HIDDEN GIGGLES

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!
THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY!



I think we could all use a bit of giggles, chuckles and laughter today, don't you?
Don't forget to pause my music below to hear the video--use your ears and give your eyes a rest because this particular video is all about sound and nothing else.--

Welcome To Crustybeef~
It made you happy, didn't it?
Good! Now go and pay it forward by giving something-perhaps even just a smile- to someone else.

Two For Tursday

You gave your mom many tears and a frightful scare at 7weeks

they told her that you weren't there

that it wasn't going to keep.

You scared your parents for quite awhile, or so awhile seemed to your mother

as the doctors told your mom and dad that they would be losing you shortly.

Your mom stayed in bed as much as she could

willing and praying and asking for a blessing and most importantly, His goodwill.

Knowing that what she asks may not be given to her

because of other reasons that she would never know and even though those thoughts were there she never stopped the pleading and prayerful begging.

9months later you arrived by c-section just after sticking it one more time to your mothers ribs.

You took to breastfeeding like a champ.

You grew a bit confused when your mom had her gallbladder out 3 1/2 months later, looking to your dad with an expression of "GOT MILK?"

You smiled young like your oldest brother.

You learned how to tease just like your middle one.

You rolled over early, and jumped even earlier

with a bit of walking-no running-

that was early too.

Yet you didn't sleep through the night until you were just about 8 or 9 months old

Just like both your two older brothers.

You jump off the stairs and always land on your feet.

No matter how many steps there are

You still land solid and balanced barefoot and smiling

and while wearing your shoes too.

Your mom has often thought to herself about how you jump and land

Wondering if this is what your life will be like - Jumping fearlessly and always landing securely.

You break dance on the floors of your home in ways that give your mother's heart lurches.

You show off by dropping into Chinese splits and with perfect form you lunge forward and walk yourself out of your split-tacular feat.

You are not afraid to dive head first off the couches.

You've already carried a nice shiner on your right eye from a flip pinch off the living room sofa.

You are happy to express to your brothers that you are not happy with what they are doing,

you'll even go so far as to throw something at them, and hit them with Metal Choo-Choo's.

You'll sit on them and walk on top of their tummies.

You won't allow anyone not to notice you-for you are heard in your household.

You give the most enduring "easy on the eyes" look.

You learned sign language so quickly and you are an amazing imitator.

People may wonder why your words are limited.

Matter of fact people have commented.

But your parents know you're just fine for you sure say the most important ones

Like;

"mmahmma"

"dawddha"

"bay-ba" (baby)

"haaaah-haaah" (Dog sounds like panting)

"fffffffeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww" (plane flying)

"pooahhhgsss" (explosion)

shlurcup (drink)

but your parents aren't worried for they know you'll talk in no time.

After all you have two older brothers and they are happy to talk for you.

Not to mention I would guess your mom isn't too concerned with you talking,

for when that chatter does start rolling,

it'll be another reminder of how quickly it all goes by

and how fast you have morphed from infant to toddler to boy.

I would guess your mom is cherishing her last as you are her baby

and unfortunately for you, you'll always be looked at like that.

You will definitely go far with the achievements of life.

You'll test and jump and run full force without fright throughout your life.
Sure right now you are scared of stuffed animal Owls, but nothing else-

it really doesn't matter anyways

For we all have fears

Owls just happen to be yours

Big deal, right? hoo hoo!

You're the type that will get over that fear rather quickly

hooting as you move along.

You sign to your parents that you have gone number one or two in your diaper,

you have even asked your mom to pull down your pants on a rather consistent basis

all for the fact that you won't allow your older brothers to get that far ahead of you

You'll stand bare bottomed in front of the toilet on the blue and green stool

and act out the motions of going number one

Including the proper form of handling without the actual act of going.

You are remarkable and quick.
You don't walk you run fast.

You have a mouth full of teeth and a jokeresque smile

that twinkles your melted chocolate eyes

and puffs up your lashes.

Your skin is a creamy mixture of coffee and cream depending on what season it is

in the place that you live.

You are changing and growing and secure with yourself.

Your parents are so proud of you and I'm guessing so are your brothers-

although they don't know it yet as you have been known to annoy them.-

They won't allow you in bedrooms and have even kicked you out of your own.

They get annoyed with building anything on the floor when you are around.

But you make them laugh and they'll come up and hug you.

They nicknamed you "BeeGees" and happily sing to you "bahbahbaaah Benny and the FuNKmasters!"

