My daughter playing around at the Air and Space Museum.
We all had a go at sticking our faces over this air machine, but it was especially funny to see my 5 year old's hair.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hair raising!
My daughter playing around at the Air and Space Museum.
We all had a go at sticking our faces over this air machine, but it was especially funny to see my 5 year old's hair.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
A Random Thought
Opposites may attract, but they will have a hard time deciding where to go on vacation.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
weaving
I'm going to start a blog page to cronicle my weaving projects. There isn't there much yet, but I'm working on a few things and taking pictures. I have great ideas and great plans and I hope I can make them come together into a neat photo/instructional blog.
Inkle and Weave
http://mollylooms.blogspot.com/
Inkle and Weave
http://mollylooms.blogspot.com/
the weekend
It's a lazy Saturday. Well, as lazy at things can be here. There is always so much going on.
Peanut has continued to be trouble. Her new favorite activity is to push a chair around the kitchen and dining room. Then, she climbs up on the chair, and plays with whatever interests her - light switches, the drawer of silverware, anything she can reach on the counter and the refrigerator water dispenser. She is everywhere and into everything! I'll be amazed, really, if she survives toddlerhood without some major incident.
She is talking more and speaking in full sentences sometimes. Her newest favorite word is "cookie". It is very clear and plain when she says it. "I want a cookie," is often heard from her pretty voice when she is playing around in the kitchen. Cookie doesn't mean simply cookie. It is a general word for most food and drink. So, if you hear her say, "I want a cookie," you must see what she is pointing at to know what food item she is after.
My older boys have been enjoying watching the old Ghostbusters movies this week. Fine with me, I like them too, but my youngest son, who is 3, doesn't like them at all. He will hide out in his room and play with his toys during the entire movie. When the movie ends, he comes out and plays in the living room.
School starts in one week for my kids! Actually, my 6th grader will go to school for one day this coming Wednesday. The 6th graders get to go for a day before the "upperclassmen" arrive. They get to know the school. Guess what - I still haven't bought school supplies! What is even worse, I still haven't registered my daughter for Kindergarten yet!!! I've been putting it off. I don't want her to go. I want her to stay home with me. I'm so selfish. Also, the school hasn't been opened at all this summer for me to go and register her. They office will be open this coming week and I'll go do it.
I'm starting the process of applying for school myself. I've been talking for years and years and have said over and over I'm going to do this, but I think now is the time. I wouldn't be able to start until next fall, unfortunately, but really, Peanut is still to little for me to do much school work. She wouldn't let me get anything done if I tried it now. So, in October, I'm going to go take the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submit my score and applications to the two schools I would be happy to attend their program. We'll see, we'll see. I've got a whole year and who knows what can happen during that time.
Hmmm, what else. Kids, house, cleaning, kids, weaving, cleaning more, tons of laundry, lightning storms every evening, more kids and more cleaning. Yep, the usual.
Peanut has continued to be trouble. Her new favorite activity is to push a chair around the kitchen and dining room. Then, she climbs up on the chair, and plays with whatever interests her - light switches, the drawer of silverware, anything she can reach on the counter and the refrigerator water dispenser. She is everywhere and into everything! I'll be amazed, really, if she survives toddlerhood without some major incident.
She is talking more and speaking in full sentences sometimes. Her newest favorite word is "cookie". It is very clear and plain when she says it. "I want a cookie," is often heard from her pretty voice when she is playing around in the kitchen. Cookie doesn't mean simply cookie. It is a general word for most food and drink. So, if you hear her say, "I want a cookie," you must see what she is pointing at to know what food item she is after.
My older boys have been enjoying watching the old Ghostbusters movies this week. Fine with me, I like them too, but my youngest son, who is 3, doesn't like them at all. He will hide out in his room and play with his toys during the entire movie. When the movie ends, he comes out and plays in the living room.
School starts in one week for my kids! Actually, my 6th grader will go to school for one day this coming Wednesday. The 6th graders get to go for a day before the "upperclassmen" arrive. They get to know the school. Guess what - I still haven't bought school supplies! What is even worse, I still haven't registered my daughter for Kindergarten yet!!! I've been putting it off. I don't want her to go. I want her to stay home with me. I'm so selfish. Also, the school hasn't been opened at all this summer for me to go and register her. They office will be open this coming week and I'll go do it.
I'm starting the process of applying for school myself. I've been talking for years and years and have said over and over I'm going to do this, but I think now is the time. I wouldn't be able to start until next fall, unfortunately, but really, Peanut is still to little for me to do much school work. She wouldn't let me get anything done if I tried it now. So, in October, I'm going to go take the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submit my score and applications to the two schools I would be happy to attend their program. We'll see, we'll see. I've got a whole year and who knows what can happen during that time.
Hmmm, what else. Kids, house, cleaning, kids, weaving, cleaning more, tons of laundry, lightning storms every evening, more kids and more cleaning. Yep, the usual.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
rename
I think I'm going to rename Peanut. Her new name is going to be Peanut Trouble Big-Mess Surname! This girl is trouble! She spends her days making trouble and messes. I can't keep up with her.
This morning alone, she dumped a bowl's worth of corn flakes on the table, opened the container of lentils with her jaws of steel, got a hold of a pen and drew all over some church papers as well as all over herself. She pulled a chair up to the refridgerater, climbed up and started pushing the water dispenser which poured water all over the kitchen floor. She has jumped on the couch, fallen off the couch, jumped on her mattress and rolled off of it (don't worry, the mattress sits on the floor). She woke up her dad and her brother this morning by going into their rooms and chatting with them. All of this with the normal playing of toys. It's nine in the morning and she has been quite busy.
Yep, I think a name change is order. Good thing she's been so cute about it all.
This morning alone, she dumped a bowl's worth of corn flakes on the table, opened the container of lentils with her jaws of steel, got a hold of a pen and drew all over some church papers as well as all over herself. She pulled a chair up to the refridgerater, climbed up and started pushing the water dispenser which poured water all over the kitchen floor. She has jumped on the couch, fallen off the couch, jumped on her mattress and rolled off of it (don't worry, the mattress sits on the floor). She woke up her dad and her brother this morning by going into their rooms and chatting with them. All of this with the normal playing of toys. It's nine in the morning and she has been quite busy.
Yep, I think a name change is order. Good thing she's been so cute about it all.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Big Ideas
I get big ideas once in a while. OK, I get big ideas pretty often.
I have the idea to write a young adult series of books.
I have an idea to write an chick flick novel.
I have an idea to weave great things - decorate my house in them, use them to make clothes, and to sell them.
I have an idea to build several looms by myself.
I have the idea to cross stitch my youngest child's stocking.
I have the idea to grow a really nice garden and can the harvest.
There are many more big ideas. Many, many more.
I never have a lack of ideas. What I do have is a lack of ability to do most things. It's frustrating sometimes, but I guess as long as the ideas keep coming, one day I'll be able to make one of them a reality. And that is a nice idea.
I have the idea to write a young adult series of books.
I have an idea to write an chick flick novel.
I have an idea to weave great things - decorate my house in them, use them to make clothes, and to sell them.
I have an idea to build several looms by myself.
I have the idea to cross stitch my youngest child's stocking.
I have the idea to grow a really nice garden and can the harvest.
There are many more big ideas. Many, many more.
I never have a lack of ideas. What I do have is a lack of ability to do most things. It's frustrating sometimes, but I guess as long as the ideas keep coming, one day I'll be able to make one of them a reality. And that is a nice idea.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Less than picturesque
On Monday I took my 5 squirmy children to have pictures taken. I hadn't done that since kid #4 was 10 months old. We picked out some nice clothes. They all had on t-shirts, but they were red, white, and blue and it was the first time all the boys had worn their shirts, so they looked nice.
The photographer produced something of a miracle. She managed to capture a few pictures where Peanut was not crying. Peanut love to have her picture taken and squeals with delight when she sees the camera. Not so for the photographer who she didn't know and was trying to make her sit when she didn't want to sit. Peanut cried most of the entire time.
My oldest son was the most cooperative, but he messed up a few otherwise nice photos because his fixed smile turned into something more like a painful grimace. My second son was good and mostly cooperative. Princess daughter refused to smile. She will not smile for anyone who asks her to, even me. The neat thing about her, though, is even if she isn't smiling she has a pixie like face that is really quite pretty when it is pouting. I call it her mysterious model face. My youngest son was really quite good and if you can get him to do a real smile, it is one of the cutest little smiles you will see.
So, between all their personalities, we ended up with a couple of really nice looking pictures.
But, between you and me, with the way the little ones act and the cost of the pictures, I won't be doing this again anytime soon. But, it has been almost 2 years since the last photo session. Perhaps in 2 years I will have forgotten the pain of family photos and be ready to try it again. Maybe....
The photographer produced something of a miracle. She managed to capture a few pictures where Peanut was not crying. Peanut love to have her picture taken and squeals with delight when she sees the camera. Not so for the photographer who she didn't know and was trying to make her sit when she didn't want to sit. Peanut cried most of the entire time.
My oldest son was the most cooperative, but he messed up a few otherwise nice photos because his fixed smile turned into something more like a painful grimace. My second son was good and mostly cooperative. Princess daughter refused to smile. She will not smile for anyone who asks her to, even me. The neat thing about her, though, is even if she isn't smiling she has a pixie like face that is really quite pretty when it is pouting. I call it her mysterious model face. My youngest son was really quite good and if you can get him to do a real smile, it is one of the cutest little smiles you will see.
So, between all their personalities, we ended up with a couple of really nice looking pictures.
But, between you and me, with the way the little ones act and the cost of the pictures, I won't be doing this again anytime soon. But, it has been almost 2 years since the last photo session. Perhaps in 2 years I will have forgotten the pain of family photos and be ready to try it again. Maybe....
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Helpful girl
My Peanut is 15 months old now, almost 16 months old. The time is flying by. She can be so sweet. She is really starting to talk to us now and has a small vocabulary of "real" words, but she can speak an entire language I'm unfamiliar with. It is so funny to listen to her talk. She speaks her language with intensity. Each word is very deliberate. I just wish I understood Peanut Gibberish. I would absolutely love to know what she talks about.
She has become quite helpful. Or rather, she tries hard to be very helpful. When it is time to set the table, she wants to help, so I'll give her some cups. Sometimes she will put them on the table. Often she will wander off with them. She loves to help me with the laundry. She will hand me clothes to fold. Most of the time, however, she will hand me armloads of clothes I've already folded. She can undo an entire stack in one movement. When the laundry is done being folded, she wants to help put it away. She will grab and armload of laundry and walk off with it. I have later found stacks of half-way folded clothes in the hall closet and/or in the drier. The other day she wanted to take the wet diaper I had just changed her out of to the trash. She did it.
Saturday, at the store, she help unload the cart and would put cans onto the checkout counter. The cashier wasn't moving fast enough and after Peanut had put the last can on the counter, she began to take them off and put them back into the basket.
I love how eager she is to be helpful. It's tough because she really can't help much and I end up cleaning more because of her helpfulness, but I'm not going to squash it. She will become very unhelpful on her own soon enough, when those tough threes hit.
She has become quite helpful. Or rather, she tries hard to be very helpful. When it is time to set the table, she wants to help, so I'll give her some cups. Sometimes she will put them on the table. Often she will wander off with them. She loves to help me with the laundry. She will hand me clothes to fold. Most of the time, however, she will hand me armloads of clothes I've already folded. She can undo an entire stack in one movement. When the laundry is done being folded, she wants to help put it away. She will grab and armload of laundry and walk off with it. I have later found stacks of half-way folded clothes in the hall closet and/or in the drier. The other day she wanted to take the wet diaper I had just changed her out of to the trash. She did it.
Saturday, at the store, she help unload the cart and would put cans onto the checkout counter. The cashier wasn't moving fast enough and after Peanut had put the last can on the counter, she began to take them off and put them back into the basket.
I love how eager she is to be helpful. It's tough because she really can't help much and I end up cleaning more because of her helpfulness, but I'm not going to squash it. She will become very unhelpful on her own soon enough, when those tough threes hit.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
We are the Champions?
My three year old loves the song, "We are the Champions". He sings it all day long. The problem is, he only know about two lines of the chorus. He is very creative with his singing this song. He makes up his own lyrics.
It started out sounding like this:
No time for ya ya
'Cause we are the bo bo!
Sometimes you will hear him sing:
No time for tickle
'Cause we are the baby
Today I heard all through lunch:
No time for fingers
'Cause we are the hot dogs
No, it makes no sense at all. He just adds whatever words, real or nonsense, that he likes. I have got this song suck in my head all the time now, too.
AAAAAHHHHH!
Now, I must sing:
No time for blogging
'Cause I've got some laundry
TO DO!
It started out sounding like this:
No time for ya ya
'Cause we are the bo bo!
Sometimes you will hear him sing:
No time for tickle
'Cause we are the baby
Today I heard all through lunch:
No time for fingers
'Cause we are the hot dogs
No, it makes no sense at all. He just adds whatever words, real or nonsense, that he likes. I have got this song suck in my head all the time now, too.
AAAAAHHHHH!
Now, I must sing:
No time for blogging
'Cause I've got some laundry
TO DO!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Cake Contest
It all began in 1979. My brother and I were little, 2 and 4 years old. Mom made a cake for the 4th of July. She took a picture of her cake with us standing next to it. She did it again the next year and then, the Independence Day cake was put to rest, until about 6 years ago.
