Fears relieved

First, let me say...I have dentalphobia. I HATE going to the dentist. But having children made me realize that I had to be the grown up and not transfer that fear to them. I had a very bad experience as a child, and I have worked very hard to ensure my children never endured that.

Today was the kids dental check up day. I love our dentist office. They used to go to a pediatric dentist, but they stopped taking our insurance. And while our insurance company would still pay them, I couldn't afford to pick up the difference every time they charged more than insurance was willing to pay. I was so sad to leave that office...he was a great dentist, and I never heard a child scream in fear in that office. Luckily, I found another dentist that was accepting patients and would get us in. Crazily enough, they are both in the same building...they are actually next door to each other.

This office goes out of it's way to make sure you are taken care of. They are all pleasant, they take the time to schedule my kids next appointments with me while they are in getting their teeth cleaned. They have a play area for the kids and a ton of magazines for all different interests. When things don't happen the way they are supposed to, they don't try and charge to fix it (both girls have sealants that didn't stick...he made sure to tell me they were free of charge before he took a breath.) The first visit, Bug had a tooth that needed to be pulled and she was leaving for a trip at the end of that week. He rearranged his schedule to get us back in that afternoon, and then apologized that we had to come back. And then I fell completely in love with him when he called that night to check on her. The dentist called my house to check on her. Sorry, but that bears repeating. And today's appointments were over in less than 45 minutes.

I still hate going to the dentist, but at least I found a good one.

Fun Monday #11

Nikki at My Husband Calls Me Weird is our hostess this week. She says:

1.) I don't know about you, but my family is great at creating strange words that only we know the meaning. Some were created when the kids were first learning to talk, others came about when our tongues were twisted and the word came out funny. Either way, the words stuck and we still use them in our daily conversations. What created words does your family use?! Please share the story behind the word if you remember. If you don't have a made up word then tell us about the unspoken way you communicate with someone. Do you and your significant other have a look that means "This party is boring, lets split" or do you have a look that your kids know means their butt is in serious trouble? Please share!! And a picture of the look would be very entertaining!

OR/AND

2.) In honor of St. Paddy's Day, please share your worst green beer story!

We have several words we use among our family and friends.

The one that sticks out the most is NooNoo Head. This is a term of endearment, frustration, teasing...whatever that instance calls for. There's generally a lot of giggling after someone utters the phrase "you are such a noonoo head."

We randomly make up things to call each other as well. Turkey Butt is a favorite in our house. Poo Poo brain is another. To people who don't know us, it can sound mean, but it's never meant that way, and it's usually not taken that way. It usually means that either a) you are about to drive me crazy, and I have to call you something or I'll kill you or b) I love you and we're feeling silly.

Another one from college is goosh. My friend devised this upon seeing a jogger that was apparently color blind but wanting to be visible. He had on red, neon green and neon yellow if I remember correctly. She yells out...OH MY GOOSH. Apparently her brain was thinking goodness, and her mouth wanted to say gosh. But it works.

We have lots of other words we insert. Son of a Biscuit is one of my favorites. My MIL says Sasquatch when she's frustrated (which is oddly satisfying).

Alas, I have no green beer stories. I don't like beer, and I don't really drink. But I learned by watching others that Tequila will kill you, which is what Nikki learned as well.

Happy Fun Monday. HEad over to Nikki's to see who else is sharing this St. Patrick's Day!

What a weekend

As you can see from the previous posts, it was a busy weekend here in langville. However, what I didn't mention is that fact that I was sick all weekend. I went to bed at a relatively early time Friday night, even before my teenager was home. I spent Saturday in various stages of hot and cold, and spent our adult time Saturday night napping on our friends couch with fever and chills. The last two posts were written on the appropriate days, and then saved as draft for review before posting. You would thank me if you could have read some of the rambling.

Apparently, I'm on the mend. Not so fevery, just tired. Its going to be a busy week, and my hubby is gone, so hopefully one more good night of sleep will make me all better.

Who?

We went to see Horton Hears A Who today. What a great movie. Just a touch of the old school Dr. Seuss animation, and just a few things for the adults. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see 10 minutes of the last 15 minutes, so I missed the climatic part and just saw the happy ending. But it was still good. I do not like our movie theater though. They are the only one in town, and they know it, so customer service is non-existent. And the bathrooms are far away from a lot of the theaters.

But the movie was good. You should go see it.

Now for some adult time with my hubby.

Friday Night Dinner

We went to dinner tonight. Just my hubby and I with 3 other couples. Our church does a group called Table of Eights every year. It's one night a month for four months. Each month you eat dinner with 3 other couples from the church. One couple hosts and supplies the main dish and side, another a veggie, another salad and bread and the last is desert. What you provide and who you eat with changes each month...so at the end you should have eaten with 12 other couples from the church. We've been members of our church for over 10 years, so there are quite a few couples we have know for that length of time. But there are always new couples as well, and it's nice to catch up with those we know and to learn more about those we don't.
Tonight's dinner was delicious, with great conversation. Next month we host. I'm already trying to figure out what to fix. Any suggestions?

I'm mamalang, and I'm a...

fabric addict. I love fabric. I love the possibilities. I love the colors and the textures, the designs. I love home made crafty things. I really don't love our local chain fabric store, or the fact that to get to a decent fabric store I have to travel over an hour away. I guess I need to find a supplier...teehee.

Wordless Wednesday

I'm stealing this picture from the samples that were on my new computer. Apparently it was taken by someone named Kevin Forest. I'm ready for spring.

(And yes, I realize it's not wordless if I put words under it. So sue me.)

What are they thinking?

What the heck is this? Are we that stuck in the 80's? I thought Spandex was out. I'm scared.

Fun Monday #10

IT Guy asks:

I need YOU (yes, the wonderful YOU!) to pick 5 memorable lines from 5 different movies (if you could tell us which character said it and to whom, would be a bonus)...and tell us to WHOM (who in the people in your life) you could have said those lines.

I totally suck at movie things. I don't get to watch them, and when I find something funny...it doesn't stick for long.

However, I can remember at least one.

Master of Disguise, Say this to my daughter all the time.

Devlin Bowman: I think it's time for you to go.
Pistachio Disguisey: [Making talking gesture with hand] This is what you're doing...
[Closes hand] this is what I want you to do.
Devlin Bowman: Did you just tell me to shut up?
Pistachio Disguisey: Yes.

That's it. I can't remember any other lines except for the ultimate cheesiness...

Nobody puts baby in a corner.

So with that, I'm out.

Sunday already?

That post below? It was Saturday's. Since I was still up, it was still Saturday for me.

This post? It's Sunday's. After several weekends at home, this weekend was a busy one. Sunday School, Church where the girls played bells, home for lunch and some clean up, and then back to church for bell practice. Home for dinner, ready for bed, where did the weekend go? I'm exhausted. I reallllly hate Daylight Savings Time.

Spring Forward

Can I just say that Daylight Savings Time sucks. I hate losing an hour...I need my sleep, and my body takes weeks to adjust. Then we add to that fact that DH and I went out to listen to a band tonight, so we just got home. And although it says 12:47...it's really 1:47. Tomorrow morning will not be a good time.

Night.

March Madness

First the Madness. PB's school has this function every year in March. I remember 5 years ago when Bug was in 4th grade feeling just as frustrated. Nothing is sent home about this. I don't know what this program is for, and it always seems to be thrown together at the last minute. The 4th and 5th grade classes play basketball games against the other 4th or 5th grade classes during the week, and the two classes with the highest points in each grade level play against each other on Friday night. We found out today that PB was playing and needed a yellow shirt. Today. The function was tonight. Nothing was sent home...she was just told in class. We receive an envelope every Wednesday that includes a newsletter and other important papers. The only mention was in the upcoming dates to note section. It stated the time and location for March Madness. That's the entire sum and substance of what we received. Arghh.

Now the fun part. Her class has several of the most athletic kids. PB isn't one of them. One boy has been easily able to score numerous points on teenagers since he was 5 years old. There wasn't any doubt who would win this game. The total points from the games this week were 10, 16 and 52. The other team had twice as many students, and the star player wasn't there. They still won 22-10 (I think.)

