Life as it happens with our three beautiful and adopted children, Shayla, Yamira and Manuel: Happy New Year 2012!!!!!!

Well it's about time I show up here. It's been weeks. It's been the month of December though, so can you truly blame me? Who really reads this anyway? Heck I don't even read it. As I have said before, it's more so I can keep track of what I have done in my life since my brain left my skull many years ago. Somewhere around the time Shayla joined our family.

So here we are at a new year. I would like to say that I will begin blogging more regularly. However, I can't promise that. I have a lot of resolutions this year. Speaking of that, I need to write them on my blog as I do every year. I think I have kept this blog longer than most people I know have kept theirs. Most people just blog for a short time and then drop off. I understand it. You get busy and it's just one more thing to do. If nothing else, I know some people love to see the pictures. Not everyone is on Facebook. Hard to believe, but oh so true. I just said to Ayi Anita today, maybe this is the year you will get a FB account. She resoundingly said "No way." I get it, but sure wish she would get an account.

So let's see here. What have I done since I was here last. Rather, what have we done?

I can barely remember. Looking at my book for the 8th, I have a blank day! I was supposed to have lunch, but it was cancelled because my girlfriend's little one was sick. I so believe that day was spent just doing things around here and errands.

Friday was a great day. I took Yamira to therapy after she got out of school. Later that evening I had a Tastefully Simple party in Clinton. It was a very small party. However, it was nice as it was very intimate. The hostess was very sweet and she had friends and family. Most of them trying TS for the first time. I was home by 10 pm or so. I stayed up till approx. 2 am putting all the orders in as it was so close to Christmas. I didn't want to risk them not getting their orders.

The next day was great as well. Tough one, but overall really great. We got up, got ready and jumped in the car and headed to Clinton. I wanted to confront the videographer that I hired to do an adoption video for Ping. We get there for 10:00 am as promised. I told him I was coming. I knock and knock and knock. Finally someone from inside screams they will be right out. So I wait and wait and wait some more. I go to the car and wait some more. Jeff from Jascas Videography comes out of his house. Now mind you his business should be called Jack Ass Videography because he is a jerk. He doesn't have a clue what he is doing. I can't believe anyone has ever hired him. I should never have hired him. Chalk it up to one of my biggest mistakes ever!!!! So he comes out of the house as he is tucking in his shirt. Clearly he was out all night or was still sleeping. He looked awful. I have had suspicions for some time now as he can never remember stuff, but this just confirmed to me that something is up with him. Anyway, he walks out and says to me "Got my $50 bucks because if you don't, you aren't getting this disc." Well that immediately pissed me off. So we got into a huge argument. He told me he was going to have his neighbor "a cop" come over. I told him to "please do." Then I told him to call the police because if he didn't, I was going to. He went in the house all while screaming at me. Finally I go knocking on his door again and I yell loud enough for him to hear "Did you call the police because if you didn't, I will." Finally an officer arrives. Jeff comes back out screaming. The officer tells him to go in the house. I asked the officer if he was a friend of his because I wasn't sure if the "friend" was the one coming. The officer replied to me "oh no, I have arrested this guy before." I am NOT surprised at all by this. Not in the least. Jeff starts spouting lies. He looked like a jerk. I just kept my composure. Meanwhile the kids and Bill are sitting in the car. Finally the officer comes to me and says "I have to ask you to leave. I am sorry. This guy is a jerk." We tell him that we completely understand and want to go. We just came to get a video he owes us. Jeff comes back outside yelling some more. What an ass! After more words are exchanged, the DVD gets whipped at me and I am told that I am beyond blessed and I should be aware of it. "Gee Jeff, thanks!" I get in the car and off we go. What a morning! We then head to the bank, head home for the little ones to get in a nap and head off to Kirsten and Roger's cookie party. We had a ball. The kids made cookies and I got to meet a few of their friends who were super duper nice. A great time was had by everyone. Once home, we put the kids to bed and I did some online ordering for Christmas!

