I arrived in Indiana on July 2, after a 20-hour drive that included sleeping in my car. To be fair, the drive from Louisiana to Indiana is prettier and cheaper and slightly shorter than the drive from Texas to Indiana. However, it's not as populated - so you must stop where you can! Little Rock is like the biggest deal you pass through. I was 1.5 miles from Bill Clinton's childhood home (eating a Wendy's), but it didn't seem worth visiting.
My mom was in the hospital for a week with a kidney infection brought on by a kidney stone. Lots of pain. She was finally released and has regained some strength ... just to go into surgery tomorrow. Fun, right? Who wants to get old? She'll be off work for nearly a month when it's all said and done. Miserable, but necessary.
I have been away from the boys for a week and a half. It's nice to catch up on sleep and sit quietly and enjoy a book, but I miss them like crazy. Life's too easy (though, my mom is sometimes a demanding patient).
I am working on turning my online life over to a new email address. It's a slow-going process, but I appreciate that Gmail imports emails for 30 days from my old account. I am getting all the blogs switched over and hope to assemble them into one or two coherent blogs in the near future.
I picked up Made from Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life by Jenna Woginrich and can hardly put it down. I'm almost halfway through, and I've only had it a couple hours. I am currently OBSESSED with getting a chicken coop (and have selected Red Star chickens as my preferred breed - and my city does allow chicken coops in-town ... not sure my neighborhood does, but better to ask for forgiveness than permission). I also can't wait for a garden next year (I'm looking at you raised vegetable garden beds) and am starting to toy with the idea of beekeeping. I don't think we have the land to keep enough distance between our boys and the bees, though, SO I started looking at houses further out in the country. My poor husband.
So, that's that.
I am set to return to my boys this Thursday - it'll be very late or very early Friday. It's been great to be able to take care of my mom (thanks mostly to my husband taking time off work to watch the kiddos), but I am ready to get back. I've seen three of my oldest and dearest friends during my time up here - that's been great too (oh, and I got to meet two of their new babies - yeah!). I grilled for the first time - shrimp on kabobs and corn on the cob. AMAZING. Also eating lots of Jimmy Johns and Qdoba ... just because I can :)
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
7.12.2010
6.18.2010
Play Date
I'm not sure what has gotten into my kids lately, but they awful in public. OK, mainly Moose is awful in public and Bean makes minor infractions but the two combined are just way too much.
I took them to story time at Barnes & Noble yesterday. They happily looked at books prior to story time, but as soon as the bookseller arrived to read, they were having none of it. They continued to wander around, and then we chased Moose around the adult aisles. I almost asked for an application, but decided being there with my wild children was probably going to make a bad first impression. I thought they needed to burn off some more energy, so we walked down to a furniture store for a quick look around and then to PetSmart to check out the fish and ferrets and parakeets. Ferrets are so disgusting.
Later, they had checkups. They were rambunctious, to say the least. Bean is in the 97th percentile for height and middle of the road for weight. Moose is middle of the road for height and, umm, like 97th percentile for weight. They're both healthy and the doctor suggested multivitamins, but Bean's dependence on Ensure is no longer necessary. One tall and thin, the other short and fat. They both have referrals to eye doctors and Moose has a referral to speech. Bean wasn't up to par on gross motor skills, but I said we weren't that worried about it. Neither my husband nor I are extraordinarily coordinated people and tall kids are usually have a harder time with that sort of thing. I opted not to take the physical therapy referral - he'll get the hang of his body one day. Even if he doesn't, it's not like NOT SKIPPING will affect his ability to get a job one day.
Later, I took the boys to see Babies. It was showing at the independent theater downtown. Here's the scandal: It was PG for "cultural and maternal nudity." How silly. Neither of my boys blinked at the boobies or the baby penises. Bean, however, did not care for the baby pooping on its mother's knee and her wiping it off with a corn cob or the same baby chewing on a bone, which I think was meant for the dog. We had to leave 10 to 15 minutes early, because SOMEONE was making rounds shaking people's hands and screaming bloody murder if I tried to stop him.
I didn't find the movie particularly revealing - I guess I'm a bit crunchier (to use Courtney's term) than the average American mother. I did notice the NOISE. Despite the hut-living and seemingly meager existences of the babies in Namibia and Mongolia, it was so quiet there. Also, their interactions with the Earth were so much more natural. The babies in Tokyo and San Francisco had much more noise going on around them with the streets and the grocery stores and the organized play dates. Also, their nature interactions were pretty much the zoo and the family cat. The toy factor was also huge. I'm thinking I can strip my kids of everything but two toys, and they'll be fine, and I'll have a lot less to clean up :)
We went to another family's home for a play date today. She goes to the church and has kids slightly older than mine (6 and 7.5). It went well enough, but I always find play dates so awkward - especially those first few. Her husband is a professor and she is a high school teacher - both math/science people, very smart. The kids are also very well spoken. It was sort of like being at school over there and my kids neanderthal ways annoyed the older ones from time-to-time. ("He won't listen." "He doesn't get it." "He's not following the rules." "I already explained it.") Kids are funny.
Oh, my laundry detergent DID thicken up. I think I can easily just use 1/2 cup now instead of 3/4 cup. It's amazing, but I need more essential oils. Good sites for those?
I took them to story time at Barnes & Noble yesterday. They happily looked at books prior to story time, but as soon as the bookseller arrived to read, they were having none of it. They continued to wander around, and then we chased Moose around the adult aisles. I almost asked for an application, but decided being there with my wild children was probably going to make a bad first impression. I thought they needed to burn off some more energy, so we walked down to a furniture store for a quick look around and then to PetSmart to check out the fish and ferrets and parakeets. Ferrets are so disgusting.
Later, they had checkups. They were rambunctious, to say the least. Bean is in the 97th percentile for height and middle of the road for weight. Moose is middle of the road for height and, umm, like 97th percentile for weight. They're both healthy and the doctor suggested multivitamins, but Bean's dependence on Ensure is no longer necessary. One tall and thin, the other short and fat. They both have referrals to eye doctors and Moose has a referral to speech. Bean wasn't up to par on gross motor skills, but I said we weren't that worried about it. Neither my husband nor I are extraordinarily coordinated people and tall kids are usually have a harder time with that sort of thing. I opted not to take the physical therapy referral - he'll get the hang of his body one day. Even if he doesn't, it's not like NOT SKIPPING will affect his ability to get a job one day.
Later, I took the boys to see Babies. It was showing at the independent theater downtown. Here's the scandal: It was PG for "cultural and maternal nudity." How silly. Neither of my boys blinked at the boobies or the baby penises. Bean, however, did not care for the baby pooping on its mother's knee and her wiping it off with a corn cob or the same baby chewing on a bone, which I think was meant for the dog. We had to leave 10 to 15 minutes early, because SOMEONE was making rounds shaking people's hands and screaming bloody murder if I tried to stop him.