I was afraid that it would be a blow out and not so much fun. But it wasn't...and it was a good game. The kids worked together, and everyone got a chance to play. The ball was passed, and every student had a chance to "touch" the ball. The reasons I love this school were reaffirmed for me tonight (even with the lack of communication for this event.)

Love Thursday #2

I've joined a party. A blog party. It looks like a good way to find some new reads. I know that some of my links are stale, and I want to update my blogroll, so this will be a good way to find some new reads. What a great way to share the love this Love Thursday. You can join yourself. It starts tomorrow, so you have some time left!

Reality, Schmality

I'm not a big fan of Reality television. I generally have a hard time watching people make total and complete fools of themselves. Honestly, I have a hard enough time dealing with people and their "issues" in real life. I don't find it entertaining to sit and watch people destroy their life, and the constant rambling drives me crazy. Sometimes, there's one that is a train wreck and I just have to keep watching (generally it's because there isn't anything else on.) Tonight, I'm riveted to the show "Moment of Truth." It's one of those train wreck shows.

When the choice is between a relatively large sum of money and your relationship with your family members, your marriage, your job, I have to wonder if that sum of money is worth it. And apparently this person feels that either her marriage can withstand this onslaught, or that the money is more important. I'm watching this woman emotionally wound her husband for $100,000. I'm not sure that any amount of money is worth causing that amount of pain and discomfort to any of my family members, but especially not to my husband or children. And someday, her children will see this episode and she will have to explain this to them. And while the high of $100,000 will get them through for a while, someday that money will be gone, and they will have to live with the fall out of that time. I'm just happy that she was smart to not gamble any further, and to be responsible with the money she did earn.

I really do think that reality TV brings out the worst in people. People may go into their participation saying they're doing it for the right reasons, but somehow, that all goes out the window in the "heat of the moment." I'm not saying all reality TV shows are bad. Some do great things for people (The Biggest Loser comes to mind), and some are truly just mindless entertainment (American Idol). Some don't even seem so much like Reality TV as much as scripted soap operas after awhile (the majority of the shows on VH1 or MTV).

So when my kids ask if we can watch Food Network, I sigh a little in relief.

Sweet Child of

Writing about my prom got me thinking back the other day. And then I read some funny "Quizzes" on a few other blogs and decided to find some pertaining to my teenage years. Here you go...proof that I graduated in 1991.

You Are 96% A Child of the 80s

There's hardly a moment of the 80s that you missed out on. Was there ever a better decade? As if!

Are You a Child of an 80s?

You Are 64% A Child of the 90s

Wassup!?! You remember the 90s like they were yesterday. And you're ready to open up a can of whoop-ass on any other decade.

Are You a Child of an 90s?

Fun Monday #9

Janet from the planet of janet is our host this week. She's a toughie!

Hollywood has come calling. They want to make a movie of your life story!

So here's what I want to read about: Write the brief synopsis of this film that you might use to pitch this project and cast the principal players. Who would play you? You can either cast or ignore significant others, children and/or pets. This is, after all, YOUR movie about you you YOU! Illustrate as needed with casting photos or filming locations. Your life not interesting enough? Hey, this is Hollywood. Never let the facts get in the way of a good story!

Hmmm...This is hard.

The amazing life story of mamalang. See how she rose from the heartbreak of childhood to carve out a normal life for herself and her family. The years of toiling away at school and college in order to never use her degree. The motherhood years, spent entirely at work, in the car, doing laundry. The payment in cuddles and hugs and "I Love You's." All culled from her blog...that useless place where she spewed her random thoughts every stinkin day.

The movie will be set someone tropical and warm, and I'll portray myself. At least I'll get a good tropical vacation out of it!

Make sure you visit all the other Fun Monday bloggers!

Accomplishments

What I've accomplished today:

Cuddling sick Monster
Feeding said monster a cheese stick, yogurt and milk for breakfast (It's exactly what he wanted)
Folding clothes
Reading email
Reading some blogs
Wandering around wondering where the day has gone
Packaging up meat for the freeze
Washing my sheets
Making Chicken Soup

Things still to be done:
Make my bed
Drive children to church functions tonight
Buy Shampoo and conditition for daughters
Cuddle the Monster some more


Wow, very little on my to do list got done. But not a bad day really.

Prom

Loralee is asking for our prom stories, and since I am a lemming it sounds fun, I thought I would try and dredge up those memories.

My final high school had a junior/senior prom. The juniors did all the work, raised all the money and paid to attend, and the seniors did nothing and attended for free. I was on the Prom committee my junior year. I bought the dress, decided on the hair, had a date and cute shoes...and was diagnosed with Mono the week before. Yes, mono...the only known case in three counties. So, I didn't attend prom that year. My boyfriend came over and we watched movies and DIDN'T kiss.

I have to give an aside here. My boyfriend was in college an hour away. This was before the days of cell phones and such. I had to call his mom to tell her I had mono. Here's the conversation...

Me: Hi Mrs. M. It's me, J's girlfriend.
Her: Hi sweetie. What's up?
Me: Well, I had to go to the doctor and have blood work today, and I found out...
Her: (interrupting) OMG, please do not tell me your pregnant!
Me: Uhm, no...uhm, really...uhm, I was just going to tell you I have mono. So he might want to be aware in case he doesn't feel well.
Her: Oh thank God. I'm so glad that's it.

Uhm, yeah, I had been dating her son for about a month at that time. Great conversation.

Anyway, back to prom.

So my Senior year, I had the dress and shoes and all that taken care of. I even splurged for some tanning since I didn't have to buy all that stuff. The only thing missing was my date.

Finally, in a fit of desperation, one of my best (male) friends and I decided to go together. At the last minute, our other friends boyfriend got sick and she joined us. We went to everyone's house and did the required pictures, headed through the Golden Arches for dinner, and off we went. Prom itself was pretty lame...dancing and hanging out, just dressed better. But after-prom...it turned out to be a blast.

One of the girls had a boy from another state come to accompany her. She basically ditched him at after-prom to flirt with some other guy. So he hung out with us. He was cute and we had fun. After the party, we drove around the huge university in town, picking flowers (I learned later how illegal that was) closing down taco bell, and just generally running wild. It was a really good time, and one of my best memories from high school.

Of course, getting to work by 11 am the next day sucked, but it was good practice for college.

Love Thursday

There's this little thing in blogdom called Love Thursday...and I'm probably not following the rules exactly, but here it goes anyway.

Not sure if I mentioned it, but hubby is away this week. He's only about an hour or so away...close enough, but just a little too far to visit regularly. Last night, he drove home to attend Bugs Midwinter Choral and Band Concert and then drove back after. This afternoon, he sent me a text to ask what we were doing tonight and if we would join him for dinner. So we did. We are very certain that he will be far away from our state in a few short months for a significant amount of time, and we are cherishing every moment with each other. And that dinner...it nourished more than my body, it nourished my soul.

And that's my Love Thursday.

(Just a note...tomorrow is the Blog 365 day of rest...no posting...let's see if I can resist)

rainy days

I'm so sick of winter. I know that I can't complain...the little bit of winter weather we've actually had was always short lived, and it's been relatively warm. But I'm just not a winter person. And the lack of warmth and sunshine are starting to take their toll on me. I'm so tired, so distracted, not really into anything. And I know the weather is at the heart of this. Hopefully those stupid groundhogs were wrong and spring will be here soon.

I'm craving daylight past 6 pm. I want time to go out and play, or just sit on my nice back deck. I hate wearing coats...I want to pull out my spring clothes.

Okay, I'll quit whining...maybe it will be sunny today.

Little man

The Monster is growing up so fast. We went to the library for a bit this evening while waiting for Bug to finish at play tryouts, and he was so polite and well behaved. I really wanted to ask him who he was and where he came from. This is the child that at 18 months was doing chin ups on the bars that held the hanging bags. For him to sit and quietly play with puzzles, pick out books, and listen to what he was told was a huge step in the right direction.

Every once in a while he does something that makes me realize that I'm raising what will be a good man. This afternoon, as we were leaving his "school", his main teacher was walking back down to his class after delivering snack around. He made a point of stopping her to say goodbye, and he said "Ms. S, I really love your new hair cut, it's so pretty." This wasn't a drastic change in her hair, just simply styled a different way, but he noticed.