On Sunday, we were going to go to a Living Nativity in Rutland. Unfortunately, I was exhausted and not feeling fantastic. Our friends were not up to it either. That and it was cold out and we were just not in the mood to freeze while watching the whole thing outside. So we stayed home and had a nice day here. We were able to put up and decorate most of the tree. That was a huge weight off my shoulders! Still had more to do, but we did a good portion of it.

I had Monday off of everything. The kids had school. However, I didn't have any appointments that I needed to get too. So I got some more ordering done and decorating accomplished.

On Tuesday, I had my annual physical. Whoopie! Not so much. I still go to my doctor in Norwood. What can I say? She is easy. It is a pain to drive there and back, but that is all I had for the day. So I went and talked with her and had my physical. I then had blood work and headed home in time to get Ping from school. We spent the rest of the day at home. Did some homework and some other stuff. The regular routine stuff that needs to be done nightly.

On Wednesday, Bill and I went to the school for Shayla's holiday concert. So cute. They did a great job. I didn't feel good at all. I had a terrible stomach ache. I had lunch plans too. So Bill took off to go to his dentist and I went to Michaels to pick up something that I needed. I get to Michaels and as I am doing a return, I am really feeling ill. I am sweating. My mouth is salivating. My stomach is turning. I excuse myself and run to the bathroom where I promptly threw up. It was awful. What an awful time to have to do that. What an awful place to have to do that. So I go back to the register and apologize for taking off like that. I then jump in the car and call my lunch date and cancelled. I wasn't sure at this point if it was all surgery related or if I had a bug. I was suspecting bug because I don't usually throw up anymore unless I eat something too fast. The belly pain I had too was stomach cramps. More in line with a bug. Anyway, I just wanted to be home! I spent the rest of the day doing things around the house. I felt awful, but not awful enough to linger on the couch all dang day. Especially with a holiday approaching. That night I had plans to get a massage. I have been dying for one. However, I cancelled. I was afraid if I had a bug, I would pass it on to my friend. She is a sweetie and I didn't want to risk it. That and my stomach was queasy and I didn't want to have to run to the ladies room in the middle of a relaxing massage. I was so disappointed I couldn't go.

On Thursday, I had plans for lunch with my sweet friend Christine. However, due to still being sick I had to cancel. I really was looking forward to seeing her. I haven't seen her in some time. However, I didn't want to risk infecting her either if it was a bug. So I cancelled and spent the day inside. Why breathe on anyone, right? Talk about having all of my fun dashed for the last few days. It worked out though as I had plenty to do here. Again, felt well enough to do stuff here.

On Friday I was feeling better, so I met Christine for lunch. She was available as was I. We had a nice little lunch in Littleton. It was so good to see her and so good to have a conversation without interruptions. Unfortunately, she had to get back to work. So it wasn't nearly as long as I would have liked. There will be other times for sure. We need to plan a dinner with her son and Shayla as they are buddies. That way they can entertain each other and us ladies can chat. That night we were going to go to Bright Nights in Springfield with Ayi Meri and Uncle Joe, but they were busy painting. It was just as well. We had plenty to do around the house and even though I was feeling better, I wasn't 100%. I still was not sure if it was a bug or not. Very frustrating. I can't tell if it is surgery related or bug related. I don't usually react the ways I had been reacting when it's just my belly. That is why I believed it to be a bug. That and I volunteered in school for a few days and there has been a terrible stomach bug going around. Not everyone is getting it though. My kids and Bill didn't have anything. Usually a bug hits the family. However, given how weak my system is, maybe I just was the one that was lucky enough to get it. Who knows!

