"Merry Christmas to all - and to all, a good-night!"

Well, a TOTAL blessing, it seems that Denver is opening up for our one plane - so we're still off to Colorado in spite of the blizzard. MERRY CHRISTMAS!! We miss you and love you and I'll be back again after January 2nd, 2007 (O my Gosh).
Love
me

"Our lips are sealed..."

In insane fits of "bad mommy" ness, Buck has been allowed to climb all over the furniture and decided to go head-first off of a couch. This resulted in the pictured fat lip. I am currently trying to find out if "first fat lip" is covered on any of the baby mile stone calendars. Speaking from recent experience, we seem to have a child who will silently get into trouble (sound familiar?) The swelling is going down - hopefully our Christmas photos won't be filled with fat-lip photos.

We're off to Colorado on Friday. Yeah!! I won't be taking my computer on our holiday, but be ready for a lot of pictures and stories once we return. There will be posts tomorrow, though...

"Whipping myself into a Fluery..."

I am posting a not-too-flattering picture of myself in order to demonstrate that I went to a party which was also attended by Theo Fleury, who was (and probably still is) a really amazing hockey player. I'm going to quote a few lines from answers.com about him:

Acknowledged as one of the stars of the game, he was drafted by the Calgary Flames 166th overall in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft and won the Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989. By the time he left the Flames in 1999, he was the last remaining Flame on the roster of their 1989 Stanley Cup winning team and held numerous club and NHL records.

Initially regarded as being too small to ever lace up in the NHL and have a successful career, Fleury raised eyebrows from the moment he stepped on the ice in the big leagues. He played with the strength and physicality of a power forward yet only stands 5’6” tall, weighing only 180lbs. In his first full season with the Flames in 1989-90, Fleury tallied 31 goals and 35 assists. This was to only be the start of a very successful career throughout the 90s. Fleury tallied two 100 point seasons, one 50+ goal season and three 40+ goal seasons in his time with the Flames. Not only did Fleury have speed, play making ability and the hands of a natural goal scorer, he also possessed the strength of a heavy weight and did not need the presence of an enforcer on his line. Throughout his time in Calgary, he battled with drugs and alcoholism which only continued after his departure [he is now totally clean and sober].

Records

Calgary Flames franchise record for points scored (830)
NHL record 3 short-handed goals in one game
50th in goals on NHL all-time rankings
57th in assists on NHL all-time rankings
52nd in points on NHL all-time rankings
NHL record highest plus/minus rating in one game, plus-9

Not only was Theo very nice, I would like to call attention to the fact that he is very small for a hockey player - so I am not really a giant girl beside him (at least only kind of). He was very nice and even let me take a picture with him. This was especially funny since I honestly had no idea who he is, except that a very good friend of ours is an authentic hockey fan and told us about Theo (we're BFF's now) while we were driving across Canada this summer. Now, Theo and his incredibly nice (and gorgeous & small) wife, Jennifer, own a concrete business here in Calgary. I stupidly also mentioned to him that we have to do our backyard next summer. I am a Complete dork. Isn't it weird that I have never asked a Hollywood star for their autograph, but I turned into a complete idiot when confronted by a Hockey star? The world is a funny place.

"Long lay the world, in sin and error pining!"

Buck playing with one of his new favorite toys - a wine rack made by his Uncle, "Uncle." Notice there is no wine as Buck has shaken this rack like crazy and actual bottles would become dangerous.
This is Buck's face when he is doing something that he is not supposed to be doing and waiting for me to tell him to stop.

I am currently avoiding finishing our Christmas cards. The fronts are nice - please ignore the inner typo. I have 20 cards to go - of course I've heard that the post offices are like insane asylums here at this time of year. I'll fit right in.

Today was a crazy day (theme? Insanity) Spent 3 hours with my Regnum Christi team at our Christmas party at a place called "jumpin' java." It's a coffee house with an entire section devoted as a play area for children. Normally, these places are loud and dirty and dangerous for little ones who barely walk. When I first walked in, I was pleasantly surprised at how clean and calm the place was. Daniel was able to hobble about and ride in the plastic cars to his heart's content. Problem is that we all (there are 12 or 13 of us moms) brought the loud action with our group. Everywhere I followed Buck, moms who were not with our group were complaining about the some 10 or so children who came with us. Now...it's funny because I'm relatively new to the group, so I had nothing to say really. I think I seemed approachable because I have this friendly little pseudo-toddler compared to the normally rambuncious 2-5 year olds of the rest of the moms (funny that if we had had our way, RKZ and I would have a number of children this age at this point). So the moms with the other small babies kept coming to me to complain about the children with our "group." What does one do in this situation? Do I go to my new mom friends and tell them about the complaints or do I just smile and commiserate with the complaining moms while tacitly betraying the moms of my RC group?

