My friend Joan tagged me on her blog back in March, and I just read it a few minutes ago. I haven't been reading my friends' blogs. Can you tell? (I'm sorry, guys!)
So I'm responding to her tag right now. I apologize, Joanie!
Joan blogged 7 random things about herself, so in turn I will tell you 7 random things about myself.
1. I cannot take a child to the potty at a restaurant if I am still eating. It makes me gag. If the food hasn't yet been served or I'm already done, I can accompany a child to the restroom. Weird, huh?
2. When I drive over roadkill, my toes tingle.
3. I like to eat corn flakes with applesauce poured on top, then soaked in milk. It's something my maternal grandmother used to make for me when I was little, and I've always loved it.
4. I once put an entire roll of Bubble Tape in my mouth. That's 6 feet of bubble gum, y'all. Yes, I was dared. Or maybe I did the daring. I don't remember.
5. I did not go to my 10-year high school reunion, and I don't plan on going to my 20th (in 2011), either. I really have no interest. I'm not the same person I was in high school, which is a good thing.
6. I'll admit it: I'm addicted to "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette". Every season I say I won't watch it again, but I always do. My husband and I like to watch it together. It's like a train wreck: you know you shouldn't watch, but you can't help yourself.
7. I think I'd enjoy culinary school. I'd love to go, but not to have a career as a chef. I just like to cook and would like to learn how to be a better cook.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Stolen Blog
I stole this from my friend Cyn's blog. I did change the answers (duh). Thanks for the inspiration, Cyn!
What is in the back of your car?
2 car seats, a bunch of umbrellas, a brick from my old high school that was torn down a few months ago (Funny story there... the school was selling the bricks for $20 or so each, but my dad just went and got one out of a pile that was on the property. Ain't that a hoot?!?)
What color is your toothbrush? teal green and white
What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Sleeping. It is summer, after all!
What Were you doing 45 minutes ago? Placing a customer's Longaberger order.
What is your favorite candy bar? Snickers Dark or Baby Ruth
Have you ever been to a strip club? Uh, no. I'm not even remotely interested.
What was the last thing you said aloud? "Camryn, Daddy is home. You need to say goodbye to Madison so we can go eat." (She was on the phone.)
What is the best ice cream flavor? Mint Chocolate Chip!
What was the last thing you had to drink? Iced Tea
What are you wearing right now? Is that some kind of come on line? ; ) khaki shorts and a South Carolina t-shirt, which is dark brown with a turquoise Palmetto tree on the chest.
What was the last thing you ate? a sandwich
Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Nope.
What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Movie theater flavor, whatever that is. Hold the butter. Ick.
Ever go camping? That word is not in my vocabulary.
Do you take vitamins daily? Daily? No. When I open the spice cabinet and see the vitamin bottle on the top shelf? Sometimes.
Do you go to church every Sunday? No. We try, but we don't always make it.
Do you have a tan? In the summertime I get a great tan. I love having a pool in the backyard (yes, I wear 45 SPF sunscreen, but I still get a good tan.)
Do you like Chinese food over Pizza? No. Chinese food has started to gross me out. It's so greasy. Give me a pizza any day.
Do you drink your soda with a straw? I do.
Are you someone's best friend? My husband's, and he is mine.
What are you doing tomorrow? Tomorrow is the hubby's day off, so we'll probably go bowling (the kids' request) and have lunch somewhere, then come home and swim and hang out together.
Where is your dad? Probably at home in Alabama.
What color is your watch? It's a silver and gold Pulsar, a gift from my husband (but I rarely wear jewelry, much less a watch.)
Do you use Chapstick? In the winter.
Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? I have 4 kids. What do you think? DRIVE THRU.
What is your favorite number? 12096 (That's my wedding day: January 20, 1996).
Do you have a dog? No.
Last person you talked to on the phone? My husband.
Any plans today? Already executed.
How many states have you lived in? Two, Alabama and South Carolina.
Ever go to college? Yup. I graduated, too!
Do you dye your hair? Yes, and it needs a touch up. The greys are showing! The greys are showing!
Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Hmmmm... not sure. Lillian thinking she can tell me no when I tell her to do something? Yeah. That's it.
Last song listened to? "Wilbury Twist" by The Traveling Wilburys
Can you say the alphabet backwards? Probably.
Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Probably Crocs. I have several pairs in several styles. Right now my favorites are my pair of Cleo Crocs, brown with pink soles.
Are you jealous of anyone? No. Puhlease.
Is anyone jealous of you? I hope not.
Do you love anyone? Yup. I live with them. There are 3 people in Alabama that I love, too, as well as assorted friends scattered throughout the nation.
Do any of your friends have children? Yes.
What do you usually do during the day? Cook, clean, wash clothes, read stories, give hugs & kisses, fix stuff, settle arguments
Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Hate, no. Dislike, sure.
Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yep.
What color is your car? White Toyota Sienna minivan.
Do you like cats? Yep. We have two, Beeson & Annabelle.
Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes, but I prefer Disney World. I don't think my kids will ever go to Six Flags, because (1) it's crowded and (2) they've been spoiled with all their Disney trips.
How did you get your worst scar? Probably the c-sections I had with Quinn and Lillian, but I have one on my right knee from when I fell off a road trying to wave to a friend. I wasn't watching where I was going and I kind of tripped and hit the pavement. It hurt like a MUTHAH. I was in the pool yesterday and noticed it again. I guess it'll never go away.
What is in the back of your car?
2 car seats, a bunch of umbrellas, a brick from my old high school that was torn down a few months ago (Funny story there... the school was selling the bricks for $20 or so each, but my dad just went and got one out of a pile that was on the property. Ain't that a hoot?!?)
What color is your toothbrush? teal green and white
What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Sleeping. It is summer, after all!
What Were you doing 45 minutes ago? Placing a customer's Longaberger order.
What is your favorite candy bar? Snickers Dark or Baby Ruth
Have you ever been to a strip club? Uh, no. I'm not even remotely interested.
What was the last thing you said aloud? "Camryn, Daddy is home. You need to say goodbye to Madison so we can go eat." (She was on the phone.)
What is the best ice cream flavor? Mint Chocolate Chip!
What was the last thing you had to drink? Iced Tea
What are you wearing right now? Is that some kind of come on line? ; ) khaki shorts and a South Carolina t-shirt, which is dark brown with a turquoise Palmetto tree on the chest.
What was the last thing you ate? a sandwich
Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Nope.
What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Movie theater flavor, whatever that is. Hold the butter. Ick.
Ever go camping? That word is not in my vocabulary.
Do you take vitamins daily? Daily? No. When I open the spice cabinet and see the vitamin bottle on the top shelf? Sometimes.
Do you go to church every Sunday? No. We try, but we don't always make it.
Do you have a tan? In the summertime I get a great tan. I love having a pool in the backyard (yes, I wear 45 SPF sunscreen, but I still get a good tan.)
Do you like Chinese food over Pizza? No. Chinese food has started to gross me out. It's so greasy. Give me a pizza any day.
Do you drink your soda with a straw? I do.
Are you someone's best friend? My husband's, and he is mine.
What are you doing tomorrow? Tomorrow is the hubby's day off, so we'll probably go bowling (the kids' request) and have lunch somewhere, then come home and swim and hang out together.
Where is your dad? Probably at home in Alabama.
What color is your watch? It's a silver and gold Pulsar, a gift from my husband (but I rarely wear jewelry, much less a watch.)
Do you use Chapstick? In the winter.
Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? I have 4 kids. What do you think? DRIVE THRU.
What is your favorite number? 12096 (That's my wedding day: January 20, 1996).
Do you have a dog? No.
Last person you talked to on the phone? My husband.
Any plans today? Already executed.
How many states have you lived in? Two, Alabama and South Carolina.
Ever go to college? Yup. I graduated, too!
Do you dye your hair? Yes, and it needs a touch up. The greys are showing! The greys are showing!
Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Hmmmm... not sure. Lillian thinking she can tell me no when I tell her to do something? Yeah. That's it.
