Merry Christmas to All

This is my favorite picture of the kiddos and the pooch. She is being bribed by a piece of bread over the camera.

The entire family was goofing around while I try to take a Christmas picture.

We look like a bad Country Western Country Album Cover, or maybe a Contemporary Christian Christmas. I think I will name this "Stand by your Italian, Portuguese, Mexican, Native American, Polish Husband."

We are having the best week ever. I am off from work and the kids and I are just enjoying the small pleasures of Christmas. Gingerbread Houses, Cookies, Carols, Games and Puzzles are oozing all over the house and we are having such a good time as a family. The very cold winter hasn't dampened our spirits, and we are hoping for a warmer Christmas instead of a White Christmas. I wanted to share some of our happy holiday pictures. We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and may you be blessed in 2009.

Christmas is in Full Swing

You know Christmas is upon you, when you have band concerts to attend early on a Saturday morning. #1 Daughter is a clarinet player and she loves her band teacher. I really appreciate good teachers, and Mrs. Thomas is one of those teachers. However, can't we have band concerts in the p.m.? Well, they let me take my coffee in with me, so I survived. Here are few pictures of daughter playing. You can easily pick her out because she is the only one in the band that wore a Santa hat. They had said the kids could were them and she took them up on it.

Turkey Roaster Success

Turkey Roaster Success
Originally uploaded by Four Piggy Fans

I know it has been a week since Thanksgiving, but I've been a little busy. I just wanted everyone to see my pretty bird. My early Christmas gift of a 22 quart Roaster was the main reason. I can honestly say that it was a wonderful day full of family and friends. The food was just the topping to such a fun day. I was so proud of the kids and all the help they gave me cooking the meal. I'll try to add a few other pictures of the day.

Rodent Killing Competition 2008 -- Hobbes 4 - Princess 1

Our friends have a Killer Dog. Hobbes is a one of a kind dog and he is an accomplished Mouse Hunter. Well, our Princess is nowhere near the killer Hobbes has proven to be, but we will attribute this large field mouse kill in our back yard to Princess just to save face. Hubby has been putting poisen under our fence to try to cut down on the cold weather mouse invasion 2008. So this deceased creature was found under my make-shift redneck herb garden. It really looks like a cross of a rat, mouse, ground hog and guinea pig. So, of course, my Arkansas raising got the best of me, and I had to take a picture. Just so all of you know, we did not skin it or eat any part of this. My Californian city-boy husband picked it up with a newpaper sack and carted it to the garage trash.

Finally it happened to our Soccer Team

DSCN2074
Originally uploaded by Four Piggy Fans

I have to brag a little about my dear #1 daughter and her Soccer Team. They have had years of drama. And even better years of losing and not winning when they should. Not to mention different clubs, crazy coaches, insane parents, and the backstabbing. Oh if only I could write a book just about soccer backstabbing and lying. Since only one soccer parent (I trust) has this blog address, I will go forth with this post. Anyway we were the runner up. I am so proud of the girls for getting past all the drama and coming together as a team. Yeah Strikers Blue!!!

Halloween Pictures

It was a beautiful day and my two bananas were full of candy before long. Here is just a bunch of pictures of the kiddos and some friends. I'll try to blog more later. I have some actual finished knitting to share and, of course, some thoughts on the election.

Democrats Rule and Republicans Drool

Okay, Thanks to my dear friend Becky I have my brand new


Democratic Fitz and Floyd Donkey.
Here she is proudly displayed at my desk.















Here is her close-up on my desk.

Isn't she beautiful? I love her and cherish her and want to look at her all the time. She is named Alice. After Alice Paul. If you don't know, then google.

Please notice that there is a new feature on the blog. The Electoral Vote Meter. It updates every day. So far, I like the outcome. I'm so over McCain and his Alaskan.

My First Poker Run

This past Saturday, Hubby and I rode in "our" first poker run with Bikes Blues and BBQ. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful. We left the house around 7:00 am and didn't return until around 4:00 pm. There were around 800 people entered and it was great to be on the rode with almost exclusivly motorcycles. Our friends, Carol, Rocky, Austin, Kendra and a man that asked to ride with us from Oklahoma. His name was Harold and he was very nice. We went around 225 miles and that isn't much for some, but alot for me. It took us through many wonderful parts of Northwest Arkansas including Eureka. Enjoy the pictures that I am going to add. I think they tell the best story. PS. Yes, I am now on a diet!