On Saturday, we had plans to go to Village Haven in RI for Lucas' birthday. So we laid very low at home so that the kids wouldn't be so exhausted to go out. We left around 4:00 pm to get there for 5:00 pm. We had a great time. There was a small group of us. Meri and her family, her parents and her sister in law with her kids. Then there was us. I had some salad, some chicken soup and a baked potato. I felt great. I was thrilled with how well I was doing. The kids were pretty well behaved. It was a fun night out. That was till I stupidly had a few bites of ice cream. I was instantly ill. After we all left, I just put the car seat back and laid there. I just kept concentrating on my breathing. I was so sick. I didn't want to throw up. I thought for sure I was going to. I did okay though. We actually quickly stopped to get some chicken fingers and then headed home and put the kids to bed. Fun night out. I need to remember that I can't eat ice cream. I know this, but thought it was such a small amount that it wouldn't matter!!!!

Sunday was great. The kids went to Sunday School and then had a nap. At 2:00 pm,. we piled in the car and headed to New Hampshire to my friend Meg's house for a cooking making party. We arrived in great time. We had dinner and then proceeded to play with dough. Lots and lots of dough. The night flew by. Before you knew it, we were back in the car for the journey home. Unfortunately, Manny and Yamira never sleep in the car. I have no idea why they don't. They only have occasionally. So not only is it late, but it's later for them as they don't even rest in the car. Once home, we put them straight into bed because I had them change into their pjs before we left Meg's house. For once my brain was working!!!! We had a wonderful time at Meg's. Her family and friends are wonderful. We felt so comfortable there. Like we had known all of them forever.

On Monday, I took the kids to school and manned the desk from 8:30 am - 11:00 am. I then brought Manny and Yamira home. They had lunch and napped. Then it was time to get Ping. Ping had Daisies that night. She was so excited as it was a pajama party. I dropped her off at 6:00 pm and my sweet friend Kirsten brought her home so that Bill could stay home with the little ones as I had a Tupperware/cookie swap to attend to that night. I took off for the cookie party and didn't get home till after 11:00 pm that night. I had a fantastic time. Had a little crackers and cheese and a cookie or two. Conversation was great. Can't wait till the next gathering. Not sure when it will be, but I am sure we will all be together again.

On Tuesday, I had a mammogram. Fastest one ever. I have in the past been over an hour. I don't think I was there more than 20 minutes. My how things have changed body wise! I then headed to get the kids and Bill and we went to visit the kids biological dad. They had a nice visit. We sat on the couch. Bill studied a little in between chatting with their step mom and I organized my new calendar for January. We have to be there, but I like to give them their space. It went well. I was concerned as Yamira had what I would say was a stellar day in bad behavior. So taking her to see her dad wasn't something I wanted to do. However, she was really well behaved. When we got there, we were shocked at the 15 or so people there. Come to find out they were holding a bible study. I thought they were all there for the kids. The kids dad like to drag us all over his town showing them off to friends and family. I get that. He loves them. He is proud of them. However, he never checks with us to see if this is okay. On every occasion, we have gone and done what he has asked us to do. When we arranged this visit, we had a disagreement. He wanted to see the children on Christmas Eve as his parent were coming from NY. I told him that we could not do that day. We had a full day. He was upset. Then he wanted to tell me what day we would do and what time we would do. So we got into a small argument. I am trying to keep a good relationship with their dad, but I do not have to follow his rules. As it is, we let him see them whenever he wants and we let him call whenever he wants. The last thing he is in a position to do is demand when he will see them. He had his middle daughter stay home from school that day just to see the kids. I felt bad that she missed school, but we couldn't bring the kids over after she was out of school. Bill had a final and I didn't care to go alone. I don't mine going alone, but after the little argument, I felt it was best that we both be there. The visit was fine. The kids had a great time. They each got a puzzle. Manny got a truck that immediately broke and Yamira got a set of checkers. After a few hours we headed home as Bill had to go to school. Last day before break. The rest of the day brought naps and Christmas prep. Bill was on from 6:00-10:00 pm that night.