My brother, who was in the picture with me in 1979, and his wife decided to make their own Independence day cake. The next year they had a contest with each other for the 4th of July. They did this every year. The winner got fame and glory (among the family), the looser had to do the "Carlton Dance". If you don't know what that is, go to YouTube.com, and type in Carlton dance. It is from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
OK, this year, the contest was opened to the entire family and, since we were all together for a big reunion, the cake contest was huge. Secrecy was the word.
On July 4th, we pulled out the cake pans, the icing tips and the Patriotic music. There was lots of laughter and in the end, we had 5 amazing cakes, but only one winner.
This is my sister-in-law's cake. We were all quite intimidated by it. It looked like it could be from a cake shop. It had a flag topper on the cake, but somehow, I didn't get a good picture of it. It was really beautiful!
This was my entry. Cake balls!!!
My sister's cake. It is her depiction of the Revolutionary War, complete with food coloring gore. The little mangled people were made from Fondant.
President Obama, captured in cake. It was pretty amazing to watch her and my brother put this thing together.
My mom's entry - a John Deer tractor.
So, which one won? Take a guess... ready? The Revolutionary War cake! It was very popular among the kids. (I voted for it too). My cake? Well, it received one vote and that was from my good hubby. Oddly, my cake tied for last place with cake #6 - there was no cake #6! My dad, the wise guy, put that vote in.
So, everyone, except for my sister and her husband, did the Carlton Dance! It was great fun. Now I've got to start thinking, what can I do next year? Hmmm, maybe a bust of George Washington.... stay tuned next year to hear how the Annual 4th of July Cake Contest turns out.
My brother, who was in the picture with me in 1979, and his wife decided to make their own Independence day cake. The next year they had a contest with each other for the 4th of July. They did this every year. The winner got fame and glory (among the family), the looser had to do the "Carlton Dance". If you don't know what that is, go to YouTube.com, and type in Carlton dance. It is from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
OK, this year, the contest was opened to the entire family and, since we were all together for a big reunion, the cake contest was huge. Secrecy was the word.
On July 4th, we pulled out the cake pans, the icing tips and the Patriotic music. There was lots of laughter and in the end, we had 5 amazing cakes, but only one winner.
This is my sister-in-law's cake. We were all quite intimidated by it. It looked like it could be from a cake shop. It had a flag topper on the cake, but somehow, I didn't get a good picture of it. It was really beautiful!
This was my entry. Cake balls!!!
My sister's cake. It is her depiction of the Revolutionary War, complete with food coloring gore. The little mangled people were made from Fondant.
President Obama, captured in cake. It was pretty amazing to watch her and my brother put this thing together.
My mom's entry - a John Deer tractor.
So, which one won? Take a guess... ready? The Revolutionary War cake! It was very popular among the kids. (I voted for it too). My cake? Well, it received one vote and that was from my good hubby. Oddly, my cake tied for last place with cake #6 - there was no cake #6! My dad, the wise guy, put that vote in.
So, everyone, except for my sister and her husband, did the Carlton Dance! It was great fun. Now I've got to start thinking, what can I do next year? Hmmm, maybe a bust of George Washington.... stay tuned next year to hear how the Annual 4th of July Cake Contest turns out.
Monday, July 13, 2009
unwillingly back
Well, I drove home on Saturday. It was 12 hours in the van with just me and the kids. The DVD player has died. We had no movie entertainment to help pass the hours. What we did have was Harry Potter book 7 on CD to listen to. That was great, for me, but it did nothing to help Peanut, who was trapped in her car seat all day long. She made sure to let me know how much she didn't like that arrangement.
I started in East Texas and drove a long, long straight road. I watched the green grass and tall beautiful trees pass. The trees became smaller as I went further west. Soon, there were mesas and green bushes. Hours later there was orange dirt and scrub. Finally we arrived home to the land of tumbleweeds. I miss the green.
I had a much longer post typed up, but it was sad and depressing and I try to avoide that here as much as possible, so I erased it. The truth is, I didn't want to come home.
I've been quite depressed since returning. I miss the green. I miss my family.
I started in East Texas and drove a long, long straight road. I watched the green grass and tall beautiful trees pass. The trees became smaller as I went further west. Soon, there were mesas and green bushes. Hours later there was orange dirt and scrub. Finally we arrived home to the land of tumbleweeds. I miss the green.
I had a much longer post typed up, but it was sad and depressing and I try to avoide that here as much as possible, so I erased it. The truth is, I didn't want to come home.
I've been quite depressed since returning. I miss the green. I miss my family.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Leaving on a funny note
I'll be going on vacation for a couple of weeks. I'm really looking forward to it.
Still, no matter what is going on, my kids keep me hopping.
Yesterday, Peanut was very busy. I didn't find this out until later, but she climbed up on the chair at Hubby's laptop. She popped off about half of the keys. It's incredible what she can do. She also got a hold of a pen and drew on my arms while I was working on paying bills.
Just a little while ago I went into my bedroom and it smelled very strongly of air freshener. I found my 5 year old daughter and three year old son in the master bathroom. They were using the Oust to clean the mirror. I was ready to pass out when I walked in there. I took the Oust and the Oust-soaked washcloth away from them. Well, the bathroom smells fresh and will smell fresh for a long time.
Have a Happy 4th of July all.
Thanks to all of the service men and women who serve and have served our country.
God Bless America.
Still, no matter what is going on, my kids keep me hopping.
Yesterday, Peanut was very busy. I didn't find this out until later, but she climbed up on the chair at Hubby's laptop. She popped off about half of the keys. It's incredible what she can do. She also got a hold of a pen and drew on my arms while I was working on paying bills.
Just a little while ago I went into my bedroom and it smelled very strongly of air freshener. I found my 5 year old daughter and three year old son in the master bathroom. They were using the Oust to clean the mirror. I was ready to pass out when I walked in there. I took the Oust and the Oust-soaked washcloth away from them. Well, the bathroom smells fresh and will smell fresh for a long time.
Have a Happy 4th of July all.
Thanks to all of the service men and women who serve and have served our country.
God Bless America.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
searching for inspiration
I've thought of all sorts of random thoughts lately, but now I can't remember them. Like my brain, they have gone missing.
About six years ago, I had several talks on tape. They were all by Mary Ellen Edmunds. She is a great speaker. She is funny, truthful, inspiring, and down-to-Earth. She makes me laugh. I don't have any idea where those tapes are now since we've made two moves in six years and it really doesn't matter because I don't have a tape player anymore.
I was thinking recently how much I enjoyed her talks. So, I looked her up on the Internet. I found one of her talks I could listen to in the form of an MP3 and all her other talks were there and available for me to read. I've sure enjoyed catching up with her talks.
One story has stuck with me for many years. She told a story about a friend who was sitting in sacrament meeting and the young man doing one of the sacrament prayers kept messing up a big and he had to say it three or four times before he got it. The friend said how grateful she was to hear it that many times because she wasn't ready to listen the first two times it was said. I liked that idea. It isn't easy with small kids and I find myself most of the time doing my best to keep them quiet or still during the prayers. Still, every week I think of that story and if they kids cooperate, I work very hard to listen well the first time because I might not be lucky enough that week to hear it twice. I don't know if I've said anything that makes sense, but it works for me and I guess that is what is most important.
Another talk I enjoy listening to, because I have it on CD, is called "Teaching Your Children to Fly" and it's by Marilee Brown Boyack. It's another funny talk, but it is about the importance of teaching children skills and chores so they can grow up to be independent adults. I love this! In the immediate moment, it's good because I have helpers in cleaning and caring for the house - I'm teaching them house care, right? In the long term it is great because they will go out into the world and be prepared to care for themselves and not need me constantly. When you have the skills, you are much happier, even when the skill is laundry and clean clothes.
My boys don't believe me as I try to teach them table manners and body hygiene that this isn't for my benefit. While it makes me happy to have them use good manners and not stink, a day will come then they will try to be impressing a girl and these things will make her happy.
So, I search for inspiration. Searching for ways to make me a happy, better person and my children happy and better people. While I see the good in it, I'm having a hard time convincing my kids that it is good for them too... They scoff at the chore list and and get angry and moody about doing them, but I know that their cleaning the house is good for their future. :)
About six years ago, I had several talks on tape. They were all by Mary Ellen Edmunds. She is a great speaker. She is funny, truthful, inspiring, and down-to-Earth. She makes me laugh. I don't have any idea where those tapes are now since we've made two moves in six years and it really doesn't matter because I don't have a tape player anymore.
I was thinking recently how much I enjoyed her talks. So, I looked her up on the Internet. I found one of her talks I could listen to in the form of an MP3 and all her other talks were there and available for me to read. I've sure enjoyed catching up with her talks.
One story has stuck with me for many years. She told a story about a friend who was sitting in sacrament meeting and the young man doing one of the sacrament prayers kept messing up a big and he had to say it three or four times before he got it. The friend said how grateful she was to hear it that many times because she wasn't ready to listen the first two times it was said. I liked that idea. It isn't easy with small kids and I find myself most of the time doing my best to keep them quiet or still during the prayers. Still, every week I think of that story and if they kids cooperate, I work very hard to listen well the first time because I might not be lucky enough that week to hear it twice. I don't know if I've said anything that makes sense, but it works for me and I guess that is what is most important.
Another talk I enjoy listening to, because I have it on CD, is called "Teaching Your Children to Fly" and it's by Marilee Brown Boyack. It's another funny talk, but it is about the importance of teaching children skills and chores so they can grow up to be independent adults. I love this! In the immediate moment, it's good because I have helpers in cleaning and caring for the house - I'm teaching them house care, right? In the long term it is great because they will go out into the world and be prepared to care for themselves and not need me constantly. When you have the skills, you are much happier, even when the skill is laundry and clean clothes.
My boys don't believe me as I try to teach them table manners and body hygiene that this isn't for my benefit. While it makes me happy to have them use good manners and not stink, a day will come then they will try to be impressing a girl and these things will make her happy.
So, I search for inspiration. Searching for ways to make me a happy, better person and my children happy and better people. While I see the good in it, I'm having a hard time convincing my kids that it is good for them too... They scoff at the chore list and and get angry and moody about doing them, but I know that their cleaning the house is good for their future. :)
Friday, June 26, 2009
topsy turvy
I don't understand:
When the wife takes all the kids to visit family for a week and leaves hubby at home because he has to work that we (friends and neighbors) feel the need to make sure and check on the husband and make sure he is eating decent meals.
BUT
When the husband goes away for some business trip and leaves the wife behind with all the kids do we (friends and neighbors) not give it a single thought and usually end up saying, "Oh, your husband was gone for a week? I had no idea."
Same amount of time, wife alone with the kids in both scenarios, and hubby alone with himself and free. So, we take care of the poor man who is free of all parenting responsibilities and we feed him, but the wife with all the kids is completely forgotten.
Why is that?
When the wife takes all the kids to visit family for a week and leaves hubby at home because he has to work that we (friends and neighbors) feel the need to make sure and check on the husband and make sure he is eating decent meals.
BUT
When the husband goes away for some business trip and leaves the wife behind with all the kids do we (friends and neighbors) not give it a single thought and usually end up saying, "Oh, your husband was gone for a week? I had no idea."
Same amount of time, wife alone with the kids in both scenarios, and hubby alone with himself and free. So, we take care of the poor man who is free of all parenting responsibilities and we feed him, but the wife with all the kids is completely forgotten.
Why is that?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
life imitates art or is it the other way around?
You remember the 80's commercial:
The traffic (beep, beep), the boss (roar, rah, roar), the kids (whaaa!), the dog (woof, woof)! I can't take it anymore! Calgon, take me away!
I don't deal with traffic, bosses or dogs. Aren't kids enough of a reason for me to cry out to Calgon?
The traffic (beep, beep), the boss (roar, rah, roar), the kids (whaaa!), the dog (woof, woof)! I can't take it anymore! Calgon, take me away!
I don't deal with traffic, bosses or dogs. Aren't kids enough of a reason for me to cry out to Calgon?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Summer traditions
What is summer without:
-Playing in water, it doesn't matter how, pool, rain, sprinkler, just play in the water!
-Popsicles
-staying up late to watch a movie
-sleeping in the next morning - ok, with my little ones, this isn't possible for me, but my older boys are getting into the spirit of sleeping in
-the Monkees - since I was about 11, I have watched Monkee reruns during the summer months. It's no different now. School gets out and I put on the Monkees!
-very hot outings
-at least one sunburn
-BBQ's with lots of hot dogs
-a bowl of ice cream
-a campout. It doesn't matter if it is in the backyard, the living room, or the great outdoors, just as long as you set up a tent and sleep in it.
-mosquito bites
-the knot in your stomach when you see the back-to-school sales at Wal-Mart
-playing outside until 8:30 at night
-a visit with the grandparents!
-Playing in water, it doesn't matter how, pool, rain, sprinkler, just play in the water!
-Popsicles
-staying up late to watch a movie
-sleeping in the next morning - ok, with my little ones, this isn't possible for me, but my older boys are getting into the spirit of sleeping in
-the Monkees - since I was about 11, I have watched Monkee reruns during the summer months. It's no different now. School gets out and I put on the Monkees!