Sometimes even "Benny and the Jetts"

and then they'll follow up by tickling you on your belly

and telling your mom that "you are sooooooooo cute

you are their gentle beegees."

You enjoy getting into your diaper and have removed it one too many times.

You'll someday turn red apples when your mom tells the funkmaster story..

The story of how you comforted yourself by not only sucking your thumb but by placing your other hand down the front of your pants and then proceeding to pull it out (your hand) and out of comfort only, you'll smell your hand and fingers.

Yes, the funk, and that's why your brothers sing it that way.
The funny part is when they say 'funk' or 'funkmaster' you'll immediately place your hand in front of your nose and sniff away and inhale-even though it didn't go south.

You've been dubbed "Ben's got the funk, gotta have the funk now," and you have been known to funk your parents on more then one occasion.

I think that is the main reason your mom grew tired of this securing antic and chastity belted you by making you wear one piece clothing or overalls or something.

Anything that keeps your hand from heading to that funky comfort zone.

Use your thumb, stick your other fingers in your nose if you want to, but your mom -as much as she loves art work- is just a tad tired of finding it painted on your walls after nap time hours and good night slumbers.

Even though you have been known to funk, you are also the first to walk up and snuggle.

You'll coo and rub your head along your parents legs like a cat does his master.

You are a delight and a character

and I'm sure anyone would profess

that should they ever have the opportunity to get to know you,

you'll leave a loving impression within their heart

and not just from the look of your adorable face.

The hardest part is that you're growing and growing too fast for your parents.
Not from your standards, I know, but how quick it's happened according to your mother.

For this is the day that you left your comforting world.

You said goodbye to your angel protector -in utero-

and luckily for your parents, you were given to them- finally.

You were placed here on earth and not called home to our Father

you were given the gift of life for as long as we have you.

You felt your mothers tears of happiness on the day that you were born.

You arrived at 38.5 weeks around 1:27pm

outside was a full hot sun.

You were 8lbs 2oz and 19 inches long

You were such a beautiful newborn

The most precious face a newborn could carry .

Today you are two.

Your parents are excited for you.

Yet their baby is growing and very fast too!

For you are no longer that infant,

matter of fact you're not a baby, you've turned into a toddler

all 20plus something pounds of you, the boy in stage four pampers.

Happy Birthday Dear Benjamin, Beegees, or Benny; you are our baby, and a stunning little man.

Here's to a terrific number two birthday, with your 2 brothers, mom and dad.

Welcome To Crustybeef~
WE LOVE YOU BEN!
HAPPY 2ND Birthday!

We hope for many more chances to celebrate with you!
And now I must go wrap your presents, even though you'll never remember what we got you.

xo

Rising Temps

Sorry for the lack of posts between now and Sunday, but I have an excellent reason.
Ben has been ill.

I will be taking him this evening to see his pediatrician as it's been two days with a fever.
A fever that has spiked to 103.8 as of 4:oopm today. Yesterday ranged from 102-103.4.
Over the Counter medication will bring it down for only awhile, but then, back up it goes again.

He spent last night heating up my pillow, tears and irritation...
Snuggled up to me for most of the night, tossing and turning.
Sweating and grumbling all night.
No, it's not teething, maybe an ear infection?
We shall see what his doctor says this evening at 7:30.
I wanted to avoid the doc office with the other bugs flying around, but this is just too high of a fever.
Two long with the Motrin, the fever should have stayed down.
He's got something that he's fighting within his system.
I will say this, he is still smiling and if you offer him an M&M cookie, he will eat it happily.
My poor baby.
In the meantime, I'll read you in a few days.

Welcome To Crustybeef~

UPDATE: Apparently Ben has a virus. I am truly frustrated right now over the IDIOT doctors.

WANTED: A doctor that I don't mind waiting for. That will spend time with my children, and not try to dismiss my parenting abilities. That will repeat the same things that their fellow Doctors in the program/office will state as well, and NOT conflicting information. ONE: don't take rectal temps. TWO: do take rectal temps it's must accurate, but add a degree under the armpit. THREE: rectal is baaaaaaaaaaadddddddd-that's not what Greek men say. See? I AM THAT Frustrated, and when I get frustrated my mouth grows a truck driver tone to it, and I get feisty.

But, I'm just a mom. Wanted: A good doctor that has well nurses, that isn't a boutique office, I don't believe in paying more for my health, simple, but thorough non judgy nurses and doctors.

That's another story.

I'm off to sip wine or guzzle a beer and maybe molest my husband.