I didn't find the movie particularly revealing - I guess I'm a bit crunchier (to use Courtney's term) than the average American mother. I did notice the NOISE. Despite the hut-living and seemingly meager existences of the babies in Namibia and Mongolia, it was so quiet there. Also, their interactions with the Earth were so much more natural. The babies in Tokyo and San Francisco had much more noise going on around them with the streets and the grocery stores and the organized play dates. Also, their nature interactions were pretty much the zoo and the family cat. The toy factor was also huge. I'm thinking I can strip my kids of everything but two toys, and they'll be fine, and I'll have a lot less to clean up :)
We went to another family's home for a play date today. She goes to the church and has kids slightly older than mine (6 and 7.5). It went well enough, but I always find play dates so awkward - especially those first few. Her husband is a professor and she is a high school teacher - both math/science people, very smart. The kids are also very well spoken. It was sort of like being at school over there and my kids neanderthal ways annoyed the older ones from time-to-time. ("He won't listen." "He doesn't get it." "He's not following the rules." "I already explained it.") Kids are funny.
Oh, my laundry detergent DID thicken up. I think I can easily just use 1/2 cup now instead of 3/4 cup. It's amazing, but I need more essential oils. Good sites for those?
5.30.2010
Home Sweet Home
Last week, Bean and I headed back to Texas. He did his last two days of school, and I closed on the house. We had a great time - one last goodbye to good friends and to the old house. Mrs. House of Toys was a great hostess.
Bean really enjoyed his last days of school, they had a water day and a fizzy foam day - you know, those last few days are packed with education :) He had lots of fun, though, and I'm glad I took him back for it. He also loved spending lots of time with his best buddies and enjoying their birthday party.
Closing on the house was easy. I mowed that huge lawn one last time (and told the property good riddance - I hate mowing that yard). A few signatures later and we're richer. The buyers only used about half the closing costs they were anticipated, so we walked away with $1500 more than we expected. We certainly won't complain about that!
We are settling into Louisiana nicely. We're only 20 miles from the Texas border, but it feels like a world away. I am loving Super Target and living within 10 minutes of nearly everything.
Bean made some friends today. There is a five year old boy two doors down one way and two brothers (maybe 6 and 7 or twins) and a little girl (4 or so) two doors down the other way. Best neighborhood ever :)
I brought home my potted plants from the House of Toys and have been arranging them around the house. I also have two big hibiscus plants that Mrs. House of Toys acquired from a mutual friend. Mrs. House of Toys doesn't care for the maintenance of plants (and escapes to North Dakota for MONTHS during the summer), so I rescued the pretty plants. I know they sell hibiscus plants in our area (I saw them at Lowes), but I haven't seen anyone with any in our neighborhood.
Our master bathroom has a bizarre smell that only ceases when we leave the window open all the flipping time. I stuck some indoor plants in there - particularly the fern. It doesn't seem to be helping. Maybe a bigger fern? We can't determine the source of the smell and no amount of air freshener freshens the room. Suggestions?
I am also very bothered to learn that the show Billy the Exterminator features a pest control business that serves my area. That means EVERYTHING I have seen on his show could very likely be in my yard or house - huge rattlesnakes, alligators, armadillos (which carry leprosy - yes, freaking LEPROSY), bats, etc. Ohmigoodness.
Oh, my birthday is Wednesday! We've been so busy that I haven't thought that much about it. My sweet husband had balloons set up (yes, already) when I arrived home from Texas, and I've received a few gifts in the mail :) Maybe I'm waiting to open them (but maybe not).
On the camera front, I narrowed it down to the Nikon D3000, Nikon D5000, and Nikon D90. I fiddled with all of them at Best Buy today and have decided on the D5000 - the features/options seem quite a bit better than the D3000 (justifying the price difference) whereas the D90 doesn't seem that much better than the D5000 (therefore, not justifying the price difference), so the D5000 it is. Now, I'm going to investigate a couple lenses and decide on one of two of those (probably just one, hot damn, this stuff is expensive).
Oh, the counter tops were tiled while I was away - they look much nicer than the burnt linoleum that was there before :) Husband also cleared out the courtyard and remulched the front. He also got a shepard's hook for our bird feeder - so far, I've seen a few finches at it, but that's it. I think food is pretty plentiful right now, so the birds aren't scouting out feeders right now. We have LOADS of squirrels in our yard. They haven't messed with the bird feeder, but I always see at least four running around the big oak trees.
Moose has taken to calling everything "Maaaamaaaa" lately and in the most whiny voice ever. Oh, I love him to pieces, but those Terrible Twos are hitting hard.
Bean really enjoyed his last days of school, they had a water day and a fizzy foam day - you know, those last few days are packed with education :) He had lots of fun, though, and I'm glad I took him back for it. He also loved spending lots of time with his best buddies and enjoying their birthday party.
Closing on the house was easy. I mowed that huge lawn one last time (and told the property good riddance - I hate mowing that yard). A few signatures later and we're richer. The buyers only used about half the closing costs they were anticipated, so we walked away with $1500 more than we expected. We certainly won't complain about that!
We are settling into Louisiana nicely. We're only 20 miles from the Texas border, but it feels like a world away. I am loving Super Target and living within 10 minutes of nearly everything.
Bean made some friends today. There is a five year old boy two doors down one way and two brothers (maybe 6 and 7 or twins) and a little girl (4 or so) two doors down the other way. Best neighborhood ever :)
I brought home my potted plants from the House of Toys and have been arranging them around the house. I also have two big hibiscus plants that Mrs. House of Toys acquired from a mutual friend. Mrs. House of Toys doesn't care for the maintenance of plants (and escapes to North Dakota for MONTHS during the summer), so I rescued the pretty plants. I know they sell hibiscus plants in our area (I saw them at Lowes), but I haven't seen anyone with any in our neighborhood.
Our master bathroom has a bizarre smell that only ceases when we leave the window open all the flipping time. I stuck some indoor plants in there - particularly the fern. It doesn't seem to be helping. Maybe a bigger fern? We can't determine the source of the smell and no amount of air freshener freshens the room. Suggestions?
I am also very bothered to learn that the show Billy the Exterminator features a pest control business that serves my area. That means EVERYTHING I have seen on his show could very likely be in my yard or house - huge rattlesnakes, alligators, armadillos (which carry leprosy - yes, freaking LEPROSY), bats, etc. Ohmigoodness.
Oh, my birthday is Wednesday! We've been so busy that I haven't thought that much about it. My sweet husband had balloons set up (yes, already) when I arrived home from Texas, and I've received a few gifts in the mail :) Maybe I'm waiting to open them (but maybe not).
On the camera front, I narrowed it down to the Nikon D3000, Nikon D5000, and Nikon D90. I fiddled with all of them at Best Buy today and have decided on the D5000 - the features/options seem quite a bit better than the D3000 (justifying the price difference) whereas the D90 doesn't seem that much better than the D5000 (therefore, not justifying the price difference), so the D5000 it is. Now, I'm going to investigate a couple lenses and decide on one of two of those (probably just one, hot damn, this stuff is expensive).
Oh, the counter tops were tiled while I was away - they look much nicer than the burnt linoleum that was there before :) Husband also cleared out the courtyard and remulched the front. He also got a shepard's hook for our bird feeder - so far, I've seen a few finches at it, but that's it. I think food is pretty plentiful right now, so the birds aren't scouting out feeders right now. We have LOADS of squirrels in our yard. They haven't messed with the bird feeder, but I always see at least four running around the big oak trees.
Moose has taken to calling everything "Maaaamaaaa" lately and in the most whiny voice ever. Oh, I love him to pieces, but those Terrible Twos are hitting hard.
5.06.2010
A New Obsession
Now that a healthy chunk of stuff is unloaded, between garage sales and consignment and eBay sales, and now that I've had time to sit and ponder (thanks to less stuff being around), I think I have found a new obsession.