-very hot outings
-at least one sunburn
-BBQ's with lots of hot dogs
-a bowl of ice cream
-a campout. It doesn't matter if it is in the backyard, the living room, or the great outdoors, just as long as you set up a tent and sleep in it.
-mosquito bites
-the knot in your stomach when you see the back-to-school sales at Wal-Mart
-playing outside until 8:30 at night
-a visit with the grandparents!
Monday, June 22, 2009
11 years ago
Eleven years ago, the Saturday before Father's Day, I was 39 weeks pregnant and we moved from an apartment to a basement. Early Sunday morning, I went to the hospital because baby decided he was ready, or maybe the move decided for him. We spent the entire Father's Day in the hospital. Nurses were congratulating dear Hubby for becoming a father on Father's Day. It was also the summer solstice. We waited all day long, but baby didn't want to come. Finally early Monday morning, just as the sun was rising over the mountains, our first child made his entrance into the world.
What a long three days those were! Now, eleven years later, we spent the Saturday cleaning and playing, Father's Day was spent hanging out with Hubby, going to church, and having one of Hubby's co-workers over for a BBQ and cheesecake. Today for son's birthday, we will go to the pool to swim and we'll play around the house. We'll light 11 candles for him on a cake.
Father's Day was nice this year. Hubby works with some really nice people, but one gentleman, who has lived a very exciting life due to his line of work, has no family around him here. Health issues bother him once in a while, as those things do, unfortunately, as we get older. We were thinking about him and decided he needed a little family on Father's Day, and we, not having any extended family close by, decided we needed him. As we went to church, we stopped by his house, invited him to dinner that evening and left directions on how to get to our house. It was a great dinner and Hubby enjoyed his co-worker's company. Mr. A, I will call him, has traveled the world in his career. He told us about various places he had visited and by the end, I was having an itch to travel. I must go see Norway now.
Other than the fighting with the kids to do a bit of cleaning on Saturday, it was a great weekend. We are looking forward to a great week. Some trips to the pool, a couple of day trips to see some local sights. Yes, a great week is waiting for us.
What a long three days those were! Now, eleven years later, we spent the Saturday cleaning and playing, Father's Day was spent hanging out with Hubby, going to church, and having one of Hubby's co-workers over for a BBQ and cheesecake. Today for son's birthday, we will go to the pool to swim and we'll play around the house. We'll light 11 candles for him on a cake.
Father's Day was nice this year. Hubby works with some really nice people, but one gentleman, who has lived a very exciting life due to his line of work, has no family around him here. Health issues bother him once in a while, as those things do, unfortunately, as we get older. We were thinking about him and decided he needed a little family on Father's Day, and we, not having any extended family close by, decided we needed him. As we went to church, we stopped by his house, invited him to dinner that evening and left directions on how to get to our house. It was a great dinner and Hubby enjoyed his co-worker's company. Mr. A, I will call him, has traveled the world in his career. He told us about various places he had visited and by the end, I was having an itch to travel. I must go see Norway now.
Other than the fighting with the kids to do a bit of cleaning on Saturday, it was a great weekend. We are looking forward to a great week. Some trips to the pool, a couple of day trips to see some local sights. Yes, a great week is waiting for us.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
goings on
Summer is the best. It's really fun.
Things have been busy, but fun recently. My two boys got to go to cub scout day camp this past week. They really had fun. I got to go work there for one day and I really enjoyed myself, with a few exceptions.
Exception #1 - Sunburn! Yes, everyday I tell my boys, be sure to put on your sunblock, but do I remember? OH NO! The top of my head hurts so much, I can't brush it. I was told once that if you burn the top of your head too many times, hair will stop growing there. The skin is too damaged for hair to grow. Not a pretty thought, but if it's the gray hair that goes, it's OK.
Exception #2 - 10 year old soccer boy kicked a ball way to hard while playing kickball and the ball hit my right hand, twice! My wrist was swollen Thursday afternoon and all day yesterday. It is still sore today, but it isn't swollen anymore. (I can hear my sister laughing at me right now)
Other than those two things, it was great fun and I hope to volunteer again next year. Really, I do love it.
Church always keeps me busy. This week was Enrichment night and Cannery night. I really like going to the cannery.
Getting ready for hubby's business trip. I'm jealous, he is going to the city my sister lives in/next to. He will be getting to spend his evenings with my sister and her neat family. I want to go!!
Well, while he is gone, we are going to go swimming at the local pool (I'll put sunblock on) and we will probably take a day trip, head west and go see a ghost town! ooooo
Normal house stuff always going on. Well, I'm not sure what is normal anymore... :)
There has been no rain for several weeks now. And yet, the tumbleweeds grow. They grow fast and are a beautiful deep green. We did not invite them into our back yard. They rudely came in, uninvited, and have made themselves at home in between the rocks in the back yard. We pull them out and toss them as quick as we can, but they seem to have invited all their friends over. Hubby and I were talking about how great it would be if tomato plants were like that. If we could just take tomato sees, toss them carelessly into the rocky back yard, never water them, and have them grow like crazy. That would just be great, but oh no, the tomatoes are dieing in the desert sun and the tumbleweeds are just as happy as can be.
Things have been busy, but fun recently. My two boys got to go to cub scout day camp this past week. They really had fun. I got to go work there for one day and I really enjoyed myself, with a few exceptions.
Exception #1 - Sunburn! Yes, everyday I tell my boys, be sure to put on your sunblock, but do I remember? OH NO! The top of my head hurts so much, I can't brush it. I was told once that if you burn the top of your head too many times, hair will stop growing there. The skin is too damaged for hair to grow. Not a pretty thought, but if it's the gray hair that goes, it's OK.
Exception #2 - 10 year old soccer boy kicked a ball way to hard while playing kickball and the ball hit my right hand, twice! My wrist was swollen Thursday afternoon and all day yesterday. It is still sore today, but it isn't swollen anymore. (I can hear my sister laughing at me right now)
Other than those two things, it was great fun and I hope to volunteer again next year. Really, I do love it.
Church always keeps me busy. This week was Enrichment night and Cannery night. I really like going to the cannery.
Getting ready for hubby's business trip. I'm jealous, he is going to the city my sister lives in/next to. He will be getting to spend his evenings with my sister and her neat family. I want to go!!
Well, while he is gone, we are going to go swimming at the local pool (I'll put sunblock on) and we will probably take a day trip, head west and go see a ghost town! ooooo
Normal house stuff always going on. Well, I'm not sure what is normal anymore... :)
There has been no rain for several weeks now. And yet, the tumbleweeds grow. They grow fast and are a beautiful deep green. We did not invite them into our back yard. They rudely came in, uninvited, and have made themselves at home in between the rocks in the back yard. We pull them out and toss them as quick as we can, but they seem to have invited all their friends over. Hubby and I were talking about how great it would be if tomato plants were like that. If we could just take tomato sees, toss them carelessly into the rocky back yard, never water them, and have them grow like crazy. That would just be great, but oh no, the tomatoes are dieing in the desert sun and the tumbleweeds are just as happy as can be.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
my girls
Last night as I was going to tuck my five year old in bed, I found her sitting on her bed with one of the Hooked on Phonics books in her lap. She was sounding out the words! I was so impressed. I had tried to teach her this in the past, but she wasn't catching on, but there she was sounding out "span". I was impressed that she knew the "sp" sound, but then adding the "a" and "n" made it for a three syllable word. It takes time to be able to put those sounds together into one word. I was amazed. This morning she was at it again, trying to figure out the word "shall", but "s"+"ha"+"a"+"l" made a long odd word.
My one year old, is smart too, but in a very mischeivious way. I had put in a Baby Einstein movie and she had been watching it, but I guess she got bored. She opened the DVD player, changed the movies, and started a new one. She made a mess of the DVDs, though. I really don't like it when she gets ahold of the DVDs.
My one year old, is smart too, but in a very mischeivious way. I had put in a Baby Einstein movie and she had been watching it, but I guess she got bored. She opened the DVD player, changed the movies, and started a new one. She made a mess of the DVDs, though. I really don't like it when she gets ahold of the DVDs.
Monday, June 15, 2009
climbing queen
Peanut is 14 months old now. She is the most mischievous of my kids. She really keeps me on my toes. Lately her favorite thing to do is climb up onto the table. If anyone is working there, or playing games there, she climbs on and terrorizes whatever is going on.
She also likes to sit or stand on the edge of the couch arm. This drives me nuts. We have hard concrete tiled floors. I worry about her. Of course, she thinks it is so funny and just laughs and laughs as she lives on the edge. I've gotten to where I keep pillows on the floor next the the arm that she likes to climb on. She has fallen off twice and it hasn't stopped her.
She also likes to take my wallet apart at every opportunity. She's a menace. Good thing she is so gosh-darn cute!
She also likes to sit or stand on the edge of the couch arm. This drives me nuts. We have hard concrete tiled floors. I worry about her. Of course, she thinks it is so funny and just laughs and laughs as she lives on the edge. I've gotten to where I keep pillows on the floor next the the arm that she likes to climb on. She has fallen off twice and it hasn't stopped her.
She also likes to take my wallet apart at every opportunity. She's a menace. Good thing she is so gosh-darn cute!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
days
The summer days are going along. My boys spent several weeks with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, animals and lots of dirt. They had a blast. It's nice having them home again. Things were quieter without them, but not as much laughter was being heard in the house.
Here in the city, free lunch is provided for all the children at various parks. We've tried to hit that as often as we can. The food is good and I don't have to cook or clean dishes! I wanted to do that today, but today was one of those days where you go, go, go and we just didn't make it.
I do a weekly email newsletter for the ladies at church. They really like it and I love doing it, but it does take an hour or two to put it together each week. I did that today.
My interest in looms and weaving is still going strong. I've made two creations on my inkle loom and I'm working on another one. I really like it, but I'm having a hard time making the edges look good. I just don't know what to do about that. I have lots of weaving I want to do, but time isn't always there....
Things have been busy, in a fun way. We are having some issues with our real estate person not getting our house on the market yet. We are also having some car issues with the dealer not honoring their warranty. Some troubles never end.
Oh well, during the day we try to have happy times and play around. Next week is scout camp! I'm going to help out one day. That will be fun. I worry about leaving the three little ones with a baby sitter all day, but I love day camps and I'm excited to go for the day.
Here in the city, free lunch is provided for all the children at various parks. We've tried to hit that as often as we can. The food is good and I don't have to cook or clean dishes! I wanted to do that today, but today was one of those days where you go, go, go and we just didn't make it.
I do a weekly email newsletter for the ladies at church. They really like it and I love doing it, but it does take an hour or two to put it together each week. I did that today.
My interest in looms and weaving is still going strong. I've made two creations on my inkle loom and I'm working on another one. I really like it, but I'm having a hard time making the edges look good. I just don't know what to do about that. I have lots of weaving I want to do, but time isn't always there....
Things have been busy, in a fun way. We are having some issues with our real estate person not getting our house on the market yet. We are also having some car issues with the dealer not honoring their warranty. Some troubles never end.
Oh well, during the day we try to have happy times and play around. Next week is scout camp! I'm going to help out one day. That will be fun. I worry about leaving the three little ones with a baby sitter all day, but I love day camps and I'm excited to go for the day.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Taking a break
I've been spending WAY too much time here at the computer. I play, I read, I research, I watch funny things on youtube. My daughter has only 3 more months at home before school starts. I don't want her to go, I'll miss her so much, but what am I doing during the day? Sitting here.
I'm going to try hard and spend very little time here on the comp. When the baby needs me to sit and hold her, I'm going to read books again. I haven't read any books since we moved here 7 months ago. We have enough books to make the local library jealous. I've read maybe 10% of them, probably less. I'm going to read, I'm going to attempt more exercise, which, I think will happen if I'm not here on my rear end. The local city provides lots of free things for kids, there are parks all over the place, local hiking, museums, weekly craft fairs, and more. We are going to try and get out more and spend less time in the house. Easier said than done since I don't know what summers here are like, but I'm guessing their hot. However, when we are in the house, the kids tend to fight more, and I'm not going to let them play Wii every hour of every day.
This isn't going to be easy. This week, no computer, except necessary church stuff. The rest of the summer, I plan on writing and keeping a journal, probably a lot here in my blog, but I'm going to work very hard to make sure I have plenty to write about. So anyway, this long post is just to say (to myself more than anyone else) that I'm taking a break this week.
PS, I bought a new pedometer. My old one's battery died and it's cheaper to buy a new pedometer than the specialty batteries they require. At the end of the week, I'll let you know my mileage.
I'm going to try hard and spend very little time here on the comp. When the baby needs me to sit and hold her, I'm going to read books again. I haven't read any books since we moved here 7 months ago. We have enough books to make the local library jealous. I've read maybe 10% of them, probably less. I'm going to read, I'm going to attempt more exercise, which, I think will happen if I'm not here on my rear end. The local city provides lots of free things for kids, there are parks all over the place, local hiking, museums, weekly craft fairs, and more. We are going to try and get out more and spend less time in the house. Easier said than done since I don't know what summers here are like, but I'm guessing their hot. However, when we are in the house, the kids tend to fight more, and I'm not going to let them play Wii every hour of every day.
This isn't going to be easy. This week, no computer, except necessary church stuff. The rest of the summer, I plan on writing and keeping a journal, probably a lot here in my blog, but I'm going to work very hard to make sure I have plenty to write about. So anyway, this long post is just to say (to myself more than anyone else) that I'm taking a break this week.