Well - I decided to pretend I didn't speak English. I would just raise my shoulders and say "no habla" since no one here speaks Spanish. OK, I didn't do that. I mostly just tried to follow Buck around the room unless our group was meeting for some reason. The politics of "mom-land" are tough and I'm just a newbie. My favorite comment was made by one of the women in my group - "I think that a few of the moms (not with our group) are frustrated because our boys are acting like boys." Since I have a boy, I will see how the truth of this plays out in my own life. I would love any comments by those of you who are currently raising boys in the 2-5 age group - or even particularly active girls.

Until then, I will do as RKZ recommends and "be Wes. I'm outta' this mess." Well said, honey. Well said.

oh, and I left my baby bag, which contains my wallet, our health cards, my credit cards, my cel phone and just about the rest of my life at the coffee place. I'm just glad this is Calgary, or it would be gone. Instead, about 4 people turned it in and a friend of mine went back to the place to pick it up because she "had a feeling" it was mine. So nice.

"This is the song - Elmo's song..."

Just watching "The Best of Elmo" for probably the 10,000 time (no lie) & trying to keep the baby from climbing up the stairs. He's already said "ni-night" to the TV, a sure sign that he's done with Elmo for the night. He'll forget and want to watch it all again tomorrow.

Buck is also cruising pretty comfortably around the house on his feet these days. Just did 2 laps of the kitchen island, which is fairly big if you're 15 1/2 months and just learning. I'm including pictures his favorite destination--the toilet. He's all boy through and through. He usually takes his bear train in there and flushes the toilet until I hear him and make him stop at 2 flushes. Then, he opens and closes the bathroom door while happily screaming at me. There must be a mental hormonal block that kicks in around the time kids walk. It helps moms appreciate things that would irritate them in a husband. But I'm just so excited that Buck has decided to walk. Three weeks from now, I will quote myself after I have just complained for the 100th time that he is running around the house. But, for today, I'm loving it.

"Quien Es Esa Estrella?"

I have a friend who is recording his trip through Mexico and Central/South America. This is a picture of his taken at the Bascilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. You can see more of his trip at www.dougsmotorcyclediary.com. He's very funny (and he doesn't yet know I've stolen this picture.)
A close up of the face of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

So, here's the deal about today. Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Dec. 12 - and I, personally, have a huge devotion to OL of G, so today's post is her story. I'm warning you ahead of time so that if this isn't your thing, you can not read on. It is a pretty cool story, and as the the above picture shows, anyone can go and see the image because it's still around.

The short version of the story & a little editorializing by me:

When the Virgin Mary first appeared to St. Juan Diego, she told him to go to the bishop and ask that a church be built in her honor on the hill of Tepeyac where the people could bring her their pains, anxieties, sickness--all their problems. And she would listen because she is their mother. But Juan Diego protested, "Niña mia, la más pequeña, my littlest daughter" (it was an affectionate and respectful greeting) "I am not the right person. Send someone more worthy, better educated, someone younger." Juan Diego was a 57 years old widower when the Virgin appeared to him.

She said patiently, "I have many children and many messengers--but I have chosen you. You are my littlest son. I want you to go." Juan was still reluctant, "I cannot go, my uncle is sick and must take care of him." The Virgin smiled and said, "Am I not your mother?"

The Virgin showed her motherly love. She appeared to his uncle Juan Bernardino, healing him. Finally in her third appearance to Juan Diego, she gave him the sign: Castillan roses blooming in the cold of December. Juan gathered some in his cloak, the Virgin helped him arrange them, then he ran to the bishop. He told bishop Zumarraga, "I have the sign you asked for."

When he let the roses fall, the bishop and his assistants dropped to their knees. It wasn't just their amazement at seeing the Castillan roses, but something more. On Juan Diego's cloak appeared the image which, 472 years later, you can still see in the basilica of Guadalupe.

This image of our Lady is the Gospel in picture form. She is, as Revelations 12 describes, "a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon at her feet." Those who saw it realized immediately she is greater than the sun, moon, stars which they had worshipped as gods. For people today in what is called the "New Age" she is also a sign not to worship the "forces" of nature.