He also told me tonight that he wants to go buy me something shiny and pretty, like bow, to show me how very much he loves me. I was the recipient of a great number of hugs and kisses tonight, and we even read a story about animals and love before bed tonight. I really do wish I could keep him this age for a lot longer than it lasts.

Fun Monday #8

I'm cheating this week and posting ahead my Fun Monday...I'm tired of waiting until Monday night to get it out there!

For this weeks Fun Monday, Mariposa wants to know

(1) Please share to us how the NAME of your BLOG was made? I can't wait to hear interesting funny stories!

Well, obviously I'm a mama..and the lang is a family thing.

(2) Please share to us (in words or photo, though a combination of both will be a bonus!) your favorite/ most common dish!

Hmm, this one is hard. I love food. There really isn't anything in particular I love the most. I'm going to say that the ultimate comfort food for me would be salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn and biscuits.

chaos ending

Well, the living room is livable...I managed to get the main desk cleaned out (with my hubbys help) and now it just needs to be sold so we can replace it with an armoire. My den is a mess, but I can live with that a little longer. Hopefully this week will be better. Crossing my fingers. And now I'm off to bed.

Done, but not finished

So today was my last quilting class. And my hanging isn't finished. And all that's left is the scary part...the marking it for hand-quilting. (also the binding, but that's easy.)

I'm ready for my next project now. I want to make quilts for the kids. I think PB will be first, as hers will be the easiest to choose I think. Bright colors, girly prints, maybe some butterflies on it.

I'm sad that the class is over. It was a very good experience, and the women in the class with me were fun. We may actually be going to a quilt show as a group at the end of March...that will be fun!

So someday, I'll post pics of the finished product...whenever I get it done.

The Weather is not nice

No snow day for me. Instead I went to work and endured the longest day known to man. But an evening spent with my kiddos and hubby, cuddling a bit in our new large bed, and an excellent spaghetti dinner, and I'm feeling much better now.

Can it be spring now?

Come on wintry weather...

I need a snow day. It's probably not going to happen, but I am going to go to bed and dream of waking up to a major winter event tomorrow morning. There is so much to do, and I just want a day to stay in jammies, drink hot chocolate, and clean. I'm going to sleep with my jammies inside out and put a spoon under my pillow. Any other suggestions?

Clutter and chaos...still

I just can't think. Snow, clutter and chaos in the house, and I'm so tired. Off to bed. I promise to post pics soon.

Total Chaos

That's what I'm living in. Apparently it's not a good idea to buy new furniture for a living room and a bed room and a den all at the same time. Who would have thought. I'm feeling a little disorganized, but it will all be okay in a few days.

Fun Monday #7

Sayre says:
Every day as I go to work, I see things around me that make me laugh. Usually these are in the forms of signs. So take your camera with you as you go about your business and take a picture of the things that make you laugh along the way (but it doesn't necessarily HAVE to be a sign).

Today was a holiday here in langville, and so I didn't have my opportunity to take the picture I had decided on. So I'll have to paint the picture for you (and tomorrow, I'll take the picture and upload it.)

The Monster attends the same daycare PB started attending at 3 1/2...so we've been going to this place most weeks for 6 years. The front of the daycare has a little circle, with parking spots on one side, and the entrance across from it. The center is a pretty good sized island, with a slight rise to it. I don't know if I would even call it a hill...it's that slight. But since he could run, the Monster has called this "THE MOUNTAIN" and insists he has to climb it most mornings. Sometimes I sing that silly song.

"The Monster went over the Mountain,

the Monster went over the mountain,

the Monster went over the mountain,

to get to school today."

But most days he yells at me to not sing. So then I mumble it under my breath, because I'm adult like that.

I know that someday, he is going to visit that spot, and see that it was never anywhere near a mountain. But for right now, it feels like the largets mountain, and he gets that small thrill and joy every day. And that makes me smile.

Fabric mecca

I'm a fabric addict. I love fabric. And I've recently found my mecca...The Interior Alternatives. It's an outlet for F. Schumaker fabrics...Waverly, Laura Ashley...walls and walls of bolts of fabrics. I seriously wanted to move in. I didn't buy much this time, but I'm sure I'll be back soon.

Are my feet still there?

So after a productive morning in my quilting class, then a marathon bill paying/filing session with my hubby, we trekked off to buy the last two items to finish the big purchases in redecorating our living room. We found the TV, but the TV stand for it to sit on just can't be found (at least not for a price we can realistically afford after purchasing the TV.) So...I've convinced him to build it. He's going to be a very busy man the next two days. Off to design and sleep now!

That new furniture smell

We bought a new couch and chair tonight. This is sort of big for us. Almost all of our furniture in our married life has been hand-me-down or purchased used. And while I'm a bargain hunter at heart, I have to say it was a thrill to go to a furniture store, wander among the brand new furniture, and pick out something no one else has ever used. And we got a good price for what we wanted. We ended up with a microfiber mock leather in dark brown. I'm so excited about the chair...I love big squishy armchairs...it will see a lot of my bottom, I'm sure.

Now Wednesday will never get here. I can't wait to see how it will look in our living room!

Happy Valentine's Day

I can't remember every really hating this holiday. It isn't my favorite, but I've always had my family or good friends, and I realized early on that they were what mattered most.

I try to show my family how much I love and appreciate them every day...but I still can't help getting caught up a little in the shmoopiness of Valentine's Day.

I love this song...It's how I feel about my husband...and I hope that my kids understand that I do take them the way they are.

Valentine's Day Goodies

I made the one on the left for the ladies that work for me. The one on the right is for my StampinUp Demonstrator, and one for me. I love them, they turned out so cute! And very inexpensive.

Quilting Class

Note that this post was written on Tuesday, and then I searched for my camera, couldn't remember where I put it...found it finally and went to bed. Forgot to come back and hit publish...oops!


I thought for tonight, I would post pitures of the wall-hanging I'm creating in my quilting class. I wasn't sold on the pattern when she first presented it, but now I'm loving it. This weekend we'll begin hand-quilting it, which I totally suck at, and then eventually, one day, I'll bind it, create a pocket or tabs to hang it, and display it proudly...in my bedroom.

The colors could be better in the photos, but I'm not up for photoshopping them tonight.

Fun Monday #6 - Music

Julie of Ooh, A Shiny Pen is this weeks host. Our assignment is:

Music plays a vital role in most of our lives. It is everywhere. I want to hear the ONE song that is you. The song that whenever it is heard, you smile. I am not looking for the soundtrack of your life, just that one song. Your friends hear it and think of you. You can post the video, the lyrics, the wav file. However you want to post it is great.

This was really hard for me. Music is huge part of my life, but I'm not sure what would be my song...so, I'm going with the one that my kids tell me is sort of me and my mother-in-law. (the second verse is for her.)

Craig Morgans Tough.

She’s in the kitchen at the crack of dawn
Bacon’s on, coffee’s strong
Kids running wild, taking off their clothes
If she’s a nervous wreck, well it never shows
Takes one to football and one to dance
Hits the Y for aerobics class
Drops by the bank, stops at the store
Has on a smile when I walk through the door
The last to go to bed, she’ll be the first one up
And I thought I was tough

Chorus
She’s strong, pushes on, can’t slow her down
She can take anything life dishes out
There was a time Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough

We sat there five years ago
The doctors let us know, the test showed
She’d have to fight to live, I broke down and cried
She held me and said it’s gonna be alright
She wore that wig to church
Pink ribbon pinned there on her shirt
No room for fear, full of faith
Hands held high singing Amazing Grace
Never once complained, refusing to give up
And I thought I was tough

Chorus
She’s strong, pushes on, can’t slow her down
She can take anything life dishes out
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough

She’s a gentle word, the sweetest kiss
A velvet touch against my skin
I’ve seen her cry, I’ve seen her break
But in my eyes, she’ll always be strong
There was a timeBack before she was mine
When I thought I was tough

I'm sure some song will come on in the next few days, and I'll say OH YEAH, that should have been it. But this works for now.

ETA

I thought of it...this is what my family would say is my song.

Total randomness

I love, love, love my new bed. I enticed the Monster to come cuddle and read with me in it, cause I knew he couldn't resist that temptation, and I was hoping he would fall asleep. We had a good little nap together. I'll miss those in a few years.