Last song listened to? "Wilbury Twist" by The Traveling Wilburys
Can you say the alphabet backwards? Probably.
Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Probably Crocs. I have several pairs in several styles. Right now my favorites are my pair of Cleo Crocs, brown with pink soles.
Are you jealous of anyone? No. Puhlease.
Is anyone jealous of you? I hope not.
Do you love anyone? Yup. I live with them. There are 3 people in Alabama that I love, too, as well as assorted friends scattered throughout the nation.
Do any of your friends have children? Yes.
What do you usually do during the day? Cook, clean, wash clothes, read stories, give hugs & kisses, fix stuff, settle arguments
Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Hate, no. Dislike, sure.
Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yep.
What color is your car? White Toyota Sienna minivan.
Do you like cats? Yep. We have two, Beeson & Annabelle.
Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes, but I prefer Disney World. I don't think my kids will ever go to Six Flags, because (1) it's crowded and (2) they've been spoiled with all their Disney trips.
How did you get your worst scar? Probably the c-sections I had with Quinn and Lillian, but I have one on my right knee from when I fell off a road trying to wave to a friend. I wasn't watching where I was going and I kind of tripped and hit the pavement. It hurt like a MUTHAH. I was in the pool yesterday and noticed it again. I guess it'll never go away.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Purple Mountain Majesties
After church, the hubby suggested we do *something* today besides sit around the house.
Okay. I'm game.
We chose Caesars Head State Park because our older daughter had been there on an end-of-school field trip. The pictures she brought back were amazing. We've lived in Greenville since 1996, and I've known about Caesars Head since then (even driven by it by accident on the way home from a Thanksgiving buffet at an inn in North Carolina once on a foggy, foggy day...) but we've never taken the time to visit.
Today we did.
And wow.
First of all, it was 76 degrees at the top of the mountain. It was 84 when we started the climb. That alone was worth the trip.
At the lookout point, our heads were literally in the clouds. It was completely breathtaking. I've been in the mountains before, but I was just blown away by the view from this particular spot. The pictures do not do it justice. We were so very high above the trees, I felt like I was soaring.
Gorgeous. And it's been about 45 minutes from my house all these years. I gotta get out more.
We went down some steps and ended up in Devil's Kitchen, which is a tight space between two rocks.
The hubby was in a hurry to get out of there, so I couldn't take a lot of pictures (I was in front of him... I've known the man for 14 years and never once have I known he was afraid of tight spaces!)
Funny thing happened as we were walking out of Devil's Kitchen. The family went up some stairs, and I hollered at them to stop and turn around so I could get a picture. Aiden decided to go all Gangsta on me, so he did the crossed arms with the peace signs:
I snapped the picture, and then said, "Aiden, normal pose, please!" As I was snapping the second picture, the hubby fwapped Aiden on the back of the head, because he was still doing the Gangsta thing, as was Quinn (I realized when I was editing the pictures...)
Parent moments. Gotta love 'em.
It started pouring rain as we reached the end of the trail, but I managed to get this shot. I colored it black & white, and I think I'm going to have it printed as an 8x10. I like it.
We left the park, and about halfway back down the mountain road we stopped at Bald Rock. By this time it had stopped raining, so after a safety lecture we got out and explored some more. This rock was really cool, but I was sad that people have felt the need to leave graffiti on it over the years. Who knew my older kids would learn about bongs as a result of a trip to a beautiful state park?
Aiden: Mommy, look! Somebody spray painted a bag of burning money on the rock!
Me (absolutelt NOT thinking):Uh, that's not a bag of money.
Aiden: What is it?
Me, realizing what I'd just said: Uh, um, er... it's just NOT a bag of burning money.
And I should've left it at that, but Aiden is nothing if not PER-SIS-TENT. It didn't help that Camryn was eavesdropping on the conversation. Being highly inquisitive herself, she just wouldn't let it drop.
Me: OKAY. It's a bong. People put drugs in it, light it on fire and smoke it. It makes you act stupid like grown up drinks do when you drink too much.
Them Okay. Yuck!
Me: Just say no to drugs, y'all.
Nancy Reagan would be so proud.
I got these great shots on Bald Rock:
I love that one of my boys standing looking out over the edge of the rock. (Don't worry... it doesn't drop off. It's a gentle slope. It just looks like they're on the edge of the world.) I can't wait to scrapbook it. There's some kind of story to be told there about taking a leap of faith or something inspiring like that.
As we were walking back to the car, I came across this:
I knew I'd make my mark on the world, but I never knew it'd be like that.
Okay. I'm game.
We chose Caesars Head State Park because our older daughter had been there on an end-of-school field trip. The pictures she brought back were amazing. We've lived in Greenville since 1996, and I've known about Caesars Head since then (even driven by it by accident on the way home from a Thanksgiving buffet at an inn in North Carolina once on a foggy, foggy day...) but we've never taken the time to visit.
Today we did.
And wow.
First of all, it was 76 degrees at the top of the mountain. It was 84 when we started the climb. That alone was worth the trip.
At the lookout point, our heads were literally in the clouds. It was completely breathtaking. I've been in the mountains before, but I was just blown away by the view from this particular spot. The pictures do not do it justice. We were so very high above the trees, I felt like I was soaring.
Gorgeous. And it's been about 45 minutes from my house all these years. I gotta get out more.
We went down some steps and ended up in Devil's Kitchen, which is a tight space between two rocks.
The hubby was in a hurry to get out of there, so I couldn't take a lot of pictures (I was in front of him... I've known the man for 14 years and never once have I known he was afraid of tight spaces!)
Funny thing happened as we were walking out of Devil's Kitchen. The family went up some stairs, and I hollered at them to stop and turn around so I could get a picture. Aiden decided to go all Gangsta on me, so he did the crossed arms with the peace signs:
I snapped the picture, and then said, "Aiden, normal pose, please!" As I was snapping the second picture, the hubby fwapped Aiden on the back of the head, because he was still doing the Gangsta thing, as was Quinn (I realized when I was editing the pictures...)
Parent moments. Gotta love 'em.
It started pouring rain as we reached the end of the trail, but I managed to get this shot. I colored it black & white, and I think I'm going to have it printed as an 8x10. I like it.
We left the park, and about halfway back down the mountain road we stopped at Bald Rock. By this time it had stopped raining, so after a safety lecture we got out and explored some more. This rock was really cool, but I was sad that people have felt the need to leave graffiti on it over the years. Who knew my older kids would learn about bongs as a result of a trip to a beautiful state park?
Aiden: Mommy, look! Somebody spray painted a bag of burning money on the rock!
Me (absolutelt NOT thinking):Uh, that's not a bag of money.
Aiden: What is it?
Me, realizing what I'd just said: Uh, um, er... it's just NOT a bag of burning money.
And I should've left it at that, but Aiden is nothing if not PER-SIS-TENT. It didn't help that Camryn was eavesdropping on the conversation. Being highly inquisitive herself, she just wouldn't let it drop.
Me: OKAY. It's a bong. People put drugs in it, light it on fire and smoke it. It makes you act stupid like grown up drinks do when you drink too much.
Them Okay. Yuck!
Me: Just say no to drugs, y'all.
Nancy Reagan would be so proud.
I got these great shots on Bald Rock:
I love that one of my boys standing looking out over the edge of the rock. (Don't worry... it doesn't drop off. It's a gentle slope. It just looks like they're on the edge of the world.) I can't wait to scrapbook it. There's some kind of story to be told there about taking a leap of faith or something inspiring like that.
As we were walking back to the car, I came across this:
I knew I'd make my mark on the world, but I never knew it'd be like that.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Lemonade
It's very rare that I get to enjoy a grocery shopping trip by myself, but I got to do just that a couple of months ago. Since there was no one there begging for sugary cereal, no one asking for the 15th time how much longer the trip would last, nobody screaming, "He pinnnnnnnched meeeee!".... I was actually able to hear a neat song on the store Muzak. I liked it so much I wrote some of the lyrics on my shopping list so I could come home and try to find the song (thanks, Google!)
