Dear Unnamed Nail Salon,

Maybe it was the hot air that hit me like a brick wall when walking through the front door that started us off on the wrong foot. Don't worry, I'll never let a "man" tell my feet where the best place in town is to get a pedicure. Obviously such advice cannot be taken from a guy that thinks roughing it is enjoyable. Does this count as my first "roughing it" experience?

Maybe it all went wrong from the get-go; the moment I hit auto on the massage seat. My teeth were chattering and it wasn't because I was cold (remember? there was a lack of air conditioning.) I could have forgiven you altogether for the chattering and lack of air, but the brutality did not stop there. I think it's a little thing called "cleaning your toe instruments." I thought normal protocol was to clean them between patrons. I promise I watched you with my large, eagle eye and protocol was COMPLETELY dismissed. You might be a germ-a-phobic if.....or you might just have normal standards of good hygiene. Sharing toe funk...not one such case. The luke warm water I was submerged in did not help matters. My toes were hugging one another, frightful of what could be lurking in those luke-warm waters. And to add insult to injury, those hot stones that the "man" so bragged about.....well you burned me with one. I am sorry that I sent your stone flying through the air, but burned legs do tend to react in such ways. They just can't help themselves sometimes. The cooling lotion that felt like a blow torch on them helped them to forget about the burn mind you. So, so long unnamed nail salon we shall NEVER cross paths again! H-Nail....I'm coming home. I'm very sorry for betraying you for your unnamed competition. I promise never to let a "man" tell these feet where to get a pedicure again.

Your truly sorry patron,

Jessica

Christmas in Review

Christmas in Review

Back in Business

Okay, I think I have finally fixed the "commenting" problem on my blog. It should be open for comments now. Feel free to go wild to make up for lost time. haha

Elf Yourself

Well, my list is made and I've checked it twice. Technically, I have checked it, re-written it, marked off, added to, and poured over it. Whew! I am tired. As I type this I am sitting in what one might consider a "disaster area." Did we have a mid-winter Hurricane or what? I requested an "elf" from Santa, but he hasn't made it over yet. You can read my personal letter to Santa here. Poor little guy must have been delayed. Or maybe he was just smart and stayed at the North Pole. Santa's Workshop probably doesn't hold a candle to the "toyland" we have going on at our house. Trust me, these children....

...are by no means deprived.

Tonight I was telling Laci and Seth how some children don't get a lot of toys at Christmas time. I said, "Don't you think it would be nice if we could take some of our old toys and give them to some kids that might not get any this year?" And in all seriousness this one...

said "Umm...that's okay, we like our toys." Hmmm....not exactly the "spirit of sharing" answer I had in mind. So, I kept explaining the importance of sharing, giving, helping others that are less fortunate than us. In response, this one...

...said, "Hey, we can give this doll house right here to a kid that needs." Hmmm....offering up your sisters toy instead of your own...also not exactly what I had in mind. But, mighty clever move I must say. Maybe we will get it right...next year.

Then, there is this one ....

...who graced us with his version of the Christmas story tonight.

"The angel said, "Do not be afraid!" For you are going to have a baby. I have good news. And the baby say "Waaa, waaa I'm hungry." Thank you Leyton for your "true to personality" rendition.

What a trip! Only about 56 hours 'til Santa arrives at our house! Eeek...better get back to work. Maybe that elf will show up? Otherwise I might have to be the elf myself! Oh dear, this is going to be a long 56 hours.

Daddy's Girl

Thank you To the Moon and Back

I think the most common question that people ask me about raising multiples is "How do you do it?" I guess the time has come to reveal the real way that I accomplish a life with two jobs, two blogs, three children, a household, and still stay sane.

Her code name is Mary Poppins. She blinks and cookies literally march to the oven, toys snap back on shelves, and children are instantly dressed. Spit Spot. Messes like this....

And this...Magically disappear. Dirty children ....
...are clean and tidy without complaints (unlike when I rinse their hair and inevitably get water in their eyes). Rules like this...
are obeyed with no fuss. And everyone sighs with relief at the deafening silence. Parents are able to go on weekend getaways to places like this:

Because someone like *Mary* agrees to come early and stay late. Doctors appointment?