It is so windy here tonight. I really thought we might end up in Oz a few times. Tomorrow is supposed to be cold...new bed, cold and windy day. Nope, not going to be easy to get up tomorrow.

Off to snuggle in my HUGE king size bed. Night all!

Wow, finally, 100 posts. Took me long enough.

Everyone always talks about "teenagers" with a roll of their eyes. They complain that teenagers are mouthy, always petulant, always tired, always bored. But surprising, I'm finding the teenage years to be better than the preteen/adolescent years with Bug. The disagreements over chores are farther apart, and sometimes she actually shows intiative and does something without being told. We talk about things, and we joke and have fun. Last night, we did Tae Bo to a DVD I bought. And we laughed, and joked, and worked out together. And it was fun. I'm not ready to be her friend yet (someday, when she's an adult, we'll try for that), but it's nice to be able to find common ground, especially when we were warned how these would be the hard years.

It also gives me hope for PB's future...cause that preteen attitude is going to be her downfall soon.

***********************************

Daddylang is off playing military man this week. He's only an hour drive away, but it might as well be the other side of the world. At least we get to have regular phone contact with him. Actually, when he had to do his drill weekends back when Bug was little, she would say he was "Playing Army". This always made me chuckle.

***********************************

It was a busy day. I had my quilting class, then we had to do some shopping, then a birthday party, then dinner, and then Bug and I destroyed my bed. My new mattress arrives tomorrow, and next weekend my hubby should be building our new headboard. I can't wait. Once that is all done, the only thing left to finish off my room is artwork and hardwood floors. Then it will be my sanctuary (actually, it already is, but it will be more so once it's actually completed).

Hope you have a beautiful tomorrow.

Ooops...I can't add

I was wrong...THIS is my 99th post.

Tonight I took Bug and Monster out to dinner, and then to Target. It was a very nice time with both of them. I bought a Tae Bo CD and Bug and I started working out to it when we got home. It kicked my butt, and my legs, and my arms...you get the picture. But it also felt good. It's something I've wanted to do for a while now, and finally decided it was abotu darn time. It's something she's expressed an interest in as well, and it's nice that we can do these things together.

Tommorrow is a busy day...quilting class, a birthday party with Monster, and dinner for church. Sunday my new mattress comes. YAY!!!!

My 99th post

Guess that means the pressure is on for tomorrow's post, huh?

I'll try and get a pic of the quilting project from my class (It isn't done, but it's getting somewhere.)

Did you read about the baby in the tornado? It's an amazing story. So much tragedy, and amongst all that a miracle.

I'm working on very little sleep today, as my son had the short lived stomach bug from 10 pm last night until around 2 am. I'm so tired, so off to bed with me.

Where's Miffy tonight?

Where I will be in approzimately 30 minutes (My bed!)...just after a soak in the hot tub. It was over 70 degrees here today, and still in the high 60's. I'm off to enjoy with my hubby.

Today's blessing is a beautiful day to enjoy.

Today's Blessings

Today's blessing is good employees. I received a call today at 12:30 asking me for information that was needed by the end of the day. This information required culling through files the size of one filing drawer and pulling information off each set of paper. Two of my employees jumped in with me, started pulling the files while I pulled reports off, and they worked 20 minutes pass the end of their day to make sure we got the info completed. We worked well together, passing the time companionably while working. And at the end of the day, my other employee came and offered to help refile while we finished up. I'm blessed to have a good group to work with.

Maybe Miffy tomorrow. Today was hectic since I had to work late and my hubby had to stay late tonight and PB had girl scouts. Now I'm off to watch House.

Fun Monday #5

Tiggerlane is our host this week,and she asks "have you heard of The Bucket List? Well, that's what I want from you! Make a list of things you want to do before you die. It must be at least five items - and you can make it as long as you desire. Photos are optional. And let's hear about some of the wackiest, most bizarre to-do's on your Bucket List!

Hmmm... This might actually be harder than I thought!

So let's see...
1. See my children grow into adults and give me grandchildren,
2. Travel. I'd love to visit all 50 states, as well as Australia and Europe. After that, who knows where else,
3. Learn to knit and crochet,
4. Learn how to code web pages,
5. Retire at 58.
6. Continue my education, earning my Master's and possibly PhD.
7. Teach college classes.

*********

I'm going to start a new feature in the next few days...hopefully I can get my Flickr account going. I'm going to take pictures of Miffy in various places throughout my daily life and post them. I'm not going for every day, but at least once a week. We'll see how it goes, but she needs to at least earn her keep around here.

Go Giants!

I'm so happy the Giants won. I strongly dislike the Patriots, and it was nice to see Eli Manning vindicated.

Now I'm watching House and knowing that tomorrow morning will totally bite.

He'll always be my Valentine

Heather at OMSH is having superfab give away from Shannon of It's A Mad Mad Squirrels World. They want us to tell them how we met our Valentines.

I was living here in the Mid-Atlantic region after graduating college and (stupidly) following a boy here. That didn't work out, so I moved in with my father to save up some money and wait for bestest friend to graduate so we could move on. It was my nephew's birthday, and my stepmom was having his birthday party at a local kids play place. Hubby was the room helper for his party, and he knew my nephews mom. He thought I was "cute" but I was holding a baby (my niece) and had a ring on my finger (to keep guys from bothering me). I thought he was cute, but he was talking about his daughter, so I assumed he was married. Somehow, he finds out that I'm not married, engaged or otherwise involved, and asks her for my number. She makes sure she tells me that he is divorced and has custody of his daughter. He calls and asks me to go out, and I agree as friends. I'm not planning on staying in the area and I'm not looking for a boyfriend. A few weeks later, I meet his adorable daughter. Her and my nephew hit it off, so they come over often. We're going out, enjoying each other's company. Then he buys me a ring for Valentine's Day. Just a ring, a pretty sapphire ring. Except late that night, he looks over and says "Marry Me." I said "Yeah, right...are you serious?." "Yes, I am." Oh..."uhm...yes."

And 8 months later we were married. I always tease him that I fell in love with Bug, and he was just the baggage that came along. But he knows, I couldn't live without him. I feel lucky every day to have found my mate, my other half, my Valentine.

A three letter word for Donkey...or Butt

Tonight on the way home from my moms house, the Monster says "Mama, what about that guy that says a$$." I wasn't sure what he was trying to say, because he sometimes confuses words. I said, "what guy that asks?" He says, "no mama, the one that says a$$. You know, the skeleton dude...he loses his a$$."

Okay, I was so glad he couldn't see me, cause I was laughing so hard. Daddy steps in and tells the Monster that he shouldn't say that word. So the Monster begins to sing it..."a$$ A$$ A$$" with giggles in betweens. I'm biting my finger trying not to laugh out loud at him. My husband and him continue the conversation, and I say "Butt" and that gets him singing Butt for a while. We sing some funny words (poop, butt, noo noo head, etc.) and then he busts out the a$$ again. Daddy finally tells him if he says it again, he's going to have to punish him when we get home. He agrees to stop saying a$$.

We get home, and my husband reminds him we don't say a$$ or another curse word we've heard him say lately. I hear him say back to daddy..."okay, I won't say those bad words anymore."

I know it's inappropriate, but it struck me as so funny...and that irritated the heck out of my hubby, which made me giggle even worse.

Sorry, Hunny, but I had to deal with PB when she went through this phase...now its your turn for his.

People will buy anything

My friend sent me this tonight. I laughed soooooo hard.




My blessing today is that I have good friends who send me stupid you tube videos that make me laugh. Thanks Picasso!

Bug's play opened tonight...I'll have more to say about that tomorrow.

Blessings, Day 2

My blessing today was my son. Actually, he's my blessing most days, so it seems a little unfair to use him, but I'll explain. (My girls are too, but for much different reasons. They'll get their days too.)