A Personal Letter to my Father

Many of you know that I started this blog to vent when no one else would listen, brag when everyone had heard enough about the kids or cry when I was too proud to let my feelings out in public. This is the vessel that helps me release those many and varied emotions. If you can't handle it well tune in again a different day. This is the letter that I wish I had the spine to write and mail to my Dad for his birthday. Today is his 71st.

Dear Dad,

I need to reach out to you and share that I am truly sad with the state of our relationship. In my wildest dreams, I would never have imagined that I would go a week much less months without speaking to or seeing you. There are no words for the level of pain that I feel everyday without you in my life. It really didn't have to be this way. It isn't what I wanted.

After a year of reflection on my emotions, relationships, fears, childhood, anger and pains; I know that we aren't the only family that experiences these types of problems. And most importantly to me, I know that I am not the only one at fault. Tony isn't the only one at fault and you and mom aren't the only ones at fault. We all have fault. However, I am the only one that wants to get passed it and move on.

I have moved on, Dad. If only you could see that I am a great Mother, Wife, Friend and Daughter. The divorce changed nothing in those areas. Why can't you see me for who I am? Why can't you look in the mirror and know that I am the woman that you raised me to be: Smart, Passionate, Protective, Faithful, Spiritual, and Tough.

I am your daughter. I am your flesh and blood -- you always said that meant something. You always said that you would be behind me 110% no matter what happened. That you trusted me and that we of the same mind. WHY DID THE DIVORCE CHANGE THAT? And why did you take his side? And why do you hate the man that I do love and loves me back?

When will I wake up from this nightmare and have my father back? I am preparing myself that the answer to that may be never. Daddy, please don't let that be the case. Please remember the one member of the family that was always there for you on the farm, at the plant, when the business needed help, that worked so very hard to make you proud. Please Dad please stop listening to Mom and Alisa and remember that I am your daughter and that I love you. I want you back in my life and I want it to be respectful of my family. Will you ever be able to be that person? Will it be this year? Your 71st year? I pray one day this year will be that day.

You will be in my thoughts all day and I hope that I cross your mind in a loving way.

Your eldest daughter.

46 Years and Still a Kid

Happy Birthday
Originally uploaded by Four Piggy Fans

Hubby celebrated his Birthday Party all weekend long and it came to an end with the big homemade Birthday dinner. The traditional linguine with clam sauce. He loves it and I'm damn good at making it. The kids were a huge help and I love cooking with them. I love this picture because they all look like kids. So much for the sophisticated family. I think that ship has sailed. At least we were all happy and healthy and that is the greatest blessing.

Of course there were gifts, because he would never speak to us if there were no gifts. Look at the additional pictures to see all the Razorback stuff and movies that he got for his birthday.

A new Razorback Watch, Razorback coffee mug and a new Razorback pen from the kids. We will make him love the hogs or else!!!

The Bogey and Bacall DVD set from Me!

I bought these two cakes at the Mart. When I unpacked them I noticed the different takes on the hog snout. The one on the left looks like a red rat. Someone needs to figure out that hogs are not mice. They at least tasted good. Yummy Lard Icing.

Where or Where Did My Knitting Go? Oh Where O'Where Could It Be?

I haven't touched my knitting in a solid month. It is missing me desperately, and vice-versa. The funny or bizarre side of this is that I am still reading knitting blogs, looking for patterns and watching Knitty Gritty on HGTV. What is wrong with me. Just pick up the needles and knit. The good Lord knows that I need the stress balancer that comes from knitting. For some reason, I just can't make myself do it!

For those of you that aren't aware of the latest drama, I'm going to talk about something on the blog today that I need to get out of my system. Some of you may know that my hubby, Anthony, found his birth mother and sister on August 5th. This has been a blessing and a curse. I think for them and us. It isn't like the movies or soap operas. There isn't a last scene that ties up all the loose ends in the last 5 minutes of the movie.

It just doesn't work that way.

There are deep emotional scars on both sides. There is a need to be accepted on both sides and there is a need for approval. Hours and hours of phone calls, tears, laughs and email picture exchanging has taken place. It has been a huge emotional experience.

I think we are getting to know them, but where do they fit into our lives? Where do we fit into theirs? It is almost too much in a short time for everyone involved.
Anthony has done well at times and then not so well at others. He and his birth mother were seperated around age 4. Then he was adopted around 5ish.