The song is called "Lemonade" and it's sung by Chris Rice, one of my favorite Contemporary Christian artists. I thought it was him singing, but I'd never before heard the song. It's one of my new favorites, just recently added to my iPod. (Isn't the iPod the greatest invention? I love mine! It's probably the only thing I'd run to save if the house was on fire... after the kids and hubby were safe, natch...)
So, here are the lyrics (you can listen here if you want to hear it):
I definitely got lemonade. No lemons here. I do need lots of extra straws, though. Life is GOOD.
The song is called "Lemonade" and it's sung by Chris Rice, one of my favorite Contemporary Christian artists. I thought it was him singing, but I'd never before heard the song. It's one of my new favorites, just recently added to my iPod. (Isn't the iPod the greatest invention? I love mine! It's probably the only thing I'd run to save if the house was on fire... after the kids and hubby were safe, natch...)
So, here are the lyrics (you can listen here if you want to hear it):
So go ahead and ask her
For happy ever after
‘Cause nobody knows what’s coming
So why not take a chance on loving
Come on, pour the glass and tempt me
Either half-full or half-empty
‘Cause if it all comes down to flavor
The glass is tipping in my favor
Life gave me lemonade and I can’t imagine why
Born on a sunny day, beneath a tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I’m a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade
Thanks for the lemonade!
Now take your time to answer me
For the beauty of romancing
Is to calm your trembling hand with mine
While begging love to fill your eyes
I can hardly breathe while waiting
To find out what your heart is saying
And as we’re swirling in this flavor
The world is tilting in our favor
Life gave me lemonade and I can’t imagine why
Born on a sunny day, beneath a tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I’m a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade
Thanks for the lemonade!
I’ve got it made
Rest in the shade
And hold my love
While God above
Stirs wiith a spoon
We share the moon
Smile at the bees
More sugar please
He really loves us after all
We’re gonna need another straw!
We’re gonna need another straw!
Life gave me lemonade and I can’t imagine why
Born on a sunny day, beneath a tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I’m a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade
Thanks for the lemonade!
I definitely got lemonade. No lemons here. I do need lots of extra straws, though. Life is GOOD.
Friday, June 20, 2008
June 20
I was cleaning the kitchen this morning while Lillian was finishing up her Cookie Crisp. She was sitting alone at the table, having been abandoned when her older brothers went to Vacation Bible School. Camryn was still sleeping. It was blissfully silent.
Out of the blue Lillian looked up and said, to no one in particular:
"Good times, good times."
And went right back to eating her Cookie Crisp.
I collapsed in a fit of laughter.
I hope something made you chuckle today... at least once.
Out of the blue Lillian looked up and said, to no one in particular:
"Good times, good times."
And went right back to eating her Cookie Crisp.
I collapsed in a fit of laughter.
I hope something made you chuckle today... at least once.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Iced
For months the kids and hubby and I have been keeping an eye on a certain store in the strip mall where our favorite Mexican joint (Mr. Salsa!) is located. "Coming Soon: Upstate Cupcake" read the banner hanging on the empty storefront. I have to admit, my sweet tooth did a little jig every time we passed the shopping center. I love me some cupcakes.
Finally, a date appeared: opening June 10th. The anticipation just about killed me. June 10th!
My husband checked it out on Tuesday. He thought he'd pick up a dozen in place of a traditional birthday cake (he turned 37 yesterday). Being a savvy customer, he inquired about the cost of a dozen delicious cupcakes before committing to a purchase.
HA. Good thing he did.
You won't even believe me when I tell you the cost. Well, maybe you will. I don't know. I just know that it's WAAAAAAY more than I wanted to pay for a dozen of ANYTHING that I'm just going to shove down my gullet.
Check it out for yourself. The prices are listed here; scroll all the way to the bottom. Make sure you're not eating when you look, though. You might spit. I did. Then I realized that there was about 75 cents worth of cupcake on the kitchen counter, and I quickly shoved it back into my mouth. We can't be wasting when the pastries are almost as much as a gallon of gas!
They are delicious. I ate this one last night (Hubby's aunt bought a half dozen for his birthday. She appreciates the finer things because she can afford them, but even she was shocked at the cost!)
That there is a THREE DOLLAR "standard" cupcake. For THREE BUCKS I expected it to be bigger than my fist. It ain't.
Oh, and they changed their name from Upstate Cupcake to Iced. SO apropos, because that's EXACTLY how you feel after you empty your pockets inside their bakery.
Finally, a date appeared: opening June 10th. The anticipation just about killed me. June 10th!
My husband checked it out on Tuesday. He thought he'd pick up a dozen in place of a traditional birthday cake (he turned 37 yesterday). Being a savvy customer, he inquired about the cost of a dozen delicious cupcakes before committing to a purchase.
HA. Good thing he did.
You won't even believe me when I tell you the cost. Well, maybe you will. I don't know. I just know that it's WAAAAAAY more than I wanted to pay for a dozen of ANYTHING that I'm just going to shove down my gullet.
Check it out for yourself. The prices are listed here; scroll all the way to the bottom. Make sure you're not eating when you look, though. You might spit. I did. Then I realized that there was about 75 cents worth of cupcake on the kitchen counter, and I quickly shoved it back into my mouth. We can't be wasting when the pastries are almost as much as a gallon of gas!
They are delicious. I ate this one last night (Hubby's aunt bought a half dozen for his birthday. She appreciates the finer things because she can afford them, but even she was shocked at the cost!)
That there is a THREE DOLLAR "standard" cupcake. For THREE BUCKS I expected it to be bigger than my fist. It ain't.
Oh, and they changed their name from Upstate Cupcake to Iced. SO apropos, because that's EXACTLY how you feel after you empty your pockets inside their bakery.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Blog Challenge #22: Father's Day
From my friend Lee, who was responsible for posting this week's blog challenge:
Here's my list, because I can't narrow it down to just one thing. My dad is full of wisdom.
My daddy taught me:
to look out the window on long trips. He didn't want us to miss anything on the journey.
to be kind to people. He always makes friends no matter where he goes. He has the "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" mentality.
hard work pays off.
not to take things too seriously.
if you don't have something nice to say, say it sarcastically, or in a funny way, or just don't say it at all.
pay attention to the details.
to drive safely and not be in a hurry to be anywhere.
how a man should treat a woman.
to never stop learning.
to wave to strangers.
how to check the air pressure in my tires.
how to be silly.
I'm sure there are many, many more, but those are the top few.
I'm forever grateful that I have an awesome dad. He means so much to me, and I cherish him. He is a fabulous daddy, but he's an even better Poppy to my kids. I hope they realize how blessed they are to have him in their lives.
I know I do.
In honour of Father's Day and since mine has been on my mind of late: tell me, what is the greatest lesson you ever learned from your father?
Here's my list, because I can't narrow it down to just one thing. My dad is full of wisdom.
My daddy taught me:
to look out the window on long trips. He didn't want us to miss anything on the journey.
to be kind to people. He always makes friends no matter where he goes. He has the "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" mentality.
hard work pays off.
not to take things too seriously.
if you don't have something nice to say, say it sarcastically, or in a funny way, or just don't say it at all.
pay attention to the details.
to drive safely and not be in a hurry to be anywhere.
how a man should treat a woman.
to never stop learning.
to wave to strangers.
how to check the air pressure in my tires.
how to be silly.
I'm sure there are many, many more, but those are the top few.
I'm forever grateful that I have an awesome dad. He means so much to me, and I cherish him. He is a fabulous daddy, but he's an even better Poppy to my kids. I hope they realize how blessed they are to have him in their lives.
I know I do.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Overheard
I'm sittin' here on the couch with the laptop perched in my (what else?) lap. To my right at the front of the house sit the boys in my life: my hubby, my older son and his younger brother. They're all playing the new Indiana Jones Wii game that the hubby brought home from Game Stop today.
I've heard a lot of "Quinn! Drop out!" and some "Aiden! Drop in!"s and even a few, "Whoooooa! KEWWWWL!"s.
