Virtual Girls Night Out - Happy New Year!

We're playing at the VGNO a night early because this is New Year's Eve and we must celebrate as much as possible! I'm doing things quick tonight so we can fit all of our New Year's blog-hopping in.

*New to the Friday night blog-hopping party? This is what you do: Check out this VGNO post then sign the Simply Linked guest book below with your name/blog link. Visit fellow bloggers that have signed in by clicking their blog link. Leave some comment love with a message of "Happy VGNO!" Go blog-hopping!*


Check out this incredible mash-up of pop songs from 2009.

"United State of Pop 2009"



Dear blog friends, you are the best! Thanks for hanging out with me and my stories in 2009. It's a big party weekend so I'm making this post shorter than most so I can blog-hop all weekend long.

Now go blog-hop and share the VGNO comment luv. Let's send 2009 out with a big blog bang. Share our Virtual Girls Night Out with your readers and have them come here and link up. The more the merrier! Happy New Year friends!!!



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Surprise!

Time for hot chocolate and a warm fire. (Perhaps a little something "extra" in the adult cocoa).

What Did You Just Say?

I used my Mom-Bionic-Hearing the other day to find out (by way of pretending to bake in the kitchen while the girls were eating at the dining table) that my oldest has decided to have a boyfriend. Hmmm...

This boyfriend is her best friends brother, he's also 12. Hmmm...

The rules have changed. (The phone conversation will go like this now, "Hello Ann, can my brother and I come over and play?" Me: 'You, yes. Your brother, NO!').

I've talked to my daughter about what she thinks having a boyfriend means, what she's expecting from this change in status. Her description sounded tame to me, pretty much hanging out like they've always done. So, of course I say, 'Why do you have to use the term "boyfriend/girlfriend"?' Her enlightened answer? "I dunno".

Time to up my game. I wonder if Martha Stewart has a spy gear line?

Merry Christmas

Jolly days from The Harrison's!
~ (circa 2001)

Funny... now that Katie's 12 her expression is the same as it was then.

Have a wonderful holiday! Keep smiling!

Random Thoughts - Part 3

* It's telling of how long you've been together when shaving your legs is considered a Christmas present to your husband.

* I'm making Eggnog Cookies with Rum Icing. There's a non-alcoholic version for the kiddies. I hope I don't mix them up.

* My niece told me that her favorite Christmas album was "Ella Wishes You A Swingin' Christmas". For the longest time I thought she was saying "Aloysius (alla-wishes) - A Merry Christmas".

She gave me the cd to clear things up.

More Random Thoughts - Part 2

* Perhaps I'm not invincible. I've got a blasted cold. Crap!

* I felt so good about getting presents organized and in the mail on-time. I realized that I hadn't sent my Dad's gift yesterday morning so I ran to the post office as soon as they opened. The gift went into the mail slot and I felt that all was well. That was, until I arrived home, to find that his Christmas card had been returned for an incorrect address. I can't win!

* My oldest decided not to have a chat with Santa this year. Sad. I'm not surprised, just sad that this time has come so - well, it feels like the days are flying by. Sad.

Random Thoughts - Part 1

I'm going to be throwing out little posts at a time the next few days. Kind of like "Random Thoughts Of The Moment".

* We've survived the weekend parties. Kid roller-skating party on Saturday and Family party for both girls on Sunday. I can't believe how tired I was yesterday! I need some new vitamins.

* We have a house guest and I still have so-o-o much that I want to accomplish. What's one more kid at the house? The whole neighborhood already hangs out here. I feel like Carol Brady. (But Carol had Alice. Where's my "Alice"?!?)

* Chugging Tension Tamer tea seems to defeat the purpose.

Busy time!!!

Virtual Girls Night Out - Get Happy!

It's official. I am now the mother of a 12 year old daughter. Congratulations Katie! (Now where's my Valium?) December is so packed with parties, school events and celebrations that my mom thought she'd throw something else into the mix and have back surgery. She is home now and recuperating swiftly. She's amazing!!! So let's celebrate good things, good feelings. Only Positivity Allowed at this party! Let's get this Virtual GNO going.

*New to the Friday night blog-hopping party? This is what you do: Check out this VGNO post then sign the Simply Linked guest book below with your name/blog link. Visit fellow bloggers that have signed in by clicking their blog link. Leave some comment love with a message of "Happy VGNO!" Go blog-hopping!*

Time For Something Fun!