PS, I bought a new pedometer. My old one's battery died and it's cheaper to buy a new pedometer than the specialty batteries they require. At the end of the week, I'll let you know my mileage.
Friday, May 29, 2009
building birds
A couple of birds have decided a small wall hanging over the front patio is where they want to build their nest. I'm OK with this, unless they start to attack us like some mockingbirds did last year in a bush near our front door.
See this post to know what I'm talking about.
I find this nest very interesting. When they first started coming to the spot, they were leaving little brown spots all along the wall. I thought it was pretty gross, because I thought they were leaving little bird droppings. Then, I started to notice the little specks of mud on the ground right under the wall. So, I've been watching these birds. They work in the morning only and they are building on the side of the wall. The nest is made of mud and grass. Now, we live in the desert. It rained last Friday, a week ago, but before then, there had been no rain for 6 months and there has been no rain since. There is no standing water anywhere near by. I'm not sure how they get the mud, but I'm guessing they make it in their little bird tummys and regurgitate it. Kind of a gross thought and a less than sanitary way to build a house, but very ingenious for these little birds in the hot, dry desert.
I've enjoyed watching their nest grow and now it is really starting to look like a nest. I wish these little birds well as they start their family. As long as they don't attack us when we come out of our front door, all will be well with them. I don't know what they are, but they are not mockingbirds, thank goodness....
See this post to know what I'm talking about.
I find this nest very interesting. When they first started coming to the spot, they were leaving little brown spots all along the wall. I thought it was pretty gross, because I thought they were leaving little bird droppings. Then, I started to notice the little specks of mud on the ground right under the wall. So, I've been watching these birds. They work in the morning only and they are building on the side of the wall. The nest is made of mud and grass. Now, we live in the desert. It rained last Friday, a week ago, but before then, there had been no rain for 6 months and there has been no rain since. There is no standing water anywhere near by. I'm not sure how they get the mud, but I'm guessing they make it in their little bird tummys and regurgitate it. Kind of a gross thought and a less than sanitary way to build a house, but very ingenious for these little birds in the hot, dry desert.
I've enjoyed watching their nest grow and now it is really starting to look like a nest. I wish these little birds well as they start their family. As long as they don't attack us when we come out of our front door, all will be well with them. I don't know what they are, but they are not mockingbirds, thank goodness....
Friday, May 22, 2009
first time mom...
I'm realizing that "first time mom" applies to more than just having your first baby.
My oldest will be 11 soon. He is a pre-teen. I'm a first time pre-teen mom. I just signed him up for middle school. I just bought the first can of deodorant (although I probably should have done this a while back). I'm buying size 7 shoes. His feet are almost as big as mine. He is only a head shorter than I am. He mumbles when he speaks. He is quick on jokes and come backs. He is starting to babysit his siblings for short periods of time.
Well, some things about him haven't grown up and he is still a kid. Girls are still to be avoided in his mind and not to be made friends with. Mom and Dad are still ok to be seen with. He prefers the company of his family to his friends. He still sits in the sand box with his little brother and fills buckets with sand.
Can he stop growing? Can he turn 11 and never have another birthday? I'm not sure I want him to grow up. Still, I know he will be a fabulous young man. He is smart and will do well in life. Oh, but I don't want him to grow. I'm so torn... I'm such a first time mom.
My oldest will be 11 soon. He is a pre-teen. I'm a first time pre-teen mom. I just signed him up for middle school. I just bought the first can of deodorant (although I probably should have done this a while back). I'm buying size 7 shoes. His feet are almost as big as mine. He is only a head shorter than I am. He mumbles when he speaks. He is quick on jokes and come backs. He is starting to babysit his siblings for short periods of time.
Well, some things about him haven't grown up and he is still a kid. Girls are still to be avoided in his mind and not to be made friends with. Mom and Dad are still ok to be seen with. He prefers the company of his family to his friends. He still sits in the sand box with his little brother and fills buckets with sand.
Can he stop growing? Can he turn 11 and never have another birthday? I'm not sure I want him to grow up. Still, I know he will be a fabulous young man. He is smart and will do well in life. Oh, but I don't want him to grow. I'm so torn... I'm such a first time mom.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Just the random everyday of life
I've been meaning to post more on hobbies because I have some funny things to show, but it requires me scanning some pictures from a book and I just haven't taken the time to do it. But, I will share a few pictures of my latest odd hobby, weaving!
This is a tapestry weaving technique that I'm trying. Usually, you sit on the floor with such a frame propped up. I'm not big into sitting on a hard concrete floor for long periods of time. Also, hanging like this, the kids can't get at it as easily. There is a pattern lightly drawn on the warp, or vertical yarn, it is geometric shapes and lines.
Here is a picture of what I just finished. This medieval torture looking device it my attempt to make my own loom. It works well enough. It needs some improvements... This flag thing I'm making turned out looking alright. My hubby refused to comment on it when I showed him the final project. I know it isn't pretty (this view is the back side, by the way) but I am very proud of what I accomplished for a first time.
Ok, on to other things of life!
Only two and a half days of school left!!! My boys are so excited. We have a very busy week.
This is my oldest, bobbing for apples. He really wanted to do this the other day, so the whole family got into it, except for me, I can't get my ears wet, so I've never been able to participate in things like this.
Desert blooms! I'm amazed at the huge number of flower producing plants here in the desert. The colors are amazing, too - red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, dark purple and pink. What is even more amazing that in the 6 months we have lived here, it has not rained. Twice in December it sprinkled, and a few months ago I saw about 10 drops on the sidewalk, but that is it! Desert plants are amazing.
The girls of my family have had a running joke for years about the Bluebird of Happiness. I'm not sure how it all started, but around 10 years ago, I ended up with two of this little glass birds. For the last year I've been having a great time putting these little bluebirds in various places and situations and taking their picture. Well, now, they are ready for summer!
This is a tapestry weaving technique that I'm trying. Usually, you sit on the floor with such a frame propped up. I'm not big into sitting on a hard concrete floor for long periods of time. Also, hanging like this, the kids can't get at it as easily. There is a pattern lightly drawn on the warp, or vertical yarn, it is geometric shapes and lines.
Here is a picture of what I just finished. This medieval torture looking device it my attempt to make my own loom. It works well enough. It needs some improvements... This flag thing I'm making turned out looking alright. My hubby refused to comment on it when I showed him the final project. I know it isn't pretty (this view is the back side, by the way) but I am very proud of what I accomplished for a first time.Ok, on to other things of life!
Only two and a half days of school left!!! My boys are so excited. We have a very busy week.
This is my oldest, bobbing for apples. He really wanted to do this the other day, so the whole family got into it, except for me, I can't get my ears wet, so I've never been able to participate in things like this.
Desert blooms! I'm amazed at the huge number of flower producing plants here in the desert. The colors are amazing, too - red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, dark purple and pink. What is even more amazing that in the 6 months we have lived here, it has not rained. Twice in December it sprinkled, and a few months ago I saw about 10 drops on the sidewalk, but that is it! Desert plants are amazing.
The girls of my family have had a running joke for years about the Bluebird of Happiness. I'm not sure how it all started, but around 10 years ago, I ended up with two of this little glass birds. For the last year I've been having a great time putting these little bluebirds in various places and situations and taking their picture. Well, now, they are ready for summer!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Jaws of Steel
Peanut has been teething for several months. We are almost done. She has two teeth to go - the two lower canines. As is such, she has been chomping on everything.
A few weeks ago, I was at the grocery store. I can't sit her in the seat part of the cart because she stands up in the seat. So, I put her in the cart with the groceries. I had just put a new gallon of milk in the cart and as I was walking down the aisle, my 5 year old yells, "Mom, Peanut opened the milk!" Peanut had the lid, with it's seal still attached, in her hand. She had her mouth over the open milk and was trying to get a drink. She had pried that lid right off with those jaws of steel.
At home, she has opened lids to the oatmeal, shortening, and even has gotten a hold of her formula. I've been lucky so far to catch most of these messes before they become huge messes.
Last week I was at Walgreens. I had a few things to get. Again, Peanut was in the basket. I was smarter this time, or so I thought, and put the items in the seat of the cart. While I was looking at something, Peanut stood up, got a box of neosporin and the box of lotion and stuck them in her mouth. By the time we got to the cash register, she had chewed the ends off the boxes and the creams sat at the bottom of the basket. All I could do was hand the cashier the chewed on box and apologize. "Sorry, but I have a teething toddler."
Then, yesterday, the mess that I have been so good to avoid happened. I was working on the computer doing various church related emails and reports when Peanut came up to me. She was holding her bottle and wanted to be held. I picked her up and noticed her entire outfit was wet and she smelled of vinegar. I went into the kitchen, where I found half a gallon of vinegar spilled out all over the floor. She had opened the cupboards, pulled out the vinegar and used those jaws of steel to pry off the lid.
My floor was very clean after I cleaned it all up. Now, I'm must go shopping for baby proof locks to go on several cupboards. We are renting the house and I would rather not do that to someone elses house, but Peanut is into way too much mischief and those jaws of steel are way to powerful.
A few weeks ago, I was at the grocery store. I can't sit her in the seat part of the cart because she stands up in the seat. So, I put her in the cart with the groceries. I had just put a new gallon of milk in the cart and as I was walking down the aisle, my 5 year old yells, "Mom, Peanut opened the milk!" Peanut had the lid, with it's seal still attached, in her hand. She had her mouth over the open milk and was trying to get a drink. She had pried that lid right off with those jaws of steel.
At home, she has opened lids to the oatmeal, shortening, and even has gotten a hold of her formula. I've been lucky so far to catch most of these messes before they become huge messes.
Last week I was at Walgreens. I had a few things to get. Again, Peanut was in the basket. I was smarter this time, or so I thought, and put the items in the seat of the cart. While I was looking at something, Peanut stood up, got a box of neosporin and the box of lotion and stuck them in her mouth. By the time we got to the cash register, she had chewed the ends off the boxes and the creams sat at the bottom of the basket. All I could do was hand the cashier the chewed on box and apologize. "Sorry, but I have a teething toddler."
Then, yesterday, the mess that I have been so good to avoid happened. I was working on the computer doing various church related emails and reports when Peanut came up to me. She was holding her bottle and wanted to be held. I picked her up and noticed her entire outfit was wet and she smelled of vinegar. I went into the kitchen, where I found half a gallon of vinegar spilled out all over the floor. She had opened the cupboards, pulled out the vinegar and used those jaws of steel to pry off the lid.
My floor was very clean after I cleaned it all up. Now, I'm must go shopping for baby proof locks to go on several cupboards. We are renting the house and I would rather not do that to someone elses house, but Peanut is into way too much mischief and those jaws of steel are way to powerful.
Friday, May 08, 2009
hobbies
Hobbies are really wonderful things. I've always had a hobby to work on. I started cross stitching when I was seven years old. I still love to do it when I can find the time. One of my favorite ways to pass the time is to put on a great happy movie, sit sideways on the couch with my legs stretched out, and cross stitch.
I had dabbled in other hobbies as well. I did scrapbooks for several years. After my third child was born, I gave up on this one. I have also done beading. I really don't have an eye for this, but I really enjoy it and I've made myself a bracelet for just about every shirt I own.
My Dad has always had interesting hobbies. He has done wood working in many forms, drawing, and right now he makes his own bows and arrows. Dad has an eye for detail and a great deal of patience.
I found, recently, a set of books that were printed in the glorious 70's. It is a set of 24 books on arts and crafts. These are well done and the "guest" they have for each of the hobbies is a professional at this hobby. There are the normal things like sewing, painting, and knitting, but there are things like spinning your own wool, glass blowing, making a wooden flute, smocking, square dancing and cooking exotic foods. I have LOVED looking through these books. I want to do these hobbies! I want to try them all.
The next post or two will show the books and my latest odd hobby.
I had dabbled in other hobbies as well. I did scrapbooks for several years. After my third child was born, I gave up on this one. I have also done beading. I really don't have an eye for this, but I really enjoy it and I've made myself a bracelet for just about every shirt I own.
My Dad has always had interesting hobbies. He has done wood working in many forms, drawing, and right now he makes his own bows and arrows. Dad has an eye for detail and a great deal of patience.
I found, recently, a set of books that were printed in the glorious 70's. It is a set of 24 books on arts and crafts. These are well done and the "guest" they have for each of the hobbies is a professional at this hobby. There are the normal things like sewing, painting, and knitting, but there are things like spinning your own wool, glass blowing, making a wooden flute, smocking, square dancing and cooking exotic foods. I have LOVED looking through these books. I want to do these hobbies! I want to try them all.
The next post or two will show the books and my latest odd hobby.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Doing Hair Dos
Daughter and I have been having fun playing with her hair. We've tried out all sorts of fun hair styles. Her hair is straight as can be and it makes it hard to do some hair styles.
When we took the twisty buns down at the end of the day, this is what we had. It was so cute!
Here is another fun hair style we tried.
Then, this morning, my youngest son woke up with this. What a mess!
When we took the twisty buns down at the end of the day, this is what we had. It was so cute!
Here is another fun hair style we tried.
Then, this morning, my youngest son woke up with this. What a mess!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tweedle Dum
Silly and creative, isn't he?
Even a little freaky?
He and his brother were dressed like this for their battle. It was funny to see.
Even a little freaky?