I just finished reading The Mistress' Daughter by A.M. Homes (who also wrote The Safety of Objects, which was turned into one of my favorite movies, and The End of Alice, a great book). She was adopted and in her 30s, her biological parents got in touch with her. She learned that her biological father's people were American Revolution descendants - so she could join the Daughters of the American Revolution. For many reasons, this doesn't happen for her, but it now has me obsessed with the idea of finding a link to an American Revolution patriot. Oh, how exciting!
After the boys went to bed last night, I did A LOT of searches of Google, and I've already found a wealth of information - like, my distant cousin (I think she'd be my second cousin, maybe) has NINE published books AND homeschools FIVE kids. I feel like such an underachiever. I am, however, ordering at least one of her books. She has two books on homeschooling, too, so those of you into that might want to look her up.
I also found that my great-grandma (the only great-grandma I remember well) is descended from a man "probably" born in England around 1700 and was "in bondage." For a second I thought I was black, but I believe that means he was an indentured servant, but I like to pretend he was a pirate. So, yes, I'm a 12th-generation pirate!
I have the name of a major from the Revolutionary War who shares a family name and area with my family with the same last name - so I may have found a link, but I'll need to trace it through. But it seems like a pretty solid lead.
All this in just like three hours of free searching. So amazing.
Also, so many beautiful and old-fashioned names to sort through. I just LOVE looking at the names.
I have to get walking - I am watching the three boys from House of Boys for a bit after school, and the whole gang of us doesn't fit in the car.
I just finished reading The Mistress' Daughter by A.M. Homes (who also wrote The Safety of Objects, which was turned into one of my favorite movies, and The End of Alice, a great book). She was adopted and in her 30s, her biological parents got in touch with her. She learned that her biological father's people were American Revolution descendants - so she could join the Daughters of the American Revolution. For many reasons, this doesn't happen for her, but it now has me obsessed with the idea of finding a link to an American Revolution patriot. Oh, how exciting!
After the boys went to bed last night, I did A LOT of searches of Google, and I've already found a wealth of information - like, my distant cousin (I think she'd be my second cousin, maybe) has NINE published books AND homeschools FIVE kids. I feel like such an underachiever. I am, however, ordering at least one of her books. She has two books on homeschooling, too, so those of you into that might want to look her up.
I also found that my great-grandma (the only great-grandma I remember well) is descended from a man "probably" born in England around 1700 and was "in bondage." For a second I thought I was black, but I believe that means he was an indentured servant, but I like to pretend he was a pirate. So, yes, I'm a 12th-generation pirate!
I have the name of a major from the Revolutionary War who shares a family name and area with my family with the same last name - so I may have found a link, but I'll need to trace it through. But it seems like a pretty solid lead.
All this in just like three hours of free searching. So amazing.
Also, so many beautiful and old-fashioned names to sort through. I just LOVE looking at the names.
I have to get walking - I am watching the three boys from House of Boys for a bit after school, and the whole gang of us doesn't fit in the car.
5.05.2010
Falling into Place
OK, so we close May 28!
We have fliers up at Husband's work, at the base consignment shop, and my Realtor is emailing it out to her associates - so, hopefully, our appliances will sell shortly. Our new rental comes with appliances, and I just hate to store ours for a year or so and risk an infestation of mice (or, umm, rats) or have the seals compromised because of the heat and humidity. Seriously, that humidity in Shreveport is like nothing I've ever experienced - I have no doubt that it can do serious damage. And, well, damaged appliances won't do us any good in terms of use or money.
I found the survey of our property - saving us $300 or so off closing costs (which we are paying for). Thank goodness. My husband had filed it away and my husband (whom I love dearly) cannot "look" for things to save his life. I cannot even recall all the episodes we've had over this little problem he has. I decided to go through every piece of paperwork he had filed away and found all our title paperwork in a legal-size folder underneath the files. I could have shot him (him, whom I love dearly).
BUT everyone is alive and well.
Things with the home are falling into place, all the May holidays are covered, we will be back for Bean's last two days of school, to sign all the closing paperwork (Husband is giving me POA ... wha ha ha ha), and attend the House of Toys' Boys birthday party. House of Toys is also hosting us once all our stuff is packed and gone - so a big thank you to them.
Now, anyone want to babysit this Saturday, so I can craft with friends? Am getting desperate.
We have fliers up at Husband's work, at the base consignment shop, and my Realtor is emailing it out to her associates - so, hopefully, our appliances will sell shortly. Our new rental comes with appliances, and I just hate to store ours for a year or so and risk an infestation of mice (or, umm, rats) or have the seals compromised because of the heat and humidity. Seriously, that humidity in Shreveport is like nothing I've ever experienced - I have no doubt that it can do serious damage. And, well, damaged appliances won't do us any good in terms of use or money.
I found the survey of our property - saving us $300 or so off closing costs (which we are paying for). Thank goodness. My husband had filed it away and my husband (whom I love dearly) cannot "look" for things to save his life. I cannot even recall all the episodes we've had over this little problem he has. I decided to go through every piece of paperwork he had filed away and found all our title paperwork in a legal-size folder underneath the files. I could have shot him (him, whom I love dearly).
BUT everyone is alive and well.
Things with the home are falling into place, all the May holidays are covered, we will be back for Bean's last two days of school, to sign all the closing paperwork (Husband is giving me POA ... wha ha ha ha), and attend the House of Toys' Boys birthday party. House of Toys is also hosting us once all our stuff is packed and gone - so a big thank you to them.
Now, anyone want to babysit this Saturday, so I can craft with friends? Am getting desperate.
5.03.2010
In Contract, For Real
Yesterday marked the end of our buyers 10-day option period. Not a thing was said regarding the $300 (nor about our refusing to meet in the middle at $150). Their house in Nebraska is in contract. We're good to go ... barring terrible circumstances :)
I rented out a meeting room at the library for this Saturday. I invited several friends to come up and craft with me. I need to call around and wrangle a sitter, because my husband will probably be IN VEGAS ... AGAIN. Should I start to be concerned about all the time he spends in Vegas?
On the 15th, we are planning on driving one of our vehicles and a medium-large Uhaul truck to Shreveport. We'll get our keys and leave a big chunk of stuff, and then leave the Uhaul there and drive back here together. The movers will be here the 19th or 20th for the rest. Hello? I'm like really moving in about TWO WEEKS.
Tomorrow we are meeting Mrs. Precious One and Precious One for Story Time and possibly lunch (if SOMEONE behaves well enough that I'm not suicidal at the end of Story Time). I also have some shorts to exchange, because my husband cannot possibly understand why he would need two pairs of khaki shorts. Forget that I got them for $9, why does he need two pairs? So, hopefully I can find a DIFFERENT color in his size.
Husband is working late this week, so I got to run around sans Moose this morning. I hit deals at Target AND Walgreens AND CVS. It was SO peaceful.
It's raining here today, which I love.
Need to plan out what I'll be crafting this Saturday and then seriously start packing up the office/craft room. You know, TO MOVE IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
Oh, and this upcoming move will mark my 18th address. How many addresses have you had?
I rented out a meeting room at the library for this Saturday. I invited several friends to come up and craft with me. I need to call around and wrangle a sitter, because my husband will probably be IN VEGAS ... AGAIN. Should I start to be concerned about all the time he spends in Vegas?
