New Year's Eve at the Zoo

I know, most people have a party to celebrate the end of the year. But this year I decided to spend it at the zoo (visiting relatives my hubby says- very funny).

The Oregon zoo has been decked out for the last 20 years for the Christmas season, but it took me 10 years of living here to finally make it there. I really wanted to take the kids this year, but before we knew it time got away from us. It actually ended last night, but when I visited their website today (in a last minute search for somewhere to take the kids) I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they were extending it 1 more night- and admission was free to boot!

My tribe of 6 (my son's best friend was along) would usually cost about $40.- What a deal!

So we all bundled up and had a Cooold night of fun. We followed that up with renting the movie "underdog" (very cute and clean- a live action take of the old cartoon) and ate WAY too much junkfood. Now the kids are in bed and hubby and I shall bring in the new year with some time together (break out that sparkling cider!).

Happy New Year to all!

Back from the Coast

We have just arrived back from several days at the Oregon Coast. Between Christmas and our trip, the week has just flown by.

Christmas day was a wonderful day spent with the family. We got back from the in-laws at 10:30pm that night, and were up early the next day to clean the house and pack for the trip. I usually would have done this already, but with all the celebrating the house was a mess again and there were new things to pack. I HATE coming back from a trip to a messy house. We left early afternoon for the coast.

We stayed at an Upscale Inn/Spa, not at all the kind of place we would usually go with our 3 kids. Hubby was given a $500. gift certificate from his employer for a side job he had done. He didn't say it, but I knew it really was a boost to his ego to be able to take us there. Anyway, we arrived and picked up our key card and drove to our spot. When we stepped into the room, the fire was already burning in the fireplace. I thought that was nice, but something just didn't seem right. There was the brush on the counter, the shoes against the wall...hubby thought someone just left behind a few things. I didn't think so. When I saw the yarn with the knitting needles on the side of the easy chair I knew there was a mistake. Sure enough, they had given us the wrong room and key card. Fortunately, it was dinner time and hopefully they never knew someone was walking around their room for a little while.

The next few days went by so fast. The kid's hiked, swam, played chess, did misc. activities in the play/game room, and played with their new Christmas toys. We don't have TV at home, so this was also a treat to them. They offered movies still in the theater you could view, and we watched "The Waterhorse". I absolutely loved this movie! It's set back during World War 2 in the country of Scotland. It had a few mildly scary parts (during which my daughter hid her head). It was a great story with excellent acting. I have to admit I have a weekness for stories about leprecauns, fairies and things of that nature. This dealt with the Loch Ness monster legend. I rarely buy a movie when it comes to video, but I do plan to buy this one.

We came back with some lovely souveniers and new memories. (Picture is on sidebar). I'm glad we have a long weekend to rest from the trip- that is after we have the last Christmas party of this season tommorrow. So it looks like I will be wrapping presents once again this evening. I will end with wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year~

Twas the Night before Christmas

My children are having such a hard time going to sleep this evening. I keep telling them the later mom gets to bed, the later we open presents in the morning. It doesn't seem to be helping, and I can't say I blame them. I remember the excitement as a child waiting for Christmas morning to come, and it never came fast enough. The rule in our house is you are allowed to get your stocking as soon you get up in the morning, the rest waits atleast until we read the Christmas story. My boys are excited as they will be helping hubby read this year. Christmas Eve has been an evening of fun. We were supposed to watch the Nutcracker, but due to time watched Veggietales Star of Christmas. It was very cute, I actually had tears in my eyes at the end. We followed that up with a birthday cake for Jesus (which my daughter had prepared). We talked about what gifts we can give Jesus, and it was interesting to listen to the kid's ideas for this. I had printed up some Christmas-themed games (bingo,ect.), and then we made snowflakes. I could tell my boys were not overly excited about the snowflake idea- that is until they unfolded them. I had downloaded some patterns and they made lovely snowflakes with really simple cuts. Anyway, it was more fun than it probably sounds. Then for the most anticipated part of the evening- opening the Christmas eve present. I informed my kids I had misplaced these gifts; fortunately I did have some clues for them to find them with. And so ensued our scavenger hunt. We had so much fun with this, and we loved watching them work together. The gifts were among some clothes in my clothes dryer. My oldest was looking so earnestly for the clues cards that he forgot what he was actually after. I asked him if he could find the clue in there; he replied "no mom, theres just some clothes and presents in here!" He laughed and laughed when he realized it was the end. They want to do it again next year, and so I quess we have a new tradition. We had our little feast by the tree of Hot chocolate and miscellaneous snacks, and then hubby read Twas the night before Christmas. I followed that up with a story of Christmas in 1776, and then we "hung the stockings by the chimney with care" (minus the chimney). My kids said this was definitely the best Christmas Eve ever. So there you have it in a big nutshell. Wait! What is that I hear? My house is actually silent now. So I will wish you all a peaceful and Merry Christmas~

