OK...I've HAD IT!!!

After much tweaking, researching and whatnot - I've decided to be ROYALLY peeved at Nero right now. Customer satisfaction my ass!!

There is some sort of glitch when you want to edit (cut) a video down from 20 minutes to 2 minutes. The good part is - it keeps the audio. The bad part is - you totally lose the video. This would be SO much better if you could actually SEE her reaction...but thanks to Nero and its dicked up software, you can't. ((If you are from Nero and reading this...it's not the amount of memory I have, it's not the file from the camcorder, IT'S YOUR PROBLEM!!!)) If the actual video plays, let me know...but I don't think that it will.

Well...now that I have let that go...(HA!)

Here's the AUDIO ONLY from Elly when she opens her Pinky Pie Pony. It's a little hard to hear - listen for the munchkin voice in the back :O) If you listen REALLY closely, you might even hear her clapping.

This makes all the searching worth while, and was the reaction that every parent looks for on Christmas!! Enjoy!

Gooti and the Pepper

OK...so we discovered just how submissive our little doggie really is!!

She was playing with a jalapeno that had fallen on the floor from fajita night (a family favorite), and I filmed part of it. Kooky, I know...but she was just TOO funny being all submissive to a hot pepper that I had to post it. Enjoy the video of my "10 inch tall and dynamite" little Gooti rolling for a pepper!! Allison - this ones for you!!

Oh...and little Zaoli MoMo is coming home on Thursday - WHOO HOO!!!!

Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago

Museum of Science and Industry

All the kids on the anchor of the U-505.

We took the kids to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on Friday. It's about an hour drive - that we made in almost blizzard conditions. Hey...we're dedicated!!

Apparently, a real brain freaks Jillyan out, leaves Evan enthralled!

Allyson and Elly resting in a tractor tire.

The kids climbing the "Corporate Ladder".

The kids always have a blast there, and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the city for a while. Their exhibits are thoughtfully arranged and educational for everyone. This time, we got to visit "Demo Alley". This is a large hall filled with stations conducting experiments that is "hands on" for the kids. We had the ability to make slime, watch and participate in experiments with magnetism and see a team dissect a frog. All very cool for the kids. Evan surprised us all with his thoughtful questions, and the answers to questions that we had NO CLUE would even be in his realm of thinking. OK...so this is a daily occurrence, but it is still shocking to see him in action!

Jillyan mixing a solution in Demo Alley.


Evan intent on his task at hand.

The Star Wars exhibit was booked, and so was all of the other special tours that you can see while you are there (that's what we get for going over a holiday!), but we were still able to check out the new Farming exhibit and some other things that we were unable to see last time. The U-505 area is always a favorite for the whole family - we are a WWII history kind of family, I guess! Another favorite was the Petroleum exhibit, and all of the hands on stuff that is there. The kids went through a mirror maze, tried to hit as many "molecules" as they could running through a room of rolling heavy bags, and checked out the "bubble show", a room that shows kids how petroleum density is measured. What a great time!

Evan in a submarine porthole.


The bubble show.

The little ones walked the whole time, so by the time we left in search of dinner - it was quiet in the van! We stopped at an Olive Garden closer to home to feed the masses. Since this was our first trip to an Olive Garden, it was quite an experience. The service was great and the kids loved the food...it really rounded out Malabanan Family day!

Elly on her favorite exhibit - the train car!

Elly checkin' things out that are made of petroleum.

Christmas Eve 2007

Our family celebrates Christmas Eve at Noel's parents house, usually starting around 8pm. It is a long, long wait until midnight for the kids!

Noel is "Santa", passing out all of the gifts that are piled high along the tree. This year, Evan played assistant Santa, helping Dad pass along the loot! He got a pretty big kick out of that one!! The kids all get jammies to unwrap and wear home, so that when we pull in the drive at 3am thay are ready for bed. Santa comes after everyone is tucked up and asleep!

We all had a great time this year! Can't wait for the next get-together at New Years!!

Evans gift from Tita Malou was quite the hit!

Evan loving on his new game!

My Nikon buddy and nephew, Anthony.

Matching neices - Agnes, Melizza and Nika.

It's SANTA!!

Pix from Christmas...

Manny waiting to play Santa...

Melyssa really DID like her metronome...

Jillyan with her American Girl Doll - Elizabeth


Elly with her bitty baby...

Unwrapping is hard work!!