Raymond Crowe - Hand Shadows "What A Wonderful World"


So cool!

Time For A Cocktail!

Stickin' with the positivity here.

Happy Happy
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. 151 Proof Rum
1 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
Orange Juice
Directions:
Mix in shaker and strain into a cocktail glass.

What a delightful way to get my Vitamin C ;->


It's a busy weekend! And there's so much preparation to get done. Off I go to mingle with my blog friends and get a weekends worth of parties organized. Sign the VGNO guestbook below with Simply Linked and go blog-hopping. Have a wonderful weekend!

*****************Happy Birthday Miss Katie*****************





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A Thousand Words Thursday - Personal Space, Please

'

I don't know if Maddy is into this "hugging" thing.



Join Jen's A Thousand Words Thursday over at Cheaper Than Therapy

The Call

My oldest has her challenges. Socializing has always been tough. What she finds funny may not be funny to all. It's difficult for her to look people in the eye when she's being spoken too. When she was little she would hug her friends so tightly that it hurt the other person, but she never understood that. Her intention was affection, not pain.

Now in sixth grade hugging isn't the issue, but understanding appropriate words/actions is still a work in progress. As she grows so do the taunts from certain classmates. There's this one boy... oh man... just the thought of this evil, little &#$%&* and I lose my mind! Anyway, my point is, my daughter knows what it feels like to have someone be mean to you. We've been working on feeling strong and understanding that kids this young, and that angry, must have it really bad at home. There's no other reason to be that horrible. Bullies = Pitiful characters. That is why, when I got a call last night, my heart sunk. My daughter was being called a bully.

The situation: a classmate started crying and my daughter supposedly said something very hurtful to the classmate which made the situation worse. This parent was letting me know that what was said was NOT O.K. and I completely agreed. Tears came to my eyes when I heard the pain in this parents voice and my heart broke even more at the thought that my daughter would behave this way. This isn't the way I'm raising my children! How could this happen?!

Everyday is a work-in-progress. You never know what direction you're headed. I never want to get a call like that again. Parenthood is very tough on your heart.

Monday's Muse - Pink Glove Dance

In my own city this video was created: Providence Portland Medical Center. Support, Connection, Strength. Providence is raising awareness of breast cancer and helping to raise money for those that can't afford mammograms. Watch this and spread the word!



"There's no need to worry, You won't be lonely, even if the sky is falling down"
~Jay Sean

Come join Robin's Monday Muse, a new blog meme about all things inspirational at Cinnamon and Honey

Virtual GNO - I'm Flippin' Freezing!

It's Friday, can you believe it? When I see the "How many days until Christmas" countdown I get freaked out. Why are the days going by so quickly?!? Let's slow things down, take time for ourselves, pour a glass (or mug) of something yummy and get started with our Virtual Girls Night Out.

*New to the Friday night blog-hopping party? This is what you do: Check out this VGNO post then sign the Simply Linked guest book below with your name/blog link. Visit fellow bloggers that have signed in by clicking their blog link. Leave some comment love with a message of "Happy VGNO!" Go blog-hopping!*

Time For Some Tunes!

Get ready for a fast beat.

"Amazing Grace" Animated Light Show

OK, that crazy beat ended just in time for me. I like the lights, don't get me wrong, but my heart is pumpin'!

Time For A Cocktail!

Happy Holly-Daze
Ingredients:
2 parts Irish Cream
2 parts Kahlua
1 part Rum, spiced
1 part Schnapps, peppermint
3 parts Milk
Directions:
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into glass.

Yes, it's been 20 degrees all week, but I do believe this will warm me up ;->

Time For A Lucky Winner!

The lucky winner of last week's Amon Maternity giveaway is Kat, that Sassy Irish Lassie! Congratulations! Wow. Was this ever a popular giveaway. Here's something being offered by the good people at Amon Maternity. When you choose to purchase something at their site www.amonmaternity.com use the code ANNAGAIN10 for 10% off your total. Every bit helps, right? :->

Virtual GNO Heart-Shaped Rock Project

This little gem has many, many more stops to make. Here's where it's been so far.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

(That's Yaya, Kat and Carolee)

If you would like it to come your way please e-mail me at annharrisonATcomcastDOTnet and I'll send you more information.


Now, go play! Go blog-hopping. Have fun and stay warm! (***If you wouldn't mind, could you send out some positive thoughts and healing prayers for my incredible mother, who is going in the hospital today. Thanks ***)




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~

A Thousand Words Thursday - Whose The King?