No problems there. She is always on board with a smile. Remembering things like diaper bags and cameras for the average *doctor's office photo-op*. Trip to the zoo, no problem!

Thank you Susan Marie for all you do! You have....

captured our hearts.... We love you to the moon and back!

Christmas Time

As Christmas inches closer, I am ever-grateful to the Lord for his blessings. I have been thoroughly amused this week at my children's pre-Christmas stories and antics. I always knew I would enjoy being a mom, but never anticipated the humor I would find in their everyday conversations. Growing up is ..well...funny. They made Christmas tree cards at school this week that were fill in the blank. Here are a few of the highlights:

Laci:

1. I love to eat "carrots" on Christmas day.

2. A long time ago in Bethlehem "Jesus." (Yes, that was the end).

3. I love Christmas because "it's special."

Seth:

1. A long time ago in Bethlehem "Jesus bit the whale." (hmmmm...)

2. On Christmas day my family will probably "watch T.V." (gotta give him credit for honesty).

3. I love to eat "pizza" on Christmas day.

Leyton:

1. I love Christmas because "I want a motorcycle." (Easy, there speed racer!)

2. A long time ago in Bethlehem "the Indians just fight."

3. If it snows on Christmas day I will "eat turkey."

4. We put lots of "Indians" on our Christmas tree. (Funny, I don't recall this at all ). :)

Besides my family, I am VERY grateful to be healthy this Christmas. Matter of fact, this is the first Christmas that I have been healthy since I was 20. From infertility, to pregnancy complications, to my diagnosis with Endometriosis and my wheat allergy, it's been a LONG eight years. Time has both flown by and crept at a snail's pace.

Family time is precious and I don't want to take a second for granted. During all your errand running, giving, and buying, remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. He paid a great price, His life, just for you.

Orange Sherbet in my Fine China

Today has been one of those days.

Exhausting. Frustrating. Bewildering day. One drama right after another has unfolded. I just don't understand some people. I have tried to help a few individuals/situations over the holidays and I'm weary. I guess I am just very black and white. If you say you need help, then I am going to help you to the best of my knowledge. I think some people don't really want help though. This is what I am learning anyway. I just don't get it. I know the Bible tells us to not "grow weary in doing good" so I am going to tuck that one away in my thinking for now and move on.

Today has been one of those days.

I think I must have a sign on me that says "Insult me please." In the past two days I have had someone tell me that my "genetics" are probably the reason that I'm a "big girl" and that my body isn't the size I would like it to be. And then they proceeded in telling me that I was probably going to stay "that way." Hmmm...I can't really figure out what part of that sounded right in their head before it flew out of their mouth. But, then again, when I think about it...maybe "big girls do cry" or want to after a comment like that. Rude radar anyone? This reminds me of the "other time" I was visiting a customer and one lady said to me "So, if your allergic to wheat and you cannot eat anything, then why are you so fat?" Can someone please give me a tissue please! And we wonder as a society why some girls struggle so much with their self esteem? Hmmm...I'll take FAT COMMENTS for 200 please!

Today has been one of those days.

And to add insult to injury, I tried to help a friend find a car who was competely rude to me on the phone when I called them with some good news about a vehicle I thought might work out for them. He was "in front of someone" so that was to explain the rudeness away I guess.

Today has been one of those days.

Someone left my sunday school class because they were bored. I know I am not the first sunday school teacher to have someone bail...but it's discouraging just the same.

Today has been one of those days.

By the end of the day, I was so discouraged that I bypassed my workout and came home and ate. I basically had two dinners. And then, in honor of one of these days, I had a big glass of Orange Sherbet. And since it was a special day, I served it to myself via one of my wedding goblets. Those things never get the attention they deserve anyway!

Despite today's disappointments, I did have an excellent gluten free breakfast at my favorite mexican restaurant with a new friend. I actually had a wonderful time! We talked about my ability to attract insulting comments and had a lot of laughs actually.

Today has been one of these :( days....