A change of plans

I am not the most flexible of people. Little changes in plans are fine, but having the carpet pulled out from under my feet (so to speak) doesn't go down well with me.

So this morning I was 10 minutes from going out the door to my kid's party, when I was suddenly siezed with unbearable pain. Now I would say I have a pretty high pain tolerance. Between my difficult pregnancies (and their many procedures) and mega-migraines at times, I've learned to mentally manage pain (somewhat). I mean, life has to go on...

So when I say it was unbearable, I mean just that. I knew right away it was another ovarian cyst. I've had them from time to time but seem to be hitting a patch of them the last few months. And they hit just as if someone flipped a switch. From my fetal position on the floor I told hubby to get the medicine I have horded for this reason. I keep telling myself I need to get a doctor to prescribed vicodin for this, but what do I say "um.., could you give me a really strong painkiller just in case a cyst should happen to act up a few months from now?" Somehow I don't think that will fly.

Anyway, I had horded some percocet from a tooth removal so I'd have something at times like these. But it was nowhere to be found (still looking for it). Hubby was determined to take me to the hospital. But I knew they would want to do the whole nine yards: IV's, tests, ect. So I pretty much figured I had nothing to lose. I mean I felt like I was dying anyways... so why not raid the medicine cabinet.

By the by, hubby was convinced it HAD to be something else; I mean a little old female problem couldn't cause this much pain surely (ok, the sarcasm is entirely mine). I informed him in no uncertain terms (not in my sweetest voice) that women the world over go through this kind of unbearable pain, that men have no idea what we have to bear (my fellow sisters would have felt proud of me).

So I took enough painkiller that either the pain, or I myself, would be knocked out (and I didn't care which one). Thus, I have slept the day away, and it took the edge off to where I can now walk around carefully.

Truthfully, I will probably be just fine tommorrow, as it usually only lasts for a day or so. But I have decided I will have to trim some of my plans for the next few days. Time lost is just that. I sure did not expect this day to turn out as it has.

What to do

I find myself in a bit of a pickle. I have so many things I want to do for Christmas, I just can't narrow them down. I want to pack in so much activity as a family. Meanwhile, there are some things I feel I need to do outside the family that will also use up some of my time. Tommorrow morning is a party for the kid's that ride the buses to our church each week. I have taught 1st grade Sunday school for the last five years and really love those little people. We had promoted a big class party for this week, only to find out our bus riders would not be picked up this week. The reason is understandable, as some of the drivers and workers on these buses will be out of town or with family. And they definately deserve the break. But still, I was a little frustrated that I didn't know about this change. Anyway, they are holding a party for these riders and I plan to go and help. It will take the same amount of time as Sunday church, which means a good part of my morning and early afternoon. Then I also plan to make treats for our Sunday party and the Sunday night kid's club. I'm trying to narrow down what I want to do on Christmas eve, and of course on Christmas we will be going to my in-laws in the afternoon (to arrive home late that night no doubt). My hubbys family is not big on special food for special times, so I take it upon myself to provide that (ok, I admit I also like to show-off a little bit too!). So more treats for that. Meanwhile, I need to pack for our mini-vacation to the coast for 3 days AND wrap gifts for the big family get-together the day after our return from the coast. I thought perhaps writing it all down would make it clear in my head but it's not looking that way. Sometimes I feel like I'm too busy making things happen that I can't really enjoy them thoroughly when they do. We did manage to make and decorate sugar cookies today (picture on sidebar). The kid's had so much fun. They were especially happy these cookies were for our family only~