The monster was the "miracle" baby. I have endometriosis, and had been on Lupron (a drug that puts you into a menopausal state) for six months. I was transitioned onto birth control pills to manage this condition, and was taking them back to back so that I only had a period once every 3 months (I know, TMI...sorry, it's important). In January of 2002, hubby and I both started new jobs and moved into a house on base. We had the 2 girls, and we were reasonably sure that our family was complete. We even contemplated making that decision permanent, but hadn't quite reached that point. It stood to reason, with all that I was going through, that getting pregnant would be quite difficult (when I went on the Lupron, I asked the doctor if I needed to use some sort of birth control. He laughed. Hard. Informed me the odds of me getting pregnant were slim to none.) In May of that year, I turned 29, and was moping about it. The following week, I suddenly woke up one morning and took stock. My breasts itched all the time, I was expanding slightly, but not gaining weight, and I was so exhausted all the time. I could have slept for 20 hours a day and still be tired. This epiphany came when PB told me I was going to give her a baby brother. I laughed at her. She was 3, we were almost done with sippy cups and nighttime pullups. I was ready to leave baby and toddlerhood behind. I took a home pregnancy test and said not nice words.

When hubby came home from work that Sunday evening, I had the girls in bed, handed him his dinner, and then announced that I thought I was pregnant. I remember telling him that it could still just be a false positive, (I was hoping), but that I would be calling the doctor the next morning.

I called my doctors office the next morning and asked for a referral to the lab. The nurse asked the date of my last cycle. I told her June...it was May. She literally said "Well you should have had that baby by now!" I quickly gave the little speech about my condition and medications, and the nurse put me on hold so that the doctor could come talk to me. I was sent immediately for blood work. The next morning, they called to confirm my pregnancy, and sent me for more blood work. This was to determine how far along I was. It came back somewhere between 5 and 12 weeks. I wanted to hit someone.

I had an ultrasound just after my first appointment. This was late May...I was 11 and 1/2 weeks pregnant. I was numb for the first week. My hubby was ecstatic. I won't bore you with the details, but PB was a long, horrible birth experience that after 18 hours of labor 2 hours of pushing ended with a C section. Nurses cried and apologized to me. My MIL threatened people. It was not a happy time. So I wasn't thrilled with the idea of another delivery.

When I had my next ultrasound, we found out it was going to be a boy. I had started to bond with this baby, and was truly finding a way to be happy about it. We agreed on his name, and the meaning was perfect.

He was born in December by scheduled CSection. All was going well until I was moved into my room. Something was trying to collapse, there was major blood loss, and the nurses were trying to comfort my husband with "we'll take good care of her now." I was one point away from requiring transfusions, and had so little blood that they required the doctor to take the blood samples. The lab techs refused.

I have more funny (now) stories to share from his birth, but that isn't the point tonight.

From the day he was born, this little boy has brought so much joy and laughter into our family. He is truly adored by everyone that meets him. He has a vivid imagination, and isn't afraid to share it with everyone. He loves to laugh and wrestle and pretend and live. He loves his animals (stuffed) and tries to be a good "daddy" to them every day. He makes me smile each and every day. And sometimes, he's so sweet I want to eat him. He reminds me of all the good in the world on a regular basis.

He truly is a blessing from God...the baby we didn't know we needed, and didn't think we could have. And I thank God every day for giving him to us to love.

Count your blessings

I've written this post 15 times (at least) in my head today while in assorted vehicles. Let's see how it comes out now.

"God blesses every day, we just have to look for it." That's what the mug on my desk says. I've decided that I'm going to find the blessings in each day, and since I'm attempting to post on here every day, it just makes sense to post that here too. Some days may just be a post about my blessings, and other days they might just be postscript to the longer post. I'll try not to resort to the simplistic one word answers very often.

Thinking about this post all day helped me to remain positive, even when I felt the Grouch monster creeping in. I tend to be a positive person, but I try to temper that...nothing is more annoying than when you're totally frustrated with your job, and someone says "Well at least you have a job." However, I do try to find the positive to whatever is happening in my life.

So today's blessing is that I can notice and appreciate my blessings, and that my life is full of them.

Fun Monday

For today's Fun Monday, Angela says "continuing in the spirit of "being interested in people", I would like to know, or see, what's on, in or under your bedside table! So open those draws and bare your soul to us! Is there anything special there that has a story or a memory that you can tell us about? Books that you keep there to delve into from time to time? Trinkets that you don't know where else to put? Let's see!"
There it is, in all it's storage tower glory. Lots of books. Some lotion, a watch, a candle, the phone and my alarm...pretty much all there is. Oh yeah, and chap stick...must have chap stick at all times.

In the middle shelf's basket, there's paper, pencil, journal, cross stitching, and keepsake cards and such. This is my miscellaneous entertainment basket.

In the top basket, there is lotion. Several types. I have severely dry skin.

And the infamous junk drawer. Lotion gloves and booties, some notecards, a Matchbox 20 CD, and a little gingerbread man bag with lotion.

I'm so boring :)

Things overheard

Melts my heart
Monster to Daddy "your my bestest buddy, Daddy."

Monster to his sisters "I just wuv you guys sooooo much...group hug!"

Makes me smile
Monster received some large, white and black fake money in the goody bag from a birthday party last weekend. He told me he was going to sell it to get more money. One of his sisters pointed out it's fake. "It's FAKE???!!??" he cries.

Makes me believe in magic
Monster's telling me about his friend, Dragon. "He has lots of cool stuff...like his own radio station, and he let's me go there with him. He's an awesome friend mama."

Are we in Sunday School or Social Studies?
We are talking about Moses in Sunday School. One of the boys was trying to impress us with his knowledge, and told us about Moses and the tablets. Another boy said, "oh yeah, that was the ten Commendments."

I need to pick a hobby

I really need to pick one hobby to learn at a time. At the current time, in addition to the mazillion other things going on in my life, I'm trying to learn to code my website and quilt. So I'm sorry that my site isn't pretty right now, but the quilting class will be over at the end of Feb, and I might actually be able to spend some time here then :)

Today's quilting class was fun. It was one of those classes that you get there, and you're all working, and all of the sudden you only have 10 minutes left. So we have lots of homework, and I need to get back to it.

Tomorrow you all!

Another word for poop

Last night, PB couldn't get picked up from After School Care until 5:00 and Bug had to be back to school at 5:30 for play practice. It snowed, and I was going to be the person having to eat cold dinner after playing taxi cab...this is to say I was borderline grumpy. I had realized that I needed to call home and remind Bug to go ahead and start eating, when she informs that after school activities were cancelled. Deep breath.

PB, Monster and I traipsed into the house and PB immediately went into the powder room. Monster is running around crying about how he has to go, but he can't go upstairs because NO ONE IS UP THERE!. I'm trying to drop all the backpacks, my coat, purse, lunchbox, etc in the right places and Daddylang is yelling about someone closing the front door while he's trying to get dinner on the table.. Chaos is reigning. I head upstairs with Monster so he can go, and I can change clothes. 1 minute later, he's yelling that he can't flush the toilet. So I go in to see the problem. It's poop, and toilet paper, and very little fluid. It's poop and paper that has been sitting there for quite some time. I flush. The toilet slowly starts filling. I get the plunger going. Water is starting to slosh, and my not so good this week stomach is roiling. I holler that I need the other plunger and get "we can't hear you" (this toilet has a weird shaped "neck"...I hate it.) I finally get the correct plunger, and plunge some more. Now I'm mad...I have to clean the bathroom with bleach after this because of all the poop water. Yuck.

I go get rags and Clorox Clean up, fill the tub with water and bleach, put the plungers in there, and dump some Clorox Clean Up in the toilet. I close the door and label it closed until further notice. I loudly declare to every other family member that it is a haz mat zone and must be avoided. We sit down for dinner.

Apparently, while I was upstairs dealing with the poop, my husband was downstairs dealing with it as well...and also the toilet paper that was piled on the floor. After we say our grace (which includes a prayer for my children to learn to flush properly) we begin to eat. Hubby begins to inform the children that their slovenly ways are going to have to end. Conversation ensues, and they don't seem to be understanding why we would be upset about a little poop.

At this point, my will power gets up and goes to bed for the night...it's too tired to fight anymore.

I explain to my children the joy of plunging poop (however, I did not use the p word hear...I used the S word quite succinctly) that is not your own. Poop that has sat and festered all day long. Poop that splashes all over the toilet and floor and you. Poop that causes me to have to decontaminate my entire bathroom. I explain to my girl children that if you must poop right before you get in the shower, you should either flush or use a different bathroom. And I inform them all that once they stopped wearing diapers, I stopped cleaning up their poop. Much laughter ensues, once they realize that I'm not going to come across the table and smear them with poop.