Dear Santa,

Or do you prefer Kris Kringle? This year I would like a Gluten-Free pizza crust that rivals those Gluten-Free Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookies that I shouldn't have eaten. Maybe you could put in a good word for me to get a FREE year's supply of those somehow (wink wink). I would also like a Michael Kors watch (the black one), and some tall, brown (yes size 11) boots like my black ones. I will try not to blow the heels out on these like I did my last pair. I would also like a pre-recorded taping of my voice saying "Get in Bed!" so I don't have to lose my voice every night repeating myself to my children. Also, maybe you could send a cute little elf down ahead of time (kind of a practice run) to finish the cabinet that is still sitting on my porch. I would like it to be painted black and distressed ASAP ( before it rots from the damp air). I'm going for festive this year, not a resale shop! And if you have some time left, could you swing by Target and buy me some of those nifty little ornament storage boxes, so that when my husband throws the ornaments carelessly in the attic after Christmas, only a few will break this time!

Yours Truly,

Jessica Kirkland

P.S. I've been a good girl, so feel free to expedite my gifts.

Cowboys, Cheerleaders, and Diamond Rings

A few weeks ago my husband and I celebrated his 35th birthday in Big D! On his wish list was none other than a trip to Cowboys Stadium! We stayed at a quaint bed & breakfast (yes, it's still quaint even though it was in Arlington) a few blocks away. It was my first NFL game and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In fact, I bought a big #1 finger and swung from the rafters with my face streaked navy and silver. You are right, I really didn't do that. But, it was a lot of fun and I picked up a new favorite player; that sparky little gem from Georgia Tech, Keith Brooking. He was really fun to watch. And maybe, just maybe when we become really good friends I will do my impression of his "move." Keep in mind that I said "really good friends." And all the while, my husband of almost eight years was all smiles (and it wasn't because I was on his arm I am convinced).


Matter of fact, he was so pumped when we returned to our humble abode, that he bedazzled Laci some "cheerleader gear." Now, I don't know how to sew on a shirt button, much less bedazzle a thing. Oh the lengths a man will go to for his favorite NFL team.
Matter of fact, the only thing bedazzling about me these days is the new and "old" addition to my ring finger. You can read more about this new Miracle on 405th street here. Hard work does pay off (even if it is almost four years after you have given birth). Who says you only get a year?

Dear Great Value & Chuy's....

Well, it's official. I have dropped. To be a little more precise, I have "shopped til I dropped." Officially. Twelve hours ago my mom and I set out to knock out the rest of the gifts on our Christmas lists. Needless to say, my list is almost just as long at 10:52 pm as it was this morning upon departure at 9:30am. Oh my. My mammaw likes to hold her chest and gasp at the exciting and/or overwhelming things in life; this is a chest holding moment. Trust me. It's not that Christmas is suddenly going to jump up to December 11th...it's just that my opportunities to accomplish all this gift buying is slim.

Laci attended this marathon with us. I couldn't have asked for a better shopping companion! She was getting a little delirious towards the end of the night. She begins to ramble during such times! She got a little fed up with her panty hose on the shoe aisle in Academy. I had one boot on one leg, and one Nike tennis shoe on my other when I looked over to see her de-clothing herself. Like I said, delirious...

In other news, Chuy's Mexican Restaurant shall forever be on my "never going there again" list. Before, I criticize their menu...I would like to say I am thankful to them for taking the time to warn me that there was absolutely not one thing on their menu that I could eat. Some people would have just let me risk it. Instead, they sent their manager to bring me the bad tidings. Only one thing that could be adapted or changed up a little to accomodate my gluten sensitivity; a piece of non-seasoned plain chicken. I can honestly say that is the most option-less place I have ever been to...period. The most shocking thing of all is that they actually used to have an ENTIRE gluten free menu. They apparently got rid of it altogether and then started adding flour to EVERYTHING on their menu. Even normal things that you would think are safe like, "corn tortillas" and "queso" and "hamburger meat." Yes, somehow they have managed to put flour or combine it into things that are better off without it. They can now be on the list with Wal-Mart changing the "Great Value" brand of soy sauce from gluten free back to "wheat-filled." I don't see the point in that either. Why Wal-Mart, why? My only hope for homemade Chinese food down the tube!