Ol' Dead Eye

Evan's Nerf Longshot was a big hit this Christmas. The guys set up the target, and took turns trying to maneuver the Nerf darts into the target holes. This thing is like a military sniper rifle - complete with an extendable barrel, bi-pod and scope. No joke.

Jillyan took a turn at target practice - and nailed the target on almost every shot she took! Aparently, we have a sharpshooter in our midst!

Jilly getting some pointers from Big Daddy...

Dead eye checking out the scope...

Christmas Videos

If you can wait for it...there's a classic Evan moment at the end of this clip. I'm still trying to figure out the editing process for Nero. Call me blond. It's supposed to be easy, but alas! Not so for me. If you can't wait - or don't want to wade through the Malabanan Christmas clips, feel free to skip it to about 45 seconds from the end... enjoy!

Merry Christmas!!

Hope you received all you asked for and more!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

May the magic and love of Christmas surround you and yours!

kisses,

Emily & Family...

13 Candles...

Happy 13th Birthday Allyson!

Pretty candles on her My Little Pony b-day cake...

Basking in the glow of 13 candles!

Wow, 13 already. Seems like just yesterday. Eighteen hours of labor - sheer panic. I did not know Allyson would be a girl prior to her arrival. SURPRISE. What a surprise she was. A Christmas time blessing. Allyson was born an "old soul", her big eyes taking in the world and seemingly understanding. How perfectly normal it was for her to play alone for hours, entertaining herself within her mind. Now she is a high maintenance teenager. My head whirls...

I do need to say; however, that the bond formed between Allyson and Madeline at birth has stayed strong - even though "Chico and Casper" only see each other once a year. It's so cute to see the impish gleam in their eyes when they get together...the 2-2-2 team goes unbroken!! I wish that I had a scanner (Michelle - sorry!) to post the little naked babies on here!! For any of my family who would like to see those two together, Michelle has some awesome pictures on her blog! Thanks Chelle!!

This year, Allyson picked out her birthday cake - My Little Pony, AND got totally punked on her birthday present!! We told her that there was no way she was getting an iPod Shuffle. Naturally we already had bought it (purple, in case you were wondering Chelle), and Manny stayed up really late one night to load all of her favorite songs on it. When she opened it, her expression was priceless...and when she figured out how to use it AND hear her favorite songs on there - that was TOO funny. Sorry I didn't get the true pic of that one...but there are some moments I don't want to view from the lens.

We had a great night with just us chickens (the usual way we celebrate birthdays)...and before midnight I'm trying to fire off this post...SO...

I'm making a dorky face, even though my parents bought me AE clogs, and my Grandma bought me an outfit from Hollister!



What can this be? My hearts desire?!?



Hmmm...how does this operate?

Allyson's imitation of the iPod people!

HEY!! SOUND!!

Happy 13th Birthday, baby girl. I hope all of your wishes come true...

The Wonder of it All

The Wonder of the Season

I'd like to take a moment to blog about the wonder of the season. The beautiful decorations, awe inspired tiny faces turned towards a tree. The light of little eyes as presents accumulate under the tree, shipped from loving relatives afar. The magic of the Christmas Story and the blessings found under the star. Just the Wonder of the Season, through a child's eyes.

My eyes are seeing all of these small joys, attributed to the season...and a few more things...

*AS IN*

I WONDER how $100 doesn't go very far at Hollister. Are their clothes made from gold, frankincense and myrrh? What the?

I WONDER why Dance and Sing Pinky Pie Pony has to cost $40. Nobody gives me $40 to shake my butt and sing (they MAY; however, pay me to stop).

I WONDER why Pinky Pie Pony can't trot her pink butt to one store and STAY there. It took me 8 stores to find her. If she is as elusive at home as she was at the stores, I should have just taken $40 and thrown it in the fire!

I WONDER how groceries - for the love of GOD - can cost more at Christmas time. Am I ASKING for Golden Eggs here, people? NO!! I want the plain ol' clucker eggs! Why did the price of bananas go up? Is this a hot Christmas commodity? Is there anyone out there that can't go without their Christmas banana? Yeesh...

I WONDER how people can find it in their hearts to put money into the Salvation Army buckets - yet somehow manage to turn into weenies the instant they are in the parking lot. Loose change in a charity bucket DOES NOT negate flying the bird at little old ladies painstakingly picking their way through icy parking lots for their medications. A weenie is a weenie is a weenie.