He and his brother were dressed like this for their battle. It was funny to see.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Growing up
Peanut is funny. Her best time of the day is after 8:30 pm. She is happy, loves to explore, play with toys, make loud noises with her girly voice, look at books, dance... she is just happy. I usually fall asleep before she does and she'll get where I'm trying to sleep and she'll jump on me. She learned a few days ago that if she rubs her head around on the sofa and then touches somebody, she will shock them. She loves this and thinks it is a great game to do with Daddy. He's a good sport about it and makes a good reaction for her. She keeps us very entertained. The rest of the day she spends screaming, unless Baby Einstein is on, of course.
You would think she is my only kid. Most of the pictures and all of the videos are of her. The other kids just aren't as cute or funny. :)
I will have to say this about my two oldest boys, though. Yesterday after school, they put their pillows on their heads, tied multiple blankets around them like capes, had another pillow for a shield, and grabbed their light sabers. They looked like Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee getting ready to battle. You know the rhyme - "Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee decided to have a battle, for Tweedle Dum said Tweedle Dee had spoiled his nice new rattle." I'm not sure if any rattles were spoiled, but a few blankets and pillow cases were and they are being laundered today. I got a great picture of one of my sons. I'll will post it soon because it was so incredibly funny.
This week and next week I'll be doing school registration. Oldest son will be entering middle school!!! I can't believe it. Next son will be going into third grade, but here, that is a different school. I guess you could call it secondary elementary school. My lovely daughter will be starting Kindergarten. She is soooo excited. Registration begins tomorrow for Kindergartners, but we will do it Friday. On Friday is the 2nd graders track and field day, so we will be going do to watch DS2 run his races. After we watch the races, we will go to the office and begin the registration process. Oh the joy.
You would think she is my only kid. Most of the pictures and all of the videos are of her. The other kids just aren't as cute or funny. :)
I will have to say this about my two oldest boys, though. Yesterday after school, they put their pillows on their heads, tied multiple blankets around them like capes, had another pillow for a shield, and grabbed their light sabers. They looked like Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee getting ready to battle. You know the rhyme - "Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee decided to have a battle, for Tweedle Dum said Tweedle Dee had spoiled his nice new rattle." I'm not sure if any rattles were spoiled, but a few blankets and pillow cases were and they are being laundered today. I got a great picture of one of my sons. I'll will post it soon because it was so incredibly funny.
This week and next week I'll be doing school registration. Oldest son will be entering middle school!!! I can't believe it. Next son will be going into third grade, but here, that is a different school. I guess you could call it secondary elementary school. My lovely daughter will be starting Kindergarten. She is soooo excited. Registration begins tomorrow for Kindergartners, but we will do it Friday. On Friday is the 2nd graders track and field day, so we will be going do to watch DS2 run his races. After we watch the races, we will go to the office and begin the registration process. Oh the joy.
Friday, April 24, 2009
nothing to say
While there are a million things going on, but nothing really worth talking about.
We will be putting out house back on the market soon. It will be the third time. We had a few things done to make the inside look better, but nothing major. It took the guy we hired took over a month to do the work we asked him to do. Because we aren't there to push it along, he took his sweet time. We had hoped to have the new carpet put in about a month ago, but we wanted to wait until the guy was done with the painting and other stuff. So, the painting and stuff is done, the carpet is still the ugly pink carpet and we have lost two months. With school getting out soon, it is time to have the house for sale again, so we will be putting it back up, despite the pink carpet. Not being in the state, it will make doing the paper work required very difficult.
I really want this to work out, but I don't have much hope. It has been almost 7 months since we originally put the house up for sale. I doubt it will sell this time either. If it hasn't yet, why would it now?
We will be putting out house back on the market soon. It will be the third time. We had a few things done to make the inside look better, but nothing major. It took the guy we hired took over a month to do the work we asked him to do. Because we aren't there to push it along, he took his sweet time. We had hoped to have the new carpet put in about a month ago, but we wanted to wait until the guy was done with the painting and other stuff. So, the painting and stuff is done, the carpet is still the ugly pink carpet and we have lost two months. With school getting out soon, it is time to have the house for sale again, so we will be putting it back up, despite the pink carpet. Not being in the state, it will make doing the paper work required very difficult.
I really want this to work out, but I don't have much hope. It has been almost 7 months since we originally put the house up for sale. I doubt it will sell this time either. If it hasn't yet, why would it now?
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Garden
We have no yard. Apparently, in the neighborhood we live in, no one is allowed to have a front yard, just rocks. Then, because we live in a rented house, the owner decided it would be easier to have no back yard either, just rocks.
Last year I heard for the first time about square foot gardening. This idea intrigued me and I wanted to try it out this year since I have a serious lack of yard for a garden. We've modified things a bit from the "book" on square foot gardening for our circumstances. My dear hubby, received some free lumber, and with it, he built me 6 square foot crates. We are planting 2 cucumbers, two tomatoes, nine onions and 18 green beans.
In the tire, here in this picture, is several potato plants. I'm really hoping they grow. I want potatoes.
Here are several of the square foot planters:
In the white trash can is another potato plant. I heard you can grow them like this, so I'm giving it a whirl. Being new to this desert climate, I don't know if the black tires or the white trash can will be better. It can get so hot here in the summer, the white container might be better for the plants. It is an experiment and I'm very excited to see what the results will be in about 3 months.
This last picture is from Easter. It shows what leaving a hollow, chocolate bunny, in a car, parked in a desert climate for 24 hours will do. As you can see, it isn't pretty, but my son insisted that it was still tasty.
Last year I heard for the first time about square foot gardening. This idea intrigued me and I wanted to try it out this year since I have a serious lack of yard for a garden. We've modified things a bit from the "book" on square foot gardening for our circumstances. My dear hubby, received some free lumber, and with it, he built me 6 square foot crates. We are planting 2 cucumbers, two tomatoes, nine onions and 18 green beans.
In the tire, here in this picture, is several potato plants. I'm really hoping they grow. I want potatoes.
Here are several of the square foot planters:
In the white trash can is another potato plant. I heard you can grow them like this, so I'm giving it a whirl. Being new to this desert climate, I don't know if the black tires or the white trash can will be better. It can get so hot here in the summer, the white container might be better for the plants. It is an experiment and I'm very excited to see what the results will be in about 3 months.
This last picture is from Easter. It shows what leaving a hollow, chocolate bunny, in a car, parked in a desert climate for 24 hours will do. As you can see, it isn't pretty, but my son insisted that it was still tasty.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Help with these directions?
Can you help me with these directions? I can't figure them out?
First the spaceship is flying down
Second the spaceship is in your hand
Third the spaceship is flying, parachute deployed
It's as easy as 1-2-3!
First the spaceship is flying down
Second the spaceship is in your hand
Third the spaceship is flying, parachute deployed
It's as easy as 1-2-3!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Random weekend thoughts
We had a nice Easter weekend. Peanut kept us quite entertained with her first Easter.
Some random things and thoughts:
- My 5 year old daughter has a bad habit of getting up in the night and getting in bed with Hubby. He doesn't like it because our daughter, like all of our kids, is a busy sleeper. All of the kids kick, squirm, hit, and do random gymnastics in bed while they are asleep. So, to keep daughter in her own bed we are doing rewards. I asked her what she wanted for a reward and she requested stickers. So, last week, I took her to Dollar Tree and she picked out a small journal and three sheets of stickers. Being the girly-girl that she is, she got a hot pink journal and Barbie stickers. She has earned 5 stickers so far and she loves to put them in her journal. The really neat part is she is making up stories about her stickers. Under the stickers she will write a random group of letters, numbers and happy faces. They are her stories. She has read them to me. They are very cute and all about princesses and fairies.
-Daughter's latest favorite name for a Barbie or fairy is "Stumbleina" Yes, 'stumble' as in, to fall and 'ina'. It is like Thumbelina, but it is Stumbleina. It makes me laugh every time she tells me a story about Stumbleina.
-Daughter also has been asking me questions lately. OK, that isn't unusual. This girl asks a LOT of questions. However, lately, she will ask me a question like, "What color do you think Cousin Claire likes?"
I'll answer, "Oh, I think she likes the color purple."
Then daughter will answer back, "No Mom, I think she likes pink the best."
It makes me want to yell "why did you ask me in the first place?"
-Peanut has grown so much lately. If I could write all the things she has done since turning 1 a week and a half ago, it would take up a huge amount of space and take me all day to write. I've noticed with kids they will have not only growing spurts, but learning spurts too. Peanut is turning out to be a girly-girl too. I'm glad. She likes to wear necklaces. She will get a hold of one of her sister's dress-up necklaces, put it around her neck and prance around. She wore a bright colorful necklace all day on Saturday.
- Easter related thought. Well, it has nothing to do with the spiritual nature of Easter... my kids and Easter egg hunts. I've never seen kids so competitive with each other to find eggs. My 10 year old has no mercy for his younger siblings. When we open the door to do the outdoor hunt, he is blocking the door and sprints out when we open it. The three year old starts to cry almost immediately because before he can even step out of the door, his oldest brother has collected 10 eggs. My 8 year old son has never learned, even though we tell him year after year, to not follow his older brother when it comes to egg hunting. Ten year old will have gotten everything so if you follow him, there will be nothing left for you. We've encouraged him every year to run in a different direction, but he never learns. Instead, he follows his older brother and gets a lot less eggs. Five year old daughter really can't win either. As soon as she spots one and runs for it, the older boys will chase her, pass her and get the egg first. Then she starts to cry.
If two of them see an egg at the same time, they both run for it and whoever grabs it first shoves it into his bag. The other one claims it was his/hers first and grabs it out of the other's bag and sticks it into theirs. Then it becomes an argument. The ironic thing about our outdoor egg hunts is that we only use empty eggs. They gain no more candy by collecting more eggs. We don't even count who has more, but they still fight over who has the most. I'm seriously thinking of having two hunts next year, one for the older boys and one for the smaller group. Maybe it is time we make a rule that after 10 years of age, you can no longer hunt for eggs.
That would be so sad, though. My family did egg hunts every year and I did it well into my late teen years and I want my kids to have fun. They just turn it into a major competition and ruin the fun for all. Good thing Easter comes once a year.
Some random things and thoughts:
- My 5 year old daughter has a bad habit of getting up in the night and getting in bed with Hubby. He doesn't like it because our daughter, like all of our kids, is a busy sleeper. All of the kids kick, squirm, hit, and do random gymnastics in bed while they are asleep. So, to keep daughter in her own bed we are doing rewards. I asked her what she wanted for a reward and she requested stickers. So, last week, I took her to Dollar Tree and she picked out a small journal and three sheets of stickers. Being the girly-girl that she is, she got a hot pink journal and Barbie stickers. She has earned 5 stickers so far and she loves to put them in her journal. The really neat part is she is making up stories about her stickers. Under the stickers she will write a random group of letters, numbers and happy faces. They are her stories. She has read them to me. They are very cute and all about princesses and fairies.
-Daughter's latest favorite name for a Barbie or fairy is "Stumbleina" Yes, 'stumble' as in, to fall and 'ina'. It is like Thumbelina, but it is Stumbleina. It makes me laugh every time she tells me a story about Stumbleina.
-Daughter also has been asking me questions lately. OK, that isn't unusual. This girl asks a LOT of questions. However, lately, she will ask me a question like, "What color do you think Cousin Claire likes?"
I'll answer, "Oh, I think she likes the color purple."
Then daughter will answer back, "No Mom, I think she likes pink the best."
It makes me want to yell "why did you ask me in the first place?"
-Peanut has grown so much lately. If I could write all the things she has done since turning 1 a week and a half ago, it would take up a huge amount of space and take me all day to write. I've noticed with kids they will have not only growing spurts, but learning spurts too. Peanut is turning out to be a girly-girl too. I'm glad. She likes to wear necklaces. She will get a hold of one of her sister's dress-up necklaces, put it around her neck and prance around. She wore a bright colorful necklace all day on Saturday.
- Easter related thought. Well, it has nothing to do with the spiritual nature of Easter... my kids and Easter egg hunts. I've never seen kids so competitive with each other to find eggs. My 10 year old has no mercy for his younger siblings. When we open the door to do the outdoor hunt, he is blocking the door and sprints out when we open it. The three year old starts to cry almost immediately because before he can even step out of the door, his oldest brother has collected 10 eggs. My 8 year old son has never learned, even though we tell him year after year, to not follow his older brother when it comes to egg hunting. Ten year old will have gotten everything so if you follow him, there will be nothing left for you. We've encouraged him every year to run in a different direction, but he never learns. Instead, he follows his older brother and gets a lot less eggs. Five year old daughter really can't win either. As soon as she spots one and runs for it, the older boys will chase her, pass her and get the egg first. Then she starts to cry.
If two of them see an egg at the same time, they both run for it and whoever grabs it first shoves it into his bag. The other one claims it was his/hers first and grabs it out of the other's bag and sticks it into theirs. Then it becomes an argument. The ironic thing about our outdoor egg hunts is that we only use empty eggs. They gain no more candy by collecting more eggs. We don't even count who has more, but they still fight over who has the most. I'm seriously thinking of having two hunts next year, one for the older boys and one for the smaller group. Maybe it is time we make a rule that after 10 years of age, you can no longer hunt for eggs.