But she herself is not a goddess. She has her hands folded in prayer, her eyes looking down in humility. To whom is she praying? The clue is in the brooch under her neck. It has a small cross. But she is not only praying to God, she has God inside her. the black band under her hands symbolizes pregnancy. Our Lady of Guadalupe is bringing Jesus within her to the peoples of the Americas.

Because she is with child, Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the pro-life movement. She is the protector of unborn children--and of their mothers, especially those who are facing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy. Women who have undergone an abortion can turn to Mary.

You can see the compassion in the face of the Blessed Virgin. Many have commented on that beautiful face, noting the dark hues of her complexion. It has been suggested that Mary appeared to Juan Diego as an Indian woman. That could be, but there is another possible explanation. Mary, of course, was a Hebrew woman and probably herself had black hair and dark skin. Perhaps what we have here is how Mary actually looked when she walked this earth - when was pregnant with Jesus.

Scientists cannot explain how this image was imprinted on the tilma (what the "poncho-like" apron is called) nor how it has lasted for almost five centuries - so bright that it seems like it was given to us yesterday. Scientific studies have found it to be imprinted within the fabric - almost as if a nuclear explosion burned the image into the tilma. So many have said that when they first saw the image of our Lady of Guadalupe it gave the impression of being alive, that it bears the presence of a person. This corresponds to the Greek Orthodox understanding of an icon. It not only represents Jesus or the saint, but in some mysterious sense contains the presence of the saint.

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is such an icon. It doesn't just represent Mary; for her children it conveys her maternal presence. That can be appreciated especially in her eyes. When the NASA scientists and others were doing their investigation, they took pictures of the eyes and magnified them many times. They were amazed to see the reflection of a man in her eye. Most believe that it is Juan Diego, the "littlest of her sons" whom she is looking at with such love. It is a look of pure love and affection.

Today's feast is an opportunity for us to draw near our Blessed Mother. She knows our anxieties and pains. She wants to give us the greatest gift of all, her own son, Jesus.

"She'd been drinking too much eggnog..."

These are the pictures that tell the story of why I have become a liar and not posted in 4 days. Of course, not the complete story but to make a long story longer, Buck has been sick with a cold which makes a child into a complete stranger, I guess, and this stranger is a monster with ADD who wants nothing more than to surgically attach himself (herself) to an unsuspecting female who already has about 100 things too many to do. This monster will then cough, sneeze and scream while writhing in the formentioned woman's arms. Turns out that an over-abundance of liquid does not do much to help said monster. Neither does a trip to the doctor as this particular sickness is known as "viral" which I guess is Latin for "good freakin' luck with that, loser." Only time and about 7 hours of TV a day (now, that's an exaggeration) brings relief. I do owe my life (and the life of my son) to Elmo right now.

Since the worst is over--did I just jinx myself?--Buck sprang back into action by surprising everyone with his ability to walk around a room. He would still rather have a hold of my fingers while he takes me on a tour of our house, but he even stood up alone without holding onto anything. Amazing how we all take this tiny accomplishment for granted. I was almost crying. When he walked across the Gymboree room today, all of the other mothers gasped and kept saying "Oh, he's walking! That's great!" For a moment he was Steve Prefontaine and everyone was chanting his name as he made his way over the play mats. It was glorious.

We are coming down the home stretch (spelling?) before we leave for Christmas in Colorado as I am using this night without RKZ to fill out Christmas cards. Where is RKZ you ask? Ohhh, just shakin' his groove thing at the Motley Crue concert downtown. Yes, that's right --Motley Crue and he's there with clients. I know, what's his job again?

Peace - tomorrow is the feast of Our Lady of Guadelupe (the "Mexican Mary" if you dont' know what I'm talking about). See tomorrow for an informative post.

"'Cuz you had a bad (hair) day..."

Ohhh - I was so tempted to leave his hair like this for a day. Awesome bed-head for the boy. Having a busy day today...cleaning, laundry...it's actually ok since I've been slacking. Had a mom's group in the morning and we filled warm socks with practical items for the homeless. It gets so cold here. RKZ and I are going to make cards for the socks tonight and I'll deliver them to the Shelter (The Mustard Seed) tomorrow. Filling socks with toothpaste and Kleenex and Chapstick can do nothing but make a person thankful for everything she has. So laundry really doesn't seem anything but a blessing at this point.

Of course, I stole one of the brushes for Buck's hair - bad mommy joke!

"Jolly old St. Nicholas..."