On the 15th, we are planning on driving one of our vehicles and a medium-large Uhaul truck to Shreveport. We'll get our keys and leave a big chunk of stuff, and then leave the Uhaul there and drive back here together. The movers will be here the 19th or 20th for the rest. Hello? I'm like really moving in about TWO WEEKS.
Tomorrow we are meeting Mrs. Precious One and Precious One for Story Time and possibly lunch (if SOMEONE behaves well enough that I'm not suicidal at the end of Story Time). I also have some shorts to exchange, because my husband cannot possibly understand why he would need two pairs of khaki shorts. Forget that I got them for $9, why does he need two pairs? So, hopefully I can find a DIFFERENT color in his size.
Husband is working late this week, so I got to run around sans Moose this morning. I hit deals at Target AND Walgreens AND CVS. It was SO peaceful.
It's raining here today, which I love.
Need to plan out what I'll be crafting this Saturday and then seriously start packing up the office/craft room. You know, TO MOVE IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
Oh, and this upcoming move will mark my 18th address. How many addresses have you had?
5.02.2010
Whine
My great aunt has breast cancer. Oh, cancer loves to eat away at my family, but this is the first time I know of a relative with breast cancer. We don't know how bad it is - she goes in for another test this week that will determine that. Cancer sucks. This news just made me want my grandma back. She died of lung cancer eight years ago. My great aunt sounds like my grandma. I remember answering the phone at my mom's, shortly after my grandma died, and it took me a few seconds to identify the caller. It was pretty surreal for a moment. It just always feels like I'm losing more of her all the time. I have two shirts that she hung up before she died. I've never worn them again and - just barely now - they still smell like her laundry. My grandma was a laundry expert (I thought). It's something I can't seem to replicate.
It makes most everything else feel pretty insignificant - the move, the question of whether or not to have another baby, a new car, setting up a craft day with friends, repairs on the house, to sell or store our fridge, washer, and dryer, etc. We have to move and we have two healthy kids. We don't require a new car if we don't have more kids. Our buyers want $300 for repairs - I said no last night. Now, who the hell cares about $300. Who cares about appliances. It's just money. You can be buried with it, and it won't do you an ounce of good in the end.
A childhood friend lost her father last week. He was a character - so funny and happy. He loved his Irish heritage and was a teacher for many, many years. The world lost a great man, and my friend and her siblings lost a most wonderful father. I don't like being this old and seeing friends lose parents.
Then it makes me feel guilty for not having a relationship with my own dad. But then I remember this, that, and the other, and it's just not worth it. MY father, the man I loved, he's been gone for a long time, and I sometimes wonder if he ever existed. Little girls make up a world of excuses for their fathers. Little girls have vivid imaginations. I'm not a little girl anymore. I don't like who he was or who he is. I'm not out anything most days. Once upon a time, I would have called him every name in the book. Finally, though, I think I've settled on one: He's a coward.
Then, a fellow blogger, Carrie at Farming on Faith wrote about A Virtuous Woman (found in Pslam 31). I'm not that into the Bible, but I'm finding myself thinking a lot about this:
As if I didn't feel like I have enough to do :)
In happy, wonderful, easy, and distracting news, I have finished all the Sookie Stackhouse books and have the new one (out May 4) on pre-order and ordered a book of short stories that also feature Sookie. It's always good to have things to look forward to.
For now, though, I will consider lopping my breasts off and my idleness.
It makes most everything else feel pretty insignificant - the move, the question of whether or not to have another baby, a new car, setting up a craft day with friends, repairs on the house, to sell or store our fridge, washer, and dryer, etc. We have to move and we have two healthy kids. We don't require a new car if we don't have more kids. Our buyers want $300 for repairs - I said no last night. Now, who the hell cares about $300. Who cares about appliances. It's just money. You can be buried with it, and it won't do you an ounce of good in the end.
A childhood friend lost her father last week. He was a character - so funny and happy. He loved his Irish heritage and was a teacher for many, many years. The world lost a great man, and my friend and her siblings lost a most wonderful father. I don't like being this old and seeing friends lose parents.
Then it makes me feel guilty for not having a relationship with my own dad. But then I remember this, that, and the other, and it's just not worth it. MY father, the man I loved, he's been gone for a long time, and I sometimes wonder if he ever existed. Little girls make up a world of excuses for their fathers. Little girls have vivid imaginations. I'm not a little girl anymore. I don't like who he was or who he is. I'm not out anything most days. Once upon a time, I would have called him every name in the book. Finally, though, I think I've settled on one: He's a coward.
Then, a fellow blogger, Carrie at Farming on Faith wrote about A Virtuous Woman (found in Pslam 31). I'm not that into the Bible, but I'm finding myself thinking a lot about this:
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
As if I didn't feel like I have enough to do :)
In happy, wonderful, easy, and distracting news, I have finished all the Sookie Stackhouse books and have the new one (out May 4) on pre-order and ordered a book of short stories that also feature Sookie. It's always good to have things to look forward to.
For now, though, I will consider lopping my breasts off and my idleness.
4.12.2010
Garage Sale
Last Saturday marked the Third and Final Annual Garage Sale between ourselves and the House of Toys. For the first time, we skipped the ad in the paper - and we have no regrets about it! We both cleared hundreds of dollars of stuff.
I actually think we're kind of disgusting. How, for the third year in a row, have we acquired hundreds of dollars in stuff that we don't want? Such consumerists. Personally, aside from groceries, I don't think I'm a big shopper. I will say that even Mrs. House of Toys has cut down on the toy buying. Still, though, we found lots of crap.
My friend, Mrs. Precious One, also dropped off some stuff. She wanted Tastefully Simple product instead of her cash - fine by me! She brought lunch to the house today and saw her old office chair in my office and her old shower curtain in my guest bathroom. Ha ha. She said it was quite a compliment to see her old stuff in someone's home. I'm not proud, I'll take my friends' unwanted stuff :)
There were several incidents of Crazy Old People - all harmless and fun. I sold the play cube for $30 (exactly how much I paid for it two years ago - talk about holding its value!). Husband finally parted with his surround system ... that's been sitting in a closet for almost three years.
I'd say only two or three groups of people walked away without buying anything - that's amazing.
I also had a young man and his female friend ask for a tour of my house. I showed them around and warned them that anywhere from four to eight kids had been running through the house all morning. The kitchen and living room were a bit messy, but all the other rooms were pretty good. They both really seemed to like it. I suggested he talk to our Realtor, if needed anything else. Apparently, this meant that he should come over again Sunday sans Realtor. That's right, I again roamed around my home with a young pilot while my husband was at class. (Husband did meet him right before he left the house.) Funny enough, my husband has also said things like, "Give him your number." and "Drop by his house and leave a note." and, when I suggest husband talk to him, "Oh, no, he likes you better." My mom, Mrs. Precious One, and I all find it hilarious that my husband thinks absolutely nothing of his wife giving out her number and giving tours of bedrooms to handsome guys while he's away. Wha ha ha.
So, we've had someone look at the house - just not the traditional route.
I painted some gutters today, scrubbed all the siding and did some minor repairs to the trim around the garage. It was just a little effort, but they're all marked improvements. I may tackle the gutters in the front of the house tomorrow and possibly the shutters.
Hope and pray that we are in contract before the end of the month. We are getting very nervous.
I actually think we're kind of disgusting. How, for the third year in a row, have we acquired hundreds of dollars in stuff that we don't want? Such consumerists. Personally, aside from groceries, I don't think I'm a big shopper. I will say that even Mrs. House of Toys has cut down on the toy buying. Still, though, we found lots of crap.
