J:  What are you getting Mommy for Christmas, Marin?

M:  Your very own vaccuum!!!  It's pink with sparkles!

As  most of you know, I grew up in the house that my family currently lives in.  I've become quite nostalgic about things in this house.  Some things have to 'stay the same' simply because that's the way it's always been.  There is a small strip of orange/gold wallpaper still in our bathroom from 25+ years ago.  And I want it to always remain there forever and ever.  My mom always had a small chalkboard in her kitchen that she used as a grocery list.  We knew that if we needed something, it had better be written on the chalkboard or it was not going to be bought on the next grocery visit.  Mom took that chalkboard with her when she moved (oh, the nerve).  Now what shall I do without the chalkboard?  Surely I can't do something differently around here!  Pencil and paper just won't be the same!  We measured the sacred space for the chalkboard and one day, Mom found one that just fit!  She wrapped it up and gave it to me for Christmas.  I was ecstatic - it was my most prized Christmas present.  I took this pic right after we put it up, in the exact same spot as always.  Notice the cute baby in the walker.  Notice my husband's addiction...Fresca.  He builds a pyramid of empty cans every day, that's how much he drinks.  Notice my pen/paper system that just didn't work out.

The new chalkboard worked marvelously.  Eric soon learned the Rules of the Chalkboard.  "Oh, what's that you say?  You needed more deodorant?  Was it on the chalkboard?  No?  Sorry, Charlie!"  My grocery trips were nicely organized, thanks to the chalkboard. 

Then, we had a party and our 'friends' discovered the chalkboard and decided to have a little fun!!!!

Now this isn't the first time this has happened.  A certain friend of ours adds unexpected items to my list every time HE is here.  But I'm thinking this is a different perpetrator.  The writing appears to be a girls and what man would actually request these items?  I'm narrowing down my list of suspects...and the chalkboard violator WILL BE PUNISHED!

Marin was in the back of the car today, talking about something.  During her conversation she says, "Oh my my."  Without thinking, I ALMOST said "Oh, hell yes.  Honey put on that party dress." 

I fixed Eric's favorite sunglasses today.......er, rather super-glued them.  Hey, times are tough.  I now have super-glue residue on my fingertips.  Why does that always happen?  Annoying.

Waiting on Eric to get home...............getting my hair cut today!  Then out to dinner with my sister and her friends for her BIRTHDAY.  09-09-09, lucky girl.

Marin:  Mommy, guess what?  Keaton obeyed me.

Mommy:  Why, what happened?

Marin:  I told him 'no', then I spanked him.

Great.