But one particular exchange made me laugh out loud.
Hubby: AIDEN! Stop wiggling! Aiden! Go right! Go right! Aiden! Good grief. JUST GO POOP. You're not thinking clearly!
And then Aiden trotted over to his bathroom, did his business, washed his hands, and went right back to playing.
Aiden: You were right, Daddy. Now I can concentrate!
(And I sincerely apologize for making 2 blogs in a row about potty habits. Seriously.)
I've heard a lot of "Quinn! Drop out!" and some "Aiden! Drop in!"s and even a few, "Whoooooa! KEWWWWL!"s.
But one particular exchange made me laugh out loud.
Hubby: AIDEN! Stop wiggling! Aiden! Go right! Go right! Aiden! Good grief. JUST GO POOP. You're not thinking clearly!
And then Aiden trotted over to his bathroom, did his business, washed his hands, and went right back to playing.
Aiden: You were right, Daddy. Now I can concentrate!
(And I sincerely apologize for making 2 blogs in a row about potty habits. Seriously.)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wipe On, Wipe Off
Early last week the doorbell rang and I opened the door to find a HUGE box on my porch. I eyed it suspiciously. It bore my husband's name and was from a company whose name I didn't recognize. I couldn't imagine what kind of ginormous new gadget he'd ordered, but I wasn't about to tamper with the box just in case it was a gift for little ole me.
As if.
'Twas no gift for me. It was for him. In fact, I would never have ordered such a thing. Only my strange husband would.
He's been talking about it for years. When we did the electrical walk through for our house, he asked the electrician to install an outlet specifically for this item in anticipation of its purchase. You can imagine the strange look my husband got from the electrician. Well, maybe not yet, because I haven't told you where said outlet was placed.
Ready?
Beside the toilet. The john. The crapper. The porcelain pony.
My husband's new "toy"?
A Takagi T-F100.
Don't know what that is?
Let me enlighten you.
It's a toilet seat.
Yeah. You read that right. A toilet seat that costs about as much as the rent on our first apartment.
Choking yet?
Join the club.
Here's a picture (Don't worry. I wouldn't subject you to pictures of our actual model. That's just a little too personal, y'all).
Clicking on the picture will give you an enlarged version. Just in case you want to see this thing BIGGER. Ha.
It has some nice features, I'll admit, but I just can't get used to seeing it on my toilet. Every time I go for a pee I feel like I'm sitting on the can in the Space Shuttle. Freaky.
After I settle myself, a little fan starts up, and although it is a soft sound, it always scares me (Hey! You could say it scares the CRAP out of me sometimes! How's that for funny?!?!) After the fan starts, I always expect to hear the voice of Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey. "Hello, Beth. What is your business with us today? Would you like me to read you the day's news headlines? How about a beverage?"
Strange, strange, strange.
I'm about over my husband asking me if I've used the cleanse feature yet. I've never had someone inquire so often about my bathroom habits. I'm still getting used to my toilet seat having buttons on it, for goodness sakes. I don't know when (or if) I'll ever want the thing squirting my you know what with water, thankyouverymuch. I am not a fan of wet crack (and with that, I feel I've shared WAAAAAAAY too much personal information... as if I hadn't already...)
I can say this about the seat: it might come in handy if stuff comes out the other end. Yak, flush, get a sip of water.
Sorry. It just popped into my head. It sounds like something Mr. Bean would do, no?
As if.
'Twas no gift for me. It was for him. In fact, I would never have ordered such a thing. Only my strange husband would.
He's been talking about it for years. When we did the electrical walk through for our house, he asked the electrician to install an outlet specifically for this item in anticipation of its purchase. You can imagine the strange look my husband got from the electrician. Well, maybe not yet, because I haven't told you where said outlet was placed.
Ready?
Beside the toilet. The john. The crapper. The porcelain pony.
My husband's new "toy"?
A Takagi T-F100.
Don't know what that is?
Let me enlighten you.
It's a toilet seat.
Yeah. You read that right. A toilet seat that costs about as much as the rent on our first apartment.
Choking yet?
Join the club.
Here's a picture (Don't worry. I wouldn't subject you to pictures of our actual model. That's just a little too personal, y'all).
Clicking on the picture will give you an enlarged version. Just in case you want to see this thing BIGGER. Ha.
It has some nice features, I'll admit, but I just can't get used to seeing it on my toilet. Every time I go for a pee I feel like I'm sitting on the can in the Space Shuttle. Freaky.
After I settle myself, a little fan starts up, and although it is a soft sound, it always scares me (Hey! You could say it scares the CRAP out of me sometimes! How's that for funny?!?!) After the fan starts, I always expect to hear the voice of Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey. "Hello, Beth. What is your business with us today? Would you like me to read you the day's news headlines? How about a beverage?"
Strange, strange, strange.
I'm about over my husband asking me if I've used the cleanse feature yet. I've never had someone inquire so often about my bathroom habits. I'm still getting used to my toilet seat having buttons on it, for goodness sakes. I don't know when (or if) I'll ever want the thing squirting my you know what with water, thankyouverymuch. I am not a fan of wet crack (and with that, I feel I've shared WAAAAAAAY too much personal information... as if I hadn't already...)
I can say this about the seat: it might come in handy if stuff comes out the other end. Yak, flush, get a sip of water.
Sorry. It just popped into my head. It sounds like something Mr. Bean would do, no?
Monday, June 09, 2008
I left my daughter in the boonies
Today I drove my 10 year-old daughter out to camp. She's never before been to a summer camp. I think she is in for a rude awakening.
I loved camp when I was a kid. I spent a week at Camp Winnetaska (near Pell City, Alabama) in summer 1983 and again in summer 1984. I ate it all up: the camp songs, the swooning over the "hot boys" (gack!), the swimming, the sleeping in bunks in cabins with no central air conditioning, the dining hall, the spirit competitions, the skits.... all of it. ATE IT UP. I have very fond memories of my time at camp. I wish they had summer camp for grown-ups. I'd be the first one to sign up. Even if there was no air conditioning. Really.
I was the one to encourage Camryn to go this week. She asked a school friend to go the same week so they'd have buddies, and they even got assigned to the same cabin. She and Hannah have talked about camp for weeks. She seemed over the moon.
Today Camryn wouldn't eat much breakfast. Camp butterflies. She was terrified that her other cabin mates wouldn't like her. I gave her the mom speech ("If those girls don't like you, then that's their tough luck. You rock!") but it didn't work. She fretted all the way out to the middle of the boonies where the camp is located.
We arrived, removed her well-packed suitcase from the trunk, and headed off to check Camryn in and find her cabin. As soon as she saw Hannah, the fears seemed to melt away. I went through the check-in process and soon I was getting the eye rolls from Camryn that mean I need to hurry up and get out of her space. Gotcha.
Can't you just see the contempt in her eyes?
One of the counselors helped us find Camryn's cabin. Her "huddle leader" was outside waiting on us. I asked if I needed to come in and help make her bed. What Camryn said stopped me cold.
"No. I can make my own bed, Mom." (MOM!) "I think I'll be okay."
This is the child that whined and groaned about stripping the sheets off her bed this morning so I can wash them and have them ready for our cleaning lady to put back on the bed on Thursday. This is the child that hates making her bed. This is the child that stomped and frumped for hours two weeks ago when I told the cleaning lady not to put the sheets back on her bed because the room was left a mess (the kids KNOW they have to clean their rooms so Kim can vacuum and make the beds, and if they don't, Kim doesn't clean or remake the beds with fresh sheets...)
"Are you sure?"
"Yep."
And with that, I was dismissed. I did manage to get a parting shot of Camryn with her counselor (huddle leader), Amanda.
I hurried, because Camryn's body language was SCREAMING, "C'mon, Mom. There is a porch full of girls WATCHING US. This is SO NOT COOL!" I got a brief hug out of her, and then I took Lillian's hand and said to my other kids, "C'mon guys. Let's go."
She didn't need me. She wanted to act all tough and run me off, but by Wednesday she'll be covered in mosquito bites and crazy homesick.