Any mommies pregnant out there? Then you may join me with a preggartini. :)*scene in PARENTING WEEKLY magazine, tonight at doctors office.

Pardon me, my Bigdogg just passed me a beer.

Told you I'm annoyed. I want doctors to apply for OUR health diagnosis.

Picture Story Books

STORY 1:




Peaceful and lit waiting for the eve of the Christmas that will begin in just 24 hours from the time the bright flashing bulbs engulfed the village from up above....




The dew Drops remain a constant glitter as the Christmas Magic begins to slowly take place. Now 24 hours until Christmas Eve....





I spy the white chocolate Covered Pretzels harvested by the Farmer as his daughter walks their pup near the home of the globe eagerly waiting for the special magic that only Christmas time brings...



The love birds gaze into each others eyes, no need for mistletoe, just silence as they communicate by the passion seen from Gods gift of sight...

Twinkling lights from the stores that remain open are not on their minds, now on the eve before Christmas eve, diversity doesn't matter to them, only their love matters. Nothing else but love matters to them, and they're able to forget about all the material possessions this world tries to ingest upon them, as they both pucker up equally, balanced as always, their relationship founded and navigated on their magic, and they prepared to lean in for that passionate kiss.




The bright lights from above them shine down, and remind them that they are connected within this magical universe, that they were led to one another by powers stronger then the constant flashing of bulbs thatseem to keep flashing and flickering above their quiet gazebo...

The walk towards spirituality this wise couple you can see, hands clasped and anxious to feel the magic from within the chapel. They have on their special Holiday wear, ready to begin their own traditions him and her. From the gospel and truth that they will soon be hearing, the ringing of the bells being played up in the front of the church from the handbell choir, the organ is tuning and they are anxious to be seated in their normal spot at their favorite spot within the church, like habit, they sit in their pew, waiting to hear what their Pastor will share with them, the meaning of Christmas, and they anticipate their own growing faith, adding more within their Soul each and every day.

The conversations between a young girl and her grandpa, the "old salt" he calls himself, and she shakes her head 'no,' looking up towards him with her innocent youthful spirit, her earnest eyes filled with so many questions, but not tonight, for instead of seeking all the answers from her wise Grandpa, instead of taking the love he gives to her unconditionally, she gives to him instead.

She gingerly turns her head, and looking up to him with her big blue eyes, she expresses, "no, you're my grandpa, and here, on this night, it is my turn to give, and I would like you to have my share of these chestnuts. "

She lifts the heavy torn bag of chestnuts excited to share a special moment with her "old salt.."

The one with the answers and wonderful stories gazes down at his special grandchild, and with a salute and a nod of his head, he adjusts the pipe in his mouth and exclaims, "I would be delighted and honored to have your share, if you'll allow me to share my share that was yours with you and the hungry critters behind you.."

The children enjoying the snowfall, climbing up their nature blessed hill, gleefully prepare to zoom down towards their little town that rests quietly below. The little blond haired girl worries, as she sees someone being a bit too reckless for their own good, and yelling out over the thrills of the other ones, she screams, "WATCH OUT FOR THE COBBLESTONE ROAD BELOW!!"

The athletic and daring little skier not hearing the cries from the girl up on their nature made hill, glides softly down her ski slope, daring the sky as well as her ski's to carry her straight onto the cobblestone road. Not worrying about falls, or scrapes, she knows that she'll get right back up. She won't let a little pavement stand in her way as she grasps her world by her ski poles and challenges nature to challenge her more, growing in spirit, she fearlessly enjoys the magical rush towards their little resting town below..

3 Birds fly to reach a quenching quiet spot. Sharing water ,no matter that they sing different tunes, or that they show different colors, they reach this quiet spot together. They gather in unison and drink from the same, each fortunate for a sip and a spot to rest their wings for the night, as they plan to glide up towards the dew drop tree and sing their eve songs for the magic that waits this special quiet little town...

Those tiny 3 look off at the lights, knowing that behind those brick walls, all is good, and they may be given one more night to carry on with their special song...



The reminder of what Christmas is all about, seen etched into the world of their tiny little village.

This is the End of this story here.

(remember my Christmas Villages, well, I finally got around to posting pictures of them that I had taken a day before Christmas eve!!)

Storybook 2:

My eyes are so excited for tomorrow morning, I will rise early to see what Santa has brought me, but not before I test Santa's good or bad list one last time on Christmas eve, by climbing on my Mommy's footrest instead of doing what she asks. But mommy doesn't mind, she captures my youth and my mischievous eyes, as she bends the rules because after all, it IS Christmas Eve. Soon I will be tucked in my bed, tossing and turning, not able to sleep, so my mommy that silly girl, allows me to get my energy out, even though I know I shouldn't be standing on her furniture...