We hope to spend time with them in the future and I think the Sister and I could really be dangerous together. She is a democrat and has an adventerous spirit like me. So keep all of us in your thougts as we navigate this uncharted territory.

I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar - Thank you Helen!

Don't freak out. Two blog posts in a week. I had to return to the blog to flesh out my thoughts on the speech by Sarah Palin - or as my friend Jim and I now refer to her, Sister Sarah. She knocked it out of the ballpark so to speak. The first half of the speech was charming. Exactly what she needed to do to introduce herself and her family to the country. She looks like Tina Fey and she has similar comic timing. Good for her. Good for women. Since in 2004 we made up around 54% of the voters, it would seem that 1 in 4 of the candidates from the two party system would sit to pee. (In McCain's defense, at his age, he may have to sit to pee.)

Now, the second part of the speech was from some McCain writer and it showed. Yes, I have heard that he was in the military and yadda, yadda, yadda. I respect his service, but tell me about his future not his past. Not to mention we aren't supposed to comment on "her family issues" but they sure used them as pretty props last night) As far as I'm concerned, I think it should all be fair game. We have reached that extremely low part in journalism so let's just go all out. Maybe all the families of the four running mates participate in Jello wrestling matches. Thoughts?

Anyway, I am mature enough to recognize that McCain's people went for the one area (that I have said for over a year -- I have witnesses) that Obama was weak. Pure experience. That is why I voted for Hillary in the Primary and would have voted for her again in November if given the chance. My party became enamored with the thought of having Obama for president without fully "vetting" him.

I respect Joe Biden. Great liberal and I have to love that he is a Catholic or what I would call sensible Catholic. (Not that he is gonna get to take communion for that) And I think Sen. Biden has all the stuff to be President if need be, but Obama's people took a huge misstep and it may just cost them the election. They knew that his lack of experience would be the issue. Heck, it was the issue that Hillary used against him. Did they think McCain would just let that go? Executive Power woos people. Not sure that is the way you spell woo but go with it, okay? Obama's people were thinking they needed to balance the ticket and getting a fairly attractive clean living old white guy with lots of DC experience would do it. But it kinda goes against the "motto" they are using of McCain more of the Same. How are they changing Washington if they take Joe in tow?

But McCain, he performed a Lazarus miracle. He got people's attention and is keeping it. I truly thought the DNC was a tight program last week and flashy to a fault, but the usually boring GOP last night was on fire with Sister Sarah. An unknown mother of five that is a popular Governor, has a special needs infant, a son going to Iraq, a nephew in the gulf, a knocked up teenage daughter (with scared teenage baby daddy in hand--I bet he wishes he had worn a condom) and a pretty darn good looking husband that is half Eskimo. What the F**K? It could only be better if she was cross-eyed. And she gave one hell of a speech considering she had never in her life done anything like that in Alaska.

Now just to keep all of you on track. I am NOT voting for McCain/Palin, their party and my politics don't see eye to eye. But I give them props for doing an amazing job of pulling this campaign together and making this a convention worth watching!

Too bad Obama's people didn't think out of the box and do something of this scale. I'm still a Democrat, and I am not an Obama supporter, but I still support the planks of my party. I wonder if Hillary is sitting in her Senate office paying off her campaign debt and writing Obama a note that reads something like this.

Dear Obama,
Karma is a bitch.
Love, Hillary

BACK PAIN, DAMN GUSTAV HURRICANE, AND THE HOGS WIN!

It is Wednesday, and just like any other 4 day work week, I'm screwed up. It feels like Tuesday. I spent all day saying to myself . . . It is Tuesday, because I honestly felt it was Monday. Not to mention, I'm on heavy painkilling drugs. Last Friday I hurt my back. I've never hurt my back in any way, shape, or form before so I feel like I am 82. If only I could report that it was from a new page of the Karma Sutra, but no, I was picking up dog food in Sam's Club. Damn Dog! I hurt so bad that I did not go to the first Razorback Game. Hubby and Son went and had a great time. The hogs barely won, but it is a Win! Way to go Bobby! Suck it Houston.

There is a reason that I live inland. No hurricanes or so you would think. We are being drenched by Gustav. Now it isn't so bad that we are getting the extra rain since I hate watering the yard, but hurricane leftovers. Kinda makes me feel so vulnerable and couldn't our hurricane have a better name? Gustav? Really? How about Gene, Gertrude, Gladys, or Grandma? I mean a Russian Hurricane. What is wrong with the weathermen? Anyway, I have shot a few pictures so those of you that don't believe me can see we are having a cloudy, gloomy, no-good day. Thanks Gustav!