On Wednesday, I had a cranial sacral massage scheduled. That went well. she comes right to the house. I am not sure if it's helpful, but it does seem calming. Other than Ping and I going to the dentist at 3:30 pm, I was home for the day doing some more Christmas stuff. We were at the dentist forever. I was less than thrilled about that. We were there for over two hours for two cleanings. Why? We then ran to Michaels to get something. Once home, Ping ate dinner and everyone headed to bed. I was going to sit down and watch a program, but forgot. So when I remembered, I dvr's it. I watched it later in the evening. It was "Home for the Holidays." It's about foster parenting. It's cute, but way too glossy for me. Life isn't really like they present it. There is a lot of stuff in between.

Thursday was a busy day. At 10:15 am, I attended Manny's holiday party. I then brought the kids home. I ran to have lunch with a good friend locally while Bill took Manny and Yamira to the dentist. After lunch, I grabbed Ping and headed home. That night I went to dinner at The Mill with some wonderful ladies. It was a great night. I usually don't have so many lunch dates and now a dinner date on top of that, but Bill was out of school now and so I could attend. Yahoo.

On Friday, I attended Yamira's holiday party. I then brought the two kids home. After lunch, Yamira and I headed out to therapy. I then did a few errands and also a lot of stuff around the house. I cleaned and did some wrapping. Did some organizing of the house and at the desk. Caught up on bill paying. It was a really nice leisurely afternoon. Other than getting Ping at 3:00 pm, we spent the rest of the day in just getting ready in anticipation of Christmas Eve the next day.

It's Christmas Eve and I have slept in. What? Who sleeps in? Where is Jill and why has she been so relaxed the last two weeks or so? Sure, I have had my moments or a day here and there. However, I really made a 360 from the first week in December when I was over the top stressed about getting everything done. I have never been this relaxed. Never. I am not exaggerating. Anyway, I slept in a little. I then got up and cleaned and tidied and got on FB and checked my forums. All that jazz. Nothing crucial. At 4:00 pm, we headed to Ayi Meri and Uncle Joe's house. We had dinner which consisted of a fine roast and some yummy squash that Bill made. We sat and laughed and exchanged gifts. I gave Meri a hand crafted Jewish star for their tree. She seemed to like it. I hope. I have had it since November. Got Joe some "Elf Beer." Bill got two funny tees. Shayla got a killer dragon jewelry box that she was absolutely over the moon with. Yamira got a beautiful blanket that Ayi made and Manny got an outfit and some pjs. We gave Ryan a wooden Menorah which I thought was great till I saw that they already had one. That was really a bummer. Gave Lucas' a big craft box which he seemed pleased with. Meri gave me a home made hat, but she gave it to me prior to this night. Pictures in said hat will follow at some point. A great time was had by all. The kids totally got annoyed with each other and we got annoyed with them. However, it was a nice night. We came home, put the kids to bed and read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to Ping as the other two couldn't stay awake. Bill then waited awhile so they could sleep before he put everything under the tree. I sat on the computer basically doing mostly nothing. I was on FB, checking out forums and looking up condos. I will get to that in a few. Ended up going to bed after 2:00 am!!!! I do feel bad I never got to church as I always go on Christmas Eve, but it just didn't work out this year for us.