I wanted to post a shoe with some toys/candy in it because it's the feast of St. Nicholas today and thousands of kids in other parts of the world are appreciating the not-so-commerical side of Christmas. Instead, I posted this picture of Buck with Gma J's walker - his favorite toy during their visit. They helped each other get a lot of excersize & so now he might actually need those shoes that would be filled with toys/candy if we weren't so commerically oriented :)

Insane clown possy today regarding the boy. Still coughing like a mad-man - still sick. "It's beginning to feel alot like prison - everywhere we go..."Just kidding. Making jokes about your sick child has definitely got to be bad mommy.

"You better watch out - You better not cry"

Buck taking a few steps in the Santa waiting area (yes, I totally love this little outfit).
Buck finds a chair and a smile.
Buck finds something hilarious -- probably his dad making a joke. They seem to have the same sense of humor.
"Uhhh....is this going to take very long?"
RKZ enjoying the wait more than Buck. Thought it's been awhile since I posted a pic of the hubby.

I think I mentioned that we took Buck to "see" Santa a while back. Of course, Buck has no idea who the hairy man in the suit was...but at least Buck didn't cry his eyes out. He had more of a vacant stare for the picture. I only cared that Buck looked cute in his sweater. I was actually hoping for a little crying - for the sake of a fun memory picture - but nothing. Just a vacant stare - which is actually quite negative for Buck. He probably wonders why somebody else's Grandpa was holding him in front of a camera. The mall had a great waiting area, though. We got some good shots of Buck taking a few steps. He's up to about 10 solid steps in a row at this point. Fell and totally gashed the side of his face today (bad mommy. I was reading Oprah's holiday addition magazine looking for presents). I'm sure Buck will have a HUGE bruise just in time for the holidays.

Decided to do all of our Christmas shopping on-line this year. I'll let you know how it goes. Actually, all of you can tell me how it goes as the presents are actually going to show up on your doorstep! Well- those of you who have been good this year :)

Going through a bout of homesickness up here in the Great White North. Problem is that I miss a number of things about Huntington Beach, Reno, Toronto and even Colorado! I'm too schizo to know where I'm homesick for!! Crazy woman. Seriously.

"I'm Mr. Heat Meiser. I'm Mr. Sun..."

TK & Peyton (as Buzz Lightyear)
James, Suzanne, Christopher & Andrew
Marianne, Sean & Aidan
Mike, Doris and Samantha
Yeah you know me!

It's 4 Celcius today -- 39 F!! It is downright hot for us here today & I haven't had a jacket on outside all day. It's a freakin' heat wave & I didn't expect to be acclimated so soon - but maybe it's more that all of my sensors froze off & now anything hotter than -30 seems warm :)

I'm just finishing up a (Kelly) family calendar today (gotta' get some more pictures of the Gradys side for next year) and I'm including family pictures of all my brothers and their wives/kids on today's blog. I think I'm going to break my own rule and put first names since some readers will have never seen/met the Kelly boys (at least a few of them).

I had a funny thought today as I was trying to get some Christmas shopping done. I really wanted someone around to take care of my "little bit sick" one year old and his insane tantrums (worse now that he's sick). I thought: "It'd be nice if Christmas shopping was like how it always used to be - just me running in & spending a lot of time finding the perfect gift." I suddenly (yes, a year later) realized that it's never going to be like that ever again. That I have reached a "new normal" and that everyone is getting totally lame gifts this year unless I'm ever able to use the internet for anything besides blogging. What a revelation! Poof!

"Don't know what's been happenin' here"

There is a problem with uploading pictures on blogger today - so no pics for this post although I have some doozies for the next time I can post some photos. We're off to clean, decorate for Christmas and try like heck to avoid the HUGE crowds here during this happy season.

Sorry about only 1 post yesterday. I figure it's Friday & nobody wanted to check back in the afternoon when you could all be out drinking - or with your kids, you responsible people!
If we're going to beat the crowds, we have to go now.

Happy shopping - yikes.

Remember for all you Catholics - this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. So get an Advent wreath and light 'er up with your family. :)

Bad Mommy

Oh Ralphie! What a cute outfit!
Ready to take a walk? Buck looks thrilled, doesn't he?

There will be 2 posts today, check back later for the 2nd.

It "warmed up," so we took a walk over to a new friend's house (about 20 houses down). I received the snowsuit as a gift (hand-me-down), and it's very warm, even if Buck can't sit up while wearing it. Doesn't that walk in the stroller look so fun? Ha. Ha. It's 22/78 in LA today (in case you're not there right now) & -10/14F here. Life just isn't fair sometimes, is it? Oh well. Thursday's are my busy days, so I might have to break my promise on Thursdays only (about posting every day). Buck is yelling for me. I'll write later.