I hope she remembered to put on her sunscreen. And her bug repellent. And I hope she remembers to put her dirty laundry in the mesh bag I gave her. And I hope she's not too hot.
I miss her already.
I loved camp when I was a kid. I spent a week at Camp Winnetaska (near Pell City, Alabama) in summer 1983 and again in summer 1984. I ate it all up: the camp songs, the swooning over the "hot boys" (gack!), the swimming, the sleeping in bunks in cabins with no central air conditioning, the dining hall, the spirit competitions, the skits.... all of it. ATE IT UP. I have very fond memories of my time at camp. I wish they had summer camp for grown-ups. I'd be the first one to sign up. Even if there was no air conditioning. Really.
I was the one to encourage Camryn to go this week. She asked a school friend to go the same week so they'd have buddies, and they even got assigned to the same cabin. She and Hannah have talked about camp for weeks. She seemed over the moon.
Today Camryn wouldn't eat much breakfast. Camp butterflies. She was terrified that her other cabin mates wouldn't like her. I gave her the mom speech ("If those girls don't like you, then that's their tough luck. You rock!") but it didn't work. She fretted all the way out to the middle of the boonies where the camp is located.
We arrived, removed her well-packed suitcase from the trunk, and headed off to check Camryn in and find her cabin. As soon as she saw Hannah, the fears seemed to melt away. I went through the check-in process and soon I was getting the eye rolls from Camryn that mean I need to hurry up and get out of her space. Gotcha.
Can't you just see the contempt in her eyes?
One of the counselors helped us find Camryn's cabin. Her "huddle leader" was outside waiting on us. I asked if I needed to come in and help make her bed. What Camryn said stopped me cold.
"No. I can make my own bed, Mom." (MOM!) "I think I'll be okay."
This is the child that whined and groaned about stripping the sheets off her bed this morning so I can wash them and have them ready for our cleaning lady to put back on the bed on Thursday. This is the child that hates making her bed. This is the child that stomped and frumped for hours two weeks ago when I told the cleaning lady not to put the sheets back on her bed because the room was left a mess (the kids KNOW they have to clean their rooms so Kim can vacuum and make the beds, and if they don't, Kim doesn't clean or remake the beds with fresh sheets...)
"Are you sure?"
"Yep."
And with that, I was dismissed. I did manage to get a parting shot of Camryn with her counselor (huddle leader), Amanda.
I hurried, because Camryn's body language was SCREAMING, "C'mon, Mom. There is a porch full of girls WATCHING US. This is SO NOT COOL!" I got a brief hug out of her, and then I took Lillian's hand and said to my other kids, "C'mon guys. Let's go."
She didn't need me. She wanted to act all tough and run me off, but by Wednesday she'll be covered in mosquito bites and crazy homesick.
I hope she remembered to put on her sunscreen. And her bug repellent. And I hope she remembers to put her dirty laundry in the mesh bag I gave her. And I hope she's not too hot.
I miss her already.
Friday, June 06, 2008
A first time for everything...
I did something last night that I have never, ever done before. I liked it, and I know I will definitely do it again.
I went to the movies by myself. ALL BY MYSELF.
And I liked it.
No.
I LOVED it.
It's not that I've never wanted to go alone or felt too uncomfortable to go alone... I just never had the desire to go. But I knew that my husband didn't want to see "Sex and the City" and I sure couldn't take the kids with me (though the R rating didn't stop the two ladies in front of me from bringing their children.... an infant and what looked to be a 5 year-old and a 3 year-old...)
I bought popcorn, a Coke and a box of Raisinets. I poured the Raisinets into the popcorn bag and no one groaned in disgust. I didn't have to suck up anyone's slobber when I took a sip of my drink. I didn't have to share ONE BITE. YUM-OH.
I loved every minute of the movie. It was good to be with the girls again. I loved SATC when it was on HBO (though I watched most of it on DVDs rented from Netflix) and the movie didn't disappoint. I enjoyed catching up with the characters I grew to love, and although the ending was a typical Hollywood fairy tale tied up in a neat bow, I was glad to see it all work out for Charlotte, Carrie, Miranda and Samantha. I was sad when the credits rolled. I wanted more time with my "friends".
I left the theater and went treasure hunting at TJMaxx. I had time to peruse everything and got lots of awesome bargains. Shopping in peace with no one calling my name is something I haven't done in a long time. I don't think I'll try that again soon, because the pocketbook does take a hit, but it was great fun. I even managed to buy myself 3 things, which is rare. Normally I shop for everyone else and forget that I need things, too.
When I got home I had cupcakes to make for Camryn's class party, so it was back to the Mom grind. It's all part of the job, and I LOVE my job; I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China (and I love my tea, you know!) I'm so blessed to have a wonderful managing partner (my husband) who takes over the company (our kids) for awhile so I can have some vacation time. Love that man. Love him, love him, love him.
I went to the movies by myself. ALL BY MYSELF.
And I liked it.
No.
I LOVED it.
It's not that I've never wanted to go alone or felt too uncomfortable to go alone... I just never had the desire to go. But I knew that my husband didn't want to see "Sex and the City" and I sure couldn't take the kids with me (though the R rating didn't stop the two ladies in front of me from bringing their children.... an infant and what looked to be a 5 year-old and a 3 year-old...)
I bought popcorn, a Coke and a box of Raisinets. I poured the Raisinets into the popcorn bag and no one groaned in disgust. I didn't have to suck up anyone's slobber when I took a sip of my drink. I didn't have to share ONE BITE. YUM-OH.
I loved every minute of the movie. It was good to be with the girls again. I loved SATC when it was on HBO (though I watched most of it on DVDs rented from Netflix) and the movie didn't disappoint. I enjoyed catching up with the characters I grew to love, and although the ending was a typical Hollywood fairy tale tied up in a neat bow, I was glad to see it all work out for Charlotte, Carrie, Miranda and Samantha. I was sad when the credits rolled. I wanted more time with my "friends".
I left the theater and went treasure hunting at TJMaxx. I had time to peruse everything and got lots of awesome bargains. Shopping in peace with no one calling my name is something I haven't done in a long time. I don't think I'll try that again soon, because the pocketbook does take a hit, but it was great fun. I even managed to buy myself 3 things, which is rare. Normally I shop for everyone else and forget that I need things, too.
When I got home I had cupcakes to make for Camryn's class party, so it was back to the Mom grind. It's all part of the job, and I LOVE my job; I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China (and I love my tea, you know!) I'm so blessed to have a wonderful managing partner (my husband) who takes over the company (our kids) for awhile so I can have some vacation time. Love that man. Love him, love him, love him.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
A Wild Hair
I made the executive decision to let Lillian's hair grow out long enough to donate it to Locks of Love (try explaining THAT to a 3 year-old!) She agreed, though I think she believes she, too will be bald when it's over.
So the hair is growing out and it's getting knotted during the night. This morning she looked like Tracy Turnblad. I expected her to burst into a chorus of "Good Morning, Baltimore!" but she didn't. Dang it.
Today we tried braids. Lillian usually has very little patience for getting just a basic ponytail, so I was surprised when she sat still for the braiding process. It turned out okay. Near the end of the second braid, I pulled her hair too hard and she cried. The resulting picture tells the tale:
Here's the back:
And the individual braids:
The camera always cheers her up. She's a natural in front of the camera (could it be because I love to take her picture?)
I know the braids look like they're sitting on top of her head instead of being woven into her hair, but I can't do it any other way. It has to do with the direction I braid, I think. I can make my own hair look like it's woven, but when I do others' hair the braids sit on top. Strange.
So the hair is growing out and it's getting knotted during the night. This morning she looked like Tracy Turnblad. I expected her to burst into a chorus of "Good Morning, Baltimore!" but she didn't. Dang it.
Today we tried braids. Lillian usually has very little patience for getting just a basic ponytail, so I was surprised when she sat still for the braiding process. It turned out okay. Near the end of the second braid, I pulled her hair too hard and she cried. The resulting picture tells the tale:
Here's the back:
And the individual braids:
The camera always cheers her up. She's a natural in front of the camera (could it be because I love to take her picture?)