Christmas Day came early. Wait, no it came late. Embarrassingly late. Here is the thing. Ping started in on "Can you get up now, I am hungry?" I have no idea what time that was, but it was earlier than normal. I look at Bill and he is still asleep. I pass out again. She must have walked downstairs to watch TV. I am not in the slightest bit concerned as the gifts are in the locked family room. All of a sudden Yamira says "Mommy, Daddy wants you to get up. " I was in a fog. I don't remember anything after that. I don't know what time that was. At some point, I literally bolt up out of bed and look at the time. It's 10:45 am. I kid you not. I can't even see straight. I run to the top of the stairs and yell to the kids that I am so very sorry. They are just sitting there and watching TV with Daddy. How odd is that? How patient are they? Ping yells up the stairs "Mommy, I am so sorry I woke you up too early, please forgive me?" WHAT? Seriously child? Forgive me!!!!! I jump in the shower because I can't see straight. I rush to get ready. I finish getting them ready and we head down for gifts. They are all thrilled. They don't notice that it is a tiny Christmas. They love their DVDs, books, stencils, ottomans and clothes. Not one word about no Wii, DSi or anything else. I am thrilled. We jump in the truck once loaded and head to Ayi Sarah and Brad's homestead. We usher the kids in and feed them and set them up with coloring books and DVDs. Sarah and Brad go to great lengths to clean their office so that our kids can be there. This isn't easy. Mind you they are neat people. They aren't cleaning a mess. They are cleaning because they are running a business. A tea shop with gifts and a tea rental business. The last place you want to bring three young kids. However, Sarah and Brad have embraced our children as they have embraced me for so many years. So they do this so the kids have a place and we can go and visit them without too much worry. The kids were handles little gifts left and right from Sarah's wonderful family. The kids were thrilled. I sat and chatted and opened a few gifts as well. This year I bought gourmet fortune cookies from a great company and bagged them up for gifts. People seemed to love them. They tasted wonderful and had special sayings that I created. They were dipped in chocolate and crushed peppermint pieces. I thought they were awesome. Also they don't need to be dusted. What could be better than that. Anyway, the day was over before I could blink. We piled the kids up, gave out kisses and hugs and headed home to our ranch. We put the kids into bed as they were so exhausted. I then sat down and watched some TV while Bill played on his iPhone. It was an easy day. Just the type you want, right?

I could not wait till Monday. I was thrilled it was Monday. I was thrilled Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was behind me. Don't ask me why as I can't give you an answer. It has nothing to do with the most wonderful friends that I adore. I just was not into the season this year. I was into seeing my friends as I adore them. However, I just was not feeling holidayish at all this year. I just wanted it done and behind me. Some call me "Grinchy." Feel free. I don't care. Some people go on and on about "Jesus being the reason for the season." That is fine if that is how you feel. I am just being honest and sharing how I feel. I am not "FEELING" it and a few others I know don't either!!!! It's okay. It's not a refection on anyone. It's ME. I have given this a ton of thought and really want this year to be different. I want it to be about quality and not quantity. I don't want to exchange with anyone anymore if they don't want too. I have three kids! It's a hardship for most. I don't want people to feel like they have to buy for me or for Bill or for the kids. I know this may sound very odd to anyone who is still even reading. Here is the thing, I have been exchanging with my friends for years. Why? I have been asked why several times. Because we always have. Because we had small or no families. Because we love each other. Is it something grand and expensive every time? Hell no. Sometimes yes. However, life changes. I have three kids now. Buying for five is a hardship. So I am willing to stop exchanging with everyone and have spoken to my very closest about this. The jury is still out. One still wants too. The other two want to think about it. That is fine. I just want to release the stress of my friends. Maybe it's not stressful. What if it is though? So that is one big change. The other is that I would love to book a condo in Florida or Mexico or something and just go away. Do away with going anywhere. Why? It's funny because 99% of the people I have talked to said that staying home in their pjs with just their significant other and kids are all they want to do. Instead they often have to trek out. I am the complete opposite. I don't know if it's because I am an only child or an extrovert. I want to be around the hustle and bustle. The lights. The decor. The many conversations. The glorious food I can't eat anymore. I want to feel the warmth and love around me. So many people have said that it is up to me to create it. I get that. I don't "expect" others to give that to me. However, as most people know, people are not going to get out of their ruts, routines, habits or what have you. If your mom is alive, you will be seeing her. If you see your sister every year and go to church, you will see your sister every year and you will go to church. You are not going to come to my house for a meal and conversation. It is what it is. So why not just pick my family up and get out of dodge, so that I have zero expectations. I would think that would be best! So I will look to do that in the future. Still mulling it over.