However, You did keep W. from making a live appearance at the Republican Convention. Priceless. GWB via satellite. If only McCain's week could get more disorganized. What does it say when you can't get the President to make an appearance on your behalf but Joe Lieberman will? Please all my Republican friends(and you know who you are) TAKE JOE LIEBERMAN!!!!!

I've already called, but Happy Anniversary to Sharron and Steve. All people married on the third rule!

All these pictures are from outside my office.

5 DAYS TO GO!!!!! WHOOOOO PIG SOOOIE!!!!!

The most wonderful time of the year. Razorback Football Season is the best thing ever! And this year we have a spankin brand new coach. Yes, I welcome Coach Bobby Petrino to our most wonderful tradition. . . Football.

Thanks to the most incompetent former head coach we are stuck with some of his players, including the QB. Don't even get me started. My biggest complaint of the moment is with new AD Jeff Long. He has extended playing in War Memorial for two games for 9 more years. WTF! The University of Arkansas is in Fayetteville. We have a top-notch stadium and it puts our team at a disadvantage every time we play in Little Rock. What a load of crap! Not to mention the "Boot Bowl" is never played in Fayetteville. It is always in Little Rock and I refuse to participate in that game, and I would love to see us play LSU. Thanks Jeff for selling the true HOG fans out for the money in Little Rock. Money talks and continues to talk from the center of the state.

Maybe one day before I die, the piggie schedule will only allow games in Fayetteville. We can only hope. In the meantime, I will get my Zing Zang ready and my cold beer and prepare for a great rebuilding season.

Just think . . . REAL OFFENSIVE PLAYS. GO HOGS GO!!!
and for all the real fans. . .
Hit that line! Hit that line! Keep on going,
Take that ball right down the field!
Give a cheer. Rah! Rah! Never fear. Rah! Rah!
Arkansas will never yield!
On your toes, Razorbacks, to the finish,
Carry on with all your might!
For it's A-A-A-R-K-A-N-S-A-S for Arkansas!
Fight! Fight! Fi-i-i-ght!

Back to School and Back to Blogging

I took the summer off from the Blog and now summer is officially over. School started this morning and off my kiddos went with their 50 pound backpacks. I do not remember taking a fourth of the stuff to school that these kids are required to have in their desk. Mason is most excited to be back at school and to be in class with his buddies Luke and Grayson. I think their teacher is going to be wonderful. The fourth grade was my favorite year and I hope Mason has that same experience.

Madison is all about 8th grade, but I'm so worried about her. There is just so much in the 8th grade and there is so much pressure. She went to school with her ankle brace on and I felt terrible for her. She is a survivor though and I'm so very proud of her.

Both the kids played ball this past weekend. Madison played soccer in Tulsa and she took a tumble with one of the opposing players. They were playing boys and it wasn't pretty. I'm going to add some pictures of the first day of school and of Madisons grass stains from the tumble.

Have a great day and bring on the blogging!

Addi is here!

In case you haven't heard, I am a Great Aunt. That makes me feel around 60 years old, however, her mother is really Tony's niece. My niece by marriage is a wonderful person and she has given birth to a beautiful baby girl. I think she is related to me somehow, because we both had big babies. Addi was 9 pounds and 14 ounces. That is just one ounce more than daughter #1. She is a cutie. I can't wait to hold her.

Camping, Fishing, and Flooding

We camped over the Memorial Day Weekend. It was really wonderful to get away from the Television, Phone, and Cell Phone. Hubby and I spend 5 days there and the kids got a full 3. Our friends, Becky and Dennis did come out and bring their boat. We had a great campsite on the Lake so the kids could fish and Hubby fished and well. . . drank beer in the sunshine. We did have a few small glitches but I have blessed and released them so no need to mention. The lake is quite flooded and it was like a treasure to see what washed up on the bank. Thankfully the rubbermaid container that washed up on the shore was empty. I was scared that we were about to be a CSI episode.

So here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Our built in fishing area at our campsite.



He hates touching worms, but loves to fish. What a quandry.


Brother and Sister NOT FIGHTING.


Princess doing her impersonation of "Titanic" King of the World. Check out her ears.


Dennis and Tony "Redneck Posing."