I know the braids look like they're sitting on top of her head instead of being woven into her hair, but I can't do it any other way. It has to do with the direction I braid, I think. I can make my own hair look like it's woven, but when I do others' hair the braids sit on top. Strange.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Three Things
(1) I cannot stand multi-level marketing. Someone gave my name to a guy from Cutco knives, and he came to the house today peddling the most freakin' expensive knives I've ever seen in my life. If I'm going to pay that much for cutlery, they better stand up and fix the chicken themselves.
(2) My daughter got her Stanford Acheivement test scores back today. According to her results, she could probably take the GED and pass. All of her scores were labeled "post high school". She's TEN. Ironically, her lowest score was on the L-I-S-T-E-N-I-N-G portion of the test. Go figure.
(3) My 7 year-old son CRACKS.ME.UP. Tonight the kids were especially complimentary of the dinner I prepared (Salsa chicken, fiesta rice, refried beans and cheese quesadillas to dip in the beans... plus a homemade peach cobbler with fresh peaches... total Mexican starch fest!) I told the boys that I would teach them how to cook, because even boys need to have that skill. Aiden said his wife could cook, and I told him she might, be he needed to know how in case his wife was tired or busy or whatever. Aiden looked up and said, "I'll just go buy her a Hungry Woman dinner." Ya know... like a Hungry Man dinner, only for the females. Funny, funny boy.
(2) My daughter got her Stanford Acheivement test scores back today. According to her results, she could probably take the GED and pass. All of her scores were labeled "post high school". She's TEN. Ironically, her lowest score was on the L-I-S-T-E-N-I-N-G portion of the test. Go figure.
(3) My 7 year-old son CRACKS.ME.UP. Tonight the kids were especially complimentary of the dinner I prepared (Salsa chicken, fiesta rice, refried beans and cheese quesadillas to dip in the beans... plus a homemade peach cobbler with fresh peaches... total Mexican starch fest!) I told the boys that I would teach them how to cook, because even boys need to have that skill. Aiden said his wife could cook, and I told him she might, be he needed to know how in case his wife was tired or busy or whatever. Aiden looked up and said, "I'll just go buy her a Hungry Woman dinner." Ya know... like a Hungry Man dinner, only for the females. Funny, funny boy.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Miles to Go Before I Sleep
I am dragging this morning. I stayed up too late last night.
I bet you're thinking that LATE is like 3 or 4 am, right?
Nope. The clock said 12:30 when I rolled over and shut my eyes. Pitiful, eh?
I hate feeling like this when I have so much to do. I feel so groggy, and my eyes hurt. I'm ready for the kids to be out of school, because I want to be able to sleep later in the morning.
Four and a half more days. That's all I have left.
136 miles. That's how far I have left to drive.
1 teacher gift finished, 2 more to go.
2 staff gifts to polish off.
June 6th, baby. June 6th. Then we'll be done.
D*O*N*E
done.
Then it all starts over September 3rd. That's 89 days away.
I'll be counting down those days before you know it.
I bet you're thinking that LATE is like 3 or 4 am, right?
Nope. The clock said 12:30 when I rolled over and shut my eyes. Pitiful, eh?
I hate feeling like this when I have so much to do. I feel so groggy, and my eyes hurt. I'm ready for the kids to be out of school, because I want to be able to sleep later in the morning.
Four and a half more days. That's all I have left.
136 miles. That's how far I have left to drive.
1 teacher gift finished, 2 more to go.
2 staff gifts to polish off.
June 6th, baby. June 6th. Then we'll be done.
D*O*N*E
done.
Then it all starts over September 3rd. That's 89 days away.
I'll be counting down those days before you know it.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Berry Frustrated
My husband is home from work today. My children are home from school today.
What does that mean?
It's time for a Caventure!
(definition: 1. noun. an adventure that usually goes awry simply because we are the ones embarking on the adventure. SYNONYM: Misadventure)
Camera? Check.
Sunscreen? Check.
Hats with wide brims? Check.
GPS? Check.
Adventurous spirits? Check (x 6).
It was gonna be a great day. We (well, really, um, I) decided that our Memorial Day would be spent in the strawberry patch. I read an article about Strawberry Hill USA (Cooley Farms) in the most recent issue of Southern Living, so we (well, really, um, I) thought that strawberry picking sounded like a fun family activity. After all, it was only a short drive from our house. Why not?
Famous last words.
Halfway to our destination Lillian got oh so grumpy and started yelling that the movie playing in the van was TOO LOUD. We turned it down a hair. "IT'S STILL TOO LOUD!" This went on for about 10 minutes. Finally, my hubby stopped the car, turned off the kids' movie and started back towards home. See, once Lillian gets sleepy grumpy, there's no dealing with her. He decided he'd rather try again another day than have to endure her whining. It'd be a LOT easier.
After the groaning and crying and pleas to please turn around Daddy! died down, Lillian fell asleep. Miracle of miracles! We turned the car around and made our way back to the strawberry patch. Lillian awoke refreshed and ready to pick some strawberries.
We drove around this complex of red roofed buildings, but couldn't figure out where we could select our own berrylicious treasures. My husband finally went inside and asked for some instructions, but he was told that the only "picking" we could do was in the market part of Strawberry Hill. You can choose this bag or that bag, but you can't pick 'em out of the ground.
Hmph.
We bought 2 huge bags of strawberries and a large bag of peaches, sampled all the samples there were to sample, and got back into the car. So much for our strawberry picking dreams.
After all that driving and whining and grumping, you know the funniest part?
There's a freakin' "You Pick 'Em" strawberry patch a mere 3.7 miles from our house. Take a right turn out of our neighborhood, drive 1.7 miles, turn right, drive 2 miles and THERE IT IS.
You know how far we drove to Strawberry Hill for what amounted to the world's most expensive strawberries (once you factor in the cost of gas)?
60.2 miles round trip.
The berries are good, though. Sweet and ripe. Perfect for cobblers. Just not worth all that time and gas money.
Next time I'll just pick up a pound for $3 at the grocery store. And I need to cancel my subscription to Southern Living. It costs way too much.
(I did get some great photos. See below! Click on them to see larger versions.)
Oh, and if you own Photoshop and can make Quinn appear in that photo above, I'd be your best friend. He was in the car peeing in a cup when it was taken. Classic Quinn.
What does that mean?
It's time for a Caventure!
(definition: 1. noun. an adventure that usually goes awry simply because we are the ones embarking on the adventure. SYNONYM: Misadventure)
Camera? Check.
Sunscreen? Check.
Hats with wide brims? Check.
GPS? Check.
Adventurous spirits? Check (x 6).
It was gonna be a great day. We (well, really, um, I) decided that our Memorial Day would be spent in the strawberry patch. I read an article about Strawberry Hill USA (Cooley Farms) in the most recent issue of Southern Living, so we (well, really, um, I) thought that strawberry picking sounded like a fun family activity. After all, it was only a short drive from our house. Why not?
Famous last words.
Halfway to our destination Lillian got oh so grumpy and started yelling that the movie playing in the van was TOO LOUD. We turned it down a hair. "IT'S STILL TOO LOUD!" This went on for about 10 minutes. Finally, my hubby stopped the car, turned off the kids' movie and started back towards home. See, once Lillian gets sleepy grumpy, there's no dealing with her. He decided he'd rather try again another day than have to endure her whining. It'd be a LOT easier.
After the groaning and crying and pleas to please turn around Daddy! died down, Lillian fell asleep. Miracle of miracles! We turned the car around and made our way back to the strawberry patch. Lillian awoke refreshed and ready to pick some strawberries.
We drove around this complex of red roofed buildings, but couldn't figure out where we could select our own berrylicious treasures. My husband finally went inside and asked for some instructions, but he was told that the only "picking" we could do was in the market part of Strawberry Hill. You can choose this bag or that bag, but you can't pick 'em out of the ground.
Hmph.