My friend, Mrs. Precious One, also dropped off some stuff. She wanted Tastefully Simple product instead of her cash - fine by me! She brought lunch to the house today and saw her old office chair in my office and her old shower curtain in my guest bathroom. Ha ha. She said it was quite a compliment to see her old stuff in someone's home. I'm not proud, I'll take my friends' unwanted stuff :)
There were several incidents of Crazy Old People - all harmless and fun. I sold the play cube for $30 (exactly how much I paid for it two years ago - talk about holding its value!). Husband finally parted with his surround system ... that's been sitting in a closet for almost three years.
I'd say only two or three groups of people walked away without buying anything - that's amazing.
I also had a young man and his female friend ask for a tour of my house. I showed them around and warned them that anywhere from four to eight kids had been running through the house all morning. The kitchen and living room were a bit messy, but all the other rooms were pretty good. They both really seemed to like it. I suggested he talk to our Realtor, if needed anything else. Apparently, this meant that he should come over again Sunday sans Realtor. That's right, I again roamed around my home with a young pilot while my husband was at class. (Husband did meet him right before he left the house.) Funny enough, my husband has also said things like, "Give him your number." and "Drop by his house and leave a note." and, when I suggest husband talk to him, "Oh, no, he likes you better." My mom, Mrs. Precious One, and I all find it hilarious that my husband thinks absolutely nothing of his wife giving out her number and giving tours of bedrooms to handsome guys while he's away. Wha ha ha.
So, we've had someone look at the house - just not the traditional route.
I painted some gutters today, scrubbed all the siding and did some minor repairs to the trim around the garage. It was just a little effort, but they're all marked improvements. I may tackle the gutters in the front of the house tomorrow and possibly the shutters.
Hope and pray that we are in contract before the end of the month. We are getting very nervous.
3.30.2010
Comfort in Clutter
I'm completely uncomfortable in a tidy house. Everything is put away, all the surfaces are clear, and a mountain of packed boxes reside in Husband's former parking space in the garage. I feel restless and bored, and I just want my stuff back where it goes - in my house, cluttering tables.
I try to keep the house less than 15 minutes away from "show ready" at any given moment (my mom said to be careful doing this, because Husband might come to expect it - the horror!!!). Before I left the house for Story Time at the Library this morning, I ran through the house and left it "show ready" (except for leaving all the lights on). That way, if I got a call while I was gone, the people could come straight over without me ruining my plans.
Of course, Moose was a complete monster at Story Time. He wants to walk around and squawk and play with the damn drinking fountain over and over and over again. He also decided to crawl on top of the table today. I know it's just normal stuff, but it's exhausting and there's not a single other kid there doing such things. Why mine? Why mine every single time?
I opted not to continue the torture and skipped lunch and play time with friends afterward. We came home, and Moose went right to sleep. This morning, he was hollering at me and squawking and I put him in his crib and went to take a shower - you can act like a jerk while you follow me around and drive me crazy or you can be a jerk in your crib, and I will take a nice, quiet, hot shower.
Tonight, I am meeting a friend for dinner and then dress shopping! She is having a BALL for her 30th birthday party. While I look forward to the girl time, I am most looking forward to being away from ::someone:: less than 3-foot tall who SQUAWKS all the damn time.
Last night, I noted that Moose says a lot more than Bean did at this age. At two, Bean said four words clearly (and only clearly if you were, umm, me or my husband). He said, Da-Da, no, more, and Na-Na (lazy speech for Ma-ma). Moose says Da-Da, no, Na-Na, "I do," bye, and hi (usually more of a "hey"). He also signs please, all done, more, and sippy. He also has some mish-mash of words that means "blow it up" (requesting a fist bump of sorts - I'm not kidding, thank my husband for that one). He's by no means a language genius, but we might escape speech therapy with this one.
Oh, how did I forget to mention that we had Bean's big birthday party last Saturday! It was smashing success, despite the Bounce House people canceling the bounce house just two hours before the party and me quickly indulging in two adult beverages to calm down. We borrowed a smaller one from our neighbors, and the kids had just as much fun (and we saved $80). The kids also played in the sandbox, on the playset, and enjoyed the Venom Hunt (where we searched for Venom and then sprayed him with silly string). Bean had loads of fun with his buddies - we had 22 kids here total. It sounds crazy, and it was, but everyone had a great time with it.
On Sunday, Husband was in class, so the boys and I headed out to spend some of Bean's birthday money. He chose a Spider-Man razor scooter (that he's sort of scared of - he tells me, "It falls me, Mama."). He also picked out two Batman toys (a helicopter and submarine that match his Batman castle and car) and two Thomas engines (Percy and Charlie). Bean is loving all his new toys.
Our house went on the market last Friday and supposedly hit the MLS listing Monday. The Realtor said it takes two to three days to get it up on the web, so I still haven't seen it on the company's website or on Realtor.com. A few times, I've noticed people slowing down as they drive by the house (but that doesn't mean anything). Most the houses in the neighborhood have gone in one or two weeks, so I'm really hoping we follow that trend.
A rental home in Shreveport just came on the market yesterday - it is right next to my first-choice elementary school and the property backs up to the Green Belt in the neighborhood. I think we should just go ahead and sign a lease, but Husband wants to get out there first and take a look. We may run out there for a quick look at the city and the house his weekend, but we have to be back by Sunday morning - I have most of an Easter dinner to cook.
I try to keep the house less than 15 minutes away from "show ready" at any given moment (my mom said to be careful doing this, because Husband might come to expect it - the horror!!!). Before I left the house for Story Time at the Library this morning, I ran through the house and left it "show ready" (except for leaving all the lights on). That way, if I got a call while I was gone, the people could come straight over without me ruining my plans.
Of course, Moose was a complete monster at Story Time. He wants to walk around and squawk and play with the damn drinking fountain over and over and over again. He also decided to crawl on top of the table today. I know it's just normal stuff, but it's exhausting and there's not a single other kid there doing such things. Why mine? Why mine every single time?
I opted not to continue the torture and skipped lunch and play time with friends afterward. We came home, and Moose went right to sleep. This morning, he was hollering at me and squawking and I put him in his crib and went to take a shower - you can act like a jerk while you follow me around and drive me crazy or you can be a jerk in your crib, and I will take a nice, quiet, hot shower.
Tonight, I am meeting a friend for dinner and then dress shopping! She is having a BALL for her 30th birthday party. While I look forward to the girl time, I am most looking forward to being away from ::someone:: less than 3-foot tall who SQUAWKS all the damn time.
Last night, I noted that Moose says a lot more than Bean did at this age. At two, Bean said four words clearly (and only clearly if you were, umm, me or my husband). He said, Da-Da, no, more, and Na-Na (lazy speech for Ma-ma). Moose says Da-Da, no, Na-Na, "I do," bye, and hi (usually more of a "hey"). He also signs please, all done, more, and sippy. He also has some mish-mash of words that means "blow it up" (requesting a fist bump of sorts - I'm not kidding, thank my husband for that one). He's by no means a language genius, but we might escape speech therapy with this one.