I WONDER why kids are getting jerkier and jerkier the faster the December 25th approaches. "Santa Claus is comin'" apparently has no effect on my children. When I was a kid - any chore was done without being asked. Beaming smiles and angling my head so perhaps my "halo of goodness" would shine a little brighter - maybe catch my parents eye. This was all in hopes of scoring the gift on my Christmas list that was highlighted, starred and underlined. Did it always work? No, but I tried every year none the less, JUST IN CASE!!

I WONDER how Hallmark stays in business in any other month than December. This place was PACKED every time I've been there this month. I know that Webkins are HUGE right now, but seriously...it's Hallmark. Hallmark also now has weird shopping carts...I wonder who thought that concept up - in a shop full of priceless glass and trinkets, no less!

I WONDER why shopping carts can't come without the ankle catchers on the bottom. I'm ready to wear shin guard backwards, but...you guessed it...the only store that sells them is packed with the ankle eating carts. Ugh.

I WONDER why the word "tasteful" suddenly disappears from outdoor decorating in December. Oh yes...every neighborhood has a Griswold family. Their yard is wonderfully manicured and blooming flowers abound through out the other months. In December the yard is invaded with giant blow-up musical/mechanical "snow globes" and enough lights to imitate an airport runway in dense fog. Yikes.

I WONDER how only the very best cookies can magically disappear off of the cookie plate seconds after arriving - and the not-so-hot ones sit there long enough to be Christmas ornaments for next year. Cookie radar can be a bad, bad thing!

The Wonder of the Season...ah, yes...it goes both ways!

Unexpected Blessings

Today we held our Christmas Party for Cary Cheer Elite. I am sure that I will get a little misty, but please allow your mind to wander...

Snow was gently falling and Allison's house was beautifully decorated for Christmas, front door open in welcome as the kids trooped in from the snow bearing their Secret Santa gifts. Within short order, most of the cheerleaders were in attendance; and the festivities began. We split the girls by squad, and Silver started the party by assembling a beaded ornament. Purple Squad began by decorating their "gingerbread houses". The kids had an amazing time, and after switching activities - the Secret Santa exchange began...

Imagine my surprise when there were quite a few gifts for the Coaches and Staff of CCE. The generosity that was shown by these cheerleaders was AMAZING. It was quite a thrill to see all of the thank you sentiments from the families of our kids!

Coaching is largely a thankless job. Our thanks come from seeing the cheerleaders attain their goals and be successful at competitions. What a wonderful party, what a wonderful blessing to be able to share with our cheerleaders. It was a Christmas party to remember!!

Michelle...hope these pictures make it into your "collection"!!

ADHD and Me...

Kind of hard to read with the dog ON the book - eh?

I need to vent a wee bit about ADHD and the choices that I make as a parent for my children that have it. I would first like to state that this is my opinion - based off of the research and experiences that I have personally had. If you don't want to read about it - STOP HERE.

1. ADHD is a very real disease. It is not psychological, it is physiological. Simply put, a properly diagnosed ADHD childs (or adults) brain does not function as a "normal" brain functions. Since the word "normal" has a broad range of definitions - I will acknowledge that fact and not expound. Moving on...

2. There are many diseases that affect the brain, and it is socially OK to have and USE medications to treat these ailments. For ADHD, you become a pariah if you choose to medicate your child - EVEN THOUGH it is needed.

3. The public at large believes that it is very simple to diagnose and place your child on medications. "Mom can't handle the kid - the kid goes on Ritalin." PLEASE allow me to explain our experience...

At 6, we attempted to have our daughter diagnosed. This took about 4 weeks...and we were fast-tracked. It was felt at the time that she would not require medication because this could be a "maturity issue", and not a manifestation of her disease. In school, she fell farther and farther behind. All of 1st grade was lost, sieved through her brain. Mid-way through 2nd grade, upon starting medications through our PCP (it took the entire first 4.5 months of the school year, numerous doctor appointments and documentation from her teacher - that sweetheart), she FINALLY started to retain what she learned. It took a YEAR AND A HALF. If you have a disease that affects your life function - would this be acceptable?

4. Before the head shaking begins, allow me to point out the fact that I am stringent about her activities to burn off her excess energies(even with the meds), her diet and keep a close eye on her school work. This is a daily struggle, and not for sissies. It is not a cop out. It would be FAR easier to let her schoolwork slide, allow her speak however (and whenever and whatever) she likes and go through life a social disaster. I could allow her to become a potential prison statistic, for she would go nowhere without an education. NEWSFLASH (and a very good point from my neighbor Kelly): In ten years you WILL need a degree to work at McDonalds.

