POPCORN BALLS...

For the first 22 years of my life I spent every Christmas Day (except one) at my Grandma's house and in later years even if I wasn't with her on Christmas Day I would see her sometime during the holiday week.  Now in these last years Grandma wasn't able to participate much in the festivities but she was there. 

One of my memories of Christmas at Grandma's was the popcorn balls she used to make.  (Now these are the good popcorn balls not the ones made with that marshmallow nonsense).  She would always bring them out in the afternoon after dinner was eaten and cleaned up and after gifts were exchanged.  They were SO GOOD.   

Today, even though we have had every treat known to man over the last few weeks, I decided to whip up a batch of the popcorn balls.  They aren't as good as hers always were but just biting into one brings memories rushing back and brings a little part of her here this year....our first Christmas without her. 

And that's what traditions do....they link generation to generation and bind families together.  Here's hoping you have all had many special family moments this holiday season. 

Happy New Year to you and your family! 

Signing off for 2010,

THIS LITTLE GUY...

I believe this sensitive, little guy is going to be an awesome husband for some special, lucky girl.  Tonight when we were playing LIFE (which by the way is not a bad game-I hadn't played it for awhile), he was SO very excited when he landed on the "you just had a baby" space.  Then when he had to pick whether he wanted to go on the regular life path or the risky life path he said, "I better go on the regular life path.  I have a family now!" 

Merry Christmas from The Parks

SANTA....

Me:  Camden do you want to go see Santa today?

Camden:  No thanks.

Me:  Why?

Camden:  I'm too big for that.

Me:  Sob, sob, sniff, sniff.

So NOT prepared for that today!!

SWEET JUSTICE...

As a postscript to my last post.....

Today Sam was leaving work and carrying four 2X2's.  He turned around to tell the cashier good-bye and accidentally whacked someone in the chest with the boards.  When he turned around to see who he hit, he saw none other than the man who asked the now infamous questions (see last post...I'm not repeating it!). 

Ahhh.....sweet justice!  (Well not really since he lived but it's probably the only retribution I'm going to get!)

NOT GONNA LIE...THIS ONE HURT...A LOT!!

It has been documented HERE and HERE...the unfortunate incidents when I have been called my kids' Grandma.  I honestly didn't think it could get worse until today.

I met Sam at Menards this morning to look at carpet (yeah...I might be getting new carpet!!) and we were also picking up a few presents.  Sam started talking to a shopper that he knows and then he turned and looked at me and said....some of you know where this is going....

"IS THIS YOUR MOM?" 

OH.MY.HEAVENS. 

Let's just say I did not react well to this.  First of all I "corrected" the gentleman and then I hightailed it to the next aisle where I immediately broke down crying.  (Crying in Menards, where your husband is the manager, also not a pleasant experience....for anyone!).  But you know us Grandmas and mothers of 41 year old men...we are so emotional...probably menopause or something!! 

Sam's job tonight...returning all of the presents he bought me.  I will be taking the money and immediately booking my appointment for botox or a chemical peel or something....anything that will help.  Obviously I need it!! 

Sam was also not happy to have me referred to as his mom.  His mother is a very lovely person but it is still kind of creepy to have your wife called mommy!! 

I MUST CONFESS....




Sam at the ??? Hmm I wonder where??

 

Sam, Rhonda and I were fortunate to be able to travel to the Big XII championship game last weekend in Dallas.  I was looking forward to it except for the part about being in Texas, surrounded by Longhorn fans.  I know, I know...get over it already right?  Well I was fully prepared to be met with much rudeness and crudeness and cockiness etc. but I MUST CONFESS.  We were treated so nice everywhere we went from our hotel, to the restaurants we ate at (including the Waffle House...yes I finally can say I ate at one) and especially at Jerry's world (the stadium).  It was a very pleasant experience....actually it was a blast! 




Sam and Rhonda outside of Jerry's world

 

After the VERY disappointing outcome of the game I MUST CONFESS that I wanted to leave the stadium but I just couldn't go until I had the chance to boo (Oh yes I did!) Dan Beebe one more time!!  It was fun.  I don't care if you think it is wrong to boo or not.  I felt better!!  

Then...walking to the car I came very close to getting Sam into a fight.  Three OU fans walked by and taunted us by saying, "Have fun going back to the corn."  (First of all how lame is that line?).  I MUST CONFESS that before I could stop myself I said, "Have fun going back to Oklahoma to marry your sister you hillbilly!"  (Hey, at least I didn't use a certain adjective that Billy C. used back in the day!).  Anyway, they stopped and looked but you see when you are trying to get "back to the corn" you walk really fast and they couldn't catch us!! 

I think that's it.

I feel better!

LOVE THESE LADIES....

We met when our kids were little and talked about potty training, sleeping issues, and temper tantrums.

We meet now that our kids our school-aged and talk about homework, allowances, and discipline. 

We also have fun and share A LOT of laughs together.

Each one of these ladies is such a BLESSING to me!!  Love that I can walk through this stage of life with them and call each one friend!!