And the monster during this whole discussion? He's pointing out that you should flush after you poop, poop, poop. And then he threw in a few more poops for good measure.

And the answer is...

I've been hooked on this site several times, and keep forgetting to blog about it (because I get caught up playing it instead.) Free Rice is a word game with a cause. It's very simple...your given a word and four possible meanings. You choose the right word, you get a harder word. You choose the wrong word, you get an easier word. The system tracks your level as you answer. The best part is, that for every word you guess (right or wrong) 20 grains of rice are donated to the United Nations World Food Program. So you can while away some time and support a good cause. And the person who designed the site is from my former home town, Bloomington, Indiana, so I find that really cool as well.

Wishing we were here...

Hubby has pneumonia, and PB has permanent whine and stomp syndrome. I'm still not feeling better, and I am oh so sick of winter already. I want to lay in that chair with a girly frou frou drink, watching the younger two splash in the shallow water and just soak up the sun. Unfortunately, that won't be happening this year. Guess I'll just have to be happy remembering a breezy, cool Fourth of July resting in the hammock with the boy.

I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired

Yes, I still feel icky and my hubby is sick. I drove an hour and walked across a college campus (15 minutes one way) to a meeting that was cancelled 10 minutes after I left my office (yes, my employees tried to call me...my cell phone was in my coat pocket and I couldn't hear it.) Then I drove back to the office and took the rest of the day to come home and sleep. Now I'm wishing for a few more days to sleep.

Okay, I'm done whining. I was given the opportunity to purchase PhotoShop Elements 5 for a realllllly low price, and so far, I'm loving, loving, loving it. I spent the majority of the day yesterday playing with pics and printing them. I'm hoping to feel better soon so I can scrapbook.

Daddy and PB are playing the Wii, and she is kicking his butt in pool. She can do no wrong in that game tonight, and it's killing him!

Off to veg a bit more before it's time to get Bug.

Fun Monday again

We're off today, and I totally forgot about Fun Monday in my ill induced haze.

Catch the Light says:

It all started with "Your View". I wanted to see what you see when you look out your front door. (I'll link back to that post later.) So for this Anniversary Fun Monday lets do it again!
Here's the assignment. For those of you who did NOT post a picture of your view from your front door, then your assignment is to post a view from your front door. To do this you stand in your doorway looking outside and take a picture. That simple. We (I) want to see what you see when you look out your front door.
For those of you who DID post your view, link back to that post you posted a year ago, and then re-list your very first post ever. We want to see how far you've come baby! Also, if you can, post the comments you received on that post.

The view from my front door is of two other houses, which are pretty enough. But I think mine is prettier...especially in the spring. So I'm posting a picture of my house the first spring we lived here. We've added a few touches, like dark green rockers on the front porch, but it's home sweet home.

Home Sweet Home

Bedtime?

OMSH has asked us to share heartstrings moments of family love via pictures. Since I'm not comfortable posting pics of my family yet, I've decided to just write about them.

Our bedtime rituals provide one of those heartstrings moments. Bedtime requires certain things for each child. Now that bug is a teenager, she's happy with just a quick kiss, good night and I love you. PB's is a little more involved. I have to give her a butterfly kiss, then she has to give me one. After that, there's Eskimo kisses, then the real kiss. And at some point, I have to give her a little lick. The location of this lick changes each night...sometimes the tip of her nose, other times her forehead, maybe her cheek or chin. This started one night when I was trying to cheer her up during bedtime, and now she expects it and giggles when we do it. The monster requires some wrestling, a "smackdown" (I pick him up and toss him lightly down on his bed" and then hugs and kisses. There's usually a request for a drink of water that requires a quick trip into the bathroom, and then snuggling into the blankets. Some nights, daddylang or I will lay down and cuddle with one of the younger two, scratching their backs and talking quietly. I always know when the monster is really tired, cause he hates for me to scratch his back...it makes sleepy time come faster.

Another heartstrings moment for me occurs at random times. I love when I walk into the living room to find all three kids laying on the couch, arms and legs entwined through each others. Or the Monster laying on the Bug...those moments show me that regardless of the bickering and fighting, they truly do care for each other.

Back among the living

I'm feeling somewhat better now. Short run of the stomach flu, but wow was it strong. I managed to make it to my quilting class this morning. It was very nice...only 2 other students, so plenty of hands on time. This evening my mom and I went and bought the fabric I need. Then I went to see I Am Legend with my hubby. Let me start by saying that I do not usually go see thrillers/scary movies. And I remembered why after abut 20 minutes. It was a very good movie, but I hate the whole suspense thing. I was very happy when it ended.

I have to post about our bedtime rituals...I'll do that tomorrow. Night!

We interrupt this blog for some whining

I don't feel good...I'm tired and slightly nauseous, and it's taken several attempts to get that sentence typed. My first quilting class is tomorrow and I'm excited, and worried now that I don't feel so good. So off to bed with me. Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow.

and the weirdness continues

Today we had rain, then snow, then rain again. The temperature is higher now than it was 4 hours ago. It's crazy.

I went to my monthly night out tonight...an wow what a few weeks it's been for a lot of my friends. I am so looking forward to a 3 day weekend, with the leaving of the house being kept to a minimum...maybe I'll be able to play with code some more. I got a couple of books at the library the other night. I can't wait to spend some time delving into them.

Hope you all have a great Friday tomorrow. Yay! It's Friday.

What a week

This has been a very interesting week. A friend of ours had her car stolen and wrecked earlier this week. Today that gremlin hit here.

Right after 1st period today, my oldest was assaulted by another girl from that class. She apparently didn't like the way my daughter answered her, and chose to show her displeasure by yanking her by the hair and punching her several times. Luckily, Bug wasn't really harmed, teachers witnessed enough of the attack to know that she had done nothing wrong, and the whole thing was caught on tape. She was allowed to leave school for the rest of the day, and will be permitted to take her midterm tomorrow. The attacker was suspended for 3 days, and her parent(s) will have to come to the school before she can return. My husband was a kind soul, and chose not to press charges at this time (I'm not sure I could have been so kind.) He figures that this child will be punished enough by the fact that she will be missing all of her midterms, as well as losing additional points in each of her classes this week. I'm hoping she doesn't target Bug again. The school has assured my husband that they will do their best to ensure her safety. I'm willing to put my trust in them a little longer.

This really does go to show that bad things can happen anywhere. We live in a very good school district. They are always ranked high academically, and the crime rate there is very low (yes, the publish crime rates for the schools here.) Our state has system called "school choice." You can apply to attend any school in the state. Our school district has seen a large percentage of growth in recent years, and houses in this area sell for more than many houses in other districts. The schools here have had to close their school choice, because they just can't handle any more students. Of course, this just causes more houses to be built for the people willing to move into the school district. It's a very bad situation. However, somehow, the school still manages to maintain their high standards, not just academically, but also in the extra-curricular activities and day to day behaviors.

Min over at Mama Drama wrote a post today about parental involvement in school. It really did strike a chord in me. When we went to parent information night at the school, it was amazing to see the difference in the parents attending the different classes. In her first period class, 2 students parents were there. I know for a fact that Bug's attacker did not have a parent in that classroom, which means they probably weren't there anywhere else either. I know that alone doesn't mean they aren't involved in their child's life (I remember having to work at night, and my husband doesn't always make it because he may be deployed), but it does make me wonder. I also know that involved parenting doesn't always make for well behaved children. And now that the drama has passed and the anger has cooled (some), I find that I do have some sympathy for this girl. I wonder where that much anger comes from...what has happened to her that she feels this sort of attack is warranted, just because another person said something she didn't particularly care for. I truly hope that she learns something from this experience and moves on. And I hope that Bug processes it and can find a comfort level in school again.

Then to make my day complete, my son puked red koolaid and brussel sprouts all over me in the bathroom, then slipped and fell into it. About 20 min after his shower. Fun times. I believe it's about bed time.

A day late and...

Sorry, y'all. I just didn't have it in me last night. So, without further ado...

