her DVD player from her room into the second screen and not listen to her mouth! Anywho, the system is pretty, came with everything I need, and was a great price! Go me!

The other issue I have had is a little problem we have been having in the van. The one we plan to drive across the country. I think it MAY be fixed. Please keep your fingers crossed. If not, I may drive it off into a lake or river or something. And I may forget to jump out at the last minute.

The toddler's vocabulary and skillz have just expanded exponentially lately! She says all kinds of words. And I do mean ALL. The other day I was in the kitchen and did something which resulted in an "Oh Shit!" escaping. Yeah she was sitting there and said it too. (Sorry Mom!) She also will count with me, when she feels like it, of course. She also likes to point at the Christmas tree and say "pretty", then look at me out of the corner of her eye while she nonchalantly hits an ornament to make it bounce around. Yes, she knows she isn't supposed to. She also is playing the game all kids eventually learn to play. Mommy says, pick up your toys. She ignores. This happens repeatedly. Daddy finally pipes up from behind his computer screen and says The Toddler (except her real name), pick up the blocks now. She picks them all up. What on earth? Isn't she too young to have me figured out as the lazy nice parent?

Back to the trip home. I am ec-freaking-static! Only 15 days til we leave. Only a couple of stress filled days at my dad's then off to BLISS at the in-laws! Is it bad that visits with my dad are stressful to me? I hope not. Let me be clear though. It isn't my dad that bothers me, its the kids in his spotless, OCD house. I feel as though I have to chase them around picking up and vacuuming everywhere they walk. Now, he has never said that they make messes and it bothers him, it's just in my head. Shut up! After those days, we get to see everyone else and I can not wait. I will probably mention this trip in every post for the next 2 weeks!

Ok, I think I am done rambling for now. Oh, wait, no I am not. Did you see the story about the Bratz dolls (AKA plastic prostitutes around here by adults)? Can you believe that? You haven't heard it? You really should check into the news once in a while. Basically, after the holidays the dolls will not be sold anymore. The creator created them while working for another company yada yada. Bottom line: No more plastic prostitutes!