Oh, how did I forget to mention that we had Bean's big birthday party last Saturday! It was smashing success, despite the Bounce House people canceling the bounce house just two hours before the party and me quickly indulging in two adult beverages to calm down. We borrowed a smaller one from our neighbors, and the kids had just as much fun (and we saved $80). The kids also played in the sandbox, on the playset, and enjoyed the Venom Hunt (where we searched for Venom and then sprayed him with silly string). Bean had loads of fun with his buddies - we had 22 kids here total. It sounds crazy, and it was, but everyone had a great time with it.
On Sunday, Husband was in class, so the boys and I headed out to spend some of Bean's birthday money. He chose a Spider-Man razor scooter (that he's sort of scared of - he tells me, "It falls me, Mama."). He also picked out two Batman toys (a helicopter and submarine that match his Batman castle and car) and two Thomas engines (Percy and Charlie). Bean is loving all his new toys.
Our house went on the market last Friday and supposedly hit the MLS listing Monday. The Realtor said it takes two to three days to get it up on the web, so I still haven't seen it on the company's website or on Realtor.com. A few times, I've noticed people slowing down as they drive by the house (but that doesn't mean anything). Most the houses in the neighborhood have gone in one or two weeks, so I'm really hoping we follow that trend.
A rental home in Shreveport just came on the market yesterday - it is right next to my first-choice elementary school and the property backs up to the Green Belt in the neighborhood. I think we should just go ahead and sign a lease, but Husband wants to get out there first and take a look. We may run out there for a quick look at the city and the house his weekend, but we have to be back by Sunday morning - I have most of an Easter dinner to cook.
1.16.2010
One Day Down
Husband is out of town this long weekend. He's in Vegas (for work). But of course, when he's not working ... he's in Vegas! It's probably the fourth or fifth time he's escaped to Vegas for a weekend. Lucky him.
Bean, Moose, and I survived our first night. Bean insisted on sleeping in my bed (but I moved him once he feel asleep). I had friends over for craft night (and was thankful to have both boys asleep before they got here). One of the girls and I stayed up till 1 a.m. - more talking than crafting, but I finally finished my project this afternoon.
This morning, the boys and I went to the thrift shop on base. I had a load of stuff to consign and wanted to look through their boy clothing. As I've mentioned, Bean continues to grow, and I'm constantly on the lookout for inexpensive clothes to dress him in. I found two pairs of pants, two sweaters, and four long-sleeve shirts. Those will help. Oh, I also had a check waiting for me at the shop ... for a whopping $8.67 :) It's better than nothing, and I'm happy not to have the clutter in my house. But I spent $18.13.
We had sandwiches and apples for lunch. Exciting times.
Bean is going to go to House of Toys for a sleepover Sunday night. It'll be his first ::real:: sleepover. He did stay at a friend's house when Moose was born ... but that was more out of necessity than fun.
Moose is up from his nap, so now I must find ways to entertain us till bedtime. Wish me luck :)
Bean, Moose, and I survived our first night. Bean insisted on sleeping in my bed (but I moved him once he feel asleep). I had friends over for craft night (and was thankful to have both boys asleep before they got here). One of the girls and I stayed up till 1 a.m. - more talking than crafting, but I finally finished my project this afternoon.
This morning, the boys and I went to the thrift shop on base. I had a load of stuff to consign and wanted to look through their boy clothing. As I've mentioned, Bean continues to grow, and I'm constantly on the lookout for inexpensive clothes to dress him in. I found two pairs of pants, two sweaters, and four long-sleeve shirts. Those will help. Oh, I also had a check waiting for me at the shop ... for a whopping $8.67 :) It's better than nothing, and I'm happy not to have the clutter in my house. But I spent $18.13.
We had sandwiches and apples for lunch. Exciting times.
Bean is going to go to House of Toys for a sleepover Sunday night. It'll be his first ::real:: sleepover. He did stay at a friend's house when Moose was born ... but that was more out of necessity than fun.
Moose is up from his nap, so now I must find ways to entertain us till bedtime. Wish me luck :)
9.29.2009
The Great Return
I haven't posted much recently, because I had a surprise on my hands. I'm terrible at keeping secrets and surprises, so it was best that I just avoided public proclamations until said surprise took place.
Moose and I got up to Chicago/Northwest Indiana this past weekend. We left Thursday morning and got back Monday afternoon. One of my oldest and dearest friends was having her baby shower - she's due November 11 with a little girl. She was quite surprised when I walked in - she looked and looked again and said, "What are you doing here?" I'm so glad I got to go.
Moose and I also made it to the apple orchard and did some shopping with my mom. We saw my cousins and my grandpa and my mom introduced me to Fish World on Facebook.
It was short trip. Hauling Moose, his carseat, and luggage around a few airports was not a lot of fun (I have bruises from straps), but it all worked out. Even our late start to the airport on Monday turned out flawlessly. Now, I have to wait till March before I return again. Which is just as well, I don't mind missing the cold up there!
Moose has a new trick. He shakes his head and mumbles, "Emm-Hmm." (Like "no.") Hilarious. He's not too keen on shaking his head the other way and replying yes to anything. While we were away, Moose really started to babble A LOT. His personality really shined through without Bean in the picture.
While I was gone, Bean had his first all-green week. He had a green day yesterday too. Bean had a great time with his dada while I was gone. Mrs. House of Toys picked him up from school Thursday and Friday, so Bean had a blast playing with two of his favorite boys. Mrs. House of Toys also got a taste of my husband's schedule ... like when he said he'd be there at 6 p.m. on Thursday and didn't get him till 8:30 p.m. STORY.OF.MY.LIFE.
Well, I have a lot of catching up to do today. My "to do" list is 2 pages long, and I just don't want to do any of it.
Moose and I got up to Chicago/Northwest Indiana this past weekend. We left Thursday morning and got back Monday afternoon. One of my oldest and dearest friends was having her baby shower - she's due November 11 with a little girl. She was quite surprised when I walked in - she looked and looked again and said, "What are you doing here?" I'm so glad I got to go.
Moose and I also made it to the apple orchard and did some shopping with my mom. We saw my cousins and my grandpa and my mom introduced me to Fish World on Facebook.
It was short trip. Hauling Moose, his carseat, and luggage around a few airports was not a lot of fun (I have bruises from straps), but it all worked out. Even our late start to the airport on Monday turned out flawlessly. Now, I have to wait till March before I return again. Which is just as well, I don't mind missing the cold up there!
Moose has a new trick. He shakes his head and mumbles, "Emm-Hmm." (Like "no.") Hilarious. He's not too keen on shaking his head the other way and replying yes to anything. While we were away, Moose really started to babble A LOT. His personality really shined through without Bean in the picture.
While I was gone, Bean had his first all-green week. He had a green day yesterday too. Bean had a great time with his dada while I was gone. Mrs. House of Toys picked him up from school Thursday and Friday, so Bean had a blast playing with two of his favorite boys. Mrs. House of Toys also got a taste of my husband's schedule ... like when he said he'd be there at 6 p.m. on Thursday and didn't get him till 8:30 p.m. STORY.OF.MY.LIFE.
Well, I have a lot of catching up to do today. My "to do" list is 2 pages long, and I just don't want to do any of it.
9.14.2009
Fat Lips
Moose gave himself a fat lip on Saturday. He was climbing the chair I was sitting in and fell. He busted his lip on the chair and then hit his head on the floor. About five minutes later, he did the same thing AGAIN.