Okay, so back to Monday. I was thrilled it was Monday as it was a free day to to whatever. So what did I do? I started to take down every single decoration that we had in the house. The house was de-Chrismased in hours. I also did a bunch of other things. I just wanted it down and put away. I didn't want to look back. It was great to be home and just spend the day tending to things. Manny and Yamira got in a great nap. Ping played. We did stuff around the house. It was great. We had a nice unexpected dinner at The Mill with our friend Trisha and her two children. They had been boarding up at the mountain, so they ran by for a quick dinner. It was great to see them. We had to be home for 6:00 pm as Bill was on call from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

On Tuesday, we did errands. Errands galore. We started from one end of the earth and went to the other. We went to Worcester and Westboro and everywhere in between. We started at 10:30 am and got home after 7:00 pm. Long day for the kids. They were horrible. That is our fault. However, we had to get this stuff done and we had to be together for some of it. We did do a little furniture shopping. We have absolutely got to get furniture for our family room that we are still not using. It is driving us mad. It's hard with Bill in school though. We don't get a chance to shop together. He has school, I have an appointment, the kids are tired, etc. Anyway, it wasn't a good day as we pushed way too hard. We did get a ton done. No furniture bought, but we did get other things that we needed including a dishwasher!

Wednesday was a busy day. Bill took Jezebel for blood work and I had a 9:30 am appointment at the house to switch something out. Yamira and Shayla both had 10:00 am play dates here. The girls were thrilled and had a great time. It went by very, very quickly. Then Manny and Yamira took a nap before we headed to our friend's house for dinner. We went to the Gaul residence for 5:00 pm and had salad and home made pizzas. I had pizza. First time in nearly two years. I could actually eat it. It was fantastic. We had a great time catching up with Audra and Terry and the kids had a ball playing. It was a great vacation day.

Thursday brought a few errands, but mostly we stayed home. Bill ran out to get a few things we needed. I wanted to stay home and get the rest of the Christmas tree ornaments down and the tree down as we were having guests the next day. After the younger two napped, we went shopping for furniture. Still we didn't buy anything. I have found some stuff I love, but it's pricey and we have four cats and three kids. Doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money. The cheaper things that I am okay with, I really am not so okay with. They don't do anything for me. So I am in a quandary. Bill doesn't care. He says "call the Cayman accounts and get the money sent!" Okay honey. Whatever.

Friday was a great day. We had our new dishwasher installed and then our dear friend Stephanie and her daughter Lexi came for a visit. She has never been to our house. The got here about 10:00 am. We showed them the house and exchanged gifts. Ping got an adorable rock craft. Yamira got Benderoos and Manny got some awesome slippers and a crane pick up toy. I got a beautiful scarf and some crazy holiday socks as a joke. We gave wine and some crafty stuff to them. We then went to lunch at The Mill. I have been to The Mill a lot lately, no? I had a salad and Shepard's Pie. Unfortunately, two bites into the salad and something was wrong. I was instantly sick. I was feeling like I had when I was at Michaels just two weeks before. Needless to say I didn't eat. I brought my food home. Stephanie and Lexi went home to Connecticut and we came home. We spent the rest of the day at home. The kids napped while Shayla played. Bill did a few things for me and I did some organizing. Ayi Meri came by to give me her Christmas gift to me. She did not have to get me anything as she made me a beautiful hat. However, she got me the most adorable hostess apron. I love it. It's so cute! It has cherries on it which I love. She also got me two dish towels in a fall theme. So needed. Thanks Ayi. Can't wait to wear my apron! Bill was on from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm again. It was a nice and fairly relaxing day. Sadly I felt miserable for most of it. Is it surgery related? Am I sick with the bug again? So upsetting. You have no idea. I am hungry and yet can't eat. I throw up everything. I get stomach cramps. It's just getting tedious.

