Only a pregnant woman would get out of bed at 3:30 in the morning and make pancakes. I must admit though that they were quite lovely with all those stawberries.

That reminds me...Last week I took Anthony to IHOP for dinner one night. I just felt the urge for Swedish pancakes. They're so good. Anyways, whenever I go to a restaurant I think about all those cliches about not eating alone in a restaurant. Yeah, whatever. I always do it. It's peaceful. Screw everyone else and their company! Haha. Awkward...sometimes, but you know...when all you want is a good meal and no one else is around, or willing, or able to keep you company to hell with the "rules". Bringing your three year old with you doesn't really count as company either. It's more like table top entertainment because they don't sit still, they always want something else, and it's not adult conversation-- it's sit down, shut up and eat your food. (Resembles instructions for adults quite often. But kids tend to obey when the holy fear of God is put on them. And no alcohol involved.)

So yesterday was mom's birthday. No cake, but plenty of presents and went to a movie. (Well, some of us did, and some of us had to leave to deal with tantrum throwing child.) Anyways, I think she had a good birthday. Peter gave her a ring that he actually worked for. Yes, he went to work for the Manager at Holiday Inn to pay for it. Smart little kid. Ben took her to the movies. He also got her a bottle of her favorite perfume, but she won't know that until she opens it this morning. It was kind of a combo gift because it was so expensive. I told him she wouldn't mind. I gave her the enlarged picture of Peter that I took at the lake. She loved it.

Dad gave her nothing. Not even a "Happy Birthday!". What can I say...some people lack tact. Peter asked him the other day if he had a card for him to sign for her birthday...he usually buys her one from the "kids". To quote him, "No. That's for you guys to do." (Insert accompanying swagger of the head, and superior "look".) I'm sorry...but even if you hate your spouse and despise all that they are...if you live in the same house and have CHILDREN you should at least make an effort to be a good example. For goodness sake...make up a fricking excuse, even if it's a lie, so your kid doesn't think you're just an ass. Oh wait. Silly me, I forgot that some people don't think past their own nose. You wonder why boys grow up not being men...it's because they're "father's" never were either. Anyway...I told Peter it was a good thing that he got her the ring, and that he signed the card that I bought for her, otherwise she just would have been without. He gave me that knowing look he gets, the one with the wisdom beyond his years, and said "Yeah!".

Our realistate agent brought us Christmas presents. How kind was that? I'm learning people aren't as bad as we make them out to be in our heads. They really can care. I know that sounds rediculous, but I kind of grew up with this "feeling" that people are bad, and only out to get what they want, and will stab you in the back. (You learn from experiences too...) It's not true of everyone. But that's been a learning experience. I'm still learning about peoples generosity. It is there, and I just have to quit being so suspicious all the time. I'm learning that with my in-laws too. It's humbling.

Today is Christmas...and I am sooooo looking forward to seeing Anthony open presents. He thinks it's his birthday again. *l* If there are presents involved, even if it's someone elses birthday...it means it's HIS birthday. He was very meticulous about tearing the paper off the boxes from Kevin's parents yesterday. It was funny to watch. Last year he didn't even want to tear the paper. He opened the corners and then peeked inside. It was cute. I'm going to take tons of pictures for Kevin. Maybe I'll even be in some of them so he can't complain he never gets to see pictures of me;) I tried to vidoe tape last year, but someone forgot to push the record button on the camera. I won't mention names. But you know who you are! *l*

It's six in the morning. I must go bake a cake for Mom. She won't get dessert otherwise, and we can all sing her Happy Belated Birthday.

Merry Christmas. Happy Happy.