So, he had the fat lip and a small bump on his right eyebrow. On Friday, the dumb cat from House of Boys clawed him. I hate that cat. Moose also scratched his nose a bit. He was in rough shape. He's healing quickly, though. His self-inflicted and cat scratches are nearly gone. The bump is completely gone. The fat lip is just a touch chubby.
I told him, "I keep telling you to stop growing. You won't listen. Do you see what happens when you grow up?" He just grunts at my maternal ramblings and crawls away or climbs something or gets into something.
Today, I packed away the wee baby toys - the soft storybooks, the rattles, the teethers, the octopus, the moose, the musical caterpillar. I also sorted his clothes, keeping out only 24 and 2T items and a few 18-month items that seem to run large. I got down another box of Bean's old stuff and found quite a few things for Moose. I'll wash them up fresh tomorrow. I love seeing the old clothes and remembering Bean wearing them. I don't love sorting up the old stuff into sell, give to my brother, toss because of too many stains, and keep piles.
Tomorrow, Moose and I will attack the boys' room and sort through toys. Every four months or so, the toy situation seems to get out of hand here. It's good timing or it, we'll have ample room for the Christmas spoils. We also also dropping 20 items off to the consignment shop tomorrow and ::hopefully:: picking up a fat check.
Oh, I also caulked around the fireplace to disguise some of the gaps. It's a subtle improvement, but it looks better. Have I posted before and after pictures of the fireplace? I can't remember. I'm thinking of painting our lampshades. I like the shape of them (we just bought them in June), but the color is a drab green, and I'd sort of like them a bright green. I love bright green - just bought some placemats that are bright green with a bit of rainbow-type yarn woven in them. Pretty.
Moose is getting quite steady at "standing" on his knees (see: his rear not resting on his calves, but rather holding his entire torso in the air). Walking is emanate, isn't it?
In other news, Moose made my "-" button disappear from my keyboard. I can't find it anywhere. I could have done without that.
Well, it's about time to get the kiddos ready for bed.
So, he had the fat lip and a small bump on his right eyebrow. On Friday, the dumb cat from House of Boys clawed him. I hate that cat. Moose also scratched his nose a bit. He was in rough shape. He's healing quickly, though. His self-inflicted and cat scratches are nearly gone. The bump is completely gone. The fat lip is just a touch chubby.
I told him, "I keep telling you to stop growing. You won't listen. Do you see what happens when you grow up?" He just grunts at my maternal ramblings and crawls away or climbs something or gets into something.
Today, I packed away the wee baby toys - the soft storybooks, the rattles, the teethers, the octopus, the moose, the musical caterpillar. I also sorted his clothes, keeping out only 24 and 2T items and a few 18-month items that seem to run large. I got down another box of Bean's old stuff and found quite a few things for Moose. I'll wash them up fresh tomorrow. I love seeing the old clothes and remembering Bean wearing them. I don't love sorting up the old stuff into sell, give to my brother, toss because of too many stains, and keep piles.
Tomorrow, Moose and I will attack the boys' room and sort through toys. Every four months or so, the toy situation seems to get out of hand here. It's good timing or it, we'll have ample room for the Christmas spoils. We also also dropping 20 items off to the consignment shop tomorrow and ::hopefully:: picking up a fat check.
Oh, I also caulked around the fireplace to disguise some of the gaps. It's a subtle improvement, but it looks better. Have I posted before and after pictures of the fireplace? I can't remember. I'm thinking of painting our lampshades. I like the shape of them (we just bought them in June), but the color is a drab green, and I'd sort of like them a bright green. I love bright green - just bought some placemats that are bright green with a bit of rainbow-type yarn woven in them. Pretty.
Moose is getting quite steady at "standing" on his knees (see: his rear not resting on his calves, but rather holding his entire torso in the air). Walking is emanate, isn't it?
In other news, Moose made my "-" button disappear from my keyboard. I can't find it anywhere. I could have done without that.
Well, it's about time to get the kiddos ready for bed.
8.05.2009
Boy Overload
So, I offered to watch my (ex) neighbor's boys while she worked. The boys were with her parents most the summer and her husband just left for Korea. The kids start school in three weeks, so the idea of arranging (and paying) for full-time formal child care for three weeks seemed a little silly. So, I have them three days this week and four days the week after that. She's trying to rotate them between me and another friend so we don't get burnt out. Ha ha.
The boys from House of Boys are actually well behaved. Yesterday went really well - we went to the park, played Mario Kart, played outside with bikes and balls. They ate lunch and snacks. We also watched a movie and ate popcorn. Taking care of five was probably easier than taking care of my two. There's always someone to entertain someone. Each of them played with the baby alone at some point and were very gentle. You tell them to clean up, and the boys know how to clean. I will say, the logistics behind five children is much more complicated - I don't have a car that holds them all (am borrowing her SUV today) and they eat A LOT. Someone is always "hungry."
Today we are off to the spray park to meet one of my friends and her 13 month old. Should be interesting.
The boys from House of Boys are actually well behaved. Yesterday went really well - we went to the park, played Mario Kart, played outside with bikes and balls. They ate lunch and snacks. We also watched a movie and ate popcorn. Taking care of five was probably easier than taking care of my two. There's always someone to entertain someone. Each of them played with the baby alone at some point and were very gentle. You tell them to clean up, and the boys know how to clean. I will say, the logistics behind five children is much more complicated - I don't have a car that holds them all (am borrowing her SUV today) and they eat A LOT. Someone is always "hungry."
Today we are off to the spray park to meet one of my friends and her 13 month old. Should be interesting.
5.20.2009
Pink Bread & More
I have a Tastefully Simple party tonight. It's actually Mrs. House of Toys party, but we're dumping kids off at her house and doing the fancy adult stuff here. I baked a beer bread with Jones Sugar-Free Black Cherry Soda. It's pink. I'm scared to taste it. I'm a girl that doesn't even eat green noodles, so you can imagine how I feel about pink bread.
The fireplace is looking good. Husband has one more side to trim in tonight and then I can paint out the trim and touch up the walls. I can't wait to post new pictures.
Poor Moose woke up screaming in pain. Teeth are dumb. He took a cat nap in my lap this morning and is down for his afternoon nap. I have an entire house to clean up for company tomorrow.
The fireplace is looking good. Husband has one more side to trim in tonight and then I can paint out the trim and touch up the walls. I can't wait to post new pictures.
Poor Moose woke up screaming in pain. Teeth are dumb. He took a cat nap in my lap this morning and is down for his afternoon nap. I have an entire house to clean up for company tomorrow.
5.13.2009
He Did Falls Asleep
My dear Moose did fall asleep. Finally. He slept for three hours. I told him he was tried. Luckily, Husband had a short break from work and was able to pick Bean up from school, so I didn't have to wake up Moose.
Much the rest of the day involved the boys from House of Toys. Mrs. House of Toys worked three hours on my fireplace yesterday and worked another three (or was it closer to four?) tonight. She knows the bricks on my fireplace quite intimately now ... her husband might be jealous.
The fireplace looks SO MUCH better. Hopefully, Husband and I will get the trim up this weekend, then we can all fully appreciate how much better the WHITE fireplace is compared to the grimy, dark red/orange fireplace, yes? It's bizarre how different it is. The whole room looks newer. Twas not a mistake after all!
While the Mrs. painted, I wrangled children. Goodness, that lady has a tough job. At this moment, I'm quite thankful there's a bigger age difference between my two. Those boys play and play and play and hard, hard, hard. I'm not sure how she does it day in and day out. I was ready to pass out the moment they left (OK, maybe a little before they left).