For today's Fun Monday, Ann over at For The Long Run wants to hear about a web site that's changed your life. A web site that you can't live without. A web site whose inventor you'd like to see win a McArthur Genius Grant. A lot of people have said that they didn't think they could narrow it down to one, and that's okay. A top-5 list or a top-3 list is completely acceptable.

I was going to list just one, but then I realized that it wasn't enough. So I have 3, but 2 of those are for the same person.

Before I ever heard the term "blog", I was reading one over at Babycenter.com. It was called a journal, but I made sure to read it every week. It was by Catherine Newman, and it was called "Bringing up Ben and Birdy". I was never a huge fan of Babycenter, but I read this journal religiously. And so did hundreds of others. Most of the journals on that website span a year, maybe two. This one lasted for 4 years. When she left, we all mourned...but not for long. She began her own blog: Ben and Birdy. I didn't want to comment as anonymous, so I registered...and thought, hmm...a blog. And this site was born.

I can not tell you how much I enjoyed reading those journals. They helped me learn to be a better parent. Reading it showed me that things my kids did were usually normal kid behavior. And this blog has introduced me to some amazing people in the blogosphere. Maybe some day I can meet some of them.

One of my favorite bloggers is my third site. I stumbled upon OMSH (not even sure how, now), and was struck by the similarities in our families. I love her honesty, and that she isn't afraid to show her faith, and her wonderful sense of humor. Reading her daily has inspired me to commit to blogging this year. I wanted to do more with this page, but it was another task to push off. I realized that it wasn't going to suddenly get better unless I did something. And I'm doing it, thanks to her inspiration.

So there you have it...my inspirational blogs. Thanks for hosting, Ann!

Please excuse the mess...

I'm trying to learn coding...and I figure the easiest way to learn is to start playing. So, the site may be ugly for a few days...if I can't make what I'm doing tonight work before it's too late, I'll just revert to some horrible template until later. Thanks for your patience.

I'll try and get my Fun Monday post up tonight...we'll see.

ETA
Woo Hoo! I figured out how to code it to three columns. Tomorrow night I'll work on the colors and where stuff is. I'm learning something. Go me!

My son is sleeping with who?

My husband and I went out last night to a dinner function with some other members of our church. We came home much later than we intended, and found that the children had put themselves to bed. We entered our son's room to find him in bed with Miffy, and this note attched to his headboard:





My son's already sleeping with a chick named Miffy? Should I be worried?

On a steeck

OMG, I have a vague memory of seeing this back in college. My husband brought home a video of him with several other characters, but this one has always been on of my favorites. I'm posting this for my bestest friend Jackie.

I wanna be a pirate...

That doesn't do anything.

I am so glad it's Friday. I need some sleep. It's going to happen very soon.

We sojourned to the mall tonight to watch the new Veggie Tales movie The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. It was a cute movie with the good lesson for the kids. The best part of going to these movies and listening to the little kids in the theater. I love to her the giggles and comments they make. It's great to hear them enjoying themselves while watching something that's good for them. And heck, even my 14 year old enjoys it. We had dinner in the food court before the movie, I took brown paper bags to divvy out popcorn to all, and we bought two drinks to share, and everyone was happy. Going to the movies doesn't happen often around here (we're talking about $70 every time we go), but this was a special movie for us, and we had three free passes. Also, our theater is doing a promotion that all movies between 4 pm and 6 pm are $5.75. Couldn't beat that.

We have been Veggie Tales fans since the 14 year old was 4...we have every movie they've put out, and my kids still love to sit and watch them. We have several of their CDs, and it's music we can all listen to. I really do enjoy when my 9 year old "gets" what we're talking about in church and can make the connection to the movie that tells that story.

Some who have watched from the beginning may complain that this movie shows that the Veggie Tales creators have "sold out" and that it doesn't have the religious aspects that their other movies do. And I'll agree that the religious aspects are toned down in this movie...but they are still there if you pay attention. And if they have to "sell out" a little to get the good messages out to a larger crowd, then I'm not going to complain. People that have not been previously exposed to Veggie Tales (do these people exist? I'm not really sure that they do) may buy some of the previous shows after seeing this movie. That can never be a bad thing.

With that said, I do miss the little ditty at the end with QWERTY, and the lack of Silly Song is always sad for me. They are some of the most entertaining parts of the shows for me. But we will still definitely buy this CD. I love that the music is fun for the whole family, and not "dumbed" down for the young ones (but that's another post for another time...lol).

All in all, it was a good night. And now, it's time for bed. Good night, internet.

It's Miffy!

Jennie over at Preteens, Toddlers, and Newborns, Oh My! had a grand giveaway on 12/03. Ty's Toybox offered up a free 28" Miffy doll for her to give away...and I WON! I was so excited. She looked so cute in the pics. So I sent off my info, and then forgot all about it.

One day recently, I came home to a huge box sitting in my entry hall. Daddylang informed me it was for me, and just couldn't even think about what it might be. Yep, it was Miffy. And a wand and a beautiful Holly Hobby print. But Miffy is awesome.

I love the colors. My kidlins love to dance with her, and toss her between them, and lay on her. But they all know, she's mine. And for some reason, she makes me smile. Better than a pet, this Miffy. She sits beside me hanging out, and requires absolutely nothing in return. The kidlins swing her around, and she just goes with the flow. I do believe she's going to stay awhile.

Too tired to think

After work, I had 30 min to kill before getting the kidlins, so I ran home, and enjoyed a 20 minute nap. Awesomeness. However, something in my kitchen reeked...so once we all got back home, cleaning ensued. And the house smelled better, and dinner got cooked, and then I gave the girls a little beauty treatment time (painted their nails).

I've begun adding labels to my posts. Gonna take some time to go back through them all.

Now, I'm off to bed. Just not feeling any topics today. Sweet dreams all!

Just a Spoonful of Sugar

I had a relative that used to drive me crazy (I know...but bear with me here). She would always tell little ones that she could "just eat you up with a spoon." That grated as much as being called "cute" as a teenager. But since having my son, I understand what she meant. He is just so sweet, and seeing as how you scoop sugar by the spoonful, the saying makes sense.


This morning, I asked PB what she had for breakfast yesterday morning (she chose to eat at the Youth Center instead of finding something at home). She answered toast, and I asked if that was all. Turns out that breakfast was cheese toast yesterday (not a fan of that, that one.) The Monster pipes up..."I had that too. It was so yummy. mmmm good cheese toast. I ate mine all gone. It's just so yummy." all while rubbing his tummy and throwing in a few lip smacks. Silence for about 2 minutes...and then he begins again with his description.


I would say that cheese toast is high on his list of foods, but the problem is, most things are. There are very few foods that the Monster just won't eat. He hates squash, but still takes his "try-me" bite every time we have it, and has even started claiming it isn't too bad. I worry about when he grows a bit more...I see my grocery bill tripling and the runs to the grocery store becoming more frequent.


He's also exploring his career opportunities lately. Apparently, he isn't content with deciding what he wants to be when he grows up. He has jobs already. Somedays, he is the "doorman" at the youth center (complete with a story about his break and who's coming through the door...etc). Other days he's the "rocket ship builder." Yesterday, I came out and watched them play for a bit on the playground at "school" (please do not call it daycare...he will kill you). It's so funny to watch the kids play at this age. He finally spotted me, and came running over, proclaiming " I got a new job today Mama! I'm in charge of the gym. I have to open it in the morning, and close it at night!" I asked where the gym he worked at was located. He pointed to the empty corner of the play area and pronounced "Right there! Isn't it cool!?"


I will really miss this stage when he outgrows it. We have dinosaurs and dragons and tigers and lions and giraffes and snakes and robots and who knows what else living with us. If all of his imaginary friends and animals were real, we wouldn't be able to live in this state let alone this town or house. And every day, he reminds to look for the wonder in the world.

Fun Monday

Lisa's Chaos is hosting this week's Fun Monday and she gave the following assignment:

Let’s meet your pets. I think most of us have at least one pet and I would like to see your fluffy or scaly pal. If you don’t have a camera you can tell us about him/her/them. If you don’t have a pet tell us about a pet you had or a pet you want. If for some weird reason you hate all animals we want to know why gosh-dang-it.