That would be so sad, though. My family did egg hunts every year and I did it well into my late teen years and I want my kids to have fun. They just turn it into a major competition and ruin the fun for all. Good thing Easter comes once a year.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Goose Eggs
One of my husband's co-workers has some animals. Among the animals are some chickens and geese. She has given us several eggs from her fowls and we have bought some too. The chicken eggs have been brown, green and light green in color. We joke the light green ones are cholesterol free eggs. Light eggs, get it??? Well, we thought it was funny.
I had never seen a goose egg and I was amazed at the size of it! You can see the difference with the four goose eggs and the one chicken egg in the middle!
Cooking a goose egg and a chicken egg.
Goose eggs are tasty. They are a little different in flavor from chicken eggs, but they are still really good.
I had never seen a goose egg and I was amazed at the size of it! You can see the difference with the four goose eggs and the one chicken egg in the middle!
Cooking a goose egg and a chicken egg.
Goose eggs are tasty. They are a little different in flavor from chicken eggs, but they are still really good.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Odd object attachment
Peanut has become attached to a used dryer sheet. She has carried it all over since last night. Why is this? Sure, it smells nice, is soft and easy to carry around in her little fist, but really, a dryer sheet?
Friday, April 03, 2009
Peanut is ONE!
Today is Peanut's first birthday. Crazy how fast the year has gone. She is really a sweetie, despite the screaming and poor sleep. Today, she is dressed in new clothes (size 18 months) and has a bow in her hair. She has opened one present - a book of nursery rhymes from great-grandmother. She was more interested in the wrapping paper, though - it has pretty ballerinas on it. She loves faces and pretty girls. She is a girly girl and I'm so happy about that. She likes to wear my necklaces.
She is taking a birthday nap right now and is sweet as can be. Later I'll be making cake for our party this evening. Sweet Peanut, happy birthday!
She is taking a birthday nap right now and is sweet as can be. Later I'll be making cake for our party this evening. Sweet Peanut, happy birthday!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Holy Molars!
Last week, I noticed Peanut was getting two molars. Today I checked her mouth again, the first two are in and the second two are coming in. Four molars in 2 weeks!!!! She is chewing on everything.
Today is Peanut's last day as a baby. And what is she doing with her final day? Screaming. I don't think it has to do much with the molars. She is fine if she is in my lap, but the moment I put her down or try to do any little thing, she screams. Her screams are so ear piercing. They hurt my ears. They make my nerves jump. It drives me up the wall and I end up yelling at her to stop because I can't stand the ear pain. Why is she ruining her last day as a baby with all this screaming?
Today is Peanut's last day as a baby. And what is she doing with her final day? Screaming. I don't think it has to do much with the molars. She is fine if she is in my lap, but the moment I put her down or try to do any little thing, she screams. Her screams are so ear piercing. They hurt my ears. They make my nerves jump. It drives me up the wall and I end up yelling at her to stop because I can't stand the ear pain. Why is she ruining her last day as a baby with all this screaming?
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Old Story
I found this "book" among my old stuff. I told you, I've been writing as long as I can remember. Have I mentioned before what a terrible artist I am, too?
I have a boon a bat win Juesos wos born. Allow me to inturpret my very bad spelling: (OK, I'm not really sure what a boon a bat is, but I think it is "book about") I have a book about when Jesus was born. Molly, age 6
Jesus was born in a stable.
Now they are here, see?
That last page is my favorite! I'm talking to YOU, see?
I have a boon a bat win Juesos wos born. Allow me to inturpret my very bad spelling: (OK, I'm not really sure what a boon a bat is, but I think it is "book about") I have a book about when Jesus was born. Molly, age 6
Jesus was born in a stable.
Now they are here, see?
That last page is my favorite! I'm talking to YOU, see?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
My writing challanges
Watch out, long winded writer here!
I've loved writing since I was a kid. In the first grade, we had a creative writing corner we could go to when we were done with work. It was my favorite of the centers to go to. I was a terrible speller. :) As I got older, I continued to write stories. My stories were always conversational - just one person talking to another. My mom, who was also my elementary school teacher at school, told me once to write less conversation. I became aware of what and how I was writing and worked to change it.
As a teen, I wrote a "book" (more on that later). I took the challenge of writing the entire story with no conversation at all, just story telling. It was told entirely from the perspective of the main character. It was a challenge, but I was pleased that I could write without conversation. It forced me to be more creative and descriptive.
Now, I get a little too wordy and descriptive....
Years later I was watching a Doris Day movie and one of the characters in the movie wrote a play. Doris Day's husband was reading the story and told the writer that he should stick to his own backyard. Don't try and write about things and places you know nothing about.
At the time, I was writing a story that took place in modern America, but it was about some Irish families. I know nothing of Ireland, other than a few basic facts. I know nothing of the life and culture there. While the story idea was good, it was in no way believable because I can't write from and Irish person’s perspective. I was out of my backyard and looking ridiculous.
Back to my book I wrote as a teen - I was very proud of it, until I reread it a few years ago as an adult. I was ready to burn the pages! I was so embarrassed. I sure hope my writing and storytelling skills have improved since then. My story was a historical fiction. It took place in the 1840's. I really know very little about that time period. It was about a family from Scotland. I've been to Scotland, I have seen it, I have studied it a bit and am more familiar with the culture. Still, I know nothing of Scottish life in 1840 or any who moved to Texas.
I also had some interesting choices for names. My lead character was Katharine and her hubby was Barrett. Those are not good Scottish names. Katherine or Catherine might have been used in Scotland in that time period, but not the spelling I choose. Also, Katharine's brother was named Kristofer. NO ONE in Scotland in 1840 would have named or spelled that name the way I did. It is silly.
There are so MANY historical inaccuracies that it would take an entire book just to tell them all.
The story was a good one (most of it) and I think I would someday like to rewrite it. I'll research things first. Someday my story might become a great historical fiction, but for now, it will stay hidden and no one will see the original.
I've loved writing since I was a kid. In the first grade, we had a creative writing corner we could go to when we were done with work. It was my favorite of the centers to go to. I was a terrible speller. :) As I got older, I continued to write stories. My stories were always conversational - just one person talking to another. My mom, who was also my elementary school teacher at school, told me once to write less conversation. I became aware of what and how I was writing and worked to change it.
As a teen, I wrote a "book" (more on that later). I took the challenge of writing the entire story with no conversation at all, just story telling. It was told entirely from the perspective of the main character. It was a challenge, but I was pleased that I could write without conversation. It forced me to be more creative and descriptive.
Now, I get a little too wordy and descriptive....
Years later I was watching a Doris Day movie and one of the characters in the movie wrote a play. Doris Day's husband was reading the story and told the writer that he should stick to his own backyard. Don't try and write about things and places you know nothing about.
At the time, I was writing a story that took place in modern America, but it was about some Irish families. I know nothing of Ireland, other than a few basic facts. I know nothing of the life and culture there. While the story idea was good, it was in no way believable because I can't write from and Irish person’s perspective. I was out of my backyard and looking ridiculous.
Back to my book I wrote as a teen - I was very proud of it, until I reread it a few years ago as an adult. I was ready to burn the pages! I was so embarrassed. I sure hope my writing and storytelling skills have improved since then. My story was a historical fiction. It took place in the 1840's. I really know very little about that time period. It was about a family from Scotland. I've been to Scotland, I have seen it, I have studied it a bit and am more familiar with the culture. Still, I know nothing of Scottish life in 1840 or any who moved to Texas.
I also had some interesting choices for names. My lead character was Katharine and her hubby was Barrett. Those are not good Scottish names. Katherine or Catherine might have been used in Scotland in that time period, but not the spelling I choose. Also, Katharine's brother was named Kristofer. NO ONE in Scotland in 1840 would have named or spelled that name the way I did. It is silly.
There are so MANY historical inaccuracies that it would take an entire book just to tell them all.
The story was a good one (most of it) and I think I would someday like to rewrite it. I'll research things first. Someday my story might become a great historical fiction, but for now, it will stay hidden and no one will see the original.
Monday, March 30, 2009
what are plates for?
Some days I wonder why do I bother serving food on plates? It ends up all over the table and floor no matter how I serve it. Maybe I'll just put the food right onto the table and some right onto the floor for the little rug rat. Then I won't have to do dishes anymore!
Because of my floor type (concrete tiles) I got a shop vac for cleaning the floor. It is great! What is even better is that I can use it on the table. Quick cleaning!
Because of my floor type (concrete tiles) I got a shop vac for cleaning the floor. It is great! What is even better is that I can use it on the table. Quick cleaning!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Back from spring break
For the kids spring break we went to Arizona to visit family. The kids hadn't seen these cousins in a year and a half, so it was fun. We compared how tall they had all grown and talked about what everyone was up to these days. It was great fun. We don't have a yard at all, but Grandpa and Grandma do, and they spent every moment they could out in it. It was a sunny week, but quite chilly. That didn't stop my kids from being out in the sun and running around. My daughter was out on one cold day without shoes and in a short sleeve shirt. She would not put on a jacket or anything, she just played.
Now we are back from our adventures. School starts again tomorrow and I've got to get back to normal everday life.
Now we are back from our adventures. School starts again tomorrow and I've got to get back to normal everday life.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
painting
I'm a terrible artist when it comes to drawing and painting. I've never been good. It's funny, when I get the paint or draw, I always draw the same scene and I have drawn that scene since I was quite young. It is a picture of mountains, a stream and pine trees. It is my favorite picture and if I could, I would be in the mountains, near a stream, surrounded by pine trees.
So, last week when my kids were painting, I painted too. I pained my scene. The next day, my 5 year old daughter almost replicated my picture. Can you tell which is mine and which is hers?
So, last week when my kids were painting, I painted too. I pained my scene. The next day, my 5 year old daughter almost replicated my picture. Can you tell which is mine and which is hers?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Blah!
Many years ago, when my second kid was a baby, someone gave us a Baby Einstein video (yes video, not DVD). I watched it once and laughed. Someone video-taped their kids toys, put it to music and sold it. I wish I had thought of that! My son had no interest in it. Now, seven years later, my youngest son pulled it out. He and Peanut watched it. They love it!
There is one little puppet that is a Peanut favorite. I'm not sure what it is, but it is green and it has a long red tongue. It comes on the screen, looks at the camera and goes "Blah!" and it's tongue rolls out of it's mouth. That is Peanut's favorite part. She too goes, "Blah!" Now, anytime we put in a movie, she says, "Blah!"
Then last week when Princess and I were making SWAPS, I made one and when Peanut saw it, she went "Blah!". It reminded her of the funny little puppet. Here is our SWAPS:
Here is the little Baby Einstein puppet:
BLAH!
There is one little puppet that is a Peanut favorite. I'm not sure what it is, but it is green and it has a long red tongue. It comes on the screen, looks at the camera and goes "Blah!" and it's tongue rolls out of it's mouth. That is Peanut's favorite part. She too goes, "Blah!" Now, anytime we put in a movie, she says, "Blah!"
Then last week when Princess and I were making SWAPS, I made one and when Peanut saw it, she went "Blah!". It reminded her of the funny little puppet. Here is our SWAPS:
Here is the little Baby Einstein puppet:
BLAH!
Friday, March 13, 2009
more about rejection
I didn't get to finish my thoughts on my rejection notice yesterday, I was in a big hurry.
I was so excited about the rejection slip (newbie author, I know), but it meant that it was my first step to becoming a published author. I showed it to my hubby. He was so proud of me! He told me to frame it. :) I'm not going to frame it, but I am going to stick it in my journal.
I've always dreamed of being a published writer. Until I sent in those short stories, that dream was never going to come true. It still might not, but now it won't be for lack of trying. This is the first! The first of many rejections, I'm sure.
Even the great JK Rowling, whose books set publishing records was rejected (several times, although I don't know how many) before her books were published. You know those first publishers that turned her down are kicking themselves.
No, it might never happen, but I've tried and I will keep trying.
I was so excited about the rejection slip (newbie author, I know), but it meant that it was my first step to becoming a published author. I showed it to my hubby. He was so proud of me! He told me to frame it. :) I'm not going to frame it, but I am going to stick it in my journal.
I've always dreamed of being a published writer. Until I sent in those short stories, that dream was never going to come true. It still might not, but now it won't be for lack of trying. This is the first! The first of many rejections, I'm sure.
Even the great JK Rowling, whose books set publishing records was rejected (several times, although I don't know how many) before her books were published. You know those first publishers that turned her down are kicking themselves.
No, it might never happen, but I've tried and I will keep trying.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Oh the rejection!
I've always wanted to publish a writing. I want to write and have my work accepted by someone and publish it. I don't know that I write well enough for that, but it is my dream.
So, several months ago I decided to write a short story and send it into a magazine. I really didn't expect it to get accepted, it was after all, it was my first time to send anything in. They said it would be 12 weeks before I would hear anything. Well, 8 weeks passed and today I got my first rejection notice.
Sigh, it's sad. I didn't expect it to happen, but it is still kind of hard to receive.
So, several months ago I decided to write a short story and send it into a magazine. I really didn't expect it to get accepted, it was after all, it was my first time to send anything in. They said it would be 12 weeks before I would hear anything. Well, 8 weeks passed and today I got my first rejection notice.
Sigh, it's sad. I didn't expect it to happen, but it is still kind of hard to receive.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
SWAPS
If you've done any Girl Scouts in the 20 or so years, you know what a SWAPS is. They are little crafts that girls make and then swap with each other. These SWAPS usually end up on hats or bandanas. They are cute and a fun way to meet other girls at large scout gatherings.