The biggest challenge seems to be that the three of them (R, C, and my Bean) cannot all three be occupied with the same thing at the same time - not even Thomas on TV. Two of them want to do something and the third always wants to go in the opposite direction. It's like they plan it that way. Also, it seems, that they only listen two at a time as well ("Come here!" and "Don't do that!") ... so then you have to say things again and again and by then one or two of the other ones has wandered off. Goodness.
We played in the sprinklers with the kids from House of Trees for a good while ... until the mosquitoes started to eat us alive. I don't enjoy the heat, but I can't wait for those suckers to fry up. They make being outside quite unbearable. Anyway, hopefully the boys from House of Toys were tuckered out for the evening. I know Bean went down easily (as did Moose) - both are sleeping peacefully in their room.
Much the rest of the day involved the boys from House of Toys. Mrs. House of Toys worked three hours on my fireplace yesterday and worked another three (or was it closer to four?) tonight. She knows the bricks on my fireplace quite intimately now ... her husband might be jealous.
The fireplace looks SO MUCH better. Hopefully, Husband and I will get the trim up this weekend, then we can all fully appreciate how much better the WHITE fireplace is compared to the grimy, dark red/orange fireplace, yes? It's bizarre how different it is. The whole room looks newer. Twas not a mistake after all!
While the Mrs. painted, I wrangled children. Goodness, that lady has a tough job. At this moment, I'm quite thankful there's a bigger age difference between my two. Those boys play and play and play and hard, hard, hard. I'm not sure how she does it day in and day out. I was ready to pass out the moment they left (OK, maybe a little before they left).
The biggest challenge seems to be that the three of them (R, C, and my Bean) cannot all three be occupied with the same thing at the same time - not even Thomas on TV. Two of them want to do something and the third always wants to go in the opposite direction. It's like they plan it that way. Also, it seems, that they only listen two at a time as well ("Come here!" and "Don't do that!") ... so then you have to say things again and again and by then one or two of the other ones has wandered off. Goodness.
We played in the sprinklers with the kids from House of Trees for a good while ... until the mosquitoes started to eat us alive. I don't enjoy the heat, but I can't wait for those suckers to fry up. They make being outside quite unbearable. Anyway, hopefully the boys from House of Toys were tuckered out for the evening. I know Bean went down easily (as did Moose) - both are sleeping peacefully in their room.
4.11.2009
Our First 5K
A friend of ours is the executive director for our local CASA organization - a program that recruits, trains, and provides court-appointed special advocates for children in legal situations of abuse and/or neglect.
Husband and I decided to join their third annual CASA 5K this year. You can walk or run. We walked. We've been very busy the last few weekends and Husband's job and classes have been very demanding these past few weeks. At one point earlier this week Husband suggested, "They already have our money, do we have to go?" Greeted by a cold and windy morning, as the walk started, I suggested that we just veer towards the car when the walk got close to it (which some people did do). We stuck it out, though, and I'm so happy we did. Once we got moving, the wind let up, and the sun started heating things up. The last half of the walk was on a beautiful trail and when we crossed the finish line tons of people are there to cheer us on (as though we were actually breaking a sweat or something silly). I can't wait to do it again next year!
I didn't register Bean this year, because I figured he wouldn't be interested in running ... I was wrong. He was bummed he didn't get to do the 1K with the kids (which they run before the 5K), so I'll be sure to register him next year so he has that option ... and our local CASA will take in a few more bucks as well.
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Last night, Mrs. House of Toys was over and we watched Twilight. Our expectations were rather low, but probably not low enough. It was fun to see how some characters fit our visions (Carlise, Esme) and how others were way off the mark (Rosalie, Jacob). Also, Bella is so much prettier in the movie than in any of the promotional posters - what's with that? The special effects were terrible - very B movie, but we have hopes that future movies from the series will be better as the actors develop and the movie gains more funds for more technical effects. We'll see. I still need to read Books 3 and 4!
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Aside from the 5K, we've had a pretty lazy day. Napping, crafting, video games, TV, a little bit of yardwork, a board game. It's a much needed break.
Husband and I decided to join their third annual CASA 5K this year. You can walk or run. We walked. We've been very busy the last few weekends and Husband's job and classes have been very demanding these past few weeks. At one point earlier this week Husband suggested, "They already have our money, do we have to go?" Greeted by a cold and windy morning, as the walk started, I suggested that we just veer towards the car when the walk got close to it (which some people did do). We stuck it out, though, and I'm so happy we did. Once we got moving, the wind let up, and the sun started heating things up. The last half of the walk was on a beautiful trail and when we crossed the finish line tons of people are there to cheer us on (as though we were actually breaking a sweat or something silly). I can't wait to do it again next year!
I didn't register Bean this year, because I figured he wouldn't be interested in running ... I was wrong. He was bummed he didn't get to do the 1K with the kids (which they run before the 5K), so I'll be sure to register him next year so he has that option ... and our local CASA will take in a few more bucks as well.
=====
Last night, Mrs. House of Toys was over and we watched Twilight. Our expectations were rather low, but probably not low enough. It was fun to see how some characters fit our visions (Carlise, Esme) and how others were way off the mark (Rosalie, Jacob). Also, Bella is so much prettier in the movie than in any of the promotional posters - what's with that? The special effects were terrible - very B movie, but we have hopes that future movies from the series will be better as the actors develop and the movie gains more funds for more technical effects. We'll see. I still need to read Books 3 and 4!
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Aside from the 5K, we've had a pretty lazy day. Napping, crafting, video games, TV, a little bit of yardwork, a board game. It's a much needed break.
1.28.2009
Another "Snow" Day
A sheet of ice covered the area last night, but we should warm up to the 40s today and to the 60s by this weekend. Despite that, school is canceled* and so are many activities around town. Husband had a delay at work, but it now there slaving away (I'm sure).
Unannounced to anyone, Bean headed outside this morning to "make a snowman." He was wearing his PJs with a light jacket and shoes. Needless to say, he came back into the house wailing and moaning. I got him into the bed, and it took a good 10 minutes to finally get his hands warmed up again. Bean said that his dada let him outside, but Husband (who was in the shower when the incident occurred) said that he left him eating waffles. I can find no traces of a snowman, so I guess his hands froze before much work got done.
We're planning a visit to House of Toys this afternoon. Moose is supposed to be napping (he's not).
*It should also be noted that our local news channels does not know how to spell canceled ... in all cases it was spelled with two Ls. They also struggled with the word buses, using two Ss in many cases. Don't they pay people to catch such things? I'm just a stay-at-home mom, though, what do I know.
Unannounced to anyone, Bean headed outside this morning to "make a snowman." He was wearing his PJs with a light jacket and shoes. Needless to say, he came back into the house wailing and moaning. I got him into the bed, and it took a good 10 minutes to finally get his hands warmed up again. Bean said that his dada let him outside, but Husband (who was in the shower when the incident occurred) said that he left him eating waffles. I can find no traces of a snowman, so I guess his hands froze before much work got done.
We're planning a visit to House of Toys this afternoon. Moose is supposed to be napping (he's not).
*It should also be noted that our local news channels does not know how to spell canceled ... in all cases it was spelled with two Ls. They also struggled with the word buses, using two Ss in many cases. Don't they pay people to catch such things? I'm just a stay-at-home mom, though, what do I know.
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