We bought 2 huge bags of strawberries and a large bag of peaches, sampled all the samples there were to sample, and got back into the car. So much for our strawberry picking dreams.
After all that driving and whining and grumping, you know the funniest part?
There's a freakin' "You Pick 'Em" strawberry patch a mere 3.7 miles from our house. Take a right turn out of our neighborhood, drive 1.7 miles, turn right, drive 2 miles and THERE IT IS.
You know how far we drove to Strawberry Hill for what amounted to the world's most expensive strawberries (once you factor in the cost of gas)?
60.2 miles round trip.
The berries are good, though. Sweet and ripe. Perfect for cobblers. Just not worth all that time and gas money.
Next time I'll just pick up a pound for $3 at the grocery store. And I need to cancel my subscription to Southern Living. It costs way too much.
(I did get some great photos. See below! Click on them to see larger versions.)
Oh, and if you own Photoshop and can make Quinn appear in that photo above, I'd be your best friend. He was in the car peeing in a cup when it was taken. Classic Quinn.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Mousetrap
The image below may be disturbing. Proceed with caution.
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READY?
ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE READY?
REALLY, REALLY SURE?
OKAY. I WARNED YOU.
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This, my dear friends, is a dead mouse.
It was killed by a 5 year-old, a 3 year-old and a glass of iced tea.
The 5 year-old was told to go fetch the glass so I could fill it for dinner. The 3 year-old, who is the 5 year-old's constant shadow, jumped up and ran to get the glass herself. A fight ensued, and yes, there was much screaming, and then it got quiet. Somehow tea ended up all over my desk. Of course no one is admitting fault, but there were only two people in the room.
Towels were fetched, frantic drying began and appropriate punishments were handed out.
Dinner commenced with much crying and poking out of lower lips. Tension had eased by the end of supper. Happiness was restored to the land.
After dinner I sat down for a post-incident straightening of the desk, and I found the mouse to be non-functional. Screws were removed, some shaking took place, some tea splashed out of the cavity, and the mouse now works...intermittently. I can hear him weezing, poor thing. He's drowning in there. Splenda allergy, I guess.
Sadly, there is another dead mouse just like him in the closet. He died about 2 months ago. I guess this one will join his big brother in the dark closet (why can't I throw them away? I dunno. I guess I'm hoping for a miracle like in Pet Sematary. Whoooo... scary reincarnated mice!)
So I suppose tomorrow I'll pack up my Staples reward check and go rodent shopping. Let's hope the new one lasts a little longer than 2 months.
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READY?
ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE READY?
REALLY, REALLY SURE?
OKAY. I WARNED YOU.
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This, my dear friends, is a dead mouse.
It was killed by a 5 year-old, a 3 year-old and a glass of iced tea.
The 5 year-old was told to go fetch the glass so I could fill it for dinner. The 3 year-old, who is the 5 year-old's constant shadow, jumped up and ran to get the glass herself. A fight ensued, and yes, there was much screaming, and then it got quiet. Somehow tea ended up all over my desk. Of course no one is admitting fault, but there were only two people in the room.
Towels were fetched, frantic drying began and appropriate punishments were handed out.
Dinner commenced with much crying and poking out of lower lips. Tension had eased by the end of supper. Happiness was restored to the land.
After dinner I sat down for a post-incident straightening of the desk, and I found the mouse to be non-functional. Screws were removed, some shaking took place, some tea splashed out of the cavity, and the mouse now works...intermittently. I can hear him weezing, poor thing. He's drowning in there. Splenda allergy, I guess.
Sadly, there is another dead mouse just like him in the closet. He died about 2 months ago. I guess this one will join his big brother in the dark closet (why can't I throw them away? I dunno. I guess I'm hoping for a miracle like in Pet Sematary. Whoooo... scary reincarnated mice!)
So I suppose tomorrow I'll pack up my Staples reward check and go rodent shopping. Let's hope the new one lasts a little longer than 2 months.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thank you, Anna Marie Jarvis!
I love Mother's Day. I might love it more than any other holiday, really. Know why?
BECAUSE IT IS ALL ABOUT ME.
Yep. It's the one day a year that I don't have to do one.single.thing. I don't have to lift one finger. Not even a toe, really. And everything we do during the day is a result of a choice I MAKE. It's like being Queen for a Day!
I was allowed to sleep late (8 am!) this morning, which is always a great experience.
I was served breakfast in bed (eggs over medium with buttered toast and iced tea). On the tray with the breakfast was a beautiful descriptive paragraph my 10 year-old daughter wrote at school. She said her teacher told her it would make me cry, and as predicted, tears did fall. It was a very touching paragraph, and if I wasn't so lazy, I'd get up and go get it and retype it here...
I was left alone for about an hour after breakfast, so I watched TV from the comfort of my bed. The children and their dad were in the basement doing the Mommy Mall, so it was even QUIET upstairs while I was in bed. Yee haw.
I was showered with gifts. It's crazy insane how many gifts I got, really! I loved every single one of them. Some chocolates, some scrapbooking things, some shirts, a pair of PJs, some earrings, a Wii fit game and a lot of good smelling soaps, lotions and bubble bath products from Bath & Body Works (my husband said each child made their own gift bags at B&BW on Friday night, which must've been a comical scene! Bless the man for his patience!)
Once I was dressed and ready to leave the house, I was adorned with a beautiful yellow orchid.
I was taken to a nice restaurant for brunch, where my children behaved and didn't whine or fight (much). They were even agreeable enough to get a nice picture at the end of the meal. (Look! The older two are even T.O.U.C.H.I.N.G.)
I was given a bouquet of tulips by our waiter (other moms were just getting one tulip each, but he gave me one tulip for each of my lovely children. Can you say NICE, FAT TIP?) BONUS: They perfectly matched the tulips my sister sent!
The waiter also gave me a split of champagne and a $25 gift certificate to spend on a future visit (Woo hoo! I smell a DATE NIGHT!)
When we got back home, I was allowed to spend more time by myself while the children swam with my husband in the backyard pool.
I talked to my mom and had a nice conversation.
At 7 pm, we gathered on the couch as a family to watch "America's Funniest Home Videos", which was, as usual, a gutbusting good time.
As I type this (sitting in my comfy spot on the Oasis), my sweet husband is preparing a bacon sandwich for my dinner, and we have the "Survivor" finale paused on the DVR.
Tomorrow I'll have to go back to doing the dishes and the laundry and cleaning the house, but for now, I'm just chillin' and letting myself enjoy these last few Mother's Day moments. Ahhhhhh.....
I am truly, truly blessed.
Happy Mother's Day, y'all. I hope yours was as good as mine was.
And thank you, Anna Marie Jarvis, for creating Mother's Day. You are my hero.
BECAUSE IT IS ALL ABOUT ME.
Yep. It's the one day a year that I don't have to do one.single.thing. I don't have to lift one finger. Not even a toe, really. And everything we do during the day is a result of a choice I MAKE. It's like being Queen for a Day!
I was allowed to sleep late (8 am!) this morning, which is always a great experience.
I was served breakfast in bed (eggs over medium with buttered toast and iced tea). On the tray with the breakfast was a beautiful descriptive paragraph my 10 year-old daughter wrote at school. She said her teacher told her it would make me cry, and as predicted, tears did fall. It was a very touching paragraph, and if I wasn't so lazy, I'd get up and go get it and retype it here...
I was left alone for about an hour after breakfast, so I watched TV from the comfort of my bed. The children and their dad were in the basement doing the Mommy Mall, so it was even QUIET upstairs while I was in bed. Yee haw.
I was showered with gifts. It's crazy insane how many gifts I got, really! I loved every single one of them. Some chocolates, some scrapbooking things, some shirts, a pair of PJs, some earrings, a Wii fit game and a lot of good smelling soaps, lotions and bubble bath products from Bath & Body Works (my husband said each child made their own gift bags at B&BW on Friday night, which must've been a comical scene! Bless the man for his patience!)
Once I was dressed and ready to leave the house, I was adorned with a beautiful yellow orchid.
