When doing the "right thing" goes wrong....

I don't even know how to begin. I am so upset right now. I feel like I am going to be sick all over my laptop. When did doing the "right thing" become bad? It seems to me that people who choose to do the "right thing" get punished. For example, oh yes, because I know you are dying to know why this is keeping me up tonight...
Earlier this week J had a potluck/gift exchange Christmas celebration for her gymnasitics team on 12/19/08.
1. We were informed about this on 12/13/08.
2. We were informed by J's mom that J requested that I make something that she really liked for the potluck... of course the email that said this failed to inform us of the dish that J wanted me to make.
So, we waited for details. Unfortunately, I like to plan my days out ahead of time (mistake #1). I called J at her mom's house on 12/18/08 so that I could find out what she wanted me to make for her potluck (mistake #2). I also wanted to know what present she would like me to get for her to take for the gift exchange. J had NO idea what she wanted me to make for her potluck. She had NO idea what gift she wanted me to purchase for the gift exchange. She had NO idea of the time frame for the potluck/gift exchange celebration. *sigh* I asked her to ask her mom for these details, as I was off to the store after the phone conversation. (mistake #3). J's mom would NOT give her the details, and informed J that she would be talking to her father later. Unfortunately, her father was at work. I told J that I was really sorry, but without these details, I wouldn't know what I could make, when I could make it or what to get for the gift exchange. Then her mom grabs the phone out of her hand and says, "Is there a problem?" I explain to her my dilemma (mistake #4.) She just lashed out at me telling me that it was none of my business, and that J already had a present to take and that SHE would be talking to R later that night, then... she hung up on me.

So what did I do wrong? Was I really that bad for trying to get this info so that I could be prepared for J's potluck/gift exchange. No. I did nothing wrong. I did the right thing, I was doing what was right for J, and unfortunately, her mother will always have a problem with that. *sigh*

Now on to the new problem. For all of you who do not know, my brother is going through a divorce right now. One that we believed to be a civil divorce... unfortunately, it has turned NASTY... all because someone tried to do the right thing. I will spare you the details, because it is really really disgusting, and hurtful to my brother. However, because of the lifestyle that my soon to be EX-SIL lives, she put my brother, her children and the children that she works with at risk for a potentially fatal disease. My mother informed EX-SIL's place of business of this risk, and now there is a restraining order against my mother... my neice and nephew's cannot see their Grammy for Christmas. This is such a new low for my EX-SIL, and trust me, we all thought she couldn't get any lower, it is heart breaking. This Christmas is the first Christmas that my nephews will be spending in a "split" household, but now she has to go and make it that much more difficult for them. EX-SIL claims that she is "afraid" that Grammy will harm the her children, which is a disgusting lie. Why do these children have to suffer for their Grammy doing the right thing?? My mother still cares for my EX-SIL, and wants her to receive the help that she so desperately needs, so that she can be a good mother to her children.

The point of this post is to bring attention to all the people who selfishly think only of their own lives, and do not consider the NEEDS of their children. Children need their families, and the people who love them. The way that some people use their children in divorce situations disgusts me, however, I cannot change these people, I can only learn from them, and VOW not to put my children in those situations.

For more information on how to get help with a difficult lifestyle, please visit www.aa.org.

Stress=Slacker

So there really is NO excuse for my lack of posting except for the fact that I'm totally overwhelmed at the moment. I started my new job at the hospital today, oh yes, I did get it! I am near the end of an extremely difficult math class and I am afraid that I am not going to pass, not to mention all of the Christmas stress this time of year provides!!! So, I'm sorry there hasn't been much for you to read.
One super happy thing that happened this weekend, I got to see my uncle HP as he drove his truck into town! He lives in Florida, but whenever he is in the area, he stops by, it was great to see him! He is the first extended family member to see baby D! I am completely enamored by HP, I only truly met him for the "first" time (that I remember) about 2 years ago. He is absolutely fantastic! He is so caring about our family (me, R, J, M, C, D and my mom, my brother, my nephews and my neice.) He loves spending time with us, and he is so so funny, an absolute riot!!Unfortunately, I forgot my camera to take pictures of the family reunion, but he did invite himself along for our future Disneyworld trip, which just gives me warm fuzzies that I am worth something, even though my own dad (HP's brother) doesn't seem to think so.
Last thing, because I feel a headache coming on. Christmas is a pain! The decorating, the presents, the cards! Ugh.

Cristine

Baby D's Christmas Wishlist

C had one of these when he was a baby and he absolutely loved it, so I would like to think that Baby D would love one too... here's to hoping!

My KIDS Christmas Wishlist

These are just a couple of IDEAs that I had for things I would like for the kids this Christmas:

For Miss J

For Baby D, Little C and Mr. M

And don't fret... my Christmas wishlist is coming soon... :)

Interview

Today I had an interview at the UNM Hospital in the IT department. But wait, you say... isn't that where your brother works? Yes, yes, I answer, it is where he works and I'm crossing my fingers that I get the job. It's a part-time job, and it sounds a whole heck of a lot better than working in a boring old call center all day. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

How Blogs Work

This is my interpretation of how blogs work. I think that you read a blog, and if you like the particular post of the blog, you can comment on it, but you don't have to. "Everything but the Champagne" is for family and friends to stay updated on my life, and to show off cute pictures of my kids.