Dear Great Value & Chuy's,

Here is your bag of switches for Christmas. And by the way, I laced the switches with some wheat just for you.

In better news, my friend Shannon discovered a gluten free pizza place in Tomball. Pizza Fusion offers a normal white crust, a multi-grain crust, and a gluten free crust. Is pizza in itself worth the 1 1/2 hour drive to Tomball? Well, my friends, the answer is a resounding yes! I can hear the Veggie Tales themselves singing softly in my ear "Pizza Angel please come to me..give me pepperoni and cheese so gooeey." You get the point.

Better off Forgotten

There are some things better left unsaid. Like the time my brother called my second grade teacher fat. So, what that he was only four years old? I wanted to crawl under something...anything that would provide substantial face-hiding-coverage.

There are some things that are better off forgotten. Like teething, for example. I have three toddlers and they were all painfully cutting teeth at the same time. Painful, fever-inducing, flesh cutters is what those things are. I am glad I don't remember getting teeth.

My kids were horrified by Santa last year. It's amazing what can be forgotten in just a year. This year, the cries magically turned to polite requests for items like "trees," "blue shoes," and "princess dolls." I was a very shy child (don't laugh...it is true actually). I was afraid of Santa, too! But, only for like 5 minutes. I am glad I don't remember the time I was laying out cookies and milk in my living room and my sister said to me, "Santa's not real you know, dad eats the cookies!"

Oh wait, maybe I do remember that. Thanks, sis, for scarring me and stealing my innocence. There are some things I painfully wish I could forget. :)

I *heart* snow!

We had a little visitor come see us a few days ago.  This makes two years in a row that snow has made it's way to Southeast Texas.  
It was a highly anticipated event at our house.  We waited...
and waited....
But, finally, the sleet turned to snow.  And eventually, the snow began to stick long enough for us to venture out and have some fun.  
And what fun they had, dashing through the snow!  The only downfall...I'm afraid they are going to be expecting snow EVERY year.  Maybe, they will get their wish.  

By All Means...

By all means...
Do purchase Betty Crocker's new G-free cookie mix.

Do exhibit more SELF CONTROL than I did when consuming.

Do take a moment to ask forgiveness for the damage caused.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Yesterday these feet were off to what is hopefully one of the last two medical tests I will have to have run for awhile. Elegant aren't they? Can a size 11 foot be elegant? Really, can they be, really? Don't answer that. Elegant they may not be, but festive they were indeed. When you have to subject yourself to medical scrutiny, you might as well spread Christmas cheer! Plus, they looked good sticking out of the white sheet on my hospital bed. Add an oversized hospital gown that was tied up in all the wrong places and you have a ...well...go ahead and run with that image. The good news? I was well taken care of. Particularly, I was well taken care of by a tri-lingual nurse that used to be a linguist for the NSA. She and her husband were linguists in Korea for the United States government. What an exciting life! We chatted about her "past life" as she poked me and hooked me up to all of my equipment. It was like a page ripped right from a Dan Brown novel.

All in all, this girl and her feet (socks and all) got a clean bill of health. And might I add, some problems that existed before have resolved since I have removed wheat from my diet. More proof that wheat was physiologically changing my insides. Now, to move on to more important matters; Christmas is around the corner! Want to have a peak at one of Laci's Christmas trees?
She has two and she adores them! The other night I heard the clanging of ornaments and when I finally traced it to her room...I found her sleeping underneath her tree. She said, "Hey mommy! Look I'm a present!" And I have to agree 100%!
This is her posing the next night under her "Tismas Tee."
Although you might not be able to make out the theme on the boys tree; it's a sports & outdoor tree. Complete with a large collection of sports & outdoor ornaments that have been given to Robb and I over the years. I'm glad we have two boys that can enjoy them like we have!
Leyton & Seth posing in their Cubbie vests. Cubbies is what the three year old program in Awana's is called. At Cubbies they memorize and recite scripture; it is an excellent program. I have even been learning a thing or two myself!

Tomorrow, Santa is coming to town or technically Santa is coming to breakfast! Our church will host the 2nd annual Breakfast with Santa. Pancake breakfast, games, reading of the Christmas story, and pictures with Santa...all for free! What more could you ask for, right?