My neice is a Daisy Scout and she recently participated in a swap of SWAPS. I thought this might be a fun thing to do with my 5 year old daughter. She has really been into making crafts lately and I thought I would show her how to branch out beyond crayons, paper and tape.
I got a few items, craft foam, pom poms, and eyes. I got out the glue gun, used only by myself, of course, scissors and other crafting supplies. The we got started. I discovered a few things while making these SWAPS. Because of their size, they aren't the best crafts for small children. I had great fun making SWAPS and my daughter sat with me telling me where to put things, but unable to do them herself. So, I got out some large beads and ribbon. She made a pretty bead bracelet while I made SWAPS. Anyway, we had lots of fun. Here are some pictures of our SWAPS.
Catapillars and a frog. Daughter made the catapillars and I did the frog. So fun!
Next are turtles. Daughter really wanted to make turtles for whatever reason. They turned out really cute.
Flip flop SWAPS. This is fitting for several reasons. We lived in Hawaii years ago. Flip flops are the official footwear of Hawaii. I never did fit in while we lived there. I hate wearing flip flops, or slippers, as they are called in Hawaii. Also, my daughter has loved wearing shoes since before she could walk. Plus, these are just so cute!
My neice is a Daisy Scout and she recently participated in a swap of SWAPS. I thought this might be a fun thing to do with my 5 year old daughter. She has really been into making crafts lately and I thought I would show her how to branch out beyond crayons, paper and tape.
I got a few items, craft foam, pom poms, and eyes. I got out the glue gun, used only by myself, of course, scissors and other crafting supplies. The we got started. I discovered a few things while making these SWAPS. Because of their size, they aren't the best crafts for small children. I had great fun making SWAPS and my daughter sat with me telling me where to put things, but unable to do them herself. So, I got out some large beads and ribbon. She made a pretty bead bracelet while I made SWAPS. Anyway, we had lots of fun. Here are some pictures of our SWAPS.
Catapillars and a frog. Daughter made the catapillars and I did the frog. So fun!
Next are turtles. Daughter really wanted to make turtles for whatever reason. They turned out really cute.
Flip flop SWAPS. This is fitting for several reasons. We lived in Hawaii years ago. Flip flops are the official footwear of Hawaii. I never did fit in while we lived there. I hate wearing flip flops, or slippers, as they are called in Hawaii. Also, my daughter has loved wearing shoes since before she could walk. Plus, these are just so cute!
Monday, March 09, 2009
revisiting old TV shows
Thanks to Netflix, my husband got to watch some cartoon TV show he loved as a small child - Battle of the Planets. I had never heard of it before, but it wasn't my kind of show. He and the boys had fun watching the episodes.
So, one of the characters in the show has the same name as one of our children. For the blog here,I will use the name Bud instead of the real name. So, Hubby put in the movie and we started watching the first episode and he said, "Well, that's so cool. I named one of my kids after a character in my favorite cartoon from when I was little."
I looked at him and said, "Well, that's not fair. You got to use Bud, but I didn't get to use Smurfette!"
So, one of the characters in the show has the same name as one of our children. For the blog here,I will use the name Bud instead of the real name. So, Hubby put in the movie and we started watching the first episode and he said, "Well, that's so cool. I named one of my kids after a character in my favorite cartoon from when I was little."
I looked at him and said, "Well, that's not fair. You got to use Bud, but I didn't get to use Smurfette!"
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
work = screams
I've been feeling a little sad the last few days. Depressed is probably a better word. There are a number things that I don't like about my life, but a lot of it, I can't control or I have very little control. And while those things are tough, it really isn't those things that are getting me down right now. I'm in a nice house and have pleasent people to say hello to when I go to church.
What is making life so hard right now is Peanut. I love her to death, but she is driving me up the wall. If I move, she starts to cry and scream. Honestly, today I was here at the computer reading something and all I did was stretch. She started to scream, dropped what she was doing and grabbed my skirt. She stood there screaming at me.
In RS, we are doing some service projects and I'm helping by sewing some tote bags. I have all the fabric cut. All I have to do it sit and sew. Peanut stands at my side, screaming. When I need to stand and do anything, put ear plugs in. Her levels of screaming will make ears bleed and dogs howl.
For breakfast I eat scones. When I don't have any, I find myself snacking on worse things. I've been out of scones for a week and a half, but to make them requires me to stand and move about the kitchen. I've tripped over Peanut, who pulls on my pants or skirts, screaming at me many times. I want to cook, I want to work, I want to scrub the floor, I want to hang laundry, fold it and put it away. I want to work on other projects. I want to play with my other two children at home during the day, but Peanut does not let me do anything, and if I do, she will be following me around, screaming.
I just can't accomplish anything worth while. I can't even acoomplish anything stupid. When nothing happens, the house gets messy, we eat frozen pizzas, and I get angry. I need to work, I need to move and my desire to work is rewarded with the screams of my 11 month old. What have I done wrong? What did I do that deserves this screaming treatment? This is why I'm overweight, unhappy, and in a very messy house, all efforts I make to do just about everything is thwarted by my screaming baby and my sensitive ears.
What is making life so hard right now is Peanut. I love her to death, but she is driving me up the wall. If I move, she starts to cry and scream. Honestly, today I was here at the computer reading something and all I did was stretch. She started to scream, dropped what she was doing and grabbed my skirt. She stood there screaming at me.
In RS, we are doing some service projects and I'm helping by sewing some tote bags. I have all the fabric cut. All I have to do it sit and sew. Peanut stands at my side, screaming. When I need to stand and do anything, put ear plugs in. Her levels of screaming will make ears bleed and dogs howl.
For breakfast I eat scones. When I don't have any, I find myself snacking on worse things. I've been out of scones for a week and a half, but to make them requires me to stand and move about the kitchen. I've tripped over Peanut, who pulls on my pants or skirts, screaming at me many times. I want to cook, I want to work, I want to scrub the floor, I want to hang laundry, fold it and put it away. I want to work on other projects. I want to play with my other two children at home during the day, but Peanut does not let me do anything, and if I do, she will be following me around, screaming.
I just can't accomplish anything worth while. I can't even acoomplish anything stupid. When nothing happens, the house gets messy, we eat frozen pizzas, and I get angry. I need to work, I need to move and my desire to work is rewarded with the screams of my 11 month old. What have I done wrong? What did I do that deserves this screaming treatment? This is why I'm overweight, unhappy, and in a very messy house, all efforts I make to do just about everything is thwarted by my screaming baby and my sensitive ears.
Monday, March 02, 2009
word puzzle
For years now, I've learned about English - the history of English. I took French in high school and was amazed to find how many of our English words are so similar to the French, when I knew that English was Germanic in origin. About 7 years ago I started to question my Hubby about English. You must know, he is VERY smart and speaks French. He would answer my questions. He showed me the Indo-European language family tree. I was fascinated. I studied it until I had it memorized. I got books on the history of English and learned why so much of our language seemed French.
I won't do a history lesson here, but I found the subject very interesting. So, we are going to learn Old English together. We are going to learn a bit about our language before the French invasion.
Yesterday, on the way to church we watched a lady pull out in front of us and cut us off. Hubby said that was reckless. Then he started to muse, reckless. He half joked if reckless means you have less reck, is there a reckful? What does reck mean? It can't mean irresponsible, because if it did reckless would mean less irresponsible or responsible. I suggested that perhaps it is a word left over from an antique word since we couldn't think of any other modern words with "reck".
After church, I looked pulled out my new Old English text book. It has a dictionary in the back. I found the word "reccan" which means "to care for, to be concerned with". Ah Ha! Reckless is a remnant word of Old English it means to have less concern or care. Reckon is also a modern surviving word of the same root. As far as I can tell, reckless and reckon are the only survivors of the Old English "reccan".
I love knowing where our words come from. An odd hobby, I know, but for me - a fun one!
I won't do a history lesson here, but I found the subject very interesting. So, we are going to learn Old English together. We are going to learn a bit about our language before the French invasion.
Yesterday, on the way to church we watched a lady pull out in front of us and cut us off. Hubby said that was reckless. Then he started to muse, reckless. He half joked if reckless means you have less reck, is there a reckful? What does reck mean? It can't mean irresponsible, because if it did reckless would mean less irresponsible or responsible. I suggested that perhaps it is a word left over from an antique word since we couldn't think of any other modern words with "reck".
After church, I looked pulled out my new Old English text book. It has a dictionary in the back. I found the word "reccan" which means "to care for, to be concerned with". Ah Ha! Reckless is a remnant word of Old English it means to have less concern or care. Reckon is also a modern surviving word of the same root. As far as I can tell, reckless and reckon are the only survivors of the Old English "reccan".
I love knowing where our words come from. An odd hobby, I know, but for me - a fun one!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Awesome words
Hubby and I have always wanted to learn Old English. I think that would be so great! I know, it's weird. So, we are learning, 10 vocab words at a time. Some are easy, like daeg means day and todaeg is today. Some are much harder, like forwegan, which means "about". We've learned 20 nouns so far and we can count to ten. Hubby bought a vocab book for us to use. In it, I found the most awesome word:
snottor - (adj.) wise
This morning Hubby told me something and I replied, "Hubby, you are so snottor."
That is just a great word. It's like "Vomitory" (large doors found in stadiums). I don't get to use vomitory often, but snotter will find it's way into my everyday vocabulary.
Years ago, my sister and I were looking through a Scots-Gaelic dictionary and discovered the word for armpit, "oxter". We used it a lot as teens. "Did you put deodorant on your oxters?"
So, my favorite forgotten English words are snottor, vomitory and oxter. Does that say anything about me? Of course it does. It's says I am so smart to use such amazing vocabulary words!
snottor - (adj.) wise
This morning Hubby told me something and I replied, "Hubby, you are so snottor."
That is just a great word. It's like "Vomitory" (large doors found in stadiums). I don't get to use vomitory often, but snotter will find it's way into my everyday vocabulary.
Years ago, my sister and I were looking through a Scots-Gaelic dictionary and discovered the word for armpit, "oxter". We used it a lot as teens. "Did you put deodorant on your oxters?"
So, my favorite forgotten English words are snottor, vomitory and oxter. Does that say anything about me? Of course it does. It's says I am so smart to use such amazing vocabulary words!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Is it Friday yet?
This week has felt like each day should have been Friday. I've been ready for the weekend since Tuesday. Not that I have any plans for the weekend. I don't know what about it I was actually looking forward to.
Seems silly.
My 5 year old has been making puppets lately. They are quite cute. She took a piece of paper and folded it around length-wise, then she used tape to make a tube. On that tube, she drew faces and put foam star stickers on them. Then she took more paper, and taped it to the back of the step stool so you can no longer see through it. It became her puppet stage. It is very clever for her to come up with herself. I feel bad, I haven't given her or her puppets the attention they deserve, but tomorrow we are going to make up puppet shows. She also wants to design a pink house, do some school work, read books and talk about opposites. Friday will be a fun day and maybe we'll think of something great to do for the weekend.
Seems silly.
My 5 year old has been making puppets lately. They are quite cute. She took a piece of paper and folded it around length-wise, then she used tape to make a tube. On that tube, she drew faces and put foam star stickers on them. Then she took more paper, and taped it to the back of the step stool so you can no longer see through it. It became her puppet stage. It is very clever for her to come up with herself. I feel bad, I haven't given her or her puppets the attention they deserve, but tomorrow we are going to make up puppet shows. She also wants to design a pink house, do some school work, read books and talk about opposites. Friday will be a fun day and maybe we'll think of something great to do for the weekend.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
down day
I've been wanting to blog, but I've had nothing interesting to say recently. I can think of zero profound thoughts, real or humorous. I get really crappy sleep, thanks to Peanut. I guess it is all my fault. For the most part, I function very well on the poor amount or quality of sleep, but once in a while, it catches up to me and I have a very bad day. Today the lack of sleep has caught up. Tomorrow will be better, it always is.
...um...
Nope, I'm sitting here with a total mind block. Today is a lack of thought day.
Good day.
...um...
Nope, I'm sitting here with a total mind block. Today is a lack of thought day.
Good day.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Recent discovery - Etsy
So, I'm slow and just now discovering what Etsy.com is. I've know about it for a while, but I'm just now getting into exploring it. It's a terrible thing. I just want to buy so much!
A month ago I entered several give-a-ways at the Bloggy Carnival. I love carnival time. One of my entries was picked and I won a fun necklace.
It is hard to see, I'm not the greatest photographer and my flash kept getting in the way of a good picture. :) The necklace says "Discipline" twice on each side of the pendant. It's pretty, delicate, and has a good message on it, especially when I really want chocolate!
It was made by Christie O at Baby Tea Leaves. She has an Etsy store with much better pictures of the necklace I won from her store. I must say thank you to Christie O for hosting a give-a-way and giving such a pretty gift.
I also discovered two other Etsy stores recently. OK, I've found many! One is called CrazyK Bath and Body. She has soaps in the coolest shapes and over 300 scents available. I've ordered something from her, but I haven't actually seen anything yet. But it is too cool what she can make!
One thing I did find and ordered are some pretty necklaces from Intelligent Design
Aren't they pretty? I know, it's hard to tell from my photo. One is a light purple flower and the other is just a cool red and white design.