I was up early on Saturday. Bill was on call from 6:00 am - 12:00 pm. So I was up early with the kids. It's funny, but I have slept on my chair every night this week. It stinks. I hate doing that, but I have been passing out without knowing about it and not waking till around 6:00 am. That is when Shayla starts bounding down the stairs ready to watch TV. She was one to always stay in bed till 7:30 am. Now she is my early bird. So frustrating. Anyway, I got up and showered and got the kids ready for the day. Shayla had a 10:00 am play date. So the two younger ones played and watched TV and then had a good nap. We had plans that night! It was New Years Eve and we were heading over to the Christoforo residence for some Chinese. I still was sick all day and that was disheartening. I had thrown up a few times. My belly still ached. Again, what can I do? What is it? There is nothing I am eating that seems to be setting it off. I am trying to narrow down and think hard as to what is going on. We went to Rebecca and John's for 6:30 pm. Bill was on call, but he could respond from there as they are right in town. Needless to say, there were no calls. So he stayed put all night. We had Chinese food and chatted all night. The kids had a blast. Our friend Ashly was there with her boyfriend and two gorgeous daughters. It was so nice to be together as a group because it had been too long. Before we knew it, the night was over. We had to all get home. The kids were toast! Believe it or not, I had Chinese and did fairly well with it. How did that happen? So damn unpredictable my belly! Great night with absolutely awesome friends.

I was going to get up early on Sunday. I did get up early, but it was because I didn't feel well. After about 20 minutes, I went back to bed as everyone was still sleeping. Bill had to be to work for noon. So I got up and got ready and hung out with the kiddos while Bill got ready and headed out the door. We had a really low key day. They were exhausted. They had long naps. Ping won't nap. I didn't feel well in the afternoon again after I ate something, so I actually had to lay down. It was that or throw up again. So I laid down and passed out. Ping was watching TV and doing crafts, so it was fine. I hate wasting hours like that though. I got up and did a few things and then Bill came home. We fed the kids late and put them to bed late because the naps ran so late. Normally I would have woken them up, but figured they needed it. Bill and I finally got every last Christmas box into the attic. Yay. That is done. We also got a few other joint things done together. I wanted a few things hung up, so I had to show where. Dumb little projects like that. Bill was on from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm and again from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. However, all was quiet. Just as well as he was tired. I sat at the computer all night long. I paid bills, ordered some clothes for Manny who has barely anything and ordered a few other things. Before I knew it, it was 4:00 am. I am not kidding. I knew it was late. I just couldn't help it. I had energy to burn and was unwilling to go to bed.

Somewhere around 9:30 am I got up today. We had plans at 11:30 am with Ayi Anita and her sweet man at the Yard House at Legacy Place. What a zoo. The place was packed within 10 minutes of us being there. We had a great lunch. I gave Anita a beautiful charm for her bracelet and some of her favorite candy. She gave the entire family a years pass to the Boston Aquarium. So flipping cool. It's for 6 people. We can not wait to go. Not sure when we will get there, but we need to make a date. I have to get her back her charm bracelet too. I have to have her charm sodered. I do every time I get her a charm. So I will have that done and then I will set up something with her so we can visit. Ping kept saying "Mommy, why can't Ayi Anita come over on a Saturday and spend the entire day like she usually does." It was so cute. Ayi usually comes for the day as it's an hour drive both ways. This time we went down to her area. Thought it was best to limit the visit since we were meeting her boyfriend for the first time and we do have three overwhelming kids. That and it's not fair for Anita to always come here. We had a really fun time. We went to Au Bon Pan to get soup for me after as there was one right there at Legacy. We also went to Whole Foods. Anita is so lucky to have this place right around where she lives. We didn't do any shopping because the kids were toast with no nap. Shayla did go to the two little errands, but Bill sat with Yamira and Manny and let them watch a DVD while we ran in and out to get stuff. We then headed home. Bill cooked dinner and I have literally been on this computer updating this blog for hours. Like maybe 5 hours. Granted I have answered emails and FB posts. I have put the kids to bed and pulled out their clothes for tomorrow. However, for the most part I have truly been glued here to this blog.

Now I have to upload pictures. That is so darn time consuming. As always, if you want to see more pictures, please come see me on FB. That is where they all are.

I hope you have enjoyed the update. Hell, I hope someone read it just so it was worth all this time!!!!!

Here is to a new and very happy and healthy 2012 I hope.

Mama Out!!!!!!!!