5 golden rings

Hope my hubby gets a hint from my title- although I personally would prefer dangly earrings. I'm starting to get that feeling that Christmas is coming TOO fast. Am I really going to have to put all those decorations back in the closet so soon? The kids and I painted ornaments this afternoon, and although my table will have to be throughly scrubbed, we had a good time. My little girl wanted to paint an angel for her speech therapist. I went along with the idea thinking he would probably find a nice drawer to put it in. When she gave it to him tonight he promptly took her to the hospital bookstore and bought her a Rudolph beanie to the tune of $8. (it's about 2 inches tall; well, maybe a little bigger). That was a big deal to her. We really lucked out getting him (maybe the proper term would be blessed out?). He teaches at OHSU (a premier college in our state) but drives to our little local hospital 2 evenings a week to do speech therapy. He has made such a difference for my little girl. Well, it's been a hodge-podge post tonight because I really don't have much to say. Some of the best days are actually quite uneventful, atleast in my life~

All is calm

I must say, today was a very calm and quiet day. Last night my girlfriend called and needed someone to take her son so she could be with her hubby for his outpatient operation. Usually my first concern when in that position is that my house is not interesting enough for most big kid's- no t.v., video games, or really super expensive toys. But come to think of it, she is the most hands-on mom with her kids that I know (just a hint, she goes by Mrs.D). So maybe it was the fact that I had no crafts at the ready and planned to pick up chicken sandwiches from Carls Jr. for dinner that had me worried! Anyway, her little fellow made it 3 boys and 4 kid's total. It was almost eerie. They just all quietly played all day. Sometimes they were in different parts of the house (all 4) and sometimes togethter (yes, we had the playdough out). I was trying to catch up with my housework from not being able to bend over for a few days (reaccuring back problems). Isn't it funny how there are some days when kid's play so well and other days when regardless of what you may do they are at each other all day? I actually was able to accomplish quite a bit, and was reminded how wonderful it is to take a break from homeschooling.

7 Swans a swimming

Well, it's official- only one week left till Christmas day. I must say, here in our household it can't come soon enough-and I'm the worse of all. I always have a hard time waiting to give gifts. It's much harder than when I was looking forward to Christmas myself as a child. That was exciting, but nothing like the thrill of giving my children gifts. My little girl has been industriously wrapping gifts for us this week. She basicly finds something laying around the house and wraps it up. Yesterday she called daddy at work to ask if he would take her to Grandmas house so she could give her a gift. Of course, I had to caution him we would need to check it out after Grandma opened it to see if it was an item neccessary to the running of our household! (now that I think of it, we ARE missing a debit card...I wonder?) Most of my many rolls of wrapping paper have jagged edges where she has ripped another piece off for yet another present. In spite of this, it's hard for me to discourage her. I like to see her excitement over giving to others. She actually gave her brothers the real gifts she had picked out for them last night- she didn't seem to realize she didn't open one herself. I finally set her down to frost and decorate a Christmas tree-shaped cake (one of the bake sale mistakes). That kept her busy for about 20 minutes. I'm thinking the playdough I had set aside as a stocking stuffer is coming out sometime this afternoon. That should buy me an hour or two~

Tis' the Season

What a weekend! Saturday I thought I would go to a few of the stores I've been trying to get to for weeks and just hadn't had the time. How could I forget how congested it gets this time of year? Theres a mall about 15 minutes from my house that just added a 8 level parking garage. It didn't seem to make a difference. I was stuck in that parking lot for 45 minutes- no, I wasn't looking for a spot that whole time, in fact I was barely moving. I figured out after about 5 minutes into it I was NOT going to get a parking spot, no matter how far I was willing to walk. The next 40 minutes was just trying to get OUT of that parking lot. Unbelievable. The one place that wasn't too busy was the grocery store- not exactly my idea of a fun time, but I did get the baking supplies I needed. I started on my cakes for our church bake sale at about 7pm. I thought I would bake the Christmas tree shaped cakes in those disposable pans- you know, the cheap ones. Unfortunately, the whole cake became disposable. They just would not cook even for some reason. So, three cake mixes later (and with a REAL baking pan) we finally had a winner. Maybe I should have just donated the money, huh? It did turn out rather cute (picture is on my sidebar). And they sold it for $10. so I think I broke even- all for a good cause. I wasn't going to buy any treats myself, being on a diet and all. But I just wasn't strong enough to resist pecan, almond, and hazelnut brittle. Wow- was that good! Tonight was our annual Christmas play, and it was as wonderful a production as always. We have a few people at our church that really could be on Broadway, they just have beautiful voices. And I always think it's planned at the perfect time each year, right when the busyness starts to make everything blur- it kindof helps everything come back in focus.~