The day is finally here, and I look around for any extra reminders that Santa may have left behind besides his very messy white size double my daddy's feet white shoe prints left from the fireplace up to the Christmas Tree. I take a moment and slow my 3 year old body down, and peacefully as Christmas Day starts to unfold after the presents are opened, I enjoy a quiet moment to myself, to gaze out at this mystical world that holds many unopened gifts for me that I don't even know yet exist....

That is the two page story of Sullivan.

STORY 3:

SPATULA MEETS 18months of 13hour Energy...

"Hmmm, I've never had this before, I think I will see how well it tastes. Mommy says its the spatula from her sugar Christmas cookies that she makes with her yummy orange juice frosting, but this is just the batter and it's my first time, so I need to take things slow..."

"HEY, how'd that get there? I could get used to this taste!!..."

"I see, if I use my fingers and swipe that cream colored smooth edge, I can get even more for my palate."

"You know what? I'll do it the right way, old school, forget my fingers, I shall just lick lick lick it away...mmmmmmmmm, I want more, MORE, MORE!!!...

"EH? NO!!!!!! Mommy says it's time to take away that smooth colored wonder, why? I just got started? Please more?...." "Mommy shook her head no, she's taking it away...."

"Oh I AM Sooooo mad! Look at the side of my face near my temple, When I am practicing for the terrible twos my temple crunches up because I am ready to let the floodgates open!! Life isn't fair!!"

"Oh my, I'm crushed, I want that sweetness, and she wiped it away with that wet square she uses after I always fill my belly..Please, just one more taste, I am your baby, it's Christmas, won't you please bend the rules!!"

"SHE BENT THE RULES! I think I still have some tears near my eyes..ahhhhhhh, the taste of victory..I know she won't let me get away with my toddler tantrums but she bent the rules this one time!!"

"I am never letting go of this Spatula, it is me, and I am it, We are home and my tongue has witnessed wonderland to the taste of my mommy's delicious baking!! I could get use to this!!"

"Okay, it's been two days since that Spatula day, and I am feeling much better, a bit of a Cookie batter Hangover that lingered until Christmas day, but here it is the day after Christmas, My Saba and Safta surprised us and flew in, and my general 13 hour busy work day with my peaceful disposition is back. I've tucked away my terrible two's until a later date, after all, I'm 18+ months, shy of 2 until July 17Th, I'll wait to play those toddler cards, until a later date..."

The END...

Story 4:

The Anticipation and Departure of the Beloved Sea Monkeys:

"Hi, I am the JACK ATTACK, and I am doing my Sea Monkey dance, for you because I was given Sea Monkey's from Santa and I can't wait to watch them hatch and grow. It's quite a process and my mom was the first one to exclaim that when she read their 19page owners manual. You see, you have to clean out and sterilize the container, and then after bringing the bottled or tap water to a certain heated degree, you are to put the water into the container, making sure the container or tank sits for at least 24 hours. But that's not before you add the purifier to the water and stir it slowly for at least 30seconds. Mommy and I will follow those directions that were provided with the package and box to the tee. We plan on starting this process the week the day that I return to school, in the morning. So I have to wait almost two weeks, but that's alright, because I'm Ninja JACK!"

"Guess what, it's Monday the day that I return to school. Mommy thought it would be interesting to take a picture of it and when I asked her why, she told me because she never knew that growing or hatching sea monkeys were such a process. There's even a website to visit: http://www.seamonkeys.com/. I can purchase diamond rocks to help them make their children and I can buy them special treats and my mom said I'll be able to use my commission that I am going to start earning for doing 100% of selected jobs. I'll have a biweekly performance review to see how I'm doing, and based on the jobs that I completed, and how well, and often, I will receive my commission. Mommy and Daddy may even include a bonus based on my review. I can't wait to start the monkeys..The water is about ready to be filled and all I have to do is wait until tuesday to watch these special brine fish grow. They'll hatch out of their powdered packet, and will be the size of the period at the end of this sentence..."

"It's Tuesday, I've added packet number 2 and it was really hard to see the eggs hatching, but I did see little specks float up to the surface of the container that will now be their home. Mom said the directions state that they, my pet Sea Monkeys need to be placed in a window that faces either North or South, but my bedroom windows faces west, so mom said we'll find a heat lamp that the directions suggested work well. I don't have to feed them until two days from now, and tomorrow, wednesday, I will get to give them their' irrigation shower' by blowing bubbles into their water home by the special blue bulb that came with my kit. Mom laughed real hard when she pulled out the blue bulb, I don't know why though..."