So, between my Discipline necklace and the two other pendants I have something fabulous to wear everyday! If it weren't so tacky, I'd wear all three at the same time.
A month ago I entered several give-a-ways at the Bloggy Carnival. I love carnival time. One of my entries was picked and I won a fun necklace.
It is hard to see, I'm not the greatest photographer and my flash kept getting in the way of a good picture. :) The necklace says "Discipline" twice on each side of the pendant. It's pretty, delicate, and has a good message on it, especially when I really want chocolate!
It was made by Christie O at Baby Tea Leaves. She has an Etsy store with much better pictures of the necklace I won from her store. I must say thank you to Christie O for hosting a give-a-way and giving such a pretty gift.
I also discovered two other Etsy stores recently. OK, I've found many! One is called CrazyK Bath and Body. She has soaps in the coolest shapes and over 300 scents available. I've ordered something from her, but I haven't actually seen anything yet. But it is too cool what she can make!
One thing I did find and ordered are some pretty necklaces from Intelligent Design
Aren't they pretty? I know, it's hard to tell from my photo. One is a light purple flower and the other is just a cool red and white design.
So, between my Discipline necklace and the two other pendants I have something fabulous to wear everyday! If it weren't so tacky, I'd wear all three at the same time.
The messy life of Peanut
Peanut is 10 months old. She can walk now and we are very excited. She still prefers to crawl. It is still the quickest way to travel the house, but more and more she stands and takes a few steps to where she wants to go.
Peanut is 10 months old. She loves to make messes with her new found skills of mobility. I have a little table next to my rocking chair. On it sits my scriptures, a magazine, usually a pen, any little project I might be working on, and often the kids will set their stuff on the little table too. Peanut comes up to the table, stands along side it and begins to pull everything off of it. More often than not, the table stands empty and a pile of stuff lies at it's foot. Peanut also loves the video case. She opens it up and starts to pull everything out of it. Lately she not only pulls things out, but she flings them too. I'm going to share a picture of Peanut in action.
Do you see the mess at her feet? The movies, the DVDs, the papers pulled from the inside of the desk. Do you see the white bucket right next to her? It has her toys in it. There is sits, full of toys. And there is our DVD case, being emptied by small hands. There in the middle is the mess maker.
She is so cute!
Peanut is 10 months old. She loves to make messes with her new found skills of mobility. I have a little table next to my rocking chair. On it sits my scriptures, a magazine, usually a pen, any little project I might be working on, and often the kids will set their stuff on the little table too. Peanut comes up to the table, stands along side it and begins to pull everything off of it. More often than not, the table stands empty and a pile of stuff lies at it's foot. Peanut also loves the video case. She opens it up and starts to pull everything out of it. Lately she not only pulls things out, but she flings them too. I'm going to share a picture of Peanut in action.
Do you see the mess at her feet? The movies, the DVDs, the papers pulled from the inside of the desk. Do you see the white bucket right next to her? It has her toys in it. There is sits, full of toys. And there is our DVD case, being emptied by small hands. There in the middle is the mess maker.
She is so cute!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Poetic thoughts, again
Yesterday morning, Hubby had to get up very early to leave for a very early meeting. No prob. It did wake up Peanut. So after he left, I held Peanut and relaxed in my rocking chair. My mind was awake and spinning in circles and I started thinking about something that I should blog. My mind started composing the entry and it was very poetic sounding. I was quite pleased with the way it was sounding in my head. Then, I dozed off for a little while until it was time for the other kids to wake up. Upon awaking, I could remember nothing of my well composed blog entry. Nothing at all, except that it had sounded so good.
I've noticed I do this a lot. I have very poetic thoughts and compose stories in my head, but when I sit down to write it out, I ether can't remember or I can't make it sound as good on paper as I could make it sound in my head. Who knows what great story I've thought of and then couldn't remember. Maybe it is writer's block. Maybe I'm just sleep deprived and my brain is suffering.
I've noticed I do this a lot. I have very poetic thoughts and compose stories in my head, but when I sit down to write it out, I ether can't remember or I can't make it sound as good on paper as I could make it sound in my head. Who knows what great story I've thought of and then couldn't remember. Maybe it is writer's block. Maybe I'm just sleep deprived and my brain is suffering.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
me and my Valentine
I found this fun little thing at Martie's House.
How long have you been together? 12 years.
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? We didn't know each other much before we dated. We were at a church dance, he came up to me, asked me to dance and at the end of the dance, he asked me out on a date for the day after Valentines Day.
♥ Who asked who out? He asked me.
♥ How old are each of you? I'm 33, he's 34.
♥ Whose siblings do/ did you see the most? We see everyone about equally, but we we go to his parents house, we see all his siblings since they all live close by.
♥ Do you have any children together? Five
♥ What about pets? None, except a few dust bunnies under the bed.
♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Money is always a problem and never getting to be alone.
♥ Did you go to the same school? College. We went to the same school during my junior and senior year and his sephomore - senior year.
♥ Are you from the same home town? Nope. He is from Arizona and I'm from Texas.
♥ Who is the smartest? He is. He has a genius IQ and I'm average.
♥ Who is the most sensitive? Definitely me.
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? Wherever we find a place.
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? France, we went there together about 9 months after we got married, a late honeymoon.
♥ Who has the worst temper? We are about the same, but I'm more quick to flare up since I'm with the kids 24/7.
♥ Who does the cooking? Definitely me. He will BBQ, though.
♥ Who is more social? He likes to have people over for dinner and parties, but I spend more of the time chatting with the guests than he does. I prefer to be left alone.
♥ Who is the neat freak? neither. I like to keep things clean, but the kids fight me so I never can. He likes things clean too, but he won't get rid of anything, which makes the clutter mess a problem.
♥ Who is the more stubborn? I don't know. We both can be.
♥ Who hogs the bed? The kids do.
♥ Who wakes up earlier? Me. The kids need to get ready for school, so I'm always the first one up.
♥ Where was your first date? The Brick Oven in Provo.
♥ Who has the bigger family? He does. While we were both raised in families the same size (4 kids) he has a much bigger extended family with more cousins than I have met. I have a grand total of 4 cousins. Then, his parents adopted a teen right after we were married, so now, he is from a family of 5 kids.
♥ Do you get flowers often? No and that is OK. I prefer practical things or enteraining things, like a fun movie.
♥ Who is more jealous? I don't know.
♥ How long did it take to get serious? Well, we started dating in Feb and we were married in October. I don't know when it happened, but it happened quickly.
♥ Who eats more? Him at meals, but I love to eat sweets. It's all bad.
♥ Who does/ did the laundry? ME
♥ Who’s better with the computer? He is.
♥ Who drives when you are together? He does. He gets car sick if he is a passenger.
There you go, more about us than you ever cared to know.
How long have you been together? 12 years.
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? We didn't know each other much before we dated. We were at a church dance, he came up to me, asked me to dance and at the end of the dance, he asked me out on a date for the day after Valentines Day.
♥ Who asked who out? He asked me.
♥ How old are each of you? I'm 33, he's 34.
♥ Whose siblings do/ did you see the most? We see everyone about equally, but we we go to his parents house, we see all his siblings since they all live close by.
♥ Do you have any children together? Five
♥ What about pets? None, except a few dust bunnies under the bed.
♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Money is always a problem and never getting to be alone.
♥ Did you go to the same school? College. We went to the same school during my junior and senior year and his sephomore - senior year.
♥ Are you from the same home town? Nope. He is from Arizona and I'm from Texas.
♥ Who is the smartest? He is. He has a genius IQ and I'm average.
♥ Who is the most sensitive? Definitely me.
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? Wherever we find a place.
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? France, we went there together about 9 months after we got married, a late honeymoon.
♥ Who has the worst temper? We are about the same, but I'm more quick to flare up since I'm with the kids 24/7.
♥ Who does the cooking? Definitely me. He will BBQ, though.
♥ Who is more social? He likes to have people over for dinner and parties, but I spend more of the time chatting with the guests than he does. I prefer to be left alone.
♥ Who is the neat freak? neither. I like to keep things clean, but the kids fight me so I never can. He likes things clean too, but he won't get rid of anything, which makes the clutter mess a problem.
♥ Who is the more stubborn? I don't know. We both can be.
♥ Who hogs the bed? The kids do.
♥ Who wakes up earlier? Me. The kids need to get ready for school, so I'm always the first one up.
♥ Where was your first date? The Brick Oven in Provo.
♥ Who has the bigger family? He does. While we were both raised in families the same size (4 kids) he has a much bigger extended family with more cousins than I have met. I have a grand total of 4 cousins. Then, his parents adopted a teen right after we were married, so now, he is from a family of 5 kids.
♥ Do you get flowers often? No and that is OK. I prefer practical things or enteraining things, like a fun movie.
♥ Who is more jealous? I don't know.
♥ How long did it take to get serious? Well, we started dating in Feb and we were married in October. I don't know when it happened, but it happened quickly.
♥ Who eats more? Him at meals, but I love to eat sweets. It's all bad.
♥ Who does/ did the laundry? ME
♥ Who’s better with the computer? He is.
♥ Who drives when you are together? He does. He gets car sick if he is a passenger.
There you go, more about us than you ever cared to know.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Talking on the phone with a 10 month old
Last night, I called home after the meeting I had been attending was over. I chatted with Hubby a few moments when he said, "You want to talk to Peanut?"
He put the phone up to Peanut's ear and I started talking:
Hi Peanut, how are you. Have you been playing with Daddy?
Peanut grunt's into phone.
Yeah? Are you sitting with Daddy?
Grunt
Really? What else have you been doing?
Grunt
Wow, that's so fun. I can't wait to get home to see you.
Grunt
You're talking to Mama, that's so fun.
Grunt
Meanwhile I can hear Hubby laughing in the background. After a few moments he took the phone back. He tells me that Peanut has her bottle in her mouth, which explains why she grunted the way she did. I was so excited, she had never responded before when I had talk to her on the phone. Once in a while she will get a hold of my phone, hold it up to the back of her head (because she can't find her ears yet, or doesn't understand that the phone is suppose to go to your ear) and she starts "talking". She's so smart
Grunt
He put the phone up to Peanut's ear and I started talking:
Hi Peanut, how are you. Have you been playing with Daddy?
Peanut grunt's into phone.
Yeah? Are you sitting with Daddy?
Grunt
Really? What else have you been doing?
Grunt
Wow, that's so fun. I can't wait to get home to see you.
Grunt
You're talking to Mama, that's so fun.
Grunt
Meanwhile I can hear Hubby laughing in the background. After a few moments he took the phone back. He tells me that Peanut has her bottle in her mouth, which explains why she grunted the way she did. I was so excited, she had never responded before when I had talk to her on the phone. Once in a while she will get a hold of my phone, hold it up to the back of her head (because she can't find her ears yet, or doesn't understand that the phone is suppose to go to your ear) and she starts "talking". She's so smart
Grunt
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
What is the year again?
Today I wrote a check and wrote the year 2005! Where am I? Accidentally writing 2008, still understandable, but 2005? Crazy brain.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Lunch time hero
Thanks to you all for your kind remarks. I appreciate it.
Yesterday, at lunch, I was a hero. At least, to my 5 year old daughter I was. Why you may ask? Because I served up Hannah Montana macaroni and cheese. WalMart had some for 77 cents! Seventy seven cents, a little time cooking and my daughter was dancing in the kitchen.
Yesterday, at lunch, I was a hero. At least, to my 5 year old daughter I was. Why you may ask? Because I served up Hannah Montana macaroni and cheese. WalMart had some for 77 cents! Seventy seven cents, a little time cooking and my daughter was dancing in the kitchen.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Can you believe I've had so much to say?
This is post #200. Two hundred times I've written about... what? What have I written about? Kids, Hubby, laundry, food, shopping, good times, bad times, silly times, and many very random ideas.
So, I should do something monumental with my two hundredth post, right?
Do you want to know 200 random things about me?
No, you really don't want that. I don't even know if I could come up with two hundred things - you lucked out.
Do you want to know 200 ways to avoid doing laundry?
No, you probably have your own ways of doing that and don't need help from me. I mean, don't we all avoid laundry when we can?
Do you want to know 200 ways to cook potatoes?
No, I guess not. Who really wants to know that? I don't even know that!
Do you want me to sing 200 silly camp songs?
OK! Lets go: Found a Peanut, found a peanut, found a peanut just now! Come on, sing with me. No? Party pooper.
Well, I can't think of 200 anything that I could share. No, wait, I guess I can. Stick around for the next 200 posts and I'll tell you all sorts of good, bad, silly and random stuff.
So, I should do something monumental with my two hundredth post, right?
Do you want to know 200 random things about me?
No, you really don't want that. I don't even know if I could come up with two hundred things - you lucked out.
Do you want to know 200 ways to avoid doing laundry?
No, you probably have your own ways of doing that and don't need help from me. I mean, don't we all avoid laundry when we can?
Do you want to know 200 ways to cook potatoes?
No, I guess not. Who really wants to know that? I don't even know that!
Do you want me to sing 200 silly camp songs?
OK! Lets go: Found a Peanut, found a peanut, found a peanut just now! Come on, sing with me. No? Party pooper.
Well, I can't think of 200 anything that I could share. No, wait, I guess I can. Stick around for the next 200 posts and I'll tell you all sorts of good, bad, silly and random stuff.
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