Cristine

Reindeer for C & Solids for D

This is a face painting that C got yesterday at a Children's Blockparty in downtown Albuquerque. I thought it was adorable.

Today R wanted to start baby D on solids. I'm not sure why, but I figured it would make some good pictures for the blog, so I was game. We started him on Oatmeal. The other two boys never liked the rice, so I'm not going to waste any money on rice cereal. Anyways, enough from me, look at the pictures

C started distracting him at this point so feeding time was over for baby D.

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!
How cute are these costumes?? pick me pick me!!

Math 209

Just so that everyone is aware, for the next 5 weeks I will be struggling to complete Math 209, yes, that is algebra, so if my posting is missing, I'm sorry, but I tend to have a little math anxiety. Hopefully M will help me...Just kidding... I don't think he knows this kind of math yet... but I'm crossing my fingers that Rik and my neighbor Les (who teaches high school math) will help me out.

Example problem.... YIKES!!

Saturday's Swim Meet- Lobo Holiday Classic

M had his 2nd USA swim meet this past Saturday, and he had a great time... literally, he won 4th place in his 100Back event. He was so excited. The pictures came out blurry... darn fingerprint on the lens, but here they are, regardless!

M's 50yard Breast

He got DQ'd from this event because he did a flip turn... :(

C & J showing their support of M

Daddy(aka R) & D Showing their support to M

M & C pigging out after a race

M's Funky Freestyle

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!
So I am posting this in hopes of winning a gift card for this very talented lady's store. I would love to win one of the cute outfits she has for sale. So check out her store and thanks for understanding!
http://www.grosgrainstore.com/

Bill of Rights-Children of Divorce

I read this on a blog and I absolutely loved it. As I pursue my degree in Marital and Family Counseling and Mediation, everyday brings about a new understanding of how important something like this is.


1. The right not to be asked to "choose sides" or be put in a situation where I would have to take sides between my parents.

2. The right to be treated as a person and not as a pawn, possession or a negotiating chip.

3. The right to freely and privately communicate with both parents.

4. The right not to be asked questions by one parent about the other.

5. The right not to be a messenger.

6. The right to express my feelings.

7. The right to adequate visitation with the non-custodial parent which will best serve my needs and wishes.

8. The right to love and have a relationship with both parents without being made to feel guilty.

9. The right not to hear either parent say anything bad about the other.

10. The right to the same educational opportunities and economic support that I would have had if my parents did not divorce.

11. The right to have what is in my best interest protected at all times.

12. The right to maintain my status as a child and not to take on adult responsibilities for the sake of the parent's well being.

13. The right to request my parents seek appropriate emotional and social support when needed.

14. The right to expect consistent parenting at a time when little in my life seems constant or secure.

15. The right to expect healthy relationship modeling, despite the recent events.

16. The right to expect the utmost support when taking the time and steps needed to secure a healthy adjustment to the current situation.

Last Month

I am so relieved that October is finally over. It was much to busy and so very stressful. But now I am beginning to dread Nov. and Dec. Oh well... such is life, right? Anyways, here is a visual representation of our October...

Special outfit I made for J out of old jeans and an old shirt of my mom's, she sewed the buttons on the shirt by herself..

Special hair for her special outfit, complemented by her special hairbows

M's Karate Belt Test

Going from Orange to Purple... to bad I didn't take the picture in color, he had blue hair that day

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta... we didn't actually attend because they had a mini balloon fiesta at M's school... for free... anyways, this is a view of a few balloons from his grass field at school

First USA swimming meet

"Spooktacular"

@ West Mesa Aquatic Center

Halloween Costumes, I totally procrastinated on making these...

M as Zeus, for his school costume... he went Trick or Treating @ his dad's house this year and was a skeleton pirate

C as Shrek

D as Gingy (the gingerbread boy from the Shrek Movies)

I will try to get a better pic of D in his costume... he was not so happy that evening. I want to get a picture of Shrek and Gingy together, but C and D are not so cooperative...

Good Times Ahead

We are getting ready for another swim meet this Saturday. For anyone interested in coming, it is at West Mesa High School at 9:00am. More pics to follow...

C will be starting swimming lessons tomorrow. We will be at the pool for 2 full hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next 6 weeks! I'm not supposed to take pictures until the last day of the session, so look for pics on Dec. 9th

Oh, and this is my final week of my current class, so look for me snapping the heads off of innocent bystanders this week while I finish my 1,400 word paper and my 12 slide powerpoint.

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

This women is so talented with her sewing, and she is giving away this beautiful frog costume that one of the boys would just love for dress up time, so here I am... trying to win it! Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Everything

This is the begining of our family's blog. I am not as talented as the blogger's that I admire, and I don't have the time to do more than one blog, so this will be an everything blog, following our lives.