5. Keeping your child on medication is a go-to-the-doctor-once-a-month ordeal. This is not a simple or affordable process, even with insurance. DO NOT tell me that I'm taking the easy way out. This is far more complicated than one might expect, and for the safety of the children utilizing the medications. We went into this with eyes wide open. I would rather go through this now, than watch the downward spiral of self medication that is so prevalent among ADHD sufferers as adults. Again, don't tsk-tsk me. I have lived this, and if requested will provide the details...

How can I measure the success of my approach? Seeing her face light up when I open her report card, hearing the phone ring and knowing that it is a friend calling for her, getting sleepover invitations (prior to meds, she had NONE), getting invited to birthday parties, seeing her achieve her athletic goals...just to name a few. I am proud of what she is able to accomplish with the help of her medication. I am proud that she now has the ability to learn how to become a good citizen and friend. I am proud that she is being judged on her true mind and heart as without the medication she is a flurry of activity that is unable to engage, hold a conversation or retain information.

I am proud of, and WILL defend, the choices that I have made for her. Most of all, I am proud of how far she has come through her ADHD, and how far she will go with the positive traits that it brings to her life.

Ice Day...

Today, there was no school on account of the ice storm that hit us last night. There was already ice on the branches, but we did get some new accumulation. The kids were happy about having the day off...not so happy about not being able to go out to play. It wasn't raining...it wasn't sleeting...it wasn't snowing. It was "slushing". Weird day here in Illinois! I was pretty excited that it wasn't as bad as was predicted! I guess we're in for more tonight, so here's hoping that the roads are clear, the buses are running...and Mommy gets to keep her sanity!!

Some positive notes from my day:
1. Melyssa got to work on the sax, logging about 2 hours today! She's sounding great!
2. Evan went to play at the neighbors house for quite a while, allowing me to clean up a little!!
3. I found out that Elly is showing some great strides in writing her ABC's!
4. Gooti slides like the rest of us humans...for the first time in 5 years, I didn't have to go "dog skiing"!!
5. I got some great artsy shots of the trees and bushes out front!

Pretty ice on the bushes out front!!

Gooti is longer than I thought! FYI - those are not her ribs showing. This is part of her brindle pattern. Weird, I know!

Snowball Blast!!

Cary Cheer Elite competed at ECC at a competition hosted by Champion Cheer Express (also CCE!) on Saturday. With the comp starting at noon, it should have been an easy morning. So much for should have been! Late arrivals and some backstage mayhem kept coaches and staff on their toes.

Jillyan competed with Silver only this competition, and I have to say, she did better. Keeping her corralled and entertained before Silvers warm-ups was a challenge. Have to rethink the strategy on that one!!

Jillyan clowning in my shades. Somebody was obviously digging through the cheer bag!!

The Purple Squad had some MAJOR music malfunction, but performed wonderfully through the long 3 minutes that they were on the floor. Coming through that event really gelled them as a squad, and really made us coaches proud!! At awards they proudly accepted their 2nd place trophy...especially as the team that won first had 25+ members. Small but mighty Purple boasts 8 members. This competition - they won a 1st in my eyes!!

Silver Team

The Silver team FINALLY got the opportunity to "bring home the bacon"!! As second place was announced, the look on these girls faces was priceless!! The realization that the 1st place trophy belonged to them was a real gut-check for these hardworking girls. Needless to say, pandemonium ensued on our little corner of the floor!! GO SILVER!!

The girls realizing their goal!! 1st place!!

The teams together flashin' their "Sign of the Day"! We're number 1!!!

Fashionista

Elly attempting to be a little fashionista. Please note the snow boots, mittens and hat; paired with the delightful ensemble of mismatched summer clothes. She thought she was "sexy"! Hopefully the older she gets, she will want to match her clothes a little better!

In the other picture - yes that is her foot. Little bendy girl is already kicking up a heel stretch and HOLDING it. Yep - she's four.

Puppies - 2 weeks and counting!

Had to post about the puppies. Please excuse me for not posting pictures of all of them, but this little skunky puppy has really captured my heart! She's too cute :O) Their eyes are open, and they are little tub-o-lards! I can't wait to see them up, about and playing with each other! Could this be our little Zaoli Mo-Mo?