Ladies Night Out

I went to the annual ornament exchange at our church this evening. We had a large group there this year (around 40 or so) and lots of yummy treats. This is definitely NOT the time of year to be on a diet (which I am) and I feel pretty bloated from all those treats. I actually ate more of the homemade toffee I brought than of anything else, so I guess I have myself to blame. Truth be told, after a night of bingeing off of my diet, I usually am anxious to get back on my diet just for the fact that I feel so much better physically. Tommorrow I make cookies for the annual bake sell (more temptation!). Oh well, all for a good cause. I got a totally adorable little snowflake/man ornament (shown on my sidebar) with a tag attached that says "snowmen come unassembled." Very cute. We officially started Christmas break today, and had our Christmas party at Blueberry House (Mrs.Darling's) yesterday. It was alot of fun. She has the perfect kitchen, and had all 8 of the kid's dipping marshmellows, pretzels, peanuts, ect. in dark and white chocolate. Then there were crafts and happy meals and, best of all, visiting time for the adults! We usually are so busy homeschooling there isn't much time to talk. Now I am bracing myself for the fact that the next two weeks will fly by so quickly I'll wonder where the time went. Happy Weekend to all~

Rudolph and Scrooge

Last evening I sat down to read our Christmas bedtime story to the kids. Of course, with three kids the odds of agreeing on the same story weren't too good- so we narrowed it down to 2. My little girl listened spellbound to the story of Rudolph. The book I read was printed the year after I was born (it almost qualifies as an antique!). The pictures were like watercolors (o.k. humour me, I have a fascination with older books). She was so glad when Santa could read his list because of the light from Rudolph's nose. Then I looked at the book of Scrooge. I honestly had forgotten how the real version goes, it's a little different than Mickey's Christmas carol portrays! It was quite fun portraying the different ghosts in the story (Mrs. Darling, I could actually imagine you reading this book out loud as I read!). There is something comforting about the thought that the same stories are handed down through the years, that they too have their little part in our celebrations of the Christmas Season~

Mommy's Night Out

Today Hubby called in sick to work in the wee hours of the morning (actually technically he emailed in sick; his boss prefers it that way). He had been pretty sickly the night before. So I left the young ones with him and took my oldest over to my friends house for a few hours of homeschool (and of course a little visiting). After that I had the rest of the day to myself (yes, he was feeling better, I wouldn't make him watch the kids sick!). Of course, by the time I dropped off my son and took care of a few little home things it was 2:30pm. So I headed over to a few thrift stores that are farther from home, so I rarely find time to go to them anymore. I know, you're saying "ENOUGH with the Thrift stores!" But it was my version of going to the department store during a really great sale: I bought hose, a lovely brown wool skirt, a snowflake table cloth with matching (well not exactly, but close) snowflake Debbie Mumm dinner plates. Best of all, I dug into a big bin and found the very Imaginex dinosaur I had been pricing for my younger son for $3.99!
Probably best of all for my kids was the fact that mommy came home feeling very refreshed from her relaxing time out. I did forget the graham crackers for our gingerbread houses we plan to make today. I was getting ready to head back out, when my daughter suggested I have daddy go instead. She said mommy had been gone too long already! That wasn't really what daddy wanted to do, but somebody has him wrapped around her finger (and it isn't me!)~

Finding Treasures

Tonight I went shopping at my most favorite of the local stores- you guessed it, Goodwill. (I know, probably no one would have quessed that). I do dearly love thrift stores. I have to admit I am a bit addicted to them, I feel this overwhelming urge to run in to them even when I'm tight on time. Anyway, I found some great bargains. One was a large picture book of The Night Before Christmas, with beautifully illustrated pages. Then I found 3 in-the-box beautiful Hallmark ornaments (retail tags EACH said $19.95), all three for $1.99 each. It just so happens I needed an ornament for a gift exchange and I was determined to have an extra nice one this year. I also had been looking for a gift for a snowman collector and, would you believe it, one of them fit the bill for that too. And then there was the one of two fairies (as in the Irish lore type) kissing under the mistletoe, it's hanging from my tree right now. I've told my husband many a time that it is amazing how many times I walk into a thrift store and find a treasure that is exactly what I needed or maybe just wanted. Almost like God had it waiting there just for me. While some may think that's silly, I prefer to think that God is interested in even the small things in our life, just the way we are with our own children.~