Whose the King? You are Honey. You are.

(I think the Birthday cake sugar rush was taking over. Next thing you knew he was in the ball pit.)


Join in the fun at A Thousand Words Thursday at Jen's Cheaper Than Therapy.

Baby, It's Cold Outside - Now Put Some Clothes On!

My soon-to-be 12 year old thinks she's too cool to wear a coat.

It's 21 degrees outside!!!

She's wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a lightweight zip front sweatshirt. I'm warming up the car while wearing thick socks, a down coat and gloves. My youngest is sprouting her various shades of pink attire; pink down coat, pink ear muffs, pink hat, pink thick socks, and Katie shows up to the car in her sweatshirt. Is she crazy?!?

Could it be that a soon-to-be 12 year old's body temperature could be that hot? I remember not wanting to get out of bed unless my socks were waiting for me at the end of my bed and my slippers were not far behind. Cold feet = Bad mood.

I made her carry her coat into school. Of course I was given the "Mo-o-o-om" moan.

Maybe tomorrow she'll push the issue even more and wear a tank top.

Help!

Special Day

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Happy Birthday Miss Lily*~*~*~*~*~*~*


She finally has a true Tiara (no more plastic dress-up jobs.) How much do you wanna bet she'll sleep with it on?

Virtual GNO - I'm Here!

Wow. I still can't believe I completely forgot about VGNO last Friday. For those that stopped by, THANKS! Now, on with the blog-hopping party!

*New to the Friday night blog-hopping party? This is what you do: Check out this VGNO post then sign the MckLinky guest book below with your name/blog link. Visit fellow bloggers by clicking on their blog link. Leave some comment luv with a message of "Happy VGNO!" Go blog-hopping!*

I've been getting my youngest's birthday party organized for tomorrow. And it's really difficult to get things right when people let you know the-day-before-the-party that their child can attend. The invites went out 2 weeks ago! (Sorry. Just a little RSVP Pet Peeve of mine.) Ahem... I know things will work out. It's just hard when your little one looks at you and asks "Has anyone said they're coming to my party?" Heartbreaking!!! *Deep Breath* I know it will be fine.

Time For Some Laughs!

If you're into Lady Gaga and appreciate the cool-crisp styling of Christopher Walken I know you'll enjoy this.

"Christopher Walken recites Lady Gaga"



Oh! Oh Oh! Ow - Ew - Ow!

Time For A Cocktail!

Poker Face
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz 1800® Tequila
1/2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur
4 oz pineapple juice
Directions:
Pour tequila, Cointreau and pineapple juice into a highball glass almost filled with ice cubes. Stir, garnish with a lime wedge, and serve.

Oh yeah! Even though I don't know how to play poker I bet after this drink I can pretend pretty darn well. (And after 2 I just won't care ;-> )

Time For A Giveaway!

OK. I did a review on my other site Ann Again... and again Reviews for a product from Amon Maternity. Now, am I trying to drop hints that I'm pregnant? NOOOOOOO!!!!!!! It's just that they have a body shaper that helps hold your after-bearing-children-sagging-parts back into the shape they're supposed to be in, and I like it! Would you like a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Amon Maternity so you can see for yourself? Just click this link to visit Ann Again... and again Reviews and enter right over there. (*Bonus Entry - Become a Follower of Ann Again... and again to receive another entry.)

VGNO Heart-Shaped Rock Project

Our little blog-hopping project is still on. I know that the holidays take presedence over a little rock from the Oregon Coast, but we're still doing it, and the rock will be at Stacy's Random Thoughts pretty soon. (I'll make a little slide show so we can remember the blogs it's visited so far.) If you would like to take part in the VGNO Heart-Shaped Rock Project e-mail me at annharrisonATcomcastDOTnet for more info.

Now, go play! Go blog-hopping. Have fun. And thanks for stickin' with me dear blog friends :->



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Why Are You Looking At Me Like That?

Either Phoebe wants a bath, or the cats are out of water.

I'm pretty sure it's the latter.

Maybe This Will Work

Our Lily wants a kitten so badly. I completely understand, it's just that we have 2 cats already (albeit full grown and not very cuddly) and our dog is just so big I'm afraid he might step on a little kitten. Now just isn't a good time. I hope this video will tide her over.



Who am I kidding? She'll want one even more now!