"It's now wednesday evening and I sat there and watched Mom blow the bubbles into the tank, I was nervous that I would hurt my Sea Monkey babies as they are oh so tiny, so I asked mommy to please do the irrigation blowing because the directions say that it helps them grow twice their size super duper fast, and it also says to do it carefully, so mommy is going to do it for me..."

Unfortunately the Sea Monkeys were met by the grasp of the 13hour worker. A babe compared to his two older brothers, but big enough to be able to stretch his hand up on the table and reach for items that if grasped would break the heart of a 6 year old boy. SPLASH! Down on the kitchen floor splays the water with the Sea Monkey babies not long after they were given their "growth serum of bubblations." Sobs and heart break from dear Jackson, exclaiming, "are the babies dead? Are they dead? Mommy, look, can you pick them up? Now their gone! Ben ruined my sea monkey's home. He grabbed the container and spilled it all over the floor of the kitchen."

His sobs shuddered against his body as his tears rolled down off his face onto the nook of his mommy's embrace. His heart so big, so sensitive, he feels so much that this little mishap affected him so. Promises to replace don't work well with this soul. He feels so much, and is so aware and kind, he so looked forward to this new venture, that it just crushed him. Feeble sugestions to order more packet number 2 eggs didn't help. He wanted his Sea Monkeys back, his babies that he patiently waited for are now gone.

The story ends here with warm special gifts, today is now Thursday a day after the Sea Monkeys moved to another place. As Jackson sat rocking in the very chair that I once rocked his little infant body, he leapt out of the glider and bounded over to me.
"here mommy, I have a gift for you, I know it's not your birthday until tomorrow, but look, LOOK WHAT I DID ALL BY MYSELF!!"

"I LOVE MY MOOMEY!"

As you can see, he wrote that he loves me, he loves his mom, his beloved Moomey!
I can't begin to tell you how much I wanted to cry when he handed me his special gift. For those of you that are parents, I'm sure you'll understand. The gift that my son gave me just goes to show that although he may be more sensitive than others, for he is a lot like me, he also heals quickly, and is so willing to show those that he loves all his special gifts. For me to see this one day shy of 33 brought intense moving joy, another reminder about the joys that I have with my young 6 year old.

My three boys, equally are gifts and no matter what I've been given in materialistic form, nothing can replace the words written by my 6 year old that has written on his own, for no reason, his I love you's. They've given me such joy, I'm so confident to say, that without a doubt I know, going into 33 will be a wonderful year indeed.

THE END TO THAT STORY

#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*

THE beginning of 33!
A special thank you to my dear friend Diane, over at 'Co-EXIST' for sending me a wonderful enchanting gift that also made my day, today!Thank you Diane, you brought a smile to my face, your words mean a lot, you are a valuable person, an engaging writer, and I'm glad to have you as a friend!!

If you get a chance, go out and pick up her book, FLYING OVER MIDNIGHT! It is a remarkable story about a woman that evolves with the changes of life. I started the book last saturday and could NOT put it down, I closed it Saturday night, and WOW what a book!! Highly suggested! You will not be sorry!

Welcome To Crustybeef~
I'm out of stories for the night, Greys Anatomy is over and I bid you goodnight. I'll chat with you all later!!

BenHamean 103.1

I intended to have a posting this morning.
I intended to have a rather funny posting a "gasma," so to speak.

But, it will have to wait until later tonight.

My little Benjamin is fighting a typical little boy cold/virus/ear infection..

He's running temperatures ranging from 102.8 up to 103.2 depending on the length of time between Tylenol and Motrin. For those of you that have experienced the graces of children, this little guy when he's sick, enjoys waking up in the middle of the night, and not able to settle himself down, when running a fever. The last time we went through this "S.M.N.C"* thing, he slept soundly tucked in the nook of my arms all night long.

I intend to post the "GASMA" later on today or tonight as I mentioned above, but for right now I have to tend to my little guy. He'll be fine, probably either teething (he has 10 teeth presently) or the standard little boy ear infection.

So, to all of my favorite readers, I'll be back later with a more whimsical post called, "GASMA."

Welcome To Crustybeef~

Tired, with a bit of a sore throat, I'll be around later on, once I get my HAMEAN feeling well.

*SICK in the MIDDLE of the NIGHT with a CHILD*