Christmas Meme

Mrs.Darling at Dishpan Dribble has tagged everyone for a Christmas meme, so here it goes:

1) What is your favorite Christmas Carol? Mary did you know (not sure this is exactly a carol, but it is my favorite,unless I can count the Hallelujah chorus)

2) What is your favorite secular Christmas song? Chestnuts roasting on an open fire (when sung by Nat King Cole)

3) What is your favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas (one of the few chick-flicks that I do like).

4) What is your favorite Christmas memory? My parents had us put our stockings up in our room on Christmas eve. We would try to stay awake to see it filled, but never were able to. One christmas my step-mom left a pillow doll along with my filled stocking. It was just a doll outline (like you find at Joanns) stuffed with stuffing, but it was drawn old-fashioned and so pretty. Probably cost her just a few dollars, but even now I remember the thrill that went through me when I opened my eyes and saw it propped up by my stocking.

5) Do you shop early or are you a late shopper? I shop throughout the year for my own kids because I find so many brand-new-in-the package items at thrift stores and garage sales. The down side to this is having to keep myself from giving it to them early!

6) Is your tree real or artificial? artificial

7) Do you put tinsel on your tree? I have many years, but not this one.

8) Do you read the Christmas story every year on Christmas day? Always, right before we open the gifts.

9) Would you consider yourself to be the grinch? No

10) Are you more like Scrooge or Father Christmas? Father Christmas

11) Do you made homemade gifts for friends and family? Not so far, but I would like to make some for my kids in the future.

12) What was the worse present you ever received? Thankfully my hubby doesn't read my blog (unless I leave my screen on). When we were engaged, he wrapped up a magazine (and only a magazine) in a large box and gave it to me. Needless to say, I did not think that large Christmas box from my betrothed was a magazine. It was a LITTLE bit of a letdown.

13) What was your favorite Christmas present ever? Probably the Anne of Green Gables II tape set my hubby got me when we were first married. We were pretty tight on money and I really wanted the sequal. I AM wondering how long I have to be married before I get a new car as a Christmas present? But then I haven't gotten a toilet seat yet either.

14) On average how many gifts do you buy each of your children? 1 or 2 bigger items, and lots of odds and ends.

That was fun. I am wondering what the word "meme" actually means (I'm still trying to figure out some of the blogging lingo) but I hope I got the general idea.

Merry Christmas to all!

Grown up Fun

Well, the partys over. I forgot how much fun it was to hang out with other couples. We were officially "adopted" as part of the group tonight, so hopefully that means getting out a little more often. I thought things might be a little clickesh (is that even a word?) but everybody was very friendly. For some reason I forgot I needed two white elephants and had to grab something from my MIL- would you believe a box of fiddle faddle? Believe me, I didn't sign my name to that one! We made off like bandits with a set of Star Wars mugs complete with hot chocolate. So we're starting a new Christmas eve tradition- hot chocolate in our Star Wars cups. That reminds me, I need to add that to my profile. We LOVE the original star wars trilogy. Why is it that the new movies were no where near as good as the older ones? I think I've gotton off subject now.. I have officially received my first comment since I started blogging three months ago (aside from my dear friend Mrs.Darling). Very awesome, especially considering my rambling posts.

A hard days night

Just to clear the air, I did not post yesterday (meaning Thursday) due to a doctor visit that resulted in a massive headache. I'm known for doing strange things during those headaches. So it was safer not to post, not sure what might have slipped out.
Now on to today...
It's over. You know how over time (maybe a couple years) you forget what labor was like and start to think it really wasn't that bad? Hold on there...No, I'm not announcing any new addition to the family. Just making a comparism. Every year I babysit for another church when they have their annual Christmas banquet. I've been doing this for 6 years and, truth be told, I feel some affection for some of those kidlets. But 40 kids between the ages of 4 and 10, for a 3 hour period! My brave hubby was along for the ride (yes, I made him go), as well as another gal from our church. My voice was hoarse by the end of the night, and I'm still up at 2am trying to wind down. As I said, I forgot what hard work it was. We were paid well, but boy am I glad it only happens once a year. The big kids made gingerbread houses out of graham crackers and tons of topping, I was quite impressed with the end product. But I spent most of my time with the little ones. Tommorrow Hubby and I are going to a "grown-up" party and the kids are going to Grandmas. I am looking forward to being able to fellowship with those above the age of 18. I'll report back with all the interesting details (I hope!) tommorrow. Good night to all~