I was taken to a nice restaurant for brunch, where my children behaved and didn't whine or fight (much). They were even agreeable enough to get a nice picture at the end of the meal. (Look! The older two are even T.O.U.C.H.I.N.G.)
I was given a bouquet of tulips by our waiter (other moms were just getting one tulip each, but he gave me one tulip for each of my lovely children. Can you say NICE, FAT TIP?) BONUS: They perfectly matched the tulips my sister sent!
The waiter also gave me a split of champagne and a $25 gift certificate to spend on a future visit (Woo hoo! I smell a DATE NIGHT!)
When we got back home, I was allowed to spend more time by myself while the children swam with my husband in the backyard pool.
I talked to my mom and had a nice conversation.
At 7 pm, we gathered on the couch as a family to watch "America's Funniest Home Videos", which was, as usual, a gutbusting good time.
As I type this (sitting in my comfy spot on the Oasis), my sweet husband is preparing a bacon sandwich for my dinner, and we have the "Survivor" finale paused on the DVR.
Tomorrow I'll have to go back to doing the dishes and the laundry and cleaning the house, but for now, I'm just chillin' and letting myself enjoy these last few Mother's Day moments. Ahhhhhh.....
I am truly, truly blessed.
Happy Mother's Day, y'all. I hope yours was as good as mine was.
And thank you, Anna Marie Jarvis, for creating Mother's Day. You are my hero.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Holy Saturday, Batman!
Today we had a neighborhood yard sale. Someone else organized it and promoted it and all I had to do was open my garage and put out a bunch of stuff to sell. Easy Peasy, right?
Wrong.
I found more junk in my basement than I expected to have. I just kept pulling things out. It needed to be done, really, but man, am I tired and sore because of it.
Today was the sale. We had gorgeous weather and a great turnout. We made $178, which is nothing to sneeze at. Nice chunk of change.
The best part was spending 5 hours with my daughter. My husband took the little ones to his mom's on Friday night so they'd be out of my hair today. My 7 year-old spent most of his time playing computer games, then realized he was all alone inside the house and came out to sit with us.
From 7:15 (!) a.m. until about 11 am it was just me and Camryn minding the store. We had fun selling our junk, watching the people come and go, and just talking and laughing together. If our relationship survives the teen years, I suspect we'll be very good friends we she grows up. I really enjoy being in her company, 'cause she be a funny girl!
When it was over and I was packing up the stuff to take to the Goodwill, the UPS man pulled up in front of my house. Unusual to see the man in brown on a Saturday, but there he was. He was a nice lookin' man in brown, too.
He brought me a box and wished me a Happy Mother's Day.
The box was from 1-800 flowers. I thought, "Aw! My hubby sent me flowers!"
Then I opened the box and saw these:
and I read this:
Those gorgeous tulips were a gift from my younger sister. I was floored.
I was so touched, because I don't think she's ever given me a gift for Mother's Day. I didn't expect one.
But I love it. I love that she took the time to send them to me. I love tulips. LOVE them.
Thanks, Neener. You really made my day.
Wrong.
I found more junk in my basement than I expected to have. I just kept pulling things out. It needed to be done, really, but man, am I tired and sore because of it.
Today was the sale. We had gorgeous weather and a great turnout. We made $178, which is nothing to sneeze at. Nice chunk of change.
The best part was spending 5 hours with my daughter. My husband took the little ones to his mom's on Friday night so they'd be out of my hair today. My 7 year-old spent most of his time playing computer games, then realized he was all alone inside the house and came out to sit with us.
From 7:15 (!) a.m. until about 11 am it was just me and Camryn minding the store. We had fun selling our junk, watching the people come and go, and just talking and laughing together. If our relationship survives the teen years, I suspect we'll be very good friends we she grows up. I really enjoy being in her company, 'cause she be a funny girl!
When it was over and I was packing up the stuff to take to the Goodwill, the UPS man pulled up in front of my house. Unusual to see the man in brown on a Saturday, but there he was. He was a nice lookin' man in brown, too.
He brought me a box and wished me a Happy Mother's Day.
The box was from 1-800 flowers. I thought, "Aw! My hubby sent me flowers!"
Then I opened the box and saw these:
and I read this:
Those gorgeous tulips were a gift from my younger sister. I was floored.
I was so touched, because I don't think she's ever given me a gift for Mother's Day. I didn't expect one.
But I love it. I love that she took the time to send them to me. I love tulips. LOVE them.
Thanks, Neener. You really made my day.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Blog Challenge: Picture Perfect
This week's Blog Challenge from ScrapShare, posted by my friend Joanie:
This is my choice:
This is the photo that came to mind when I read the blog challenge. It's one of my favorite photos that I've ever taken.
I love pictures that capture that essence of who we are. It got me thinking about my own loved ones and how much I treasure those few photos that capture the magic of that person I love. So the challenge this week is to post a picture of someone you love. It can't be just any picture, it should be one of those pictures that you look at and you really see something about that person.Once you find that special picture, post it in your blog and tell us what it is that makes it special.This is not limited to children, or spouses. It is for anyone, even beloved pets.
This is my choice:
This is the photo that came to mind when I read the blog challenge. It's one of my favorite photos that I've ever taken.
That's my daughter, Lillian, on the left. She was 2, I think. That's my dad on the right, doing his "I'm gonna' make you laugh" face for Lillian. It worked, 'cause she's laughing.
My dad loves me and my sister so much, and he always made it a point to tell us that and show us that love as we grew up. I'm so grateful to have had a sensitive, caring, loving, funny daddy, because there aren't many of those in this world. I was blessed to have married a man just like Dad, too. The men in my life truly love their families, would choose their company over any other, and that is precious and rare.
My daddy has a great laugh. He doesn't laugh at everything; he's kind of selective. He loves slapstick humor and intelligent humor the most. I have to say I swell with pride when I make my dad laugh. I am honored that something I said tickled his funny bone, because he's a smart man, and he appreciates a smart joke. The same can be said of my husband. He's very similar to my dad in a lot of ways, but that one area more than any. I love making those guys snicker, because to me it says I'm smart if I can make a smart person laugh.
I love that picture because it reminds me of my dad's love of laughter and his love for his family. I can almost hear Lillian giggling when I look at it. It makes me giggle, too.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
One Word
Not as easy as you might think... answer each question with only one word!
1. Where is your cell phone? car
2. Significant other? work
3. Your hair? grey
4.Your mother? intelligent
5. Your father? talented
6. Your favorite thing? pajamas
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your favorite drink? tea
9. Your dream/goal? debtless
10. The room you're in? scrap
11. Your hobby? scrapbooking
12. Your fear? drowning
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you're not? sad
16. Muffins? banana
17. One of your wish list items? ring
18. Where you grew up? missed
19. The last thing you did? dishes
20. What are you wearing? shorts!
21. Your TV? distraction
22. Your pets? soft
23. Your computer? distraction
24. Your life? amazing
25. Your mood? upbeat
26. Missing someone? parents
27. Your car ? overused
28. Something you're not wearing? jewelry
29. Favorite store? Target
30. Your summer? anticipated
31. Like someone? children
32. Your favorite color? red
33. When is the last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? dunno
1. Where is your cell phone? car
2. Significant other? work
3. Your hair? grey
4.Your mother? intelligent
5. Your father? talented
6. Your favorite thing? pajamas
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your favorite drink? tea
9. Your dream/goal? debtless
10. The room you're in? scrap
11. Your hobby? scrapbooking
12. Your fear? drowning
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you're not? sad
16. Muffins? banana
17. One of your wish list items? ring
18. Where you grew up? missed
19. The last thing you did? dishes
20. What are you wearing? shorts!
21. Your TV? distraction
22. Your pets? soft
23. Your computer? distraction
24. Your life? amazing
25. Your mood? upbeat
26. Missing someone? parents
27. Your car ? overused
28. Something you're not wearing? jewelry
29. Favorite store? Target
30. Your summer? anticipated
31. Like someone? children
32. Your favorite color? red
33. When is the last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? dunno
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