The only pets I have in my house are the two legged mess makers called children. Being more than slightly allergic to most animals precludes that. However, I do love animals. Today, I'll introduce you to the cutest pain in the hieny you will ever meet.




This is my MIL's baby, Bunny. She is the most spoiled, demanding cutie you will ever meet. But we love her.

Bunny spent a week with us last month. I figured it would be a good reminder for my children of the work involved in pet ownership. They all agree that visitation with a dog is better than ownership. The need to go out, whining to play, food, and the havoc on my schedule (goodbye lunch hour...had to go home to let her out since we wouldn't be home until late due to the kids activities) was more than enough to remind them. Also, the having to clean the dish from the moist dog food and cleaning up little doggie turds...EWWWW :)

But, she knows she is loved in our house. She has toys and a water dish that stay out for her visits. And she goes on car rides with us sometimes. Most importantly, she provides companionship and purpose for my MIL. All in all, she's a keeper.

MMMMMM, Nachos

One of my favorite snacks is tortilla chips with 2% mexican blend (it's a blend of cheeses, not mexican flavored) shredded cheese melted on top. We spread the chips out on a plate, sprinkle the cheese, pop them in the microwave for 45 seconds...cheesy, yummy goodness.

Surprise!

Tonight, my husband, his sister and I threw a surprise birthday party for my MIL. And guess what...we managed to get her in with it remaining a surprise! We had more than enough food, everyone had a good time, and more people showed up then we expected...pretty good for starting the real planning 2 days ago! In less than a week, she leaves for her first cruise...what a great start to the new year, and her new life. I'm glad she's feeling the love.

This party was the perfect gathering of friends and family. There were at least two kids there at every age level, and they all ran around like banshees, singing bad karaoke and playing with balloons, screeching as only little kids can. They were hot and flushed and exhausted by the end of the evening. And all the parents and grandparents sat around, talking and catching up, meeting new people. Best of all, no one complained about those kids and their noise level. It was loud, hot, and fun. I remember a lot of those kinds of events as a child, and sadly, they don't happen as much any more. Maybe we need to find a way to start having them more than every 10 or so years.

I'm exhausted, it's late, and I have to throw together a Sunday School lesson on the fly tomorrow...yay me! So I'll sign off...night and happy Saturday to you all1

Finally Friday

Okay, I really don't understand how such a short work week could last so long. I'm very glad it's over though. Today was my MIL's birthday...she doesn't read blogs, let alone mine, but Happy Birthday to her anyway. There was a time not so long ago that we weren't sure she would make it to 60, but today she proved that wrong. Way to go.

I really have to take some pictures from our Holiday crafting bonanza...lol. That will give me some more fodder for my blog.

I'm looking for photo/graphic software...any suggestions? (besides the one opinion I've already solicited...thanks OMSH!)

On a another note, I just gotta say, I love my hubby. He's the best fit for me, and I'm really happy that the military changed their collective mind to allow him to spend some more time home with us :) Love you!

And it continues

I'm hoping that as I do this each day, I'll get into the habit of making notes of things I want to blog about. And then I'll have tidbits and info to make real posts, not these long random thoughts.

I actually do have another post started, but it needs time to be worked on. And I started a list of things I might want to blog about. Now I have to find the time to do them justice.

Thursday...one more day of work, one more day of an employee that has caused me a lot of heartburn, one more day until I can hopefully sleep.

Craziness...Day 2

Today it was back to work. It went pretty well. I think I'll enjoy a 3 day work week. Unfortunately, there's a lot to cram into that work week, including a jaunt to the base to get a new ID card, and a trip to the docter for Princess Bear. She has had a nagging cough for several days, and I was hoping that a few nebulizer treatments would take care of it, but it's getting worse.

I had lunch with mom today. It was nice being able to do that...we haven't been able to for so many years.

My mom bought both the girls American Girl dolls for Christmas. The Bug got an older Samantha doll from her mom, and a new one from my mom. The look of joy on her face when she opened it today was priceless. The sqealing and screaming was the girliest I've seen her in a while. When PB opened her Joesphina doll on Christmas, she snuggled with the box for 30 minutes until we could safely remove it from her hands and take her out. I'm hoping to take them to the American Girl store in New York sometime this year. I think it could be an awesome fun trip for all of us...there are other places I want to take both the girls and the Monster.

All three of the kids got Ipod shuffles this year, each a different color. The monster is totally attached to his...last night he was dancing around in his tshirt and underwear, looking like Tom Cruise in Risky Business. I could watch him for hours, he's such a ham. He didn't want to take it off for school today...he could listen to music for hours.

On Christmas morning, he got his Ipod one gift before PB. The look of disappointment and anger on her face was so stinking funny. She was so sure that he was getting one and she wasn't. Then hers came next...a shiny green (her new favorite color) and she about jumped out of her skin with excitement. Sometimes, suprises happen when you don't plan them, and that was one of those instances.

All in all, we had a very good Holiday. We spent a lot of time in our home, just hanging out and being together. The perfect Holiday vacation.

New Year Part 2

I've totally lost my mind. I signed up for the 365 challenge...blog every day. Let's see if I make it through January. I've wanted to get myself motivated, so here it goes.

I updated the blogroll some, but look for it to really be renovated soon. I'm also looking into web design class...I want to learn how to code this website and make it what I want. I think I can get one paid for through work, but I have to work on that aspect.

This is the year of me apparently. My hubby bought me a brand new laptop for Christmas. Not one to share, but all my own. It's very pretty and shiny and I love it. Hopefully that will make posting easier. My mom and grandma signed me up for a quilting class I wanted to attend. And I've joined a stamp club that will meet once a month. I know my hubby is going to be away a lot over the next year, and I'm looking at this as a way of making sure I get some breaks.

I made some really cute things for Christmas this year, and I hope to share a few on here in the coming days. I've also signed up for Fun Monday. Who knows what else I may decide to do...gotta get those posts out somehow!

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2008!

Random December Thoughts

It's December, which means I can safely talk about Christmas. I did some shopping Friday afternoon, and I've been up sewing some pj pants for my kiddies. It's 3:30 am, and I need to go to bed. I love the Holiday Season.

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Wanna know what my kids favorite Christmas song is? Nope, not Frosty, not Santa Claus is Coming to Town, not even Jingle Bells. No old school classics for my babies. Are you ready for it? "Last Christmas" by Wham!. Yep, that's the favorite of all three. I'm so proud!

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We had the first snowfall of the year earlier this week. I hate snow. It's great for the first few hours...then I have to go out and shovel and clear and it's no longer any fun. I hope it's all melted soon.

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Heading off to bed, night!

Enjoy...

Gather round children...

For I am going to post twice in three days. Scary, I know.

It's finally fall here. Crisp air, warm sweaters...oh wait, it's still a sauna in my office, so I have to dress for fall, with summer underneath. How hard is it really to regulate the temperature in an office building. Really, just one part...the rest of the building is comfortable. I guess I can say I really do work in the bowels of hell.

Went to Joann Fabrics today to buy some fall decorations for a game night I have this week. I looked at the calendar today, and it tells me we are still in the first week of November. Thanksgiving is several weeks away, Christmas almost 2 months away. Guess what! Very little in the way of Thanksgiving stuff still out. Christmas is there. Wal-Mart has tried to declare the Friday after Halloween the new Black Friday. Uhm, there's a few flaws in that thinking. Number one, I have the day after Thanksgiving off with pay...I don't have the Friday after Halloween off unless I use a vacation day. Secondly, I am a strong believer in taking our Holidays back. I don't want to start decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. I love fall, and Thanksgiving is when I get to decorate for it. I'm hoping that people don't encourage this early Christmas spirit too much...I really am tired of being tired of Christmas before it even gets here.

What do you think?

Stay

Wow. I just saw the video for Sugarland's song "Stay". What an amazing video. I don't get a lot of time to watch TV, let along videos (and I hate that...lol) but what I often see seems boring, unoriginal, or just a way to send out more sex. This video allows us to see the people singing this song as real people, with real emotions. Her simple clothing and makeup is perfect, and the true emotion you can see on both performers faces really brings the words to life. I am not a big Sugarland fan in general, but this song and video will be in my top 10 for some time to come.