Late nights

I said I would post something each day, and so I shall. I am SO tired- you know that kind of tired that's deep down in your bones and makes you want to either scream or cry? I've been staying up lately several hours after the rest of the house is snug in bed- yep, when nothings stirring but me and our mouse (which refuses to be caught by any of our modern day traps). But that's another post. Anyways, I am going to call it an early night tonight. It's scary when 11pm is early. I shall post another installment tommorrow~

Traditions

I spent some time last night searching the internet for Christmas tradition ideas. I hit on a blog that had so many great ideas on it, I couldn't even begin to put a fraction of them into motion- and I want to do just about every one of them!

One idea that we had already started was reading a new Christmas story each night of December, culminating in the story of Jesus birth on Christmas Eve. Tonight we read "A Ragged Christmas Feast".

It was a story about a feast that was held each year for the poor children in Dublin, Ireland. These poor, ragged little children were thrilled to receive all the tea and hot buns they wanted at this feast. No gifts- just something to eat and to warm them.

My boys found it interesting and pondered the moral of the story, while my daughter colored and told me I had repeated myself twice! We're all looking forward to tommorrows story. I will probably post some of the other ideas tommorrow. That's all folks~

Hibernating

The rain is still coming down outside. It's hard to believe there could be so much rain in so little time. I definitely am willing to just hibernate in my little home until things dry up a little bit. Hubby didn't get home from work (and, of course, a trip to Costco) til 8:30pm. The kids and I were in the process of putting together a gingerbread house. What a messy activity! We got some great pictures, and I love seeing their varied creativity. The finished product sits atop our coffee table, complete with Santa and his sleigh on the rooftop. Tommorrow I'll make up extra icing to add MOUNDS of snow around the house, I'm determined to have my snow one way or the other! Hubby took over afterwards and read a bedtime story. Then my daughter ran in and snuggled up to me, and we laughed and talked a little bit. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around me and looked me in the eyes and said "Mommy, when you die, I want to die with you." I was a bit startled I have to admit. She went on "You know everyone has to die sometime mommy." Where does she come up with these things? And how is it that kids talk about these things so easily?

Rainy Days

What a cold and rainy day today was. As funny as it sounds, it's actually making me a little homesick for the midwest. While I have to admit it gets much colder in Indiana (my home state), it's a different kind of cold.

I miss the crisp cold weather that makes you catch your breath, and the beautiful white landscape. The cold in the Northwest seems to just creep into my bones and stays there. And I much prefer snow to rain.

I'm not really meaning to complain, it's just interesting to me that after ten years I would still miss the Midwest winters. These rainy days make me want to hole up in the house with the kids, I think I could be content to do that.

My living room is so cozy with the Christmas tree lights twinkling, the smell of candles burning, the smoky mountain Christmas music playing.

Every day I put out another gift under the tree, and all the kids rush over to see whose it is. They don't seem to realize I'm taking turns! And they don't really care if it isn't their turn, it's just exciting regardless. And I don't think anyone gets as much enjoyment out of the whole thing as I do~

Singing Christmas Tree

I am happy to report my migraine stayed away last night. And the Singing Christmas Tree was absolutely fabulous- the best I've been to yet. I look forward to this activity more than any other that our church plans. Hubby and I had not been out in such a long time (I actually truly can't remember the last time we were out kidless). Even the bus ride was fun. A young couple interning at our church ran the program on our bus and their youthful enthusiam was catching. We sang every Christmas song we could think of, including the Twelve days of Christmas improvised. Today we're hoping to take our kids to Camp Champoeg for their Christmas Festival. Everybody's pretty tired from last nights late hours (it was an hour round-trip to pick up the kid's from Grandmas)so we'll see how that pans out. Today being the first day of December, it truly feels like Christmas is just around the corner~